Dec 20th. No Jacket Needed

I haven't been caught up with the crazy busy holiday spirit yet but I have a feeling it'll be coming soon. What I am missing is Jack Frost. Where's the snow? Why aren't I'm wearing my purple puffer coat? I don't know if I'm missing my winter wonderland because I'm now living in Virgina instead of Connecticut, global warming, or because I've been watching too many holiday movies in which it's always snowing before Christmas. Either way, I'm wearing a thrifted H&M dress, my trusty Target tights, Target ring, Great Grandmother's necklace, and boots I bought with my first ever paycheck sans a jacket only 5 days before Christmas.

Are you wishing for a white Christmas?

Are you excited or dreading Jack Frost's visit?

P.S. For all the last minute shoppers, check out my Guift Guides for ideas.

Gift Guide #1: Your Best Friend Who's Always There For You No Matter What 

Gift Guide #2: The Inventive Cook Who Loves To Host

Gift Guide #3: The Homebody Who's In Love With Their Couch And Take Out 

Gift Guide #4: They Were Born In The Wrong Era And Are Secretly Jealous Of Mad Men 

Gift Guide #5: They Have Everything And Makes Shopping Like Hell 

 

*SOMETHING EXTRA*

If you're in the need for some holiday spirit may I suggest glancing over at my Holly Jolly Christmas pinterest board or listen to my personal holiday music YouTube playlist and The Christmas Song YouTube channel.

You can also play holiday songs on Pandora

Thinking of baking of some sweets?

Find out if you live near one of the top 10 Best Christmas Light Displays

Feeling crafty? Homemade gifts are affordable and thoughtful. Here are some ideas, and here, and here.

Best Holiday Party Hair And Beauty Ideas

Last week I covered What to Wear for holiday parties and it's time for beauty and hair. The most wonderful time of year calls for dramatic flair. I'm talking deep red lips, shimmer, metallics, old Hollywood glam, bold brows, winter white, and the classic smudged smoky eye.

Here's a collage of gorgeous beauties who've perfected beauty and hair trends and ideas for holiday parties. To zoom in on the collage, please click on the picture.

1. Fabulous blogger Keiko Lynn shows us how to simultaneously work the bold lips and eyes.
2. Kerry Washington shines in her full bun and shimmer eye while keeping the rest of her face more neutral. source
3. A bold deep lip with light golden eyes is the essence of Christmas. source
4. Let's try all the trends at once and if done right, you'll be the belle of the party, like her. I adore the strong brow, red lips, matching red nails, and the classic cat eye with a rich gold highlight. source
5. She's a winter wonderland personified with frosted white, blue, pink shades and light shimmery pink lips. I love her messy updo. Source
6. She's a vintage vixen with her Veronica Lake hairdo, matte ruby lips, and light eyes. source
7. This is how a smokey eye is done! Her playfully sexy hair and a strong brow only complements her eyes. source and how-to

Which look is your favorite?

How do you get ready for a party?

I love reading about people's getting-ready-for-a-party rituals!

Gift Guide #5: They Have Everything And Makes Shopping Like Hell

Ugh, there's nothing more frustrating than shopping for someone who has everything. They have tons of jewelry, lots of accent pieces for home, all the tech they would ever desire, and are picky with clothing. Over the years, I've learned that unique and personalized gifts are the way to go as well as thing that they would enjoy but wouldn't buy for themselves.

FOR HER

Cups & Mugs
Wallets

Find gifts that you know she'll not only love but use like moisturizing bubble bath and body oil. Give her what she's been eyeing but won't buy for herself like the leopard print iPhone case or the fab skull candle holder. If she needs something but is too lazy to get herself, help her out whether it's a new wallet or fabulous weekender bag. 

FOR HIM

Cups & Mugs
Skin Care

Men are already hard to shop for and if they have everything, it's damn near impossible. A gift card is always a solid option but you'll want to throw something in a bag for him to open like a new wallet or a cool unusual masculine pipework candelabra. If he's into mind games and strategy, go outside the box with the Ticket To Ride board game. Like with women, gifts that men will use like 'fancy' facial scrub, luxurious body cleaner, or a sturdy weekender bag is another wonderful option because men likely won't buy for themselves but will love to use.

MORE IDEAS

Experiential presents might be the better way to go for those who have everything. Give the gift of an experience or a personalized homemade gift like a scrapbook with shared memories.

 Instead of giving just another materialist item, tickets to a new show or concert will be more enjoyable.

A day at a spa, alone, or with you, is always welcomed.

If the person is into outdoor activity like skiing, let your gift be a day's pass at a ski resort.

For the sport lovers, tickets to a local game or to see their favorite team play is another personalized option.

A special personalized scrap book about you and him/her will be a treasure. It shows that you put a lot of thought and work into its making. 

Take them about to a special memory filled wine tasting. It's all about the experience and a nice leisurely afternoon of sipping fine wine beats any old thing.