Fashionable Giving (take 2) part 2: Hosetess with the Mostess

Greetings mamacitas! I hope you have all marvelous weekends filled with drama (the good kind I mean) and adventure. Or maybe some indulgence and relaxation, if that is more your taste. Mine was a little of both, actually. Yesterday, roommate and I ran the Hot Chocolate 15k around the National Harbor. If you live in the DC area, you may have heard a lot of negativity about the race, but I am choosing not to engage in the discussion. Instead, I like to focus on the fact that I ran 9.3 miles, felt pretty good for the majority of it and had fun! And that is all I really care to say about that. Oh, and in case you didn't pick it up that was the drama and adventure portion of the weekend. The indulgence and relaxation would be the entire day of today. I have hardly done anything worthwhile. Other than write this post, of course. And walk my dog. I know he considers that worthwhile. And I introduced roommate to the tragedy/addicting train wreck that is Gone with the Wind. Her reaction- me: She wasted so much time on Ashley. Roommate: She wasted my time, too! Hahaha. Oh how I love my roommate so.

Now that we have gotten the "me talk" out of the way, let's focus on vous, shall we. Or rather what vous should give to les autres. More specifically, what vous should give to the always poised and classy hostess with the mostess in your life. Whether your sister, mother, best friend or crazy aunt comes to mind when you hear those words, we all have that one woman who is the perpetual party planner in our lives. When a wedding is announced, she is already planning the shower. When a baby is born, she is the first to volunteer her abode to host the "welcome baby" soiree. And every holiday season is marked with an over-the-top yet still perfectly elegant themed get together, complete with festive food. Yes, we all know the type. Heck, I usually am that type! Perhaps that is why this particular guide was so much fun for me to put together, and yet so distracting at the same time. I kept getting sidetracked at all the knick knacks I wanted for myself! Needless to say, all 12 of this hand-selected gifts are sure to make the Christmas of their recipient at least a little bit brighter... and more charming. 

Under $25

Every hostess worth her salt knows she needs plenty of wine charms on hand to keep her guests with the correct glass in their hand! And any domestic diva would love to be able to serve her guests in style with these unique, conversation-starting charms. Price:$11. Buy here. 

One of my favorite things about the holidays, is making holiday-themed sweets-particularly Christmas cookies! Help your favorite entertainer make delicious treats for her invitees with this year of cookie cutters to celebrate all the seasons. Price: $24.95. Buy here.

Every party needs a little juicy gossip, and what better way to start some than with this girls night out table topics  box of spicy questions! Price: $24.99. Buy here. 

Under $50

Any house guest will drool with envy over your hostess' style and class if she is serving up her delectable table treats and delicious wine on this adorable puzzleboard platter. Price: $29. Buy here. 

Whether your hostess is entertaining brunch or birthday party guests, this triple tiered stand will wow her guests and she serves up tea sandwiches, cupcakes and other scrumptious morsels! Price: $34.95. Buy here. 

Your favorite hostess will be the talk of the town after she throws a fabulous wine and cheese tasting soiree with the aid of this elegant slate serving tray.  Price: $40. Buy here. 

Under $100

What's a born hostess to do without a set of cuter than words tea cups to serve her drop-by guests? Price: $53. Buy here. 

Though teacups will suffice for the intimate get togethers, an elegant beverage disperser will be required for larger affairs. Price: $55.99. Buy here. 

Sometimes a rousing board game is exactly what any party needs to be livened up. And what better way to do so than with the always fun game of taboo!  Price: $99.95. Buy here. 

Over $100

We all know that no party goes off without your hostess laboring for hours in the kitchen. Why not help her make her stay a little more comfortable with this life-saving mat for her poor feet? Price: $119.95. Buy here. 

Sometimes the hostess with the mostess needs a well-deserved rest. And she wants to toast to it with a bottle of fine wine and stinky cheese with her. Price: $149.99. Buy here. 

She may appear to have it together all the time, but when she is running around her kitchen trying desperately to find the one recipe she needs, things may not be so pretty. But a recipe reader can help her keep everything she needs in one place. And save her pretty little head a lot of stress. Price: $199.95. Buy here. 

And there you have it, my pets. 12 parfait presents for the hosting goddess in your life. All chic, and all capable of bringing a beautiful smile to her face. And in case you were wondering, they would all DEFINITELY bring a huge smile to my face. If you happened to want to send one my way, I wouldn't not be happy (little brother that one's for you!)

Bisous!

Fashionable giving (take 2) part 1: Travel Enthusiasts

Bonsoir bellas! I hope you all had wonderful turkey days, and enjoyed every last delicious morsel awaiting you at the dinner table! So first things first, it is big news time! Ok, well it is really only big news for me but you all are such dolls and have been so patient with me that I just have to share! In the week since you heard from me I... had an interview.... and... GOT A JOB!!!! Well, I should be clear and say I got an internship that lasts until May. But it is with a company that would basically be my dream job to work for full-time one day, so I am over the moon excited! And you know that means outfit posts will be much more regular now that my outfits won't consist of PJs day in and day out. Ya, it wasn't a fashionable three months. But the days of PJ wearing are behind me, and now I am happily back in the land of pencil skirts and sensible blouses. Don't worry, I'll dish more later, but tonight is not the time, for we haver serious matters to attend to! (P.S. I can't wait to tell you about how awesome the fashion is in my office!!)

Tonight we must focus on others. More specifically, what we will be giving to others this holiday season! Back by popular demand (coughtherewasnodemandbesidesmecough), I am bringing you another rousing round of fashionable giving for all the loverlies in your life. Or at least quite a few of the loverlies in your life. Every few days (I swear I really will try to be consistent with these posts!) I will be bringing you a gift guide geared toward a common type of person that most of us will have on our gift lists this year. Remember, if you don't see a category you want covered, just shoot me a quick email/tweet/comment/facebook message and I'll be happy to oblige!

Let's begin our magical gift giving bonanza with the ever popular travel enthusiast! You know exactly the kind of person I am referring to, don't you my little geniuses?! The friend whose facebook "current location" is ever changing; the quirky uncle who can't seem to stay put; or even the coworker who uses every last vacation day soaking up culture in mysterious lands. These wanderlusting guy and gal pals are possibly some of the easiest amis to shop for because there needs change so frequently. Plus, who doesn't love browsing through the travel section of any store and daydreaming of your own foreign escapes. Heck, I'd even take just a quick beach jaunt just to escape the impending doom that is winter! Any way you slice it, these gifts (from several price points) will be sure to make your favorite voyager giddy with happiness this holiday season!

Under $25

Any frequent flyer knows the real stress begins at baggage claim when your run of the mill black suitcase looks exactly like every other suitcase going around in circles. Give your favorite traveler the gift of ease with these handy (and entertaining) luggage tags sure to make any suitcase stand out in the sea of endless luggage. Price: $10. Buy here. 

Your globe trotter is not likely to ever forget that memorable summer spent backpacking through Europe, but with this adorable travel stub diary, they can relieve every exhilarating moment! The diary makes it easy to keep all trip mementos in one organized place, and makes storytelling years down the road that much easier. Price: $14.95. Buy here. 

Any gypsy worth their salt keeps track of their jaunts, but why not give them a classy decoration that allows them to show off just how well traveled they are! Simply scratch the locales you have frequented and they turn blue, for all to see. Price: $20. Buy here. 

Under $50

I have editorialized about my love of this etsy shop many times before, but I just can't get over these uniquely awesome vintage map necklaces! They truly would make the absolute perfect memento for someone whose heart will forever belong in (enter city/state/country of your choice here)! And the best part is that Kristy (the wonderful shop owner) will customize your pendant! Price: $28. Buy here. 

No travel aficionado's abode is complete without a vintage globe strewn about.  Price: $40. Buy here. 

Similar to the travel stub diary, this expandable travel journal/ scrapbook allows you to create beautiful photo collages of your trip, as well as storing keepsakes in manila folders throughout the diary. Give the gift of not having to decide between journaling, scrapbooking and memory box keeping this year, with this three in one travel diary! Price: $45. Buy here. 

Under $100

What better way to tell your favorite frequent flyer how much you care about their comfort than with this airplane comfort survival kit?! They will have the flight of their dreams thanks to your gift, and when they arrive calm and refreshed, they will be thinking of you, you little gift-giving goddess, you! Price: $64.95. Buy here. 

As fashionistas ourselves, no one understands better the importance of appearing fashionable and coiffed at all times, so why not give your stylish gal the passport cover of her dreams! You can't ever go wrong with Ms. Spade. (Also comes in fuchsia) Price: $65. Buy here. 

Help your little wanderer drift off to la la land with as visions of European adventures and African Safaris dance through their head. Price: $95. Buy here.

Over $100

If you can't quite swing the cost of a full on trip for your jet setter, give them the next best thing: the gift of experience! Available in most major cities and at a variety of price ranges, there are activities for the thrill seekers and culinary masters alike. Even better? Go along for the adventure, and give the gift of friendship as well! Price: Varies (glider ride shown, $120). Buy here. 

What traveler doesn't enjoy a little R&R during the to and from portion of the trip? Whether traveling by land, air or sea, this portable DVD player will be sure to keep your favorite travel monkey out of trouble, and relaxed. Price: $122.09. Buy here. 

And finally we have an absolute travel necessity (and a work of art, IMHO): the ultimate carry-on bag. Finding a roomy, but compact enough to fit under the seat, travel bag can be an absolute nightmare. So why not go with the aptly-named Jet Set tote from Foley and Corinna. This bag is absolute perfection in my mind, and has been at the top of my own wih list for quite some time now (so much so that I have entered EVERY giveaway I find for this gem), so I have no doubt that if you shower your jet-setter with this parfait Jet Set tote, you will go straight to the top of her favorites list! Price: $346.50 (it is on SALE!!). Buy here. 

Ok, loves, are you feeling inspired yet? Do you have any travel enthusiasts on your shopping list this year? I'd love to hear from you if you choose to give any of these gifts this year! And don't forget that in just a few short days (coughcough, most likely sunday) another gift guide will arrive! Next up, we will be covering gifts for the hostess with the mostess in your life!

Bisous!

*Note: I realize this list is a little Etsy heavy, but this post was not sponsored by any of the above mentioned shops (or Uncommon Goods). I am just a huge supporter of small business, like the ones found on etsy, and think the products highlighted are great gifts for travelers. All opinions are my own* 

Fashionable Giving: The return!

Morning kittens! Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!! Sorry for the over zealous excitement, but tomorrow just so happens to be my favorite day of the year. To me, it beats Christmas hands down, because family and friends gather together and take time to be thankful, and there isn't any exchange of material goods involved. Now don't get me wrong, I love me some Christmas more than most, but Turkey Day has always held this special place in my heart! I'll be starting the festivities with a fun, easy Turkey Trot 5K to benefit the homeless, alongside my brother and best friends! I can't think of a better way to kick off the holiday. Oh, and while we are on the topic of running, (I know, again) I have decided to spare you all from listening to my rants/raves about running time and time again by creating a running blog! If you have any interest in running/ hearing about my adventures into the running world, check it out: http://laurasrunningjourney.blogspot.com/

Now onto the purpose of this post! As the title would indicate, it is that time of year again to start thinking about gift giving! Back by popular demand (don't you love how I think I am just so popular :)) I will be presenting 10 different Fashionable Giving gift guides starting Dec. 1! I will be doing it similarly to last year's guides, with several items listed in a variety of price ranges. So far, I have 8 categories that have either been suggested or were the product of my late night brainstorms. I'd love your input in selecting the last two. I'll list the current 8 below, and please leave comments, tweet me, facebook me or use any other means of communciation you know of (telepathy anyone?) to let me know what other types of gift guides you would like to be covered. Thanks guys!!

1. Grandparents
2. Empty Nesters
3.Travel Enthusiasts
4. Shutter Bugs (aka photographers)
5. Comedians
6. New Home Owners
7. Tailgating Kings (and Queens)
8. Hostess with the Mostess
9. UP TO YOU :)
10. YOU DECIDE :)

Oh and if you are curious to check out last year's guides, you can click on the links below! Happy Turkey (or Tofurkey!) eating people!!

The Newlyweds, The New Parents, The Sports Addict, The Cusine Queen, The College Kid, The Friend with Everything!

Bisous!

Confessions of a newbie runner

Salut babes! I hope you all enjoyed every last ounce of weekend-ness, and that maybe you are able to coast on through this Monday on leftover weekend-gloriousness-fumes! I am actually not sure that sentence even made sense in the slightest, but you know what? I am starting to think that half the sentences that appear on this little diddy don't make sense. So I guess it is safe to assume that if you are still here, putting up with me, you have developed some sort of Laura crazy-rambles tolerance. Mad props to you if you have achieved that feat. My family and friends would probably love lessons if you are up for it.

Well, my weekend was a blast but it made me feel so old!! I road tripped down to my alma mater, with roommate and another good friend, so we could celebrate a 21st birthday. That alone made me feel old. But the next day when I felt like a train had hit me the night before, until about 3 pm in the afternoon, and I saw all my college friends bouncing around seemingly fine, I felt about 108. Needless to say I was asleep Saturday night by like midnight, and wished it had been earlier. Like I said, old. I have to say, I was pretty proud of myself the next morning though, because I did 3 of my least favorite things: I set an alarm on the weekend, I woke up early while on vacation and I went for a morning run. All three are things I dislike individually, but when combined you get a really cranky Laura.

Roommate and I are at the tail end of training for the DC Hot Chocolate 15k, and we had our last big run before the race this weekend: 8 miles. But roommate and I both agreed we wanted to push for 9 if we could. Honestly, the farthest I had gone at this point was 6.5 miles, but for some reason I didn't think 9 would be that different. I had been able to do 6.5 several times with little to no pain or sturggle. And true to form, I felt pretty good until around mile 5. Getting to six was a slight struggle but nothing unbearable, and we decided to use our Gu at mile 6. It was my first Gu experience, and it wasn't as bad as I expected. The taste was actually decent, and the consistency wasn't as strange as I expected. The Gu made mile 6 fly by, and 7 was fairly decent. Then all of the sudden at mile 8, from my hips down felt like lead attachments, and I wasn't sure I could keep my legs moving. And let me just say, I know that 9 miles is a breeze for real runners. Which is exactly why I still don't call myself a runner. I am still learning and certain things are more of a struggle for me than I expect. 9 miles was definitely one of them. I felt awful, and if roommate hadn't been there encouraging me to keep running, I probably would have quit and walked the finish. So big thanks to roommate for motivating me to go until we hit that 9! I am proud of us for not walking, and I know we are going to rock the 15k in 2 weeks!! I may be really sore today, and hobbling around the office but that feeling of accomplishment right after you run farther than you ever have is unbeatable!

I actually don't even have photos for you today. And there is definitely no fashion going on up in here, so I don't really know what to tell you. Hopefully my little "running is still hard rant" will suffice for today, and I know I will have plenty of fun photos for you later this week as family and friends start to arrive for Turkey Day!! Until then, stay fashionable loves.

Bisous! 

Loving me some awk and awes!

Aloha ahiahi! Today I am declaring it "National Speak like a Hawaiian Day." You were unaware that I had such power? Then you clearly have not been reading this little space in the blogosphere as I have previously given you International Talk like a Pirate Day and Cowboy Day! But seeing as it has been months since we have played, I decided to reinstate the games! And since aloha is one of my all time favorite words, Hawaiian Day was a perfect fit. 


And you know what other game we have not played in far too long? The beloved little jeu where I share moments that are so uncomfortable that you just have to chuckle. And the times that are so wonderful you can't stop from smiling. Yes, you know what I am talking about: awkward and awesome Thursday!! The prodigal post has returned!! 

Blazer: Shock Boutique, Tank: Banana Republic, Shorts: BCBG, Shoes: Kohl's, Ring: Grandmother's vintage, Earrings: Forever 21, Watch/Purse: Michael Kors, Lipstick: MAC Ruby Woo

Awkward:

-The lovely awkward-moment-inducing Eli (my pup for those just tuning in) hates walking up the stairs after a walk while still on his leash. And he is so good about just running about the stairs and sitting outside the door until I get there that I let him off the leash as soon as we are in the apartment. But last week when I let him off the leash he sprinted upstairs and I knew something wasn't right. So I hustled after him, but when I got upstairs he was not sitting outside of our door. Instead he was INSIDE.... of our neighbor's apartment. Yep, my dog invited himself in to a neighbor's home, that I don't know at all. And of course I had to go in to retrieve said mischievous pup. Thanks, dude, thanks.
-Remember my friend "Sheila" who so graciously allowed me to utilize her awkward non-date mishap on the blog? Of course you do because Sheila is A-W-E-AWESOME! Well, in keeping with her total awesomeness she has allowed me to share more of the awkwardness from her life. Well Sheila is a reporter for a paper (like how vague I am) and the other day she was sent to cover a funeral. She dressed appropriately for the occasion in a classy and demure black dress. The photographer that accompanied her on the outing was known for being creeptastic, and the moment she steps out of the car he decides to be totally inappropro and whistle incredibly loudly. As if that wasn't bad enough, at a FUNERAL, for pete's sake, he follows the whistle up with "Damn girl, you look gooood. Look at you working the black dress!!" Poor Sheila was mortified by creeptastic photographer's outburst and tried to slink away into the onlooking crowd. Sheila, I just want to apologize on behalf of all women who have ever been embarrassed by the insanely poorly-timed comments of creepsters. We feel your pain Sheila!
-How Christmas starts earlier and earlier every year. Now, I love me some Christmas more than most, BUT it is not appropriate to decorate/listen to christmas music/watch christmas movies until Thanksgiving evening people!! That is the law, as decreed by roommate and myself. Yes, we are a very bossy household. (Addition: Roommate's coworker supports our decree, and he is from a different generation therefore we are indeed correct.)

Considering this was my outfit for DC Fashion Week, I'd say I am way behind. Thus, why I am wearing shorts. 

Awesome: 
-Making a very exciting decision for plans in 2012!! Want to hear more?? Oh come on, I know you are hanging on my every word in anticipation :) So... I have decided.... to open a.... PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS!!! :) :) Sorry, but I literally can't contain my excitement. I never imagined myself as anything more than a hobby photographer, but the more I shoot, the more I fall in love with the sensation of turning moments into memories with my camera. I can't get enough of the smiles on my subject's faces when they see their images and I can't wait to have the opportunity to make a living doing something i am passionate about.
-Running in the National Race to End Women's Cancer last weekend! Not only did I have my best race to date (and I actually loved EVERY minute of it), but I got to run with two awesome ladies who pushed me and I had an incredible view of the Capitol for a large portion of the race. Oh and we refueled post-race with a delicious brunch from Gordon Biersch! A truly wonderful morning :)
-Starting the planning for my book!! Yes, I am keeping myself awfully busy lately and I love it! I don't want to release too many details about the book yet, but you will definitely be hearing more soon!
-Having a crush. It is just the most exhilarating feeling to have an actual legit crush after YEARS of barely more than a slight inkling of interest in a guy. Now, if he turns out to indeed crush me, I might recant this statement. But until then I will continue to live in 6th grade girl la-la-land, where I am quite content to dream about our (currently non-existent) future and doodle his name everywhere. Ok, so maybe I'm not doing the second one.... yet.
-And I absolutely must give a shout out to the Awkward and Awesome Queen herself, Miss Sydney, and say a big congratulations on giving birth to the cutest, most perfect looking little babe ever!! I hope you are enjoying every new exciting moment with little Ever, and I am REALLY loving the guest post series right now!! It just makes me even more excited to one day be a mama!!  

I have never been sure of how to pull off the blazer and shorts look, so I was quite pleased with this outfit when it came together. 

I am not usually very adventurous when it comes to my nails, but i was feeling particularly daring that night and decided to test out the one tipped nail trend. I intended for the polish to just be a light silver sparkle, but it ended up as a dark silver opaque color. I like things to be consistent, so this look was a little offsetting to me. But, I enjoyed mixing things up!

Ok, dolls, I hope you all can get a little laugh or smile out of these moments, and that your weekends are tres bien! I shall see you wiki wiki :)

Aloha nui loa!

Baseball style

Greetings chicas! I hope you are all staying warm and cuddled up as we have officially entered the season of unpredictable, ever-changing temperatures. We went from 68 last Friday, to having SNOW and sleeting rain on Saturday. Craziness! Never thought we would say a white Halloween...

So I am not even going to bother with my usual "I'm back!" and "I'm here to stay" and "I'm so sorry I left, but I'll never do it again" speech because I fear I have lost all credibility on that front due to my frequent and repeated absences. :( I do sincerely apologize, and hope to be back to normal one day soon. I never would have guessed that unemployment could keep me so busy! Between freelancing as much as I can (need to make that moolah somehow!) and job searching/writing cover letters 24-7, while still trying to be a good puppy mom/roommate/daughter/friend, I have been utterly overwhelmed, and if we are being perfectly honest, stressed! I have always tried to keep this blog an upbeat place free of complaints, and I intend to keep it that way, but just bear with me as I work through a fairly un-fun time of my life.

Moving on, I have taken several sets of outfit photos that I have been meaning to share! Today's is rather late, considering baseball season has come and gone, but humor me and pretend that talking about what to wear to a baseball game is still relevant, won't you? You dolls really are the bestest. Oh, and the funny faces are my way of saying "Thanks for sticking around, and reading my crazy ramblings :)"

Shirt: Dick's sporting goods, Jeans: Levi's via Kohl's, Boots: Steven Madden, Watch: Michael Kors, Ring: Amrita Singh, Earrings: Gifted

No, I am not asking you to eye my chest. I was trying to call attention to the fact that my FAVORITE mlb pitcher was back!! Strasburg looked great that night, too. 

And here's where I get goofy... pretending to pitch. 

Winding up... I hear it is all in the legs.

And release!

My baby brother is a college baseball pitcher, so everything I know I learned from him. And I am totally aware that I have impeccable pitching form. I'm thinking of taking my skills professional. 

Jumping for joy that I get to watch Strasburg pitch. Or maybe it was jumping for joy for $1 hotdog night?? Either way, I jumped! 

September evenings in DC call for more than a tshirt. Enter my favorite leather jacket. 

I believe this was supposed to be my "Ya I'm cool" shot....

So you can't really tell but roommate did the ponytail with hair wrapped around the hair-tie look for me. All I see is hair that was desperately in ned of a good cut! 

I wish you all an excellent weekend, and hope that you will hear from me again before December. But looking at my track record as of late, I make no promises.

Bisous!

The disappearing girl

Salut darlings! I am starting to think I need to rename this blog the above post name. Disappearing seems to be my hidden talent gone public. I am so sorry for once again being absent without explanation. My life these days happens so quickly and I can be home one minute and then down in colonial Williamsburg, the next. That's my excuse for my absence this time. Brother had a remarkably unbusy week, and roommate was out of town for the whole week, so I skipped town and headed south for a stay with my favorite college student. And his three awesome roommates. In exchange for letting me stay I agreed to cook for the week. Let's just say that I think I could now apply for a frat house chef position and be more than qualified. However, I couldn't handle the sub-par cleanliness of the living quarters. I love these guys, but I am more than ready to get home to my clean apartment :)

Anyways, I'll be back with a real post very soon. In the meantime, check out my Gypsy*Guide guest post for Gabby about my beloved DC! If you are planning a trip here anytime soon, I think this guide could be very helpful as I mix popular tourist hits with local haunts to create an extended must see and do list!

Bisous!