10 Links To Love

You guys, Christmas is so close!! We have loved all of the gift guides out there in the past month and hope that you have enjoyed our guides as well. However, we are definitely feeling the urge to slow down and connect with family over the holiday weekend as we celebrate the birth of Jesus! The upcoming New Year is also bringing us a lot of inspiration and we can't wait for a fresh start and new opportunities. In the meantime, we have rounded up 10 links to love from a great smoothie recipe with pitaya to five ways to be organized in 2018. One of our favorite things to do is read online articles in the morning over coffee or in the evening over tea- it is a great way to discover new information and become inspired! Enjoy xo

*diet, travel, + health tips

*an inspiring devotional

*advice for making tough decisions 

 *antioxidant smoothie recipe

*a beautiful Flagship store 

*how waiting produces hope (podcast)

*the benefits of raw honey

*last minute gift idea

*tips to be organized in the new year

*ditch plastic, use glass

NYE LOOKS

With Christmas in less than a week, we all know that New Year's Eve is right around the corner. Below are a few things that we are loving for NYE looks, depending on your plans. We'll be doing a comfy clothes round-up next week if your plans are to stay in with some yummy food and a glass of wine or two :) Today's round-up though is for the ladies who have a fancy soiree to attend. We are loving a variety of metallics, different textures, and of course anything black- the epitome and classic and chic. A gorgeous shade of yellow-gold also has our hearts this year and looks so elegant when paired with black. Let us know what you are planning to wear in the comments and feel free to share any links to things that you are loving. xo[show_shopthepost_widget id="2960133"] 

CURRENTLY WEARING: 

sunnies | tank (c/o) | denim (c/o) | belt| coat (c/o)

Dressed-Up In December

There is something about getting dressed-up in December that just feels right. Of course there are days though that wearing jeans, oversized sweaters, and boots totally feels right, too! I love this look because to me it is dressed-up in a practical, casual way. It can totally go from lunch with the girls to a holiday get-together that night. Also, as you guys know, this hat (sold out at Free People, but similar here) and this bag (read more about my love for Cuyana, here) have been on-repeat for me lately. It is fair to say that they are my go-to accessories this season and complete almost any look, dressed-up or dressed-down. Those are the best kind of accessories- versatile, minimal, and tres chic. Scroll down for the rest of the outfit links, xo.

THE LOOK

hat (similar) | top (similar) | skirt| bag (c/o) | boots  (c/o)

[show_shopthepost_widget id="2953968"]images by felicia lasala 

Christmas Shopping on ebay

I enjoy the holidays so much that I consider them their own season. From cozy Christmas decor and holiday tunes, mountain getaways, hot coconut milk cocoa, family gatherings, and warm fireplaces accompanying a night at home, it doesn't get much better. Oh! And mapping out the perfect gifts for the nearest and dearest in my life is one of my all-time favorite activities. This is a bit embarrassing to admit, but I start my Christmas gifts' list on my phone starting in August. I take note of what people say they love or want, so when the present purchasing comes about, it is easy as pie. It also gives me brain space to think of more creative gifts in addition to the necessities!I prefer ordering my presents online to avoid crazy Los Angeles foot traffic at the shopping centers and because our families live in Texas and Florida! eBay has become my favorite online shopping playground because they have the most options at the best price, and their inclusivity and celebration of diversity sets them apart from other online retail destinations. The have everything from headphones (I need a replacement this year!), kitchen mixers, and drones. It makes shopping so easy and accessible. Cheers to eliminating stress during the happiest time of the year!What my shopping bag looks like now:I love buying my sister or my bestie a pretty dress suitable for layering in the chilly seasonThe most lovely essential oils to diffuse in your home for a cozy evening + to fight against winter sickness is a perfect gift.Can we talk about this candle for a moment? It is toxin free and smells like heaven.The bucket bag is everything. I own it in black and want to buy one in every color.I have been in full on nostalgia mode, so this might be a gift for myself. :)You guys know my love for toxin-free beauty, so this makeup set is the greatest stocking stuffer.Oh! And this red lipstick is a go-to for holiday festivities![show_shopthepost_widget id="2898315"]P.S. DID YOU KNOW?1. 81% of all merchandise sold on eBay is new2. 88% of items sold on eBay are “Buy It Now” (nobidding necessary)3. 69% of items ship for free4. There are approximately 1.1 billion listings at any given time5.  There is always a money back guarantee, guaranteeddelivery, price match guarantee, andguaranteed authenticityHappy shopping everybody! XO

Meet Tribe Alive

I recently discovered a sustainable brand based out of Texas with beautiful apparel, home, and accessory items and an even more beautiful heart- meet Tribe Alive. Their mission is to create ethically-made items while simultaneously empowering, inspiring, and improving the lives of female artisans from around the world. Tribe Alive partners with impoverished, talented women in Guatemala, India, Haiti and more to design the Tribe Alive collection in exchange for fair-trade wages, a safe working environment, and work that they can be proud of. I am so inspired by the cycle of creativity, love, and positivity that their design and business model represents and could not think of a better brand to partner with this holiday season. Below are a few of my favorite items from their current collection- perfect for you or that special woman in your life. xo

ONE: striped pouch | TWO: travel bag (on sale!) | THREE: pillow

FOUR: striped handle bag | FIVE: basket

thank you Tribe Alive for sponsoring this post. 

Cuyana: Give Better

Christmas shopping is one of my favorite activities. I enjoy it so much because it is an adventure trying to find presents that are really personal, meaningful, and high quality, yet affordable for the special ones in my life. It is not always easy, but it is such a joy when those special items are found and gifted. Cue the tears on Christmas morning!I recently discovered the brand, Cuyana, and it is one of those finds that I wonder what I did without. I recently ordered a few goodies for myself, and I immediately fell head over heels. The PJs are perfect for a cozy Christmas Eve, their travel case with embroidery is a dream gift, and the heart cosmetics case is the absolute cutest. If you have a traveler in the fam, this gift is a must + embroider it to make it extra lovely. Not to mention, the mini bucket bag is an essential for this season + a guaranteed appreciated gift.I so respect companies that have great initiative, and their philosophy of fewer, better things expresses the intention of investing in and giving designs that are beautiful and useful.  I also love how each piece can be considered an essential - it is not an item that can be added to clutter, but rather, it stands as a quality piece that can be a beautiful replacement. See below for more of my favorite #givebetter gifts![show_shopthepost_widget id="2929842"]

THE OUTFIT:

dress (+ in blue plaid) | shoes | sunnies

images by felicia lasala  

Gifts For The Hostess

You know that girlfriend, mom, aunt, or sister in your life that loves to entertain, cook, and keep a well-curated kitchen? These gifts are for her. Also, if you are headed to someone's home over the holidays for a soiree or homey get-together, the below items make the best gifts for the hostess. Enjoy, xo.

ONE: apron | TWO: towels | THREE: matcha tea set

FOUR: candle | FIVE: french press | SIX: coasters

SEVEN: mixing bowls | EIGHT: rice cooker | NINE: wine tote

[show_shopthepost_widget id="2948134"]

A Few Of My Favorite Things

With gift shopping in full swing, even nearing an end soon, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite things with you guys! It's not too late to gift these items, add them to your wishlist, or gift yourself :) I can't say enough good things about these items- they are what I find myself reaching for time and time again. From makeup wipes to sneaks to pajamas, these things are on my most-used, most-loved list. Also, check out our collection of gift guides, here. Enjoy! xo [show_boutique_widget id="670678"]

Gifts That Give Back

We are so excited to share a few brands that have products for a good cause, thus making the best gifts that give back! It is so cool to give or receive a gift that has a philanthropic component- not only are you giving or getting something that you love, but you know that the purchase is going to something even greater. From Stranded to Indego Africa to Toms, below are six brands with amazing products and even more amazing hearts! Links are below to shop and learn more about each brand's mission, xo.

ONE: Everlane 100% Human Sweatshirt (read more)

TWO: Warby Parker Shades (read more)

THREE: Hobo Peace Sign Ornament (read more)

FOUR: Stranded Dry Shampoo (read more)

FIVE: Indego Africa Platter (read more)

SIX: Toms Leather Sneaks (read more)

[show_shopthepost_widget id="2943714"]feature image via Indego Africa