Etsy holiday gift guide {under $50!}

Since it is officially after Thanksgiving, I can finally start talking about holiday shopping!  As a member of Etsy and lover of all things handmade, I am sharing with you my favorite gift ideas for under $50 - all from Etsy. 

 For your favorite Virginian:

 Cities of Virginia by BandaPrints.

$12.50

For the aspiring business owner:

Business Cards from Pixel Impress.

$30.00

For the lover of bags:

 Leather clutch from EvaEStevez.

$48.36

For the bride-to-be:

Custom calligraphy stamp from AngeliqueInk.

$48.00

For the lover of earrings: (had to put something in from my shop! :) )

Aqua briolette earrings from Erinmcartwright.

$28.00

For anyone who needs some inspiration:

Keep Calm and Carry On archival print by cutpasteprint.

$16.00

For the girl who loves scarves:

Watercolor Scarf by CarolHannah.

$38.00

For the person who loves interesting candles:

Soy wax teacup candles by SquinkStudios.

$40.00

Why not make an effort this year to support local/small businesses?

lovely interiors

image via Elle Decor.

I love the feel of this small San Francisco living area that belongs to Celia Tejada.  The space is small and contains lots of furniture, yet doesn't look cluttered at all.  The large mirrors also help to make the room appear larger.  I especially love the mix of red and green in the furniture and pillows.  It doesn't look Christmas-y like you think it might.  It just looks so clean and fresh.  Makes me happy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 image via Midwest Living via here.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day full of Family, Turkey, and Football.  Remember to give thanks for all of the many blessings we all have!  Oh, and think of me tonight when you are snuggled up in your bed - I will be working at the J.Crew factory store. :)

Need some new boots...

I have been searching for years it seems like to find some great, leather riding boots at a reasonable price.  Here are some I've been looking at recently.

1. Gianni Bini "Brooks"

2. J.Crew "Billie" buckle boots

3. Mia Elisa Riding boots

4. Steve Madden "Ruckuss"

I also just returned some stuff at Belk, so now I have $100 to spend - and I'm thinking I should get some boots!  They just don't have that great of a selection.  But maybe these Frye boots?

image via Belk. 

I have to get this figured out soon before it actually gets cold in South Carolina!!

make life easier {peel garlic in 10 seconds}

 image via here.

Have you seen this?  I found this amazing video on pinterest.  I have not tried it yet, but it looks like it works! Just a helpful tip for your holiday cooking! :)

Here's the video:

How to Peel a Head of Garlic in Less Than 10 Seconds from SAVEUR.com on Vimeo.

monday.

 image via here.

It's Monday, and I am off from work today! Super excited, although I should take this day to rest since I will be working the rest of the week, including the midnight madness shift on Thanksgiving. Which I am not looking forward to.  I really cannot believe the outlets open at 10pm on Thanksgiving.  Really.  It seems like every year they open earlier and earlier.  Maybe next year, you can shop before you even eat dinner! Madness. 

Anyway...love this room and the grey and pink combo.  The room just looks so clean and fresh - but honestly, how do you keep the sofas so white!?

take me back to old virginny...

 image via National Geographic.

Fall always makes me think of my home state.  Virginia is always so beautiful in the fall, with all of the leaves changing colors and the crisp weather.  My family usually spends Thanksgiving with my dad's family just outside of Richmond, but we're staying in Charleston this year instead.  I was so bummed when my mom told me we would just be having turkey for Thanksgiving this year - usually we have turkey AND a salt-cured Virginia ham.  And since I don't eat turkey, I was disappointed.  My dad surprised us yesterday though with a ham! So now it will truly feel like Thanksgiving, even though we won't be in Virginia.  What are some of your Thanksgiving traditions?

busy season.

image via here.

This is how I feel right about now.  Busy.  With working two part-time jobs, trying to "midnight hustle" (term via Jess at Makeunder My Life) with my jewelry business, do year team, spend time with the Lord, etc...there's not much time for REST! I've realized though, that this is just a season of my life.  It's exciting to be busy - especially with my jewelry business!  I've gotten a few requests for custom orders, which is awesome.  I can't wait to get started on these orders.  Anyone else super busy?  Christmas is 8 weeks away....!