Last Minute Gift Ideas

If you're in need of some last minute gift ideas for the hard to buy for people in your life I have the perfect things for you. 

1.) Ipsy
  I joined Ipsy a few months ago, was on a waiting list for just a few weeks, and now have received a glam bag for the month of November and December.  Every time I receive the "your package has been delivered!" message I get all giddy and feel like it's Christmas morning as I run out to our mailbox and spot the bright pink package that is alll for me.  
To me, what makes this subscription so appealing is that it's only $10 a month and you receive $60+ worth of full size products, you can cancel at any time, it's free shipping, and your bag is personalized for you.
Head on over to the website and start a subscription for the ladies in your life (or yourself..:))!  It will be so fun for them to continue to get a gift even after the holidays are over.   I forgot to mention that your products will arrive in a nice little cosmetic bag!  

My December glam bag included the following products, if I would have purchased each product separately the total would have been right around $76!

(nail polish not pictured)

Bombshell The One Stick-$16
POP Brighten Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio- Wasn't able to find the exact one online but a larger one is going for $24
J.Cats The Big Lip Pencil-$3.99
Mirabella Eye Blender Brush-$27.00 can you believe that?!  All in a $10 glam bag.
Nicka New York Nail Color-$4.99

2.) Dollar Shave Club
I got Kyle a subscription to the Dollar Shave Club and ended up cancelling after 3 months because he was stocked up!  Another great subscription that you can cancel at any time and there are three different options: a $1, $6, and $9 a month package, shipping included.  In your first package you will receive a shaver handle and four blades (5 blades with the $1 package), every month after the first you will receive just the blades.  

3.) Spark Box
Something for the little munchkins in your life!  For $23.95 shipping included you will receive a box filled with age appropriate educational toys, after 8 weeks you send back the toys and then you receive another box.  I think this is a great idea because kids grow out of/get tired of toys so quickly.  How fun to be sent a new batch of toys every couple of months!

4.) BarkBox
You didn't really think I'd leave out the pups did you? Never! I love BarkBox not only because they send great toys, all-natural treats, hygiene products, and new gadgets but also because 10% of proceeds from each box goes towards supporting pups in need.  Price starts at $19/month but before signing up look for promo codes.  They always have them!

I hope this helps in your gift buying dilemmas!

Photo Dump and a Trader Joe's Fav

December is by far the busiest month for my family.  I'm convinced we're more than a little crazy because somehow for the second year in a row we are moving in the month of December.  I remember during our move last year I swore up and down that I would never move in December again yet here we are... told you we're crazy oh and it's -4 in Bemidji.  But as Kyle always says,  "we just overcome and adapt" and drink lots of wine along the way.  

On top of packing for our big move, we've celebrated my sister's 30th birthday with a surprise party, dinner and a concert, and dinner again on her actual birthday.  We celebrate birthdays BIG in our family:)  Now for the pictures I've snapped so far during the whirlwind that is December (and some from November)…

The Birthday Girl

Kyle's work party was LEGIT and so much fun.  This adorable bear was our centerpiece and we got to take him home with us:)  Also, I highly dislike selflies but I needed a pic with my new friend.

There were also 4 or 5 different photo booths at the party and we couldn't resist dressing up in festive gear!

Union Depot tree lighting, Rudolph, and a birthday dessert

Girls night in with Brenna and Bella

The night before Thanksgiving with some of my dearest friends.  

The night before Thanksgiving, we are SO thankful for our friends.

Hanging out with Hadleigh, love this girl to pieces.

Heaven in a cup, creme brûlée coffee with peppermint mocha creamer.  

Busted Bella sleeping ON my pillows.  You better believe I changed my pillow cases STAT.   Don't let that face fool you, she has two beds of her own and is SPOILED and guilty.

Festive wine at my parents house.
 Find these glasses here.

And as I promised, my current Trader Joe's favorite…

They are SO quick and easy to make and delicious!

I hope you are all enjoying the festiveness of the season and staying warm!

Wedding Update!

We just hit the 10 month mark, that is crazy to me.  It's true what they say, the time really does fly by and now that we're under a year I feel like I really need to get everything done, like yesterday.

We got an amazing deal on the DJ company that our venue recommended.  They've won numerous awards and I know they will keep the party going and all of our crazy guests on the dance floor:)  If you're in MN check out Midwest Sound.  Friendly tip: Join The Knot and you will receive great email offers for DJs, photographers, and much more!

We had our tasting event a couple of weeks ago and it was LEGIT.  We were allowed to bring two other people and it was set up buffet style with all options from wine to main entrées.  It was so nice to be able to make some decisions on what we will be feeding our guests at our wedding:)  We ended up choosing salmon, chicken cordon bleu, and for the vegetarian option we chose butternut squash ravioli.  It was SO good, I'm 98% sure that is what I will choose.  We will also be doing a cocktail hour with light appetizers and a late night snack of pizzas.  Our friends and family will be doing a lot of dancing and drinking so the late night snack is absolutely necessary;)

At our venue for the tasting event.

I also chose my hair and makeup team.  It's a company called Onsite Muse.  They travel to wherever you are getting ready and you just let them know how many people need hair/makeup and they bring enough stylists to accommodate your number!  The girl who used to do my hair (I haven't had my hair done in awhile:)) is one of the stylists so that's how I found out about their company.  They have also won awards so I think we're in good hands!

Next on my list is deciding what we want to do for flowers and also booking a photo booth.  This is what I'm loving for centerpieces and flowers… (side note:how did we survive before Pinterest?)

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                                                      I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and weekend!

                                                   xo