7 Thoughtful Things to Do This Christmas Season

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I love to receive gifts. I love to give gifts. But more than anything I like thoughtful gifts that speak volumes without saying a word. Those are the gifts I tend to remember and cherish for a long time, while I will probably forget where that wallet came from. 

The consumer driver industry tells me to make more gift guides and include everyone including your pet. But I want to share with you  ways to give this Christmas season that will cost you close to nothing, except your time.

1. Bake Cookies. You can gather family together for this occasion and enjoy the whole process together. Who wouldn't like to enjoy a warm chocolate chip cookie in a lovely company? Or you can bake different types of cookies and give them as gifts in pretty tins or bags. You can also throw a cookie-exchange party and enjoy everyone's creations, while you only have to bake one. 

2. Volunteer. There are plenty of places where they can use your help during holiday season. For example in our town it may be pregnancy center, hope house or soup kitchen. Donating your time is the most valuable resource because a lot of people get busy this time of year and those in need get overlooked the most. 

3. Babysit. During this time of year, mothers are especially busy, preparing food, buying gifts and receiving out of town guests. A mother may be overwhelmed and stressed out trying to make a perfect Christmas for her family. Don't forget to take some time and volunteer your services even for a few hours. She will appreciate it very much.

4. Visit a Nursing Home. Go to your local nursing home and visit with folks, listen to their stories and sing Christmas carols. They will be glad to see you and it will break  their monotonous routine. Just don't forget to bring cookies - older folks don't care about calories so pile them on. 

5. Give Blood. Donating blood is one of the single most selfless things you can do for others this holiday season (and the rest of the year). Just one pint of blood can save up to three lives. Not everyone is eligible to give blood, so check with your local blood center to see if you can give this generous gift.

6. Pay It Forward. Make some one's day by paying for their coffee at drive-thru or order at restaurant. They may never get a chance to thank you but will be elated at the thought of such kindness. You can even include a note that the waiter can bring to them with Merry Christmas wishes. 

7. Write a Letter. People all over the world are separated from their family during this holiday season. It can get lonely and depressing especially for troops and volunteers overseas. Write them a letter of appreciation and send a box of cookies. It may get there late but nevertheless it will make them feel closer to home. 

Girly

midi skirt: H&M (similar)
top: Old Navy (similar)
blouse: Ralph Lauren
clutch: Target
heels: Payless (similar)
watch: Fossil

There is nothing I love more than a pretty skirt that makes me feel girly. I love the style and easy with which this skirt moves. It's so classy and pretty and goes with pretty much everything in my closet. Yay for a great buy. Do you ladies like full midi skirt? Or do you prefer pencil skirts? Or maybe skirts are not your thing at all? Do share! I would love to hear from you

xo, Anna

Street Style

coat: J.Crew
hat: Target 
jeans: J.Crew
bag: TJMaxx (similar, similar)
boots: imported (similar)

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you noticed that the background to my photos was a little different. I was in NYC and attended the  Joe Fresh Winter Magic event at 5th Ave flagship store. It was so much fun. Plus I met some cool bloggers, chatted with Blair of Alantic-Pacific and Julia of Gal Meets Glam. More pictures to come soon!
My sister and I had a whole day together, exploring the city, getting lost and eating out. Then next day we explored the MAT and did some window shopping at Bloomingdale's. The trip was absolutely awesome and made this holiday season that much more memorable! NYC is so cool to visit (not live in. too hectic.) but winter weather is brutal so we had to bundle up. Today I'm sharing with you the NYC street style, hop you like it.

Hope you had a great weekend! 

 Thank you for stopping by! 

Christmas Gift Guide {FOR HIM}

Power Tools/Hand Tools: 1, 2, 3

Men like working with their hands, and it doesn't matter if he's handy or not, a power tool will make him feel manly. Maybe he will even finish that project you were asking him about. 

Shaving Accessories: 4, 5, 6

There is nothing worse than getting an awful shave and bleeding afterwards. My husband has a very sensitive skin so getting the shave right is very important part of his routine. Right kind of tools make that task a lot easier.

A watch: 7, 8, 9

Men don't wear accessories and the only one they do should stand out in the crowd. Surprise him with a great looking watch he would never buy for himself. 

Electronics: 10, 11, 12 
What guy doesn't like to play with these fun (grown-up) toys?

This time of year is especially difficult for us ladies, who are trying to get a gift for the men in their lives. I think, girls are easier to get gifts for - a handbag, spa certificates, perfume, shoes, sunglasses and jewelry are all acceptable choices. We like to feel special and although sometimes we are picky, there are tons of options. 

Men on the other hand, have very limited selection of gifts. So here is a gift guide, brought to you by the 'down-to-earth' dude. I asked my husband to name a few things he would love to get for Christmas and this is what I got. And he also said absolutely no shirt and tie under the Christmas tree. Got it sir.

I hope you are having a great time this holiday season and enjoying time with family.

Thank you for stopping by!

Holiday Cheer

sweater: J.Crew
skirt: vintage (similar 1, 2, 3)
pumps: Jessica Simpson
belt: Target (similar)
watch: Fossil

Hello ladies! This Christmas season I've been incredibly cheerful with my dress - reds and sparkles all the way. I hope you are enjoying this advent more than any other, because there's always something to be thankful for. It's amazing how fast we forget how much we have and focus on what we want (i.e. don't have) especially during holidays. So instead of making more holiday gift guides than you can imagine, I've come up with some thoughtful gifts to share for your family and friends. Check back soon for the details!

Thanks for reading! 

xo, Anna