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

Christmas Make Up Three Different Ways

Hello everyone! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and cracked down on that Christmas list. I'm so happy I'm done with the hassle of Christmas shopping and now can enjoy the season. I also picked up a few goodies myself to make sure my make up is holiday ready. For this Christmas season, I teamed up with my friend (who's a professional make up artist) to bring you three different make up options. A lot of times I don't know how to repeat the looks because I'm not sure what products are used. Here we compiled all the products (with specific eye shadow colors) to make it's easy for you follow.

________________________________________________________________________________

This first look is perfect for a Christmas party with sparkly outfit (like this) or with your favorite LBD. I love the pop of red in the lip and how everything else stays simple. Although winged eyeliner adds a sophisticated touch to this holiday-ready look. 

foundation: NARS (Fiji)
concealer: MAC
highlighter: MAC (Radiant Rose)concealer: Smashbox 
setting powder: NARS
blush: NARS
contour: Anastasia Beverly Hills (banana, sand, fawn)
shadow palette: Urban Decay (booty call, suspect, snake bite)
eyeliner: Kat Von D
mascara: Lancome
eyelash curler: Shisedo
lip liner: NYX (Red)
lipstick: BITE Beauty (Pomegranate)
eye brow kit: Two Faced

The smokey eye look is my favorite because it adds drama to any outfit and hair style. Keeping everything else simple with sleeked back hair and shift dress makes the eyes pop (example). It's my favorite look!

foundation: NARS (Fiji)
concealer: MAC
highlighter: MAC (Radiant Rose)
concealer (for contour): Smashbox 
setting powder: NARS
blush: NARS
contour: Anastasia Beverly Hills (banana, sand, fawn)
mascara: Lancome
eyelash curler: Shisedoeyeliner1: Kat Von D
eye shadow: LORAC Pro  (champagne, taupe, pewter, espresso, black) 
eyeliner2: Lancome 
lip-liner: MAC
lipstick: BITE Beauty (Madeira) setting spray: Urban Decay

The 'no-make-up' make up look is effortless and easy for your Christmas morning lounging when you want to look beautiful (you know you will be posting those selfies with your favorite gifts). But at the same time, you don't want to take a long time getting ready in the morning. The nude lip and minimal eyeliner is all that's needed to complete this look.

BB Cream: Bobbi Brown
concealer: Bare Minerals
blush palette: Lancome (Rose Flush)
brow pencil: Anastasia Beverly Hills
eyeliner: Stila (dark brown)
mascara: Benefit
lipstick: MAC

I hope you enjoyed this post and the different looks that can be incorporate into your holiday season. 

If you have any questions email me (ademko (at) gmail (dot) com) or reach out on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM. 

SALES {Green Monday}

I have complied a list of all the best sales going on right now...

Happy Shopping and have a great weekend! 

Slow Down This Christmas Season

Christmas can be the busiest time of the year. With all the shopping, party attending and other family activities there is no time to breath. I feel like sometimes I'm running from place to place, making pretty things but never actually stopping long enough to admire the beauty of the season. 

Thankfully, my son reminds me often. 

He grabs my hand, says "c'mon mom" and drags me to the couch where we sit and read every book that he has. Than I'm reminded how special this time of year is. Instead of running back to my boiling pot of pasta, I actually make an effort to put away the social media and just be in the moment.

So no matter what you are doing and how many activities you have scheduled from now until December 25th (and beyond), take time to enjoy the season.

Slow down. Sit on the couch and listen to Christmas music, put away the phone (and the laptop, and the tablet) and simply live. Grab a cup of hot coca, tell your children about the real reason for the season and pray together. There is nothing more special than time spent with family doing things that matter. 

Instead of buying more stuff and caring for what people will think of your Christmas decorations,  think of those who are hurting,  alone or have nothing this Christmas.  Share the love of God with those in need and spread Christmas cheer! 

Enjoy the Christmas season!

xo, Anna

Snowy

blouse: Forever 21 (similar)
top: Ann Taylor (similar)
skirt: J.Crew
trench: Target (similar)
boots: Ann Taylor 
bag: Dailylook 

Hi all! Hope you are having a great week so far and enjoying Christmas season. I'm in full baking mode, buying cookie tins and wrapping pretty presents. I love to wear bright colors during Christmas season, and especially red. Against the white of snow it looks so pretty, I think!  Do you have your reds out? Do share!

Thank you for stopping by! 

xo, Anna

Christmas Card Display {DIY}

Ever wonder what to do with all those Christmas cards you get before December 24th? I always struggle to find space on my refrigerator to fit everyone's cards. This year, I'm taking a creative approach to a Christmas card display. I found this idea on Pineterst (yes I'm not that original) and decided to put it to life. With the pretty cards from Tiny Prints, I love how it all came together.  

PROCESS: 

1. Find an old frame (or a picture and tear it out)

2. Spray paint the bare frame a color of your choice (mine is Mettalic Gold)

4. Attach pretty decorations (example)

5. Turn the frame backwards and attach the lights. Make sure you know which way your wire is going to end, because you want it to reach the plug. Also, don't take the extra lights out of the garland - the whole thing will die (you live and you learn)

6. Attach it to the wall or put up on a mantle and display your holiday cards, like I did with my Christmas cards from Tiny Prints

ENJOY!

Shop the items needed for this project

xo, Anna

Plaid Love

sweater: Target (similar)
skirt: vintage (similar)
pumps: Target (similar)
tote: LAUREN Ralph Lauren

I found this gorgeous  plaid skirt at my local thrift shop and just could not pass it by. It's very 70s and I love how well it pairs with bright colors. Also, it's a midi skirt and I'm all about that lately. I hope you are having a great week and scored some good deals this passed weekend. If you're still not sure about what to buy, check these under $50 gift guides (J.Crew / Nordstrom / Sephora) which offer free shipping! 

more plaid skirts

Thank you for reading! 

xo, Anna

Stocking Stuffers {UNDER $50}

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12
 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22

Here is to staying up late and shopping Cyber Monday deals! I know, that I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping (and almost out of budget money) so I need to buy awesome gifts (for cheap). Here is a great gift guide for everyone on your list - from your grandma (she will love the plush faux fur throw) to your super picky boss (how about Tory Burch In Color book)?. I hope you enjoy your Monday and shop the sales before they are gone (most will be ending tonight). Don't forget to check the SALE ALERT page with all the latest promo codes and sales. 

Thank you for stopping by and happy shopping! 

Favorite Things

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 

It's time to get your Christmas pajamas out, drink hot tea and read. I found this adorable children's book in Barnes and Nobles the other day and think it would be perfect for snow day snuggles. Especially for certain someone who has been giving his parents trouble at bed time. I love J.Crew pajamas and although I haven't splurged on one yet, I'm hoping I will find one under the Christmas tree this year. Also, must have cozy slippers (which are also cute). I hope you are enjoying your long weekend (don't remind me that it's almost over) and finding new and tasty ways to eat that left over turkey. 

Stay warm ladies! 

Let's Shop

Hope you are having a great day! I'm enjoying staying in and cooking dinner #2 with my family. We have two Thanksgiving dinners and I it's a lot of fun. So, I'm practically starving all day just to get to taste more of the delicious food. Yum! 

Here is the round up of my favorite stores - I hope you find something good, and finish up your Christmas shopping. 

Ann Taylor: 50% OFF (11/30 (5pm EST) – 12/03 (3pm EST))

ASOS (US): Black Friday: 30% off (11/27 (8pm EST) – 11/30 (8pm EST)) {code: TGIBF} Cyber Monday  30% off (11/30 (8pm EST) – 12/02 (3am EST) {code:ILOVEMONDAYS}

Banana Republic:  50% OFF 1 full-priced item (11/27-11/28) {code: BRFIFTY} + 40% off sitewidE (11.27-11.28) {code: BRFORT}

Dorothy Perkins: Up to 30% off select brands + free shipping {code:DPTREAT} (11.27-12.01)

DSW: all boots $59.95 + FREE shipping

Forever 21: Black Friday deals under $5, $10, $20 (11.27-11.30)  Extra 30% off clearance (11.27-11.30) Cyber Monday 20% off $60+ (12.01) {code: CYBER 20} and 30% off $120+ (12.01) {code: CYBER30}

GAP:   40% off sitewide (11.29) {code: GIFT}

H&M: Doors open Friday - first 100 shoppers receive scratch-off gift cards worth up to $300+ get up to 30% off your entire purchase in stores + free shipping 50+ {code: 2695}

J.Crew:  Black Friday 30% off select full-price styles and additional 40% off sale + free shipping (11.26-11.30) {code: HOLIDAY} Cyber Monday 30% off select full-price styles and additional 40% off sale + free shipping {code: MONDAY}

J.Crew Factory: 50% off everything in stores & online {11.26-11.30) + free shipping oN orders over $50 {code: THANKS}

Kate Spade Saturday: Black Friday: 30% off sitewide + free shipping (11.26-11.3) {code:DEALME} Cyber Monday 30% off sitewide (12.01) {code: OHWOW}

Lands' End: 40% off select styles + 30% off the rest of your order (11.26-11.30) + free shipping on orders over $50

Lord and Taylor: extra 20% off almost everything + 25% off fine jewelry (11.25-11.30) {code: THANKS} Up to 50% off woman’s fall boots + extra 20% off (11.25-11.30) {code:THANKS}

LOFT: 50% off everything online (11.27)  50% off everything in stores (11.28) + free shipping on orders over $125

New York & Co: (11.27) first 200 customers in every store will receive an entry card for a $100,000 giveaway (with a $500 winner in every store); select doorbuster deals storewide until 2pm (11.28)

Nordstrom: up to 40% OFF sitewide+ FREE shipping and returns. 

Old Navy: entire store will be 50% off (11.27 (4pm) – 11.28) Old Navy is bringing back its second annual “Overnight Millionaire” giveaway, where the first 100 customers to line up will receive a game card, loaded with a change to win $1 million

The Limited:  50% off your purchase + free shipping {code:THANKS} Cyber Monday 15% OFF (11/30 – 12/1) {code: 6PMCYBMON113020141535}

ULTA:  Starts online Thursday at 7pm CST & in stores Thursday at 8pm - select deals storewide + take $3.50 off your $10 purchase in stores & online {code: 205810} (prin coupon here) + free shipping

Festive

dress: J.Crew (similar)
pumps: Liz Clairborne (similar)
necklace: NY&Co (similar)
 clutch: DIY (similar)
watch: Fossil

I bought this dress at the spur of the moment. To make sure it fits, I went with the size of my hips (my size is about 2 sizes smaller). It took me about 6 months to take it to the tailor (and an attempt to sell it on Ebay). Thank goodness it didn't sell and I have a pretty dress for any occasion. 

I hope your week is going well and you aren't overwhelmed with the amount of food that needs to be made (or eaten. whichever you're doing). I'm scaling down this year - no one eats 7 different sides. By making more of the same, I'm able to cut back on hustle and bustle, and just enjoy some time with my family. 

Have a great day and thank you for stopping by! 

Pops of Red

top: J.Crew (similar)
skirt: H&M (sold out online) similar1, similar2
pumps: Jessica Simpson,
watch: Fossil
bracelet: Kate Spade, J.Crew (similar)

If you don't like getting all glammed up on a Monday afternoon, you should try it. It's so much fun! I'm in love with (almost) every midi skirt I see. I want them in every color, pattern and form but the most beautiful has proved to be this blush number. I was so sad to see that it sold out online (after I grabbed the very last one in store), but I found some great alternatives. If you haven't tried this trend yet, give it a go. Go with a fitted top and killer heels - you will be the talk of the party. 

Thank you for stopping by!

_______________________________________________________________

P.S. Would you please help a sister out? Which layout of items is easier to navigate?

I really appreciate your input! 

EXAMPLE 1

top: J.Crew (similar)

skirt: H&M (sold out online) similar1, similar2

pumps: Jessica Simpson,

watch: Fossil

bracelet: Kate Spade, J.Crew (similar)

EXAMPLE 2

(similar) top // (similar) skirt // pumps // watch // bracelet1 // (similar) bracelet