Holiday Wish List 2017

$105 (3 piece set), Paper clips or cookies? You decide! Justina Blakeney is one of my favorite creatives. Her bohemian, eclectic, color striking style transports me into a dream world filled with positive vibes and natural wonder (plants!). Her newest collection at Target is focused on bedding, while her original products on her website include paper goods and ceramics like these fabulous canisters.

$28, Just because it's cold out, doesn't mean the music stops. Pick from one of five lovely earmuff headphone colors from Freepeople this season. Plug them right into your iPhone and keep walking' in a winter wonderland.

$33, Ahh, reminds me of Paris. French macarons are a sweet and light delight. Dana's Bakery offers an assorted box including flavors like strawberry shortcake and cookie dough. The colorful treats taste as beautiful as they appear. 

$225, The Carry On is essential for easy-peasy stylish travel. Away luggage comes in one classic silhouette, 4 sizes and 12 colors! The smallest of the bunch is the perfect fit for overhead when flying or in the backseat of your car. Did I mention there is a lifetime guarantee, built in battery charger, TSA approved lock, and 360 degrees of wheeling and rolling!?

$24-$125 (avg.), Lillian Grey Vintage is the perfect place to snag a gift for any home decor lover and vintage collector. Each week there is a new offering available, including anything from blue and white heirloom dessert plates, hand painted floral vases, Staffordshire dog figurines, and of course, there is always something new. I scored the dreamiest beautiful blue and white Calico sugar dish that makes me smile every time I look at it. Who wouldn't want a one of a kind decorative piece for their bookshelf or bar cart!?  

$38, A body scrub for a goddess, and that's exactly why your girlfriends deserve this. Pure, clean and natural sea salt exfoliating scrub sounds beautiful for the bath. If the french girls love it, it's gotta' be good. 

$219-$295, Jonathan Adler designs are one of a kind element that fits quite well into any quirky and fancy space. A JA alpaca throw was gifted to Z and I for our wedding and I highly recommend the luxurious home accessory. The blankets come in many colors and a few geometric patterns that are sure to break up any space and add a touch of pizazz to any living and bedroom, even if in a neutral color.

$37, Okay travelers, here is the perfectly posh gift for your alike friends and family. In honor of Louis Vuitton's travel exhibition running in NYC through January 7th 2018, the brand recently released an expansive collection of city travel guides. Each guide is wrapped in a colorful identifying cover and filled with recent must visit restaurants, hotels, and cultural must stop spots. 

$125, For babies first Christmas, or the soon to be college grad. Just a chic little reminder to "keep savin' that money, honey." Slip a few bills inside if the budget so permits.

$22, Calling all planners. Cheers to almost 2018! Time to get ready planning and penciling in all those trips, events, birthdays and celebrations soon to be had. This is a great gift for anyone you know that has a big date approaching. Anna Rifle Bond never ceases to amaze me with her jaw dropping and eye catching illustrations. 

$40, For your new home owner friends, who may or may not have gone to the same University. Go for one logo, or a house divided flag like this. It's perfect for the rival graduates that share a front door. Chances are you rents would love a flag representing you and or your siblings school's, too.

$50, A bright and cheery tea kettle will make any tea drinker happy. My strawberry shaped tea pot adds just a little extra character to the kitchen. And if it's cute like this polka dot pretty, there is no need to store it away!

$48, The most effortless way to style your look is by layering simple pieces of jewelry. One little piece at a time. Mix and match letters and symbols and gift one solo earring to your most stylish friend. No need for two, just one will do.

$18 (a piece), Are these nordic monogram bowls from Terrain, not the dearest dishes you ever did see? The simple almost unseen Scandinavian letter detailing on the inside is quite precious. Perfect for soup, cereal, dip, jewelry, nuts, buttons, etc. One, two, three or four would be a wonderful gift.

$37, I know, I know. I am usually all about Chanel, and I still am, but I think it is time to expand the color spectrum when it comes to lip color in my vanity. I am really into the shades offered by YSL and I think I can trust it will work great, too. All ladies love a nice new lipstick, especially if it's YSL!

 

 

$38 (set of 4), Cheers to living in a world of whimsy! Who thought Sunday brunch boozing could get any better? August Morgan embroidered cocktail napkin sets are funny and divine. I have too many favorites to pick from, I want them all!

$159, This is by far the most comfortable and noteworthy bathrobe on the market. I received  my Missoni robe a few years ago for Christmas, and it's one of my favorite gifts still today. I wear it when I'm hot out of the shower, chilly with a cold, lazy on a Sunday, and even sometimes I wear it down to the pool, just because it feels so right. (Though, Z refuses to be seen with me wearing it in public) The bath towel material and mid calf length combined with the Missoni weave pattern is a fashion lover's paradise! Drink, please!

$52.80, Wish, Dream, Peace, Luck...all good virtues to bestow upon a dear friend, sister, Mom, cousin, or co-worker. A pleasant fortune on the wrist is placed in just the spot that often catches the eye at the right moment to be reminded of such things.

$35, Spice up your life with this collection of empowering female entrepreneurial stories filled with advice and inspiration for all women. In the spirit of women empowering women, this book is quite the gift. Girl power!

$39.95, This is the happiest cheese tray I ever did see. I hate cheese, and I still love this platter. Fishs Eddy has an eclectic assortment of serveware, glassware and dinnerware that are great conversation starters for anyone from political lovers to vintage connoisseurs.

$99-$199, For anyone that likes to cuddle up by the fire, gaze under the stars, runs errands in the chilly morning of Winter, or frequents tailgates and barbecues in the fall time, then a Patagonia pullover zip up is a must.  They come in many different fabrications and patterns and the brand has an amazing history that any nature lover would love to represent!  

$48, In this case, two is definately better than one. Baublebar is offering a few different set combinations with 2-3 drop earrings. This colorful set is by far my favorite. It's there perfect giftable for any fashionista!

$12, Need I say more? For the bakers, gardeners + bakers, and plant, floral lovers. I totally want a set of these for myself this Christmas!

$33-93, A new accessory for Ethel, is a new accessory for me! Consider this a gift for dog and dog owner. Crew La La is a brand I became familiar with when last visiting Charleston, SC last year. I stumbled upon these precious pup collars and leashes in a boutique and have been obsessed ever since. There is an endless amount of pretty patterns to pick from, something that suits all cast of characters. Select from gold or silver finishes and spend an additional $18 to have the collar custom engraved.

$54 (each, $108 total), It wasn't until I lived on the Beach that I learned of the brand Amuse Society, a casual and suave surf beachwear brand that carries femininely designed wetsuits and classically cool loungewear and bohemian swimsuits and trendy graphic tees. No matter the attire, each piece is comfortable and oh so beachy. Every girl can use a matching lounge set for after surfing, skiing, whatever. I am digging this one.

$29, I am a major Drybar junkie. If you ever have the opportunity to get a Drybar blowout, don't pass it up! A GC to the Drybar is a fabulous gift, but really any product from there is just as fab. The little box of detox offers a few of the necessities in keeping healthy fresh hair on the go, and keeps those locks looking lux. Another great giftable is the Drybar duo dry shampoo and conditioner.

$128, Anything as classic and iconic as Pendelton is a great brand to start with when looking for giftables at the holidays. This Motoring Blanket is great to throw in the car and pack along for travels, picnics, beach days and nights.

$199, For anyone who has a KitchenAid mixer and loves to cook. Not only does the pasta attachment make for a fun night with the family, hanging out in the kitchen and making fresh pasta together, but it's also a sensible gift for those that cook from scratch and don't mind taking a little extra time to do so. This gift is on my personal list this year!

$11.95 (+ shipping), Calling all candle lovers! Wax melts are my latest favorite. When I was home to my parent's over Thanksgiving, I couldn't help, but adore the strong scent of wax melts when I entered the downstairs bathroom. Sounds funny, but it smelled amazing! These holiday packs, designed like little gingerbread men, come in warm cozy scents from Snowy Day to Cinnamon Roll and you even get to decide between black/white or red/white baker's twine for wrapping. For a more complete gift, include a wax warmer like THIS rustic one from Kohls. 

$18, Any baker or chef would love a cute set of tea towels. It's always a luxury in the kitchen to replace your dirty tea towels with a clean set of equally adorable and fun cloths. Paper Source has a great selection of hobby and demographic oriented patterns that would make many, more than happy.

$65, The best notebook is the one that is reusable - a notebook cover! Tortoise shell anything is quite attractive and seemingly timeless. The patent material punches this up a bit' and makes it even cooler. Great for any gal that writes, and works a lot or a little.

 

Magazine Trees

I learned how to make magazine trees years ago, thanks to Martha! I have put my own spin on it over time, always changing up the embellishments and decoration each year. This is one of the easiest craft projects to make over the holidays and it's great for kids too! Select a favorite holiday movie on Netflix and get to folding. You will have a recycled forest before you know it. Watch the youtube video and pictured steps below to create a magazine tree (or few!) of your own. Have fun! xo RCN

Step 1. Select a magazine, the larger the magazine, the longer it will take to fold, but the bigger it will be. Be sure to massage and flatten out the binding as much as possible. This will come in handy as you fold more and more. The pages will become more flexible to manage.

Step 2. Fold cover down to make the top edge of magazine lined up with binding of magazine.

Step 3. Fold the same cover once more so that the folded edge then lines up to the magazine's binding.

Step 4. Fold bottom edge that is sticking out, underneath and parallel to bottom of magazine edge.

Step 5. Continue steps 1-4 repeatedly until all pages have been folded.

Step 6. Once you have come to your very last fold, (the bottom edge of the last page), you will take that small cornered edge and tuck it into the bottom edge pocket of the page/cover that is next to it. Refer to images below and video for complete understanding.

You are complete with folding. Now, onto the decorating. For the embellished tree pictured below, I used glitter, ribbon, and extra/old Christmas decorations I was doing away with. First, I applied tacky glue to the top of the tree with a paintbrush, followed by sprinkling glitter on top. Then, using hot glue, I attached the bells, bows, and pinecones. This tree is quite eclectic, a bit' like my home. How did you decorate your paper trees? Send me a shout out in the comments below, would love to hear your ideas!

 
Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/269354/magazi...

Gifts For Him

If you don't normally shop a stocking for the guy in your life, maybe this year is the year to do it. I find shopping for stockings to be the most fun. It's a great way to search and discover the perfect little things that remind you of everything about your guy, and likely things about him you love. This year I got a head start by picking things up along my travels throughout the year. Hmmm, now I have to remember where I hid all the little gems. I'll find them, but in the mean time I will shop for some additional stocking stuffers and bigger gifts. Hopefully, this list gives you some ideas for your special someone, whether you need $10 ideas for the stocking or a bigger, slightly pricier present. Guys can be the toughest, so here goes it! xo RCN

Suit Supply cotton pocket square, $29

At some point in a man's life he needs to dress up. Some do every day, others maybe once in a year. Regardless, a pocket square completes the suiting look. Don't go overboard with this, especially if this is for a first time pocket square wearer. White and cotton is all he needs to look on point.

J.Crew Factory boxer shorts, Mallard ducks, $6.50

Always include underwear in the stocking. J.Crew outlet has great options, online and in store. Pick up a fun novelty pair each year. Z got Labradors last year and is likely getting Mallards this year. Hope he isn't reading...

WindPouch inflatable hammock, windpouch.com, $79.95

The Windpouch is one of my new fascinations. You may have seen youtube videos about how to blow these up. Click HERE if you have not. These rather large, couch-like, blow up seats, weather well on sand, concrete, water or carpet. These are great for any guy that beaches, tailgates, floats in a pool, or has a friend crash at their studio apartment, last minute.

Billions: The First Season (DVD), Target, $22.99

Looking for a new favorite television show obsession? Look no farther. Both Z and I love this showtime series. It is a thrilling story line involving a big time hedge fund manager battling against federal prosecutions from the US Attorney for the Southern District of NY. New season starts on Feb. 19th, so you will have a good two months to file through season one before the start of season 2.

 

Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite 30" Propane Smoker, Cabela's, $89.99

Smokers vary in price range, so you can definitely spend more than just the $89.99 ticket on this one, but either way it's a thoughtful gift for the griller-barbequer you know. My Dad and Father in Law both use theirs on a relatively normal, (and surprising) basis. I have never had such great tasting ribs. Do your entire family a favor with this one.

The Wall Street Journal, 6 month print and digital subscription, $99

Subscriptions are always great ideas. The Wall Street Journal covers all the finance and stock he could care to read about. The $99 is well worth all the news and information he will fill his brain with, in just 6 months time.

Rainbow leather sandals, $52

I am all for the summer gifts in winter. I mean, we all go on vacation at some point. Two months from now or six months from now, your guy can use a nice pair. Rainbows are the best (both for men and women). They wear wonderfully over time and never hurt your feet. Really, never. Go for the leather option. They come in a few different neutral shades as well. 

Vineyard Vines cotton jersey 1/4 zip pullover, Vineyard Vines, $98.50

Guys look handsome in 1/4 zip pullovers. They dress up and down, so they are a great outfit pieces for day to night and office to dinner. Vineyard Vines offers great seasonal colors. They fit well on multiple body types, bigger and broad chested or thin and wide shouldered. 

Yeti Rambler Colster, Beverage holder, $29.99

The Yeti tumbler was recommended in my girl's wish list, so for the guy I will suggest the Rambler Colster. This keeps a beer can or a Coke, cold as can be. Buy two, and keep one for you.

Bonobos made to order dress shirts, $98

Bonobos digital gift card, $25+

Bonobos is a wonderful menswear brand. Their dress shirts are good quality and better yet, they are custom made to fill your desire for collar size, color, fit, etc. If you know what your man wants, select for him, if not...give him a gift card!

Patagonia Fisherman's rolled beanie, $29

Stocking caps and beanies are just one of those things all guys wear and need. Patagonia is probably one of the coolest brands out there right now, so go with a simple cap and shop Patagonia. All guys can pull off this look.

Weber Smokey Joe Gold Portable Charcoal Grill, Home Depot, $39.99

Grills come to mind when I think of guys. And it's quite possible your man may not have a portable one for camping, picnicking, tailgating, or just chilling on a small patio. Weber portable grills are great for the outdoor guy or one that is on the go and always wanting food. At the next football pre-game, he can cook the burgers.

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Scotch, 750ml bottle, grandwinecellar.com (or most liquor stores), $79.99

For all the Scotch drinkers, Lagavulin is a great choice. The 16 year is a bit' peaty. If he likes that, then this is a highly recommended scotch from those that drink it.

Crate and Barrel Direction 9oz Double Old Fashion glasses, sold individually, $9.95

I adore beautiful glasses for cocktails so why shouldn't your handsome be sipping from class as well. If you are in love with a gin drinker, Manhattan maker, straight on the rocks kind of guy, then chances are he will like these Crate and Barrel glasses. Not only do they have a masculine, rich look, but they have a heavy feel which is nice to hold in your hand.

Saturdays Surf NYC T-shirt, saturdaysnyc.com, $40

In my opinion, Saturday Surf is one of the coolest menswear brands!! If you live in NYC or even shop Nordstrom, you may be familiar. Saturdays Surf is a surf brand based out of the city. The shop in Manhattan has a coffee shop inside and you can shop boards, wax or clothing - a pretty unique shop for NYC.   The T-shirts are comfy and simple, something most guys like in a tee. If he doesn't know the brand, I guarantee he will grow to love.

yurbud Hybrid Wireless earphones, $79.99

Yurbuds are the best earphones. I use my pair everyday. They come in a small pouch, great for travel, and also come with multiple size coverings for all ear sizes. If he is tech savvy, or has the new iphone, your beau will appreciate the wireless and bluetooth functionality.

Nike Free RN running sneakers, Nike, $100, $140 for customized coloring

Sneakers are usually the guy "go-to" shoe. If your man is anything like Zach, he likely wears them whether he is running in the gym, or walking to the store. I am a Nike loyalist, so no surprise this is my pick. The Nike Free RN shoe comes in loads of colors, bright or understated. If you feel like splurging a bit' and want to get personal, Nike offers customization for $140.

Weathertech cargo truck liner for cars and trucks, ex. $109.95 for a Jeep Grand Cherokee (behind second row seating) trunk liner

I couldn't make a list without something car related. This is the more pricey gift on the list, but so, so great. The plastic shell liners fit accustom to each car. All you have to do is go to the Weathertech website and select the year, make, and model of the car. The site will have what you need for a trunk liner, or floor liners for both front and back seats. They remove easily and keep the car spot clean. He will love this!

Rochester Shoe Tree Company for J.Crew suede and nubuck cleaner, $8

He probably has a shoe shine kit, but maybe not a shoe care cleaner for nubuck or suede. Nubuck and suede are materials that also need care, like leather. Gift a cleaner that will help his entire shoe assortment last through the year - or longer.

Sushi For Dummies, play.google.com (or any bookstore), $9.99

Books are a must in the stocking. I gave Zach this one a few years ago, but we never put it to use until this past Thanksgiving weekend. The entire Nord family hung in one night and we all made sushi together. The book helped with planning, and we had the BEST time. Buy this book, and plan a date to do it. I promise, you will enjoy it!

Zirh skincare starter kit, Bloomingdales, $59

Skincare can be a tough purchase for guys. Ultimately, it is a personal purchase. However, I took a guess with ZIRH, for Z, a few years ago and he has been using it ever since. If your guy is a little more rugged, shaves often, or has tougher skin that he wants to keep soft, try this starting kit. Invest in larger quantities of specifics later, once he knows if he likes it and it works on him.

Shinola medium leather journal, Shinola, $48

For the writer, or business professional. How about a nice leather journal? Shinola is an awesome brand, all made in the USA. Their leather goods are classic and beautiful in craft. The notebook is one of the lower priced items in the collection, yet equally as artful as the wallets and watches. Surely. this is a great addition to his briefcase or bedside table.

GoFit cold roller massager, REI, $29.95

For anyone that works out or just gets stressed out, this may help. This small massage roller fits great in the stocking and comes from a great source, REI. After a lift workout, run, or long day at the office, your man will appreciate this one.

Fireside Panini Press, Terrain, $42

Mix fire and sandwiches together and I think you have a perfect pair. Dudes love a hot sandwich. So... for your camper, pyro, or foodie, this is a fun idea!

La Colombe Bleu Organic coffee beans, 12oz, $15 (all 12oz coffee ranges from $12-$15)

La Colombe started in Philly, and has spread to the burbs, NYC, Boston, Chicago and is still expanding. There is a reason for that, because it is SOOO good. For any and all coffee drinkers, there are a variety of roasts and flavors. I put a bag in Zach's stocking each year and think I will try out the Bleu Organic this Xmas.

Leatherman Wingman 14 pc multi-tool, $39.85

You can never have enough tools. Multi tools are great for the tool belt, keeping in the garage, and also in the car. This 14pc tool grouping has more than what he needs to fix or make whatever it may be.