Groomsmen Gifts | Master Your Blend

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Scandinavian Tobacco Group, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #masteryourblend  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Thinking about our wedding gets me really excited and is putting me in full on planning mode! Even though I haven't planned gifts for my bridesmaids yet, I have already started putting things together for Ryan's groomsmen. 

Prior to planning our wedding Ryan and I knew that cigars would be a huge part of our special day because it's something my Dad and brother in law really love, and a lot of our guests also enjoy it on special occasions. 

That's where Cubero Cigars come in. I love being creative when it comes to gift giving, so this is no different. I wanted to give the groomsmen something that they can all use and love, and I feel like wrapping it all together in a basket is perfect. I love the idea of using different ribbons to decorate, and I love these hand etched boxes for each groomsmen to use after the wedding is over. I love useful gifts, and these are gifts that they can enjoy at the wedding, and after!

To sign up for free coupons and to find a retailer near you visit Cubero Cigars website here. 

If you're curious about the flavors, here is some more information on how they pair well.

Blend 35- Sweet: fine tobacco with rum, a hint of mint and sugar cane for a sweet finish 

Blend 07- Wine: naturally sweet tobacco with a distinct taste of grape and an oak-like nuance 

Blend 12- Mocha: medium bodied tobacco that provides a smooth taste with chocolate and coffee overtones

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide | Blogger Version

I love finding little perfect things that are great for every one on my list (especially the ladies!). These are some products I highly recommend that I have been using for a while now, and am in LOVE with. I often get asked what I use on a daily basis, so here are some of my favorites, and some ideas for stocking stuffers for the upcoming holiday next week!

Got2B Smooth Operator- Perfect for those fly aways, and great as a shield before applying a curling iron/flat iron or blow drying. I have dry ends, so this really helps before I style my hair. 

Got2b kinkier gloss ‘n define curling mousse - When I decide to wear my hair curly, this is the stuff I love to use. It's not crunchy, and is made with nectar oil and mineral salt to help boost those curls! I also love the way this smells!

jimmyCASE *His&Hers*- These cases have been a HUGE lifesaver for Ryan and I. Ryan is always running around, and also hates carrying a bulky wallet, so this really comes in handy for him. We use them at the gym, at work, and even when we go out. For me personally, I love not needing a purse, and having exactly what I need all in one! I love my iPhone 6s wallet case, and Ryan(being more conservative) went with the custom iPhone 6s case. We haven't looked back since, they're so convenient, and perfect as a stocking stuffer or gift for your significant other! 

No Nonsense Opaque Tights-  I love tights, especially in the winter, and this is the perfect stocking stuffer! Any fashionable lady would love a pair of these, and they're opaque so the color is really  vibrant!

Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Combing Creme and Monai Dry Shampoo - These products are also two of my favorites! I am in love with the scent of this black vanilla combing creme, and it's perfect when my hair is feeling dull, and needs a pick-me-up. The dry shampoo is made with conditioning Monoi, an ancient Tahitian beauty secret, which smells amazing, and lasts all day! 

Goldwell Dry Shampoo- I love the smell and feel of this dry shampoo. There are a lot of dry shampoos out there that will turn your hair white, or make it flaky, this doesn't do either of those. All it takes is a few sprays, and a brush through your hair, and it looks as good as new. This is great for in between washes, and it's perfect for those unplanned nights when you need to head out- but don't feel 100% ready.

Nars Brushes (Contour Brush, Kabuki Ita Brush , Botan Kabuki Brush)- I just picked up both of these beautiful brushes at a warehouse sale, and I am so happy I did. I love experimenting with makeup, and these two brushes are perfect for contouring, and applying blush. I love both brushes because they're made with quality bristles, and they last forever! Again, a perfect stocking stuffer for any lady who loves beauty!

Starbucks Ornament & Travel Mug-I love coffee, and so does most of the population. Getting someone something coffee related, is guaranteed to make them happy. I love this little ornament, and ceramic cup. I carry multiple travel cups a day, and this one is perfect for my morning tea or coffee when I am leaving for work.

A Very Special Valentine's Day & Giveaway With Marshalls

I have decided that this week is going to be a big week for celebrating love and Valentine's Day on the blog. I have recipes lined up, and some fun outfit posts that I can't wait to share. To kick off this week of love I have an awesome giveaway for a $25 gift card from Marshalls!Because who doesn't love shopping, and who doesn't love Marshalls? Am I right?

I also wanted to share a little Valentine's Day gift I got for my Mom. Her birthday falls right before Valentine's Day so I love to use this week to shower her with her favorite things. She loves Marshalls as much as I do, so it's always a win-win when I shop there for her. I picked out some things that remind me of her style, but also some things she uses daily. I put together this basket full of some of her favorite things.

This includes her favorite chocolate, a pair of Italian leather booties, soap, cozy socks, note cards, a beautiful scarf, and an equestrian vest (Isn't it adorable?)  Included in here are some other snapshots of her birthday presents, that are also from Marshalls. I found this gorgeous wallet, and knew she'd love it. I also got a big photo album to fill with photos from our summer vacation.

I think Valentine's Day can be about anyone in your life. A lot of my single girlfriends dread at the thought of the day being a lonely-singles-awareness day. I think of it as a chance to love those that mean the most to you. That can be a friend, a pet, a family member, etc. The great thing about a place like Marshalls is you can get anything for anyone in your life. There's no limits to the gift giving. I can shop for anyone at the same time-while getting the best prices possible.

Shop similar wallets below: 

Now, onto the giveaway, which I know you guys are all anticipating! Enter below, and good luck! Follow me more on instagram to see my daily picks and fab finds!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Update To My Workout Story & My Fitness Fanatic Gift Guide

This post is part gift guide part update on my workout story. I started fully working out 4-5 days a week approximately a year and a half ago. In my progress I lost 13 pounds, as well as gained a great deal of muscle in various parts of my body. Besides the obvious body changes, I feel so different. Mentally I am more at ease when I know I can make it to the gym. Physically I feel stronger and more motivated. As a whole I have found myself being extremely motivated to become stronger and work harder towards my goals.

Although I have had great progress so far, I have had my highs and lows. Some weeks I have no energy, and on the busier weeks sometimes I don't get into the gym as often as I would like. Throw in the holidays and I find myself smuggling cookies and sweets here and there. I am not sharing these stories for pity, but more to show that sometimes life happens. Sometimes you eat cheat meals more than twice a week, sometimes you want to eat a french fry, or a whole plate of them. And sometimes, your body needs a break. I gave myself a week break because I could tell my body needed it. I was feeling weak, and tired, and close to exhaustion. I was forcing myself to go, and then I realized maybe my body was trying to tell me something. The break I took, was exactly what I needed. I came back stronger and more motivated than before, and I am so happy I did. We all fall off kilter sometimes, but the important thing is to motivate yourself even when things seem hard or you're having a hard day.

Shop the perfect workout outfit!

Since this post is focusing on working out , I also wanted to incorporate a little gift guide for those who are looking for new workout clothes/accessories. Here are my PERSONAL choices. I have a full workout wardrobe since I spend a lot of time in the gym, and I picked my favorite pieces to share with you guys. I really love all of these brands & clothing options, and they make my gym experience a better one. Plus, the new year is on the way and we all need a pick me up, so what's better than working out with some new gear? The confidence and comfort will go hand in hand.

Some favorites!

The Perfect Men's Gift Guide

Since I mainly focus on women's clothes, I wanted to give a little shout out to the guys this holiday season! Don't know what to get that special man in your life? Here's my small, but awesome gift guide. I feel like men are so much easier to shop for. I think because they require a lot less fluff, and a lot more things that are staples in their closet.

Have you shopped for that special someone in your life yet? 

1. Urbanears Headphones

2. Buckhorn Fair Isle Socks

3. Herschel Wallet

4. Cashmere Scarf

5. Nike Running Shoe

6. Flannel Brush Shirt 

7. Round Leather Burberry Watch

8. Silver Hook Bracelet

Secret Santa

One of my favorite parts of the holidays is picking out gifts for people in my life. When Marshalls told the group of project fab bloggers that we had the opportunity to shop for eachother, I was over the moon excited! It's rare that you get to ship someone a surprise gift, especially someone that you've never met! I peeked her blog and social media sites like crazy trying to figure out what would be perfect for her, and then I hit the store on a mission!

I tried to think of things I love during the holidays, and then tried to incorporate that into what my blogger recipient likes. I know nothing soothes me during the winter months like a cup of tea/cocoa, hence the festive mug. I also know that I love being warm & cozy, and that's where the festive poncho comes in to play. (Which by the way- I bought the same one!) Finally I picked out two food items that scream holidays-- peppermint and cinnamon! I thought the presentation of these two food items was so cute, and since my blogger recipient loves to cook-I knew it would be perfect! 

If you'd like to see who I shopped for, you can visit Alyssa's blog, here. A few days after shipping her gift out, I received mine. The awesome thing about Marshalls is that no matter who you're shopping for, you can find the right thing for anyone on your list. 

It's pretty awesome when you can purchase everything under one roof, and what's even better is that they also have wrapping paper & ribbons! I had such a blast shopping, and this Christmas Ever we're doing another Secret Santa. I can't wait to play Santa again, and I definitely know where I'll be going for #TheBestGiftEver! Happy Shopping everyone! Make sure you stop by a nearby Marshalls to shop for someone special in your life. 

A Beautiful Christmas Gift Guide!

Elizabeth from the Sattvic Family blog wanted to share her dream gift guide with my readers today. Aren't these items adorable? Any girl would be lucky to have these pretty things in her life! These are the top three on her Christmas list this year...recognize any of these items?

Ruche has the best dresses!

Maie Dae's Chicago Earring and Mineral Stud

This gorgeous colorful headband

What are the items on your list this year?

Vintage Holiday Decorations --Picks From A Wild Tonic

Hello everyone this is Lauren, and I blog over at A Wild Tonic.

Christmas is, as they say, the most wonderful time of the year. I think that the most wonderful part of the most wonderful time is breaking out the boxes of old Christmas decorations from the basement. I am obsessed with weird Santas, creepy snowmen, crinkly tinsel, and everything in between. Fortunately, there is an abundance of awesomely weird and kitschy vintage Christmas decor and decorations available on Etsy. I would buy up everything below if my family didn't already own something incredibly similar. Which one of my picks is your favorite?

Thanks for reading, and happy holidays to all! :)

xo,

Lauren

 1 • Last 4 sets PRE-CHRISTMAS SALE Vintage Big Eyed Deer Set 2 • Vintage Santa Dancer

3 • vintage chalkware blond haired choirboy 4 • Frosty the Kitschy Snowman

5 • Vintage Santa Mask Plastic Globe Cover Oddity

6 • Happy Creepy Vintage Elves 7 • Holt Howard Winking Santa Salt and Pepper Shakers Vintage

8 • Kitschy Vintage RELPO Winter Holiday Christmas Girl Planter

9 • Vintage Elf Shelf Sitter Stocking Holder

10 • Vintage Kitschy Santa Claus Figurine Decoration

11 • Adorable Vintage Christmas Elf Pick

12 • Seasons Greeting Tray with Santa

His & Hers Gift Guide! // Buying Handmade

For her: 

Cateye Eyeglass Frames[---]

Sweetheart necklaces[---]

For both:

With Love Rubber Stamp[---]

For him:

Custom guitar pick[---]

Bowtie[---]

As the holidays approach it's only right to think of your loved ones...even though most of us (myself included) go out and end up spending more money on ourselves(selfish). All of these items were found on Etsy, and I truly believe that the best gifts you can get are gifts that are handmade..There's a certain beauty in buying something that you know someone put so much time into. It wasn't a machine pumping out hundreds and thousands of the same thing at one time, but one person's beautiful hands doing all the work. So for this holiday season support your local and handmade shops! Do yourself a favor and read this article about buying locally and supporting small businesses in our community, or maybe you need 101 reasons on why to buy handmade :) , you decide! Have a great weekend everybody!