Christmas Wishes

For the first time EVER, I have completed most of my Christmas shopping ahead of time! In the past, I have always put it off to then last minute and then had to run to the mall on Christmas Eve looking for affordable goodies. This year, I have a husband to care for and real financial responsibilities, so I gave us a strict budget, made a list, and bought things during Black Friday and Cyber Monday to get the best deals. And I'm so glad I did, planning ahead and shopping around allowed me to get everyone an awesome gift for a great price! I'm working on a few Christmas gift guides (the clock is ticking I know!), but first, here are some things I'm wishing for on Christmas morning!

Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera
I've wanted a DSLR camera since, like, FOREVER. Now that I'm a functional adult and attempting so many crafty house projects, I figured that this was the year to bite the bullet and go for it! I'm asking my sweet parents for it and I'm totally an amateur, so I looked among some of the more budget friendly cameras rather than the newest models out there. The Canon SL1 won for several reasons:

• It's a Canon, which I am more familiar with than any other brand, so it will be easier for me to learn how to use it
• It's the SMALLEST DSLR out there, which is muy bueno considering I want to take this baby with me for our future travels
• It is originally around $700, which is a pretty great price to begin with, but was recently on sale on Amazon for $531! WHAT?! Those savings are crazy (and I really hope my parents took advantage)!
• Lastly, I found an adorable leather case on Amazon that fits it perfectly (kind of kidding on this one, but the case was pretty persuasive)

Kate Spade Skinny Mini Pave Bow Ring

First, I just learned what "pave" is and now I that I know, I can fully appreciate how adorable this ring is. I fist saw it featured on this beautiful styled shoot by Grey Likes Weddings and fell in love with how dainty and feminine it is. For only $48, this would be a great gift from the hubs.

Everlane Weekender Bag

I was introduced to Everlane about a year ago when A Cup of Jo talked about their super luxurious shirts, and when I discovered their bags, I was hooked! For $95, this stylish duffle bag would be great for taking to the gym or for short trips.

Target Faux Fur Throw
I've been dying to replace my random collection of blankets (some of which I've had since high school) with some luscious and stylish faux fur throws. These beauties would look great folded up in my woven blanket basket, draped over the couch, curved under the Christmas tree as a skirt, and, of course, would be so nice to wrap around yourself out by the fire pit. I want one of these Target babies (only $24.99) in every color!

Cambridge Leather "Batchel"
I've been in need of a new computer bag ever since my sweet sister took my leather backpack with her to college. This beautiful Cambridge "Batchel" is the perfect bag/satchel combo and has a handle, which is necessary since I am pulling my computer in and out of the car so often. I wouldn't even mind lugging my bulky/hideous work computer around if I got to hide it in this! The "Batchel" is $205 and comes in plenty of colors and the option to be monogrammed (for those cute preppy souls).

Threshold Fox Figural
As my blog's name implies, I'm quite obsessed with these furry red creatures. For my birthday, I even got fox stud earrings from Anthropologie. Target has everything fox you might ever need. Seriously. And for less than $10, this baby belongs on my bookshelf. Ring-a-ding-ding.

Poor College Girl's 21st Birthday Gift Guide

I don't know about you lovelies, but I feel like the month of January should just be called Twenty-one-uary. I celebrated five 21st birthdays within just one month! And man, I'm tuckered out! But along with all of the fun, I've also had the joy of buying five wonderful 21-themed (but still classy) birthday presents for my lovely friends (whilst still being under 21 myself)! And this is quite a daunting task. So here are some ideas I came up with during the process:

 For your crazy, beautiful, always there for you, best girl friends (and roommates!):

Seat of Honor Bottle Opener
Check out these adorable little chair bottle openers! They are so precious and vintage-inspired, and perfect for popping open some white wine after dinner. They come in gold, silver or black for only $12 from Anthropologie! Also check out this wonderful key bottle opener.

Platinum Petals Wine Glass
Every girl needs her own wine glass. I love the pretty little flower details on this one! It's perfect for her to take a moment and focus on the little things. $14 from the one and only Anthropologie.

Drinkology: The Art of the Cocktail
If you and your girls are as new to the drink-making thing as me and my friends are, a delightful cocktail cookbook is perfect for you. A definite addition to every girls night from now on, this book can be yours for only $22.50.


I think its very hard to find gifts for boys in general, especially for their 21st birthdays. So, honestly, the best way to go is to buy them some alcohol of their choice (I'd suggest a nice beer, or some bourbon). But if you're still under 21, like me, here are some ideas:


For your cute, deserving, but very chill boyfriend:

 Mustache Shaped Flask
As much as every boy does NOT need a flask, every single one wants one. So I think this hilarious mustache-shaped flask is a perfect choice for your man. This was is $18 from Urban Outfitters.

Stanley Classic Flask 
Along the line of flasks, this is a favorite among men. This one is great because it is sturdy, masculine, and perfect for camping and hiking! Also available at Urban Outfitters for $28!

So, here you go, kids! Certainly not my most creative list, but hopefully it will help you when you are stuck in the same quandary as I was!

College Girl's Christmas Gift Guide 2010: Boyfriend Edition

Finally the finals have finished! Huzzah! Christmas break can start (as soon as I finish work at 5pm, pack and clean my whole apartment, and drive 2 hours in traffic and snow to Atlanta)! It is a great feeling to be done with schoolwork on any kind for the next month (I'm trying to forget about the internship applications and paintings I do have to work on over break)!

Anyways, instead of complaining, I thought I'd do my own Christmas Gift Guide for the holiday season! I've seen a lot of blogs do these, and as a budget-conscious college girl I thought I could provide some insight of my own!

First up: For that cute, nerdy, adorable boyfriend of yours.


For the average wallet:

Karvt Natural Wood Skins

Okay, these are just incredibly cool. Karvt has a line of real wood skins for your iPhones, iPads, and Macbooks. There are a variety of wood types, and they are left raw, so they can be painted on, carved on,  or banged up. All the while keeping your electronics protected. The prices range from $15-35, so these are definitely affordable!

J. Crew Magic Wallet

I'm not exactly sure how the magic works, but J.Crew swears this is the best wallet around. And anything that help my disorganized college boy out is good with me! And since this baby runs for $24.50, you can surely call this a bargain.

Every Man Jack DIY Kit

Nothing says you love your man more than a manly toiletries bag. Ha. But really, this is far from the feminine Clinique set your mom gave you last Christmas. This is useful, masculine, and helps your man look and smell great, all for the low, low price of $25. 

Northface Denali Gloves

Whether your man love skiing, camping, or just intense snowball fights, these gloves will serve him well. These are warm, durable and just dripping with manliness for those moments when he doesn't need to look so dressed up. $25 very well spent.

And for when you're willing to spurge for those long-time bf's who deserve a little more (or the one whose birthday is so dang close you might as well combine the gifts!):

Bertucci Watch

Every man needs a watch. And this one is simple, rugged, and perfectly cute for everyday use. Originally $179.99, but I found it for as low as $55 on eBay! (Lesson: always shop around!)

Clarks Desert Boots

I love these boots. I think they're adorable. Hopefully your man will too. Perfect for school, for a date out with you, or for just hanging around being adorable. They come in a variety of colors, but my personal favorite is the beeswax leather. I found them on EddieBauer.com for $90.

Filson Field Bag

Your boy is old enough to graduate from that old NorthFace backpack and go for this attractive leather and canvas field bag by Filson. This is functional, stylish, and definitely made to last for years. This one sells for $220 on Filson, but again I found it for $198 on eBay! J. Crew also sells a slightly cheaper, but equally manly version for $98.

And there you have it! Shop on ladies, shop on!