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The Most Wonderful Time of Year at Home

Holiday home decor | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Therapedic weighted blanketTarget PJ’sPottery Barn stockings and couchHoliday home decor and Louise the Vizsla | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastHoliday home decor and Louise the Vizsla | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Pottery Barn couch, blanket, stockings;  garland via HomeGoods;  aldi dog sweater (c/o)Holiday dining room decor | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastHoliday dining room decor | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastHoliday dining room decor | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Faux leather skirtblack sweater (save 20% with code “Nik20“); Marc Fisher bootsHoliday dining room decor | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastHoliday dining room decor | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergastsimilar Mercury glass trees (and here);  similar mirrorrug;  Pottery Barn light fixturesHoliday dining room decor | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Pottery Barn plaid salad plate and Santa bowlsHoliday home decor and Louise the Vizsla | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastHoliday home decor and Louise the Vizsla | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Eberjey PJ’s (look for less here);  Staheekum slippers (c/o);  Eddie Bauer blanketPottery Barn mug

Happy Friday, friends!  I seriously cannot believe that it is already December 21st and the Friday before Christmas!  I swear Thanksgiving was just yesterday, but what a whirlwind month it’s been.  From family time in Louisiana to shopping in Vegas, photoshoots in Palm Springs, eating and exploring around Jackson Hole, and taking in my first snow polo match in Aspen, it’s been an amazing month of travel, experiences, food, and so many people I love.

But today, I’m so happy to be homeward bound to my best buddy and our TWO pups.  Yep, Weeze and her new sister Wilma come home tomorrow, and we couldn’t be more excited.  Am I ready for that puppy phase all over again?  That would be a definite no, but I guess here goes nothing.

So today I’m sharing a few snaps of my favorite time of year in our home.  There’s nothing better than coming downstairs in the morning to Christmas trees (the smell!), lights, stockings, and all that Christmas jazz.  I’m especially loving the dining room and our new Christmas dishes that we’ll be using for years to come, and is there anything better than a red-headed pup in her Christmas sweater?  I think not.  Hope you guys have the best weekend ahead!

xoxo

Visit Here: Knoxville, Tennessee

Thank you Tennessee Tourism for sponsoring this post. Plan your vacation to Tennessee, and experience the beauty with more to see !

Veterans Overlook, Knoxville Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastVeterans Overlook, Knoxville Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastTennessee Tourism Colorblind-less ViewersVeterans Overlook, Knoxville Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastVeterans Overlook, Knoxville Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastVeterans Overlook, Knoxville Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastVeterans Overlook, Knoxville Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Spanx leggingsCarve Designs sweaterHunter bootsplaid scarfEric’s Pendleton shirt

Happy Thursday, friends!  If you’ve been following along on Instagram then you know that Eric and I recently took a weekend trip to Knoxville, Tennessee.  It was a quick trip, but we tried to pack it all in.  We ate, we drank, we saw so many pretty views – including a “colorblind-less” view for Eric.

Veterans Overlook and Eric’s Colorblind-less view – Our Sunday morning at Veterans Overlook was the coolest part and the entire point of the trip.  Tennessee has some of the most beautiful fall foliage that I’ve seen, and Tennessee Tourism has done something really cool so that more people can enjoy it.  They’ve installed “Colorblind-Less” Viewfinders at several scenic spots around the state, and fun fact, Eric is colorblind.  We drove out to Veterans Overlook on Sunday morning, and although it was super foggy and overcast, we were excited for Eric to try out the viewfinder.

And his immediate response?  “Wow.”  For the first time, he saw a huge fall landscape that was, in his words, more vivid, more colorful.  He would look in, look up, look in, and look up again.  He also turned the viewfinder on me and decided, thankfully, that he still liked what he saw.  Could’ve really ruined the trip!  All jokes aside, thank you to Tennessee Tourism for such an amazing time in Knoxville.  We are so grateful to have gotten to explore a little bit of Tennessee and love that Eric got to have a little glimpse into a colorblind-less fall.  Read on for a few more favorite spots from the trip.

The Tennesseean Hotel – After a full day of travel, this hotel was surely a sight for sore eyes and has since become one of my favorite places I’ve stayed.  I knew the hotel would be beautiful from the photos I saw beforehand, but the comfort and pleasant experience was seriously on another level.  From the beyond friendly staff, comfortable rooms stocked with Molton Brown shower goodies and Illy espresso, the coziest lounge for relaxing with lunch and a cocktail, and the best location that was an easy walk to Market Square, it really became our little home away from home.  It was the place we couldn’t wait to get back to at the end of the day, and when we make it back to Knoxville, I wouldn’t think of staying anywhere else.

Knox Brew Tours – Eric and I had no idea that Knoxville had such a fun and interesting beer scene happening, but I came across a suggestion for Knox Brew Tours and decided to buy tickets.  And we are so happy that we did.  We met at a local beer shop that was a quick walk from The Tennesseean Hotel, and for 45 bucks we hopped on the brew bus for tours and full tastings at four local breweries.  We enjoyed tasting the craft beers but also learned a bunch from our tour guide Ace and our driver Queso.  It’s a must and is also how we discovered the next must-see stop on my list.

Pretentious Glass Co. – One of the stops on the Knox Brew Tours bus was Pretentious Beer Co., a really cute little brewery with fun decor, a great outdoor space, and a door connecting it to Pretentious Glass Co. where you can watch glassblowers creating the most unique and beautiful glassware.  We could’ve stayed and watched all day (had to jump back on the bus), but we did purchase and ship home some goodies that we can’t wait to receive.

Breakfast and lunch at The Drawing Room in The Tennesseean Hotel – The lounge at The Tennesseean Hotel was seriously the best.  Big, comfy chairs, cozy couches, friendly staff, and some seriously yummy food.  We had breakfast here one morning and lunch with a side of football the next.  The low country boil (basically a seafood stew dish), fig and prosciutto flatbread, and burrata were all so good.

Three Rivers Rambler Train Ride – The Three Rivers Rambler is a train ride that takes you right along the Tennessee River.  We hopped on the 7:15 train, and to be honest, I’d definitely recommend booking one of the earlier departures so you can take in the scenery before it’s too dark.  Other than that, it was a pretty cool experience and is a really great option for families with kiddos.

BBQ at Sweet P’s Downtown Dive – From now on, whenever someone asks about the best BBQ I’ve ever had, I can easily say Sweet P’s in Knoxville, Tennessee.  This place came highly recommended (for good reason), so Eric and I stopped in for a late dinner after the Three Rivers Rambler.  And we are SO glad that we did.  We tried the dry-rubbed ribs, the garlic hot wings, mac and cheese, and cole slaw, and it all looked so good, I accidentally took zero photos.  The ribs were crazy good, and the mac and cheese alone might be enough to get me back to Knoxville.

Breakfast at Sugar Mama’s – Y’all, this place was serious Southern deliciousness.  We randomly stopped in and were so happy to find the cutest little spot with $1 mimosas, homemade pastries, lots of beers on tap, and biscuits galore.  Oh, and the pulled pork tacos loaded with mac and cheese, jalepenos, and pimento cheese?  A little bit life-changing.  Sadly, the day that we visited was actually the day that Sugar Mama’s closed its doors, but I’m still mentioning it here because the owners are in the process of opening a bigger location somewhere soon in Knoxville.  Fingers crossed it’s open when you go.

Exploring Market Square – This is a pretty idyllic town square that kind of looks like something out of a movie.  The Market Square area has a beautiful park area, restaurants, and cute local shops.  We roamed around, found the birthplace of the SEC (#winning), and stopped into Woodruff’s Downtown Grill & Brewery for one last beer sampler before heading to the airport.

xoxo

Above photos thanks to Alaina Rene Photo; Below photos from Eric and me

Pretentious Beer Co. in Knoxville, Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Knox Brew Tours in Knoxville, Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Spanx leggingssweater hoodieForever 21 scarfTretorn sneakersZara jacket (also love this one);  Gucci handbagThe Tennesseean Hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Lobby of The Tennesseean HotelThe Tennesseean Hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Lunch at The Drawing Room at The Tennesseean HotelThe Tennesseean Hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Cozy room at The Tennessean HotelThe Theater District in Knoxville, Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Exploring around Market Square and the Theater DistrictBirthplace of the SEC in Knoxville, Tennessee | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Forever 21 sweatshirt dress and scarfTretorn sneakersGucci handbagQuay sunglasses

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Layering Basics + Talbots’ Friends & Family Event

 Talbot’s denim jeggings and perfect turtleneck (c/o – 30% off);  old cape;  handbagsuede boots (get coupons to shop here);  sunglasses

If you’ve ever experienced fall in Southern California, you know that those morning fall chills and afternoon fall feels are…quite different.  That chunky sweater may seem like a good idea in the am, but come lunchtime, I’m counting down the seconds until I can get home and rip that torture device off.  So these days, in order to avoid sweating like a banshee all over town, I’m all about some light layers like this staple combo from Talbots.

While you might not think of a turtleneck as a “light layer”, this one is actually pretty perfect.  (And what do you know, it’s called the “Perfect Turtleneck.”)  It’s super breathable, available in 8 colors, and is the best base piece to layer under so many things in your closet.  I’m loving the ivory but thinking I may need to grab it in black too.  What can I say, I’m a creature of habit.

And then there are the jeans.  I guess I’ve been a broken record about the search for good high rise jeans lately, but y’all, I’ve found another pair.  These are super stretchy and comfortable and have a built-in slimming panel because, obviously, that’s always a good idea.  The wash is clean and simple (also loving this dark wash), and these stretch skinnies will cost you less than $100.

And now for the best part?  Talbots is currently offering 30% off your entire purchase during their Friends & Family Event with code FRIENDS30.  So snag some sweaters, update your denim collection, or join me in finally pulling the trigger on this swoon-worthy skirt.  (Hello, holidays.)  Also, how cute are these little plaid slippers?  Just add a fireplace and cocoa.

Talking holidays too much too soon?  Sorry but I had to because there’s seriously no better time to shop.  Happy shopping, friends!

xoxo

Talbots Friends & Family Event | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Talbot’s stretch denim jeggings, perfect turtleneck, and Merino sweater jacket (c/o – 30% off);  suede bootssunglasses (get coupons here)

Brought to you by Talbots and Stylinity

5 Things I’m Loving This Week

Louise the Vizsla | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Madewell flats (more sizes here);  Julie Vos bracelets

Happy Friday, friends!  Back atcha this week with another installment of 5 things I’m Loving This Week.  Are y’all liking these?  Are they annoying?  Rest assured, these aren’t sponsored, they’re seriously just things I’m loving.  Things that are making my week better.  Things that I think you might love too.  (BTW, if you bought Mike’s Hot Honey from this post a couple weeks ago, make sure you try it on pizza.  I did this week and can never have pizza without it.)  Honey or no honey, here’s hoping everyone has a sweet weekend ahead.  Too cheesy?  I don’t care.  Here goes –

The cutest little pumpkins – I’ll admit that Christmas decorations are my main jam (see caption here), but lately I’ve been really digging the fall vibes around here.  I’ve got a new favorite candle burning in the kitchen and these adorable mini pumpkins stashed…everywhere.  I can’t help it.  How cute is that little white pumpkin above?  (Well, and the pumpkin-colored dog that’s staring at a treat under the pumpkin is pretty cute too.)

Benefect Disinfectant Wipes – I’ve been using Clorox wipes, marble cleaners, and other kitchen sprays for years, but recently a friend gave us these and I’m hooked.  (Do you ever stop to think about the chemicals in the products you’re using around your house?  Because I do.)  Benefect is a botanical disinfectant that kills just as many germs as its chemical-loaded competitors but with a toxicity less than vinegar.  (Read more here.)  It’s the stuff they use to clean up the bacteria and mold left behind by hurricanes and other natural disasters, so I’m pretty sure it can handle my everyday kitchen disasters…and the ones left behind by the pumpkin-colored velvet head above.  And as an added bonus for my fellow essential oil lovers, they leave behind a slight scent of thyme – no Clorox gas mask needed.

The luxe jacket I can’t wait to wear – A couple of weeks ago I took a quick trip to NYC, and between meetings and a fun happy hour with friends, it was a good little trip.  The cherry on top was definitely coming home with the most beautiful, versatile jacket from Cinzia Rocca that I can’t wait to wear.  The hood, cuffs, and padded button-down mid-section are all removable, so I can wear the plaid part here, and the full, warm get-up will be amazing during this winter’s Jackson Hole trip.  (Oh you know we’re going back.)  And if you want another, less-expensive cold weather jacket that I love, this one from Carve Designs is 100% it.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation – If you follow along with my Instagram stories, you know that I received the most generous package from Estée Lauder a few weeks ago with SO many shades of their Double Wear Foundation.  Well I’ve tried it, and I LOVE it.  True to its claims, it really does stay right in place.  I put it to the ultimate test during a friend’s recent rainy-day, humid Louisiana wedding, and at the end of the night, I really didn’t feel like my makeup was struggling.  (Southern girls, you know – 100% humidity shows no mercy.)  And, if you’re one of the 30-something readers who received your shade in the mail from me, I hope you’re loving it too!

Malibu Farm at Lido Marina Village – This week I had lunch with my last boss before I took the blog full-time, and we decided on the new Malibu Farm at Lido Marino Village.  Besides meeting up with one of my favorite humans who happens to be a former boss, I’ve got all the happy feelings about the new Malibu Farm.  You’re sitting right on the water, but the menu just takes the experience over the top.  Cauliflower crust pizza, burrata salad, and the best Branzino fish tacos?  Sign me up.  And next time, I’m definitely doing a little research on the F’Rosé Cocktail.  You know, for the blog.

xoxo

Park City Snowstorm

Carve Designs down coat, plaid blanket scarf, SheIn sweatshirt, Hunter Boots | Park City, UtahCarve Designs down coat, plaid blanket scarf, SheIn sweatshirt, Hunter Boots | Park City, UtahCarve Designs down coat, plaid blanket scarf, SheIn sweatshirt, Hunter Boots | Park City, UtahCarve Designs down coat, plaid blanket scarf, SheIn sweatshirt, Hunter Boots | Park City, UtahCarve Designs down coat, plaid blanket scarf, SheIn sweatshirt, Hunter Boots | Park City, UtahCarve Designs down coat, plaid blanket scarf, SheIn sweatshirt, Hunter Boots | Park City, UtahCarve Designs down coat, plaid blanket scarf, SheIn sweatshirt, Hunter Boots | Park City, UtahCarve Designs down coat, plaid blanket scarf, SheIn sweatshirt, Hunter Boots | Park City, UtahCarve Designs down coat, plaid blanket scarf, SheIn sweatshirt, Hunter Boots | Park City, UtahCarve Designs down coat, plaid blanket scarf, SheIn sweatshirt, Hunter Boots | Park City, UtahCarve Designs down coat, plaid blanket scarf, SheIn sweatshirt, Hunter Boots | Park City, UtahSheIn sweatshirt (c/o);  similar layering turtleneckfaux fur lined leggingsHunter bootsCarve Designs coat (also love the black version here);  plaid scarf

Yesterday I shared a few looks and highlights from a recent trip to Sundance with Stella Artois, but today I’m sharing just one more look from the trip and maybe what turned out to be a surprise favorite morning there.  When I first arrived in Utah, my Uber driver to Park City warned me that I was getting to town right before the snow.

And snow it did.  I had been checking my weather app for the entire week leading up to the trip and thought that it would probably snow for a few hours on Friday night, but once it started, it pretty much didn’t stop.  We woke up Saturday morning in a serious snow globe, which was probably the best way to spend my first morning there.  The balcony of my hotel room was covered in snow, as were all of the grounds surrounding the hotel.

I stayed in bed for a bit watching the snow with a cup of coffee, but then obviously Kathleen and I had to do some snowy exploring.  I mean, it’s not everyday that a couple of Southern California residents get pictures in snow.  So we roamed around the Newpark Resort Hotel and further solidified what I already knew – Utah is so, so beautiful and even more magical in the snow.

This jacket (last seen here) was the only bigger coat that I brought along on the trip, and I was so happy to have it.  It’s so lightweight and easy to pack, but in the chilliest temps, it’s seriously warm.  The sherpa-lined hood and pockets kept my ears and hands super warm, and if you’ve got any snowy trips on the horizon, I can’t recommend this one more.

Here’s hoping everyone has a great week!

xoxo

Sundance Film Festival with Stella Artois

Topshop faux fur jacket, Free People scarf, Zac Zac Posen handbag | Park City, UtahTopshop jacketNastyGal sweatercabi turtleneckFree People scarfZac Zac Posen handbag and fur strapfaux fur-lined leggingsOver-the-knee bootsRay-Ban sunglassesTopshop faux fur jacket, Free People scarf and beanie, SheIn sweater, Zac Zac Posen handbag | Park City, Utah SheIn sweater (c/o);  Topshop faux fur jacketLevi’s jeans (on sale);  Over-the-knee bootsZac Zac Posen handbag and fur strapFree People scarf and beanieRay-Ban sunglassesStella Artois | Park City, UtahTopshop faux fur jacket, Saint Laurent handbag, Stella Artois | Park City, Utah SheIn dress (c/o);  Topshop faux fur jacketfleece-lined tightsSaint Laurent handbag (more affordable version here);  Ray-Ban sunglassesSnowmobiling in Park City, Utah Moon River sweater (runs big, size down);  plaid scarfCarve Designs coat (also love the black version here);  faux fur lined leggingsHunter bootsHunter boot linersLove Your Melon beaniePark City, UtahMoon River sweater, Free People scarf and beanie, Hunter Boots | Park City, Utah Moon River sweaterFree People scarf and beanie (on sale);  faux fur lined leggingsHunter BootsRay-Ban sunglassesStella Artois cheers in Park City, UtahTopshop faux fur jacket, SheIn sweater, Free People scarf, Zac Zac Posen handbag | Park City, Utah SheIn sweater (c/o);  Topshop faux fur jacketLevi’s jeans (on sale);  Free People scarf and beanie (on sale);  Zac Zac Posen handbag and fur strapOver-the-knee boots;  Ray-Ban sunglassesKnowlita sweatshirt, Blank NYC jeans, Love Your Melon beanie, Ricardo Beverly Hills luggage, Louis Vuitton Neverfull | Park City, Utah Blank NYC jeanssimilar Knowlita sweatshirtLove Your Melon beanieRay-Ban sunglassessimilar leather sneakersRicardo Beverly Hills luggageFree People fringe scarfCarve Designs jacketLouis Vuitton Neverfull

If you’ve been following along on Instagram, then you know that I spent a long weekend last week with Stella Artois at the Sundance Film Festival.  And it was awesome.  I had never been to Sundance before (or Park City for that matter), and I was super excited to get there and experience all the excitement firsthand.  We kicked off the weekend with a welcome dinner at 501 on Main, and the food was so delicious.

We stayed at the Newpark Resort Hotel which was just a short drive from the Main Street / downtown area, and the rooms were so, so nice.  This room was seriously HUGE and included a gas fireplace, a kitchenette, and a big balcony with a jacuzzi on it.  Every morning I had my coffee in bed with the fireplace going, looking out on a snowy mountain view.  It was the best way to start my day and such a cozy place to come home to at night.

The Stella Artois team had the cutest lounge set up on Main Street, and it became our sort of home away from home on the trip.  It was a comfy spot to thaw out, listen to live music, grab a snack (thankfully since we could not get into any restaurants in town – everything was booked solid) and enjoy cold Stellas and Cidre hot toddies.  There was also a limited edition chalice shop helping to give access to clean water to communities without.  (You can find more info on that partnership here.)  This was also the place where we listened in on an amazing Women in Film panel, joined in on a Sunday night hip-hop dance party, and did most of our celebrity spotting.

On Sunday we went on a snowmobiling excursion, and it was SO MUCH FUN.  I’ll admit that I was a little nervous at first and maneuvering this beast machine was a little aggressive, but once I got the hang of it, I was hooked.  It’s really a shame that Orange County’s weather doesn’t support my new favorite hobby.  Guess it just means I’ll have to make my way back to the snow a little more often.

And then there were the movies – it was Sundance after all.  Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not much of a movie buff and don’t even watch much TV these days, but seeing movies in a tiny theater in the presence of all the people that helped make that movie possible was totally cool.

Kathleen and I saw Search together on Sunday night, and we loved it.  It was like a Dateline murder mystery (one of my TV faves) on the big screen set in this crazy cyber world we live in.  It was so cool to hear from the film’s director and cast during a Q&A after the movie, and afterwards we walked over to Twisted Fern for dinner.  This was definitely my favorite meal of the trip – the brussels sprouts appetizer, house red wine, and the lentil-mushroom burger were all amazing.  (Thankfully we could get into restaurants that were a bit out of town.)

Overall it was an amazing trip with some pretty great people, and when it came time to leave, I was pretty sad to go.  Sundance was such a cool experience, and Park City was so beautiful.  But after one last delicious bite to eat at the High West Distillery in the Salt Lake City Airport (thanks to this recommendation from Female Foodie), it was back home to the husband and the pup.

Here’s hoping everyone has a great week ahead!

xoxo

Thank you so much to Stella Artois for the amazing trip.  All opinions are my own.

Here’s Lookin’ at You, 2017

ED Ellen Degeneres mug, Eberjey pajamas and robebest plaid blanket scarf under $20Spanx leggings, Parker NY leather jacketSwimspot swimsuit campaigncabi clothing dress and cardigan, GiGi New York handbagBanana Republic jeans, shirt and jacket, Zac Zac Posen handbagForever 21 floral bomber jacket + Loren Hope jewels + Henri Bendel clutchBanana Republic pleated little black dressVacation style with a cabi clothing midi skirt, Wayf crop top, Johnston & Murphy heelsBeach horseback riding at Playa de La PazBlogger girls' getaway at Playa de La PazGirls' getaway at Playa de La PazFringe swimsuit at Playa de La PazAmour Vert floral midi dress + Cult Gaia acrylic clutchJulep Brave Pretty campaignStaycation at the Hyatt Regency Huntington BeachStaying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort in Palm SpringsTrina Turk resort style, White Elephant Designs beach bag#LouisetheViz 8-week-old Vizsla puppyLaguna Beach sunset#LouisetheViz 12-week-old Vizsla puppyTrina Turk Kimono and shorts at the Marina Del Rey Hotel#msdathome White marble countertops with wood floorsAll white kitchen with Calacatta marble countertopsMost comfortable hammock swing chairs + Vizsla puppyMid-century modern living room in Palm SpringsMid-century modern master bedroom in Palm Springs | Article furnitureOutdoor living in Palm Springs | RST Brands outdoor furnitureOrange County bloggersStaying at the Four Seasons Residence Club AviaraRedbook Magazine's Red Beauty BoxAqua floral dress + Strathberry handbag + blush velvet heelsBest holiday sleepwear | #LouisetheViz Vizsla puppy#LouisetheViz Vizsla puppyNational Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, WyomingJackson Hole, WyomingVizsla puppy in Christmas pajamas Vizsla puppy by fireplace | #LouisetheVizIt seriously seems like just a couple of months ago that I was writing a little recap of 2016, and yet somehow, here we are, already a couple of days in to 2018.  I know that lots of folks are having lots of mixed reviews of 2017, but I gotta say, it was a pretty wonderful one around here.

We kicked off 2017 by packing up our house and getting ready for a pretty easy remodel.  We were adding on a dining room and an office for Eric and changing out all of the existing exterior plaster for new.  We found an awesome rental house and thought we’d make ourselves at home there for about a month.  (The plaster changing meant we wouldn’t have exterior walls, so the house was just too cold to live in.)  You know what they say, the best laid plans…

Fast forward five months, and our sweet little remodel turned into an entirely different house.  We eliminated walls, vaulted ceilings, did an entire kitchen remodel, and changed just about every room in the house.  Over the next seven months, we added on a front patio with a fire pit that we love, completely reworked the backyard to include a built-in BBQ and jacuzzi area, and finally switched out the dirt yard and port-o-potty out front for actual grass and landscaping.  (Hashtag, that construction life.)  And I swear, more photos of the home are coming soon.

In May after moving back into our house, we welcomed our sweet pup Louise, and although girlfriend certainly put me through it for a couple of months, she’s now the sweetest little member of our family.  (And as you can probably tell from the photos above, my furry sidekick loves a good photo opp.)

Over the summer we were super fortunate to purchase a house in Palm Springs (more photos here) and worked with a handful of amazing companies to furnish, decorate, and make it a home.  We’ve loved every single day we’ve gotten to spend there, loved ringing in the new year there, and can’t wait to spend more time in the desert this year.

Over the past year, I’ve gotten to enjoy some amazing travels – both near and far – from a crazy nice girls’ getaway to Playa de La Paz in Mexico to my dream long weekend in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with my love and a couple of friends.  (More on that Jackson trip, still to come.)  This year, I got to work with some amazing brands, interview Reese Witherspoon (even if I did stumble all over my words like a starstruck idiot), celebrate one whole year of marriage, and keep this little blog going, doing exactly what I love doing.

Year after year, I’m so very fortunate that you guys keep reading and following along on my journey.  I’m so thankful for all the comments, likes, emails, in-person hello’s and so very thankful for this little community.  There are already some fun things in the works for 2018, so I certainly hope that you’ll keep following along!  Here’s hoping everyone has the best year ahead!

xoxo

P.S. – For all outfit details and photographer info, click the photo above to see the original post.

No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Holiday travel style with Banana Republic, Ricardo Beverly Hills, GiGi New York Holiday travel style with Banana Republic, Ricardo Beverly Hills, GiGi New York Holiday travel style with Banana Republic, Ricardo Beverly Hills, GiGi New York Holiday travel style with Banana Republic, Ricardo Beverly Hills, GiGi New York Holiday travel style with Banana Republic, Ricardo Beverly Hills, GiGi New YorkHoliday travel style with Banana Republic, Ricardo Beverly Hills, GiGi New YorkHoliday travel style with Banana Republic, Ricardo Beverly Hills, GiGi New YorkHoliday travel style with Banana Republic, Ricardo Beverly Hills, GiGi New YorkHoliday travel style with Banana Republic, Ricardo Beverly Hills, GiGi New YorkHoliday travel style with Banana Republic, Ricardo Beverly Hills, GiGi New YorkHoliday travel style with Banana Republic, Ricardo Beverly Hills, GiGi New YorkBanana Republic jeans and sweater (c/o);  plaid scarfGiGi New York handbagHush Puppies shoesRicardo Beverly Hills luggage (c/o);  Vasiliki Designs necklace (c/o);  Jemma Sands beaded bracelets (c/o);  Stella & Dot rose gold bangleRay-Ban sunglasses (c/o) Shopbop

Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays.  And for me these days, that counts for both our California and Louisiana Christmases.  Eric and I switch off every year, and this year, we’re spending my favorite holiday at our home in California.  My parents are in town, and we’re dog-sitting for one of Weeze’s dog buds (a 200 pound Mastiff named Angus), so it’s a full and happy house for sure.

But today I’m teaming up with Banana Republic to share a holiday travel look that’s ideal for those days when we’re headed south to Louisiana for the holidays.  It’s my favorite outfit for traveling – high rise skinnies, a super soft sweaterthe comfiest shoes, and a scarf that doubles as a blanket for the plane.  (This poncho is also a dream for flying.)  It’s comfortable enough for flying but classic and stylish enough for actually going out and about once you land.  (Because you KNOW we always have to grab a meal somewhere in New Orleans when we land.)

And as for the luggage, well recently those got a stylish upgrade too.  (Because what’s a good airport Instagram without a couple of stylish bags?  I know, don’t answer that.)  But these really are great.  They’re durable and sleek, roll like a dream, and they’ve got a ton of compartments, perfect for organizing the 50 additional sweaters I’ll most likely pack.  (And you can enter to win a set of your own.)

Well we’re in the final stretch before Christmas, y’all, and no matter where you’re spending the holiday, arrive in style.  And here’s hoping you’re surrounded by the people you love.

xoxo

Photos thanks to Felicia Lasala

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Under $50 Holiday Gift Guide for the Gals

Holiday Gift Guide Under $501. Ruffle Chenille Sweater  2. Mohair Knit Bow Headband  3. Ribbed Glass Vase  4. Sugarfina Candy Bento Box  5. Flat Silk Loafer Mule  6. Engraved Mantra Cuff  7. Puffer Jacket  8. Plaid Fleece Socks  9. Corkcicle 25 oz. Canteen  10. Cell Phone Grip and Stand  11. Gold-Flecked Stemless Wine Glasses  12. Peace Sign Bar Cart Decor  13. Fringed Woven Poncho  14. Rose Gold Tassel Earrings  15. Metallic Fingerless Moto Gloves  16. Chevron Faux Fur Throw  17. Faux Fur Slippers  18. Selfie Glo Lens  19. Shawl Collar Cardigan

Happy almost weekend, gals, and holy crap – happy almost December.  Are we sure that tomorrow is December 1st?  Because I’m for reals confused about it.  But also, I can’t say that I hate it.

Tonight I’m super excited to be a part of one of the coolest holiday events ever.  I’m headed to the Outlets at San Clemente along with a bunch of blogger pals where I’ll be matched with a little boy or girl currently undergoing cancer treatment at CHOC, the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.  I’ll have a list of all of his or her favorite things, and armed with a couple of gift cards, I get to do a little Christmas shopping for my CHOC buddy.  I’m so, so excited and will be sharing the shopping fun over on my Instagram stories tonight.

And here on the blog today, back at it with another gift guide, and today’s picks are all under $50.  Well, almost all.  Okayyyy, so one item on the list is over $50, but it’s the cutest puffer of all time, comes in 4 colors, and is still under $60.  So I included it.  And bought one for myself.  But everything else is definitely under $50, and many items are under $20.

So grab her a vase, a pretty sweater, or the faux fur slippers that I’m currently eyeing, and if you need a few more ideas, check out my gift guides for the home body and for the guys in your life.  Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!

xoxo

Holiday Gift Guide for the Guys

Holiday Gift Guide for the Guys1. Plaid Flannel Shirt  2. Ugg Slippers  3. John Varvatos Vintage Cologne   4. Classic Leather Watch  5. Nike Sneakers  6. Crosley Radio Turntable  7. Stance USC Socks  8. One Blade Electric Trimmer and Shaver  9. RVCA Bomber Jacket  10. Intense Therapy Lip Balm Duo  11. Brixton Flannel Shirt  12. Amazon Echo Dot  13. Leather Money Clip  14. Luxe Leather Trimmed Duffle  15. Vans Leather Slip-On Sneaker  16. Nest Learning Thermostat  17. RVCA Soft Hoodie

Ahh, gifts for the guys.  I must admit that even on the rare year that I actually get a good head start on my holiday shopping, I tend to save the guys for last.  Occasionally I’ll come across something great for Eric or my dad, but in general, I just have more fun shopping for the girls.  (Maybe because it’s easier to throw in a little something for myself along the way?  Guilty.)

But this year I’m determined to change my ways and get a jumpstart on shopping for the boys.  This year’s list of potentials includes a flannel shirt or two, new sneaks, Eric’s favorite cologne, and Stance socks to replace a few pairs that have recently gone missing.  (Eric loves Stance socks and stocked up on them a couple of years ago.  Unfortunately these days there is someone in the house who loves them just as much as he does – a guilty-looking puppy named Louise.)

Perhaps this is finally my year to be done, cool, calm and collected by December 23rd.  Maybe, but then what’s the fun in that?  Happy holiday shopping, friends.

xoxo

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