Wednesday, November 16, 2016

"My Favorite Things" Gift Basket...

This holiday season, I was inspired by a friend's reference to a "favorite things" white elephant party, so I decided to put together some "favorite things" gift baskets for family and friends we will be visiting over Thanksgiving!  These include everything from lip gloss to salsa to pizza kits! I added a few items (not in their gift baskets) of random holiday items I have stumbled upon recently...All great gift ideas!  I did not include shopping links for most, since these items should be readily available from your local stores...

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving to all!


World Market 'Drumming Santa' Tote
H&M Dish Towel



World Market Toblerone Chocolate
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand (1st in a series of 3 stories)
Lighthearted and fun read for the holidays!



Weekday in-a-pinch dinner: From Costco, these are cheaper, faster, and more delicious than any 
frozen pizza I have tried, and the kids have fun making their own with toppings, etc!


Trader Joe's Cornbread mix - Yummy with fall soups, chili, etc...
Trader Joe's Fall Harvest Salsa - SO yummy mixed with their pub cheese or cream cheese,
warmed in microwave for a fall queso!

Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips - need I say more?
(these are so good with the above queso)
Local Shop, The Olive Scene has yummy balsamic vinegars,
including this Espresso flavored one!


Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Roasted Pistachio Toffee
Yogi Bedtime Decaf Tea....so soothing at bedtime!


Clearly I am NOT a wine snob...from Target, I always enjoy this reasonably priced rose


World Market Bottle outfit, these lederhosen are adorable!!

World Market Bottle outfit, Santa

World Market Bottle outfit, Turkey
Target - Burt's Bees Pink Grapefruit Wipes - I keep these in the car for EVERYTHING
(and they smell yummy too!)
Bath & Body - Bigelow Lip Gloss, love this!!
Bath & Body - Limoncello Hand Cream - such a yummy scent!
Trader Joe's $9.99 22 inch boxwood wreath, can't beat this price!!

Emily McCarthy Personalized Gift Tags


World Market Wood Wine Chiller


Williams Sonoma Live Bay Leaf Wreath and Garland
This is so beautiful for the holidays!

Target (Faux) Fiddle Leaf Fig

Target Threshold Plaid Throw Pillow

Barrington Gifts Savannah Tote
Barrington Gifts Savannah Tote




Marley Lilly Monogrammed Heathered Sweatshirt
http://www.lisilerch.com/earrings/ginger/ginger-gold-pre-sale/


J Crew Leather Backed Sequin Earrings




http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/girls-knitwear/knitted-sweaters/30065/girls-fun-pom-pom-sweater

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/girls-new-in/clothing/30089-pgn/girls-pale-green-bunnies-ballerina-appliqu%C3%A9-t-shirt
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/girls-new-in/clothing/91431-red/girls-rosehip_tree-fair-isle-fun-festive-fair-isle-sweater
http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/girls-new-in/clothing/30075-ecr/girls-ecru-marl-tree-festive-sweater

http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/girls-new-in/clothing/34198-fai/girls-christmas-fairies-printed-nightie


http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/girls-shoes-boots/boots/54044/girls-printed-wellies



H&M Cat One-Piece cozy fleece
(my daughter has been living in this outfit this fall!)

H&M Holiday sweat pants - boy or girl

Target Nutcracker Pajamas for the family
(my son is playing a toy soldier in his class play, so this will be his costume!)
H&M Santa Fleece Dress

Friday, November 4, 2016

Ponchos and Capes Oh My!

The last couple of years, I posted collections of favorite ponchos and capes...http://kensingtonbliss.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-fall-cape.html  and http://kensingtonbliss.blogspot.com/2015/11/fall-fashion-and-interior-finds.html

I am so happy they are still back in action this fall!  This style can be somewhat tricky as I have found them to be most comfortable with some sort of closure: buttons, zipper, toggle, etc.  Many ponchos are more like huge scarves that seem cute when you first try them on, but to wear them all evening, you feel like you are wrestling an alligator.  Also, I find that armholes are helpful as well so the fabric does not bunch up too much in the chest.  Finally, in terms of seasons, these sadly have a rather short shelf life (at least in Cleveland) since they are not practical to wear under a heavier coat...so this is more of an early fall item.  But, I still love this classic throw-back to vintage-style outerwear, super fun, cozy and warm!!

I collected a few new favorites below...Enjoy and Happy Fall Y'all!
Talbots Faux Fur Collar Cape
ASOS Military Cape

Ann Taylor Shawl Collar Cape


Draper James Georgia Plaid Cape