A Blonde's Moment

Gift Guide: Personalized Presents

December 7, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

I love giving gifts. I know you have probably heard me say this before, but I always try to find the perfect gift for everyone on my list. I think there is always a sense of excitement when a person receives a personalized gift. Finding your name or initial on an item makes it instantly feel more special. As a child, who didn’t love looking for their name on a key chain, Christmas ornament or magnet! Today, I am rounding up a few of my favorite personalized gifts for this holiday season. And don’t worry, there is still time to order those “made to order” items.

As much as I love ordering personalized gifts, it can often be difficult. Typically, you are faced with earlier shipping deadlines and the recipient not having the ability to return the item. Since that is an issue that a lot of us face, I’ve include a few of my favorite initial pieces like this trinket tray for the jewelry lover, this gold letter for decoration in an office and who doesn’t need socks, a great stocking stuffer!

But, if you are looking for something a little more personal, here are a few of my current favorites:

This cozy, monogrammed sweatshirt tunic is ideal for weekend errands or just lounging around the house. Pair it with leggings or skinny jeans and you are casual, cute and comfortable. Speaking of cute, wouldn’t these monogrammed duck boots be perfect with this casual weekend look? Priced at $69 and available in 3 colors, these would also make a great gift!

A hot pink monogrammed mug? I’m in! Pair the mug with these fabulous coasters and you have quite a fabulous dining room or office situation.

I have been wanting a custom address stamp for years now but I keep telling myself that I need to wait until we get our next house. I love all the fun script options this stamp offers. A great gift idea for a house warming present or newlywed couple, too!

I typically don’t discriminate when it comes to monograms, I love them all! But, if it wasn’t already obvious, monogram necklaces take the cake in my book. You probably notice that I wear THIS monogram necklace from Onecklace quite frequently, it’s my very favorite! Because I do wear it so frequently, my mom always mentions how much she likes it and that she wants one too. And since I got this monogram obsession from my mama, it’s only right that we can be matching in our necklaces now! With Onecklace‘s festive wrapping, it looks perfect under the Christmas tree. And goes well with the color scheme too I might add!

onecklace-block-letter-monogram-necklace

onecklace-monogram-necklace-christmas-gift

Onecklace monogrammed necklaces c/o

Personalized gifts have a sentimental value and they are by far my favorite gift to give! Have you purchased any personalized gifts for your loved ones this holiday season? Thanks for dropping by and see you back here tomorrow!

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Cranberry Holiday Cocktail

December 6, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

It’s that time of the year! We are having our Christmas party this weekend and food planning has been on my mind. Thankfully, cocktails are typically up to my husband, but a few weekends ago, I threw champagne, cranberry juice and cranberries together to create a delicious and festive cocktail just in time for the holiday season.

This super simple recipe is perfect for holiday parties. Although I made individual drinks, you could easily make a pitcher — although I cannot guarantee this pretty color divide if everything is mixed in a pitcher. I had fresh cranberries on hand from another recipe, but you could also use frozen. A refreshing and quick cocktail ideal for the rush of the holiday season!

cranberry-champagne-christmas-cocktail-recipe

Cranberry Holiday Cocktail

{what you will need — for individual drinks}

1 ounce cranberry juice

champagne or sparkling wine

fresh cranberries for garnish, if desired

{directions}

Place a few fresh cranberries that have been washed into the bottom of a champagne flute. Pour the cranberry juice over the cranberries. Add the champagne or sparking wine until it is just about to the top of the flute. Serve and enjoy!

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Thanks for dropping by and see you back here tomorrow!

Christmas Red & Leopard

December 5, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Now that it’s officially December, it’s time to start breaking out all the red! I have loved this coat since it was at J.Crew a few years ago, but when the priced finally dropped at J.Crew Factory, I couldn’t resist adding this festive red coat to my collection.

Coat: J.Crew Factory | Sweater: BP. via Nordstrom {TTS if you are looking for oversized fit; size down for a more fitted look} | Denim: Old Navy | Boots: Tory Burch {on sale!} | Beanie: Nordstrom, sold out but keep checking, they have been re-stocking! {similar HERE} | Bag: Tory Burch | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Necklace: Onecklace c/o | Lips: #09 {my favorite holiday red!}

There are so many reasons to love this coat. Where to begin?! Of course I was first attracted to the color. This bright hue is the perfect color not only for the holidays, but also for brightening a cold winter day. When I wore this coat on last Sunday, it was pretty chilly and it was just the right amount of warmth. I found that it ran true to size and was the perfect length {I’m about 5’8 for reference}.

And now, for my other new obsession! There is no denying my love for hats and when the temperatures begin to drop, I typically reach for one of the several beanies I have in my closet. But, a leopard beanie? That’s too good to be true! I loved this beanie last year and it sold out ridiculously fast. This year, my mom was able to snag one before it sold out for my birthday and I was thrilled! Unfortunately, it is currently sold out but keeping checking back! They have been re-stocking it for the past few weeks. I believe it’s around $12 and I’ve seen people selling it on eBay for $30! That’s insane!!

On a different note, how is all your shopping coming? Amazingly enough, I think I am just about done! I hope you all had a great weekend! If you follow along on Snapchat, you probably saw that we took Ella to see Santa! It’s always interesting with Ella and Santa, but she did so well this year! Once she realized we were at the vet for something non-doctor related 😉

Have a great start to the week, friends!

This post is linked up with: B Loved Boston | Fizz & Frosting | More Pieces of Me | Lipgloss & Crayons | Start the Week Stylish | Still Being Molly | Fashion Frenzy | October Fashion Series | On Trend Tuesdays | Style Me Wednesday | Layers and Lipstick

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When You Like Something, Buy It In Every Color

December 1, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Do you know the saying, when you like something, buy it in every color? Well this statement couldn’t be more true when it comes to this cozy, oversized striped sweater.

how-to-style-over-the-knee-boots-fall-outfit

Sweater: BP. via Nordstrom | Denim: Old Navy | OTK boots: Vince Camuto {on sale!}| Bag: Tory Burch | Necklace: Onecklace c/o {wearing XXL size} | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lips: #47 , buff & petal ice

This sweater may look slightly familiar to you {last seen HERE} if you caught the post a few weeks ago. In that post, I talked about my love for cozy, oversized sweaters. My philosophy is the more the merrier, right?! When I first saw this sweater online, I couldn’t decide which color I liked more — the navy and blue is great for fall and the black and white is perfect for the winter and holiday season. I ordered both and figured I would return whichever color I liked least. Well, as you can see, I ended up keeping both because I loved it so much! And although it’s the same sweater, the different colors in each give it a completely different look.

I wore this look for Thanksgiving {minus the jeans, I went with leggings!} and I love how this navy and green color combination can be dressed down for fall. Although, the black and white was easy to dress up with accessories for the holiday season. So in my opinion, both sweaters are a necessity!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! We have a pretty busy schedule for the next few days: Ella is getting her hair cut, visiting Santa and we are taking our Christmas pictures all on Saturday! We are hoping that Ella is a little more excited to see Santa than she was last year! See you back here on Monday!

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Gifts for Him: Under $50

November 30, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Since tomorrow is the first day of December {how is that even possible?!} I only have a few more gift guides left to share with you! Today I am focusing on, arguably, the most difficult people on my list: my dad and husband. Here are a few of my favorite gift ideas for the guys on your list…and they are all under $50!

When it comes to clothing, sweaters, socks and pajama pants are always good ideas. THIS v-neck sweater comes in several colors and can be worn alone or with a button down shirt.
For the mixologist in your life, THIS anchor bottle opener would make a great gift along with THESE old fashioned glasses and ice mold.
At least one holiday out of the year, I typically buy my husband cufflinks. He wears them most days to work so it’s a great way for him to accessorize a suit. THESE cufflinks would be the perfect gift for a husband or boyfriend — how cute is the hidden message on the back of the cufflink? If you are looking for more whimsical, engraved and an overall great selection of cufflinks, I usually find a lot HERE.

If you missed my gift guide for her: under $50, you can see that HERE. To see more gift guides, be sure to subscribe to THIS list. I have been sending out extra posts on Fridays that are exclusive to e-mail subscribers — you won’t want to miss out!

Thanks for dropping by and happy shopping!

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Easy Crockpot Dinner: Spinach, Mushroom & Tomato Tortellini Soup

November 29, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Winter and crockpot dinners are like peanut butter and jelly. Although it may not officially be winter, it sure has been cold recently! I’m always trying to come up with crockpot dinners because they are quick and easy with a busy schedule. And this recipe is one of my new favorites! Last weekend, I combined all these ingredients and cannot believe how flavorful this soup was. Nothing you need to prep, just throw it in the crockpot and let it cook. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner!

Cyber Monday Sales

November 28, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! Did you take advantage of any of the Black Friday sales? If you didn’t, no fear because today is Cyber Monday and there are some fabulous sales still out there!

I’m rounding up a few of my favorite picks from the sales below — you can click directly on the product to take you to it’s page. I’ve also included a few of the best sales of the day below too!

Anthropologie: 20% off full-priced items & free shipping over $150 with code STACKS

ASOS: 30% off site wide with code THANKFUL30

Banana Republic: 50% off site wide

BaubleBar: 25% off 1 item with code SAVE25; 35% off 2 items or more with code SAVE35

GiGi New York: Receive up to 35% off

J.Crew: 40% off and free shipping with code MONDAY

J.Crew Factory: 60% off with code HAPPYSALE

Minted: 20% off $150+ on holiday, wedding, and all gifts with code BF2017

ModCloth: 30% off site wide with code CYBER16

Nordstrom: Take an extra 20% off selected sale items

Shopbop: Save up to 25% with code GOBIG16

Tory Burch: 30% off any purchase of $250+ with code THANKS

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Thanks for stopping by and happy shopping!

The Best Black Friday Sales

November 25, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Black Friday, friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. I am here for a special Friday post to share with you the best Black Friday sales out there. I’ve rounded up three of my favorite stores {and sales!} below along with the codes to shop at several other retailers. Happy shopping!

Nordstrom – Take an extra 20% off selected sale items through 11/28. Designer styles up to 40% off.

BaubleBar – 30% off purchases with code THANKS30 through 11/27

J.Crew: 40% off with code HOLIDAY now through 11/27

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Here are some more Black Friday Sales:

Ann Taylor –
50% off sitewide with code CELEBRATE

ASOS – 20% off sitewide with code GOGOGO. 30% off sitewide through
11/29 with code THANKFUL30

Banana Republic – 50% off 5 regular-priced items sitewide through 11/26

GiGi New York – Receive a gift card up to 35% of your purchase PLUS a personalized
leather case

Minted – 15% off no
minimum, 20% off $150+ on holiday through 11/27 with code BF2016. 20% off $150+
on holiday, wedding, and all gifts through 11/28 with code BF2017

ModCloth
– 20% off no minimum, 30%
off $100+, 40% off $200+ with code FRIDAY20, FRIDAY30 and FRIDAY40
through 11/27.

Shopbop – Spend $200+, get 15% off; Spend $500+,
get 20% off; Spend $800+, get 25% off with code GOBIG16 through 11/28.

Sole Society – 30% off all footwear, select
bags & accessories through 11/27.

Tory Burch – 30% off any
purchase of $250+ with code THANKS through 11/28

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Thanks for dropping by! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and see you back here on Monday!

Last Minute Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

November 23, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Whether we are ready or not, Thanksgiving is just a day away! Today, I am looking back on a few of my favorite fall looks that are perfect for the holiday and are easy to recreate.

Probably the most comfortable outfit choice for Thanksgiving is a dress {no waistband!}. If your weather is on the warmer side, you can pair a dress with riding boots {add tights and/or boot socks if it’s cold} and cute accessories. A blanket scarf is a great accessory for the colder temperatures.

Provincial Dress: cabi c/o | Riding Boots: Tory Burch {this season’s version HERE} | Leopard Clutch: Mark and Graham {on sale!} | Charm Necklace: Moon & Lola {initial charm, zodiac charm, pearl charm} | Monogrammed Cuff: Mark and Graham c/o | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lips: #47, #07

Full post HERE

cute-thanksgiving-dress-blanket-scarf-outfit

Chambray Dress: J.Crew, sold out {similar style HERE & HERE} | Blanket Scarf: Asos | Riding Boots: Tory Burch, this season HERE | Tote: Tory Burch | Bracelets: David Yurman cuff, link | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lips: #28

Full post HERE

A poncho is a great layer if you are celebrating Thanksgiving in a colder climate. Leggings are probably the second most comfortable choice!

Aztec Poncho: H&M {only $12.99!} | Black Tee: Nordstrom | Leggings: Zella | Ankle Booties: Sole Society, old {similar style HERE} | Statement Earrings: similar HERE | Hat: Nordstrom, old {almost identical HERE} | Tote: Tory Burch | Lips: #10

Full post HERE

For a dressier Thanksgiving, wear a skirt and button down shirt and riding boots {or in this case Hunter boots!}.

Plaid Blouse: J.Crew Factory, sold out {similar style HERE} | Boots: Hunter | Skirt: J.Crew Factory, similar color HERE | Bag: Tory Burch | Pearl Necklace: J.Crew | Bracelets: David Yurman Link, Cuff | Earrings: Kate Spade | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lipstick:Elizabeth Arden {marigold}

Full post HERE

As I’m sure you all have guessed, my love for scarves goes pretty deep. To recreate either of these looks, pair your favorite scarf with a sweater or tee, add leggings or jeans and you are ready to go. Scarves are one of my favorite ways to spruce up and change a look.

Oversized Sweater: Nordstrom {available in 3 other colors} | Blanket Scarf: Shein c/o {under $10} | Leggings: Zella | Boots: Stuart Weitzman {similar style for $125 HERE} | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Lipstick: #28

Full post HERE

White Tee: BP. via Nordstrom | Scarf: last season, similar prints HERE, HERE | Jeans: Current/Elliott | Hat: Nordstrom, sold out {similar HERE} | Lace-up Flats: Halogen, sold out in this color {similar HERE} | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Bag: Tory Burch | Bracelets: David Yurman cuff, link | Lips: #47 , buff & petal ice

Full post HERE

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, friends! There won’t be a post tomorrow, but be sure to check back on Friday for a special Black Friday post with all the must-have sales!

Thanksgiving Spiced Wine Cocktail

November 22, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

With Thanksgiving only two days away, I normally like to share a Thanksgiving appetizer, side or dessert in this Tuesday before the holiday post, but I figured most people probably already have a pretty good idea of what they are making. One component that often gets overlooked on the holidays are the cocktails. Today, my husband, the in-house sommelier and mixologist, is sharing a fall cocktail that’s the perfect crowd pleaser for the Thanksgiving holiday.

When it comes to creating cocktails for a crowd, we learned last year at our Christmas party that creating individual cocktails for each person can get to be a little much. Enter cocktails in a pitcher. Why did we not think of this before! Make the cocktail ahead of time in the pitcher and pour each glass as your guests arrive = genius. We went with the copper mugs to enhance the fall presentation {and because everything tastes better in a chilled copper mug!}.

P.S. If you are looking for another cocktail in a copper mug, my husband made this Cranberry Moscow Mule last year that was delicious, and could work for not only Thanksgiving but also Christmas!

For a more local taste, we went with Virginia wine, but if you don’t live in Virginia, you can use any red wine of your choice. Finishing the drink with apples and cinnamon sticks makes for a delicious fall garnish.

print recipe

Thanksgiving Spiced Wine Cocktail

Ingredients

4 cups apple cider
2/3 cup sugar
4 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon all spice
zest of 1 orange
2 bottles red Virginia wine
1 cup orange juice
1 cup brandy, we used E&J
2 apples, sliced

Instructions

Mix together the apple cider, sugar, 4 cinnamon sticks, cloves, all spice and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely before straining. Mix the wine, orange juice, brandy, sliced apples and the cooled apple cider mixture in a large pitcher. Serve over ice in individual copper mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

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Thanks for dropping by! If you are still looking for some Thanksgiving recipe inspiration, here are a few of my favorites that I have shared in the past:

Appetizer: Brussels Sprout & Goat Cheese Crostini with Balsamic Glaze

Thanksgiving for Two: including turkey tenderloin, fall roasted vegetables and leek, mushroom and prosciutto dressing.

A complete Thanksgiving Planning Guide.

And if you are looking for a way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers come Friday, try this Kale, Cranberry & Turkey Risotto!

This post is linked up with: Tasty Tuesdays | Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday | Two Cup Tuesday | Weekend Potluck | SITS Girls