Monthly Archives

December 2016

Holiday Shopping

Last-minute holiday gifts for everyone on your list

December 20, 2016

procrastinators-gift-guide-laureenlovesdotcom-12-20-16

Now is the time to get your money’s worth out of that Amazon Prime subscription! If you’re like me, you may have procrastinated a little too long when it comes to holiday shopping. I have been known to give people photographs of what I’ve purchased them if it doesn’t get there on time. It’s the thought that counts, right?! The past few weeks have been especially stressful for me, so I have not dedicated much time to gift buying and will be doing some last minute shopping this week. But, I’m saving myself the headache of going to too many places and getting what I can online.

I’ve compiled a list that has some great items that are perfect for mom, dad, siblings, friends and the kiddos. And, many of these items I own, so I can honestly say they’re not only practical but also good gifts. Plus, most of them can still make it here in time for Christmas. There are also some gifts that keep giving like a monthly Birchbox subscription or this book, which is one I’m using a ton lately now that I have a chatty toddler who just says the cutest things. 🙂

What are some other items that are great last minute gifts? I’m still on the hunt! Happy holiday shopping!

  1. Birchbox subscription: Some sweet friends gifted me a Birchbox subscription for my birthday one year, and I loved it immediately. It was a fun treat to get a new box in the mail every month full of makeup and beauty samples. Often, they’ll give you full-size samples, too. I’ve discovered some fabulous products I now use, too. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, and there are several options such as 3-month, 6-month or 1 year options available for $10 per month.
  1. Elaine Turner wallet: I attended a fun event to kick off the new Elaine Turner fall line and received this wallet as a gift. It holds EVERYTHING and keeps me organized.  It’s pretty, too! Win, win.
  1. ET Wristlet: I love this snake print wristlet. This would be  a wonderful stocking stuffer. If you’re in Houston and can pop into an ET store, I’m sure you’ll find  even more gift items for family and friends. I love all the jewelry they have in the store!
  1. Custom stationary: I love customized stationary with my name or monogram. You can never have too much and Minted is my go-to for custom stationary and my holiday cards. I have used them for the past 5 years for all holiday cards and more.
  1. Crocodile Creek Rocket puzzle: My almost 2.5 year-old has graduated from the chunky wood puzzles we have and is now into these cute puzzles by a brand called Crocodile Creek. Braden loves these mini puzzles! He is challenged by them, but doesn’t get frustrated by the pieces and it’s pretty impressive to watch him think through where each piece goes. He can stay occupied for a long time with these, so they’re great to have on hand while you’re making dinner. He has 3 of them, and I’m sure I’ll be buying more.
  1. Amazon Echo: The echo  is like a mini-Alexa without big speakers. Think of it as an extra helper. 🙂
  1. Crocodile Creek Digger Puzzle
  2. Skinny Taste: Fast and Slow Knockout Quick-fix and Slowcooker Recipes: I love this cookbook! There are a lot of healthy versions of comfort food recipes that require very little prep.
  1. Shield Survival Multi-Tool: This would make a great stocking stuffer for any guy. It is basically 11 tools in one, including a beer opener. And, if you’re Mary Poppins and have everything in your purse, then get one for yourself or the gal in your life who likes to always be prepared.
  1. Skinnytaste Cookbook: Light on Calories, Big on Flavor: This cookbook was my first try at Skinnytaste recipes after following on Pinterest. I regularly make a lot of the recipes in this cookbook.
  1. My Quotable Kid: I received this as a gift at my baby shower and have just started using it. This book is an easy way to document the funny things kids say because there are SO many, especially at the toddler stage. Get this for the moms on your list!
  2. What to Eat Pad: I like to keep organized with my food shopping/meal prep lists and this is my go-to helper just for that.
  3. Knock Knock Pack this! Pad: Another list pad that helps when taking long trips. An ideal gift for your friend who loves to travel.
  4. Custom Address Stamp: I love custom stamps! I have a few of them, including one with the state of Texas on it. This Etsy shop, PaperPeachShop, has a lot of options. This would be a thoughtful gift for a new couple or friends who have recently purchased a new home.

 

 

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Family Thoughts

An unexpected family update

December 5, 2016

I’m sharing a message below from my personal Facebook page. I wasn’t sure how to share this info. as it was something that caught me totally off guard.

I wish I wasn’t writing this right now but I felt like it’s needed not only for me, but also for all the people who have always been there supporting our family. Ben and I are heartbroken right now, as we’ve lost the baby girl we were expecting. While we didn’t know her, we felt like we did & we were so excited to find out we’d be giving Braden a sister. It has been an unexpected, devastating experience to be in this situation after being more than halfway along in my pregnancy. It may seem odd to some that I’m sharing this on social media but both for Ben and me, it’s emotionally exhausting repeating this news over and over again so sending an email or via SM is just the easiest thing for us right now.

While I may not be able to respond to every call, text or message from everyone, please know both Ben and I appreciate your kind words, prayers and support. 

I’ve had so many people tell me they follow along on my blog, so I feel that I would be inauthentic by not being honest about something that has impacted my life so greatly. When I shared the news that  I was expecting, never did I imagine I would be in this position now. It pretty much knocks the wind out of you and it’s hard to articulate right now because it still feels like I might wake up one day to find out this isn’t actually happening since it’s still so fresh.

Thanks so much for your support. I’ll be back soon.

-LL