Gift Guide for Stocking Stuffers

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Less than a week until Christmas WUT. I don't know how that happened but luckily I'm done with my shopping! It seems like the stocking stuffers always get saved for last (at least they do for me) so for my last gift guide of the year, I rounded up some quick, cheap and fun ideas for you! Most of them are from Amazon so you can use prime shipping OR they're from stores that have physical locations in most cities....if you're tough enough to brave the crowds, that is! If you're using Amazon, they will let you know if it is expected to arrive before or after Christmas, just FYI! A lot of the things I linked have similar options if you just search on Amazon itself.

I think girl's stocking are pretty easy to fill (lipstick, nail polish, pony tail holders, etc) but guy's can be a bit tougher! I tried to pick some things that were gender neutral + items for both guys and girls! Did Santa ever bring you something specific each year? I ALWAYS got dried pineapple (the best) and my brother got Wint-o-green Lifesavers. Cole's stocking always had Reeses stuffed in the toe! Were your stocking stuffers wrapped or no? I'd love to hear your traditions!

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Gift Guide for Pups & Pup Parents

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In the Martin household, the pups are a v. important part of the family and Santa always visits them - regardless of if they've been naughty or nice! I've been called a crazy dog lady on multiple occasions and I have no shame in it. Since we don't have kids, my pups are my babies! And they bring so much joy into our home and lives.

We usually give them some dog-friendly pup cakes from a local dog bakery along with a stocking full of toys, treats and if they're lucky, a new sweater, collar or leash! I love spoiling my pups but I also love giving and receiving dog-related items, they are always fitting, especially when they're breed specific! I thought I'd round up some of my favorite dog items and create a gift guide for pups & pup parents!

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How to Get in the Christmas Spirit

Blue Sweater (I sized up - on sale and comes in several colors) | Scarf | Similar Skirt, also love this one | Boots | Earmuffs | White Pearl Necklace | Rose Gold Watch | Gucci Crossbody Bag | Red Lip, color is Fiery 

Que the song, "Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find you?" 

I feel like that more and more with every passing year. It becomes harder and harder to enjoy the magic of Christmas and not get caught up with life, work and busy schedules. I spend more time checking off my to-do-list and trying to avoid Christmas calories than I do enjoying the season. With Christmas being ten days from tomorrow (seriously though, what the heck) it's time to get in the Christmas spirit, hit pause for a few seconds, and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

I came up with a 15 things that always put a little holiday pep in my step, help me feel festive and help me get in a Christmas mood. Even if I only feel that magic for a few minutes, it's better than not feeling it at all! I'm ready to bring out the holly jolly that has been hiding inside.

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Christmas in NYC

Is there anything more magical than Christmastime in New York City?! I think not! It has been a lifelong dream of mine to visit NYC during the holidays and I finally checked it off my bucket list....ya'll, it did not disappoint! I've been to New York many times before (it's one of my favorite places to visit....see my guide to NYC here) but visiting at Christmas is an entirely different experience.

First off, YES it is magical. Second, it is BUSY. Like I said, this was not my first time in the city (I've been three times in the fall and during New York Fashion Week) and I have never seen it as crowded as it was this December. I am 100% glad I went and I very much enjoyed the trip, but I don't think I would go back at Christmas again...it was a lot to handle and take in! That being said, it is definitely worth it to experience Christmas in NYC once if you aren't claustrophobic and don't mind crowds!

Since we have been to NYC so many times, we booked this trip with the intention of just doing Christmas-specific things. We stayed Thursday night - Sunday afternoon and it was great!! Scroll on down to see all the holiday activities we took part in.

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Gift Guide for the Guys

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Good morning and happy Monday to you!! I'm writing this from the sky on my way back from New York City. I cannot believe that Christmas is a 15 days away. HOW did that happen? December used to be the slowest month of the year when I was a kid but now I blink and it's nearly halfway over. I'm barely even in the Christmas mood yet....better get on it!

I'm slightly freaking out about getting the rest of my Christmas shopping done before the big day. And by 'the rest' I mean almost all of it. Normally I'm on top of shopping and more or less done by now but this year I am so far behind! It seems like every year, no matter how far ahead or behind I am, I save the guys in my life for last. My husband, dad, brother and father-in-law are all sooooo hard to shop for! I convinced C to help me put this gift guide for guys together - these are all items he has and loves or items on his wish list this year! He is pretty well-rounded (he likes sports, traveling, hiking, has recently gotten into woodworking, is a master chef and works out a lot) so I think these could work for a variety of guys.

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Christmas PJ Roundup

Christmas PJs (only $12!) | UGG Slippers | Faux Fur Blanket | Fair Isle Stocking | Snowflake Stocking Hanger

Good morning a happy Friday! I'm waking up in New York City this morning! C and I flew in last night and will be doing all the Christmas things. I've been to NYC many times but never during the holidays so I.Am.Ecstatic! I watched Elf and Home Alone 2 this week in preparation haha. You can follow along on Instagram stories throughout the weekend!

It seems like everyone and their mother have the tradition of opening one single present on Christmas Eve and for most of us it was always matching Christmas PJs. When I was young I wished I could open a different present instead of PJs but now as an adult I buy myself like six pairs of Christmas 'jams every year. I love them so much! Not sure why pajamas bring me that much joy but it's fine. I rounded up aaaaallll the pairs for you below - a lot of them come in different prints, too! The pair I'm wearing above is only $12 and they are thermals (so warm but breathable and not too hot to sleep in)....I sized up for a baggy fit but I'd say they fit true to size.

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Holiday Party Outfit Inspo

Velvet Wrap Bodysuit | Pleated Midi Skirt | Similar Leopard Clutch | 'A' Initial Necklace

Confession: I LIVE for holiday parties! I am always looking for an excuse to get dressed up. The holidays make being "extra" acceptable and I'm here for it! I know not everyone spends weeks planning their outfits out, so I thought I'd share some inspiration on what to wear to a holiday party to make it easier for you! Whether it be a Christmas party, New Years Eve, or just a festive night out on the town, my tips are to play with textures and patterns, add pops of red and never underestimate a touch of sparkle.

This outfit is actually repurposed from other blog posts.....I ordered the actual outfit I planned on using for this post on Black Friday and it hasn't arrived yet (tisk tisk Macy's & Express......). BUT, I love how this look turned out! My velvet bodysuit is so soft and the midi skirt gives it some sass without being too dressy. I think it would be perfect for a work Christmas party or somewhere  else where you don't want to show too much skin. Ya feel me?

I put some other outfits together at the bottom of this post so scroll on down for more holiday party outfit inspo! Like I said, I look for ways to incorporate patterns and textures like leopard, plaid, velvet, fur, leather, sequins, silk, wool, tulle and lots of holiday colors!!

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Gift Guide for the Traveler

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It's officially December which means it's time to get shopping! I'm done shopping for one person on my list but I haven't thought twice about what to get anyone else. Yikes! I love looking at other blogger's gift guides for inspo - whether it be for someone else or for my own wish list!

In honor of a fun little Christmas getaway we're taking later this week, I thought I'd put together a gift guide for the traveler in your life! I've been on my fair share of trips this year so I feel pretty qualified to recommend these items - I use and love each and every one.

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Christmas Card Outfit Inspo

C's Crew Neck | My Sweater Dress (on sale + comes in several colors) | Scarf, Similar Here
Similar Sock Booties | Lips, color is Fiery 

'Tis the season for Christmas Cards!! One member of the Martin family LIVES for taking family photos and the other three feel quite the opposite. I'll let you guess which is which, HA! Needless to say, I start planning our yearly family photo months in advance because it is one of the only times C will agree to getting a professional photo done with me! Luckily my dad is a professional photographer, so that makes it easy. We don't have kids yet so we always make sure to include the pups.

A quick Pinterest search will get you lots of Christmas card inspo for magical winter wonderland scenes, Christmas tree farm backdrops and matching holiday themed outfits complete with fur, velvet and sequins but sometimes those things just aren't feasible. It isn't always realistic to hike into the snowy winter woods in a sparkly dress with a happy family and a photographer in tow...although I wish it was!

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Cyber Monday + Gift Guide for Her

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With Thanksgiving behind us, it's officially time to get your head in the holiday game. Christmas is coming and I haven't bought a single gift yet! I'm normally super on top of Christmas shopping but this year I'm waaay behind.....I haven't even finished putting my own list together! Luckily Cyber Monday is the perfect time to order gifts for everyone on my list. I rounded up the best sales below. I only shopped for myself on Black Friday so I've gotta switch it up today, ha!

In addition, I put together a little gift guide for all the ladies in your life! Wives, friend, daughters, moms, sisters, girlfriends, etc. These are all items I either have and love or really want for myself......and I have pretty basic taste, so I think these gifts would work for almost anyone. I think ladies (at least this lady...) like to be gifted items they wouldn't buy for themselves / something they will use/wear regularly and think of you every time they do! Several of these items are on sale, so it's the perfect time to buy....for yourself or for someone else. I won't judge!

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Black Friday Sales

Sweater - c/o Pink Lily. It's a Black Friday DOORBUSTER! | Camo Pants, 50% off! | Fuzzy Wedge Sneakers, 20% off with code BIG20 | Lips, color is Velvet Teddy | Gucci Crossbody Purse | Chain Link Cable Bracelet | Oklahoma Earrings

Black Friday has arriiiiiivvveed! I've never been a huge Black Friday shopper....I value sleep more than saving my monies, but luckily Black Friday deals can be found from the comfort of your couch thanks to the world wide web (with a side of apple cider mimosa). I searched high and low and found some of the best sale items for you! My personal favorite stores and sales are listed below including the specific items I'll be shopping.

How was everyone's Turkey Day? I had the best time celebrating Thanksgiving with my parents, brother, aunt and uncle in NW Arkansas. I definitely ate my weight in apple pie! It is a bit gloomy today but it's all the more perfect for staying cozy and comfy.

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Gift Guide for the Home

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I've always had a secret dream of being an interior designer. I have loved decorating since I was a little kid. Back in the day (I'm talking in the 90s) when my parents were house hunting I would draw birds eye views of every house I liked and decide where the furniture would go haha. Needless to say, I still love it to this day! I was so relieved when our house renovation was over but I really miss the decorating part and often contemplate redecorating some of our extra rooms just for the fun of it. And I love receiving gifts for my own home, just saying.

I had so much fun picking out these gifts for the home. They'd be perfect for hostesses, newlyweds or the newly-engaged, college kids who are new to being on their own, new homeowners, the homebody or just your every day girl who loves decor and being cozy, like me!

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Best of OKC for the Holidays

Happy Friday, everyone! I can't believe Thanksgiving is less than a week away. That means it is officially time to start listening to Christmas music, buying presents, putting up Christmas decor and taking part in all the fun festivities. Certain activities have become tradition / things I look forward to year after year. I thought for this month's Best of OKC post I would list off my favorite things to do in OKC during the holidays.

For YEARS I've been all over the Downtown in December events. There is something magical about all the decor and Christmas cheer throughout the city! OKC really goes all out for the holidays and it is such a fun time to enjoy my little corner of the world. Below you will find the best holiday activities in town according to moi!

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Gift Guide for Your BFF

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Good morning, everyone! It's supposed to start SNOWING in OKC today and it is a bank holiday so I have the day off work! All the cozy Christmas vibes going on in my house. I normally try to hold off on Christmas music, movies and decor until after Thanksgiving but with the snow falling and the fire crackling.....I just can't help myself!

I'm a major believer in getting my Christmas shopping done as early as possible - that way the holidays have a better chance of being stress free and I can actually enjoy all the magic of the season. I do most of my shopping online in November, so I thought I'd start putting together some gift guides for you so that you can do the same. I'm planning on publishing one a week from now until Christmas! My ideas for topics include gifts for her, for the home, for him, for the traveler, for the animal lover, stocking stuffers......maybe even my personal wish list for Santa??

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