Spoil Your Honey

This post was sponsored by Savannah Bee Company. They provided me a sample gift set to review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. No other compensation was received for this post.

Still looking for something sweet for your honey for Valentine's Day? Well why not treat them to some actual honey! When Savannah Bee Company reached out to me about featuring one of their gift sets on Headbands & Bagels I was really excited. Going for actual honey at Valentine's Day is out of of the box of traditional food gifts like chocolate strawberries or truffles and something that is a fun play on words.

They were kind enough to send me the Valentine's set, The Sweetest Surprise, which was complete with two types of honey, truffles and honey caramel! The box comes beautifully packaged and each jar has a really nice description of the type of honey it contains and how it was made. I actually have never tried Winter White Honey before now and it's really yummy. It's more like a spreadable honey which makes it nice on toasts or shortbreads with some fruit on top.

The truffles that are included in this box are also not available year round. They are made by a local chocolatier, Adam Turoni, from Savannah, GA. I am a sucker for a good chocolate and it was a nice change to have a chocolate sweetened by honey.

Other than food gift sets, Savannah Bee also offers beauty sets and gifts made from beeswax and honey. I am tempted to try one of these next!

If you order by Thursday you still have time to have your gift overnighted! They also have weekly specials that you can save on different products all over the site. Thanks Savannah Bee for such delicious treats this Valentine's Day!!

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day for the Kiddos

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day for the Kiddos by preppy-lizzy featuring a digital wristwatch

Alex Toys jewelry / Disney digital wristwatch / Welcome to Disney Store / Sigg - Kids Bottles Disney / Hape toy / Welcome to Disney Store / Sigg - Kids Bottles Disney / Carter's "Ladies Man" Bodysuit Baby / Sets / Carter's Bib Baby Boy / J.Crew Kids' New Balance® for crewcuts KE410 sneakers

I always loved Valentine's Day as a child. My mom and day would each treat us to something small, my dad often hiding our gift on our bed to find before we went to bed on Valentine's Day evening. Books were one of my favorite as a child. It gave my dad something new to read to us at bedtime.

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day for Her

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day for Her by preppy-lizzy featuring Charbonnel et Walker

Victoria s Secret pink striped pajamas / NIKE sports bra / Hanky Panky panty / Nine west shoes / Kate spade crossbody / Sole Society chain necklace / Essie nail polish / LSA International red home decor / Charbonnel et Walker kitchen dining / LIMITED EDITION LEATHER PERSONAL PLANNER GOLD

Valentine's Day is almost upon us and with that comes the time to pick the ever thoughtful gift out for your loved one. I try to not go too big on Valentine's Day but I think its still nice to celebrate your love once a year. It is also right around our dating anniversary which is February 12th, so I can kill two birds with one stone.

I personally am hoping for a nice nightgown and robe set I can wear at the hospital when baby comes. Something like this in pink or navy is really appealing. Who wants to wear hospital gowns?

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day for Him

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day for Him by preppy-lizzy featuring wall art

Sperry top-sider shoes / Red Clip on Bowtie//Men's Bowtie//Boy's Bow tie//Clip on Bow Tie//Baby... / Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather-8 oz / Bassbuds BassBoomz silver portable Bluetooth speaker / Christmas mug / Pottery Barn stoneware dinnerware / Wall art / Cuisinart kitchen dining / Carter's "Daddy Was Made for Hugging" Bodysuit Baby Girl / Sugar Daddy Pops Candy

Oh the man in your life. Honestly shopping for boys can be a challenge at best. And if they are anything like my husband, they want to know why we are even wasting time on Valentine's Day gifts in the first place. I try to be creative and find things that he would not normally get himself.

This year I took the easy way out and focused on baby. I got him this adorable Daddy was Made for Hugging Onsie from Carter's and a few board books like Daddy Hugs for Dan to read to our baby girl at bedtime. Hope he likes it!

Gift Guide: The Kiddos

Gift Guide: The Kiddos by preppy-lizzy featuring Avon

LEGO The Hobbit Lake-town Chase 79013 / Nintendo tech accessory / Avon throw pillow / Radio Flyer 5- in-1 Family Wagon Radio Flyer / Radio Flyer Fold 2 Go Tricycle Radio Flyer / Ferrari F12 12v Car Red RC Ride-On Big Toys / Stats Jump N Slam Basketball Set Toys R Us / Rawlings 9" Players Series Baseball Glove and Training Ball / Riedell Ice Skates 13/113 Girls/Ladies Shoes / Amazon.com: Pro Skateboard Complete Pre-Assembled Graphic / Natural... / PLAYMOBIL Holiday Island

With Christmas almost here, I am sure you have gotten copies of Christmas wish lists from all the kiddos in your life. What is better than a toy for Christmas. To be honest, nothing. I still like getting toys as an adult. When I was a kid Legos reigned supreme in my life, so I am always tempted to buy Lego sets for the kids in my life now. I also love anything that will take them outdoors, like a bike, wagon, basketball hoop or baseball glove. For my nephew this year, I got him a catcher's mitt because his goal is to become a great catcher. I am looking forward to helping him break it in while we are up in Big Bear.

What are your go to's when it comes to gift giving for kids?

Gift Wrap Guide

Gift Wrap Guide by preppy-lizzy featuring pine cone home decor

For anyone that has read my blog, you are well aware how much I love wrapping presents. It is hands down one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. To keep all my gifting straight I have started to follow some simple rules that have really served me over the years.

1. Wrap each families gifts in different papers. I assign one or two wrapping papers to each part of our family to keep all the presents straight under the tree. Rather than have to read each tag, the paper lets me know which part of my life the gift applies to. We have one grouping for Dan's mom's side of the family, another for his dad's side, another for my extended family Christmas on Christmas Eve, another for my family on Christmas day, and yet another for all our friends.

2. Presents are not complete without tags and bows. I put the extra effort in to add bows and tags to my gifts. Presentation and anticipation of a well wrapped gift partially heightens the excitement of the gift. It also looks way better under my tree in the meantime.

3. Stocking Stuffers get marked SS. It makes it easy to keep from accidentally putting them  under the tree.

4. Keep your wrapping gear organized. I keep my gear in a hanging wrapping stand and box for wrapping paper. This way I always know wear to find my gear and my paper, bags, tags and ribbons all stay in tip top shape while being stored.

5. Don't rush. Enjoy the wrapping process and take your time. When you dedicate time to wrapping, they presentation improves ten fold. Put on a Christmas movie, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, and get in the holiday spirit!

Gift Guide: Your Brother

Gift Guide: Your Brother by preppy-lizzy featuring glass shot glasses

T shirt / Diamond socks / Cocktail jewelry / White Stuff ribbed beanie hat / Men's Snowboard Moc Slipper / Vineyard Vines Shells Printed Bow Tie / Glass shot glasses / John Lewis bar tool / Spinning Beer Pong Rack / Cards Against Humanity / Kombi GTX PrimaLoft Ski Gloves

For most of my life I didn't have a brother to shop for, just my two male cousins. But now that I have two brothers-in-law, I find it difficult to pick out the perfect gift each year. Let's face it, boys can be really difficult to shop for. But this year I feel like I finally got a good handle on it. I look for great party games, like Cards Against Humanity, a really nice flask, ironic tshirts, or even upgrades to things they already have like a new pair of ski gloves or nice socks. Do you have any great gift ideas for the brothers in your life?

Gift Guide: Your Friends & A Giveaway

Gift Guide: Your Friends by preppy-lizzy featuring striped christmas ornaments

Minnetonka shoes / Kate Spade brooch / Kate Spade bracelet / C Wonder tie ring / Kate Spade metallic iphone case / Black sparkly belt / Sephora Collection colorful eyeshadow / Sephora Collection angled shadow brush / Kate Spade Cue the Confetti Notecard Set / Kate Spade Medium Notebook / Kate Spade drinkware / Kate Spade striped christmas ornament

For me one of the best parts of the holidays is finding the perfect gift for family and friends. For my girlfriends, I strive every year to locate the perfect gift. It could be great new earrings, warm earmuffs for their morning commute, a new phone case, great glasses for their apartment, or a mini makeup pallet they can keep on hand in their purse.

Another great option for your friends who love the great outdoors, is a Sand Cloud towel. I have been using mine since this summer and absolutely love it. And what's even better is that Sand Cloud is offering a free towel to one of my readers. Just enter the rafflecopter below and good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gift Guide: Your Dad

Gift Guide: Your Dad by preppy-lizzy featuring a halloween dinnerware

Carhartt activewear top / The North Face clothing / Carhartt handle bag / Stelton black leather bag / Fossil wrist watch / Sorel Caribou XT / Old Navy Mens Marvel„¢ Captain America Tees Size XXL Big - Navy... / Beats by Dr. Dre Rose Gold Mixr Headphones / Men's Society Tie Clip - Fine & Dandy / Halloween dinnerware / Allurez black home decor / 18-Volt 1/2 in. Compact Drill/Driver Kit-DC970K-2 at The Home Depot

Your dad was the first man in your life, so treat them to something that you know they will love. My dad is an outdoor kind of guy, who loves working in the woods or on his tractor, so cold weather or super durable gear is always a must. He is also a big skier so new gloves are always in order. You could also treat him like the superhero he is with a great tshirt or to a new power drill for his work bench.

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers by preppy-lizzy featuring C. Wonder

Kate Spade gold bangle / Pendant jewelry / Kate Spade sapphire jewelry / J Crew rose jewelry / Pave crystal jewelry / J.Crew clear reading glasses / C Wonder lined mitten / Kate Spade tech accessory / Kate Spade haircare / Kate Spade red ballpoint pen / J.Crew Sugar Paper® journal / C Wonder cheese knive / C Wonder home decor

If you are like my family, sometimes some of your favorite gifts come out of your stocking. In the past I have gotten my monogrammed necklace and multiple signed baseballs out of my stocking. Stocking are always fun because they are the last thing we do while we eat desert on Christmas night.

What is your stocking tradition?

Gift Guide: Your Mom

Gift Guide: Your Mom by preppy-lizzy featuring cuisinart coffee machines

Loose pullover sweater / J.Crew j crew shoes / J.Crew Women's plaid shearling scuffs / MICHAEL Michael Kors grey purse / Nixon bracelet watch / Dogeared heart pendant necklace / BERRICLE clasp earrings / Sole Society tartan shawl / Waterford Mixology Mad Men Edition Draper DOF Glass / Cuisinart coffee machine

Your mom probably doesn't get much recognition over the course of the year, so take the holidays to spoil her a little. Get her a luxurious scarf of sweater, a great pair of shoes, a gift certificate to the spa, or her favorite perfume. She has spent her whole life treating you like a princess, so reciprocate this holiday season.

Gift Guide: Your Sister/Best Friend

Gift Guide: Your Sister/Best Friend by preppy-lizzy featuring a red shoulder bag

Victoria s Secret short pajamas / Sperry Top-Sider sperry top sider boots / Sam Edelman studded shoes / ASOS beige handbag / Kate Spade red shoulder bag / Dogeared holiday jewelry / Olivia Burton dial watch / Brooks Brothers braided wrap bracelet / Henri Bendel stud earring set / Kate Spade tri color earrings / Kate Spade glitter belt / Kate spade glove / BeckSöndergaard cotton shawl / Urban Decay matte eye shadow

If you are anything like me, you have 3 sisters-in-law and your own sister to buy gifts for, not to mention a bestie or two. For the ladies that support you through all your endeavors in life, its nice to treat them to something special for Christmas. Whether it's super soft pajamas, some new baubles or a great makeup pallet, these are the girls you get that something special for.

Gift Guide: Your Hubby or Boyfriend

Gift Guide: Your Husband or Boyfriend by preppy-lizzy featuring a round pizza stone

The North Face Base Camp Duffel / LogoArt silvertone jewelry / Belt / Shop Button-Down Shirts: Port Jefferson Plaid Classic-Fit Whale Shirt... / êShave Lavender Start-up Shave Kit for Sensitive to Normal Skin / New Balance Ml670 / Anon Hawkeye Spare / Emile Henry round pizza stone / Sparq bar tool / Family Tree Flight Attendant Snowboard / Hi-Fi Featuring MIPS™ Helmet - Burton Snowboards

Buying for your significant other is either so easy because you have been saving up ideas all year, or next to impossible. I try to keep a running list year round so that I can snag him so good items, but I usually pair this with some updates to his wardrobe. Getting a little luxury for your SO that they wouldn't normally treat themselves too is the perfect way to wish them Happy Holidays.

Black Friday Shopping Guide

Black Friday Survival Guide by preppy-lizzy featuring holiday gift bags

Black Friday is today and it's a great time to snag some holiday deals. I love to knock out a bunch of my Christmas shopping on Black Friday when the deals go to midday.

I won't be up at the crack of dawn waiting for a doorbuster - I've done it before, but I don't need anything crazy this year. But shopping on Friday has become a holiday tradition with my mother-in-law, cousin and sister-in-law.

There are some great deals and a lot of time I find them by just hitting the mall on Friday. But here are some good ones to keep an eye out for tomorrow (both in store and online).

ASOS 30% off storewide and up to 70% off sale

H&M $4.95 deals and scratchers for the first 100 shoppers on Friday

Joe Fresh 50% off storewide

Tommy Hilfiger 30% off storewide purchases of $150 or more and a free plaid thermos for all purchases before noon

Gap 50% off storewide and for every $50 spent, an entry into the GAP Getaway Giveaway

Forever 21 15%,20% or 25% off with mystery scratchers all day

American Eagle 40% off storewide

Levi's 40% off storewide

Macy's 30%-50% off brands like Lucky Brand, Bar III, Rachel Roy and more

Steve Madden 40% off storewide and free limited edition Alex and Ani Bangle with purchase. Also an Uber voucher for a cab ride home with your heavy bags

Joie 25% off storewide

Theory 40% off storewide

Restoration Hardware $100 off every $500 spent

Equipment 25% off storewide

Baublebar Take 15% off 2 items, 25% off 3 items, and 35% off 4 items

Also Simon Malls have been kind enough to give me a preview of their holiday hours. If you are in the Southern California area, you can shop your heart out at the following locations. If you want more information about holiday shopping hours from a specific location, don't hesitate to ask!

The Shops at Mission Viejo Open 6am-10pm
Brea Mall Open 6am-10pm
Westminster Mall Open 6am-10pm
Del Amo Fashion Center Open 6am-10pm
The Shops at Montebello Open 6am-10pm

Setting Your Gift Budget

Setting Your Holiday Budget by preppy-lizzy 

The holiday season is officially upon us and with that the time to purchase gifts for loved ones. While the holidays bring feelings of love and cheer, many people also experience stress over finances and the cost of the holidays. In an effort to minimize that stress, I've come to enlist a few practices that help keep me focused on the joy and cheer of the season and not the expense of it.

1. If you can, purchased gifts as you come across them throughout the year. I keep a bag in my closet that I can add gifts I come across throughout the year so that when the holiday season is upon us, I can first go through my gift bag to see what I have already purchased. Spreading out my spending over the year really helps me from going overboard at the end of the year.

2. Set a savings goal throughout the year. If you prefer to do all your purchasing during the holiday season (and I get that), put aside some of your income over the course of the year so that you have a predetermined budget at by November. We make sure we save over the course of the year so that when the holidays come we have some reserve funds for gifts and holiday travel and other expenses.

3. Keep a list year to year on who you traditionally gift to and what you bought year to year. This helps me know how many people I am shopping for and set a budget based on headcount. It also helps remind me what I bought year to year so that I don't repeat anything too similar. 

4. Watch sales. Starting at Thanksgiving, watch the holiday sales. Check your emails for sale information from your favorite stores and take advantage of big sale days. I like to go on Black Friday in the late morning (after the crazy rush is over) to snag some great deals on gifts. It may not be a doorbuster, but there will still be huge discounts throughout the day.

5. And Remember the thought is more important than the price tag. Find a gift that means something to the recipient and your relationship. That will mean so much more no matter the cost. 

Wednesday Wishes: Gifts for Your Holiday Host

Wednesday Wishes by preppy-lizzy featuring a gold plated flatware

Garden-in-a-Bag Organic Herb Collection / Food storage container / Cork ice bucket / C Wonder porcelain coaster / Hostess food drink / Lenox gold plated flatware / Glass terrarium / C Wonder red home decor / Hostess body cleanser / Assouline Dinner Diaries: Reviving the Art of the Hostess Book

It's that time of year when you will be attending your friends parties and events, and I like to live by the rule to never go to someone's house empty handed. You can always bring a nice bottle of wine or craft beers, but sometimes it's nice to go the unexpected route, with a beautiful salt set, monogrammed soaps, succulents for their kitchen, a candle, or one of my favorite gifts of all, the Corkcicle. 

What is your go to host gift?

DIY: Tassel Earrings

DIY Tassel Earrings

Today's DIY is all about a super fun gift to amok for family and friends this coming holiday, tassel earrings. These beauties are super easy to make and only require a few tools. 

Tools Needed: Ruler, Embroidered Thread in Your Choice of Color (2 per pair), Pliers, Jump Rings, Metal Wire, Earring Hooks, Credit Card or ID.

Step 1: Cut 16 inches of embroidered thread. Fold in half twice and slip a jump ring to the center.

Step 2: Take the remaining embroidery thread and wrap it around a credit card or ID. I used my school id.

Step 3: Cut Thread at one edge of ID. 

Step 4: Take thread with jump ring and tie and double knot the remaining thread in the middle.

Step 5: Cut approximately 6-8 inches of wire with wire cutters.

Step 6: Fold thread in half with jump ring at center and wrap wire to secure.

Step 7: Slide earring hook on jump ring. Cut threads on bottom of tassel to even out. And your done!

Your finished product. Enjoy!

Hosting a Beautiful Bridal Shower

DIY Bridal Shower by preppy-lizzy featuring artificial flowers

A few weeks back my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, Julie, and I hosted a surprise bridal shower for my sister-in-law, Laura, after her elopement with her now husband, Jason, in Belize. We still wanted a chance to shower Laura with all our love, so we went with a post-elopment shower. I know its a little untraditional, but it was really our first opportunity to celebrate her!

If you are looking to do a shower or a similar event big impact without spending a ton, try to rent a space that will let you bring your own decorations and whose style is more simple in nature. In addition if they will let you bring in your own bottles of wine for a corkage fee and your own cake (or cupcakes in our case) you can save a ton.

We were able to make pink peony centerpieces ourselves with some beautiful faux peonies, pink tulle and glass vases from a craft store. We were also able to customize our linens with these light pink napkins.

In addition to the flowers, we had a banner made by a friend that was customized to Jason and Laura and we printed up photos of Laura and Jason's wedding ceremony throughout the area.

The restaurant, Sundried Tomato, in San Juan Capistrano was wonderful. Their outdoor space was classic but easy to decorate and their service was unparalleled! Thank you for such a wonderful event.

Laura's best friend Ashley, Laura and I

Gift Guide: Hostess Flowers

Gift Guide: Hostess Flowers by preppy-lizzy featuring colored flower pots

Domestic Herb Garden / Boskke colored flower pot / New Growth Designs pink artificial flower / Ethan Allen hydrangea floral arrangement / Home decor

I think it is always a nice gesture to bring a little gift to a friend or family member who is hosting you for the evening, weekend, etc. While a bottle of wine or pack of microbrew beers can be thoughtful, sometimes the best gift is something living. I am a huge fan of bringing flowers over, but I also really love the idea of a pot of succulents for those who have more of a brown thumb or even a small herb garden pot for the friend who fancies themselves a chef. Hostess flowers can take many forms. Be creative and think of the person you are gifting to.

DIY Gift: The Date Jar

For Christmas last year, I wanted to give Dan something that would give us an excuse to explore our city and do things outside the box. Hence, I came to the decision to give him a Date Jar, full of different dates and activities we could do whenever we needed some inspiration. It would allow us to mix things up with places we had always wanted to explore without all the planning.

I purchased some blue tinted mason jars, navy blue grosgrain ribbon and craft quality popsicle sticks. I first researched creative date ideas for LA and using the base list I found online, then added my own ideas, some which were little to no cost and some which were short weekend trips around the area. All in all, I came up with about 30 different ideas and transferred each idea to its own popsicle stick.

As we complete a date, we take it out of rotation until we are out of sticks and then we can start again. Have you done anything like this to share with someone you love?