HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: THE MONOGRAM OBSESSED

Just in time for Black Friday: another gift guide! As many know, I love a good monogram. It instantly makes something that anyone could have, like a bag or phone case, personal to you. It's classic and never goes out of style when done right. 

Haymarket Designs Lucite Tray

C.Wonder Plate

Gigi New York Phone Case

Kate Spade Stationery

William Sonoma High Ball Glasses

Monogrammed Throw Pillow

Design Darling Monogram Earrings

Mark & Graham Everyday Tote

ONE YEAR

Yesterday marked my one year (!!!!) living in Nashville. One year - I can't believe it! In some ways, it feels like I've been here for so much longer than that, and in other ways, I feel like it was just yesterday I was sleeping on Claire and Courtney's couch while I searched for my own place. 

I was excited to move and ready to start my "official" adult life, but Nashville has proven to be way, way better than I could have imagined. I absolutely love living in one of the hottest new cities, top bachelorette party destinations (true),  and music capitol of the world. I have been very, very blessed to have amazing friends, both old and new and from work and outside of work.

It has been a great one year. I've been to the Grammy Award Nominations, CMA Fest, Taylor Swift, Michael Buble, CMA Awards, and All for the Hall. I've dined at some awesome restaurants, played in a kickball league, met Brett Eldredge and Zac Brown, toured the Ryman and Nashville, and had a lot, a lot of fun. I'm very lucky.

So thanks, Nashville. It's been a great year. Can't wait for the next one.

J.CREW STYLE SESSIONS

Last week I went to J.Crew. Not unusual, considering I stalk the store and website regularly. Except this was a special trip to J.Crew because it was one of their StyleSessions. New Holiday arrivals filled the store - giving me and Jessica no option but to style a few outfits! The lace skirt pictured above caught my attention immediately. I love how easy it is to dress up or down. You could easily wear it with a chambray or buffalo check shirt for a more casual look like I did, or add a pretty silk blouse, heels, and statement jewelry for a more dressy occasion. It's definitely one of those pieces that will always be in style. Sadly, it didn't come home with me - trying to be good with Christmas coming up - but it's on my wishlist! 

In more J.Crew news: If you are a Cardmember, receive 30% off any online purchase through midnight tonight! Perfect for early Christmas shopping!

all images c/o Jessica Sweatt

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM

Guys. They are so difficult to shop for, aren't they? They don't obsess over jewelry or dresses or cute home decor like us girls do, but I think I've put together some pretty good picks. Even the guy who has everything should be happy with something on this list.

Patagonia Synchilla Pullover
Montague Leather Travel Kit
Timex Original Leather Watch
Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker
Smathers & Branson American Flag Needlepoint Coaster Set
Beats Headphones
High Cotton Flannel Bow Tie
The System: The Glory & Scandal of Big-Time College Football
J.Crew Shirt in Mini Buffalo Check

currently

Oh yay, it's Friday already! My week went pretty fast with plans, including a movie night at work, J.Crew Style Sessions (more on that next week), and seeing Catching Fire last night! And next week is Thanksgiving and I'm heading home. I. can. not. wait. The last time my siblings and I were all home might have been Christmas, and that's just way too long. Three more days!

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1. Design Darling Turquoise Tassel Earrings: I have loved these statements ever since I saw them in Mackenzie's store, but since seeing Liz style them, I'm even more obsessed.

2. Quilted Baby Brompton Purse: I have been wanting a new purse (haven't splurged on one since freshman year of college, eeek) and after seeing this one at J.Crew on Wednesday, I think I might have found a winner. I love the size and the quilting adds a little something extra. The question is, red or black?!

3. Furbish Christmas Pillow: It's Christmas, and why not? This pillow would be so cute in my living room and the perfect addition of Christmas cheer.

4. Minnie Pant in Medallion Print: I am a huge lover of the Minnie pant and wear them to work at least twice a week. Now they come in a print, which I am a huge fan of. Even better, they are 25% off at J.Crew through Sunday.

5. J.Crew Factory Sequin Bow Cardigan: A perfect sweater for the holidays, or any time, really. Putting this on just has to add a little pep in your step, right? It was in J.Crew last year and I loved it, and now it's at the Factory, and I love it just as much, if not more.

THE EVERYGIRL SHOP

The Everygirl has long been one of my favorite websites. I think they do an amazing job of truly relating to the every girl. I really love the career features, because the team picks amazing women who have accomplished so much - whether through a large corporate environment or as an entrepreneur - and do great features on them. One of my favorite parts in the feature is when they ask what advice they would give to their 23-year old self. It's usually super inspiring and relevant to 24 year old me.

Long story short, you can imagine my happiness when the team opened The Everygirl Shop. It has a lovely little selection of prints and phone cases, featuring some of the great advice from the career features. Priced reasonably (nothing over $35), these are great gift items for this holiday season, when a friend lands a job or a big promotion, or to simply remind yourself of every day!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER

The holiday season is upon us! For the next month leading up to Christmas, I will be giving you tons of gift ideas for your monogram crazed best friend, 3 year old niece, sports enthusiast boyfriend, hostess with the mostest mom, glamorous sister, hard-to-buy-for dad - everyone on the list! Today I'm featuring gifts for all the wonderful ladies in our life. Happy gifting!

Jack Wills Faux Fur Snood
Why Limit Happy To An Hour? Tray
Joie Silk Top
Bauble Bar Crystal Holly Necklace
Tory Burch Perfume
Clare Vivier Foldover Clutch
Kate Spade Drop Earrings
C.Wonder Monogram Jewelry Box
J.Crew Gingham Pajamas
Allegra Hicks: An Eye For Design

ATLANTA WEEKEND

Goodbye Saturday and Sunday, hello Monday! This past weekend was a good one - I spent it in Atlanta! I haven't actually been back to the ATL since I moved a year ago (my 1 year in Nashville is coming up!) It's kind of crazy to think it has been that long. In some ways, I feel like I've lived in Nashville for way longer than a year, but being back in ATL felt like just yesterday I was living on Piedmont Rd. Crazy how time has a way of doing that.

It was a quick trip - so quick, apparently, that I didn't take a single picture. Patrick and I drove down Saturday morning and got in that afternoon in time for some football watching and Tin Lizzys eating. I of course had to stop by the mall and it was so crazy busy packed. I really forgot about the madness of Atlanta - it hasn't slowed down one bit, that's for sure. For dinner we went to Horseradish Grill, which is one of my favorite restaurants in ATL. I highly recommend to anyone who is living or visiting the city. Sunday morning brought church at Peachtree Presbyterian with Courtney. As always, it was an amazing message, and it was so great to be back and worship with Courtney! After brunch at Murphy's in the Virginia Highlands, we headed back home. 

Now I'm back in Nashville for one more week before it's time to head to Champaign for Thanksgiving! Oh how I love the holidays. Be sure to check back here tomorrow - I'm starting holiday gift guides that you don't want to miss!

Happy Monday!

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GLOVE ME

Now that it is getting colder in Nashville - it got down to 22 degrees last night!!!! - it's time to break out the winter wear (enter sighs). One thing that I need to purchase this season is a pair of leather gloves. They are so chic looking, and these Mark & Graham gloves have 100% cashmere lining, so you know your hands will be kept warm. Add a little personalization with a monogram and you're set. Here are a few options if you are looking:

Mark & Graham Classic Leather Gloves

J.Crew Smartphone Leather Gloves

J.Crew Jeweled Leather Gloves

Kate Spade Bow Gloves

Target Tech Touch Leather Gloves

LE TOUR DE NASHVILLE

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go on a tour of Nashville and The Ryman Auditorium with other Nashville bloggers. It was such a fun way to spend a Sunday morning and afternoon (although it seemed a little early to be dowtown!) and it was great to meet other bloggers in the area.

Gray Line Tours TN gave us a great tour - both of the Ryman and throughout the city. It's a great and very informative way to see the city and I highly recommend it to anyone who comes to Nashville and wants to do a little sight seeing. Our walking tour guide was fantastic and gave such an in depth history lesson (not in a bad way!) of the Ryman Auditorium. There's so much history behind the once-home of the Grand Ole Opry that I was completely oblivious to! After that we went on a trolley tour, making several stops that you can hop on and off at - The Farmer's Market, Marathon Village, The Parthenon, Music Row, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and The Ryman. We naturally had to stop a time or two for a photo opportunity!

Huge thank you to Gray Line Tours for hosting us, and Zipporah, the amazingly talented photographer who captured all the moments I just shared with you!

THANKSGIVING TABLE SETTINGS

I think Thanksgiving is one of the most beautiful holidays to decorate for. I love Christmas - the white lights and poinsettias and holly - but there is something about Thanksgiving with the leaves, berries, and pumpkins that is just so stunning on a table. I've been looking at Pinterest and through magazines recently for inspiration for the upcoming holiday. My mom always sets a gorgeous table(s), but as I'm trying to expand my skills (flower arrangements being one of them), I'd love to help her out this year. Did you just read that Mom?! I love the above ideas and think they are cute and exactly what a Thanksgiving table needs... along with the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and mountains and mountains of food :)
 
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LIFE LATELY

Today is November 11... how did that even happen? I swear it was the beginning of October just yesterday. The fall is absolutely flying by and it's seriously going to be Christmas before we know it. In the meantime, I'm just enjoying these beautiful fall days we've been regularly having in Nashville. Those super blue sky, bright red, orange, and yellow leaves, 56 degree kind of days. It's so lovely. 

I've been on a bit of a blogging hiatus because work hit busy season and I honestly didn't have the brain power or energy to devote what I needed to this lovely little blog of mine. This past week - and weekend - was a great one though, so I have no choice but to share!

Here's what's happened: It was CMA Awards week in Nashville, so I went to a singer/songwriter event on Tuesday which was really, really cool. These guys - and girl - have written hits for Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood... the list goes on. I also got to meet Brett Eldredge at a private little concert with People Magazine. Also really, really cool. Wednesday I went to the CMA Awards and it was ah-mazing. Taylor Swift's stripped down version of Red was one of my favorite performances of the night. Keith & Miranda and Carrie also were fabulous.

This weekend I went out Friday night, which was fun, and then laid low and watched football Saturday. Yesterday I had a very Sunday Funday. Bloggers in Blog Nashville were able to go on a tour of Nashville and a get a backstage tour of the Ryman Auditorium through Gray Line tours.  More on that to come - but it was so fun meeting other Nashville bloggers! Then Sunday night I finally made it out to Cheekwood for the Bruce Munro light exhibit. The lights were so beautiful and it's amazing how much time and detail must have gone into creating each display. I'm so glad I got to see it - just in time before it closes!

Hope you all had great weekends as well - Happy Monday!