Monday with Matt Double Feature

Happy Holidays,

The Best Gift Box!

If you've followed my blog for a while it will come as no surprise that I love PopSugar Must Have boxes. It's so great coming home to a box of fun treats on the front porch each month and I genuinely look forward to it. This month there are three boxes you can indulge in: the regular December box, the Holiday Box and the coveted Neiman Marcus box!

I splurged on this annual box of goodies because for what you get it's too good of a deal to pass up! To be completely honest this year is probably the best one I've bought so far. It's honestly such an amazing gift or you can buy one box and give seven gifts for WAY less than what you would normally spend.

What's your favorite piece in the box?

Happy Holidays,

Manly Gifts!

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Yesterday was all about gifts for the women on your list, so today we are looking at stuff for the guys. I never know what to get the guys on my list because they are so much harder to shop for, but I'm hoping this will help with my struggles and yours.

Who's on your shopping list this year?

Happy Holidays,

Santa's Belly Blaster Workout

Don't ask me why, but I love a good ab workout! It's probably my favorite thing to focus on even though it's the hardest place for me to see results. I gain muscle everywhere else in my body so quickly, but my abs are just more stubborn. Regardless, I trudge on and do my best.

With all the cardio in the last two weeks (here & here) we figured it would be could to focus on some strength training. Plus, with all the indulgent choices at Christmas time there's just something great about an ab workout to make you feel less guilty.

Let us know in the comments which video you'd like to see next week! Your choices are a relaxing yoga routine to calm your holiday nerves or the HIIT 12 days of Christmas routine (try last year's). We'll be filming both, but you get to pick what comes first!

Happy Holidays,

My workout look:

Gifts for Her!

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Let's just say that Blogmas went off the rails last week. Work got to be WAY too much and there was no blogging time. So this week the tentative plan is to post twice a day to catch up. We will see if this works, but nevertheless that's the plan. I hope everyone is having a chance to relax a little bit this holiday season! 

I know many of you are probably finished with your shopping, but let's just say I am notorious for waiting until the last minute to finalize my list. I live for the rush of Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve! So for all of you who've been too busy to shop or love the last minute shopping adventure here are a few ideas for the women in your life!

I know how hard it is to shop for the woman who has it all or the friend you have to impress, but hopefully with this list you can find something they love based on what they love.

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Jumper Workout!

Holy internet troubles!! Everything is hooked back up and finally after what felt like forever running smooth. Seriously, you have no idea how addicted to the Internet you are until it's not working. 

It's Christmas time and we are jumping for joy. We're REALLY jumping... like a lot.

It might look cute to wear your holiday sweater to the gym to show your Christmas spirit,  but I reccommend opting for cute 'ugly' tank. This sweater go so hot while we were jumping around! Make sure to drink some water in between these sets because you're gonna need it.

Happy Holidays!

My workout look: 

Stocking Stuffers for Him!

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As promised earlier, here is the stocking stuffer guide for the men in your life! To be completely honest some of these are quite a bit more expensive and could be used as a small gift, too. Just wrap it up in a separate box and then put it inside the stocking. Last year I put together a bar cart for my boyfriend, so I used his stocking for some of the smaller pieces. It was stuffed with wine openers, bottle openers, whiskey rocks and more! It really tied his whole present together! 

For all the men I shop for I like to follow a simple rule: Give gadgets that they love and a few fashion items that I think will suit them well. It creates a great combination for them to open on Christmas — a little fun and a little serious. These iPhone lenses are such a cool gift especially on a holiday since we all take so many photos! Your guy can switch out the lenses for wider family shots and switch them out again for goofy selfies. I also love the idea of this reindeer tie. Throw it in his stocking and then he can wear it to Christmas dinner!

If you missed my Stocking Stuffers for Her post, check it out here!

Happy Holidays!

Stocking Stuffers For Her!

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I love giving gifts! Searching out the perfect thing for everyone on your list is so much fun for me. My favorite part of gift giving, though, isn't the big presents under the tree or the brown paper packages tied up with string — it's the stocking.

Curating a stocking full of your loved ones favorite things is such a personal way to give a gift! I've talked on my blog before about making gift bags full of a bunch of small gifts and I think that's always spurred from my love of building stockings at Christmas! You could definitely do a stocking in lieu of a big gift and they make brilliant Secret Santa or hostess gifts.

I love color coordinating the contents (this pink shade is huge right now) or following a theme (a stocking for coffee lovers is always a hit!). It helps make the stocking and the gifts more cohesive and definitely makes it easier to shop for while sifting through all the stuff in stores right now. Of course, you can go totally eclectic, too! I love this brightly colored stocking and would love to fill it with a bunch of whimsical, colorful gifts!

Basically, the opportunities are endless, but the outcome will always be the perfect, personalized gift!

Check here for Stocking Stuffers for Him!

Happy Holidays!

Evergreen Christmas

Vince Camuto Top, similar || Steve Madden Coat || Joe's Jeans ||

Stuart Weitzman Highway Boots || J. Crew Factory Necklace, similar ||

Diamond Studs || Target Tote, similar || Butter Nail Lacquer in Flat out Fabulous ||

Last night I walked out of a meeting and stumbled upon a Christmas tree lot and if it had started to snow it would have been fate. Sadly no snow, but it was starting to get dark and they flipped on the strands of lights over head creating the most perfect way to end the day. The air was cold and the smell of the trees was so strong that I had to go walk around even though I had no intention of getting a tree just yet. To be honest, leaving without a tree wasn't by choice, but more of an issue with getting it home on top of my car.

After getting back from Texas and complaining about the heat I am pretty sure I've been cursed with cold weather, which is fine by me because now I can wear all of the coats I've been collecting! This green number caught my eye back in September when it was on sale. I ordered it and it's been waiting in the coat closet for it's debut ever since. I love this rich fabric and the green is a fun way to add some winter flair to a more neutral outfit. I think it looks so luxe with these black pants, but you could put a cream sweater dress underneath or winter white pants for a lighter palette  I think it would be a fun piece to wear over a little metallic cocktail dress for your holiday parties, too!

So I know the 'Highland' boots are everywhere, but this is the 'Highway' style and I love them! The back is a stretchy fabric rather than suede, so you just pull them on. I don't think they are as high up on the leg, but for a more professional outing I like not having the tie-back. Stuart Weitzman boots are incredibly expensive, but shop around (I got mine for a huge discount) and prepare to invest. The suede is so soft and the comfort and craftsmanship are worth the money.

Happy Holidays!

More ways to get the look:

Christmas Advent!

Happy December 1st, loves!! I am so happy to officially be diving into all things Christmas! So not only will I be cranking up the Christmas station in my car, but I'm going to try to accomplish everything on this list! Last year I posted a movie advent to tackle leading up to the big day, but I wanted to challenge everyone this year to get out and enjoy some holiday cheer!

A few of these have been inspired by some of my family's traditions over the years and some are just things that I really want to do to get even more in a Christmas-y mood. I am dying to go ice skating in Union Square so hopefully that happens this weekend! And on a less active note, I can't wait to curl up with some hot chocolate and watch some of my favorite Christmas movies. Also, I just bought a pair of new Hunter boots (a Black Friday find) and once they're here I will be on my way to the Christmas tree lot to pick the perfect tree! So that's basically four things of the list already!

This post is also the start of Blogmas 2016! So get ready for a ton of DIYs, holiday outfits, gift guides and more! I have so much planned for this year that I hope I have time to squeeze it all in. November flew by and I really want to be able to savor the whole month of December.

What are some of the things you love to do this time of year? There's always room for a few more activities on the list!

Happy Holidays,

Post-Thanksgiving Cardio!

The holidays are officially upon us! Parties, food, constant activity, ladies and gentleman we are in the thick of it. Which means you are probably stuck between wanting to eat all the Christmas cookies and fitting into that sparkly red party dress — it's a dilemma. I promise that you can do both, though. Just maybe only have one cookie.

No you won't come out the other side with a six-pack, but you also won't end up with a food baby stuck fitting into nothing, but your Christmas pajamas. The trick my friends is to really invest an hour of your day this month (STARTING TODAY! NOT DEC. 1) to a high-intensity workout. You need to sweat, you need to lift and you need to get your cardio on and your heart rate up! 

Once the New Year passes you can get serious about meal prepping and eating raw or clean or whatever fad comes up between now and then. I am all about realistic goals and I know that this time of year all I can do is prevent weight gain and maintain health. With my massive to-do list, the traveling and a holiday social calendar it's not realistic to plan every single meal down to the calorie. So enjoy the season and just do what you can to stay in great health!

Love you lots,

Today's (and last week's) workout look:

Support Small Business Saturday!

So I know you probably shopped until you dropped yesterday, but it's time to rally and support some of your local businesses. Find a local coffee shop and a boutique near you and spend a little money in your community. I love boutique shopping for unique Christmas gifts and decor. Plus, they usually have some of the best stocking stuffers out there. Staying local is so important!! I know it's easy to do all of your shopping on Amazon, but trust me on this one. Your boutique gifts will be greatly appreciated not only by the person you're gifting to, but the store owners who rely on you to keep their passions going!

Cake Plate in Napa invited me back after last week's posts to share a few great fall outfits that you can pick up today! I was so excited to go back! I wanted to take each of these pieces home, but ended up just buying the suede pants because they were too cute to leave behind. It's the season of giving and I can't spend all my cash on gifts for myself! No matter what you're shopping for you can find it at Cake Plate. A party dress for your holiday or New Year's party, a cookbook with every Nacho recipe you could imagine, adorable cards, a sweater for your man, and even bar cart accessories! Make a list, check it twice and finish some of your shopping today!

 MILLY top and Paige denim

Bailey/44 Top and Velvet by Graham and Spencer Suede Trousers 

Oh did I mention that Cake Plate is doing a gift with purchase deal today? How cute are these koozies!! 

Where are you shopping local today?

Love you lots,

Like something you've seen? Contact Paige at Cake Plate for shipping options! 

Thanks Cake Plate for providing these looks.

A Little Preppy Never Hurt Anyone

Gap White Shirt || J. Crew Factory Vest || Levi 721s || Dolce Vita Boot, similar || 

Vintage Dior Earrings, similar || Coach Tote, similar || J. Crew Factory Necklace ||

Knot Bracelet || MK Watch || Kate Spade Bangle ||

Who doesn't love a good puffer vest?! I have added a new color to my collection for the last few years and I still wear each and every one. This apple green was the first colored option that I picked up since my collection started, but I just love the pop of color that it adds to an outfit. It's bright and vibrant and takes a somber autumn look to another level.

I think it's imperative for every woman to own a white shirt. In an emergency it can be dressed up or dressed down and can easily be the most versatile piece in your closet. This one is a boyfriend shirt from Gap and sadly after this photoshoot I decided to retire it (my washer/dryer has eaten it alive). However, with Black Friday only two days away I will definitely be picking up a new one! I think splurging on key wardrobe pieces that will last you forever (if you don't have a devil washing machine) at a fraction of the cost is the best way to take advantage of all the amazing sales happening this weekend!

These boots made an appearance in a post last week, but what can I say — they're so great that I can't stop myself! Matte metallics are so in right now and I am so happy that I've held on to this Coach tote! I randomly found it at one of their outlet stores a few years back, but was Christmas shopping and couldn't buy myself a gift. My amazing BF went back and snuck it home for me and it's been a closet staple ever since. I love the luggage details on the corners and how much it holds! It's perfect for traveling!! I just piled on the gold accessories to match and there's your proof! You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take that southern preppy style from the girl!

Love you lots,

More ways to get the look:

Gilmore Watch Party!!

Headphones || Face Mask || Poodle Plate || Red Polish || Base & Top Coat ||

Gold Travel Mug || Polka Dot Mug || My Fav Coffee || Flannel Sleep Shirt ||

OH MY GOSH! My fellow Gilmore Girls, we are so close to six more hours of our favorite kooky characters and the most charming town we've ever dreamed of living in! So in anticipation I've come up with a list of things to make your Netflixing a little more Gilmore-approved.

First you will need snacks and lots of them! I have a bit of a sweet tooth so Mallomars are near the top of my list, but buckets of popcorn, potato chips, pretzels and tater tots fresh from the sock warmer ... I mean, oven ... are also a must. I also recommend stocking up on take-out menus and updating Postmates (an app I am positive the girls would love!). The more food you have around you and the more takeout boxes in the fridge the better! Serve some of your treats on your new poodle tray for a cute look. And eat a Mallomar every time someone says, "Oy with the poodles already!"

It wouldn't be Gilmore without a ton of coffee. Pick up a travel mug so you're coffee stays warm and make sure it's cute or Lorelai wouldn't approve. Brew a pot or two because I'm sure you'll need it to stay up for all four of these amazing episodes, especially if you're waiting up for the very second they're launched. 

While I don't plan on sitting and watching these episodes all in one go, I know some of you are planning on doing just that! Keep yourself busy with a face mask and a pedicure because everybody knows that private school girls are bad. And bad girls always wear red nail polish.

That brings us to your attire! You'll need to be cozy and there's nothing better than a flannel shirt. I mean just ask Luke. This sleep shirt will look cute and keep you comfy no matter how many episodes you decide to watch. Add in these super cute headphones to keep out any distractions. The fast talking is back and you don't want to miss a single pun, pop culture reference or God-forbid a plot point!

I attended a Q&A with Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino a week ago and hearing them talk about these four episodes got me even more excited. I'd never give insight to the scenes they showed because that wouldn't be fair to you all, but let's just say you will not be disappointed! I can't wait for Friday to get here!! Copper Boom!

Love you lots,