Holiday Gift Guide for College Girls: $25 dollars or less

1. Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee $22

Beautifully natural cheek color with all day staying power. This product is natural and comes in 6 shades. Perfect for any beauty lover out there.

2. Marc Jacobs Daisy Rollerball $22

I'm in love with Daisy by Marc Jacobs. It's a fresh scent and isn't overpowering for daily wear. It's quite subtle so many different girls could enjoy wearing it. Not as floral as you might think!

3. It's All Good by Gwyneth Paltrow $22.42

Paltrow has a clean and healthy diet laid out in her cook book. So many deliciously clean foods that will leave anyone feeling energized for the new year.

4. For a Good Time Call $14.99

Hilarious movie for any girl in her 20s. I loved it, but the idea here is that movies are great gifts. Doesn't have to be this one in particular.

5. My Game Face Includes Mascara by N9NE Athletics $24.95

This one is for the athletic girl in your life. She can be feminine, but still tough. Doesn't matter if she wears mascara while she plays, she still kicks butt!

6. POP Pilates Power Ring by Blogilates $19.95

If you know anyone as in love with Pilates as I am, then she needs this. It provides the resistance necessary for a killer workout.

7. Coconut Milk Mango Candle from Anthropologie $20.00

What girl doesn't love a delightfully summery candle. Perhaps not an appropriate scent for a holiday gift guide, but it's a heavenly scent, regardless.

8. 152 Insights into My Soul T-Shirt from Society 6 $22.00

Get her a shirt with a quote from her favorite movie! This one happens to be from mine (You've Got Mail!). 

9. Caribou Coffee Mug $10.99

I am not alone in my obsession with coffee and tea. If she's in college, she needs this more than you know. Who doesn't need that afternoon pick me up to pound through homework and study for those exams?

Thanksgiving Outfit Idea

Earrings - Etsy, Jacket - Target, Booties - JustFab, Sweater - J. Crew Factory, Leggings - Zara

This chic Thanksgiving Day outfit idea is perfect for whatever events you have planned. It's appropriate for a family gathering, but still chic for if you're more of a "Friendsgiving" kind of gal. You can step right into Black Friday shopping, too. Just be sure you've got a coffee in hand after a day of gobbling up that delicious turkey!
Unfortunately, I will not be wearing this exact outfit on Thanksgiving, but I'll do my best to recreate this look with pieces already in my closet.

What will you be wearing this Thanksgiving?

Thankful

It's so very human to take the good things in life for granted. I wish I could say I think about the things I'm thankful for daily, but I'm with the majority on this one. I complain about school work, I whine about the weather, and I'm often upset or worried about things that don't matter. Thanksgiving is a time to really appreciate what you have and spend time with the people you love. I know the holidays are a time when everyone gets extra mushy about what they love, but we should try to continue those joyful exchanges throughout the year. We can be thankful for our families and our friends without it being Thanksgiving. Regardless, I'm incredibly thankful for the blessed life I live. I have a strong family with loving parents who I can count on and a supportive, encouraging brother who continues to be a role model for me. I attend a university where I'm growing my knowledge every day and learning about the world. I have close friends who I care about deeply and know they'll always be there for me. I have a boyfriend that loves and respects me. I have my health, and so does my family. I have a fluffy, goofy pup that makes me smile. The list could go on. I'm so blessed and I will no longer take that for granted. Take a moment to think about what you're thankful for and HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Response to an "Existential Bummer"

"Existential Bummer"

Filmmaker Jason Silva's words inspire me. Some days I go through the motions and forget to stop and appreciate the beauty that surrounds me. I forget to smile at strangers or take a minute to realize the seasons are changing before my eyes. One day I will be gone. Everything will be gone.

As Silva says, I think we've all felt nostalgic for something over something we haven't lost yet. Days we haven't lived, places we haven't been, time we haven't yet spent. I find myself worrying about things that may never happen while I could be out making something more of my life. I want to vow to live life a little harder. Say yes more often. Follow my dreams even if I am uncertain of where they'll lead me. Love without reservations. I will recognize the transience, but I'll hold onto the love and make it last. "I do not accept the ephemeral nature of this moment. I'm going to extend it forever, or at least I'm going to try." 

Links of the Week #2

1. This guy is adorable and his day in LA is sure to make you smile. I did.

2. Nothing says Thanksgiving like the smell of cinnamon roasted almonds wafting through your house. I made these from a slightly altered recipe I created on the fly and they're amazing.

3. If you've not yet seen About Time, it's about time you go see it. Great movie with a heartwarming message.

4. Downton Abbey fanatics there's a jewelry and gift shop just for you!

5. Don't tell me you've never been hangry.