2011 Pretty Presents + For the easily bored

No matter how advanced our computer games get, board games will never go out of style. There's something about just sitting around, being ridiculously competitive with family and friends that brings out the most laughter. My personal favorites are Taboo and Cranium.

via Pinterest

Where: Anywhere online or at stores like Target
Price: From $10 - $50
Alternatives: For something a little more complicated, try Risk or Monopoly Deal. For something easy and fast, try Jenga!


That being said, the technology in games these days is very impressive. I hear Skyrim is the cracktastic game to have this season?

via Pinterest

Where: Amazon or at stores like Best Buy
Price: $60
Alternatives: Your gamer brother or sister will probably know better than me.


And after all that horsing around, if your friend is still bored, it's time to get serious. Get them a reservation for bungee jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, canyoneering, paragliding, and more! I'm only familiar with a few places in California, but I'm sure they're readily available everywhere. Just make sure it's reputable and safe!

via Pinterest

Where: Bungee America, Skydive Perris, Kern Rafting, etc.
Price: Starting at $80
Alternatives: This. 


After that, it's time to remind them that things could be much worse with the famous drinking bird.

via Pinterest

Where: Amazon
Price: $7.20
Alternative: TV (Link is to King-Size Homer episode with the drinking bird)

Black Friday night links + A thankful weekend

Teddy bear sunflowers via Design Sponge

What do you eat the day after Thanksgiving? You vs. Mr. Turkey: ROUND TWO.  (via DailyCandy)

When you find that really sexy dress for the holidays, but need help choosing the right undies to keep your bits from dangling. (via Refinery29)

Sipping Martinelli's Apple Cider every year at all the fancy parties. This describes the drink perfectly. (via Dlisted)

Tell me Bruce Willis, is it possible to be a badass and nice, family man at the same time? (via LaineyGossip)

I'm very tempted to buy this book. Very, very tempted. (via 9gag)

This makes me a little sad since I already bought some, but the flats from my party animal post is having a sale this weekend. Enter "November" in the summary tab during checkout for 40% off. (Info from Daily Candy)

The rest of the Flowers A-Z. (via Design Sponge)

I watched A King's Speech a couple days ago and have fallen in love with Colin Firth all over again. I'm definitely watching the Oldboy remake if he decides the play the villain. Can you imagine him as that incredibly brilliant and creepy character? That being said, I hope Hollywood properly credits the original filmmakers this time around. Infernal Affairs (which inspired The Departed) is one of my favorite movies of all time, and I was definitely annoyed when it was introduced as a Japanese film instead of a Chinese one at the Oscars. I know they're from the same continent, but no one really mixes up America and Mexico. It's offhand racism. Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now. (via ScreenRant)

A heartwarming story of a cat and fig in 46 seconds. Also: this and this. (via Buzzfeed)

Next week, I'll be continuing with my gift guide, so look out for that! Have a great one, and thank you all for reading! It makes my day ♥.

I hope you don't absolutely loathe hyacinths. via Design Sponge

Lavender + Dessert

via Pinterest

I didn't realize what carnivores my family members are until I saw our Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, goose, duck, chicken, pork, lobster rolls, dumplings, rice, gravy, a bit of vegetables, fruits, and ice cream...I'm still stuffed and happily so. But why ice cream, you ask? My dad insisted requested that I make some instead of the usual delicious, warm pie we have for dessert. And since I recently told him that the lavender from his garden is edible, he's been wanting a dish flavored with the purple blooms. I was a bit nervous about poisoning the fam with flowers, but the ice cream turned out okay, so I thought I would share a few pictures.

Heat the milk first and add the eggs later, but you can mix in the rest of the ingredients at different times according to different recipes.

There weren't any measuring cups so I used this mug to measure a cup.

I used Oprah's Orange Lavender Ice Cream recipe and a basic vanilla ice cream recipe for the second batch. I enjoyed the vanilla more, but if you're a fan of richer flavors, I definitely recommend trying Oprah's recipe! Ice cream isn't very hard to make, but there will always be oohs and ahhs when you present it at the dinner table.

Vanilla ♦ Orange Lavender

What did you have for Thanksgiving?

Love + Family

via Design Sponge

Happy Thanksgiving xoxo.

Rainbows + Nails

Refinery29 always has great tips on nail art. See here and here. They recently posted up a big Winter Collection, but there are so many colors, the collection could work for any season. The nail polishes are all very pretty regardless. I love the greys, but don't think I could pull it off. With my skin tone, it might look like my nails are decaying, so I might have to stick with the reds.

Which one would you wear to a holiday party?

2011 Pretty Presents + For the fatties

This is coming from the OG of fatties, so trust me on this.

via Pinterest

I know I've said this before, but macarons are awesome. They're slightly chewy, slightly crispy, and all around delicious. They're also beautiful, which makes it perfect for gift-giving.

Where: Bottega Louie (LA), Paulette (LA)
Price: $1.70 to $2 each
Alternatives: Ladurée (France, England, Italy, Japan, Turkey, Ireland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Dubai, Lebanon, NY) La Maison du Chocolat (France, Hong Kong, England, Japan, NY),  Pierre Hermé (France, England, Japan) Pushkin Cafe (Russia) Adriano Zumbo (Australia)...or make your own!


There is an edible goldmine called Etsy, where almost everything is guaranteed to be handmade. I'm interested in the caramel and marshmallows in particular.

Where: haveitconfections,
Price: Varies
Alternatives: FusionSweets
When: Order from haveitconfections by November 26th for Christmas orders


Imagine getting this.

Where: Vosges Chocolate
Price: $135, Prices start at $7.50 (+$9.95 shipping)
Alternatives: Something sweet from your personal favorite chocolate shop.


These days, there's an abundance of online deals for trendy cafes, diners, and lounges. Why not buy one for someone who would take more pleasure in a night out than another fancy candle for the house?

via House of Decor

Where: Thrillist Rewards, DailyCandy, Groupon, Gilt, etc.
Price: Varies
Alternatives: A home cooked meal for a loved one ♥.

Droooool...

2011 Pretty Presents + For the party animal

This first post of around 10-15 guides will be for the friend that always fills the room with laughter, the sister with the craziest stories, that sad fellow hunched over the toilet, the college student that doesn't know any better, or even for the one staring at you in the mirror.

via Thrilld

The holidays are fast approaching; let's get started!

Any clubber knows how her feet feels by the end of the night. Help a sister out by getting her some comfy, foldable flats for that never-ending walk back.

Where: Fit in Clouds
Price: $19.95 -25.95 (+ $3 shipping)
Alternatives: Dr. Scholl's Flats (or in stores like Target)


Make-up! I'm sure you know what fits your friend best, but if you're in a hurry, I recommend NARS's Super Orgasm blush. Blush looks great on everyone, and everyone raves about this color for a reason.

Where: NARS (also every department store)
Price: $27
Alternatives: Where to begin?


If you get someone a magazine subscription, they'll be thinking of and thanking you every month. It's an affordable gift, and there are so many choices out there.

via Just Little Things

Where: Vogue, Lucky, Women's Health, etc.
Price: Anywhere from $5-$50
Alternatives: A book. Online magazine subscriptions. Jordan Fenney from Oh Happy Day has some great tips on scoring cheap subscriptions from ebay.


A breathalyzer. Admit it. Wouldn't you love to get one? For the curious, you can finally figure out what your BAC level is. For the creative, imagine the number of games you can play with this. And for EVERYONE, this is a way to stay safe when it's time to drive home (or crash on the couch).

Where: Best Buy (also sites like Amazon)
Price: $149.99
Alternatives: The one above is the most popular on numerous sites. There are some for cheaper, but I wouldn't trust the ones that go for $9.99


One can never have too many dresses, especially when they don't break the bank. It's also a lazy way to look stylish for a festive party... because if you think about it, that's one less piece of clothing to put on.

Where: Nasty Gal
Price: $58 (+$8 shipping)
Alternatives: With dresses, there are always more choices, like this one from Miss Selfridge or Modcloth. There are so many options under $100 at stores like H&M, Zara (free shipping! and great packaging), the always dependable Asos, or if your friend doesn't mind, the thrift store.

Tip: If you're buying something online, take a few minutes to google for coupons or vouchers. It can save you anywhere from a couple of bucks to 50% off your purchase.

Up next: something sweet!

To brighten your day + And your smile

No, you stop it, you gorgeous thing.

Friday night links + Rewarding weekend

A big sorry for not posting much this week! I've been trying to finish my apps these past few days, but you might have guessed...me working on apps has been like chasing my own tail. I better get it together this weekend! In the meantime, take a quick look at these fun links.

This article on words is a little old, but it's still great. I'm sure all of you have experienced biting into food so hot you start thrashing in pain while moving the food around in your mouth. The Ghanians can describe that in one word. My favorite is "Shemomedjamo" which in Georgian means "I accidentally ate the whole thing." Yes. Yes, I'm afraid I did. (via Mental Floss)

Gummy bears...because have you met a single person who dislikes them? (via Tumblr)

Save Community! I get that many people watch sitcoms just to relax, but I don't understand why Two and a Half Men does so well, or why people think nerds talking like "nerds" (Big Bang Theory) is funny. Ugh. (via Vulture)

The world's lightest material can sit on top of a dandelion. Go Irvine. (via National Post)

I'm not a big fan of long dresses because even though they're really pretty, they seem so formal most of the time. I would get over that if I could wear this red + pink number. (via Nordstrom)

Next week, with Thanksgiving coming, I should have my gift guide ready for you! Let me know if there's anyone you want help shopping for. For now, here's the Weekend Lion ☺.

Favorites + Monday blues turn purple

Anthropologie has new outfits for us to drool over, and even though the yellow ensemble is my fave out of the three, who can resist that breeze?

                                     

via anthropologie,  delish,  amberalexander

Saturday Special + Happy Veteran's Day weekend

via Favim

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday, but let me make it up with a quick weekend update.

What a beautiful and comprehensive gift guide. In a couple of weeks, I'll be posting several of my own gift ideas so look out for that! It's about time I started writing about something related to the title of this blog. (via Creature Comforts)

Leila Sales sometimes gets text messages intended for other Leilas because of a little hiccup with Verizon. Instead of complaining, she's made a hilarious blog about it. (via Gizmodo)

So simple, but so pretty. Flowers in ice cubes. (via A CUP OF JO)

Then why didn't she, Draco? Why didn't she? (via mybulldogsnameistank.tumblr.com)

Mmm...green tea cookies with white chocolate. Another awesome recipe from Nami. (via Just One Cookbook)

Also, awesome exam answers. (via Buzzfeed)

Let me end with something serious. To the rioting idiots who call themselves college students at Penn State, your governor should NOT have to tell you to refrain from violence. As serious as football can be to some, justice for children who have been raped and neglected is always, ALWAYS more important. (via USA Today)

Wish BIG + It's 11.11.11

via Pinterest

Favorites + Community

Until 30 Rock comes back, I will be bombarding you with Community tidbits. Here is the sexiest man alive. Enjoy.

Wednesday wishes + Kate's confidence

Kate7 by greggory

Say what you will about her lifestyle choices and beliefs (she's obviously never tasted a donut), the lady has confidence and style in spades.

Style Icon: Kate Middleton by ashleypetrova

To be scrutinized so heavily, Kate Middleton must have a good amount of confidence and poise as well. It's admirable we haven't seen her without her smile yet.

I feel like confidence is one of the most important traits to have.
What do you value most in a person?

Treehouses + Dreams

This morning, I had a dream where I was at a school filled with ghosts who kept dangling students off the rooftops and balconies. Then, I was suddenly living in a treehouse with people I hadn't talked to in years. It sounds funny now, but at the time, it was oddly terrifying.

via Russiancarpet.tumblr.com

 On a sidenote, I've always wanted a treehouse. Look at that view.

Childhood + Books

Happy Monday! How did that extra hour feel? :)

via Bookshelf

When I was younger, I didn't fully enjoy children's books. I'm talking about those picture books meant to keep us quiet when our parents were busy. Or the ones used to nurture our education. Whichever. The stories felt too simple and easily resolved for me. Now that I'm a little older, I realize how wonderful they are and how even the simplest stories have so much heart. Plus, the pictures are gorgeous.
Remember Corduroy, the story of the teddy bear with a missing button?

You'll probably recognize Where the Sidewalk Ends, written by Shel Silverstein, who also wrote the very famous Giving Tree.

There was that freeloader in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

And poor Stellaluna who is forced to act like a bird. Don't some bats eat birds?

Who can forget Strega Nona? And how badly do you want that magical pot (of noodles)?

There was all this hullabaloo about whether The Rainbow Fish was about socialism or how that lonely fish just gave in to peer pressure to be popular. I'm just upset the fish got uglier. Yes, I'm that shallow.

I'm sure you've read or heard Love You Forever, which is about a parent's unconditional love. Apparently, the author wrote it for his deceased children. Sad, but what a beautiful way to express those feelings.

I could go on forever, so I'll stop here...but don't forget about the Dr. Seuss and Curious George books, Guess How Much I Love You, The True Story of Three Little Pigs, Miss Nelson is Missing!, that book with the raccoons and their tea sets, and that little known story about Where the Wild Things Are.

What are your favorite children's books?