September Delights List

September Delights List by knhale // 1. Kate Spade Seaport Grand Two Tone Watch // 2. BCBGMAXAZRIA leather handbag // 3. 'Design Sponge' Home Décor Book // 4. Someday, Maybe, Someday by Lauren Graham // 5. Dogeared Elephant Stud Earrings // 6. Report Slip Ons // 7. Attingham Tea Set // 8. Capri Blue Candle // 9. Sparrow Fiemme Cardigan // 10. Gorjana Honey Comb Lariat Necklace // 11. Happ & Stahns Perfume

September and Such.

Mmm September. I truly can't get enough. This magical month is just my Achilles Heel, in a way. And there are just so many pretty, craveable items out this month, thanks to the wonderful school year kicking off. I don't boast to be a fashionista, but any fashion instincts in me definitely surface during the Autumn months. I dress mostly like a slob for 9 months a year, but when September hits... well, I just have too much respect for this grand season. You can see the full amount of fun on My September Pinterest Board. These are all items that get me excited for fall. Especially that Design*Sponge book, since I've been in apartment-decor mode for weeks. Ooh la la.

Currently...

Listening // The peaceful tuneage of John Mayer's "Paradise Valley" & Bethel Music's "Tides"

Snacking  // Trader Joes Animal Crackers

Watching // White Collar Season 1 on Netflix

(Since Burn Notice Season 7 has yet to come to Netflix... Or finish its current season on TV :)

Reading // I know it's sort of trashy, but I'm relishing, "Nemesis: The True Story of Aristotle Onassis, Jackie O and the Love Triangle that Brought Down the Kennedys" It's a guilty pleasure.

Craving // Mom-Sister time. I miss that goofy girly trio.

What's on your September desires list? 

Be Mine: Valentines Day Gift Guide For Her & Him

Celebrate love! Buy presents! There are my two favorite things. It's almost Valentines Day, and that means that you have the opportunity to tell your loved ones what they mean to you. Boys, girls, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents - everyone deserves to know why they are precious to you. Take this opportunity to show them how you feel. Tell them why they are cherished. I've compiled a gift guide specifically for that extra-special guy or gal in your life. Go ahead. You have permission to wow.

Via // Via // Via

For Her...

ONE // Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar Candle

Every woman wants this candle. This is THE candle at our beloved Anthropologie. We won't buy it for ourselves. But you could buy it for ourselves.

TWO // Boite A Savon Bath Salts

Oooh la la, any guy who encourages his lady to take a bubble bath is automatically THE MAN. And if he gives her these luxurious bath treats, she will be singing his praises for a long time to come. First seen (and most easily purchased) here. Peace and tranquility, anyone?

THREE // Warby Parker Glasses

Give the gift of vision. For only $95 (anyone who has to buy glasses knows what a steal of a deal this is), you can try out 5 different pairs of glasses for 5 days. Keep the ones you want, return the rest. Oh, and the bonus? They will send a pair of glasses to someone in need, on your behalf. I love gifts that keep on giving.

Via // Via // Via

For Him...

ONE // Instagram on Canvas

He snaps those photos, but wouldn't he like to savor them? Print his Instagrams to canvas and experience the moment all over again. First seen here, this radical gift will be treasured for many Instagrams to come.

TWO // Growler Beer

"On tap" beer you can bring home. Isn't this every man's dream? Growlers come in 1/2-gallons, so not only is this pretty much the freshest beer you could have outside a bar, it's also a decent amount. Perfect for a picnic for two. Inside your home. On the couch. Check out your local breweries (and select liquor stores) to see if they carry growlers. You can even get them refilled! My local spot is the Harpoon Brewery, which has been on my Boston Bucket list for a while now... now I've got a reason to hit it!

THREE // Skyfall on Blu Ray

This is the action flick of the year. I personally think that Javier Bardem should win an Oscar for his performance in this latest installment of the James Bond trilogy. Experience it over and over again in HD. Order with ease here.

I hope you have the happiest of happy Valentines Day. Remember that these gifts reflect your love for your sweetheart, but only YOU can tell them why they are so special to you. So don't forget that part, too. I wish you many hugs and smooches.

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

It's time to think about that man in your life. Buying a Christmas gift for a man-dude-friend is so hard. What in the world do you give? More importantly, what does your gift say to him? If you're married like me, any gift you give just says love. Whether it's a set of golf clubs or the brand of underwear he likes, it all falls in the category of "I love you and I'm taking care of you." I like to refer to this as love slash care. But if you're shopping for a man-dude-friend and you aren't so sure that you're at the "love slash care" point in your relationship, what do you buy? Plus, what about your Dad, grandfather, brother, cousin, BFF...? They deserve something awesomely thoughtful, too! So stop eying that boring plaid button down (that he probably already has in 12 colors from HIS MOM) and check out the following guide for some truly unique (and memorable) gifts for him.

1. Williams Sonoma Beer Making Kit, $39.95

For the creative man who like to craft his own beverages, this is the perfect gift. It allows you to mix up the included hops, barley, yeast and spices to create a one-of-a-kind brewsky. Created by the Brooklyn Brew Shop and offered via Williams Sonoma, this kit is truly unique and fun. Both of my brothers-in-law would love this, and yours will too!

2. J. Crew Leather Flask, $42.50

This flask will warm your heart as well as your spirit! For those cold days when a shot of bourbon won't hurt, this is a fun and lighthearted gift for the man who likes to have a good time. Leather-bound and made of stainless steel, this J. Crew item seems like the perfect gift for Dad or grandpa (if your dad is anything like mine!) The only way to amplify this gift? Include a bottle of his choice beverage, as well.

3. Vintage World Maps Calendar, $21.50

Does he like to travel? Probably so. Let him dream of future excursions by the month with this gorgeous vintage-style 2013 calendar offered by Anthropologie. DIY Alert: After the month has passed, you could always cut out the map and frame it for a friend with an interest in that country! It's the gift that keeps on giving!

4. The Art of Shaving Kit, $25

This is a gift gone right, and I know from personal experience. I got this for my man a few years ago and he, surprisingly, loved it. It may look a little fancy and the store is definitely upscale, but this Starter Kit is modestly priced and, apparently, gave him the best shave of his life. It comes with a pre-shave oil, shaving cream, after-shave balm and a badger-hair brush in a few different scents, but the unscented is the one I went with and it still smelled great. Pamper him a bit, why don't ya?

5. Moleskin "The Hobbit" Notebook (Special Edition), $16.95

With the movie dropping Dec. 14, this is a timely and thoughtful gift for the man who loves his Tolkien (not that I would know anything about an obsessive love for this man and his life's work...) Moleskin is offering an exclusive edition of the classic notebook with this etched-leather pocket ruled notebook. There may or may not be a map of Wilderland included in the back... this is an awesome gift! I'm silent screaming right now!!!

6. The North Face eTip Gloves, $45

Practical. Efficient. Weatherproof. Where I live, these gloves are a necessity. It's bitter to bare your hands while dialing on your iPhone. These allow full user mobility on any device, and you don't have to brave the harsh cold while texting. Invest in your man's hands and surprise him with these bad boys, black North Face eTip Gloves, first seen on here.

Happy Shopping!

Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

Thanksgiving is over, but the holidays are in full swing! That means we are legally allowed to listen to Christmas music and shop for our favorite people (as if I needed the excuse.) The big holiday question: What makes a really great gift? I think it’s something you would never buy for yourself. Something just a touch extravagant. Something unnecessary; a “just because” item. Well, here is the opportunity to celebrate the most wonderful chickadee in your life, whether it be your sister, mother or best friend. These fun treats are sparkling with holiday cheer, thoughtfulness and straight up fun. If you’re stumped on what to give, look no further! Presents are just… the best.

1. Sephora Perfume Sampler - $50

I know that Sephora never fails, but I am ridiculously impressed with this gift idea, a 12-piece perfume sampler with a voucher for a full-size of your choice. Not only does this lovely little kit contain mini perfumes from a range of big-name designers, but once your dear friend your dear friend can bring in a voucher (included) to any Sephora store for a full-size version of her favorite! I have the smaller version of this kit and I absolutely love it. The perfume lasts a long time and I love having so many choices to switch between. Does Sephora get women or what?

2. Vonny Casserole Carrier - $48

This adorable carrier is for the true bearer of warm holiday treats. This is a necessary accessory for the lady who likes to cook and likes to share her cooking even more. This case is made to fit a standard 9X13 dish (or smaller) and is available in a variety of colors. What a delight. I want one!

3. Birchbox Gift Subscription - $30

Looking for the perfect gift for that lady who is always on the cutting edge of trends? That’s always hard for me. How can you surprise the ultimate fashionista in your life? Well, Birchbox has made it a lot easier. This 3-month gift subscription contains a variety of full-size and sample-size beauty products and arrives in a perfectly packaged present each month. However, there is a waitlist for this subscription, so hurry and sign up!

4. Baublebar + Essie Snap Happy Set - $50

For the lady who loves to showcase her hands Baublebar has teamed up with Essie to create custom nail polish-jewelry Snap Happy Gift Set. Choose a shade from Essie’s winter collection and two complimentary bracelets for decked-out hands and a surefire gift.

5. One Canoe Two Letterpress Calendar - $26

This 2013 calendar by One Canoe Two adds a special twist to a holiday gift staple. A letterpress calendar is the perfect way to add some whimsy to the year, plus, whomever you give this to will think of you with each passing month! Bonus: This calendar comes complete with a wooden stand, so at the end of the year you can use it to prop up a picture or personal photos. Or a brand new calendar. Love it.

6. Anthropologie Marguerite Headband - $32

This headband is the ultimate girly indulgence. A glitzy headband is the perfect ingredient to amp up any outfit (plus, it decorates your head!) My little sis is a sucker for girly headgear, so maybe yours will be too. Plus, it’s an Anthropologie gift, so how could you go wrong?

Happy Shopping!