The 6th Day: Holiday Dates.

Holiday Dates.

Oh the holidays. There is so much fuss over shopping and presents (it's a little out of control these days, isn't it?) that sometimes we can miss out on the most important part: spending quality time with our loved ones. I know I am susceptible to this. I get all frazzled and hung up on finding THE PERFECT GIFT for all the zillions of people on my list. That I forget. To just enjoy those sweet people.

How to combat the crazy? One thing that Stevie & I try to do every year is go on one really special Christmas date. In years past, we've gone to listen to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, gone to see the Rockettes, gone to see a broadway show, gone out to a pizazz-y dinner, depending on where we lived at the time - we've just tried to do something snazzy and memorable. And these dates are memorable. I remember walking home from our date last year - the snow was so beautiful in New York that we decided to walk (instead of take the subway or a cab) 28 blocks home. I still remember it. It was dreamy, everything laced with a bit of frosty sparkle, following along the edge of the park the whole way. These moments are the true "markers" of the Christmas season, for me.

This year, we did things a little differently. We decided to have a "day of fun" and go out to brunch alone and then have Everett along for the rest of the day. Thankfully, our dear friend Lena watched the babe while we enjoyed a baby-free brunch at Sun in My Belly and then we three walked through the Paris on Ponce market and got all kinds of inspiration for our (somewhere in the future??) home. It was really a sweet day. We tired out a LOT easier than we normally do, and ended up back home way earlier than we planned, snuggled in our pjs. Must be all the lack of sleep we're experiencing this year :) Oh, Everett.

Pumpkin Latte. I'll take two please.

How rad is that wall? We couldn't resist playing in the color.

Hi.

Yeah, I tried on the vintage hats. Don't judge me.

He found the chair of his dreams.

Somebody got sleepy.

More?!

I'll admit, enjoying a baby-free brunch only made me want to do it again. So Stevie and I are attempting to squeeze in one last Christmas date before the holiday is at our doorstep... I've heard The Optimist in Atlanta is a good spot. Any other suggestions from you hip in-the-know-it-alls?

What's on your list for some holiday fun time with your love? A date? A night in? A day on the town? Most of all, I hope you're taking the chance to enjoy the memories. You only get this Christmas once!

The 12th Day: Holiday Gift Guide 2014 for Him

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Him

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Him by oykristen // 1. Banana Republic Plaid Utility Shirt // 2. GoPro Hero 4 // 3. The North Face Men's Aconcagua Vest // 4. LL Bean Wicked Good Moc Boots // 5. Stanley Classic Vacuum Mug // 6. Barnes & Noble The Curious Bartender Book   // 7. Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls // 8. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic Sunglasses // 9. Timex Ironman Shock Resistant Watch // 10. Aveda Men's Aftershave Balm // 11. Scoutmob Shoppe Custom Monogram Cufflinks //

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 for Him. 

Oh, how I love the countdown to the best holiday! I'm excited to share this year's 12 days of Christmas posts - 1 each day up until Christmas! Kicking it off here is a gift guide for the manliest of lads in your life. As many of you know, I am a bit of a gift fiend. I just absolutely love finding the perfect present for someone. And it gets challenging with guys, because finding out what they like just isn't second nature to me. It takes a lot of research and "getting into their head", if you know what I mean. Hopefully this will help inspire your gifting and shopping for every guy on your list this season.

1. Banana Republic Plaid Utility Shirt

Because you can't put a good shirt down.

2. GoPro Hero 4

So adventurous, right? This will make you the most epic wife/girlfriend/mom EVER.

3. The North Face Men's Aconcagua Vest

For all your vested interests. 

4. LL Bean Wicked Good Moc Boots

Moccs! I'm having a bit of a love affair with moccs lately. Can't get enough of those toasty toes!

5. Stanley Classic Vacuum Mug

Having a really crappy mug is like having no mug at all. Stanley does the trick every time.

6. Barnes & NobleThe Curious Bartender Book

For the mixoligist in your life.

7. Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls

These are the best. So I've been told.

8. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic Sunglasses

Put these on. Cue your iconic at-bat anthem of choice.

9. Timex Ironman Shock Resistant Watch

Excellent watch for any kind of basic athletic training. And it won't break your bank.

10. Aveda Men's Aftershave Balm

Sometimes, just sometimes, they won't admit that they like to be pampered. But they DO! 

11. Scoutmob Shoppe Custom Monogram Cufflinks

A touch fancy, but really spankin' cool for the dude who actually wears cufflinks.

Merry Christmas to HIM. Am I right or am I right?