deck the halls with boughs of holly

fa la la la la, la laaa la laaaaaa!

guys, I'm such a December slacker! I'm loving all the Christmasy-ness right now, so I'm pretty caught up in holiday shopping, gift wrapping, and general merriment. not to mention I am sans computer once again, but that's not the point...
I hope you are all enjoy the holiday season!

the other day me and my very best lady friends had mini-Christmas before we started to go our separate ways for the holidays. we had fancy(ish) brunch at a cozy downtown restaurant, exchanged a couple gifts, then got our picture taken with Santa. obviously.

the gifts were actually just from Caitlin, because she's super on the ball and had all of our gifts ready, while the rest of us were a little less prepared! I got an urban decay eyeshadow palette and a fox mug. they're awesomeeee.

we ate brunch at the Gypsy Tea Room, and it was delicious! if you ever visit St. John's, you should definitely go for either lunch or brunch. dinner is probably amazing too (never had it there), but it's a little more pricey, and the menu isn't huge. BUT for brunch they have a create-your-own omelette choice, which is to die for. I'd recommend goat cheese, bacon, and spinach. yum.

and don't worry, I'll be sure to upload the picture with Santa as soon as I get mine back. have you noticed our matching outfits? maybe not because we are wearing coats, but trust me, they're wonderfully matchy-matchy! 

now I'm at my parents place again, and the rest of the week will be spent decorating our house and watching old Christmas movies... plus a Quidi Vidi beer here and there. Christmas is pretty great.

how do you guys kick off the holidays?
♥

playing: last Christmas- wham!

mama, I love you

December is here! a little too quickly, but welcome all the same.

it's the month of Christmas, and only fitting it be kicked off with more Christmas-y things.
since I can't make egg nog lattes for each and every one of you, I decided to continue with the gift guide theme. this time, it's for the mamas in your life! not new mamas, now, or friends you have who may be mamas, but your mama. or your man's mama. or your bff's mama. because I for one am always hard pressed for ideas in that area.

so, here are some suggestions of little things to make that special lady smile on Christmas morning. all under $50, of course.

1. an art print, because moms like to surround themselves with pretty things, and they shouldn't have to buy all of it themselves! // golly bard

2. a bath & pretty smelly things gift set. I haven't met a mom yet who didn't need & want more relaxation time. bonus if you find hypo-allergenic lotions & such so that you're guaranteed she can use it. // lush

3. cute dishes, like these adorable (yet still useful!) retro milk glasses. moms like practicality, why not combine it with a little loveliness. // modcloth

4. a cookie jar, because even if a mom doesn't bake, she always has cookies around. think about it. you know I'm right. // urban outfitters

5. a fun pillow, like one of these whimsical little things, looks great on a bed or a couch. quirky designs make a sweet little conversation starter, so she will always remember that you gave it to her. // peanut butter dynamite & gingiber 

6. a dainty necklace that will remind her she's loved! simple, classic designs suit all tastes. // sd marie jewellery 

7. christmas ornaments, especially personalized or handmade ones. all mom's love something special to add to their tree, and while it may seem too "seasonal" or general, ornaments are thoughtful and always appreciated. // bragging bags

8. a cozy cardigan, because again, moms like practicality! who doesn't need something cozy for winter? // old navy

9. a cool chalk board calendar. a calendar that she can customize and use over and over again! this cool wall decal is chalk board vinyl that you can easily move or take down, and it comes with a "chalk ink" pen. fun, unique, and (you guessed it) practical! // simple shapes

there you go, folks! if you find a mama on your Christmas list who doesn't want any of those things, you are in quite the pickle my friend.

if all else fails, go with a gift card. 

happy shopping!

playing: have a holly jolly Christmas- Burl Ives