12 Days of Christmas: Day 4

We have made it all the way to Day 4 on our countdown of the 12 Days of Christmas! Time is flying by so fast!

If you missed Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 give them a click! Christmas joys await!

"On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, four collie birds."

What is a collie bird, you ask? In sixteenth and seventeenth century England, a coal mine was commonly called a colliery, so subsequently colly or collie, was used to describe something that was black like coal. Four collie birds = four black birds. It is thought that this verse represents a gift of food as black birds were plentiful and often eaten at the time the song was written. As the song spread to other countries, the English term fell out of use and was replaced by calling, making it "four calling birds" instead.

Whether "calling" or "collie" birds it makes no matter. Buying someone 4 black birds in todays time might only be an appropriate gift for someone that is really into Edgar Allan Poe. Why not buy them something for their favorite method of "calling" and get them a really great phone accessory instead?

Don't forget to check out Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 if you missed them! Christmas joys await!

"On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, cell phone accessories."

Native Union
There are a lot of wood cases out there but I love the addition of rose gold on this one. 

Glam Print Sunglasses Case

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Kate Spade
How cute is this phone folio?

Kate Spade
I just bought this one and I love it! So fun!

Mulberry
Great for someone that has classic style.

Michael Kors
Iphone Crossbody

12 Days of Christmas: Day 3

We have covered days one and two and now it's time to look at day 3 on my 12 Days of Christmas countdown!

"On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, three French hens. "

As someone who used to do poultry judging when I was younger, let me just say that I think buying someone who is not a farmer or looking into getting into farming a chicken would be a terrible idea. Chickens are not bad but as a pet they stink. They don't like being touched and don't mind to scratch you when you are trying to count the feathers on their wings at all (happened to me).

While buying three French hens might not be a great gift, three gifts that incorporate their lovely feathers into something wearable and lovely would be amazing. Before you get all high and mighty and point out that many of the feathered things in fashion are chicken feathers (ostrich, peacock, etc.) I have to point out that many of things you think are feathers from another fowl, are actually chicken feathers. Just google silky chickens or the ones that have curly feathers.

"On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, stylish feather access-or-iesss!"

Check out 3 lovely ways to wear 3 French hens!

1. On your head


Fascinators are beautiful and if they are good enough for Duchess Kate they are good enough for everyone. 'nough said.

So chic.

Flawless.

Everything good you can say.
 



River Island

Anthropologie

2. On your shoulders

 



Topshop Crop Feather Blazer




Ted Baker Wyan Feather Cropped Shrug


3. On a clutch

Miss Selridge



Deborah Barnet



Coach



Valentino

12 Days of Christmas: Day 1

Can you believe there are only 12 days until Christmas? So exciting. Well in celebration of this holiday season I have decided that a good old fashioned countdown to Christmas is in order. And by old fashioned, I mean taking it way back. Like "Twelve Days of Christmas" old (the lyrics came out in 1780). So happy Day One! The gifts only get bigger and better from here!

"On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, a partridge in a pear tree."

While a bird in a fruit tree might have cut it in days of yore, I think a more modern take away from this famous song would go a bit more like this...

"On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, Solange Azagury Partridge jewelry.'
Did you sing it in your head?

But seriously though, SAP jewelry is amazing and if it comes in a pear shaped trinket box even better.


I think the "ball crusher" ring is especially relevant to the 12 Days of Christmas lyrics. Just imagine those are partridge talons, shall we?

Ball Crusher Earrings

24/7 Necklace
Perfect for New Years Eve, no?

This would certainly bring me Christmas cheer.

The Letter



It's no pear tree but I would accept some jewelry in this.

Cookies for Santa

dark chocolate and red wine cookies
That's right. These little gems have chocolate AND red wine in them. 

The holiday season is in full swing and you know what that means (ok, besides shopping)...cookies! Baking Christmas cookies is a time honored tradition and for those of you that don't cook it is a time honored tradition to eat said cookies. They say that you eat first with your eyes, so why not take a little nibble of these delicious cookies before Santa eats them all! 

Pics got you ready to tie on an apron (or at least hungry)? Don't worry the links are all there to the recipe. Just click on the cookie name. 

raspberry cheesecake macarons

lemon cookies
A refreshing alternative to plain sugar or your standard chocolate chip cookies.

cappuccino cookies
You had me at cappucino. Not baking savvy? That's fine because these babies are for sold by trusty old Crate and Barrel. 

black currant macarons
These looked too tempting. I had to throw in another macaron recipe. 

cream cheese almond cookies
Cream cheese. Enough said. 

lavender shortbread
I'm not sure if these would be delicious or they would taste like room freshener. Either way they look pretty and who says Santa doesn't have a sophisticated palate?

salted caramel cookies

homemade milano cookies

milk chocolate chip maple syrup glazed bacon cookies
Could be good. I'm willing to try. 

Gearing up for Cyber Monday

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, ate lots of delicious food (diets don't exist on holidays), and survived Black Friday if you were brave enough to venture out! As for myself, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving and it isn't even over quite yet! It was great getting to catch up with loved ones that I don't often get to see and spending some much needed quality time with some of my favorite people on earth. Oh, and the food wasn't bad either. I somehow managed to eat three different kinds of pie (including a much lauded family peanut butter pie) and still have one more T-day dinner to go! 

I'm pretty happy with my decision to stay in on Black Friday (but I am certainly not judging those that shopped, way to go out and get those amazing deals!), mostly due to the fact that I'm waiting for the deals that are sure to come on Cyber Monday! I know that I often post about totally beautiful but for many (myself included) unattainable due to lavish prices. So for those of us out there that are addicted to internet shopping I'm compiling a list of some of my favorite items (and many I have been eyeing for myself) that won't leave you crying into your wallet. Now lets get ready for Monday! 

1. Jewel Scent

As the name suggests, there is a ring valued anytwhere from $10-$7500 inside of each candle, soap, or aromatic beads. While most rings are worth $10, the chance of being a lucky one and scoring a $500+ ring definitely makes me want to buy! Also, who can resist a great smelling candle or soap?

2. Brooks Brothers Bow Tie

You really can't go wrong with a classic bow tie from BB and with many color and pattern combinations available you are sure to find a tie to suit every man on your list! $55-65

3. Y'all Sweatshirt

I think the product description says it all when it says, "Yale doesn't like people that say Y'all. We showed them...." Even though the site sells Kentucky based products I think everyone can appreciate this fun and cozy sweatshirt. $50

4. Philosophy Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath

While you really can't go wrong with anything Philosophy makes, I really love the shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath combos, especially for the price right now ($10 regularly $16). I haven't tried the Snow Angel scent but like everything they have I'm sure it smells divine and puts me in the holiday spirit! I am addicted to the Mimosa scent and I love that they put a totally delicious sounding recipe for mimosas right on the bottle. If the recipe is as good as the sudsy stuff smells then I might have just found my new favorite drink.  

5. J. W. Hulme Co Woolrich Stocking

While the $95 price tag is a little pricier than many of the items on this list the quality construction and handsome look make this stocking worth it. Imagine all the memories that will be made when this stocking is opened year after year and J.W. Hulme Co is dedicated to the making that happen as they offer a lifetime guarantee on the item.  

6. Dot by Marc Jacobs

With notes of jasmine, coconut water, and orange blossom this scent makes the wearer feel instantly happier. A fresh and fun fragrance plus cute and whimsical packaging? It's not too good to be true.  

7. The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook

This is definitely one the items on my list that I really want myself. Not only have I been to England and really enjoyed the food but I also am a huge fan of the show. Give this to anyone (or yourself) who regularly quotes Dowager Countess Grantham or has professed love for Mathew Crawley. $15.96

8. Box Wood Tree Glass Terrarium

This handmade terrarium would be the perfect gift for anyone you know with a green thumb. The sleek glass and copper design adds artsy sophistication to any decor and you can feel good knowing you are purchasing from a small artisan shop. $55

9. Louise Cloche

This hat would be the perfect way to stay warm and stylish with its cute bow and vintage shape. How very Great Gatsby of you. $68

10. Pop Fizz IPhone 5 Case

As someone who just had to replace my iphone due to a shattered screen I can vouch for the value of keeping one in a case. This cute cover from Kate Spade allows you to keep your phone protected without sacrificing style. $40