Holiday Gift Guide: 8 Etsy Shops

Holiday season is in full swing and that means that everyone is rushing to get gifts for everyone on their lists. I'm actually the worst gift-giver in history; I almost never know what to buy for other people. Many people turn towards prepackaged gift sets that they see in stores, but I compiled 8 etsy shops that work for almost anyone of your list. Not only are you supporting small businesses, but I'm sure that those on the receiving end will love a gift that's more unique!

Bowties and Cotton

Brooklyn Candle Studio

Felt-K

Herbivore Botanicals

Mi Goals

Pencil Shavings Studio

The Object Enthusiast

Virginia Wynne

My Weekend | National League of Cities

National League of Cities conference was this past weekend, and 'd have to say that it was one of the best weekends I've had in awhile. Some of you might know that I'm apart of the Austin Youth Council, and this weekend we got to meet and interact with other youth councils from all over the nation. I can now say that I have friends in places like California, Idaho, and North Carolina. 

Even though I was a "child guest" (somehow everyone in our council got this on our name badges. *side eye*), I had an awesome time talking about issues and solutions with other people, and getting closer as a council in general. We had some social events over the weekend and we all went bowling/roller skating, got to see a *slightly* advanced screening of Mockingjay, and go on a duck boat tour around the city. I made plenty of new friends. 

I was totally freaking out before the conference because I'm generally not good in social situations, and my quietness and anxiety often get the best of me, but some of us decided to go get lunch once everything was over, and after some interesting events, (e.g. getting yelled at at a pizza place, fitting 11 people in one van, Aleah falling onto the sidewalk), I can easily say that I made plenty of new friends. The only thing that could have made this weekend better would be if I didn't have to wear our  AYC polo the entire time. Making a baggy polo look cute is not easy, folks.

My Favorite Albums for Winter

Considering the sudden drop in temperatures that happened recently, I think it's safe to say that winter is officially here. While I'm a total wimp when it comes to the cold, I love this time of year because it means that I get to curl up in bed, drink peppermint hot chocolate, and listen to some of my favorite albums! I put together a playlist filled with some of my favorite tracks from each album. Let me which one is your favorite, and what other albums you'll e listening to this winter!

Link Here

Canadian Tux

This is my kind of outfit. I first tried to rock a version of a Canadian tuxedo about a year ago on the blog, but it didn't look quite right. I've been on the hunt for a better fitting, light wash chambray shirts for it's versatility and to provide more contrast against my mid-wash jeans, but then I got a brilliant idea. Why don't I just wear darker jeans? I seriously can't stop wearing these black jeans, and I am head over heels with this look! It's great as is, with fun accessories, and it can easily be used as a base of an outfit. Don't be surprised if you see me wearing the exact same thing but with a cardigan and scarf added to it. if I could, I would probably wear some version of this outfit at least once a week.

Sorry that things have been a bit slow and boring here on the blog. It's that time of the year where I have so much to get done, that my natural reaction is to avoid everything at all costs. SO FUN.

Shirt: Banana Republic (similar, on sale!)  >> Jeans: Cotton On >> 

Shoes: Gap (similar here and here) >> Sunnies: J.Crew

Umbrella

Yay for cooler weather! This cold front hit us like a truck, but I am so ready for cold weather, and all the hot chocolate my body can handle. My life has been a bit hectic the past few weeks, and the change in weather is making it much easier for me to sit at home and relax. My family abandoned left me for about three weeks (my brother went to South Africa and my parents went to Nigeria) so I've haven't been at home at all the past few weeks. Thankfully, everyone made it home safe and sound so I finally feel like I have some sort of order in my life again. 

Anyways, enough about me, how 'bout this outfit tho? I've officially given in to the idea that I dress pretty basic, as in minimal and simple, not basic like starbucks and uggs... I've probably said this many times, but I think that this is one of my favorite outfits. I picked up this sweater from Tommy Hilfiger for only $9 and I would wear it everyday if I could! I also picked up this pair of black jeans, an item that i've been meaning to get for awhile, and they have become my go-tos. I wish that they didn't stretch out so easily, but I figured that they can hold me over for a bit until I decide to invest in a nicer pair of jeans. Add a leopard scarf, ankle boots, and some more fun accessories, and you've got yourself a pretty stellar outfit. 

Sweater: Tommy Hilfiger >> Jeans: Cotton On >> Sunnies: J.Crew >> Shoes: Amazon >> Umbrella: J.Crew >>Scarf: c/o Luxe No.7

Tell Me Something Good

College essays are kicking my butt, and school has been rough, but let's take some time to reflect on all the good and wonderful things that have happened in the past few weeks, shall we?

Taking pictures of the cross country race for yearbook with Jessica.

Going to Chuy's after school, enjoying some yummy enchiladas, and looking through old Facebook pictures.

Observing the light on a Sunday afternoon.

Seeing the Arctic Monkeys live.

Post-Homecoming game picture with the people I've been going to school with since I was five.

Macarons all the way from France (+the fact that my brother is back in the country)

Playing on the playground with my cousins.

a very awkward selfie taken while trying to slide down a slide that clearly wasn't made for me at said playground.

Post lunch cuddles with a very tired boy.

Whataburger for breakfast + twinning with my brother.

more homecoming selfies.

"Two Wise Women" because Elora and I decided to take the theme day "Christmas in October" very seriously.

me not reciprocating Joey's love and affection towards me, as usual.