Bridal Shower Gift Idea

decals // tumbler // koozie // tank top // makeup bag // tote bag

Saturday I attended a bridal shower for my beautiful friend and sorority sister, Kelsey. It was the very best shower I have ever been to. Seriously. It was at a beautiful river house with a killer view. The food was delicious, the games were a lot of fun, and the love for Kelsey was perfectly abundant. There was sangria, a tray of cupcakes, and enough chevron and teal to last Kelsey long into her happily ever after. The day was ideal. 

When I was deciding what to get Kelsey for her shower, I couldn't settle with a toaster or some kitchen towels. Those kind of gifts are obviously so much more practical and probably more of what she was hoping for (or else she wouldn't have registered for them, lol), but I wanted to do something specifically for her. Something that celebrated only her. For her birthday, her future hubs bought her a few things with her new monogram on it and I remember how much she LOVED that. Being our sorority's very own Miss Monogram (thank you very much), I knew that this would be the perfect gift for her.

I knew that I was going to get too excited and buy everything I could, so I tried to keep a price limit per item and get her the "monogram essentials". I tried not to spend more than $15 per item, of course that didn't happen, but there were a handful of things less than $10, so that counteracts.... right? This was so much fun to put together and I looked forward to opening the mailbox everyday and seeing the newest addition to the basket waiting on me! Of course, I ran into some items that were less than perfect and ran into some shops that could also be described as less than perfect, or just down right rude. But I also found some really incredible shops that produced really awesome products. I had a minor crisis 10 days before the shower, but a couple of these shops really helped me out and were so wonderful to rush my orders. Check out my favorite shops from this project (listed above) and tell them I sent you! I will definitely be ordering a few of these items for myself in the future! 

I'm so happy that Kelsey loved her gift and I am beyond thankful to have been included in such a special day for her. The day was classy, eloquent, and beautiful, just like her! Kelsey is one of the most special people I have ever met. Her heart is kind and caring, her personality is easy-going and determined, she is extremely giving and patient and understanding, and she is hilarious. These things and so much more tell me that she is going to be an incredible wife. I am so excited for her! Only 47 more days! I love you, Kels! 

xx

Valentine's Day Gift Guide.

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holiday's. Walking into a store and taking in all the reds, pinks, purples, hearts, balloons, cards, bags, candies, everything makes my heart smile. As I've mentioned before, spoiling the people around me is one of my favorite past times, so I tend to go a little over the top, however, my bank account would never show it. You can pour out your heart without pouring out your wallet. Here's a Valentine's Day Gift Guide for everyone in your life without breaking the bank! 

1. Ralph Lauren Wallet, $14 at TJ Maxx

Last year, I wanted to buy my boyfriend something different than candy and clothes. I was strolling through TJ Maxx when I stumbled upon this bad boy. It was so him and he absolutely loves it! (He switched his wallet over at Valentine's Day dinner last year, lol.) 

2. Broquet, $10-30 

Although I've never made one for him, I know my honey would absolutely love this! Tailor this to his interests! If I was making one for my babe, I'd include cigars, skittles, lotto tickets, and lots of airplane bottles! It's simple to make, too-- attach your "flowers" to wooden skewers with hot glue, arrange them in a decorative pot or beer mug, and add some Valentine's Day stickers and ribbon! (The dollar store has a TON of really cute embellishments right now!) 

3. Watch, less than $100 at Macy's

I bought my babe this exact watch for graduation. I won't say exactly how much it was because more than likely he's reading this, but I will say that I got it on an amazing deal! I love that I got him a quality watch from a designer brand but for far less than retail! Plus Macy's sends out 20% off coupons all the time! Add a cutesy card like "I love the time we spend together!" and you'll be Valentine's Day ready! 

1.  Friendship Bangle, $28 at Alex and Ani

I'm obsessed with the Alex and Ani bangles! They're lightweight and perfect for stacking. This BFF pair takes me back to my childhood days of buying BFF necklaces at Claire's but these are far cuter. There's hundreds of designs for every occasion, sorority, college, pet, military branch, and whatever else you can think of! 

*These are great for your wish list, too! 

2. Cutesy Pink Tumbler, $15 (idea from here!)

Obviously change the tag from teacher to bestie, but how cute is this! This is probably the easiest and most fun gift to give to your girls! Fill the cup with Valentine's Day candy, a face mask packet, a $5 starbucks gift card, or any of the stuff above! Target has a ton of cute little treats in their dollar bin (heaven on earth) right now! 

3. Valentine You're the (bath) Bomb, less than $15 (awesome tutorial here!)

I live under a rock, so up until recently, I had no idea how magical bath bombs truly were. That being said, give your girls a gift to help them relax! This tutorial is so easy and unbelievably cheap! Throw them in a mason jar like this and (of course, my favorite) embellish it up! They'll absolutely love that you spent the time to do something homemade and love that they have an excuse to leave those dirty dishes in the sink until morning. 

1. Too Faced Blushing Bronzer, $34 

(Amazing Ulta gifts here)

Okay, okay. This is more than I would usually ever spend on makeup but you deserve it! Four years ago, I bit the bullet and bought the Urban Decay Naked Palette for myself for Valentine's Day and it was seriously the best gift I ever could have bought myself! I'm still loving it! 

2. Kendra Scott Elle Earrings, $34 at Nordstrom

Thanks to my bestie and boyfriend, I am the proud owner of two pairs of Kendra Scott Elle earrings (white and cobalt!). And to say that I'm obsessed would be an understatement! I'm a huge fan of statement jewelry but these are so simple and classic that it's a statement without yelling 

"HEY Y'ALL I'M HERE!" These are perfect to add to your wish list this Valentine's Day because whether you're dropping "subtle" hints to your man or thinking of treating yourself, these beauts are on sale just in time! Retailing at over $52 usually, these are about $20 cheaper. Win, win in my book! 

3. Lilly Pulitzer Tumbler, $15 Lilly Pulitzer

Honestly, anything Lilly related will always be on my wish list. But these are soooo perfect! So perfect, in fact, I have three... or four or five... My mom won't let me feed my addiction to these cups, BUT if I did, it'd be this Hot Spot one! These hold an entire bottle of water and do a great job at keeping it cool all day! I promise that these tumblers will brighten your day! 

Happy shopping! 

xx