After a wild week of dealing with home renovation setbacks (we’re delayed, so we wont be in until the end of the year….) we welcomed the weekend with open arms and headed down to San Diego to kick it off with a festive brunch with Santa for little miss. We then headed back home to celebrate my dad’s retirement with family…. and ended the weekend with a neighborhood gathering of hot cocoa + cookies….

And while I’m not one who loves having a packed schedule, there is something about being around family + community during the holidays that makes it feel much more special. So with only a mere seven days until Christmas Eve (um, how did that happen???), we’ll be spending the week packing in all the last minute festive fun that we can… looking at Christmas lights, visiting a Christmas train, visiting with out of town friends, and finishing up some last minute shopping…. And releasing on that which we cannot control (like a home renovation) and focusing on the joy of the season!

So with that, I hope you all have a week ahead filled with joy, community, and anticipation!

(The biggest pizzas I’ve ever seen…. we likely could have split one…. Basic Pizza)

(Brunch in our pajamas with Santa…. little miss wasn’t so certain about the big ol’ guy…. my pajamas, Harper’s pajamas)

(My loves…. The Pendry is one of our favorite San Diego hotels….)

(Pulled out this faux fur coat for both Friday + Saturday night festivities…. leggings, booties, thermal henley)

(Celebrating my dad’s retirement…. sparkling water in my favorite wine glasses makes me feel festive….)

(Sunday morning waffles…. Simple Mills makes some deliciously clean ones….)

(The coziest teddy coat (on major sale) for a neighborhood gathering of hot cocoa + cookies…. henley, jeans)
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We’re on our third round of these chocolate peppermint cookies…. and I’m planning on making this delicious lentil soup later this week!

I decided on this beautiful winter white eyelash sweater dress for Christmas Eve… last I checked it was 40% off….

If you’re looking for some great last minute gifts, I’ve rounded up some for women + men, all under $50 below!

FOR WOMEN:

These small stud earrings are a beautiful option for everyday wear. These faux fur slippers are an excellent option for lounging around the house (love the grey + leopard print colors) as is this beautiful faux fur throw blanket (looks so soft) + super soft lounge pants.  I think this knotted thermal (which comes in tons of colors) is a great gift option…. so many friends have it as well and they all say how great it is! This beanie (or this one) is also a super cute choice. For the person who loves jewelry, this small organizer would be great! I also think this crystal facial roller (great for youthful looking skin) is a great option for the beauty lover. For the entertainer, these moscow mule glasses are gorgeous… and this crystal bottle stopper would be great with a bottle of wine.

FOR MEN:

I think these loafer slippers are a classic option, and these boxer briefs or undershirts are excellent quality and a great stocking stuffer idea. These lounge pants + matching pullover are a cozy gift too. This throw back hat is great for working out. This craft beer flight holder is a great option for the man who loves to taste beer. The dot was a recent addition to our home, and I can’t believe how much the men love it…. asking it everything from weather to football scores… great option for sure! Another excellent choice is a stainless steel yetti…. great for keeping coffee hot and beverages cool. Lastly, this skin care gift set is a great choice as well.