We entered the month of December with lots of festivities on our hands… and they didn’t disappoint. It started with Camille’s Christmas performance at school and culminated with our third year “Skating By The Sea” down in San Diego. It was a wonderful weekend, filled with memory making, for which I am very grateful.

Yet, I know that this season can often bring with it various stresses, for different reasons, for many people. So when I stumbled across this quote a few weeks ago, I thought it was so simple + beautifully written, that I wanted to share it here (and if you don’t celebrate Christmas, I hope it can also be applicable to the holiday your family celebrates as well):

“I don’t remember what I got for Christmas when I was 6 or 10.
I do remember the smell of the kitchen on Christmas morning.
I remember counting the marshmallows my dad put in my hot cocoa.
I remember waking up, giving my parents a hug, and feeling magic before a gift was even opened.
Remember, it is the memories that make the magic.”

And with that, I hope everyone had a nice weekend and has a great start to the week ahead!
____

** I’ll have December’s capsule wardrobe up this week.

(Kicked off the weekend with the cutest holiday performance… I might have had tears in my eyes the entire time it was so special. My pants, sweater, flats, Camille’s jacket)

(Headed out for a festive lunch to kick off December… love all the beautiful decor… my jeans, sweater, sneakers)

(Headed down to San Diego for the weekend… and visited all our favorite breakfast spots… onesie, sneakers, vest, half zip)

(Skating By The Sea at The Hotel Del… such a beautiful evening… my boots, similar vest, top)

(And then a quick breakfast at World Famous before heading home… onesie, sneakers, sweater, coat (not a heavy wool, don’t recommend if you’re looking for a thick coat))
_____

I have a big birthday celebration at the end of the month, and we’re doing festive and formal attire… I purchased this gold dress, black lace dress, and this lace skirt/top combo to try… I think they would all be beautiful options for a formal wedding or party this season…

If you have a golf lover to purchase a gift for this season, TJ loves these golf shoes…

The Coravin wine preservation system I recommend as a holiday gift every season is temporarily 30% off… we also love the champagne one (game changer).

If you’re looking for some White Elephant gifts under $30 I rounded a few up…. a few silly ones like this desktop vacuum, Trader Joe’s Cookbook, prosecco pong, and this cereal bowl candle (reminds me of childhood…). Then a few “nicer” options like this plush throw blanket, tapered candles (set of 2), customizable ring trinket dish, and these cozy plush socks.

Some cute stocking stuffers for girls under 10 include these gel pens and color changing markers (I got these for the girls), puffy spa headband, unicorn socks, unicorn memory set, and these cute small unicorn earrings.

And some men’s stocking stuffer ideas include this personalized golf towel, second skin boxers, steel whiskey glass, Kiehl’s skincare (a personal favorite in our house), and these vintage stripe calf socks (SHANNON for 20% of first time purchase).

Lastly, a few under $30 gift ideas for possible gift exchanges or stocking stuffers for women include my favorite eye patches, spa day bubble headband, aprés ski socks, pickle ball socks, mixed chain hoop earrings, popcorn microwave bowl, and these spa socks + heal balm.