5 Last Minute Gift Ideas That Can Be Purchased At Your Next Target Run

Can you believe that we have less than two weeks until we finally reach Christmas? I know. I can’t either. I have a few names on my list that I have yet to cross off, and I know that there are so many procrastinators out there like myself. So, here are some last minute gift ideas that definitely don’t show that you waited until the last minute to get them. The beauty of this list is that many of these items can be purchased at Target. And, I’ll keep your secret as well.

1. Gift cards: Gift cards are the best to give people, because they are not only the easiest gift to get everyone on your list, but also a gift that shows you listen to, whether it may mean that you listen to where that person shops, where they get their coffee, or nails done. And, if you do a gift card on something like Target, you can definitely help out with the every increasing grocery bill as well. It is a win win.

2. Candy/coffee: If you know the person’s favorite candy or coffee, why not get them some and put it in a cute mug? It’s easy, and if you wrap it up well, it looks so thought out.

3. A good pair of slippers: Many people opt to give PJs for Christmas, however, I think slippers are something that everyone should have, especially in the winter time. Slippers run all over the range of prices too, and there is no better gift than the gift of comfort.

4. Candles: This applies to someone who actually burns candles. If they are like me and have a dog that will knock that over, please skip to item number five. There are so many fun seasonal candles out there, and candles can be so expensive. However, if they love candles, this will be a gift they are jumping up and down in excitement for.

5. Ornaments: If they just bought a new home, got engaged, pregnant, or even just like cats, why not buy an ornament for their tree? So many of my favorite ornaments were simply just gives from various friends and family members.

Lululemon Fleece Belt Bag

Lululemon has been killing it with their latest drops as of late. My wallet has been suffering the consequences of that to be honest. That said, I wanted to share something that I’ve picked up as of late — the fleece belt bag.

The fleece bag is perfect for carrying your daily essentials, just like the everywhere belt bag. And, the capacity is the same of its less cuddly older sister. However, the fleece is just perfect for all of the winter adventures you have planned for the holiday season. Personally, I like carrying it while holiday shopping because it’s a festive way to allow me to be hands free.

I styled it casually with a hoodie and a pair of leggings, and it looked amazing. It is priced at $58, which isn’t bad considering if you are familiar with other brands that have cozy options just as Stoney Clover. I can definitely see myself using this even with jeans, and even until the winter season ends. There are three colors that this belt bag comes in — black, brown and white. Naturally, I’ve gotten all three and I am so happy that I did.

If you can grab this one while it’s in stock — it sells out very quickly — then I highly recommend!

What To Do When You Have Nothing To Wear

Sometimes, it feels like I am wearing the same thing nearly everyday. Part of this is due to the fact that my work wardrobe greatly changed over the last year, and I have to dress more “business” and less “casual.” When this happens, I begin to feel like I truly have nothing to wear. Therefore, here are some things I do when I have that feeling:

1. Pinterest: I love Pinterest because it brings ideas to the table. For instance, it has helped inspire me to pair together items and outfits that I otherwise would not. And, what’s nice about Pinterest is that you can just recreate the outfit without adding to your cart.

2. Neutrals: I have a ton of neutrals in my wardrobe and I love this because it makes creating outfits so much easier. I have a lot of white sweaters, which look great with navy, olive, and burgundy pants. Furthermore, I also have a lot of black. Basically, having a lot of neutrals make it easier to create new combinations of the same things.

3. Slowly add items: Over time, I’ve been adding a few pieces of workwear appropriate clothing into my wardrobe. I love doing it this way because it not only keeps things fresh, but also allow you to use the pieces that you already have in new ways.

4. Change up your accessories. Maybe try wearing a different pair of shows with those pants. Or, if it’s cold out, break out the boots instead of the flats you usually wear. Furthermore, another thing you can do is add a necklace or a fun pair of earrings for an added touch of sparkle.

What are some things you do when you feel like you have nothing to wear?

Bagelicious Offers Bagels and Sandwiches That Truly Are Delicious

On a weekend morning, there is nothing better than sinking your teeth into a fresh, delicious bagel with either cream cheese, or egg and cheese. And, if you’re lactose intolerant like me, neither of these options are a go, and finding a place that offers them is a true gem However, a place that offers these options is Bagelicious.

Bagelicious has two different locations — in North Haven and in Cheshire. Both locations are open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and have extensive breakfast and lunch options that, true to their name, are delicious.

Their menu consists of several choices of bagels – from everything to orange cranberry to just plain. And, all of their bagels are so fresh and fluffy.

Their bagel sandwich menu is exquisite and extensive. They have egg sandwiches, and an extensive avocado menu. My personal favorite is this avocado plus, which is a bagel with hummus, tomato and avocado with a side of their delicious home fries. But, if you just want cream cheese with your bagel, you can still choose from quite a few of their cream cheese flavors. And, of course, what bagel is complete without a cup of coffee. They have extensive menu of iced and hot coffee as well.

Furthermore, if you are just looking for quick sandwich for lunch, Bagelicious has got you covered. They have wraps and sandwiches for you to enjoy as well, and they are equally as fresh and delicious.

What I love about Bagelicious is that everything tastes so fresh that you can tell that the bagels were made that day. And, I will say that they are priced fairly reasonable as well. Bagel sandwiches are no more than $5, and a half of dozen bagels are $5.50. The sandwiches and wraps run no higher than $8, which for quality food is a good price.

Overall, Bagelicious is truly delicious, and definitely worth checking out if you’re in the North Haven or Cheshire area. You can check out their complete menu by going here.

What is On My James Avery Charm Bracelet

One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is my James Avery charm bracelet, because I just love having all of of my favorite things when looking down on my wrist. Some of the charms represent my love for certain things, while others were gifts. I wanted to share what was on my bracelet, as well as the meanings behind the charms.

Before I share with you the charms that I have, I wanted to go into how I get the charms on my bracelet, since I do not live near a store. I send my bracelet in, and they put the charm on for me for absolutely free. James Avery does have amazing customer service, and this takes about a week to do.

Clover: I bought this came when I was getting ready to start a new chapter in my life as a good luck charm.

Butterfly: This charm represents when I was going through some transitions and I was constantly running into butterflies. My mom always said that butterflies meant that those who have passed on are with you, so I assumed that the butterfly that I saw was my mother.

Sunflower: This charm represents my favorite flowers, which are sunflowers.

Ladybug: This charm represents ladybugs, which I believe bring you luck as well.

Angel Wings: This charm represents a reminder that all of the loved ones I have that passed on are not too far away from me.

Sneaker: This charm represents my running career, as I purchased this when I ran my first 5k race.

Engagement Ring: This charm was actually a Christmas present from my fiancé on the first Christmas that we were engaged.

She Believed: This charm represents my favorite saying, which is “she believed she could so she did.”

Coffee: This charm represents my love for coffee.

Happy Birthday: This charm was a birthday present from my fiancé.

Key: This charm was a gift from my fiancé, because I love key jewelry.

Pumpkin: This charm represents my love for all things fall.

Moon: This charm represents my love for all the celestial things.

Dog: This charm represents my dog Lucy.

Friday Faves: December 9, 2022

TGIF everyone! I am so happy that it is the weekend, because it has been a week. I hopefully will get some downtime this weekend, and hope to do some blogging and decluttering. That said, before we get into the weekend, let’s look back at this week’s favorites:

Lululemon All Night Festival Bag: This bag has been in my closet for a while, and I just recently decided to dig it out and start using it. Let me tell you, I am obsessed. What I love about this bag is that it looks like it’s the tiniest bag in the world, but it packs a huge punch. It fits all of my daily essentials — including my e reader — with no issues. I highly recommend this bag to anyone who is about to do some traveling, because it makes it oh so easy.

Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey: This is my second holiday read of the Christmas season, and I am so happy that I decided to pick this up. It tells the story of Stella, who just got out of prison and is spotted criticizing a huge Macy’s style department store window. Turns out, she was discussing this with the own of the store, and was offered a job. Of course, the owner is handsome and the two fall madly in love. However, I just loved reading this steamy romance that definitely has been keeping me warm on a winter night.

Madewell Sydney Crossbody Bag: This was a Black Friday purchase, as Madewell never marks down their handbags. I got this, along with a few other styles. I love this bag because it gives the appearance of a small bag, but it packs a punch. It can be worn crossbody, and it can be worn as a shoulder bag. Great everyday bag, as well.

12 Date Night Ideas For The Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of year! And, if you’re looking for some unique date night ideas, this time of year has so many things that you can do together to create memories with your special someone. That being said, what is great about the holiday season is to have a special date night doesn’t always mean a fancy night on the town. There are so many simple, low-cost options as well that couples can do together. Here are some great date night ideas to make this holiday season memorable for both of you as a couple:

1. Holiday Shopping: Anyone else still not done with their holiday shopping yet? Well, by doing some shopping together, that not only gets the shopping done, but also allows you to spend some quality time! Two birds in one stone.

2. Going to Christmas Lights Displays: Whether you’re driving around to see homes brightly lit up with festive lights or driving to one of the many light displays around the state of CT (or elsewhere), there are so many different light displays for people to drive through. So, grab a hot cocoa and just sit back and enjoy the lights!

3. Going to Christmas Markets: I have yet to go to one of these, but there are so many different Christmas markets with unique vendors and decorations. This is the perfect thing to explore together.

4. A Date Night In Watching Christmas Movies: From A Christmas Story to Love Actually, there are so many holiday movies out there to cuddle up and watch. So, bake some cookies, and set the mood with a cozy fire to make a relaxing date night in.

5. Decorate a Gingerbread House: Break out your creativity with creating a gingerbread house. Simple, but super fun!

6. Bake Cookies: Holiday baking is a source of stress for many. Why not do it together?

7. Wrap Gifts: Another task that you can do together to not only be productive, but also get some quality time! Set the mood with some Christmas cookies and Christmas music playing in the background.

8. Decorating the House: There is nothing more special than decorating together, especially if it’s your first home together.

9. Go Ice Skating: Whether you’ve taken lessons your entire life, or never even touched the ice, ice skating is definitely a fun way to be a little more active together during the winter season.

10. Plan a Holiday Photo Shoot: Christmas card photo shoots are so, so fun! Every other year, we try to get creative with our Christmas cards, especially with our dog. What I also love about Christmas photos is that they are so much fun to look back on in the years to come.

11. Go to a Christmas Tree Farm: Of course, this is a great place to go when you’re looking to cut down a tree. However, it’s always fun to walk around in a farm, and it’s a great place to get some photos together as well.

12. Go to New York City for the day: If you’re near the New York City area, I highly recommend visiting NYC for the day because there is just so much to see. The Rockettes. The decorations all around the city. The broadway plays. And, so much more. It seems like New York City is always decorated for Christmas, and it’s definitely worth seeing once in a lifetime.

Move Over, Everywhere Belt Bag: Lululemon’s All Night Festival Bag Deserves Its Own Round of Applause

The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is definitely one of the brand’s most popular bags, and is almost always sold out in stores and online. I am a huge fan of the bag myself, and it is one of my most worn pieces to date. However, while the Everywhere Belt Bag is a great bag to have on hand, it is not a good bag to bring to work due to its size and casual athleisure style. Enter the All Night Festival Bag.

Priced at $78, this bag is small but mighty. I will be honest, I almost passed it up because I thought it was too small for me. However, this bag fits way more than it holds due to it’s many compartments. It holds my mini pochette, my recto verso, my six ring key holder, my zippy wallet, my Nook Glowlight, and my AirPods with ease. And, there is still room for more if I truly wanted to.

What I love about this bag is that it has so many different sections. The bag clasps open, which reveals a small amount. Then, there is a zipper compartment as well. This is where the bulk of the bag is, and holds several daily essentials with absolutely no problem. This, in my opinion, makes this bag a perfect bag to take while traveling, especially since it’s perfect crossbody.

The bag comes in several different colors to match your style. I have the black, gray sage and I just recently scored a pink from the We Made Too Much Section. Like the Everywhere Belt Bag, the bag is made out of a nylon material perfect for deflecting rain.

This is a great bag for anyone who is on the go, and makes a great gift because it’s less than $100. And, like the leggings, the quality is definitely there. I have had the belt bag for about a year now, and it still looks like the day I got it.

Overall, the All Night Festival Bag is definitely worth the investment, and I highly recommend stalking the Lululemon website to snag one of these. Trust me, you’ll love it.

Longtime Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus Tradition Continues With A Virtual Twist

Christmas trees have decked the halls of Yale’s Bridgeport Hospital Milford campus. The annual Celebration of Trees raffle is fully underway, however, this year, there is a virtual twist. Tickets can now be purchased online by going here for the price of $2 per ticket. The drawing will be held at noon on December 12, 2022.

From December 2 to December 11, the trees, wreaths, and baskets will be on display for you to view. There are currently 74 to bid on, and all proceeds will benefit the Bridgeport Hospital Auxiliary. From their names to the way they are displayed, the creativity really shines in these baskets. There are so many fun themes, and creativity really shines through. Prizes vary from Apple products to gift cards and everything in between. You can view the complete list on the website, but trust me you want to see these in person.

Even if you think you are the unluckiest person in the world, I’d say that this is definitely worth the walk through. Trees can be viewed daily on the dates listed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

My Top Five Pandora Picks That Are Perfect For Everyone On Your List — Including Yourself

Pandora is one of my top jewelry brands. I’ve had a Pandora charm bracelet since I was in eighth grade, and my collection has flourished ever since. Now my collection consists of so much more than charms, and that is perfectly okay. I love Pandora pieces because the quality is incredible and sturdy for everyday wear. So, here are my top pieces that I recommend for anyone on your life. And, these are all pieces I have in my collection. For simplicity sake, these pieces are currently still available online.

1. Beads and Pave Bracelet: This is one of my favorite pieces that I own because I wear it in so many different ways. I wear it stacked with my beaded Tiffany and Co bracelets, but I also wear it alone, or with a few other dainty pieces. This is a top piece for me to gift because it can be worn in so many different ways. I also recently got the rose gold version and I love stacking the two together.

2. Sparking Tennis Slider Bracelet: Another great piece to either gift or get in your collection. This is a great gift because this bracelet can be adjusted to the size of any wrist. So, if you don’t know their size this is perfect. And, this bracelet is a classic style. I stack it with my beads and pave one, and I love it.

3. Hamsa Charm: I have two of these, and I love it. I’ve been wearing hamsa pieces for years. I have one on a bracelet, and the other I wear by itself on a chain. I think this is at a great price point for gifts. Furthermore, I think the meaning of a hamsa (protection) is perfect for anyone on your list.

4. Elevated Heart Necklace: I received this necklace as a gift, and I absolutely love this piece. It is simple, but leaves a lot of sparkle. I dress it both up and down.

5. Pave Heart Hoop Earrings: These are my favorite pairs of earrings of all time, because they are so lightweight and go with everything. I wear them in both of my piercings, and they are so comfortable. These are a definite classic and I highly recommend.