my everyday style: gorgeous gift giving with Eliot Danori x Macy's!

This post is sponsored by Shopstyle and Macy's. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.

Ladies, we all know that big gifts can arrive in small packages this time of year... am I right!?! I'm going to go ahead and speak on behalf of most women and state that us ladies LOVE a little extra sparkle in our lives this time of year.

Macy's just launched an exclusive new jewelry line designed by Eliot Danori and the pieces are so unbelievably stunning.  From the classic everyday-wear pieces that I am wearing here (these earrings and this necklace) to the perfect party pieces (like this pair of earrings and this gorgeous bracelet!) there are so many gorgeous styles for any lucky lady on your shopping list. I also love this earring and bracelet combo - it would be perfect for New Years Eve. Any of these gorgeous pieces will be keepsakes for years to come while still being completely affordable - which is definitely a bonus.

I just love how wearable these gorgeous jewelry pieces are. I paired my earrings and necklace with a soft off the shoulder top (available in lots of colors) and an easy pair of flats for a festive yet relaxed look.  This pair of coated denim gives the look a little extra shine for the holidays while still being super comfortable for either attending parties or celebrating at home.

Outfit Details:

Earrings - courtesy of Macy's

Necklace - courtesy of Macy's- 

Top - courtesy of Macy's

Jeans - courtesy of Macy's

Flats - courtesy of Macy's

a homemade last minute gift: vegan no-sugar-added granola!

Every year I make a huge batch of granola to snack and breakfast on during the holiday season and it's great to package up and give as gifts.  Plus this vegan no-sugar-added granola is super easy to prepare.  Here is how I do it...

First you will want to gather your ingredients... one batch needs 6 total cups of ingredients.  As a general rule of thumb I do 4 cups of oats and 2 total cups of other healthy add-ins.  For this recipe I used a 1/2 cup pepitas, 1/2 dried cranberries (leave out if you prefer sugar free), 1/2 cup raw walnuts and 1/2 cup of slivered almonds.  I also threw in a 1/2 cup of coconut slivers.  The recipe isn't too hard and fast so add in what you like and don't be afraid to go over or under a little.  Mix all these ingredients into a large bowl, leaving out the cranberries if you choose to use them.  They will go in AFTER the granola bakes.

Then you will melt 1/2 cup coconut oil and 1/2 cup maple syrup together in the microwave very quickly. Stir to combine and pour over all your dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Fold the dry ingredients in together and with the wet ingredients.  Once the dry ingredients are evenly coated you will want to line a pan with parchment paper and pour the granola evenly into the pan.  Sprinkle with a little sea salt and a tablespoon of cinnamon. Bake at 325 for about an hour, stirring the granola about every 10 minutes.  The outside of the pan will brown first, so make sure you are evenly mixing the granola around the pan for even browning.

Let the granola cool and then scoop it into ball jars for gifting. Don't pack it away while it's still warm or it will lose it crunch!

We love to have it on top of yogurt or Kefir with a little drizzle of maple syrup on top.  Or with like cereal with milk or almond milk poured on top.  Enjoy!

Recipe:

4 Cups Oats

1/2 Cup Coconut Slivers

1/2 Cup Slivered Almonds

1/2 Cup Raw Walnuts

1/2 Cup Pepitas

1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries

1/2 Cup Maple Syrup

1/2 Cup Coconut Oil

Pinch of Salt

1 Tablespoon of Cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 325.

2. Mix oats, coconut, almonds, walnuts and pepitas in a large bowl.

3. Mix maple syrup and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl and microwave until melted - about 15 - 20 seconds. 

4. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients thoroughly.

5. Spread onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. 

6. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon over the mixture on the baking sheet. 

7. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 10 minutes to insure even browning.

6. Let cool completely 1-2 hours before packaging.

Shop my sweatshirt (similar or similar), similar jeans, ribbon, ball jars. 

last minute gifts!

Okay all you last minute shoppers!  This post is for you... there is still a full week until Christmas so if you aren't done... don't worry! I still have a few last things to snag before the big day and I'm sure I'm not alone.  It's time to put that Amazon Prime account to it's test and get your shopping finished without having to brave all the awful crowds at the malls and shopping centers.

I've got something for everyone here and at all price points - so there is no excuse!  Hop to friends....

top row: agate coaster set (under $25!), enclosed eco-system (these are SO cool and under $50!), instax camera, live succulent collection (under $50!), live laugh love Lightbox (only $15!)

middle row: tea cup and infuser set (under $25!), classic book collection (under $50!), wooden salad bowls (only $25!), mini photo printer, lego mug

bottom row: colorful masking tape set (under $15!), cat nightlight (under $16!), essential oil diffuser (under $30!), I Woke Up Like This mug (under $20!), SMEG red kettle, clear makeup display (only $20!)

my everyday style: a plaid topper!

As I mentioned yesterday, it's pretty much non-stop plaid around here these days and I'm a-okay with that. I've been depending on shawl toppers like this one since the weather turned cool this fall.  They are surprisingly versatile... I've worn them over a tee (shown here) or over a sweater (50% off today!) like I am below or I've also thrown them on as an oversized scarf too.  Layers are KEY this time of year as the cold and snowy weather is here to stay, so however I can layer up in style - I'll take it!

I've also been known to evade wearing a coat if at all possible.  Somedays it works and some it straight back-fires in my face. But this shawl (it's 50% off today!) is so thick I found it blocks the wind amazingly and was a great alternative to a bulky coat for running holiday errands.  I am also known to bundle up to high heaven to run some errands, only to be a pool of sweat inside those layers an hour later.  Am I alone?!?! This is a perfect alternative I would say!

Shop the pieces.... 

Outfit Details:

Plaid Shawl - 50% off today!

Sweater - 50% off today!

Jeans

Socks

Boots

Sunglasses

Tote

Earrings via ROCKSBOX get your first month FREE here!

my everyday style: a pop of plaid!

Getting dressed this time of year always seems to revolve around one theme: plaid.  I'm always looking for more ways to incorporate more plaid this time of year and really, why not!?!? We will likely be absolutely sick of it in a month or two - so wear it all now! That's my motto!

That and "don't leave the house without a hat" - that is my other motto right now because while it may not look it in these photos it is DARN cold out these days (thankfully we took all these photos before the endless snow started).  This time of year you can find about two or three hats, scarves, mittens in my purse and in my car and in general laying all over the house. Any one else!?! It's like they spawning. Except for my kids' hats and mittens - those are disappearing faster than I can replace them.  Seriously though.

This is the perfect outfit for all your holiday errands.  Warm over the knee boots (like little sleeping bags for your legs!), a cozy faux fur trimmed hat (this one is seriously SO warm and beautiful), plenty of plaid and a hat... always a hat.

Shop the look...

Outfit Details

Coat (or similar or similar less expensive)

Plaid Top

Necklace

Hat (similar)

Bag

Jeans

Boots (similar or similar)

Sunglasses

holiday gift guide 2017: stocking stuffers under $25!

How is your holiday shopping coming along!?!? I was at the slowly and calmly gathering gifts here and there phase. Which has now moved into the semi-freak-out-how-will-I-have-this-done-in-time phase. Next week will be the I'm-riding-on-pure-adrenaline phase (hopefully! I don't know how else I will get everything done!).  Any way... if you could use a little help (i.e. a full time on staff elf) right about now like me, I've got some help for us both!

Today I rounded up tons of under $25 stocking stuffers and the good news is that they ALL ship for FREE in time for Christmas delivery.  That's the kind of help I need these days.  You? There are fun finds here for all ages like Dylan's Candy Bar mason jar or a peppermint snow tube for the kiddos. And super practical gifts like black/white charging cable or fingerless gloves for your brother or sister that has everything. I love these 80's remix magnets for your BFF from way back or drop earrings for that super glamorous friend of yours. A initial bottle stopper is perfect for EVERYONE on the list that is at least 21+ - think grandmas, uncles, teachers and neighbors.  And a few of my personal favorites are this peppermint lip conditioner, these Invisibobble hair ties are amazing and this is my favorite candle!

marble phone case, initial bottle stopper, my favorite candle!, striped lining makeup bag, the prettiest coloring pencils, pink glitter water bottle, Dylan's Candy Bar mason jar, black/white charging cable, pom pom beanie hat, good vibes mug, fingerless gloves, drop earrings, Invisibobble hair ties - obsessed with these!, peppermint lip conditioner - my ALL time favorite!, interchangable strap digital watch, 80's remix magnets, peppermint snow tube - my kids would adore these!

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my everyday style: grey scale!

Can you believe we are less than two weeks from Christmas now? I am in serious Christmas prep mode over here as I am sure you are too! This is the time of year where you just don't know how you will complete it all... but at the same time you know you will and you just go with it!  I feel like I keep popping another gumdrop or Christmas cookie in my mouth and turn up the Christmas music and I can get through one more item on the to-do list!  If you need more Christmas gift ideas - be sure to check out ALL my holiday gift guides in one easy place by clicking here.  So far my men's gift guide and the teens/tweens gift guide are the most popular this year... and that's not surprising since those two groups are the absolute hardest to buy for! And if you need last minute tips and tricks on getting all those gifts wrapped (even if you are short on time) make sure you check out this post!

Cozy outfits like this one definitely make the busy and snowy days more bearable.  I am obsessed with this oversized chunky knit sweater... it's PERFECT for hanging around the house in.  And everyone seems to LOVE this scarf... and for good reason. It's SO soft and warm and comes in tons of colors. It makes a really great gift this time of year, especially for that hard to buy for gal.  I love to throw on my Sperry boots when the snow starts flying and since these are more of a spring/fall boot I always pair them with a cozy wool sock. Is anyone else snatching up cozy socks for themselves and loved ones this time of year like crazy!?!? Like I mentioned, we only really buy pajamas before Christmas and we really only buy socks this time of year too.  Is that weird or do you guys do the same thing? (I mean who wants to buy socks in the summer!??!)

Shop the look...

Outfit Details:

Sweater

Scarf

Boots (or tons of color options here!)

Socks (similar or similar)

Jeans

Bag

Sunglasses

Earring (via Rocksbox, use code JILLBFF4 for a FREE month!)

holiday gift guide 2017: sleepwear for the entire family under $100!

I say it every Christmas and I will say it again: sleepwear is hands down the best gift to give (and receive) for the holidays!  The truth is, I rarely buy pjs for myself or my kiddos throughout the year so by this time of year not only do we want new cozies for the cold weather... we also kinda 'need' them too.  And really the lounge and pajama selection is the BEST this time of year... robes, slippers and pj sets can be difficult to come by brand new in the summer. So this is THE time of year to stock up on sleepwear gifts for the whole family.  Plus, they are great gifts to give to friends and family because its usually pretty easy to guesstimate sizing and who say no to a snuggly pair of pjs or a robe?

I love this nightshirt and over the knee sock combo.  How cozy would that be for a winter movie night at home? These slippers look SO soft and they are available in quite a few colors.  My husband loves these Ugg slippers the best and he usually needs a few new casual tees to lounge in or a new pair of sweatpants for around the house.  For my kids I love the fitted pajamas (and they love them too!).  Both of my kids are always seeming to grow out of their robes and slippers each year. How cute are these bunny slippers (under $25!)!?!? So darling. The best part is everything I've pulled together here is at the $100 price point or under... with most items being UNDER $50!  So they are not only the perfect gift, but at the perfect price!

For the gals...

grey striped pajamas, grey/white robe, fluffy bow slippers, striped thermal nightshirt, over the knee socks, red flannel pajamas, sleep mask

For the guys...

mens joggers, mens flannel plaid lounge pants, grey mens thermal robe, mens Ugg slippers, white long sleeve Patagonia tee

For the kiddos...

girls flannel striped shorts, two pack fitted pajamas, fleece sleep tee, fluffy slippers

boys red robe, boys flannel jogger pajama pants, boys fitted striped pajamas, wooly sock mocassins

my everyday style: a trip to the tree farm!

Cutting down a Christmas tree is a yearly tradition our whole family looks forward to.  And while it's usually cold and snowy - this year was a different story! Sunny and high 40s was a welcome change to freezing our buns off and taking the first tree we found... instead, my kids had a blast running through the acres and acres of trees and my husband and I got to slowly peruse the selection without having to snatch and grab one because we were so cold.  Of course, we still had to snag a warm beverage for the drive out there - I mean, a tradition is a tradition.

A cozy fleece pullover, hat (40% off!) and scarf (under $25!) were perfect for battling the slight chill in the air and I was afraid the farm would be muddy so I went for my SOREL boots... which are a work horse for keeping your feet dry, warm and the mud washes off them so easily.

These trees here in the photos are my favorite trees of all, they are called Concolor.  You can see they are quite fluffy and have a blueish/greenish color. If you smell them they have a citrusy-pine scent. Which is AMAZING.  Unfortunately their branches don't hold ornaments too well, especially the heavy ornaments.  We ended up with a very full and TALL Balsam Fir (9 feet - yikes!), which has very soft needles and strong branches.  Firs have what I would call a very woodsy-pine scent. Our family room smells like a Christmas tree farm and I am not mad about it!

Outfit Details:

fleece pullover

hat - 40% off!

scarf - under $25!

jeans

sunglasses

boots

holiday gift guide: what mom REALLY wants with Evereve!

This post is sponsored by Evereve. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog. 

Today I am partnering with Evereve to bring you a gift guide for all those moms in your life!  If anyone knows how to treat moms right, it's Evereve.  With super helpful sales associates and an amazing selection of wardrobe staples and trendy items that are perfect for the busy mom on the go - Evereve has something for every mom this holiday season.

Every time I pop into my local Evereve I am always floored by the amazing selection and my ability to seriously want EVERYTHING.  They are always getting new stock in and always have plenty of stylists ready to help me pull together the perfect outfit or gift. You can see my holiday looks with Evereve here, or this was my go-to fall look, also styled by Evereve.

Today I pulled together some of my favorite giftable from Evereve that the moms on your list will really love!  A few things that are on my own personal wish list are this toasty sweatshirt, this LOVE locket by The Giving Keys and I am so in love with these wedge SOREL boots!  I love these 'LOVE YOUR MELON' pom pom hats... it would be perfectly paired with this stay-cation top.  For the lady that has everything this grey ruana/shawl or fringe hoop earring would be perfect!  There isn't a busy mom alive that doesn't love a super flattering pair of skinny jeans and cable knit sweater combo!

top row, from left: LOVE locket by The Giving Keys, stay-cation top, pom pom hat - so cozy!

middle row, from left: grey ruana/shawl, fringe hoop earring, cable knit sweater

bottom row: wedge SOREL boots, toasty sweatshirt - my favorite!, skinny jeans - so flattering!