10 Perfect Presents for Your Friends (and you) Under $30 (Part One)

If you are like me you can't help but spending money on presents for your friends and family in the quest for the "perfect" present. This year I am vowing to spend less than $30 (if I can) because it adds up after 10 or so people! 

Here is my list (in no particular order, second installment to come tomorrow):

#1 
Magazine Subscription $10-$15
Hear me out on this one. While you may think that a subscription is something your grandmother might give, the recipient will enjoy the present all year. It is something that you might not think you need, but makes a wonderful present. 

Glamour $12 for 1 year, Marie Clarie $10 for 1 year, Elle Decor $14.95 for 9 issues

#2 

Anthropologie Capri Blue Mercury Glass Candle $25
Not only does this candle have a delicious, freshly-peeled orange scent but it comes in a antiqued mercury glass container that would look pretty on the bedside table.   

#3 

Stila Lip Glaze Set $25,

For your friend who never has enough lip gloss, this set is sure to make her happy. The best part is that, unlike most sets I've seen, each of these shades seem wearable.

 

#4 

Anthropologie Mini Latte Bowls 4 for $12

These bowls are in constant rotation at my place. I am even using one right now. They are the perfect size for quick snacks or dips. The store has several colors. These would also make a great hostess present.

 

#5 

Urban Outfitters Oak Jewelry Stand, $20

Part sculpture, part functional jewelry stand. This tree is a pretty addition to her decor. Then you can help fill it during other occasions!

 

emerald city

Angelina inspires me to dress up my holiday outfit with emerald jewelry.

 

Ann Taylor has some great options...

 

Necklace, $78

 Bracelet, $68

A little less formal from Kate Spade...

 

Bracelet, $225 

 

Bracelet, $245

J.Crew makes it modern...

 

  Cuff, $69

 Shoot for the stars (courtesy of Diane's Estate Jewelry)

Ring, $6,500

 

Bracelet, $12,900

 

Pin, $4,500

midas touch

With the holiday season in full swing it's time to get gilded. These make the perfect presents too.

Stay tuned this week for more gift ideas.  


great holiday top
Anthropologie $198

glamourous placemats
Crate and Barrel $7.95 ea

 

 

the perfect jewelry box
Anthropologie $38 

 

gold necklace + black dress = holiday outfit

Anthropologie $38 

 

makes you want to have a tea party

Rosanna Kings Road Redux Dishes $40-55

 

a little bit 80s, a little bit modern

Urban Outfitters $42

 

works for a night out or a day at work

Ann Taylor Loft $24

 

Reporting from the Elle Decor Showhouse

As I mentioned, I went to the Elle Decor showhouse last weekend in St. Francis Wood. While there were definitely a few things that weren't my style (not so in to tribal masks staring me down while I watch TV) there were plenty of beautiful ideas. Save yourself the $30 and take a look a the house below!

delicious pumpkin bar recipie

When I worked at William's Sonoma we made this recipe often. It is a delicious, buttery recipe that makes for the perfect fall treat. Watch out, you might just gobble it all up.

Martha, of course

Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkin Crumble Bars

1 package yellow cake mix

1/2 cup of butter melted

3 eggs

1 jar pumpkin butter (most places have pumpkin butter this time of year, TJ's has a good, affordable one)

2 Tbsp. milk

1 Tbsp. flour

2 Tbsp. sugar

1/4 cup butter softened

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Divide yellow cake mix placing 1 cup aside. Stir melted butter and one egg into cake mix. Press mix into 9x13" pan. 

Mix pumpkin butter with 2 eggs and milk. Pour over cake mix. 

Stir 1 cup of cake mix with flour, sugar, soft butter and cinnamon. Sprinkle over pan. 

Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. 

Enjoy!

 

turquoise

Reporting from Phoenix today and the warmer temps (70 anyone?) have me thinking of turquoise and gold touches.

 

via Turquoise, Made Goods, Urban Outfitters, Massucco, Warner, Miller, Anthropologie, Vogue

fit for royalty

Tufted velvet adds instant glamor while still being inviting. These picks allow you to add just a little or a lot. If you are really daring, go for a fun color. Just sit back and relax...

Words can't describe how beautiful this chair, flower, table combination is. 

 

 Pretty in pink.

 

Deep aubergine, how rockstar!

Mmmmmmm...

via Windsor Smith, Massucco Warner Miller, Urban Outfitters, Chapman Interiors

click the links to find out more...navy chair, orange chair, ottoman, cream couch, and silver chair