It’s that time of year- holiday parties every time you turn around. Let’s be honest, a lot of them you don’t even want to go to. I say, go to as few as possible! That is the bright side here, everyone is so busy, you can always claim you have a conflict 🙂
Anyway, some of these parties I bet you do want to go to. The one your best friend is having, or your mom or cool aunt. Obviously you can always bring a bottle of wine (or a bottle of flavored vodka. Vodka is the best.), but here are some other fun options. If you’re creative, they will actually remember that you brought something.
#1 & #2 Will pets or kids be at the party? Your hostess may love to have something to keep them out of her hair. My friend’s kids love these LEGO Friends toy sets, and my dog loves Kong Wubbas. Plus, how popular will you be for remembering their loved ones?!
#3 Here’s a cute gift for someone who has everything- paper straws! They come in so many cute designs and colors, and are something most people wouldn’t buy for themselves.
#4 Reusable bags are always a great gift. They can be used for a million things. They’re a fun way to wrap a gift, they’re perfect for grocery shopping (some cities are now charging for bags with your groceries, so bringing your own just makes sense), and I like to always have one shoved in my purse. I use mostly Baggus, but I actually think Chico Bags are more convenient. Baggus have a separate stuff bag that I never seem to have around. The Chico Bags have an attached stuff sack that I can never lose.
#5 Around the holidays, everyone has a ton of thank you cards to write. She can do it in style if she has this cool Kate Spade initial card set! I wish the lettering came in different color options, but you can’t have everything. The dots and stripes together are adorable.
#6 I know this is ridiculously random, but these measuring spoons fit inside spice jars! If your host or hostess likes to cook, these would make a really cool gift. I have no idea why I’ve never seen this before. It’s brilliant.
#7 How about some Chakra Bath Salts? The cheerful rainbow colors are fun for someone who loves baths, and they have that indulgent spa feel.
Is anyone throwing any parties this year? I just… can’t. I’m tired. I’m old. I’m… lazy? Okay, fine, mostly tired and lazy. But if anyone wants to come over and drink in a non pressure-y un-party themed atmosphere, come on over!
❤ Jillian
It’s Kate Spade shopping guide day (
I am not one of those people that has to do one holiday at a time. I’m excited for Thanksgiving, but I also love Christmas shopping. I like to multi-task. Part of it is that I create my budget in January, and put aside 1/12 of the amount every month. I’ve been doing it this way for a few years and I LOVE it. I have zero anxiety about how I will afford Christmas gifts, and I also can start shopping whenever I want. Ideally this would be all year round to get the best deals, but the minimalist in me can’t handle storing gifts all year. I usually start in November. I love gift guides, so I’m going to do a series of them this year!
I am in my thirties, which is hard to believe. Time goes by fast. Since that is the case, I have decided to write about it. If I can't slow it down, I can at least share with others and get help along the way! 
How To Be Myself 