calling all procrastinators.

FIND THESE GOODIES: Striped Blanket // Tropical Candle // Boxwood Topiary // Framed Instagram Print // Foil-Stamped Photo Art Print // Refreshmint Scrub // Gold Tassel Earrings // TSA Pop Gift Set // Customized Copper Mugs // Sugar Lip Treatment // Gold D'Orsay Flats

Last year, {jv} made his appearance less than three weeks before Christmas. If I was a normal person, I would have done my holiday shopping before he was born... but then again, we had just moved in our new house. (In other words, I was not a normal person last Christmas season!) This year, I have made good progress on my list, but working full-time and chasing a toddler around have made the process a bit more chaotic.

Since I still have a few people on my gift list, I decided to round up a few of my favorite gift ideas and notoriously quick retailers. I also included any promotions they may be running and what the last day for shipping is. Sometimes, if I give myself a deadline, it helps ;) If you've procrastinated a bit like me, never fear -- there are still plenty of amazing options to make the folks on your gift list very happy. I hope these ideas give you the boost you need to get everything wrapped up (literally and figuratively!). xoxo {av}

Birchbox: Gift Subscriptions ship straight to recipients, beginning in January

Design Darling: Last day for ground shipping: Wednesday, December 16th; Free shipping on orders over $200

Follain: Last chance for guaranteed Christmas delivery with express shipping: Sunday, December 20th

Framebridge: $39 Instagram framed Instagram prints; Last chance for guaranteed Christmas delivery: Tuesday, December 15th
Gap: 40% off your purchase through Tuesday, December 15th with code: COZY; Last chance for guaranteed Christmas delivery: Monday, December 21st (free shipping over $50)

J.Crew: 40% off select items; 30% off your whole purchase through Tuesday, December 15th with code: GETGIFTS; Last day for free ground shipping: Monday, December 21st

lululemon: Last day for free standard shipping for most: Saturday, December 19th (some can get away with Tuesday, December 22nd -- see here for more details)

Madewell: 25% off through Thursday, December 24th with code: YOUGOTTHIS; Last day for free ground shipping: Monday, December 21st

Minted: 15% off art gifts and stationery through Wednesday, December 16th with code: GIFTS2015; Last chance for guaranteed Christmas delivery: Friday, December 18th (see more details here)

Nordstrom: Last day for free standard shipping on qualifying merchandise: Wednesday, December 23rd (order by 12:00pm EST)

Sephora: Last day for standard shipping on most merchandise: Monday, December 21st  -- fragrances must be ordered by Wednesday, December 16th (click here for all the shipping details)
Shopbop: Extra 25% off on sale items through Thursday, December 17th with code: BONUS25; Last day for free shipping Sunday, December 20th to ensure Christmas delivery + Amazon Prime Customers get free two-day shipping

Splendid: 25% off through Tuesday, December 15th with code: GIVING; Last day for free guaranteed ground shipping: Thursday, December 17th.

Zappos: Last day for free two-day shipping: Tuesday, December 22nd (see all the details here)

happy hostess gifts.

1) Mark & Graham Round Acrylic Tray {$59} // 2) Taschen's Cities Collection via Furbish Studio {$60} // 3) Williams-Sonoma Margarita Caddy {$29} // 4) Design Darling Cobalt Highball Glasses {$48} // 5) Crate & Barrel Mini Maple Boards {$5 - $9} // 6) Lemon Stripes Bienvenue Sign {$22} // 7) Peony Rose & Vanilla Soap Bar via Furbish Studio {$10} 

With summer finally on the horizon, it means plenty of summer weekend travel to visit friends and family. As always, my wheels started turning for fantastic host(ess) gifts. When we pay a visit to our nearest and dearest, I refuse to arrive empty-handed. Over the years, my hostess gifts have evolved. I tend to be on the constant search--rather than the last-minute hunt. Repeat visits to the same hostess also require an extra dose of creativity and thoughtfulness. The items above are just a few I might choose for a variety of hosts and hostesses with the "mostest". I like that many can be paired with other small items to create a basket of sorts or build on a theme from previous gifts. 

What is your favorite host(ess) gift to give (or receive)? For even more gift ideas, click here to check out my full round-up on Houzz. I hope these gift ideas inspire you to think beyond the bottle of wine--though that isn't all bad ;) xoxo {av}

(happy) holiday entertaining.

from top to bottom: Crate & Barrel Gatsby Bar Tools with Ice Bucket  //  Kate Spade Glitter Coasters  //  Serena & Lily Fresco Beverage Bowl  //  Design Darling Monogrammed Stir Sticks  //  Mark & Graham Medium Crystal Decanter {also monogrammable!}  //  Kate Spade Pierrepont Place Corkscrew & Bottle Opener  //  Cathy's Concepts Cheers Shooters

Last week, I shared 12 must-serve holiday drinks. This week, I'm here with a few fun ways to present them! Prepping your home for a holiday party doesn't require the investment in purely holiday pieces. Many of these pretty serving pieces would also make great gifts for the favorite host or hostess in your life. The seven goodies above are proof that you can simply jazz up your presentation--and make it last well into the new year (and beyond)! 

Would you add anything to this happy round-up? Whether you are a hostess with the mostest or simply on the guest list, I hope these pretty pieces bring some beauty to your holiday preparations! xoxo {av}

your one-stop shop.

I know every blogger on the block is doing holiday gift guides, so I decided to do something a little different here on {long distance loving}. I created one landing page on my blog to go to as a one-stop shop of sorts for holiday gift guides. Whether you're looking for a lady, a gent, or a babe, I've got you covered. There is even a "cost-conscious" section--with gifts under the $30 mark. 

What additional topics would you like to see in my holiday gift guide? I'm here for you! I will constantly be updating these over the next few weeks--to keep content fresh and relevant. This will be the only post I'm devoting to this gift guide, but you can always access it on my sidebar. My goal is not to bombard you but keep you inspired! xoxo {av}

P.S. Don't forget to grab your entries for my Moon & Lola monogram necklace giveaway! It's too good to miss!

 

it's time to plan ahead.

1) Erin Condren 2013-2014 Party Pops Life Planner {$50 with a 2-week lead time}

2) May Designs Notebook {starting at $19 with a 2-week lead time}

3) P.S. #Stationery - 15 flat A6 white cards with envelopes {$29 with roughly a 3-week lead time}

4) Jennifer Ann Style Personalized Double-Sided Blanket {$84 with a 4-week lead time}

5) Design Darling Monogrammed Coasters {$40 with a 3-week lead time}

6) Swanky Press Striped Monogram Cell Phone Case {$40 with roughly a week lead time}

7) Moon & Lola Acrylic Block Monogram Necklace via BaubleBar {starting at $58 with a 4-week lead time}

8) Mark & Graham Linen Satin Stitch Dinner Napkins - Set of 8 {$99 with only a week lead time}

9) Mark & Graham Rustic Leather Tray {$99 with only a week lead time}

10) Design Darling Navy Cuff with White Monogram {$54 with a 3-week lead time}

Though it is difficult to believe, the holidays are sneaking up on us. With a month until Hanukkah and eight weeks until Christmas, there are bound to be a flurry of gift guides coming soon. The one I realized I needed this weekend? A guide on how long it takes to get the best personalized gifts for your friends and family! 

Whether you're shopping for your impossible-to-buy-for dad, your picky teenage cousin, or your sister who just had a baby, the ten options above meet a variety of budgets and tastes. The best part? Your loved ones will know you really planned ahead with these gifts. (Ok, maybe they'll think you paid crazy overnight fees--but let's be honest, no one loves those rush fees.) 

What gifts do you struggle with finding? Have you found any other great personalized gifts? Even if it is a few weeks in advance, it's time to start sharing the holiday love. Have a great Monday! xoxo {av}

P.S. Don't forget about J.Crew's lovely monogram shop -- their options are endless!

anniversary gifts for parents.

Today, my parents mark 36 years as Mr. and Mrs.! Not only have they set a tremendous example for {cv} and me, they are easily the best parents around. I've been alive for 27 of those anniversaries, so creativity is a must on the gift front. Below, you'll find eight different anniversary gifts to satisfy all budgets and tastes... 

Kate Spade Picture Perfect 'Nearest and Dearest' Picture Frame - include a photo from their big day

Crate & Barrel Ventana Natural Picnic Basket - fill it with their favorite goodies

Matouk Marlowe Bath Towels - treat them to a little bit of daily luxury

Nespresso Citiz Espresso Machine - they'll love you each + every morning

TableTopics What Would You Do? Conversation Starters - budget-friendly + fun for family dinners

The New York Times 36 Hours - push them to plan their next adventure stateside

concert tickets - research when their favorite band is coming to town + make their dream come true
a great bottle of wine - help them toast to the start of another year together

What anniversary gifts have been winners for you with your parents or friends?
the best gifts come from the heart--so as long as your gift includes a big dose of love, you're in the clear :) Happy 36th, {cn} + {jn}--I love you! Have a fantastic Tuesday, everyone! xoxo {av}

my 28th birthday wishlist.

In just 8 short days, I will join the world of 28-year-olds. Next year may mark my "golden" birthday, but my 28th birthday list is pretty golden. From gilded binders to custom sandals, I clearly have metallics on the brain. These six goodies made my list this year, though unlimited Rent The Runway rentals wouldn't be too shabby either. Truth be told, I get more optimistic about 28 every time I see this list...

Russell + Hazel Signature Three-Ring Binder + Kate Spade Fragment Cluster Stud Earrings
Michael Kors Large Runway Gold Bracelet Watch + Jack Rogers Custom Sandals
Nikon COOLPIX S01 Camera +  Virginia Johnson for J.Crew Tote

Birthday or no birthday: what is on the top of your current wish list?
For now, I'm going to relish every day of 27 ;) xoxo {av}

STAY IN TOUCH: BLOGLOVIN + INSTAGRAM + TWITTER + PINTEREST + FACEBOOK

grown up boy birthday gifts.

Tomorrow, {cv} turns the big 2-9. We've been together for eight of his birthdays now, so I'm starting to get pretty creative. While doing some research, I decided it might be helpful to share my learnings with you ;) Excluding the sunglasses and the headphones, the gifts below are all under $65. If you're dating or married, these gifts are guaranteed to make any man's life a little easier...

find them here:

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer 55mm Sunglasses - a preppy + worthwhile investment

Timex Easy Reader Leather Strap Watch - ideal for easy weekend wear

J.Crew Secret Wash Shirt - to help him clean up quick after a long week at work

Bose AE2 Audio Headphones - a serious splurge for the music lover in your life

Nordstrom Woven Silk Tie - to make wedding season a bit more stylish

Jack Spade Repp Stripe iPhone 5 Case - stripes + a Spade = perfection

David Donahue Collar Stays - get these babies engraved + he'll think of you every morning

Briggs & Riley Baseline Executive Travel Kit - to keep his stuff in one place on the go

What other gifts have been big winners with your guy? Sharing the love will help all of us!

Have a fantastic Monday, friends! xoxo {av}

STAY IN TOUCH: BLOGLOVIN + INSTAGRAM + TWITTER + PINTEREST + FACEBOOK

what to buy for the newly preggo.

Happy Wednesday! Something must be in the water because I've had multiple friends report their good news to me lately: they're due with their first baby next spring! As exciting as this news is, my gift-giving anxiety starts to rise. What do you give to someone who just found out she's pregnant and doesn't know what she's having? Here are a few little gender-neutral goodies which caught my eye...

find them here: striped one-piece + whale bath spout cover + cozy pack of socks + Burt's Bees wash time tin + Sophie la Girafe teething toy  + sweet pea bunting set + Big Bird stuffed animal + baby hands keepsake + basket weave blanket

Before the question even comes up, we are not on the baby wagon just yet--so back to the topic at hand! Since showers often come later, I would love a few go-to gifts for friends when they first share their good news. I can't wait to get your input on the perfect gifts for the newly preggo lady!

bestie birthday gifts.

Happy Thursday! Today happens to be one of my bestie's birthdays--and in light of this special day, I thought it would be fun to pull together a little birthday gift guide. Another of my takeaways from my reader survey was that many of you were hoping for more wallet-friendly options...so get excited, each and every one of the gifts below is at {or under} $25. They're fun and thoughtful and sure to please!

{clockwise from top left: tabletopics + hoop earrings + trinket box + cz studs + heart tote + monogrammed notecards + pencil case + candle + polka dot wallet + monogrammed frame + diy book}

There were so many other goodies I didn't include, so I might save those for another day. {I didn't want to bombard you!} Since birthdays happen all year round, maybe I'll create one later this year with fresh goodies ;) I'll see you all tomorrow for a beachy round of Friday's Fancies!

the design darling herself.

Hi there! I'm Mackenzie from Design Darling and I'm thrilled to be stepping in for {av} today to chat about my new online boutique. I graduated from Bucknell this past May and launched my boutique the first of March! I wanted to create a place where young women like me could find beautiful — and affordable! — goodies for their apartments, their closets, and gifts for friends and family. I've even done a couple custom orders for brides! Here are a few of my favorite pieces at the moment...

Framed vintage Vera Neumann silk scarf (an amazing oversized statement art piece!)

Tall boxwood topiary (a pop of green for your bookshelves or your desk!)

Monogrammed leather key fob (a great gift for girls and guys!)
Leopard matches (I'm obsessed with the pink tips!)

Dabney large chandelier earring (I'll be pairing these with white t-shirts all summer!)

Hot pink lacquer tray (for your coffee table, your vanity, you name it!)

Greek key pillow cover (what sofa doesn't need a hot pink throw pillow?)

Monogrammed acrylic pencil cup (the best-selling item to date!)

Huge thanks to the darling {av} for letting me share my boutique with you today! Owning my own business has been such a rewarding experience to date and I can only hope that this new venture will be around for years and years to come!

---
I can't thank Mackenzie enough for filling in for me today! I am SO proud of her for taking the leap and making her dream a reality :) You better believe that I'll be hitting up Design Darling for goodies for our new house, gifts for my besties, and for me, of course! 
Happy Thursday--See you all back here for some St. Patty's Friday's Fancies tomorrow!
xoxo {av}

gifting juices.

Time is ticking for holiday shopping--and I'm starting to get a wee bit anxious. {cv} told me he's done shopping for me, which is pretty fabulous, but I am still searching for the perfect gifts for him. I don't want to share what he's getting on here {because he does read along--hi love!}, but these are a few goodies which could work well for the man who truly has everything...

{find them here: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7}

Be it your dad, your brother, or your significant other, I'd like to think that any guy would appreciate a few little things to make his every day easier. My research for this post calmed my gifting fears a bit ;) I've loved the gift guides across the blogosphere as of late and hope this one stacks up! I'm crossing my fingers that your gift lists get a little shorter with each day that passes...

the ultimate.

Happy Tuesday, all! The holiday bug finally bit me last night--and ever since, I've been dreaming of little goodies that would fill my ultimate stocking! You can spin this to be a Friday's Fancies stocking of sorts!
 It includes a few reasonable items, but it mostly contains dreamy items which are way too exorbitant for
a stocking...but hey, it's my "ultimate" stocking...so don't judge! ;)

{find them here: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10}

Stockings have always been candy and knick-knack filled in our house, so it was so fun to
dream up something a little more extensive ;) We always open ours at the end of Christmas day,
so it gives us to look forward to after pounding through presents that morning. I'd most definitely
look forward to this stocking! Can't wait to hear about your goodies!

paint the town red.

Welcome to the first day of December! Today is also World AIDS Day--a day with a call 
to action to help end the HIV/AIDS pandemic across the world. One organization who 
works tirelessly toward this cause is (RED). They partner with brands we all love to bring
awareness and build passion behind their efforts. {Click here to read their manifesto!} 
All the goodies below provide much-needed support to their world-changing organization:

1) 50% of the purchase price of this Isabel Marant (PRODUCT) RED™ T will go directly to support the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

2) Starbucks will donate five cents from every hand-crafted beverage today, December 1st!

3) Converse released these special edition Chuck Taylor All Stars to rock out in (RED).

4) Download this special edition of Shazam {one of my all-time favorite music apps!} at a special price this week with (RED) in mind.

5) If you're gifting an iPad this holiday season, think about adding this (PRODUCT) RED iPad Cover to your cart. Not only is it a great color, you will be helping a phenomenal cause.

6) This (FEED)^RED Love 30 bag, created by Lauren Bush, will help support the (RED)'s efforts. Read this post to find out more about Lauren's trip to Cambodia, which "opened her eyes to the reality of HIV/AIDS."

Whether it's a red cup full of your favorite coffee from Starbucks, buying one of the goodies above, or simply spreading the news about (RED)'s cause on facebook or twitter, every little bit counts. I know I want to be a part of a generation that is AIDS free...and supporting (RED) can make that happen! I'll see you all back here for a fashionably INSPI(RED) Friday's Fancies tomorrow...with (RED) in mind!

gifts in a pinch.

Let's face it: sometimes the facebook birthday reminder fails us and we have to scramble to find 

the perfect prezzies for our pals. Danielle and Sarah challenged their readers to come up with a 

few of their favorite gifts and I decided to pick six fabulous gifts you can buy in a pinch!

Pottery Barn Frame Trio {$29} | Domino: The Book of Decorating {$21}

Kate Spade Monogrammed Note Cards {$26} + Signature Spade Studs {$38}

NARS Sea of Love Set {$49} | Helen Ficalora A Charm {$50}

In my opinion, these six goodies would be perfect last-minute gifts since they're readily 

available online for speedy shipping and they don't all break the bank. When I give gifts, 

my intention is to buy a little treat they might not purchase for themselves.

What gifts do you like to give when you're in a pinch? 

Can't wait for some gametime Friday's Fancies tomorrow {along with the slew of other 

cute outfits I'm sure you ladies will create}! I hope you have a phenomenal Thursday...

and I'll see you back here tomorrow! xoxo {av}

psst: I'm in Durham, North Carolina on Friday night...email me if you are too!

my 26th wishlist.

I'll admit it. I have an ultimate wish list. It's fluid--and it changes all the time. As I turn 26 this weekend {and quietly mourn the fact my 20s are halfway through}, I have a few things on my "ultimate" wishlist for my birthday this Sunday. As you've learned from my Friday's Fancies posts, I dream big. If money were no object, this is what you'd find on my 26th birthday wishlist:

This year, on my ultimate birthday wishlist, you'd find:

-a pair of Christian Louboutin Décolleté 100 jazz pumps {to elevate my style for years}

-front row seats to a full summer tour for John Mayer {to fulfill my inner groupie}**

-unlimited flying abilities on US Airways {for jetsetting wherever my heart desires}**

-a Sarah Wallet from Louis Vuitton {to have a forever stylish wallet}

-these Lapis Studs from Kate Spade {for my growing collection of cobalt}

I'll be honest, I know the John Mayer wish is pretty lofty {i.e. unachievable}. If {cv} were a pilot, my jetsetting heart could be filled--but alas, he works at a desk, so that's probably out of the picture too. Regardless, it's fun to dream! I can't wait to hear what makes your list!

Have a fantastic Wednesday! xoxo {av}

sweet + southern.

{ via 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 }

Growing up in Indiana, I used to make frequent trips down to South Carolina to see my grandparents in Hilton Head. On many of those visits, we made day trips to Charleston and Savannah. I always seemed to spot pineapples in southern decor, but it wasn't until I was older that I made the connection between pineapples and {southern} hospitality. 

Pineapples are traditionally a sign of hospitality--and the southern states do a great job at showing it to their guests {and their own residents}. I pulled this post together for my blogger buddy, Ashton. She is not only a Friday's Fancies Faithful but also a southern girl through and through. When I made the trip to Charleston a few weeks ago, she even took the time to meet up with little ol' me--talk about hospitality!

Since pineapples are a sign of hospitality, I thought it only appropriate to ask:

How do you make your home more welcoming to your guests? 

What is your go-to hostess gift?

Have a happy Wednesday everyone--and be sure to stop by Soulshine and say hello :)

xoxo {av}

blossoms aplenty.

I lived in DC for six glorious years. When {cv} and I finally landed jobs in the same state, it meant I had to say goodbye to the city I knew so well. This is the first year since 2004 that I haven't seen the cherry blossoms in their full glory. I'm aching to see those gorgeous blooms--especially on a bright sunny morning when they reflect on the Tidal Basin. sigh.

Last year, we got married during the last weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Though the blooms were a bit past their prime by April 10th, I blame it on the ridiculously hot weather the weekend before our wedding. No complaints from this bride though: I was happy to have a sunny day in the mid-60s rather than a sweaty day in the 90s!

With the disaster in Japan, the cherry blossoms are a fabulous reminder of what beautiful things their country has to share to share with the world. In keeping with that idea, I remembered the beautiful paper I always enjoyed seeing in the windows at Paper Source in Georgetown. When I hopped on their website, I was happy to see they were holding a fabulous promotion for the relief efforts in Japan:

{image sources: top row: left - right ~ bottom row: left - right}

Aren't those papers gorgeous? If you purchased a few sheets, how would you use them?


If you've never had the chance to see DC in full bloom, try to make the visit at least once in your lifetime. It's worth the trip! I'll just keep dreaming of our next spring visit to Washington...and living vicariously through my DC friends and bloggers! Happy Tuesday! xoxo {av}

waterlogged.

One year ago today, the state of Rhode Island witnessed its worst flood in more than two hundred years...and {cv} and I had a front row seat. The Woonasquatucket River {say that three times fast!} overflowed its banks--into the first floor of our apartment building. Thankfully, we live a few floors up, but it didn't stop the devastation elsewhere in our neighborhood. We lost power for two full days--and came to realllllllly appreciate things like charging cellphones and taking a warm shower. 

The craziest part of this debacle? Our wedding was only ten days away! Even with our sixteen month engagement, there were last minute things to be done...thankfully, I had lots of love and support outside of waterlogged Rhode Island. I'm just thankful we hadn't planned a wedding in a cool loft space in Providence for that same timeframe, because goodness knows, things would have been dicey. 

Have you ever been without power for a few days?

Or did you have any crises leading up to your wedding or another big occasion?

I'm sure these pictures won't really make you want to book your next trip to the Ocean State, but maybe my guest post on Southern Sophisticate might ;) I chose a few of my favorite nautical gift ideas for the sailor in your life!

Though the flood isn't necessarily one of my favorite memories, {cv} and I still joke about our primitive life in those two power-less days ;) I have to admit that I'm very happy to see the sun shining today, especially in light of this anniversary and last week's events! 

Hope you have a sunny Wednesday! xoxo {av}

paper {anniversary}.

{love struck calendar - days of the week calendar - blurb} 

Though I really can't believe it, we are roughly three weeks from our first wedding anniversary!

{cv} and I discussed that our first anniversary is also our "paper" anniversary, if you go by the traditional standards. I was bummed to discover that the sapphire anniversary wasn't until the 45th or the emerald anniversary until the 55th! Maybe we could break the rules a little bit down the line...God-willing, we'll both live to see 2055 and 2065, but there are no guarantees--right? ;)

Making the choice on what to get {cv} is proving to be quite difficult and I wanted to enlist your help!

Should I create a photo calendar with photos from our first year of marriage? 

Or should I do the same with a photo book? 

Can't wait to hear your thoughts! I loved all your input yesterday on IKEA! Just so you know: your comments make me smile all. day. long. Have a wonderful Wednesday! xoxo {av}

If this post has you itching to make a calendar of your own, don't sweat--you can!

psst...are you new to {long distance loving}?See our wedding in Martha Stewart and Southern Living!