Ralph Lauren Polo Blue

As I mentioned in my last post, I have a hard time buying gifts for guys. Girls are so much easier! When my mom mentioned that my brother needed cologne for Christmas I thought, "Cool, that'll be easy!"

Not so much.

Somehow I have never bought cologne before. So I didn't really know where to start...other than the Sephora in my local JCPenny. Luckily I had a great staff member to help me with my task.

All of the scents I was smelling reminded me of perfume, too feminine. Then I came across Ralph Lauren Polo Blue. It was just right! For a 2.5 oz Eau de Toilette Spray I paid $52. Not too bad. And if you buy this through Sephora's online store, you will get free shipping!

Now I just need to wait until December 25 to see if HE likes the scent. As will all fragrances--for men or women--they smell completely different on different people. Let's hope it works out...

Photo courtesy of: Sephora

Last Minute Gift Ideas

This year’s Christmas shopping has been incredibly easy. In addition to finding almost all of my gifts without leaving the comfort of my home, I have scored some great deals. In fact, I even have more ideas for presents that will please, without breaking the bank.

If you are looking for gifts for girls (because I suck at buying gifts) here are some ideas, all cost less than $20:

Technakohl Liner in Graphblack
MAC -- $14.50

This is an awesome liner, one of my favs. It goes on so smoothly and doesn’t smear off easily. And you can’t go wrong with the color. Black eyeliner is always safe.

Sequin Twist Headband
Forever 21 -- $3.80

Paired with a casual or dressy outfit, this accessory is sure to add a little extra glam to any look. I like this so much I think I’ll pick it up for myself!

Engraved Gold Initial Ecru Boxed Card set in 20

Barnes & Noble -- $19

Stationary is always needed—for notes, thank yous, whatever. So having monogrammed stationary just makes your letter that much more personal and special.

Small Jar & Shade (Sparkling Cinnamon) Gift Set

Yankee Candle -- $14.99

Who doesn’t like candles? Especially nice ones like those from Yankee Candle? I especially love that the candle will be illuminated with this cute holiday shade.

What about all of you? What are you go-to gifts? And do you have any ideas for mens' gifts? I need ideas for my dad and brother!



Photos courtesy of: MAC, Forver 21, Barnes & Noble, and Yankee Candle

Twisted Peppermint

A few years back I was given Bath & Body Works Twisted Peppermint body mist and lotion as a Christmas gift. The scent is so yummy, unfortunately it's only really appropriate for the holidays. So once Thanksgiving passes and the countdown to December 25 beings, I bust out the trusty ol' holiday scent!

In addition to having leaving a long-lasting peppermint fragrance, the spray also contains glitter. Now I am not talking a little simmer (although that's what the bottle says), I mean glitter! As I am typing I can literally look down at my sweatshirt and see a sea of sparkles! Oh and how I adore anything that glitters =)

If you are looking for a little extra holiday cheer, this is sure to do the trick. The bottle looks different now, mine actually has peppermints floating around in it, but the product is still the same...fabulous!

Right now Bath & Both Works is having numerous sales. I suggested you pay the store a visit in-person or online for some great seasonal purchases.

Photo courtesy of: Bath & Body Works

I Miss My Baby

About a year and a half ago I was awoken by a faint yipping sound. The next few moments would change my life forever...

My brother's friend had almost ran over a small dog. After trying to find the puppy's home, my brother decided to take the dog in. Now, it's the middle of the night and my parents and I are meeting this skinny pooch with a long body, little head, and missing fur. The poor thing was pitiful!

Already having a dog, my dad insisted that we find a good home for this house guest. After putting up photos at his work and nobody showing interest in the dog, I begged and pleaded with my parents for them to let me keep her and they gave in!

First thing was first--a much needed, and expensive, trip to the vet. This little girl, who we named Kiki, had mange and ringworm and was clearly neglected. Eventually with numerous medications she improved and became a healthy member of our family.

We aren't sure how old she is but we think she's about two now. And we also think she's a mix between a Chihuahua and rat terrier, but not positive.

My family loves dogs and we have always had them. Out of every one of them, Kiki is definitely the most loving. She always wants to be held and hugged. If you stop rubbing her belly she uses her little paws to grab your hand and pull it down to her stomach. If you walk into another room, she follows. If you leave, she howls.

That being said, when I moved out of my parents house I found an apartment building that allowed pets so I could bring Kiki with me. So I moved in and brought her with. That night I left for a few minutes to go to a friend's house. Within 15 minutes my landlord called to tell me that Kiki was crying and three tenants had complained. For a Chihuahua, she is really quiet. We never have problems with her barking!

I am pretty sure that being alone in my apartment scared her. Since she wasn't cared for during the first months of her life, I think that she has a strong need to be around our family. This explains her desire to be hugged and loved constantly. She can handle being alone with my other dog, so despite my extreme sadness, I decided that it would be best for her to live with my parents and our other dog.

That night I met up with my parents and gave her to them. On the way back to my apartment I balled like a baby. I literally felt like I was giving my child up for adoption. Although I miss snuggling with her everyday, luckily, my parents only live an hour away so I get to see Kiki every weekend.

She's absolutely the best part of my week!

UPDATE: I totally forgot to mention this...on top of all of Kiki's other issues, she has seizures =( We actually found out she is epileptic last month, so now she takes two pills everyday. The pills seem to be working though!

A Christmas Tree that Outdoes Rockefeller's

I know this sounds totally cheesy, but during the first season of The Hills, Lauren and Heidi went with their respective beaus to The Grove during winter. There was fake snow falling all around them and it looked so magical!

Since I live down the street from this popular LA shopping center, I figured I'd check out the holiday decorations for myself. I may be 26, but who doesn't love a little Christmas magic? After picking up a few books from Barnes & Noble (Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community and War as well as The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe), I headed outside to take in the Christmas tree and fake snow.

This year the Chicago Tribune described the tree at the Grove as, "A fir tree from Northern California decorated with more than 10,000 lights and 15,000 ornaments." And even more impressive, NBC explains, "The 100-foot white fir is actually taller than the one at New York City's famed Rockefeller plaza, which was only 72 feet tall last year." So you can understand why I couldn't get the entire tree to fit in my iphone camera's frame!

Caramel Brulée Latte!

According to Starbucks, "The new Caramel Brulée Latte is a decadent espresso drink featuring the rich, creamy taste of a classic caramel dessert." Delightful, right?!

I can't get enough of this wonderful beverage myself, and I highly suggest you try it out if you are a Starbucks lover. It brightens my mornings and will hopefully do the same for you!

By the way, the Carmel Brulée is the one in the front of the picture =)

Photo courtesy of: Starbucks

Gifts for the Parents

We love sports in my family. Ever since I was little I remember watching football with my dad every Sunday. He even coached my sorority football teams for Greek Week. It;s the same passion with my mother as well. My mom and I aren't typical females I guess because we are obsessed with sports just like men. We're "those people" who even watch baseball (willingly) on TV and enjoy it!


So yesterday when I saw that NFLShop.com was having a buy one, get one 50% off sale I was thrilled. I bought both of my parents sweatshirts in their favorite teams.

I got my mom a Broncos sweatshirt. It's a part of Touch by Alyssa Milano and cost $69.99. Totally cute!

For my dad--a Chargers sweatshirt. This originally retailed for $59.57, but with the sale I got it for $29.98. A great deal!

They are currently holding a 20% off sale if you have a football lover that you'd like to Christmas shop for. Happy shopping!

Photos courtesy of: NFLShop.com

I Love Me Some American Eagle!

I made the mistake of reading an American Eagle e-mail incorrectly. I thought that I could use a discount coupon to receive 25% off my purchase the day after Thanksgiving. However, the coupon was for the day of Thanksgiving.

Anyways, after speaking with an extremely nice lady, I was able to get 20% off and free shipping--pretty good for an expired discount code. Below are my purchases, with the discount applied.

AE Cadet Jacket

Was $79.50

I paid $23.96

AE Chain Rosette Necklace

Was $19.50

I paid $15.60

AE Black Teardrop Bow Earrings

Was $12.50

I paid $10

AE Classic Tights in black and Grey

Was 2 for $20

I paid 2 for $16

I know that Black Friday is about waiting in crazy lines and buying things for others, but I couldn't resist! That jacket was an incredible deal, I just hope it fits properly. I always get a little nervous buying clothes without trying them on.

What were your Black Friday purchases?

Photos courtesy of: AE

A Unique Gift

Recently I made a purchase for my good friend, Elana. I actually loved the item so much that I bought one for myself, too!

The items? Monogram art by ARTnSEWL. I love the fact that they are made out of old books. As writers, I knew that this would be inspirational for both Elana and I. The way that these beautiful pieces of wall art are made, they look old and significant and I really adore that.

I went with an "M" to represent my last name, Morrissey. I purchased an "E" for Elana.

If you are looking for a unique, creative gift for the holidays, head over to ARTnSEWL's Esty shop and browse.

Photo courtesy of: ARTnSEWL

Black Friday? I'll Pass!

I am not the typical girl...I don't particularly like shopping. I really don't like shopping with other people. I prefer to go to the stores that I need and get it over with. That being said, I do not plan on going shopping today. Good luck to all of you that are braving the crowds. I hope you find great deals!

If I were going shopping, here are a few things I would love to pick up:

Photos courtesy of: Walmart, Nordstrom, Urban Decay, Forever 21, and Overstock.com