Girl Friend Gift Ideas


Rose Gold Drusy Gift Set
I love the Drusy collection from Kendra Scott. I own a silvery drusy bracelet but the rose gold pieces are gorgeous.


Orca Chasertini
Who said adults can’t have a sippy cup and one that keeps your cocktail cold for hours so you don't feel the need to chug down the drink. Perfect for a holiday gift or stocking stuffer.

So incredibly soft and comfortable for working out, wearing out & about, or just lounging. I can't get enough of these leggings.



CHI Blow Dryer, Flat Iron, and Styling Set
I initially saw this set on Groupon for only about $100 but it was sold out before I decided to purchase it for my sister. Sephora and Ulta have similar gift sets that are perfect for gift-giving.

The set includes:
1” Hello Beautiful Hairstyling Iron
Chi Silk Infusion
Pink thermal mat 
Pearlized White Rocket Hair Dryer
Chi 44 Pink Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
Hello Beautiful carry all bag with sequin trim


Naomi Double Ring in Rose Gold Drusy
Gorgeous ring to pair with the Kendra Scott necklace above. I've always wanted to try one of these double rings.




Thank you for all the birthday love yesterday and even a few amazing surprises in the mail! I couldn't be more thankful for meeting such amazing ladies. I feel blessed to have crossed paths in your lives via blogging and form true friendship! xo


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Islamorada Weekend Vacay


I've been dreaming of going to the Florida Keys for a few years now and K decided to make it happen for my birthday this year. The last time I visited Key West was over 10 years ago for spring break so another trip was well overdue. We found a gorgeous resort on Islamorada which is a slightly easier drive as opposed to driving two more hours to get to Key West.



We left Orlando just after lunch but hitting Miami traffic added an extra hour onto our trip so we finally arrived around 7pm just in time to grab some dinner and have a drink at the Tiki Bar on the resort property.
 

Our hotel on the beach was gorgeous with so many amenities, water-sports, and a few restaurants to chose from. I woke up on Saturday morning to this gorgeous view perfect for sipping on some coffee before getting our day started.

Saturday was a bit overcast so we drove around and explored the island. We found a huge art market and bought some local art for our house and for gifts, we ate some of the best seafood and drank (too many) frozen drinks.







The frozen Key Lime Daiquiris were to die for!


Sunday was a beautiful day despite the weather forecast not being favorable, it turned out to be a sunny and gorgeous day. We had brunch at a cute local spot on the bayside of Islamorada. Multiple friends recommended this spot and it didn't disappoint. I had the shrimp and grits with a pineapple mimosa but the scenery was just the best.




We spent the rest of Sunday relaxing on the beach at our resort and of course enjoying another Key Lime Daiquiri.







We're making the drive back home today and my heart is so happy for finally making it down to the Keys to enjoy a little tropical getaway with my hubby. Couldn't ask for a better birthday gift!


Joining the lovely Biana.
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Birthday/Holiday Wishlist Items

For most of this year, I've been focusing on saving money to decorate our new home (which has finally come together) so I barely did any shopping but with my birthday just around the corner as well as Christmas, I've come up with a few wishlist items.


I've started collecting charms for the Pandora bracelet my best friend gave to me in June so when my MIL asked what I wanted for Christmas, I said a Pandora charm and told her to surprise me with one of her choice.



Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Crossbody
Color: Plum
Crossbody purses are the perfect travel buddy and I adore this color.

BaBylissPRO Porcelain Ceramic Flat Iron


I'd love to get facials and massages more regularly and since my back has been giving me severe problems for the past 6 months, I think a membership would be the way to go.


I've had this exact pair for the past several years but at this point they're very worn with scratches on the lenses but I'm clearly so attached to them that I'd love a replacement pair.

I think the most exciting gift of all is that we're taking a long weekend vacation down to the Keys to celebrate my birthday. K planned this trip and I can't wait to relax and enjoy!

  
Sorry I haven't been able to read all your blogs or respond to comments this week. My laptop charger got some water damage last weekend leaving me with a dead computer. Way to feel helpless and useless in the evenings when I usually dedicate my time to blogging. 

I should be back up and running this weekend with a computer so I'm looking forward to reading your posts and catching up on all the blogland happenings.


I hope you have the best weekend!

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'Tis The Season Home Decor


Most of my holiday decorations are on the traditional side with lots of red, green and gold tones. This year I went against the grain and added some beach/coastal themed decor to my collection.

 Have you walked into Home Goods lately? At least the location in Florida is beached out so it's hard not to leave without some sparkly holiday goodies.

Titles are clickable

Coastal Holiday Wreath


I did find this gorgeous wreath at Kohl's and knew it was going home with me but I have some other holiday decor faves to share that aren't of the beach variety.

 


"Be Merry" Gold Rim Stemless Wine Glass Set

My Christmas tree is up and mostly all of my new and old decorations are set out but I have to admit I've been procrastinating with hanging the 100+ ornaments on our tree. The goal is to get it done before my family arrives for Christmas. LOL

How's your holiday decorating coming along?

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Weekend Cruising


I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.

If you follow me on Instagram or SnapChat (emilyalisonb) you might have seen that I was on a cruise over the weekend. I didn't go snap crazy but I shared one or two sites and scenes from our 3-night cruise to the Bahamas.

This cruise was initially scheduled for the weekend when Hurricane Matthew hit Florida in October so it was cancelled but luckily we were able to get another date booked.


It was a relaxing, fun, and hilarious company trip since my coworkers are a blast to hang out with and we have some serious comedians in the group.


The only bummer was that our shore excursion to go jet-packing was cancelled the morning of the tour but we made up for it and I have so many highlights to share.

We are arriving at the port this Monday morning around 5:30 am and I have to head straight to work around 7:30. Pray for me!


This trip was so much fun so stay tuned for a full recap coming soon!

How was your weekend?

Joining the lovely Biana.
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Giving Back for the Holidays


To twist the quote above slightly...

Everyone in this world deserves love.

 The reality is there are so many people in need in our community, in our country, and even more so throughout the world. Many people have hope instilled in them despite being in terrible situations. 

I do charity work here and there throughout the year but the holidays is really when I want to put my all into it. It's my favorite time of year and I want others to feel the same joy, to instill more hope and know that someone cares.

These are some of my favorite charities that I've gotten involved with over the years - most are probably local to Central Florida but you can possibly find a chapter in your city or a Charity organization with a similar mission/need.
(titles are clickable)








I'm heading off on a company trip today so I was going to turn comments off because I won't be able to reply but I really want to hear about the charities close to your heart.

Let's make the world a brighter place!
 
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Flawless Starts with Skin

 
The e.l.f. brand is not a new name to me but I've never in fact owned or tested any of their cosmetics so I was pretty ecstatic when Influenster sent me a Voxbox of beauty and skincare goodies to test.

 


Hydrating Bubble Mask
Goes on as a gel, and then transforms into a refreshing fizzy bubble foam that removes excess dirt and cleanses pores without drying them out.

Mineral Infused Primer
Helps prep you skin so makeup goes on silky smooth for a long lasting finish.

Lip Exfoliator
Treats and helps smooth lips for a soft and supple pout.

Matte Lip Color
Glides on effortlessly and gives long lasting, richly pigmented matte color.

Baked Highlighter & Bronzer
Creates a gorgeous sculpted glow.



I've read several e.l.f reviews and I'm happy to report I was extremely impressed with all of these products.

The Highlighter & Bronzer compact creates a gorgeous look which will be perfect for the holidays and the lip exfoliator is another favorite especially around this time of year when the cold can take a toll on your lips (mine at least). I've been using it everyday.


Another favorite was the Hydrating Bubble Mask, because hello my skin needs all the hydration it can get and I haven't tried anything like this before.

You push down on the top to dispense a small amount which helps to keep bacteria out. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and it works magic on deep cleaning your pores. This is a product I definitely need since I wear makeup on a daily basis.


For such great quality products, the price point is shockingly low. For instance the bronzer is $3 an the lip exfoliator is also $3. That's very affordable and are perfect stocking stuffers.



e.l.f. offers some great gift sets such as The Desk to Dinner eyeshadow set for only $5.


The e.l.f. Cosmetics and Skin Care Voxbox is definitely one of my favorites to date with so many good quality products and ones that I'll continue to use.


These products were sent to me complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes but my review stated in this post are my true and honest opinion.
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