Happiest Holidays

Hope you're enjoying the holiday season and taking it easy! We had a long visit with Jonah's family in Seattle complete with lots of good eating, catching up with friends and family and some quality grandparent time for Harrison. We're back in Austin now and are keeping things low-key for New Year's. I can't believe 2014 is coming to a close. This was one of the most eventful, challenging, wonderful years of my life. I'm feeling very grateful for all the blessings 2014 brought with it, but one in particular stands out. Harrison, Jonah and I wish you a very Happy New Year!

A Happy Holiday Card

I made a point to send out Christmas cards this year since it feels like sort of a requirement when you have a new baby. I ordered this design from minted., and it couldn't have been easier. Harrison's the star of this year's card. Hopefully, we can get the dog in on the action next year ... if she can sit still long enough.

Thoughts of the Week

I'm eager to try this peppermint sipping chocolate. It might even be healthy.

And I want to give wassail a try.

And while we're at it, this snowball float.

I would have never thought of wearing flowers in your hair for the holidays, but I love the idea.

A gift guide for the Seinfeld fan. Yes!

What I wish I was wearing on Christmas Eve.

Apparently, I need to buy more gifts so I can buy more wrapping paper.

We're in full Christmas mode around here. I can't believe how December is flying by when there's still so much left on my to-do list, but at least it's fun stuff like "bake cookies." Hope you have a happy, productive, cookie-filled weekend!

Make Your Holidays Pop with Absolut

When Absolut Vodka contacted me about their Limited Edition Andy Warhol bottle, I was so excited. The fun, festive bottle is the perfect way to make your holidays pop. Carry it along to a party, and you've got a gift for the hostess that's more memorable than a bottle of wine.

I used the bottle as inspiration for a colorful drink station because even the bar should be festive at your holiday party. I decorated with lights, a felt garland and a bowl of colorful glass ornaments. I always love having a signature drink at a party and the simplicity and Christmassy colors of a vodka cranberry are a great option. Hope your holiday parties are merry and bright!

Vodka Cranberry

1 part vodka
2 parts cranberry juice
1 wedge of lime

Fill a chilled highball glass with ice. Add vodka and cranberry juice. Garnish with lime.

Thanks to Absolut for sending me their Limited Edition Andy Warhol bottle.

Holiday Treat: White Chocolate Popcorn

This is just the sort of snack that's great for a holiday party or to package and share as a homemade gift. I love the crunch of the popcorn and almonds coated in the creamy white chocolate. Leave it plain for an elegant look or throw in some red, white and green sprinkles for a more festive treat.

White Chocolate Popcorn

16 cups popped popcorn
1 cup whole almonds
12 oz. white chocolate
red, white and green nonpareils (optional)

Make popcorn using your preferred method. Melt white chocolate in a large bowl in microwave in 30 second increments until smooth. Add popcorn and almonds to white chocolate and fold gently coating the popcorn and almonds. Spread mixture out onto parchment or wax paper. Top with nonpareils if you like. Allow to set for 2 hours.

Gifts for the Guys Under $50

Here are my gift ideas for the men in your life who are just the right amount of cool, quirky, outdoorsy and geeky.

1. a book on Wes Anderson's films, $24 2. a holiday armadillo, $39 3. flannel pajama pants for Christmas morning, $49.95 4. 40-ounce thermos, $29.99 5. a sophisticated tape measure, $16.50 6. antler bottle opener, $32 7. a trusty knit cap, $30 8. a sleek and simple alarm clock, $39.95 9. Star Wars-inspired art, $18 10. oyster knife set, $14.95 11. a bottle of beard oil for his winter facial hair, $20

Winterize Your Nails for the Holidays

Painting my nails isn't something I always make time for, but it's an easy way to keep things glam for all the holiday parties and gatherings this time of year. Julep is one of my favorite beauty brands, and I love their selection of wintry nail polish colors. (I'm currently wearing a glittery copper shade called Sawyer.) Julep put together some tips below for keeping your nails looking good all winter long. I'm thinking a manicure at home would be the perfect way to unwind around this busy season and wouldn't a bottle of nail polish make a great stocking stuffer?

Gifts for the Girls Under $50

Here's my roundup of gifts for the fabulous ladies in your life who deserve a little sparkle and cheer under the tree.

1. fair isle socks, $12.50 2. peppermint hot chocolate, $6 and snowflake marshmallows, $10 3. A calendar fit for a queen, $16 4. color coated chopsticks, $16.80 5. a t-shirt for Saturday mornings, $27 6. pink bath salts, $40 7. kettle, $45 8. champagne lollipop, $5 9. bud vase, $16 10. a book of her instagrams, $17.99 11. foil-stamped map of NYC, $48 12. rose gold triangle earrings, $26

Gifts for the Baby Under $50

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! We had a wonderful time with family, and the dog and baby boy both did great on our road trip. I'm diving into the Christmas season this week, and I'm kicking things off with a few holiday gift guides. This year features a new addition inspired by our new addition: gifts for the baby. Hope you enjoy these gifts for the little one that will hopefully earn parental approval.

1. personalized stocking, $27.50 2. wooly lamb, $32 3. bear print, $24 4. buffalo plaid beanie, $7 5. tiger night light, $21.95 6. rainbow stacker, $49 7. dim sum tee, $18 8. A Christmas classic in pop-up form, $15.39 9. corduroy baby shoes, $30