Gift Guide for The Men + Kate Spade Surprise Sale

In my opinion men are the hardest people to shop for, although I am sure they say that about us women.  I struggle when it comes time to think of a gift ideas for my Dad and Matt.  I rounded up a few ideas that I think most men would like- I even asked my Dad and Matt for input on this one:)

Scroll down to see each item individually.

BOSE SOUNDLINK COLOR BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

Matt actually just bought one of these for work and to use as speakers on our boat.  The sound clarity is amazing.  This particulat version comes in black or a few other colors.  I personally like the colored ones.

BOSE NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES

We all chipped in one year to give my Dad these for Christmas.  He travels and flies frequently for work and he really wanted noise cancelling headphones.  These are the best of the best.  Several years later and he is still using them.

THE TIE BAR

I am kind of obsessed with this gift idea.  It contains socks and ties in a cute little divided box.  My Dad always tells us he needs ties and socks, so this is a cool way to gift the two together.  You can view all the color combinations HERE

SKITS SMART TECH CASE

I actually want one of these babies for myself.  It is a divided zip up container to allow you to organize and store cables for all your electronics. It comes in 8 different colors if you don't love blue.

TED BAKER DOCUMENT BAG

Both my Dad and Matt love a brief case to transport their work items.

I love the sleek look of this one.

PATAGONIA ZIP FRONT SWEATER

What man doesn't love Patagonia.  

UGG SLIPPERS

My Dad and brother in law have these UGG Slippers and they love them.

DRIVING SHOE

I love a driving shoe, I even bought Sterling a pair I love them so much.  These come in 8 different colors and won't break the bank, they are under $100.  I love the perforated detail.

SKAGEN WATCH

I feel like most men appreciate a nice watch as a gift.  Matt prefers a simple leather band on his watch.  Skagen is always a classic brand that holds up well.

If you wanted to spend a little more money.  I love this Burberry watch and it is on sale!

IPHONE CASE AND WALLET

Matt is very particular about wallets so I love this idea for him.  It is an iphone case + wallet combined!

FITBIT

If your man is active I think the fitbit is an awesome gift idea. 

VINEYARD VINES PULLOVER

I always love Vineyard Vines.  It is classic and timeless.  This pullover is a favorite of my Dad and brother. 

TED BAKER LEATHER DUFFEL BAG

This is a great gift for someone who travels frequently.  It would be the perfect size for a carry on bag or just for a weekend getaway.  I like the sporty stripes.

YETI COOLER

These coolers are not cheap but they are the best of the best.  My Dad just got one and was signing their praises.

PERSONALIZED BEER COOLER

For the beer lover.  This would also be great for the beach. Under $50 too.

BARBOUR RELAXED FIT VEST

Barbour items are always a great gift item.  I really like this vest, also comes in black and olive.

JL The Brand Socks

These are Matt's favorite socks.  Last year they were sweet enough to send Matt a few pairs and now is hooked.  They hold their shape and are comfortable plus the patterns are awesome.  This would make a great stocking stuffer! They always offer free shipping too which is nice.

and for the ladies the Kate Spade Surprise Sale just started.  Most items are 75 % off. A great time to Christmas Shop!  You can view the sale HERE

Scroll thru to see my favorites, so many things are under $100!

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole + Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas + Minted Winner

I wanted to share a recipe that I made over the weekend that would be perfect for the upcoming holiday weekend. It was ridiculously good. I first spied this recipe on Pinterest and had been dreaming of making it, so on Saturday morning I did.  It was super easy to whip together, took no more than 10 minutes.  

The cinnamon rolls with the eggs, cream and icing was pure decadence.   This would be great for Christmas morning as well. I made a little extra icing to drizzle over ours just mixing powdered sugar and a little water because we love icing round here.  I feel like the cinnamon roll containers never have enough icing in them!

Enjoy!

|| C I N N A M O N  R O L L   F R E N C H   T O A S T   C A S S E R O L E ||

Recipe adapted via Mighty Mrs.

INGREDIENTS

2 cans (12.4 oz) cinnamon rolls

1/4 cup butter melted

2 eggs

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tbsp flour

3 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tap nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 finely chopped pecans

1/4 cup maple syrup

powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1.
  Melt butter and coat a 9x12 baking dish with the melted butter (There will be extra, that's OK)
• 2.
  In a bowl, beat together eggs, cream, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
• 3.
  Open canned cinnamon rolls, slice each cinnamon roll into eighths. Place cinnamon roll pieces into the bowl of egg mixture and toss to thoroughly coat. Then pour the pieces, coated in egg mixture, into the greased baking dish and spread out evenly. Any remaining egg mixture, you can pour or rush over top of areas that look like they might get dry. Sprinkle with pecans.
• 4.
  Bake at 350˚for 15-18 minutes or until light golden brown
• 5.
  Remove french toast bake from oven. Warm icing from cinnamon rolls in microwave for 15 seconds; pour evenly over cinnamon roll pieces. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or top with maple syrup if desired. Serve warm.

.....................................................................................

My Go to outfit for Thanksgiving Day is always a blouse and jeans.  I rounded up a few of my favorite blouses if you are still looking for the perfect T-Day outfit.  They are all from Shopbop so you can select 2- day shipping and get them by Wednesday!  I own the Free People Blouse in 2 colors.  It is also cute with leggings since it is longer.  I love the colors of the Clover Canyon Blouse as well.
BCBG Blouse | Rebecca Taylor Blouse | Susanna Monoco Peplum | Free People Blouse | Clover Canyon Blouse

A few options under $100.
The Ella Moss Blouse has a gorgeous lace back.  I own the D.ra blouse and it is a great fit. It also comes in ivory which would be gorgeous for the holidays with a fun statement necklace.
Bailey 44 Blouse | D.Ra Blouse | Ella Moss Blouse | ONE Plaid Blouse

If you need jeans recs these are my two favorite pairs.
Rag and Bone Ripped Skinny jeans | 7 For All Mankind "The Skinny"

Finally the winner of the Minted $125 Giveaway is :

Kristen Betts!

Congrats and I will email you with details!

10 Gifts Under $50 + The New Nordstrom Gift Card

I know some people love shopping for gifts and others don't.  When you are in a time crunch and can't think of that perfect gift for someone I always love giving a gift card. Heck I love receiving a gift card so I can shop for what I want to.  Nordstrom just did some updates to their gift cards.  They are now offered in over 50 different patterns and they come delivered in the cutest little gift box with free shipping always.

A few of my favorite gift card designs for the Holidays.  The patterns are so cute and festive.

You can buy these in increments from $25 to $1000.

They can be used online, in stores, or over the phone.

3 Kings | Nutcracker | Happy Holidays

Snowflake | Tree | Multi

Bird | Pink | Scratch

Nordstrom also now offers E-Cards in different amounts from $5-$2000.  They come in 30 designs.  An email is sent to the customer once the e-card is viewed and used so they know their gift was received!

I also wanted to share a few other gift ideas under $50.

Thermal Nightgown.

I actually own this and love it.  It is so soft and the kids love that I have holiday pj's too.  It comes in 6 other designs as well.

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Nest Holiday Candle

I love both the Holiday and Birchwood scents.  They smell amazing!!

Kate Spade His\Hers Glasses

I think these are adorable!  Especially as a gift for a newly married couple.

Wood Serving Board

It is no secret I love a good serving platter.  This one is perfect. I love the shape and details.

Taste Book

If you have a foodie in the family, this book is so cool.

Ceramic Coasters

I love these gold coasters.

Wave Plush Throw

This looks beyond soft and I love the colors.

Minnetonka Bootie Slippers

I love the bootie style of these slippers so cute and while I do love Ugg Slippers these are half the price.

Baggu Canvas Tote

I love bags like this that you can use for so many different things.  I have one like thus I use for the Farmers Market. 

Kate Spade Square Studs

I own these and love them.  I really like the three new colors they came out in.  These are great for any mother daughter or sister.  I feel like they work for all ages.

Nordstrom also donates 1% of all our Gift Card sales, including amounts added to existing Gift Cards, to qualified nonprofit organizations including Treasures and Bonds, United Way, Shoes that Fit, and Mac Viva Glam!

Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.

Life Lately

TGIF Friends.  This weekend my parents are in town and we have a birthday party for one of my dear friends.  Sterling is so excited because he has the next week off school.  My mom and I are off today to knock out some Christmas shopping and plan for Frances Moon's birthday.

Last weekend my best friend Erin and her family came in town.  I love her like a sister and only wish she lived closer.  Time with close friends is good for the soul.

The kids are always so excited to see each other.   Frances and her daughter Tatum are only 3 weeks apart.   It was so cute to see them together.

I worked on my Thanksgiving table setting this week.  I always like to perfect it before the big day.

Last night I went to my friend Ann's art show at Simply J Boutique.  This was my favorite painting.  You can view some of her work HERE and stay tuned I will be doing a Pop-Up Art Sale with some of her pieces!

I wore my Clu Dress.  I can't tell you how often I wear this dress and I always get compliments on it.  It was previously sold out but is now back in stock.  It runs TTS I am wearing a small.

Clu Dress | Julie Vos Necklace | Madewell Pumps | Claire V Clutch

After Ann's art show we checked out 5 Church, a new restaurant that is opening here this weekend.  They also have a location in Charlotte. 

A few of us girls.

 The interior was so cool.  It was like an old church.

Matt and I finally started Mad Men and we are hooked.  I am not quite sure what we did before Netflix.

I tried a new recipe for green beans and they were so good.  You must try Gaby's recipe for Spicy Garlic Green Beans!

These two cuties, after church.

A little outfit planning for a photo shoot with Frances Moon for her birthday.

Dress (short sleeve version) | Twine and Twig Necklace | Mocs | Headband

Matt snapped the sweetest picture of me rocking Frances this week.  I can't believe how fast she is growing up.  I am savoring  these moments where she just wants me to hold her.  

Don't forget til Sunday you take 20% off the Gigi New York site with code NATALIE20. They are also offering free shipping and personalization for the weekend. and yes I am so excited peonies are back! 

Black Crocodile Bag

Have a great weekend! Truth.