It's that time of year again where the days until Christmas start dwindling and panic levels start rising as we scramble to mark off everyone on our list! Since the order deadlines are coming up soon (as in today for some), I thought it would be the perfect time to share my seasonal "last minute" gift guide! Here are a few things from around the web that would make great gifts or perfectly picked stocking stuffers. Most items are under $30 (I believe only 2 or 3 exceed this) and many of these online retailers are having free shipping specials and end of the year sales.

1. Rifle Paper Co. Blush Agenda | $30
The prettiest agenda in all the land has arrived and is actually pretty affordable considering the copper foil details and novel-like cloth cover. Perfect for gifting to BFF's, co-workers, students, or your resident girl boss. Let them know 2017 is going to be their year!

2. Gold This Week's List Pad | $18
Perfect for the planner of the group! Planning your week out at a glance has never been easier of more stylish. We love this gilded pad that will make any desktop look the tiniest bit more fancy, guaranteed!

3. Gold Shit to Do List Pad | $16
Slip this into your favorite stationary obsessed friend's stocking. This pad is perfect for the list-maker who needs an extra punch of snark in order to cross off a few more items.

4. Girls Pennant Pin | $10
Grab one for every gal in your girl gang! This rose gold pennant pin is too sweet to pass up.

5. Herbivore Pink Clay Soap | $12
This blush bar of soap softens your face and skin, while gently drawing out impurities! We love that it's made with all natural ingredients and the wallet-friendly price tag! Slip this into a stocking of someone special this year.

6. Axiology Lipstick in Noble | $28
This universally flattering shade of pinky-peachy-coral lipstick goodness is a luxe beauty lover's dream! The gilded packaging is only the first thing that will give you heart eyes. It's formulated with no harsh chemicals or toxins and is 100% cruelty free. I'm in love with their holistic approach!

7. Glossier Balm Dot Com (any flavor) | $12
This balm packs major punch without the price tag! Glossier is the ultimate cool-girl brand that will help score you major points with the beauty expert in your life, plus their multi-use balm will keep chapped lips and cracked cuticles looking divine all winter long.

8. Flower Macbook Decal | $23-30
No more naked Macs! Adorn your BFF or co-worker's laptop in this stylishly intricate decal. Let the compliments she'll get do all the talking...

9. Fat & The Moon All Cream | $16
This cream moisturizes and tones with all natural ingredients like aloe vera, rose, and sunflower oil! Plus, it has a whipped texture similar to frosting. Need I say more?

10. White Hexagon Ring Dish | $22
This pretty little ring dish will brighten even the most drab night stand! Made by hand and totally one of a kind, The Object Enthusiast's collection of pottery is sure to stun.

11. Total Babe Button | $2.00
A sweet sentiment for your favorite babe! This would make for a perfect stocking stuffer or act as a surefire way to jazz up a gift card purchase.

12. Krista's Baking Co. Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix | $12.99
Whether you're gifting for a foodie or someone who needs extra help in the kitchen, this baking mix is a sweet stocking stuffer not to be missed! Krista's mixes have rave reviews and make whipping up quality baked good feasible for even the casual cooks. Plus her mixes feature only organic, non-GMO ingredients!

13. Vapour Beauty Siren Lipstick in Coquette | $25
I'm obsessed with this lipstick! Vapour's ingredients are some of the cleanest in the green beauty game and this formula is to die for! It has a satiny finish, full coverage pigmentation, and is very hydrating on the lips. The color "Coquette" is the perfect balance between red and pink and would look divine on all skin tones!

14. "Should I Wash My Hair Today?" Gold Print | $25
Your ultimate guide to dry shampoo days, now in gold! Perfect to hang in your bathroom.

15. Fitbit Flex 2 Gold Pendant | $99.95
After my own Fitbit fell off my wrist earlier this year, I've been eyeing this pendant. I love the idea of wearing your tracker around your neck since it feels more secure to me. Also, it doesn't hurt that it will go with nearly every cute outfit in your closet.

16. Lindbergh Candle Co Holiday Set | $40
Candles are such a common gift around the holidays, but Lindbergh's candles are extra special. These soy candles burn cleaner than traditional candles. Plus, they only use natural (not synthetic) fragrances and cotton wicks! This set of four in holiday scents are perfect to break apart and gift separately to co-workers or friends. Also, the large tin is portable and would look lovely perched on a desk or night stand.

17. Work it Out Water Bottle | $20
How #relatable is this water bottle? For your gym pal who will hit the elliptical with you and then your favorite pizza haunt afterwards!

18. Valley Cruise Press Dainty Pizza Pin | $7.20
Perfectly paired with the water bottle above! Ahem, it's also 40% off now.

19. Fries Before Guys Pin | $10
This pin is seriously one of my favorites! It's got a mantra I can get behind. Give this to your best lunch buddy or dearest squad member.

20. Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak | $18-32
This luxe bath soak will help melt away stress and sore muscles! Your gym bud will absolutely love you for this one.

21. Fat & The Moon Lapis Eye Coal | $18
Calling all beauty gurus! This lapis eye coal is made with all natural ingredients and will provide the perfect dose of color to lids. Get this for the Sephora junkie in your life. This is one they won't have their paws on already, promise!

22. 17 month Bando Classic Girl Crush Agenda | $20
This may be the coolest 2017 Agenda I've seen so far and the price is right! While you're at it, grab a pack of stickers and write in "2017 is your year, babe!" You're welcome.

23. 100 Pep Talks | $16
Elise Blaha Cripe is the creator behind the best selling agenda Get to Work Book! She's a self-made entrepreneur who loves all things crafty and small business. Her self-published book "100 Pep Talks" is the perfect short and sweet gift to give anyone this holiday season! She talks about life and gives encouragement on a wide number of topics that are universally relatable!

24. Girl's Gotta Eat Lunch Bag in Holographic | $24
This simple, sassy lunch bag will have you nostalgic for your favorite childhood lunch pail. Also, it doesn't hurt that it looks like something Zenon might sport. Your ten year old self would be proud!

25. May Designs Desk Calendar | $25  $20
Your co-worker's desk just got a lot prettier! May Designs desk calendar is truly the gift that will keep giving every month of 2017.
This all natural scrub rates amazingly on the EWG and makes for the perfect gentle exfoliator! Sea Kelp, Argan Stem Cell, and Chlorella Growth Factor make this scrub more than a drugstore delight.
This dainty necklace is too clever not to be given to your favorite feminist. This necklace is hand stamped and will be the perfect, subtle addition to any outfit!


HONORABLE MENTIONS

Leanne Grace Body Butter, Beauty Oil, A Key Tag for any occasion, Amazon Prime Subscription, Double Terminated Rose Quartz Crystal, Large Initial Necklace, Gold Dipped Coasters, Onyx Coffee Sampler Box, Classic & Cozy Tech Gloves

First off, Happy 2015! I can already feel in my soul that this year is going to be a good one. I've enjoyed taking some time off to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends and am thrilled to be back on the blogging grind. 2014 was a year for so much growth and learning. However, before we move on to goals, resolutions, and hopes for the new year I thought it might be fun to look at what happened on the blog in 2014.

So, in 2014 I...

• Began to post my Weekly Wishes on the regular (here)
• Donned a lot of awesome outfits:
• Neutrals (here)
• Spring State of Mind (here)
• Basics (here)
• Spring-Breaking (here)
• Le Carnaval des Couleurs (here)
• Kimono + Bright Shorts (here)
• Shared a lot of mood boards and pinspiration:
• Candy Coated (here)
• Apartment Inspiration (here)
• Mint + Orange (here)
• Pink & Poetic (here)
• Raspberry + Lemon (here)
• Cozy Transitional (here)
• Festive: 3 Ways! (here)
• Unveiled my resume (here)
• Had my first guest poster, Jess, on the blog! (here)
• And guest posted for the first time on someone else's blog (here)
• Turned 21 (here)
• Caught the feels (here) (here)
• Waxed poetic on things I'm bad at (here) and things I wish weren't so good at (here)
• Collaborated with some awesome brands for campaign posts such as:
• Airheads Candy (here)
• BIC Pens (here)
• Brita (here)
• Shared what was in my bag via my first vlog! (here)
• Took my first summer course over American Landscape Painting (here)
• Went on the most amazing last minute summer adventure (here) (here) 
• Lost my dream apartment and then found an even better one (here)
• Shared some recipes:
• Go-to Berry Vanilla Smoothie (here)
• Easy Apple Crisp (here)
• Shared some college knowledge (here) and some sorority knowledge (here)
• Broke down Finals Week by the #'s (here) & (here)
• Dealt with half of my face swelling 2-3x it's normal size (here)
• Started a DL Instagram (here)
• Extolled the virtues of living alone (here) (here), while talking about the concept of home (here)
• Got an amazing internship offer for the spring semester (here)

Can you believe Christmas is only 5 days away?! That's insane! Maybe it's because this semester has felt extra long, but I haven't really been able to get into the Christmas spirit this year. Sure, we decorated the tree and I've been listening to Christmas music since November 5th, but now that it's nearly here I feel like I haven't been given enough time to adjust to the holiday season.

That doesn't mean I haven't been pin-spired by all the amazing Christmas DIY's and imagery floating around out there. Each row of this mood fulfills and channels a different type of festive vibe. The first row is what I like to call "Colorful Contemporary Christmas." It's all about bright colors and unique shapes. It has more of a DIY sort of feel and is not afraid of being bold. The second row is, "Metallic Modern." Metallic Modern incorporates silver and all things glitzy and glamorous. It's modern, yet polished. Lastly, the third row is "Classic Christmas!" Classic Christmas honors time old tradition and staples. Imagine lots of greens, reds, wreaths, and cookies. It's a Christmas that never goes out of style.

I love all of these different looks so much, but I'm particularly fond of the first and second row. At the same time, who doesn't like that traditional Christmas feel? So hard to choose!

Which row is your favorite? Let me know!

P.S. - what vibe do you channel into your holiday decor this time of year?

Since it's now officially past Thanksgiving and officially freezing outside, I think it's only appropriate to share my holiday/winter to-do list. Here are some of the things I most want to accomplish this season!

• Put up the Christmas Tree 
• Drink hot cocoa and cider
• Buy a festive smelling candle
• Add decorations to the apartment on the cheap
• DIY something festive, whether it be decor or a present 
• Acquire a fun holiday jumper/sweater
• Buy pretty new wrapping paper
• Send snail mail
• Take Jack to see Santa
• Watch "A Christmas Story" at least 3x
• Sit by a fire // have a bonfire (and make smores)
• Go ice-skating with friends
• Invest in new gloves
• Make a holiday playlist
• Make a Gingerbread house
• Donate my time or resources to a great holiday cause
• Find the perfect holiday makeup look 
• Try filming more videos (to capture the merriment)

You heard me! What should I be for Halloween 2014? Help me decide by casting your vote below.

I've been researching and thinking over lots of of options for Halloween 2014. In a costume I want to go for something cool (obviously), but also easy to wear all night, more or less comfortable, and easy to throw together or DIY on the cheap! I feel like most of these options would fit the bill.

It's so nice to feel like I'm past the stage of wanting or feeling all costumes have to fit the "sexy" bill. Is that maturity? Haha.

To help me out and to see what costume ideas I've narrowed it down to you can CLICK HERE, or scroll down to the embedded window below. Also, if you have an awesome idea, I have the option to suggest a costume in the poll as well. It will take literally 30 seconds and having your feedback will give me a good direction as to where I should focus my sights for the next week as I gather up or DIY pieces of my overall costume.

So, I turn 21 in roughly a week and I have been gathering lots of inspiration. I've had a long time to think about what my 21st birthday would be like (and boy, have there been many versions). Here's a brief timeline of all of those versions:

Age 16: I'm not even halfway prepared to be 16, let alone even contemplate being 21. I mean, that's so far away. I can't even fathom it. By 21, I'll have my whole life figured out and will have probably met the man of my dreams and will be engaged. Plus, I don't like alcohol all that much anyways. Who wants to rage when there's a wedding to plan and an organized, totally together life to live? Psh.

Age 18: So yeah, college happened. I can't wait to be 21, but it's SO far away. Like, I can't even. Why have I only now discovered the wonders of alcohol? Being 21 is so cool. All the 21 year -olds I know are so beautiful and put-together. That'll be me in three years, right? Right. Oh my god...three whole years left. I'm totally going to have my birthday at Powerhouse and have Kilowatt as my first legal drink (btw they cut you off after 3 or 4 of those). It'll be so fetch. 

Age 19: *Discovers that 21st birthday falls on a Saturday on Spring Break* I AM GOING TO RAGE MY FACE OFF ON SPRING BREAK. GOD IS BESTOWING A GIFT TO ME TO REPAY ME FOR ALL THE CRAPPY BIRTHDAYS I'VE HAD TO ENDURE. WE ARE GOING TO RENAME "SPRING BREAK" TO "ASHLEE'S BIRTHDAY WEEK." THIS IS GOING TO BE SOOOOO AMAZING!

Age 20: I just want to be able to have a drink when I want to, like out at a restaurant. Also, so many of my friends have fled normal stomping grounds to hang out at the bars. Sigh. Plus, it would be nice not to ask people to run to the liquor store on my behalf. Oh, and I'd like to not be constantly worried about getting in trouble with the law. I just kind of want someone to give me a day of cupcakes and make me an appointment for a blowout. Yep, that'd be nice.

So, with my birthday on my brain, I decided to share some fun birthday inspiration I've gathered over the past weeks! If I were going to have a party/get-together I'd want it to look a little something like this:


I'd want to wear something figure flattering and lovely, like this Kate Spade dress in my favorite color. I'd also want to wear something sparkly in my hair or a fun headband. I'd love a room full of balloons and I thought these two toned ones were gorgeous and this one with confetti was festive as can be! Instead of cake, I'd love a batch of drunken cupcakes. To keep drinks chilled, I think this water balloon idea is SO fun. Oh, and to complete the merriment, there'd be a photobooth with some 21st birthday appropriate props.

xoxo

I'm in disbelief that 2014 is HERE. Last year, I made two goals for 2013 to accomplish...and I accomplished neither really. My two goals were to complete a 5k and save money/budget better. This year i'm determined though to create more feasible goals, that I actually want to attempt. I tried training for that 5k, but I was never really motivated and it never got fun. After a few weeks I was totally OVER it and I think it's because it was something I never truly wanted in the first place. I liked the idea of becoming a runner, but had no real motivation in which to do so. However, I did want to start getting smarter about my finances and managed to take baby steps in the right direction, but I didn't make a big dent in that goal either. We can't win them all, I suppose.

So this year, I took a long hard look at the things I wanted to accomplish and began jotting them down in Teux Deux as they came to me. Over the past few weeks I've created, what I think to be, a really great lists of goals for the new year. So, without further ado, I'm excited to share my list of kick ass goals for 2014:

1. Be More Intentional - Hannah wrote the best post the other day about living a more intentional life. This year, I'm striving to take control of my life and live with intention. I'm going to truly make an effort to 'curate' my life. I'm hoping that this will lessen that awful sensation of life happening to me, rather than making life happen for me. This is one of my favorite goals for the new year. 
2. Create often, Write often - I realized this past year more fully than ever, that I'm happiest when I'm creating/writing. I'm happiest when I'm being productive and dreaming up ideas. I'm happiest when there's the right kind of work to be done, so I'm going to challenge myself in 2014 to take on more creative personal projects. 
3. Submit Work - I'm horrible at networking and putting myself out there a majority of the time, but I know that it's a huge part of being in the creative field. So this year I'm making it a goal of mine to finally submit my work. It's time to finally submit to shows and apply for ambassador positions. It's time to put my creative work out there, for better or for worse. 
4. Read One Book a Month - I've always loved to read, but I want to make sure I read one 'just-for-fun" book a month minimum. I feel like my leisure reading gets terribly sporadic during the school year. There's some months where I don't pick up a book and others where I power through several in just a matter of weeks. So, this year I want to be intentional about my reading.
5. Update Blog/Portfolio - This goes hand in hand with my 'submit work' goal. I've always dreamed of putting up my portfolio *one day* when I had the time or the knowledge or a more cohesive body of work. However, it's time to put myself out there and truly find my style and aesthetic. Portfolios will evolve and change in time, but it's important that I work on getting out there to begin with. 
6. Clean Out iPhone (aka ditch the baggage) - I'm sick and tired of those notifications that say I have next to no storage on my phone. One big goal of mine is to go through my song and picture library, do necessary back-ups, and then ditch the baggage. I think a freed up phone will leave me room to document new adventures in the new year. 
7. Travel More - Speaking of adventures...I'd like to take a few more. I'm going to make it a goal of mine to make time and money for travelling experiences, even if I must travel alone. I would especially like to visit London over Spring Break or maybe take a solo road trip!
8. Hit the Gym Regularly - I always feel better after hitting the gym. I do. I hate to admit that, but I think it goes along with the immense satisfaction I get from  doing something productive. I've kind of fallen off the gym wagon this past fall and really want to make it a goal of mine to hit the gym more regularly in 2014. 
9. Budget Better/Save $ - I'd like to continue what I started this past year as far as getting my finances in order. I would really like to start saving up money for travel and after college expenses, so that will be one of my big goals for 2014.

 I, just like many of you I'm sure, are totally amazed at how another year has gone by so quickly. Jack and I have been making light of the season and keeping it silly. We've been planning out some amazing goals, which I'll be sharing tomorrow, and spending lots of time together.

We decided to take some photos of our NYE looks. As much as I scoured the internet in search of sparkly things and fun accessories, I couldn't bring myself to bite the bullet because of my lack of plans. Instead, I decided to keep it casual and pull items from my wardrobe. I pulled out this amazing iridescent (so hard to tell in the pictures) top with a butterfly back that I scored over Thanksgiving break from the Bimini Butterfly. I also went with my go-to black leggings and some sparkly silver heels that don't get near enough wear from the back of my closet. I topped off the look with this lipstick in #11, this amazing eye-shadow palette, and this cute ring from Stella and Dot. Also, I attempted a low maintenance romantic braided 'do. My mother then proceeded to affectionately call me Heidi for the rest of the day. So, there's that. I still thought it rocked.

I'm looking forward to many things in the New Year and hopefully all of the opportunities it will bring my way. Tonight, I'm counting on a casual NYE full of family, portfolio coding, tea, and new books. Oh, and who could resist watching the ball drop?

What are your NYE plans? Let me know!

What are a few things on your holiday wishlist? Let me know!

Sometimes I like to go walk around places and there's nowhere better to walk around than the Fayetteville Square during December when The Lights of the Ozarks are in full swing. The entire square is lit up in multi-colored light extravaganza. Everything, and I truly mean everything, is lit up. Lights of the Ozarks is a Fayetteville tradition like none other. In addition to the lights, there's plenty of places to buy hot cocoa, carriage rides, live reindeer, camel/pony rides, and food trucks. Every shop on the square is decorated with lights and wreathes and there's even a Christmas tree on top of one building. It's a hot spot for families, couples, and Christmas-loving sorority girls during the holiday season.

My friends and I decided to venture out on foot to The Square two nights ago. The roads were still pretty crummy, so after dark, foot travel is a must. We walked down the infamous Dickson Street from campus for a bite to eat and then decided to take in the Square, which isn't too far a walk. The snow only made the whole scene more picture perfect, I swear. Plus, it wasn't as crowded as it normally would have been. Our adventure was totally worth it even though our toes and bodies were frozen by the time we got back to campus.

Does your town celebrate the holidays in any special way? Let me know about it! 

So, we're back...and it's December. What the- ?

Thanksgiving break was a total blur. It's like time exists in an alternate universe when you're spending time at home. Also, the phrase "time flies when you're not crying because you're drowning in finals work having fun" has never taken on such meaning. Thanksgiving break wasn't the end all, be all - but it was a much needed break. I got to sleep weird hours and watch too much TV. I got to read and watch Catching Fire for the second time. I got to eat and eat and eat while not worrying a stitch about schoolwork. Best of all, I got to spend time with my family (+ snap these silly pictures with Jack).

So, while I attempt to gather my wits about me and adjust to the fact that it's December, here are a few links I'm loving from around the web:

• I got Kara's Click Your Life class 40% off during her Cyber Monday sale for $5.10. I'm hoping it will inspire me to take better pictures this holiday season and into the new year. (p.s. You can get it now for only $8.50. That's pretty SWEET.)
• This post about friendships ending that Carly shared on her blog is the possibly the best and most relevant post I've read recently. I can relate on so many levels.
• I'm pining away for one of these lovely banners in Secret Holiday & Co's etsy shop. I especially love "It's Okay."
• Also, while we're at it, you can throw the Destination Scarf from Moorea Seal on my list of wants too. 
•  And finally, this blog is one of my new favorites

Happy days!
xoxo

This past weekend was a long weekend. Among being the first weekend after starting school and the first game day, it was also Labor Day weekend. So, naturally, you can't have a Labor Day without at least one day at the lake. So, my friend Jenny and I embarked on a lake weekend about an hour and a half away. Her now boyfriend has a nice home close to Grand Lake in OK and a really inviting family. Her boyfriend has two brothers and all of them brought friends, and those friends brought friends, and so on.

Needless to say, there was a lot of new people to meet, fun to be had, and burgers to be eaten. Just when college was starting to feel like a pond again instead of a vast ocean I got thrown into an unfamiliar environment with lots of new faces to meet. It ended up being a blast though. There were late night party barging and all day lake and pool bumming. There were rides on jet skies and a party with fabulous barbecue and live music. Also, my dear friend Jenny turned twenty. We spent all Labor Day and most of the night celebrating her. The cake above was the cake her boyfriend's mother made and let me tell you it was some of the best cake I've had in a very long while. Nothing beats homemade cake.

It was nice to slow down for a minute and really soak in the day. Also, being on Grand Lake reminded me of my sorority sister Rachel who tragically passed away in May in a boating accident on the same lake. It was one of the most tragic, unexpected things I've dealt with in this past year. Her death has brought on so much inward reflection and has really made me feel my own mortality. I was by no means one of her best friends, but she was a presence in my life. She was there on my bid day, there on the first night I went out in college, etc etc. She was one of the first familiar faces I knew in Tri Delt. So being on the lake was a little transcendent for me, quiet and special and a little sad.

 Did you do anything for Labor Day? Let me know!