HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE // HOSTESS GIFT

Tis the season for endless Holiday parties and visits to friend's and family's homes. There's nothing I hate more than showing up empty handed- total etiquette faux pas! But sometimes the traditional flowers or a bottle of wine seems so cliche. I put together this collection of fun and quirky gifts that will have your host wanting to invite you back again and again!

It doesn't matter whether or not your host is instrumentally inclined- even the most tone deaf will adore this colorful ukulele!

Full of recipes, how-tos, and anecdotes this coffee table book from Kate Spade will elevate anyone's hosting game. And I mean c'mon, that pink cover!

Who wouldn't want to cuddle up in this cheeky knit blanket from Cold Picnic!?

Candles make a lovely hostess gift but this super modern pyramid incense burner + copal incense sticks are way more unique.

If you're lucky, you'll have your morning coffee served in this oh so lovely copper French Press. And throw in the matching coffee scoop for good measure! (#seewhatididthere)

How gorgeous is this Candleholder String from ferm Living!

Enamel pins are all the rage so gift the cutest ones around! Herbie Heart by ban.do, Everything is Cool by People I've Loved, I Am Fun by ban.do

Vinyl is a way cool gift to give a way hip host. Score some extra cool points by going with something slightly obscure (like Miles Davis)!

Hello Margaux Moon...

She's here! And just like that I am forever changed.

Margaux Moon came into our lives on October 19th at 2:40pm. She has the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen and little cheeks that make my heart turn to mush.

We are settling into being a family of three and I am slowly and sweetly falling into motherhood- accepting little failures, celebrating all the tiny victories, discovering that I need surprisingly little sleep to function, resigning to being covered in breastmilk and spit up pretty much all the time, and truly learning the meaning of love- this is a feeling like no other!

Welcome to this wild world, my little Margaux Moon. I am so thankful to be your mama!

"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies- "god damn it, you've got to be kind." - Kurt Vonnegut

*all photos by Amanda Hall

LOVE TRUMPS HATE

To say last week was a doozy would be an understatement. Like most of the country, and the world, I've been left feeling bewildered, angry, afraid, deeply deeply sad, and at a loss for what I can do. I took the weekend to mostly abstain from social media (Facebook, we seriously need a break) and reflect on how I can positively impact change and best be an ally to the marginalized and hurting communities around me. I wouldn't call myself a particularly politically active person, at least not until now, and in no way do I claim to have all the answers, but I definitely know a good place to start is putting my money where my mouth is. My family lives on a shoestring budget, but we are donating  as much as we can to causes of justice and equality. And I encourage you to do the same. I found this article to be a really great resource for organizations that most need our support.

This blog is a safe space for your voice to be heard. Feel free to start a conversation in the comments below. Or email me if you need a kind or encouraging word. I'm here. We are in this together. And love will always trump hate.