Christmas Shopping

Hi friends! I've been looking for Christmas gifts for my dazzling friends and fam lately, and I just wanted to share a few fun and unique gifts I've found to hopefully help you out as you're shopping! It's almost like the old Top 5 posts (remember those? ha) but...not quite! :)

1. Urban Outfitters was a surprising place where I found tons of cool stuff! I always thought of Urban Outfitters as expensive clothes, but that's not all they are! It seriously may be my one stop shop this year. They have a huge variety of stuff. We are talking not clothing here, but sweeeeet stuff for guys and gals such as: vintage cameras, retro electronics, really fun home accents, jewelry stands, etc. Really great stuff and such affordable prices! I can hardly write enough about how impressed and surprised I was about them! You will be blown away at all the clever stuff :) Go on! Check them out!

2. Although you can't shop online, I was impressed with Pier One's collection of little doo-dads. Again, some fun little vintage toys and such "for the person who has everything." :) 

3. The article in the December issue of InStyle has a GREAT gift guide in it! Buy the mag if you want, or just steal a glance while you're waiting in line. I was inspired by their selection of fun gifts for everyone! 

4. Shop Anthropologie.com for the girls in your life. I'm sure you can't go wrong. I enjoyed their selection of note cards and jewelry, especially their array of "statement" necklaces! 

Well, it's just a little, but I hope it helps!

February's Top 5!

It's finally here!!

1. Not to be trendy, but this girl, Yael Naim, is pretty much amazing. Paris-born and Israel-raised, her music is a beautiful mixture of intimate pop and folk. I'm in love with her style! Of course, she's also the new cool girl in town because her song, "New Soul" is used in the ads for Apple's new MacBook Air (which is pretty dang sweet). Check it out here.

2. Simplicity and Springtime. Celebrate the budding beauty by buying fresh flowers. It doesn't take much!

3. It's no secret I love Loeffler Randall. Now I have even more reason to love it! Meet the Mazzy sandal in all it's effortlessly-chic glory. Unfortunately, these were not made for Target. Instead they are priced somewhere between $230 and $340 (depending on whether or not you find them on sale). But if you must have them, try eBay.

4. Designer Romona Keveza makes a statement in the wedding fashion world with her unique lengths and sweet gowns.

5. And finally...Valentine's Day. If you're one of those people who just hates V-day, has Singles-Awareness-Day parties, and think it was just invented just for greeting card companies...I'm sorry, but you, my friend, are missing out. I know, I know. Valentine's Day just has that cheesy ring to it, but think deeper about it. It's a day to celebrate love! LOVE! And not just romantic love either. Open your eyes and be grateful!

And one more: "Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his LOVE from me!" Psalm 66:20

A Very Vogue Valentine's Day

Okay girls (since we all know there are NO guys that read this blog), that V-day is approaching. I don't know what your "status" will be come February 14th, but no matter if you're single or married-- we can always use this day as an excuse to get pretty! Here's my own little personal fashion favs to try:

1. A pearl ring: I've seen these pop up all over the place recently.

2. New heels: who doesn't need an excuse to get new heels? Go for something completely impractical.

3. A cute clutch: like this Loeffler Randall rose clutch from Target!

4. Very sweet accessories: check out what American Eagle sells. They have some of the daintiest, girliest, prettiest jewelry I've ever seen.

January's Top 5!

Enjoy the lineup!

1. Have you been introduced to Etsy? "Your place to buy and sell all things handmade." Don't let the "handmade" part make you think "frumpy"...no, no this is where you can find some of the coolest and trendiest art , decor, and even clothing! Shop around a bit. It's cool to know you are getting something handmade, original, and one-of-a-kind. Great for gifts!

2. Redecorating! January is so fun because everything is on sale and the new stuff is rolling in! I've been secretly redecorating my bedroom at the flat. The coolest thing is that I hardly spend any money! I more or less just rearranged and brought in a few old movables. Although I did get a new mini chandelier from IKEA! I'll post some pics of the room soon!

3. Spring clothing lines are already peeking out! My personal favorite right now is at American Eagle. Sweet warm-weather sweaters, delightfully floral tanks and tees, Bermuda shorts, and cute flats! Shop now.

4. Buffalo Exchange is the coolest store I've ever seen! I went for the first time ever this past weekend and it was awesome! Full of vintage and second hand fashion, it is the place to find completely unique looks! Not to mention crazy expensive brand names for cheeeap! Next time you're in Dallas or Austin, you should stop by! Check 'em out here!

5. Art by yumiyumi. She's an artist I found on Etsy and she's actually the one who created the art on the Under the Canvas Sky banner! She's also having a New Year's sale right now! Check her out here on Etsy!

12 days til Christmas...

...and I haven't done any shopping yet! :) That's just the way it happens for me though. After finals is when I get serious about Christmas shopping. And...oh yeah...I'M DONE WITH FINALS! 18 hour semester: FINISHED! Man, it feels good. Actually, as I'm writing this, I have the worst headache in the world. Earlier today I was whining to Megan wondering why I felt so terrible and her reply was, "Well it probably has something to do with the fact that you're sleep deprived, malnourished, overloaded on coffee, dehydrated..." It just struck me as funny. Isn't it funny how we forget about our physical state when we're concerned with...school.

Okay, no. Not funny. :)

But sweet home here I come! Home is the place where you get better! A mom to feed you, a dad to make you laugh, and too much free time to sleep. Mmmhmmm.

And now for the main reason for this post...

So I wanted to share with all you blog readers out there (and thanks for reading by the way, my blog stats are pretty high for a personal blog and it makes me stinkin' happy!) the music that got me through these weeks. Music is vital to me and I've been blessed to find some AWESOME music recently! Here goes:

*And as a side note, I chose to put links to each artist so you can hear them right now! It always stinks when people recommend music and you read it and forget it. Now you have no excuse- you can hear it and get hooked with no effort on your part! It's all right here!

1. Paramore: Riot! I mentioned them before so you know they are good if they get two blog mentions! A bit punk, with the awesome hardcore girl front singer. Misery Business and When it Rains are my fav songs!

2. Sara Bareilles: Little Voice. Man, what do I say? She's just awesome! Love the piano leads in most of her songs. Every song is sweeeeeet! Vegas, Love Song, One Sweet Love, and Many the Miles are my favs!

3. Hillsong United: All of the Above. Such good worship! This is my favorite album Hillsong has put out because it's a studio album (I don't really enjoy the 2 minutes of clapping where the band plays the same note forever at the end of all the songs on their live albums). :) My two favorite songs are Hosanna and Lead me to the Cross.

4. The Once Soundtrack. Alright, this one took a little time for me to appreciate, but it is very good! I'd call it "weird music." The movie is one of those independent, artistic films and the soundtrack echos that. If you don't feel like getting into all of it, just buy Fallen from the Sky. It's weirdly cool and uses old school keyboards. Whoo!

5. The August Rush Soundtrack. It's got an awesome variety of songs on it and I just love the whole mixture of orchestra music with underground rock.

Holiday Shoes!

Here's a tribute to your feet this season-- my favorite shoes of Winter!

1. Wellies! Keep your feet dry and look britishly happy in some crazy colorful rain boots! Wear 'em with your favorite long wool coat. Grab a pair at Target or J.Crew.

2. Chunky leg warmers will keep your feet warm when you wear flats! Try them over some straight leg denim or tights with your favorite ballet flats.
3. Satin Heels. Perfect to add a little shine to your party outfits. Don't know why, but I'm in love with these shoes. I want some so bad! It's a shame they are really expensive (J.Crew, you know). If you find some good knock-offs, let me know!
4. Furry snow boots! These are my shoe of choice this winter. Foot warm-ness always comes first to me :) Suede or sweater material, they are always wonderfully warm! Go for the real-deal Uggs, or find knock-offs anywhere!5. Knee-high tube socks. Take it back to the old school and look like a cool girl soccer player from the 80s! Knee socks are great for warmth when you don't want anyone to see because you can hide 'em under your jeans...but you know how cool you look. Or you could be hardcore about it and actually pull the athletic shoes, tube socks, soccer shorts, and sweatshirt combo. GOAL!!

December's Top 5!

Okay, I'm a little late on the Top Five for December...but I have good excuses! :) Here goes!

1. Oh man, go see this movie!! August Rush! Saw it last night and just loved it! It is so dreamy and NOT realistic AT ALL, but who cares?! It's fun to watch and there is some RADTASTIC music in it! I just got the soundtrack and am loving it. That's the only problem with this movie: if you spend $7 on a movie ticket, you will inadvertently be spending another $15 for the soundtrack within 24 hours. :)

2. Don't forget! Get the Mars Hill Church Podcast on iTunes! They are doing all those wonderful Advent sermons AND Don Miller gave a great sermon there the other week! Hear it all by subscribing to the podcast.

3. I've been learning that things are a lot more simple than they seem. God is in control. And He is good.

4. Another great Christmas Album! The James Taylor at Christmas Album! Everybody loves James Taylor!!

5. And finally, have fun with friends and go hot tubbin' in the snow! This is on my to-do list this winter! Apartment complexes make great hot tub destinations if you don't have one...just pretend you live there. :)

*by the way, the photo on #3 was taken by my dear friend Emily Spurlock!

November's Top 5!

Am I seriously already writing another Top 5? This month flew!! Okay, well here's the Top 5 for November (Top 5 is made up anything that catches my eye if you were wondering.)

1. Raise your hand if you were looking for a PLAID coat this winter! Look no further than American Eagle! They even come in different colors and have a detachable hood. You can bet your bottom dollar that I asked my parents for this one for Christmas. :)

2. Chilly? Go buy some really cute thick tube socks (or knee socks), pour in a few cups of long grain rice, sew the end shut and you've got yourself a new best friend: a heatsock! Once you make yours, put it in the microwave (NOT the oven) for 1 or 2 minutes. The things stay warm forever! I use mine (or, um...actually my roommate's) when I go to bed to keep my feet warm. They also feel great on your neck (or anywhere else). You'll have your own little heating pad- no plugs required!

3. I love free stuff. And I love Mars Hill Church in Seattle. So it stands to reason that I love their free podcast on iTunes! Rob Bell is an amazing teacher, and I'm so excited about his sermon lineup for Christmas! Make sure you subscribe by December- it will be a four week Advent series (sermons by week will be: Do Not Be Afraid, Joy, Glory, and the Peace of God). What a way to get ready for the glorious celebration of Christmas!

4. Looking for a sweet gift or something to make stellar invitations? Look no further than Angela Adams! These stationary designs are simple and balanced, but retro-fun and colorful! Totally mix and match-- anything goes! I especially appreciate her little slogan, "Shouldn't you be inspired by the thing that you use everyday?" :)

5. Ready for some ultra-lounge Christmas music? Grab a copy of Christmas Cocktails-- some of the jazzy-est and most classic Christmas songs ever. The best part? It's on iTunes! More good news? There are three (maybe more) volumes, so you won't get tired of the same ol' songs. Another Christmas music recommendation: Michael Buble's 5 song EP "Let it Snow!"

There ya go!

On a more heartfelt note, it's been a rough past couple of weeks for me dealing with stress and school, and I'm sure it's been that way for lots of other people out there. It's just that time of the semester when everyone seems exhausted. I was flipping through my Bible the other night and came across these few verses that spoke peace to me, and reminded me that we have a heavenly home that we will soon see. This is a truth that cannot dim: I will see God!

Behold I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered...but be glad and rejoice in what I will create. For I will take delight in my people. The sound of weeping will be heard no more. Never again will there be an infant who lives but a few days or an old man who does not live out his years. Isaiah 65:17-20 (a bit paraphrased)

Much love,

Caroline

September's Top 5!

1. Fall is definitely coming...I have internal signals that tell me so. When I start craving Starbucks, it's Autumn! Starbucks is only open for the next 5 months for all I'm concerned. Not a fan of summer Starbucks. But it's beautiful while it lasts. What's your favorite drink?

2. The Season 4 Premiere of The Office came on last night! Let me just say, welcome back Dunder Mifflin-ites! I've missed you all!! If you missed it, I'm pretty sure you can catch it on NBC.com.

3. I know their CD has been out for a while but I have found a new passionate love for the band Mute Math. Their eclectic style of alt rock-electro with ambient vocals and crazy invented synthesizers just makes them cool. Did you know they are also the first band to perform live on TV...backwards!?

4. Leggings! The Autumn staple, leggings are wonderfully cozy but still make you look like you know exactly what you're doing. And here's your mini guide to wearing them no matter what your age!

5. If you've never been exposed to Cirque Du Soleil before, Autumn is the best time! Varekai is my favorite show. If you don't feel like buying a DVD, see if it's on youtube or something. It's breathtaking, awe-inspiring, hilarious, and spellbinding all at the same time. I find I usually enjoy it most late at night when you can sit around with a bunch of people and exclaim back and forth, "NO! He did not just do that!! Is that even humanly possible?!" WARNING: Watching Cirque Du Soleil might make you want to try things you are not capable of doing such as a one-handed, sideways handstand atop your friend's hand. No matter how flexible and strong you think you are, just don't try them.