Definitely Nice!

So if anyone was wondering whether I was naughty or nice last year, it turns out I must have done a thing or two nice because Santa was very good to me! AND this blog had a lot to do with it... you probably recognize most of my favorite gifts below are items that I've talked about right here!

1. Tracy Reese Plates: Originally I thought these plates would be great for my future wall 'o plates, but it turns out I got 2 sets {thanks to my Mom and sister thinking alike!} so they will be making an appearance at my next dinner party on the table rather than on the wall!

2. Young House Love: Favorite blog is now my favorite coffee table book! 

3. North Face: It's official. I have worn this jacket everyday since Christmas. And I'm not sorry! It's so cozy!!

4. Tech Gloves: ebb&flo comes in handy again! Dress My Tech GG to the rescue for my cold hands that still need to work my phone. 

5. Bobbi Brown Palette: The colors are even better in person than they were when I added them to My Personal GG picks!

6. Southwest Boots: Mama Z went way back to the early days of ebb&flo with my Southwest Style post to bring home these babies! And they are way on sale now, so you should treat yourself.

So that's a wrap on Christmas 2012. I can't believe it's over! I love everything that I got, but I must say that the best and most beautiful part of Christmas was seeing the joy in my nephews eyes with every single gift and surprise he received! Oh to be a kid again!!! Already excited for next Christmas!

Gift Guide: Me and the Kiddos

It's time for the final round of ella.bella.bea&flo gift guides! AND lucky for you, it's a BONUS round!!!

First up, gifts I'd love to see under the tree:

1. Bobbi Brown palette: Love all of these colors! 

2. Cozy Blanket: When I first saw this blanket, I thought it could be a fun DIY, but let's be honest, that's a lot of pom-pom application! 

3. Michael Kors Watch: I've had my eye on this watch forever! Love the horn material.

4. Gossip Girl Season 1: I've always said I wanted to watch GG... maybe now that the series is over, I should just start from square 1!

5. Lulu Lemon Pants: These are a total splurge, but I think they're worth it. Most of my workout clothes come from Target or the like, but a well fitting pair of pants that down ride up or fall down can make or break a workout... ya know what I mean?

6. Rebecca Minkoff bag: I've had my eye on the M.A.C. bag for a while, and this color is my new fav! Every girl needs a good red bag in her closet!

7. Pave´ Link Bracelet: A classic. A must!

And for the kiddos you'll be buying for this holiday:

1. Vintage NBA Shirt: My brother-in-law in from Denver, so I try and help my sweet nephew support his Dad's teams every once in a while and this is a cool-kid way to do it!

2. Art Easel: I'd still love to have an easel as an adult and I have fond memories of having one as a kid.

3: Bitty Baby: Every little girl needs a doll under the Christmas tree! Bitty Baby was my favorite!

4. Tools: And every boy needs his first set of play tools to practice becoming Mr. Fix-It someday!

5. Q&A-A-Day Book: What a cool way to document conversations and thoughts of kiddos!

6. Lion King: This could be a gift for adults and children alike. Classic.

7. Sparkle Collar Tee: Need I say more? We all know I wish I could shop in the Crewcuts Collection of J.Crew!

So that wraps up our Gift Guides for 2012! If you're still shopping, check here for inspiration!

Can you believe Christmas is here in a week?!? Crazy! I think I'm most excited about the gift I've bought for my brother-in-law mentioned above, which is weird because he is definitely the most difficult to buy for! And of course, I'm way excited to spoil the heck out of my nephew... last year he was more interested in the wrapping paper than the gifts inside. I'll be sure and share some cute pics of the sweet boy with some of his new Santa goodies!

Gift Guide: The Pampered Pooch

I can't believe how fast these weeks leading up to Christmas are flying by! Gift guide by gift guide we are getting closer to the holiday! While you're out shopping for the boys, the girls, your BFF's, your tech-y friends and the home-bodies... don't forget about your pooch!

Anyone who knows me, knows my pup, Lola, is one pampered little girl and she is definitely on my holiday shopping list! Here are a few items I have my eye on for my Lola girl:

1. Three Dog Bakery Treats: Last year I went all out and baked homemade dog treats, but truth be told, I'm not so sure anything I could make could even compare to this trio of flavors! Plus there's plenty here in the combo pack to share with her furry brother, Elway and her friends Sophie and Lucy!

2. Beanie Bones Bone: Lola's favorite leopard boney is looking a little shabby these days. It might be time for a replacement and this one is super cute!

3. Bowl: So Lola already has really pretty bowls from Nell Hill's {if you are ever in KC you must go... amazing home decor store!}, in fact, Lola's dish wear is nicer than my own, but somehow I still want to buy a set of these Oscar de la Renta for Neiman Marcus+Target... I may even want these more than my plate pick from the collection!

4. Collar and Leash: Another Oscar de la Renta for Neiman Marcus+Target. So ladylike and lovely. Right up Lola's alley! 

5: Barkin Bag Toy: If Mama {aka ME!} can't have her Berkin, the pup should at least have a Barkin. 

6. Kiehl's "Spray-n-Play" Spritz: I don't know about other dog owners out there, but my dog is not a fan of the bath, so a fresh spritz here and there is just the ticket to keeping Lola fresh between tubs.

7. Fleece Blanket: My girl is a sleeper! Most mornings she's already back in bed before I even get out of the shower, so a soft blanket is definitely a gift she'd love.

Happy Wednesday, all! Halfway to the weekend! Wahoo!!!

Gift Guide: For the Homie

It's time for another edition of the ella.bella.bea&flo Gift Guide! This time let's focus on a few gifts for the home. Here are a few gifts I'd be thrilled to receive:

1. Etched Letter: You know me... when all else fails, go for something personalized. This is an easy win.

2. Highball Set: I think it's my recent Mad Men addiction that has me interested in barware. I wouldn't mind using these to start my collection.

3. Pom Pom Throw: Everyone needs a cozy blanket... why not add some fun with pom poms?

4. Floor Poof: Extra seating and extra comfort. Sounds like a winning combination to me!

5. Soap: Not only a great gift for a home body, but it would make a great hostess gift, too! I love anything Fresh Cosmetics!

6. Frame: Lots of framable moments over the past year! A cute nephew, first family photos my parents actually were in, great trips with great friends, my best friends wedding, and the list goes on!!! Frames on my list for sure!

7. Storage Bins: I love to organize and when it's done in cute containers, I'm in heaven!

Still looking for more gift ideas? For your BFF, for Him, for Her or for the Tech Savvy!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Gift Guide: for Her

Here's to the ladies in your life that you need to buy for... moms, in-laws, co-workers and so on...

1. Kate Spade Wallet- I have a wallet in this style and I love it! Tons of pockets which ladies are always looking for! Plus, it all hides away with a quick zip and helps me to look clean and organized on the outside... inside, that's another story!

2. Philosophy Amazing Grace Set- Who doesn't want to know that you think they are graceful? That's a compliment in itself. And as an added bonus, it smells amazing, too!

3. Stationary- Thoughtful and useful! Winning combo!

4. Cashmere Sweater- Ok, so maybe this is a little overboard for a co-worker, but cashmere always shows the ones you love that you care!

5. Jewelry Box- A cute and chic way to store your jewels or keepsakes. Looks great anywhere!

6. Makeup Brushes- This is something I would love to receive, myself! It's something I wouldn't necessarily splurge on, but what a great time of year to invest with so many giftable sets available!

7. Pearls- I have this set of pearl bracelets and I love them! They are classic in that they are pearls, but a little fun and different in the shape and the fact that there are 7 strands in the set! And they are a steal!

Don't forget to check out my other gift guides if you're looking for a gift for your BFF, for Him or to Dress Your Tech!

Gift Guide: Dress My Tech

Hiya friends! I'm back with another Holiday Gift Guide! If you're looking for gifts for you BFF or a man in your life, check here and here for other GG's in the series!

Do you have any of those people on your Christmas list that are impossible to buy for? These days no one can go a minute without checking some form of technology for some sort of information, so why not help your friends dress their tech!

1. Smart Phone Wallet- Ingenious! If someone gifted me this I would always know where my phone is!

2. iPad Cover- Now isn't this clever? Combine the look of vintage books with the functionality {and protection... no I don't ever drop my iPad!} of an iPad case. You're sure to look chic pulling this out of your tote!

3. Personalized Phone Case- I've said it before... when all else fails go for the monogrammed/personalized gift. Always a winner in my book!

4. Battery Booster- This is for your friend that's always asking you, "Do you have a phone charger with you?" 

5. Earbuds- Add a little personality to plugging into you favorite tunes! How cute are these??? And let's be honest, the Apple issued earbuds could use an upgrade in the comfort department!

6. Tech Gloves- I.need.these. It is so annoying to have to take off your gloves in order to use your touch screen devices! Santa, take note!

7. Bose Speaker- And if you really love the techy on your list, splurge on a great speaker system. Tunes for everyone all around to enjoy!

Gift Guide: For Him

Ok, so I have to admit... I am not good at shopping for boys. I think in comparison to what they have to offer for the gals, the boys section is b.o.r.i.n.g. In fact, I hate it. I breeze right by their department. This gift guide was not easy for me to put together, and although it's somewhat general, I'm kinda happy with how it came together!

1. flannel - every boy needs a good flannel!

2. sweater - the go-to gift... boring, yet functional.

3. game gear - I feel like this isn't necessarily something a boy would buy himself. Most of my friends are still wearing the college game gear they acquired during our school years and it's time for an upgrade!

4. travel kit - again, not something a guy would maybe buy himself, but would definitely come in handy!

5. scarf - a great piece to splurge on! A true classic!

6. watch - even boys like a little bling.

7. decanter - when all else fails, go for something with a monogram!... that's my theory!

So there you have it! Happy holiday shopping for all of your boyfriends, hubbies, brothers, friends, dads, cousins, uncles and so on out there! 

Gift Guide: BFF

The holidays are coming! Before you know it we'll be passing out presents under the Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa while the fire place roars... wait -- that sounds a little too perfect -- somehow Christmas always ends up a little more crazy than that... and I love every minute of it!

I think one of the best parts about the holidays is finding the perfect gift for someone you love. Somehow I am always more excited to give the gifts I have purchased, than I am to receive gifts {not a huge fan of surprises... silly, I know!}.

What better way to countdown to Christmas that prepare with a fresh batch of gift guides? Since we have 7 shopping weeks left before Santa Clause graces us with his presence, I think that calls for 7 gift guides. Who might we be shopping for you ask...

• Your BFF
• For Her
• For Him
• Homie 
• The Tech-ster
• The Pup
• For YOU

So, without further ado:

Friends can be hard to buy for, but hopefully this little list will help you out just a bit!

1. This infinity scarf is both cute and cozy! The color combination would make a great compliment to any wintery wardrobe.

2. My favorite candle always makes chilly winter nights a little warmer. It's called "Aloha Orchid"... maybe I'm just dreaming of a warmer Hawaiian environment!

3. Who said friendship bracelets are just for kids?

4. It's always fun to dress up your phone and this is one of those purchases I hate to buy for myself! 

5. How fun is this two-tone clutch? Not only a great pop of color for a winter wardrobe, but versatile for year-round use!

6. Add a little sparkle to compliment her clutch! 

7. And of course, no holiday gift guide would be complete without some socks! I always wear fun socks under my boots... it's like a little bit of cheer each time I take my shoes off after a long and cold day!