12 Holiday Gift Ideas under $40

If you've left your house at all in the last few weeks you've probably seen at least some Holiday things out and about. Starbucks Holiday drinks are officially available and Target's aisles are flooded with all things red and green and whether you're team, wait-until-Thanksgiving-is-over-to-think-about-Christmas or team Get-it-done, it is soon going to be time to at least start thinking about Christmas gifts. Where did the year go? I have no idea, but it's here and we better get ourselves together so we're not with the rest of the crazies on Christmas Eve settling on the unwanted, remaining gifts while trying to manage our social anxiety. Let's avoid that! 

My first piece of advice for you is to shop online! Typical introvert thing to say. Like, why do people even go to stores? With Anthropologie being a rare exception, because it's totally an experience to shop there and the online shipping cost is insane (seriously, like $11), I prefer to do all of my shopping online. I don't have to deal with parking, putting real-world clothes on, or leaving my cozy apartment when it's freezing! Who's with me? I've rounded up a few of my favorite items this year that I'm certain will be the perfect gifts that will have your loved ones feeling loved (and your bank account in tact). 

I would love to hear your favorites! Happy shopping, friends! 

1. Because organization is necessary, so why not do it in style. ($34)

2. If I could have a house filled with these gold mugs, I would. Grab a couple for your besties and wrap it with this. ($10)*

3. A little encouragement for that girl boss friend of yours. Just print it and put it in a cute frame! ($5)

4. For the friend with wanderlust. ($10-65)

5. A home decor trend that I am loving. ($29)

6. Take your friend's/sister's/mom's phone style up a notch (as long as she is still rocking the iphone6/6plus) ($36)*

7. For your friend who's loved the loveable losers through it all. ($28)

8. This coobook will have your friend starting off the new year right with healthy and simple plant based meals that are to-die for. It's seriously my current go-to for dinners! ($20)

9. No such thing as too many hats. ($20)

10. You should probably get this for your friend that's always cold. ($40)

11. The cutest calendar! ($26)

12. When in doubt, get a scarf. ($29)

*I recommend just going to the store if you can to avoid the insaneeeee shipping cost! 

Why we all think we have to have it together + 23 things I've learned about life

Last month I turned 23. What is it about this age that makes me cringe? Am I the only one? The thought of telling people that I am 23 somehow places this pressure of knowing my direction in life and it kind of stresses me out. 

I blame social media for a lot of things, but I definitely think that it has jeopardized society's view of what life SHOULD look like, especially at certain ages. We see so many people living their seemingly perfect, well-dressed, put-together lives poolside at 28 and feel as if we are failing. We should have impressive college degrees (with seemingly no college debt) by 23, be traveling all over Europe by 25, have established businesses by 26, and married and on our way to kids by 30.  It's this insane pressure to "keep up" and it's suffocating. 

We (preaching to the choir here!) need to wake up and realize that these people probably don't have it together! I am certain that there are rejections and emotional turmoil that go on behind-the-scenes. There are likely struggles that we don't see, but I am certain are there. The reality is, no one has it together. Even Kate Middleton probably has her issues and she's married to a freaking prince. 

Waiting for the day that I finally have it all together has held me back from putting myself out there. 

Not having it together is probably more than OKAY, friends -- it's normal. We need to cut ourselves some slack. The necessity to have it together all the time is so unrealistic and crippling. Let's just try to take a chill and focus on life now and the insane, messy, unorganized, beautiful, spontaneous, adventurous, and passionate thing that it is, because having it together is overrated. 

Below I wanted to share a few more of the things that I have learned in my 23 years as a human being. I hope that you can relate to some of these life lessons. They're things that I wish I would have realized a lot sooner, but I'm glad I've learned now and I hope I never ever forget. 

 Have a great weekend, friends! 

23 Things i've learned about life

1. You don't have to have it together. 

2. How many friends you have is far less important than the quality and depth of your friendships. 

3. Stand up for what you believe in. 

4. Be kind to everyone you meet because they matter. End of story. 

5. The cabbage soup diet is unhealthy and totally not worth the emotional turmoil it causes. 

6. Don't be afraid to try new things. I have had multiple experiences where I definitely did not want to branch outside of my comfort zone, but the results of doing so were great! 

7. Meeting people is awkward. It's not just you. 

8. Target and coffee cure all. 

9. I am my own worst enemy/critic. 

10. It's easier (and so much better!) to just be me than to try to be someone else. 

11. Comparison is the thief of joy. 

12. Love with no strings attached. 

13. You will never make everyone happy. 

14. There is no arrival in life. It's a journey, embrace it. 

15. Working hard pays off. 

16. Don't limit your dreams to practicality. I went to school to be a nurse, a very practical job, but am finding myself feeling fulfilled living this creative entrepreneur (and sometimes seemingly impractical) life. Do what makes you happy. 

17. Don't judge others too harshly. They're struggling right there with you. 

18. Go against the grain. 

19. Fake it 'til you make it.

20. Always be willing to teach. 

21. Traveling is worth every dime. 

22. Wear whatever the heck you want. 

23. Never settle.  

JORD Wood Watch Collaboration + Our Spontaneous Trip To Steamboat, CO

A few weeks ago Josiah and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to Steamboat, Colorado. I had a wedding there and he decided to tag along so it was half work and half play. Having my best friend along for the scenic drive would have been reason enough to bring him with, but we really made the most out of our visit there!

By this time we knew that we were going to be moving back to Chicago so we wanted to take in as much of the gorgeous Rocky Mountains as we possibly could. And I couldn't think of any place better to spend one of our last weekends than this adorable little ski town. Sunday morning we checked out of our hotel -- in which we got upgraded to a suite that was bigger than our apartment -- and headed off to breakfast at the cutest little breakfast cafe. The tiny restaurant was nestled along a river that ran through town and it was hopping with visitors. We had a little under an hour wait, but didn't mind a bit because we waited outside on adorable benches next to the river and ordered drinks from our very own waiter. Coffee for me and a donut flavored vodka + chocolate milk drink for Josiah (and a little for me) kept us satisfied until a table was ready for us. The breakfast was to-die-for. I had a peach waffle that I am still dreaming about. 

As soon as we finished breakfast we headed to the Gondolas to take a ride up the mountain. As we were lifted up higher and higher I couldn't believe how amazing the views were, but none of them even came close to comparing to the views from the top. I think I might have said, "WOW!" at least fifteen times while we were up there. Even though we had done a lot of hiking prior to this, I truly had never seen such remarkable views. 

After the Gondola rides we had planned on heading to the hot springs (which they are known for), but quickly realized that we didn't bring our swimsuits with us. After a quick trip to Walmart to attempt to come up with some replacements, we came up empty handed and decided that we would just have to promise to return again and go to the hot springs. 

The remainder of our day was spent hanging out by the river and walking around the old downtown. Admittedly my favorite store was the candy store, because I have a MAJORRRRR sweet tooth. We bought more candy than we probably should have, but I have no shame! #sugaraddict 

We hit the road later in the afternoon and felt so refreshed after a weekend away, even if it did involve a little work. Life is really teaching me lately to make the most out of the time that Josiah and I have together because sometimes they are few and far between. 

---

Speaking of time....(too cheesey...?),  I have teamed up with JORD, who sells pretty much the coolest men's and women's watches you will ever find. They're made out of wood! They emailed me a few weeks ago and It took me about 2.5 seconds to say yes when they asked if I wanted to partner with them. As soon as I received my watch I couldn't hardly wait to share my review with you all.

The watch arrived in a beautiful wood box that made me feel so special. This is the watch that I picked out and I am obsessed with the bold color pop that it adds to my outfits. I tend to go for neutrals so this bright splash was definitely welcomed. I would never have considered myself a watch wearer, but since getting this watch I have worn it all the time! I have worn the watch as both a casual accessory (with leggings and a chambray shirt) and then more dressy piece and I think that it works just as well! It's a super unique accessory that I can wear every day. 

JORD has put together a little giveaway for all of you! The winner will receive a $75 voucher to purchase their very own JORD watch and just for entering you will receive a $20 voucher*. The giveaway will be open until this Sunday at midnight. Share the love with your friends and give them a chance to step up their accessory game! 

You can enter here. 

Here are a few of my favorite picks for women: 

1. Frankie -  Dark Sandalwood + Emerald 

2. Fieldcrest - Maple 

3. Frankie - Koa + Ash 

And a few for men: 

1. Frankie - Zebrawood + Champagne

2. Frankie -  Dark Sandalwood + Emerald

3. Fieldcrest - Dark Sandalwood

*excludes the winner

**The $75 voucher will expire on 11/30/2016, and the $20 e-gift cards will expire 1/31/2017 

Luxury Wood Watch

5 Things I learned Reading The Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina

Right before I moved away, my friend Grace gifted me Elizabeth Messina's book The Luminous Portrait and although I've taken my time reading through it, I have finally finished!  Mid-hair appointment last week I read the last page and haven't stopped pondering it since. Elizabeth's writing was so calm and gentle to read. I felt as if she was taking me by the hand and graciously gifting me all of the knowledge she has acquired throughout her career. Here are just five of the many lessons that she imparted to me. 

1. Take your camera with you everywhere - A lot of the images in the book are images that Elizabeth captured spontaneously of her children or other people she encountered while just living her every day life. Those images were some of the most raw and incredible I had ever seen. Every time I say that I am going to bring my camera with me to go to the park, to go hiking, or to attend a baseball game, I end up not. I view it as a hassle that is not worth it. Elizabeth views it as an opportunity to capture life as it. I am so inspired by that mindset! Next time we head to the park for a casual walk or even run to the grocery store, I'll be sure to have my camera in my purse, ready for any opportunity. 

2. Always have a personal project on the side - When your creative passion becomes your job, it is so easy to start to only take on projects that you are going to be monetarily compensated for. Elizabeth challenged readers to always have a project that is personal and not for business. She argues that it keeps us creative. I would argue that it keeps us from hating our craft.  I am going to really try to challenge myself with that this year. Josiah and I have started a weekly thing where we go to an area of the city and just do a fun photoshoot. We switch on and off, taking turns to let the other practice their modeling skills (which are nonexistent) while the one behind the lens is challenging themselves to think outside the box. It's so far been rewarding. I have a few upcoming styled shoots that also allow me to expand and grow in a safer environment. 

3. Always take a picture of the sky - I absolutely love the sky, like I am obsessed with it. If you stalk back a bit further into my instagram feed you'll likely find ALOT of sky pictures. There's something magical about how the sky can take on some many different looks, but still maintain it's identity as the sky. Before reading Elizabeth's book I had never thought of ensuring that I captured a picture of the sky during each session that I took. It's a part of the day that is often forgotten and deserves to be remembered. 

4. {Wedding} details deserve their own portrait - The only thing I love to capture more than bride and groom portraits are detail shots. Flowers, cake, invitations, and rings always have me gawking in awe. These items are a huge part of what makes the wedding day unique and it is so important that they have their own portrait. Plus, publications absolutely love details so it is super important not to quickly skip over them without much though (or worse, to not capture them at all!). The more shot of them, the better! 

5. Think outside the box - It's so easy to find your "groove", while doing a shoot, and stay there. It's far more comfortable to take the shots you know have worked for you over and over again, but another challenge that Elizabeth presented in her book, was to always think outside the box. She specifically was referring to wedding pictures, because bride and grooms really want images that are unique to them and by thinking outside of the box we are more likely to achieve that. 

What are some photography/creative books that you've been reading? What are some things you have learned?