1. Puffer Vest

Can't stop won't stop wearing (and buying) puffer vests. I now have five in my closet. 😳 They truly are just SO warm and functional. Not to mention, I just love a good layering situation. 

2. Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops

Got a sample of this stuff as a free gift with a purchase from Ulta. Just started mixing it with my moisturizer the other day, and I really like it! It gives you skin a healthy, luminous glow. The shade I got is moonlight, but I'd like to try some of the more golden shades (sunlight or candlelight) for the summer. 

3. Rechargeable Lighter

I went a little psycho over these this year. Bought one for myself and then bought one for like every person I know. They're just a neat (and affordable) gift idea for anyone in your life!

4. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

I've officially drunk the Kool-aid! I bit the bullet during the Nordstrom Sale this year, and snagged the coveted Spanx Faux Leather Leggings. At first, I thought I'd made a mistake because I wasn't really wearing them that much. However, that's because I bought them in August, and it was the seventh level of hell so hot here in TN till November! Now that it's seasonally appropriate to wear them, I find myself rocking these leggings more and more often. They add edge to any look, and they're slimming without being uncomfortable! I've tried some cheaper versions, and there really is no comparison. Definitely worth it in my opinion...just be sure to get them on sale as they're $100 full price. 

5. In the Stars Fragrance

Just started wearing this fragrance after hunting down the co-worker who was wearing it because it smelled so good. I was literally like a bloodhound trying to find out who was wearing this scent. When I finally got the name of it, I think I went and picked some up that night. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but as it soaks in, I find the fragrance very lovely.

6. Metallic Activewear Leggings

I've always been a firm believer in dressing for success...and that goes for your workout too. These metallic leggings are flashy enough to get you motivated, but subtle enough to wear them out for errands after you've crushed your spin class. 

7. Pajama Set

Got these as a Christmas gift from my sister this year! I love a good pajama set (probably why I also gave a pair to almost every woman in my life), so these did not disappoint. My sister said these PJs reminded her of Kathleen Kelly from You've Got Mail, so naturally that makes me like them even more. 

*A funny note: the tag on these jams says KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE in big red letters, so these may not be for you if you're a pyro. 😂

8. Sherpa Pullover

Bought this sort of on a whim one day, but I can't stop wearing it. The inside is the same sherpa material as the outside making this one of the softest, coziest, and warmest things in my closet! I also love that it's pretty simple and can be worn with jeans or leggings. 

9. Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops

After breaking out last spring's tanning foam to find it green (apparently, self tanner has a shelf life of about six months), I was in the market for something new. I had heard of Isle of Paradise tanning drops and was intrigued, so when I saw a Black Friday deal for a bottle, I snagged it. So far, so good! I love that you mix it with your favorite moisturizer and that you control the darkness of your tan based on how many drops you use. The self tanner smell is mild, and honestly, it you mix the drops with a scented moisturizer, it's hardly noticeable. 

One bottle usually runs at $29, but the link above takes you to a 2 for the price of 1 offer!

10. Brooks Running Shoes

I started wearing Brooks to work a few years ago after experiencing some foot pain and really needing some cushion-y shoes. I find the Brooks Revels to be great neutral, road shoes that perform well and are also pretty affordable (they're usually about $100 which is at the lower end of the Brooks price spectrum). I had a Physical Therapist tell me one time, and I've experienced first hand, that you kind of get what you pay for with footwear. If you're on your feet a lot, it's best to take care of them.

The Revel is on it's 3rd generation now, so that mean's the 2nd generation shoes are marked down! I own and love the black pair that I linked above...so sleek and go with everything. 

11. Fur Lace Up Boots

I have always been resistant to this style of boot. I have slim lower legs but thighs and hips that don't lie, so this style of shoe always makes me feel like my legs look like baby carrots. 😆 However, I kept seeing fur lace up boots on other people this season and thought they looked so cute, so I just decided to get over myself. Miraculously, this pair hits me in a place that's not totally unflattering. And, I love the fact that they have a zipper, so you don't actually have to lace them up each time you put them on. #lazy

12. High Waist Ankle Jeans

I had been on the hunt for a while for a solid pair of blue ankle jeans. All of my skinny jeans are full length, and I'm sort of over the whole cuffing the ends thing. Just a personal preference. I finally found the pair linked above from Gap Factory, and just like all my other jeans from there, they are perfect! The Gap Factory "legging jeans" are stretchy, but don't stretch out. They're flattering and true to size (I always get an 8/29, and they fit like a glove). And the best part, they're so affordable! They're almost always marked down from the original price, and I don't think I've ever paid more than $35 for a pair. 

13. "Indoorsy" Sweatshirt

Nordstrom had a similar sweatshirt last year, but it was always sold out. When I saw this one available at Target, I bought it immediately. I just thought it was so funny (and accurate)! I appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy being outside, but you will rarely catch me camping. My idea of a hike is on paved "trails" wearing sneaks. I am who I am.  

14. Dolly Parton's America Podcast

If you've been following along for a while, you know I'm a huge Dolly fan. Even in her 70s, she's still a total boss, and she's been very busy this year alone: co-hosting the CMAs, recording two new song collaborations, a new series on Netflix called Heartstrings. You could say I'm proud. 😉 While watching an interview she did with Robin Roberts, (I'm obsessed, ok?) I heard about a new Podcast called Dolly Parton's America, and I immediately subscribed. It's described as a, "9-epsisode journey into the Dollyverse," and I've loved every second of it so far. Even Greg has enjoyed listening to it! Even if you aren't a Dolly fan, it's an easy to listen to, interesting account of America today.

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Did you enjoy this round up of my favorite things? Let me know in the comments section below!

XOXO,

Abby

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I've always had such dreams of attending a fancy New Year's Eve soirée, but alas, I never really have. Most of my NYE's past have either been spent at a casual event with friends or better yet, in my pajamas on the couch (which honestly sounds like the best way to celebrate amirite?). 

So no matter what your plans are this year, I've rounded up 4 looks that will hopefully inspire an outfit for however you're ringing in the new decade! 

Keep scrolling!

Christmas may be coming, but it's also graduation time for many people out there! I've had a few people ask me for gift ideas for nurses in the past. All the new graduates that will be hitting hospitals soon, not to mention the holiday season, got me thinking about some of the things that I consider nurse necessities! Each one of these items would make a great gift for a nurse (or any healthcare professional) in your life, and I guarantee it won't just collect dust! 

Keep scrolling to check them all out!

Personalized Water Bottle - Because sometimes I'll go an entire 12 hour shift without a single drop of water. 😳

Inspirational Bracelet - Inspirational, but honest. The characteristics of a great nurse.

Donut Compression Sleeves - Compression sleeves or socks will change. your. life. Wear them always, and thank me later. 

Monogrammed Sweatshirt - For the units that are freezing.  

Yeti Tumbler - Sometimes you only get to drink your coffee in spurts. Best to have a mug that keeps it warm for HOURS.

Nurse Humor Socks - For when the mood on the floor needs to be lightened. 

Healing Hand Lotion - Nothing worse than dry hands, especially in the winter. Hand lotions are always appreciated by nurses. 

Syringe Earrings & Pill Earrings - Scrubs are comfy, but they are BORING, and you gotta spice them up however you can!

Bandaid Badge Reel & Chill Pill Badge Reel - Again with the scrub spicing.

Set of Compression Socks - You can never have too many! 

Witty Wine Glass - Because we all have THOSE days. 

Ink Pens here & here - Quality pens are a luxury and must be treated as such. Consider gifting a label maker as well so the pens can't be stolen! 😂

Lunch Tote Set - The bigger the better. You never know how long you're going to be at a the hospital, and you don't want to get stuck there without a snack!

Scrub Jacket - A friend hand stitched my name on a scrub jacket when I graduated nursing school, and I still wear that jacket every week! 💗

For those of you shopping for a new or experienced nurse in your life, I hope this gives a little insight!

Nurses and health care friends, what are some things you can't live without at work? What are some of the best gifts you've ever received? Let me know in the comments section below!

XOXO, 

Abby

more great ideas

Ideally, I like to have most of my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. However, I'll be the first to admit that I rarely achieve that goal. I did get most of my major shopping done early this year, but I just can't stop buying last minute gifts! I think I get this from my dad (who's known to go out on Christmas Eve and buy all sorts of random goodies). 

So if you're like me and still have a few more things on your list, consider these "last minute" gift ideas! They should all be eligible for 2-day shipping and will most definitely be here before Christmas with time to spare for wrapping!

Toilet Light / Felt Hat / Amazon Echo Dot / CZ Tennis Bracelet / Breakfast Sandwich Maker / Bose SoundLink portable speaker / Turntable / Men's eVest / Golden Goose Dupe Sneakers / Star Wars Cuff Links / SodaStream Sparkling Water Maker  / Pour Over Coffee Maker / Canvas Backpack / Pajama Set

A few notes:

If you're not already an Amazon Prime member, what year are you living in??? now's the time to join! Prime membership gets you free 2-day shipping on tons of items. Not to mention free returns on several items as well as countless other perks. It's 100% WORTH IT, in my onion. 

Another program/membership that I think is definitely worth your time is the Target RedCard! With a Target RedCard, you get 5% off of your Target purchases in store and online, free 2-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items, extended return windows, and lots of other exclusives! You have the option to choose a credit card or a debit card. Personally, I have the debit card. It's linked right to my bank account and is so easy to use! And, I love the 5% discount on Target's already low prices! 

Happy (last minute) shopping!

XOXO, 

Abby

more last minute gift ideas

As I stated in last year's Stocking Stuffers post, my mom always filled (and continues to fill) our stockings with awesome stuff. I always considered filling stockings such a mom thing to do (meaning you only do it for kids), so for the first few years of our marriage, Greg and I merely hung stockings in our house for decoration.

However, I made a goal last year to stop neglecting our stockings. I'm still not to the point where Greg's stocking is completely "stuffed" yet, but I have a fun time finding neat little gadgets and goodies that I think he will like.

Coffee Warmer / Necklace Layer Clasp / Trouser Socks / Puppy Mug / Cam Jam / Aldi Quarter Saver / Donut Eyeshadow Palette / Keyboard Vacuum / Beauty Blenders / Lightning Cable Frog / Champagne Shower Gel / Rechargeable Lighter / Lump of Coal Soap / Survival Pocket Tool / Digital Luggage Scale

Do you and your significant other fill each other's stockings?

What are some of your favorite things to give and receive in a stocking?

Let me know in the comments section below!

Happy Stuffing!

XOXO,

Abby

more great ideas

Stripes, leopard, plaid, and glitter...these are a few of my favorite things!

This reversible scarf and striped mock neck top were two pieces I knew I couldn't pass up. A black and white striped top is truly a great closet basic to have during every season. It's a perfect base for all of your layers and great for pattern mixing. 

My 10-year-old self is so stoked that faux leather is BACK. I vividly remember the pair of silver pleather pants I wore on my first day of 4th grade. But, I digress...

These faux leather leggings are a "pull-on" style with an elastic waist, but they fit a bit more like regular pants. Dress them up with heels and a lace top, or keep them low-key like I did with a cable knit sweater and booties. 

Lumberjack...but make it fashion. 

In love with this plaid shirt/jacket! It's so perfectly oversized (in fact, I sized down to a small) and cozy. Now you don't have to steal your husband's favorite flannel anymore!

I paired it with a holiday graphic tee and duck boots for an outdoorsy look, but I can picture it worn with a band tee, faux leather leggings, and cool sneakers. 

What's your favorite way to dress for the holidays?

Let me know in the comments section below. 

XOXO, 

Abby

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