Men's Gift Guide (Under $100!)

Last week I posted my Women's Gift Guide, which was infinitely easier to put together than this one. I don't know what it is, but guys are very hard to shop for. When it comes to finding a gift for my dad or my brother, I'm usually always stumped. I have to say, I'm quite proud of this gift guide, and I hope it gives you a couple suggestions for gifts this year. Let me know your ideas! I could use the help!

1. Christmas Socks - Target $3.99 (or 3 for $10!) - I honestly would buy these socks for myself. It is important to take pride in your sock choice. These come in 9 different designs, so the combinations are endless.

2. Comic Book - Barnes & Noble $9.03 - When my brother and I were younger we had a collection of Baby Blues comic books going. I remember my dad taking us to the store and we'd run to pick out a new book. It's just something fun to read every now and again, & not something you'd normally buy for yourself.

3. Silly Mugs - CafePress $12.99 - I just couldn't resist. Poop is funny, fart jokes are funny, and I think this is hilarious. There are all kinds of "gag" mugs out there to choose from.

4. The Sriracha Cookbook - Amazon $15.02 - I feel like every guy likes hot sauce. I've never tried it, but Sriracha seems like the popular hot sauce at the moment... which sounds ridiculous to say. I think this cookbook, along with a bottle of Sriracha would make a nice little gift for the hot sauce enthusiast in your life.

5. Beanie - Urban Outfitters $32.00 - A really nice quality beanie would make a lovely gift for any man in your life. I almost included a scarf on here, but unless your in a very cold climate, guys usually just go with beanies.

6. Box Set - Walmart $59.96 - I feel like we only ever watch TV On Demand or online nowadays. Giving someone their favorite TV show in a box set is again, not something you'd typically buy for yourself. Having the actual tangible item for yourself is a nice treat to have, though.'

7. Food Basket - World Market $79.99 - World Market has some pretty impressive food baskets in stock. I went with the Bacon basket for this guide, because like Sriracha, most every guy is obsessed with bacon. Just food in general really.

8. Shave Kit - The Art of Shaving $80.00 - A luxurious shaving kit would be a nice treat for any man in your life. Even though they probably won't admit it, sometimes guys like to feel pampered too.

9. Watch - Macy's $95.00 - This can be a tricky gift to give, because sometimes guys are very particular about their watches. However, what's one more watch in their collection? You really don't have to spend loads of money to find a nice watch, just do a bit of research first.

Well, that's all for my Men's Gift Guide! I'll be posting another guide next week, so if you haven't quite found the perfect gift for someone, don't worry!

COUNTDOWN: 16 DAYS of BLOGGING!

Home Sweet Home

Over the weekend I got to travel home for the first time in three months. Have I said that already? I'm sorry, it was just so nice to be back. I basically stayed in all weekend and hung out with Hershey (my dog), but Sunday I got to spend a lovely day with my mom. We went to see Captain Phillips and sobbed, took a stroll through the Botanical Gardens, and then ate downtown at one of our favorite spots (that has the most amazing fries you'll ever eat). I know I get to go home in a week for Thanksgiving, but I miss that place already.

Fit Bit: Starting Simple

I've come to the conclusion that battling with weight and eating healthy and having a healthy routine will always be a big struggle for me. I always have that "Monday" theory-- I start to have a good week, slip up once, and start over again when it's convenient. That method really doesn't work, because being healthy requires a lifestyle change, and I just want it to happen over night. So, I want to start doing these Fit Bit posts every so often, to share with you guys, and honestly (hopefully) just to keep me on track. To start out, here are a few tips that I'm starting to incorporate in my life.

There is no secret. Eating right and exercising daily is the answer to a healthy lifestyle. It seems so simple, but simplicity is the key.

Find a buddy. If working out is something you struggle with, try to have a friend who will keep you on track. You can help each other along the way. (Thanks, Vicky!)

Don't completely deprive yourself of what you love. I've set a rule for myself that I won't eat sweets or drink sodas during the week. I have a huge sweet tooth, so if I didn't allow myself to indulge, I'd be an unhappy camper. With that being said, don't overdo it. Remember, it's a lifestyle change.

Start a routine. I'm in college, so my gym is a two minute walk from my dorm room. It's easy for me to go, but easy for me to ignore it. So, having a set time of day to go to the gym or attend a fitness class will help you stay on track.

I'm sure these are tips you've all heard before, but that means they've got to work, right? Let me know some of your healthy living tips below!

all photos found on Pinterest

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

This weekend I got to go to Georgia Tech Homecoming, and it was quite the fun time. My dad played for GT when he was in college, so while he hung out with his old teammates, I got to stay with Anna! We got to catch up, tailgate, cheer on the jackets, and eat delicious food truck food. It was a glorious time. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! It went by so fast. Can you believe we're already a few days in to November?

I hope you all are having an amazing week!

Take Me to the Fair

I'll be honest, local fairs kinda freak me out. I went to one when I was younger and was kind of spooked by the fun house of deformed animals/people.. it was a weird experience. Last week my friends and I headed out to the Georgia National Fair though, and it was a lot of fun. We walked in and saw little kids racing on sheep and I knew it was going to be a magical day. I conquered one of my fears and rode a crazy twisty ride, ate funnel cake and fried pickles, and saw a ton of Duck Dynasty t-shirts. Despite paying way too much for food & tickets, it was a pretty awesome time.

Food, Flowers, & Fun

Happy, happy Monday to you all! This is the first Monday I haven't had to wake up at 6 am in quite some time, and I can't complain. Friday was my last day of work, & though I'm sad I won't get to see all the kiddos anymore, I'm quite happy to have some time to relax. In just a few days I head back to school, so it's nice to have a few days off before then. I spent a lot of this weekend catching up on sleep, eating good food, and fighting off some sort of cold/allergy thing that's going on in my nose. So fun.

To celebrate work being over/summer/I was just thirsty, Amanda and I got slushies. Contrary to what it says, it only cost 52 cents. I opted for a cherry/coke combo.

I can't resist taking pictures of flowers. It's just in my nature. ;)

My mom actually had a Saturday off from work! So we spent some of the day shopping, and eating at Tubby's. I love, love their crab stew.

A lovely pond/fountain filled with fishies that I saw while we were out shopping.

First fresh corn of the summer season. My mom and I were seriously questioning ourselves because we haven't been eating it all summer long.

Last night my dad took me to Leoci's for dinner before I head back to school. I had spaghetti & meatballs and it was delicious.

My outfit for dinner! Of course, I managed to spill sauce on the single white strip of fabric on my new shirt. Geeze.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Photo Friday

Today's Photo Friday is going to be short and sweet! Yesterday I spent all day sleeping, making pie, listening to country music, and heading downtown for pizza & fireworks. I love holidays like this that are tons of fun, but also remind you of what really matters. I'll be saying a prayer for all of those men and women who are away from their friends & families today so that I can be with mine. I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July & have an incredible weekend!

A Day of Daniel Fast

I mentioned this a little while ago in this post, but I'm currently on this meal plan called the "Daniel Fast." I won't lie, there have been a few times where I've cheated, but for the most part this diet isn't really too difficult to follow. Whole grains, fruits, veggies, and water to drink-- it isn't too bad. Although my meals vary from day to day, here's a typical day of meals & snacks on the Daniel Fast.

{Breakfast}

Normally for breakfast you are supposed to eat a bowl of oatmeal or this smoothie, but I've changed this meal up a bit. I need something that will be easy to make & will keep me full for a few hours. 2 eggs & a banana seem to do the trick!

{Snack #1}

This has become one of my favorite things to eat throughout the day. Almonds & cranberries are the perfect combination! I'd never been a huge fan of cranberries until I gave these a try. They are so good.

{Lunch}

I could eat this every single day, and I basically do! Carrots, hummus, and a tomato basil wrap make for one tasty meal.

{Snack #2}

Watermelon is my favorite fruit, so I absolutely can't get enough of it. It is the perfect summer snack!

{Dinner}

The recipe on the meal plan for this salad is 3 cups chopped romaine, 3/4 cup each canned corn & black beans, 1/3 of an avocado, 1/4 cup fresh chunky salsa and lime wedges. I'm not a huge fan of avocado, so I left that out of this one.

I do get hungry at other times throughout the day so if I need something to snack on, I'll have some variation of fruits, nuts, or veggies. I think the most important thing to remember when your following a diet plan like this is that you have to make it your own. If a smoothie isn't cutting it in the morning, substitute it for something that will. Remember too, it's okay to "cheat" here and there too. Don't let a diet keep you from having a nice meal out with your friends!

If you'd like to read more about the Daniel Fast, click here!

Father's Day & Berry Pie

I'm sure many of you follow Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere and saw this post about a delicious Triple Berry Pie. For Father's Day I thought it would be a nice gift to make for my Daddy, so I took on this one. I've actually never made a pie before, and this one was surprisingly easy to start out with. Though, I have two things to confess: 1. I did cheat on the meal plan I'm on (but it was a special occasion) & 2. I bought the pie crust. Ooops.

I also got to spend some time with my Dad at an Equestrian Center that helps teach kids with special needs how to ride. We ended up just being there for a raffle drawing, but maybe I'll get to go back again and help out another day. I don't think there are any fathers who read my blog, but if there's one out there I hope you had a Happy Father's Day! p.s. The pie was a success!

How crazy is that rooster? Let me know how you spent your Father's Day!