Catherine's Christmas List

1. L.L. Bean Fisherman Sweater

2. Kate Spade Perfume

3. Vineyard Vines Pink Scarf

4. Silver Kate Spade Watch

5. Tuckernuck Navy Monogrammed Canvas Bag

6. Anthropologie Gold Initial Mug

The weeks left for sharing Christmas gift guides are coming to a an end, so Julianna and I thought we would share our Christmas lists on the last two Tuesdays before the 25th! My birthday is on Novemebr 27th which is relatively close to Christmas, so I typically make one big list for both and what I don't get for my birthday I transfer over to a Christmas list. I am not really asking for a lot this year because honestly, I don't really need anything. I have plenty of clothes to get me through the winter and there are not a ton of things that really stick out to me. However above are a few items that I really like. This L.L. Bean Sweater is a great classic piece that I know would get lots of use throughout the long and cold New England Winters. Also, I have had this L.L. Bean canvas tote my entire life (it is still in great condition) but I think this monogrammed duffle from Tuckernuck would be the perfect upgrade. In addition to this, my family and I go skiing in Vermont every weekend so it would also get lots of use! Finally, I would love a silver Kate Spade watch! The other items are a few things that I think would be fun gifts but definitely are not at the top of my list. The pink cashmere scarf is so cute, but $100 is ridiculous for a simple scarf. Overall, when it comes to making my Christmas list I think that asking for a few nicer items is the best way to go especially if you know they will get lots of use! What are you asking for this year? Make sure to check out the blog next Tuesday as well to see Julianna's list! 

xoxo,

Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea 

Christmas Music

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is the music. The magic of Christmas truly comes alive with happy songs and sing-alongs accompanied by family and friends. I especially love the radio stations that dedicate December to Christmas music; they literally are bottomless pits of holiday cheer! Although I love almost all of the Christmas songs on the radio, there are a few classics and new favorites that I get especially excited about when I hear them play. Artists may put their personal twist on Christmas music, but the same joyous holiday theme is expressed through them all, and that is my favorite part.

via Pinterest

1. All I Want For Christmas Is You- Mariah Carey
I own the entire Mariah Carey Christmas album and can assure you it plays on loop throughout the month of December. This is definitely a Christmas classic and I've never heard any rendition better than Mariah Carey's. Doesn't it make you want to get up and dance?

2. Little Drummer Boy- Pentatonix
I know a cappella is not for everyone, but whether you are a fan or not, this version of Little Drummer Boy is the best I've heard. It's a classic song with a modern twist, definitely worth a listen; I still get chills from the harmonizing!

3. Last Christmas- Taylor Swift
Maybe not the most popular or well known of my picks, but Taylor Swift's Last Christmas is definitely a happy, feel good Christmas song. I love this song and I love Taylor Swift; together they're a match made in heaven!

4. Step Into Christmas- Elton John
This is my mom's favorite Christmas song and her obsession has rubbed off on me. Whenever it's on the radio, we play it full blast and sing as loud as we can. Step Into Christmas always gets played at family Christmas parties and is another that I can't help but dance to.

5. The Christmas Song- Nat King Cole
Last but certainly not least, The Christmas Song is far and away my favorite Christmas song. Probably one of the most well known Christmas jingles, I find it to be relaxing and the lyrics capture the atmosphere of Christmas. Sometimes you just can't beat the classics, and this is most definitely an example.

What's your favorite Christmas song? Did I miss any well-deserving candidates?

xoxo,

Julianna

Preppy by the Sea 

Friday Favorites

This week has been a long one and I am so excited that it is friday! Although my school does not have exams until after Christmas break, the workload has been tough and they have been packing in the tests, essays and quizzes (hence the lack of posts). Anyone else miss the elementary school days when before break meant movies and parties!? Despite the whole "school thing" I have really gotten into the Christmas spirit and could not be happier!

One: Decorating 

This past weekend we finally got our Christmas tree and other holiday decorations! My mom picked up this boxwood wreath that I am quite obsessed with and obviously had to Instagram... before she even had the chance to put a red bow on it!

Two: Store Displays

Last weekend my friends and I all went to do some Christmas shopping, although I was not super successful the displays were on point! Anthropologie was a winter wonderland, along with J. Crew and Madewell!

Three: Christmas Cards

Getting the mail around this time of the year is always so exciting! I love looking at everyone's Christmas cards, especially ones with cute little kids! I saw this "Oh What Fun" card while I was at my cousins house and had to take advantage of their adorable wallpaper to snap a quick picture :)

Hang in there, it's almost vacation time!

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Gift Guide: $25 and Under

Monogrammed Minimergency Kit $25

Kate Spade Bow Stationary $25

Navy Slippers $17

Scalloped Bow Bangles $1.99

Anthropologie Initial Mug $10

Kate Spade Roller Ball Perfume $24

Plaid Blanket Scarf $11.67

Tis the season of lots and lots of gift giving! Sometimes the reality of how many gifts you need to get for friends and family can be slightly overwhelming, so here are a few gift ideas under $25 to keep your bank account happy! All of these gifts would make great stocking stuffers, gifts for a yankee swap, secret santa or one of your friends. Sometimes buying gifts for a yankee swap can be kind of challenging because everyone had different tastes and you never know who is going to end up with the gift you brought. Stationery, a cute mug (filled with candy or with a Starbucks gift card), perfume or a scarf are always safe options and typically crowd pleasers. What are your favorite little gifts to give during the holiday season?

xoxo,

Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea 

Sweet and Salty

what you will need:

pretzels

hershey kisses

red and green m&m's

During the holiday season, I kind of get into a cooking phase. This weekend I made three different desserts, but who doesn't love having yummy homemade treats around the house? I think I am going to do a few holiday recipe posts this month and thought I would start with the easiest one! I kid you not when I say this is the easiest and most delicious recipe (5 minutes from bag to platter)! Preheat your oven to 225 degrees. Take a cookie sheet and place a bunch of pretzels on it and then put a hershey kiss on every pretzel. Put the cookie sheet in the oven for 3 minutes. When you take them out the chocolate should be slightly melted and still in its original shape. Press an m&m into each pretzel and let the cool for 5 minutes (or eat while warm). These tasty treats are great to bring to a cookie swap or with a hostess gift! enjoy!

xoxo,

Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea