Monday, December 8, 2025

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers Under $50


In today's gift guide, I'm sharing under $50 gift ideas that can also double as stocking stuffers. The stocking is the *best* part of Christmas, in my opinion! There are two gift guides left: my second wish list and last-minute gift ideas! My last blog post of the year will be on 12/23, and I will be back to regular posting on Monday, January 5th! 

To give you an idea of shipping cutoffs, keep in mind 12/14-17 (that's Sunday-next Wednesday) are around when brands and companies start their shipping cutoffs for Christmas arrival! I truly cannot believe there are only 3 full weeks left of 2025!

Because there are nearly 40 items in today's list, I am going to only highlight a few from each collage. I know no one wants to read 40 different mini reviews! 

Slippers// These are the best travel slippers that don't add bulk or weight to your suitcase. I find myself wearing them over my socks while at home when my feet get particularly cold! They make them for men, women, and children!

Lip Liner// I'm not a lip liner gal, but I do like trying ones that are the exact shade of my lips to create a very subtle, plumper lip. I really loved the Merit lip liner, but this one takes the cake. It's SO easy to apply and lasts longer than the Merit. I wear the color opal. 

Wildflower Honey// My husband loves honey, so we have many different kinds in our pantry. However, this is the first time I've raved about a honey as I'm not a big honey lover. I find honey to be sickeningly sweet, but this honey is sweet without that syrupy flavor. This tastes so bright and fresh with a deep flavor. I LOVE it on a cheeseboard or added into a marinade or dressing. It's fantastic. I lick the spoon after using it! I always think a gourmet food item makes the best gift. I personally love receiving interesting foods, condiments, etc. 

Bandana Scarf// If you have a lot of young, trend-aware gals on your list, I think this is the perfect thing. This bandana scarf comes in many colors. I bought it to scratch the itch on the bandana trend, and I really love it. It's more versatile than I thought! 


Contuor + Blush Duo// This or ANY Dibs brand product. I love them all!!! They all blend like a dream and the colors are so beautiful. I already had the mascara on my wish list and restocked it during their Cyber Week sale, so I chose the contour and blush stick, which is probably my #1 favorite item from Dibs. One stick lasts a very long time! 

White Tee// At just under $15, this is the best classic white tee. The quality is SO good and 100% cotton. 

All-Purpose Wipe Starter Kit// This company makes sleek-looking storage canisters for their all-purpose wipes. The wipes are 'clean' and can be used on your skin or surfaces. They make a large size for the home and a smaller size for on-the-go. I have and love both, but find the on-the-go canister to be the most worth it! They have different canister colors so you can select one that matches your surroundings. I got the dune color, and if you have a tan interior car, this color will blend right in. I use this to wipe down my phone a lot while in the car. I also use this on my hands after every Orange Theory Class or grocery store run. They're soooo clutch to have on hand on road trips to wipe up spills or food messes. It makes me feel good to use these since they have cleaner ingredients than some other household wipe brands. 

Dry Shampoo// This is the best dry shampoo EVER. Period. No notes. The powder is so fine and seems to just disappear once dusted into the hair with the brush. 

Laundry Detergent// This is a bit pricey compared to grocery store brands, but my goodness, it's the best scent. It makes my laundry smell like a fancy hotel. It smells more like a luxury perfume than the 'fresh linen' scent most detergents have. I would call this a little luxury, and I think those make the best kind of gifts. 

Faux Fur Hat// I just got this, and not only is it so fun and adorable, but it was also the best price I've ever seen on these trapper-style hats. It's also incredibly warm and comfortable to wear. It's lined with fleece, so it's soft against hair and skin! 

 Posture Corrector// This is one of the few items I don't personally own but would like to! You wear this for a few hours a day, and it is supposed to help with posture. You start off slowly, only wearing it for a short while, and work your way up. It has thousands of positive reviews. In this day and age, everyone is hunched over electronics. This could be so beneficial for many, including myself! 

Glasses/Sunglasses Holder// This is a pretty case to hold glasses or sunglasses on a tabletop. It's lined with a velvet-like material to keep the lenses from being scratched. You could use this on a desk or a nightstand, but the way I've been using it is that I have them in the door of my car on the driver's side, and I can access my sunglasses so quickly and easily, and don't have to fumble with a case or the little dropdown box while I am driving. Plus, I was able to pick a color that blends in with my interior. They are slightly weighted at the bottom, so they really stay put.  



You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

Friday, December 5, 2025

Weekend Wish List

Some items of note... 

- This Silver Shell Necklace is giving Juju Vera for WAY less. 

- This Skincare Set is an amazing deal with my code SUMMERWIND. 

- I saw this Silver Crossbody Bag in store the other day and loved it. It was the perfect small size and minimal branding! 

- I also saw this Belt  in store the other day and added it to cart! I've been loving Western-inspired pieces lately. 

- These Horsebit Slippers are such a good Gucci look for less. They would make a wonderful gift. 
Some items of note... 

- I got so many good ornaments the other day (on sale!), and I love this Beet Ornament. They have a huge selection of unique baubles! 

- I'm very into this Top and Bottom. The print is gorgeous and looks like something Samantha Stevens would have worn on a trip to Palm Beach! 

- Love the colors in this Fair Isle Sweater. Fun and vibrant for the gray winter months! 


For your weekend reading, here are blog posts you may have missed from this week:





You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Lately

Today's Lately is full of photos and text, so it's going to be a longer scroll! 

Henry loves his toy from his Advent calendar. I don't know who is more excited about this calendar, ha! 


The Jefferson served everything on Juliska's Country Estate, and I was in love. 

I put these Salt + Pepper Mills on my 'Wish List' gift guide. I kept admiring them at breakfast and finally turned them over to see the brand, and they were the ones I wanted, ha! I know what I like!

I'm sad that this box is now empty! If you are stuck on what to gift someone, you can't go wrong with Swedish candy



The best shoes. I've worn them so much over the last few months because they're cute but also incredibly comfortable! 


Did you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving? It feels so good to be back in my blog routine after all of those gift guides and Cyber Week sale roundups! It's been a minute! 

We had a great Thanksgiving. We always go to my parents' house for Thanksgiving. My sister and brother-in-law were in town all week, which was so lovely. My mom set a gorgeous table per usual, but this year, they definitely knocked it out of the park with the food. My mom and dad switched up some of their usual recipes, really more like tweaks, and it was the best Thanksgiving food I've ever had. 

Were you all able to snag something good during all of those sales? I bought one 'fun' thing for myself- these boots. Otherwise, it was mostly gifts for those on my list and a few restocks of stuff for my husband and me. I'm so glad to be done with my holiday shopping. Now I'm just waiting for it all to arrive so I can start my favorite part, wrapping! I have a glass of wine or hot tea, put on a Christmas movie (I'm thinking White Christmas), and it's so enjoyable. In the past two years, Thanksgiving has been late, and I prefer an early Thanksgiving. The holiday season seems abbreviated! Trying to slow down and soak it all in, as I am sure many of you can relate! Thanksgiving is not 'early' again until 2028 and 2029! 

This is a 'regular' week for me. Workouts, work, eating at home, you know the drill. Next week is when things start to get a bit crazy. We have social events 4 out of the 5 weeknights next week. Excited for them all, but that's a lot! 

Speaking of workouts, I went to Flo, a workout studio in South Hills Village, and all the classes are heated. My girlfriend goes there and invited me to go with her one morning last week. The workout was amazing (mat pilates), but holy moly, the heat was INTENSE! I can see myself doing it once in a while, but it's not something I want to do weekly. It's fun to switch it up here and there. The shower after that class was glorious, ha! 

We got our first big snow this week! I woke up giddy at the sight of the blanket of white outside my window! It really is the little things. It's charming and cozy to see snow-covered wreaths and garland.  And at night, it's magical with lights illuminating through the snow. It really adds to that nostalgic holiday feeling I'm always searching for as an adult. I love the snow until around mid-January, and then I become a big Grinchy about it all. We planned a winter escape to Florida for a few weeks, which is not something we typically do. I am SO excited. 




Wearing: Some outfits I've worn recently. It was mild up until Thanksgiving, and it's been freezing ever since, so I'm reluctantly pulling out boots and heavier coats and sweaters. 

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 


Eating: One of my girlfriends taught me this tip for the easiest breakfast. You can use any crescent roll/croissant dough, but the one in the freezer case near the Whole Foods bakery section is elite. You unroll the dough and add in ham and cheese. My favorite is the rosemary ham from the WF deli and gruyere cheese. It's divine and easy to make one or two at a time, or for a big crowd. They also have mini croissants! Of course, you can fill them with anything your heart desires, but there is something about a classic ham and cheese combo that is soooo good! 

Sale: I am all sale'd out! However, Dudley Stephens just sent me a message this week to let me know they reactivated my discount code, SYDNEY20, for 20% off! 

Watching:
 I got about 1.5 episodes into Pluribus on AppleTV and cannot get into it. I am not sure if it is the dark humor that I don't like or if the acting is really as bad as it seems. Everyone I know is raving about it, though, so it could just be me. I started All Her Fault, but I'm not even a full episode in yet, and it's fine so far! I haven't had much time for TV, but in the last week of December, I watch a lot, so let me know if you have any recs. I am, of course, watching the most recent Southern Charm season! 

Listening: My Christmast playlist is on repeat! 

Loving: I've been doing pale pink nails all year and finally switched it up to red, and it feels good! 

Wanting:
Love the shape of these sunglasses! These cute and simple initial charms would make a good gift. Such a fun winter scarf that would pop with any coat. A darling cardigan. This is such a cool little wallet. I love this boot brand. Just ordered my husband this sweater in the gorgeous royal blue color. A gorgeous little black dress at a great price point. Wow, this sweater is gorgeous. A Christmas gift I got my husband during the Cyber Week sales. Love this fair isle sweater in all 3 colorways. Very into this tank and pants set... if only I had a Palm Beach trip planned! Gucci style for a whole lot less. I've been slowly collecting more silver jewelry since I generally prefer yellow gold, and this silver cuff caught my eye. A gorgeous peplum top that I would pair with velvet cigarette pants. A sequined skirt fit for Christmas Eve! A gorgeous cable sweater made of natural fibers. The cutest personalized charm! Looks like something in Scott Calvin's closet after he fell off the roof, and I am here for it. This coat is GOOD.

Pittsburgh: I look forward to the Holiday Market every year. They have changed locations this year since Market Square is under construction! Thinking I'll head over there sometime next week! 

Amazon Rec: These Christmas hand towel napkins are the cutest thing ever! 

You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here on my Amazon page where I am constantly updating it with all of my finds and top picks from home, beauty, fashion, and more!

Smelling: This laundry detergent really is the best-smelling detergent EVER. I loathe dealing with liquid, but it's worth it for the scent. The notes are bergamot, geranium, pink pepper, moss, orcanox, and vetiver. 

Traveling: My husband and I spent the weekend before Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C., which was lots of fun. Those of you who have been reading here for years (Thank you!!) know I went to James Madison in Virginia, which had me in DC a ton during my school years and as a post-grad. My sister and I had a fun trip around this time two years ago, so I thought it would be fun for my husband and me to visit. Since we have been there so many times, it was the best trip because there was zero pressure to play tourist, and instead, we just relaxed and enjoyed good food, shopping, and walking around. I've been fortunate to stay in many of the iconic DC hotels over the years, but this was my first stay at The Jefferson, and we loved it SO much. We will definitely be back. The room was gorgeous and spacious; the staff was so attentive; we loved the Quill Bar and the fabulous breakfast service each morning. We will definitely stay here again! Now, we are staying put! We have no travel plans until 2026! 

Quoting: 'Kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers.' — Kahlil Gibran //See more of my favorites, here.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Afternoon Tea at the Inn on Negley, Pittsburgh, PA








A few weeks ago, my mom and I went to tea at The Inn on Negley, right in the heart of Shadyside. I first went in the spring with a few girlfriends and immediately knew it would be something my mom would love just as much as I did. The Inn transforms this time of year with twinkling lights, greenery, and historical but elegant touches everywhere you look. It is truly a Shadyside gem, but especially so at Christmastime. 

The Inn was originally built in 1884 as a private residence. It's now a bed-and-breakfast with 8 rooms and is well known for its afternoon tea. 

You pay a per-person flat fee for the tea service and food. It was delightful and felt so civilized. The food was excellent. My favorite was the egg salad finger sandwich. 

I'm always looking for unique things to do here in Pittsburgh, and this was definitely one of them! 

If you’re thinking about going, make your reservation as early as you can; their seasonal teas book up quickly, and for good reason. It's the perfect afternoon for a mother-daughter outing, to celebrate a special occasion, or get together with girlfriends. My husband wants to go, so I know we will be back soon. 



My mom and I both used our outing as an excuse to dress up, but you definitely don't have to. You could even wear jeans if you prefer. I love that this dress is dressy and festive, but doesn't look like a holiday dress. You can definitely wear it year-round!

If you are local to Pittsburgh, I'd love to know if you have any fun recommendations like this? Is there something you love to do during the holiday season or beyond that's a bit more out of the norm? 

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).
 

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