2014 Christmas Wish List

Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas? Sometimes, I think Christmas is the time to ask people for things you've been eyeing all-year-long but haven't gotten around to buying for yourself for whatever reason. Here's my list this year, and I'm sure Vanessa will update with hers soon...

1. Tom Ford - Santal Blush Fragrance ($215.00)

This fragrance is AMAZING. It is perfect for winter - warm and woody. It reminds me of walking into the spice section of a market. You can definitely smell the cinnamon. It's very expensive for a fragrance, but because of the strength of the smell, it would take a long time to fully use up.

Top notes: Indian spices, cumin, cinnamon, carrot seeds and fenugreek. Heart: jasmine, ylang-ylang and rose. Base: Australian sandalwood, cedar, benzoin, musk and oud.

  

2. Sonos Play: 1 Speakers ($199.00)

My friend has these speakers and for their small size, they are VERY loud. You're able to stream your entire music library and internet radio through them as well which definitely comes in handy.

3. A cozy robe (This one is from Topshop - $64.00)

The thing I hate most about cold weather is getting out of the shower and running around trying to find something warm to put on while you freeze. As we enter into winter in the Northern Hemisphere, a robe is the perfect Christmas gift. It's also the kind of thing you never feel inclined to buy for yourself as it's a little luxurious, so always something nice to receive. 

4. Sweater/knitted dresses (One Teaspoon, $190.00, Urban Outfitters, $79.00, For Love & Lemons, $184.00)

Sweater dresses are the perfect way to stay warm but look like you are making an effort. There are hundreds of them in stores and online right now, but here's just a few that I like:

5. Sunglasses (Gucci, $495.00, Celine, $395.00, Italia Independent, $197.00)

It's really hard for me to justify spending a lot of money on sunglasses since there are plenty of cheap ones that do the trick, but there's something about chic, good quality shades that can really pull a look together. They almost always always end up being worth the money as well, since you use them so often. Especially if you're someone who has regular early mornings, they can really save the day. Here are some that I've had my eyes on:

Hope you all are enjoying the beginning of the holiday season and that you get whatever is on your list this year! Of course the best gift of all is quality time with loved ones.

- Posted by Olympia

48 hours in Atlanta

I've lived in Atlanta for just over a year and am about to embark on a new journey, in a new city- Washington, DC. Even though I've lived in Atlanta for a while, I still feel like I haven't even seen 10% of the city. The only quintessential "touristy" activity I've done is visit Georgia Aquarium. The only thing I feel somewhat confident in suggesting when visiting Atlanta is where to eat and where to stroll. The food scene in Atlanta is INCREDIBLE, with many restaurants giving Southern food a unique twist. I thought I'd share my absolute favorite places in Atlanta and suggest what I'd do if I could only spend 48 hours in this great city. I hope some of you will find this handy when visiting! I'm sure there's plenty more to be discovered but these places are where I will have lasting, positive memories.

Day 1

Firstly, when staying in Atlanta I'd STRONGLY suggest finding a hotel that isn't Downtown or in Buckhead. The Midtown area is the most walk-able and is more distinct. I'd also suggest using Uber as your mode of transportation if you don't have a car- an easy app to download and much cheaper than regular taxis.

I'd wake up and grab a coffee and some pastries from Octane in Grant Park and the Little Tart Bakeshop inside. If you're a little hungrier, just opposite is Ria's Bluebird for a more hearty breakfast. Octane has the best coffee and just has a great vibe about it. The pastries are delicious and there's a good selection of sweet and savory- my favorites being the savory bread pudding and the brown sugar almond cake.

Following that deliciousness, you can walk through the historic cemetery nearby and make your way to Sweet Auburn Curb Market in Edgewood. This market is a great place to stroll through- with different vendors serving meals, groceries, even a book store. If you've had the light breakfast option, you can grab a snack from my personal favorite, Arepa Mia (Venezuelan food).

Now this would be the time to get any "touristy" activities out of the way since you're practically Downtown. Whether it's the Martin Luther King Jr. historical site or museum, the Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola or SkyView Atlanta, there are plenty of choices. Following this, I'd head to the Park Tavern in Piedmont Park for a relaxing drink and to watch the sunset.

Day 2

For this day, I'd suggest checking out the Decatur, Virginia Highlands, Little Five Points and East Atlanta Village neighborhoods. They are all fairly close to each other and are collectively my favorite parts of the city. Decatur has some cute boutiques and great restaurants- such as Cakes & Ale (where you can grab coffee). If it's on the weekend, I'd suggest going to the farmer's market and picking up a light snack there. But save room for the real highlight- an Urban Cannibals sandwich in East Atlanta Village. If I could eat here every single day, I would! The owner is lovely as well.

Strolling through Little Five Points, you will find a bunch of random and interesting boutiques. You will find the same in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood but they are more upscale. Another suggestion if you aren't too tired from walking, would be to walk the Atlanta Belt Line. It has great views of the city and often good street art too.

Finally, check out Miso Izakaya for dinner. Everything on their menu is delicious. 

Now I'm hungry...

- Posted by Olympia