Block Heels.  Turtleneck.  Jeans.  Bag.  OTK Boots.

Lashes, Tan, and Mani c/o Glamour Bar Denver (Mention My Blog for $50 Off Lash Application)

Halcyon Cherry Creek

We were invited to experience Halcyon’s holiday Style Social and have a little staycation at their new hotel in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. Since the holidays make things a bit hectic, we were more than happy to escape and relax at a beautiful hotel nestled in one of our favorite neighborhoods. Which, I might add, is currently twinkling away with holiday decor on every corner.

Our night began with a tour of Halcyon’s property and I am still dreaming of their rooftop pool with scenic views of the downtown Denver skyline and Cherry Creek neighborhood. After our tour we attended Halcyon’s Style Social; a gathering of local businesses complete with live music, cocktails, and light bites. There were styled holiday looks from A Line Boutique, beautiful jewelry pieces from Gnat Jewelers, and makeup touch-ups by Live Love Lash.

After the Style Social we had dinner at Departure, a Pan Asian restaurant located in Halcyon. The restaurant space is designed to feel like an airplane. And the cuisine is just as creative as the interior design. We started with the Departure Wings, Steamed Short Rib Buns, and the Beef Rendang Samosas. For our second course, we ordered the Big Eye Tuna Poke and Thai Sausage + Egg Fried Rice.

We walked through the holiday lights outside and enjoyed a cappuccino and crêpe at one of our favorite spots, Crêpes ‘n Crêpes (see the exterior in my blog post here). And we finished the evening with champagne at the cozy hotel bar just inside the entrance.

The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast in bed while we listened to the record player in our room. It was actually my first time playing a record on a record player so I was quite intrigued. After getting ready, we were given the opportunity to borrow some goodies from Halcyon’s “Gear Garage”; a collection of things like bicycles, activity kits, and even a Vespa to make your stay at Halcyon even more personalized and special. I chose to experiment with the Leica camera and capture some film photography of the snow-dusted trees and twinkling holiday lights outside before checking out.

All in all, my favorite feature of the hotel is how cozy and relaxing it feels. The fireside room on the main floor is incredibly inviting and intimate. There are books stacked all around the room and I would love to spend the day just reading by the fire. There are complimentary light bites served throughout the day and each floor is equipped with a little tea bar near the elevators. These little touches are what make a hotel feel comfortable and what make a homebody like myself feel that much more at home even while traveling.

Have you ever done a staycation before? Any stories about a hotel or place that went above and beyond to make you feel at home? If so – where was it? I want to visit!

Gorgeous Mug.  Double Chocolate Cocoa.  Peppermint Cocoa.  Cake Cup Mix (ON SALE!)  Tissue Paper.  Star Gift Bag.  White Ribbon.  Pink Ribbon.  White + Gold Gift Tags.  Merry + Bright Gift Tags.

The other day, my friends and I were discussing how expensive the holiday season can be. There are lots of events, some of which require new or special outfits. Something inevitably goes wrong with the furnace/roof/car this time of year. Lots of big holiday meals to buy for and prepare. And then there are all the presents for family and friends on your list. Before you know it, you’ve racked up quite the holiday tab!

This inspired me to challenge myself to find a nice gift under $10. This is perfect for a sweet friend, a stocking stuffer, or secret santa or gift exchange present. During the hectic holidays why not gift someone something that encourages them to sit down, cozy up, and enjoy.

The mug ($5.99), two cocoa packets ($0.99 each), and a mug cake mix ($1.66) together come to 9.63, keeping you under any $10 gift exchange limit. If you add in the third cocoa packet I’ve shown the total still only comes to $10.62. And the blush + gold gift bags, tissue paper, both ribbon spools, and both sets of gift tags only come to $28… You will have plenty of tissue paper, ribbon, and gift tags left over for other presents!

Any other $10-$15 gift ideas you can share with us?

REWARD

ONE – Headphones // TWO – Clairsonic // THREE – Cufflinks // FOUR – Sweater // FIVE – Sunglasses // SIX – Scarf // SEVEN – Phone Case // EIGHT – Tie Set // NINE – Speaker // TEN – Shoe Shine Kit // ELEVEN – Slippers // TWELVE – Coat // THIRTEEN – Battery Charger // FOURTEEN – Passport Cover // FIFTEEN – Lounge Pants // SIXTEEN – Boots //

I always find the men on my list the most difficult to shop for. So I looked forward to creating this gift guide because it will help me finish my shopping too! I’ve rounded up some really lovely pieces I think any man would appreciate; beautiful accessories, curated boxes, things to stay warm outside, and things to stay cozy inside.

I’d love to hear your gift ideas for the men on your list; what will you be gifting them this year?

More 2016 Gift Guides:  Home Gift Guide and Luxe Gift Guide

All Things Holiday:  TCG Holiday Page

Scarf.  Sweater Dress.  Shoes.  Similar Shoes.

Blowout, Lashes, Tan, Nails c/o Glamour Bar Denver (Mention My Blog for $50 Off)

Miranda L. Sober Photography

Sometimes I just want to be cozy in this crazy Colorado weather that’s been up and down lately. I discovered this gorgeous gray off-shoulder sweater dress that looks completely different on the body than it does in a flat photo or on the hanger; it’s so flattering and feminine. The color pairs beautifully with my tan scarf, which I can’t rave enough about. Two people have asked me if it’s cashmere but the scarf is actually under $50 and is the longest, coziest scarf I own. I currently have my eye on the blush version!

Hope you are staying warm and cozy this weekend! I am tucked inside by the fire, watching far too many Hallmark holiday movies and working on gift guides and posts for next week. How are you spending your weekend?

1 – Necklace // 2 – Notebooks // 3 – Makeup Advent // 4 – Magnifying Mirror // 5 – Candle Set // 6 – Perfume // 7 – Lip Gloss // 8 – Balm Set // 9 – Bag // 10 – Watch // 11 – Candle // 12 – Bra // 13 – Pajamas // 14 – Chocolates // 15 – Panties // 16 – Sunnies // 17 – Trench // 18 – Boots // 19 – Card Case // 20 – Heels // 21 – Vest // 22 – Ribbon Flats

This is my favorite gift guide to create because all the items are so dreamy! Whether you’re feeling a little spendy or just in the mood to drool over pretty things, I’ve gathered all my favorite luxe holiday gift ideas for 2016. These are perfect gifts for the people who have everything or that special woman in your life. I promise whoever receives any of these options will be thrilled. Feel free to send this to your significant other if you have your eye on one of the items!

If you could have any “dream” item, what would it be?

More 2016 Gift Guides:  Home Gift Guide and Men’s Gift Guide

All Things Holiday:  TCG Holiday Page