Christmas Weekend [photos]

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah! Billy and I had the rare occasion of having both Saturday & Sunday off together! It was a fabulous {and quiet} weekend that involved lots of eating, shopping and being thankful for what we have!

Our beautiful tree - I love all of our bright ornaments and shiny packages

Christmas Eve we went shopping and I scored this fab J Crew dress for 35 bucks with an original price of $395! Talk about a steal...

My gorgeous gifts that my husband picked out all by himself!!!

We really racked up the gift cards from both sides of our family! Apparently we like to shop and go to the movies A LOT! :)

This was The Jacky on Christmas night... talk about being exhausted! We think he had too much eggnog....

Hope you had a wonderful mini-break! Yay for 4-day work weeks!

Lusting After: Designer Shoes

If you're a regular reader you know how much of a budget shopper I am. I hardly ever buy anything over $70 dollars and I'm really proud of my thrifty nature. But that doesn't mean I still don't day dream about owning extremely gorgeous and very expensive pieces - mainly shoes. Since we've been together, the hubs and I have been working so hard to pay off his school loans from Veterinary school. We're so close and next month we will officially be DEBT FREE! I cannot wait for the moment when we send in our final payment. With that being said, I am so excited when I can finally make my first bold purchase and not have a guilty feeling about it. In honor of this new territory, I've already scoped out some amazing choices. Tell me what you think:

Charlotte Olympia Masako Silk-Satin pumps $875

Gucci Zebra-print calf-hair pumps $695

Jimmy Choo Vamp Glitter Platform Sandals $750

Miu Miu Platform Shoe Bootie $750

Maybe Santa will slip one under the tree for me... wishful thinking! Merry Early Christmas everyone!!

Images via {check links above}

{Holiday} Gift Guide: For The Guy

1: J Crew Cashmere Scarf $88. 2: Ray-Ban Classic Wayfarer Sunglasses $145. 3: Sperry Top-Sider Oxford Boot $100. 4: Fossil Messenger Bag $278. 5: Brixton Leather Belt $45. 6: Pentax Vintage Inspired Digital Camera $250. 7: L'Occitane After Shave Balm $30. 8: Nixon "51-30" Chrono Watch $375. 9: Imbibe! Book $20. 10: North Face Down Jacket $200.

Let's face it... Men are hard to shop for. Every Christmas and Birthday I'm continually stumped about what to buy my husband or father or brother. It seems anything they want, they either already have or buy it themselves. So this year I wanted to include a few options and ideas that may help you find the perfect gift for that special guy. I'm loving that digital camera that looks like a vintage collectable or a fabulous pair of classic sunglasses. Or if your guy appreciates whiskey as much as my husband does, reach for a fabulous read featuring stories and drink recipes dedicated to the first pioneer of the American bar. What guy wouldn't love that? Good luck Ladies!!