gifts for swifties + football fans

IN HONOR of everyone’s favorite power couple, I put together a little collection of things for your favorite Swiftie or Football Fan of any age. They’d all make sweet gifts on their own or as a little bundle. Some are awesome stocking stuffers or party favors, too. Love you to the moon and to Saturn, lovelies. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Gifts for Swifties

> This hardcover Personalized Journal is inspired by 1989 and has Taylor’s advice on the back for extra motivation. They also have a cute Personalized Mug to match. > $22.50

> LOVE this Swiftie Beaded Strap that you can use on your own bag or with one of their clear bags in several colors. So cute. > from $60

> How cute are these Taylor-inspired Butterfly Wings All-Star Chuck Taylors? Love. > $75

> This cute Swiftie-Inspired Makeup Bag comes in two sizes that are both perfect for cosmetics, beading supplies + other loose stuff > from $15.75

> This big pack of 100 Taylor Swift Vinyl Stickers is perfect for laptops + water bottles and for sharing with friends > $9.99

> These Song Lyric Pencils are such a cute reminder anywhere you go + a great gift to share with friends > $14

> Oh I love this In My Play Dough Era Kit, it's brimming with adorable charms and bits to fold into the sparkly play dough and can be personalized, too > from $27.95

> Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography is so cute + collectible at any age > $5.99

> This cute album-inspired Canvas Tote is perfect for shopping, sleepovers or practice and comes in a few different versions > $19.99

> Sequins and Sparkle is just one of Melsy's original art print illustrations celebrating Taylor’s costumes > from $25

> Make the most adorable cookies for your Swiftie friends with this sweet Friendship Bracelet Cookie Kit > from $10

> Blow your friendship bracelet-makers mind with an eye-popping 20,000-Piece Bead Kit in every color under the sun + letters, too > $27.99

> 96 Facts about Taylor Swift also has fun little quizzes and spaces for journaling > $6.99

> These awesome Taylor Swift Mad Libs are perfect for a sleepover or for party favors > $5.99

gifts for football fans

> Take your tailgate fully next-level with Yetii's NFL Collection, which allows you to fully customize your drinkwear AND cooler > from $20

> A Custom Airbrushed Football is a very cool keepsake gift for your football player or fan > $65

> Keep your Bubbly or Olipop cold with a S’well End Zone Drink Chiller > $20

> You can't get much closer to the action than playing College Football 25 for PS5 with super realistic graphics > $69.99

> I gifted these Personalized Gatorade Bottles to my son’s buddies and they loved them and can now tell whose bottle is whose at practice > $16.99

> Keep the game going even after dark with these adjustable LED Flag Belts > $39.99

> Catch like a pro and look cool doing it in Nike Vapor Jet Football Gloves in both adult and Youth sizes > from $40

> This adorable fuzzy Palm Pals Football is cute for fans of any age > $9.99

> Go Long! Football Dice Game is fast-paced fun for any fan of the game > $13.99

> Keep your tech protected in style with a Football AirPods Case > $8.99

> Pottery Barn Teen x NFL is the coolest collection of football-themed decor, bedding and backpacks for any major fan [there's NBA + MLB, too] >

> This Pop Charts Pro Football Stadiums Poster an awesome decoration, but is also a scratch-off, so you can track which places you’ve visited > $24.99

> Test your fan’s knowledge with he NFL Gridiron Trivia Challenge > $39.99

> A Tangle Nightball Light Up Football is so fun, comes in 4 colors and lights up when thrown or caught > $29.99

> My youngest LOVED these Football Guys. It's two whole football teams, a ref, a goal post and a felt field for setting up plays [there are Hockey, Soccer, Basketball and Baseball Guys, too]. > $29.99

> Get your fur baby fans into the action, too, with a Nerf Squeaky Football Dog Toy > $11.99

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our favorite halloween books

WHEN MY boys were teeny, we started collecting books for each holiday. It has been a super sweet ongoing tradition and I just love pulling out the books each season, signaling the start of the holiday hoopla. Thank GOODNESS my big guys are still willing to read some picture books with their mama; I’ll be truly devastated when they start to roll their eyes at me when I bust out the holiday books. For now, I’ll cherish each snuggle and giggle and “ooh, I remember that one!” We have amassed a truly awesome collection of Halloween books and I wanted to share a big pile of my favorites and a few that are on our list. Some are sweet, some are spooky, but they’ll all get you excited about the season. If you have any favorites, please do share! I’ll keep adding to our collection until we’re solidly into the eye rolling phase. xo

:: Dia de los Muertos is an excellent explanation and celebration of this colorful holiday with the most awesome illustrations. ::

:: How to Make Friends with a Ghost is sweet and adorable and touching and has really pretty illustrations, too. ::

:: Of course The Scariest Book Ever isn’t even the tiniest bit terrifying, but a scaredy ghost thinks it will be. It’s super adorable and has the brightest, happiest illustrations. ::

:: I absolutely love the fantastic illustrations in Bone Soup. It’s a clever story about using your wits to get what you need and bring people together. ::

:: A World Full of Spooky Stories is a big gorgeous collection of scary stories from around the world, some you may have heard and many that you probably haven’t. ::

:: Skeleton for Dinner is a super cute story about a BIG misunderstanding between friends that ends sweetly. ::

:: The Hallo Wiener is a story about how the tables turn when a small dog saves the classmates who bully him. It’s written by Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man and Captain Underpants, so you’ll get bonus points from the start. ::

:: Uh oh, Wolfboy is super hangry. This funny book has a surprise ending and THE most awesome ‘illustrations’ made entirely of clay. It’s visually fantastic. ::

:: Popcorn is one in an adorable series of Frank Asch Bear Books. It’s about what happens when you have too much of a good thing. ::

:: Sara Conway’s illustrations in Ghost Afraid of the Dark are SO sweet, plus the cover glows in the dark, which is always a hit. This is a cute story about being brave enough to face your fears. ::

:: I LOVE No Such Thing, it’s part adorable seek + find book and part sweet story about denying that something is right in front of you. ::

:: Bear's Spooky Book of Hidden Things is just THE most adorably illustrated seek + find book ever. My big boys still love going through it together. We also love the Christmas and Springtime versions. ::

:: I LOVE Nobody Likes a Goblin and Ben Hatkes’ gorgeous, detailed, adorable illustrations. While not a true Halloween book, it’s a sweet story about friendship and being brave in the face of perilous adversity AND has goblins, skeletons and witches, so... ::

:: I Need My Monster is a funny, suspenseful story about imagination and unlikely friendship. ::

:: If you love the Crayons’ silly banter as much as we do, you'll appreciate The Crayons Trick or Treat, a wee little book about them trying to learn about this important holiday ritual. ::

:: Gustavo the Shy Ghost is a really sweet story about finding the courage to make yourself seen. ::

:: Creepy Pair of Underwear is another spooky, funny story in the ‘Creepy Tales’ series, filled with mystery and bravery. ::

:: Lonely Planet Kids Atlas of Monsters and Ghosts cleverly teaches kids the story behind the most famous monsters and mythological creatures around the world with some bonus geography in there, too. The illustrations are really fun. ::

:: Creepy Carrots is a funny book about what happens when you get a little greedy. The illustrations are awesome. ::

:: Peanut Butter & Brains is just a really cute and fun story about staying true to yourself even if others don’t get it right away ::

:: Bonaparte Falls Apart is an adorably illustrated story about the power of friendship to help you keep it together. ::

:: That greedy pug is at it again in Pig the Monster. He’s rudely trying to steal everyone’s candy until he’s reminded that dogs can’t eat chocolate and he learns his lesson in the grossest way. ::

:: Room on the Broom is the most awesome now-classic story of inclusivity and friendship and adventure. I just love all of Julia Donaldson’s books. ::

:: Love Monster and the Scary Something is the cutest darn book about being super brave and facing your fears. ::

:: Bonesville is a big gorgeously designed and illustrated book that teaches kids about every bone in their little body while they try to solve a very perplexing Bonesville mystery. ::

:: Monster Needs a Costume is an adorable story about trying something new. It’s super cute for little littles. ::

:: Trick or Treat, Crankenstein is the newest in this series that we love for its relatable grumpy main character and truly awesome illustrations. It’s about what happens when nothing goes the way you’d hoped. ::

:: Ready, Steady, Ghost! shows us that everyone can be brave no matter your size. ::

:: Ok, so Ed Emberley's How to Draw Monsters isn’t a book per se, but it is a favorite. Learn how to draw all of the season’s spookiest characters in Emberley’s iconic style. ::

:: I just love the vintage-feeling illustrations in Ghosts in the House! It’s a simple, super sweet story about how to solve a potentially spooky problem. ::

MORE IN… holidays + special occasions

thanksgiving + autumn books

THANKSGIVING is such a lovely holiday. I mean, a day reserved just for cooking and eating with family and friends is a total winner in my book. I love hearing about other family’s traditions and the dishes they HAVE to have on their holiday table [def sweet potatoes with marshmallows here]. Plus there’s the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Westminster Dog Show and football… I love it all.

IT FEELS to me like the wealth of super amazing books that perfectly illustrate the lovely tradition and sentiment of Thanksgiving are a bit trickier to find than with some other holidays. Maybe it’s something to do with an adorable [only in books] farm animal being eaten at the end or the controversial history of the holiday that just makes it tough to honor properly? BUT, never fear, I totally have you covered. Our little family def has a few really beloved favorites that are meaningful and funny or sweet and help start a conversation about gratitude and enjoying family and friends [plus a few more that I have my eye on]. I also included a few really lovely books about nature and the magical season change. As always, if you know of some Turkey Day gems, please share them in the comments so we can add to our collection. And Happy Thanksgiving, lovelies. I’m so grateful for you. xo

thanksgiving + autumn books for kids

> Bear Says Thanks is our hands-down FAVORITE Thanksgiving book. We really love the whole series of ‘Bear’ books, they’re all so charming and lovely. And the perfect lilting rhyming aside, this is just the sweetest story and it beautifully captures the real spirit of the holiday.

> ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving is such a cute + FUNNY book from the creator of the super popular Dog Man and Captain Underpants series’. It follows the rhyming structure of its original counterpart, but has a VERY different ending. See what happens when a class full of kids on a farm field trip discover the fate of their new feathered friends. And of course Dav Pilkey’s illustrations are so fun and whimsical.

> Fans of Bruce will love this wee, funny Thanks for Nothing. The mice are SO thankful for everything that they accidentally leave nothing left to celebrate with.

> Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie is a super inclusive, interesting and cool story that both teaches you about the origin of some of your favorite Thanksgiving desserts AND gently encourages ‘particular’ kids to try something new.

> Holly's Thanksgiving Wish is a super cute book about following your dreams with the loving support and encouragement of family and friends. It has a fun rhyming style and adorable illustrations.

> Poor Fletcher is concerned about all of the leaves falling from the trees. When winter comes he gets a sweet surprise in Fletcher and the Falling Leaves.

> Learn about the puppeteer who invented the original balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Balloons Over Broadway. With incredibly detailed collage illustrations, this cool book really shows the genius behind the beloved tradition.

> I love Tomie dePaola [I mean, who doesn’t?]. Strega Nona was one of my absolute favorite books growing up. Strega Nona's Harvest has the beloved Italian grandmother teaching you about the season’s bounty and what it takes to get there.

> I am Thankful is an inclusive book about the true spirit of gratitude. It also includes a little section to practice your own gratitude.

> A sweet simple story about gratitude for nature that ends with all the ingredients needed for you to make an apple cake at home. Apple Cake: A Gratitude is super sweet for littles especially.

> The Leaf Thief is just about the cutest way ever to learn about the changing of the seasons. The illustrations are so adorable.

> Cynthia Rylant is known for her poetic + peaceful stories. In November is about nature’s seasonal cycles, people gathering together and family.

> Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn is such a sweet celebration of nature in all of its transitional glory.

> Thanks for Thanksgiving is a cute, simple book that highlights everyday things to be grateful for, like puppies and piggyback rides and rain boots. But MOSTLY for family. There’s a page in the back for kids to write their own list of things they’re thankful for, too.

> Ok Peppa Pig Day of Giving Thanks is just adorable. It’s a super sweet story about being thankful for the little things in nature. The end is pure Peppa and very cute, especially for little fans of the Pig family.

> The Scarecrow is a really precious story of unlikely friendship and defying expectations. The illustrations are very detailed but serene.

> Turkey is terrified when Moose comes looking for him for Thanksgiving dinner. A Turkey for Thanksgiving is a sweet story about friendship and a big misunderstanding.

> We are So Thankful is a guided gratitude journal that provides prompts for you to talk about what you’re grateful for each day.

> In true Peanuts style, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is about friendship and being together with a few of the gang’s silly snafus and life lessons along the way.

> Gratitude is my Superpower teaches kids that happiness is about simple things like family and friends and that gratitude is always in their hearts.

MORE IN… little kids + big kids

halloween decor

I LOVE HALLOWEEN. I just think it’s the holiday that begs for THE most creativity and resourcefulness and commitment to the cause; people BRING it for Halloween. I love seeing what people dream up for a holiday that’s designed just for fun. And while I SO appreciate the grimmer and more, um, graphic things that people dream [or nightmare] up to mark the occasion, my version def leans more PG. I’m a bit of a weenie and it doesn’t take much to jump-scare me into nearly wetting my pants, so we keep it pretty Hallmark over here. Fortunately, there is no shortage of Halloween stuff that’s more darling than devilish and I love it.

IF YOU ALSO prefer Halloween decor that won’t scare the pants off your guests, I’ve rounded up some pretty, subtle, elevated things that will have your haunt looking festive, but not freaky, for spooky season. Accents here and there can go a long way to creating a solid Halloween vibe without cackling heads or severed fingers [if that’s your thing, you GO and send me a photo]. To help get even more into the ‘spirit’ of the season, check out the Gift Guide to Halloween and Our Favorite Halloween Books to truly delight your little ghosts and goblins all month long. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

pretty halloween decor

OOO Geometry’s Halloween-themed Tea Towels, Dinner Napkins and Not-Paper-Towels come in THE best prints, whether you want the ‘spirit’ of the season to be shouted or whispered OOO | Use codeDarcieC15 any day of the year for 15% off

OOO Anthropologie’s huge collection of spooky and gorgeous decor, like these pretty Crow Taper Holders, will elevate any space OOO

OOO I love these sweet handmade Ceramic Ghosts and each one is unique OOO

OOO A PyroPet Cat Candle is a fun way to count down the days to the spooky finale when a skeleton emerges from the wax shell OOO

OOO Love the matte black version of Staub’s Petite Ceramic Pumpkin, it’s perfect for dips or candy and goes straight from oven to table OOO

OOO Oh I love this Fang Wall Art and lots of the other prints by this same artist OOO

OOO This fun set of 3D Bat Stickers sets a vibe that’s not too creepy OOO

OOO Love this cutie canvas Ghost Pillow ethically made in Kenya. There’s also a super adorable Mummy and clever Banners, too OOO

OOO These pretty Bluecorn Beeswax Tapers come in a bunch of colors that will elevate your table for the season OOO

OOO Crate & Barrel’s Haunted Houses come in 3 different sizes and set a fun spooky mood OOO

OOO Both useful and pretty, Skeem’s Glass Match Cloches include a striker and set a mood OOO

OOO These big soft Pumpkin Pillows are a fun squishy accent and can carry you all the way to Thanksgiving OOO

MORE IN… holidays + special occasions

jennifer aniston salad

THE SUNNY spring weather has me craving FRESH and nothing quite satisfies that itch like a really good salad. Now lovelies, there is some lore around this Jennifer Aniston Salad recipe. Maybe she invented it, maybe she inspired it or maybe she had nothing at all to with it. Honestly, I really don’t care which is true, I’m just here for the crazy delicious combination of some of my favorite things all packed into one bowl. It’s jammed with protein [14 g according to the original recipe] and the big pile of herbs [don’t skimp, promise] gives it the extra punch of freshness that I’m looking for. I like to make it on a Sunday so my husband and I have a few super delicious lunches to start the week and it never disappoints. No ‘sad desk lunch’ here. It’s also fabulous as a side for anything on the grill, making it a perfect summer BBQ addition.

BECAUSE THIS salad was a bit of an internet sensation, there are a bunch of recipes out there, some with slight variations in ingredients. The one that I make and LOVE is from Brittany at Eating Bird Food. I’ve included it here for easy reference, but do check out her site for some other gorgeous, healthy recipes. And I’ve also shared below a few of my very favorite prep tools in case you spot something you ‘need.’ I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and I’m all about having the ‘right tool for the job,’ it just makes everything easier and more fun. I hope you love this salad as much as I do, lovelies. Let me know what you think. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup quinoa [uncooked]

• 1 cup chopped Persian cucumber

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

• 1/3 cup chopped red onion

• 1/2 cup roasted + salted shelled pistachios [like these…]

• 1 can of chickpeas drained and rinsed

• juice of 2 lemons

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• salt to taste

• ground black pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta [I just throw in the whole tub]

INSTRUCTIONS

• Cook the quinoa according to package directions and put in the fridge to cool

• Prepare all of your veggies and herbs

• Mix the lemon juice and oil to make the dressing

• When the quinoa is chilled, add all of the ingredients + dressing and toss

• Adjust salt + pepper as needed [remember that the pistachios and feta already provide a good bit of saltiness, so I suggest tasting before adding much more, I usually just need a pinch or two]

• ENJOY your gorgeous lunch or side

Some of My Favorite Kitchen Prep Tools

+ I always have little Geometry Dishcloths on hand when I cook for daily wiping up spills and collecting the drips + Use code DarcieC15 for 15% off your whole order

+ I LOVE my Oxo Glass Prep Bowls, they’re the perfect size and totally indestructible +

+ My mom gifted me this Crate & Barrel Berry Colander Mug and it’s perfection for smaller jobs +

+ I have a few types of knives, but these Hedley & Bennett Chefs Knives are the ones I grab every time, they’re sharp and balanced and the perfect sizes +

+ This Oxo Citrus Squeezer is easy to use and easy to clean and I use it pretty much everyday +

+ I have several Material ReBoards in both sizes and I love them all, but especially the Grippy ones +

+ I use my Mini Whisk ALL of the time for dressings, marinades, eggs… it’s just a great little tool +

+ This GIR Silicone Scraper is the best tool I never knew I needed until I had it, it’s just perfect for gathering all of your little cut bits +

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