holiday gift guide + giveaway

I sure hope you lovelies set aside some money for this one because there are a ton of great gifts and great deals! Click on the bold item description to be directed to the shop. The promo codes are good for any item in that specific shop, not just the featured item. If any of you lovelies snag goodies from this post please let me know! Happy Shopping!

Gifts for Him

1. What more could a man want then a keychain bottle opener? Got my boyfriend one of these and he uses it all the time!

10% OFF with code ALLB10 until Dec 15th

2. Any guy would probably kiss you if you handed him soap made from beer!

13% OFF with code LOVELY

3. Loving the sleekness of these hand carved iPhone + iPad cases. Very masculine. 

10% OFF with code Sale777

4. If your guy likes to cook, I'm sure he would love one of these magnetic spice kits! I know I would!

15% OFF with code CURRY

5. These air plant pods are masculine enough for him and will add comforting touches to his bachelor pad or office.

10% OFF with code alovelylittleblog

6. These shades are incredibly sleek. Hand carved and classically shaped any guy would rock a pair of these.

10% OFF with code LOVELY until Dec 10th

7. My boyfriend is a t-shirt fanatic, so I know he would love this quirky beer glasses shirt.

15% OFF with code LOVELY

8. I love these simple hand made wallets. For guys who want something a little more unique than the typical leather ones.

20% OFF with code lovelyholidays

Gifts for Her

1. Love the message of these delicate infinity bracelets + necklaces. So sweet, I want one!

10% OFF with code BLOG10

2. Any lady would love to keep warm with one of these hand knitted scarfs. They can be worn so many ways!

FREE shipping with code LOVELY until Dec 19th

3. This lovely little bow clip is a perfect stocking stuffer for any lady. 

20% OFF with code LOVELYCHRISTMAS until Dec 9th

4. I am so smitten with these clutches! Perfect for us girls to throw our change or bobby pins in!

FREE shipping with code FREENICO

5. These earrings are just all around lovely. Any girl would be ecstatic to get them!

10% OFF with code BLOG10

6. These earrings would make an awesome stocking stuffer! I love how simply classy they are.

10% OFF with code alovelylittleblog

7. Nothing will say it better than this necklace. No girl could resist this charming little heart.

20% OFF with code LOVELYCHRISTMAS until Dec 9th

8. These giant colored rings are stunning! If your girl likes to make a statement this is the perfect gift for her.

20% OFF with code LOVELYCHRISTMAS until Dec 9th

9. This sweet simple scarf is just right in so many ways. 

20% OFF with code LOVELYCHRISTMAS until Dec 9th

Gifts for All

1. Who wouldn't want one of these adorable terrariums? Perfect for grandmothers, siblings, friends, co-workers, anyone!

10% OFF with code alovelylittleblog

2. I love this baking company. Trust me whoever receives these little treats will be forever in your debt.

15% OFF with code LOVELY15

3. These sweet little bags are perfect gifts for granddaughters, nieces, or friends!

10% OFF with code LOVELYKYEBAGS10 until Jan 31st

4. Trust me. That's all that needs to be said about these cookies. Seriously.

15% OFF with code LOVELY15

5. Love these globe ornaments! Perfect for a traveler friend!

20% OFF with code LOVELYCHRISTMAS until Dec 9th

6. Little ones need gifts too! This shop has plenty of kid friendly choices, but these boat shoes are just way too cute!

20% OFF with code LOVELYCHRISTMAS until Dec 9th

7. I love these sweet little initial necklaces. Perfect for any girl, some bold guys might even gift their girl his own initial.

10% OFF with code BLOG10

8. What a fun creative gift! Make your own Chai Tea spice kit! I know plenty of friends who would love this!

15% OFF with code CURRY

Oops! One tea towel didn't get numbered! Refer to number 10 please :)

9. I got one of these initial clutches for my mom a while ago and she loves it! 

Perfect for holding all the little odds and ends in a purse.

20% OFF with code LOVELYCHRISTMAS until Dec 9th

10. These tea towels are so cute! There are so many different designs to choose from too!

10% OFF with code ALLB10 until Dec 15th

11. Lucky numbers, special dates, or just for fun these trinket boxes are too cute! 

20% OFF with code LOVELYCHRISTMAS until Dec 9th

12. This hand made body balm made with beeswax, mango, Shea butter, and cocoa sounds beyond amazing.

 I want one of these in my stocking please!

13% OFF with code LOVELY

13. This hand-made clutch is just adorable! Perfect for storing credit cards and keys!

10% OFF with code LOVELYKYEBAGS10 until Jan 31st

14. I am obsessed with these sunnies. How unique and awesome are they?

10% OFF with code LOVELY until Dec 10th

15. I have two of these sweet little catch all dishes and I use them constantly! 

One in my bedroom and one in the bathroom. 

20% OFF with code LOVELYCHRISTMAS until Dec 9th

 ENTER TO WIN 

this adorable make-up bag from Declaration Boutique and Events!

Bag retails at $32, and might have surprise or two tucked inside!

Contest Rules:

- Head on over to Declaration's Online Store and choose your favorite item.

- Leave a comment below and tell me your choice.

- Contest ends at December 9, 2011 at 11.59 PM

- Winner will be announced on December 10, 2011 

- One entry per person please

One additional entry for each of the following:

- LIKING a lovely little blog on Facebook

Make sure to include your Facebook name in your comment below

- LIKING Declaration Boutique + Events on Facebook

Make sure to include your Facebook name in your comment below

little loves

Another crazy week has come and gone, and I am sick once again. I'm not sure how I am ever going to kick this but hopefully I will figure something out... soon! This week was pretty low key for me, did the usual work, kickboxing, sleep, blog. Although Thursday I did have a very very belated birthday dinner and it was delicious! I also did manage to start my holiday shopping, and of course gave in to a few items for myself. I hope you lovelies had a wonderful week!

While holiday shopping for others I couldn't resist the urge to get this Dior Airflash Foundation that I tried while I was in Florida. It is unbelievable, seriously. Though this will only be used for special events and occasions due to it's cost. Still so excited!

Stumbled upon this image via Pinterest and am obsessed with it!! I love the cobalt blue touches. It makes me want to get an outfit with nudes, browns, and blues! So stunning!

I am in love with this idea to show off/ store pumps. Though I am not sure if it's good for the heels to be hung like that. Wondering if it would put too much stress on them?

Love this idea that Lauren Conrad posted to give the boy in your life "Rein-beer". 

So cute, I might have to try it out!

Picked up some custom pieces from Toony Jewelry this week, including these pretty bow necklaces. I love  how different they are from each other, but still so feminine. Can't wait to wear them soon!

phul effect giveaway winner

Last week I hosted my first giveaway thanks to the lovely Phul Effect shop. 

One of my lucky readers is scoring the piece of their choosing from the three choices above. 

I had fun preparing to draw the winners name. In total I had 17 contestants and 34 entries. I made sure all the pieces of paper were the same size and folded the same way. The winner had 3 entries (for her initial comment and one each for liking both myself and Phul Effect on Facebook). 

And the winner is...

Jamie please e-mail me at alovelylittleblog@gmail.com

Thank you to everyone who entered!

 Don't forget about the amazing 15% discount and FREE shipping Phul Effect is offering my readers! 

Shop HERE and enter the code LOVELY15 at checkout!

And stay tuned because Monday I have 15 different shops offering exclusive discounts and another amazing giveaway!

noto's winter wonderland

Hey there my lovely Akronites!

People are always saying there is nothing fun to do in Akron, but I'm here to tell you there is! And FREE too! 

This Saturday December 3rd my favorite little boutique Noto is hosting one of their infamous events 

at the posh Northside Lofts in Downtown Akron. 

Appetizers, spirits, live entertainment, fashion, prizes, and more are all in store for the evening. 

What more could you ask for for a FREE event?

I will be there, along with a few other fellow 330 Blogger's, will you?

I sure hope to see you there!

Visit Noto's official website, or the event Facebook page for all the details!

little loves

This was a pretty wonderful week if I do say so myself. I only had to work until Wednesday and then it was 3 full days off for me! I know, I'm totally spoiled or totally deprived I can't decide. Either way once the work week ended for me I went out with friends, shopped, ate, and danced the 3 blissful days away. 

My Thanksgiving nails, Sally Hansen's Nail Effect Strips in Check It Out.

On Wednesday I swung by fellow 330 Blogger, Sarah's farewell night out, then off to my friend Tony's 6th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Party, and ended the night stopping by my boyfriends gig at a local bar. 

Fellow blogger Sarah and myself at her farewell dinner.

The beer pong table at my friend Tony's. I love my nerdy artsy friends!

Thursday I went over to my Grandparents house and stuffed my face full of Thanksgiving goodness, napped with my boyfriend, then hit the stores at midnight with my mom and the boyfriend (and snagged some pretty good deals if I might say so myself). 

My best Black Friday find were these Candy Cane Kisses. 

These things are my Kryptonite, along with Handel's Peppermint Stick ice-cream.

Friday I slept in and caught up on some blog work then went out to a new Akron Martini/Wine Bar called Paolo's for another of the boyfriends gigs. They had AMAZING martinis and really great vibe. They also had some pretty nice specials that I definitely want to go back and check out.

Saturday I hit up Crafty Mart with some of by best friends (ran into some of my fellow 330 Blogger Girls) got lunch, shopped a little bit, and called it a night. 

Rachel, Myself, + Jessica outside Noto/Crafty Mart.

Hope you lovelies had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Don't forget to ENTER my first GIVEAWAY!

lovely little find + giveaway

I just love finding new ETSY artists. Not only for myself but for all you lovelies too! When I reached out to Crysten the lovely lady behind the little Phul Effect shop she was more than willing to work together. She is even offering up one of her fabulous pieces to one of you lucky lovelies! 

I really love her shop because it has such a variety. There are pieces that range from whimsy to refined, and edgy to classic. Everyone can truly find a piece they really love. When I asked Crysten to give me a little insight into how Phul Effect got started she had this to say:

"Phul Effect started came to fruition in 2007 after a break-up with a silly boy. I was feeling inspired and wanted fill my time, so I launched the jewelry line. Since then, I've traveled to Europe, South America and Asia, for school and play. The places I've been and the people I've met inspire my work--not to mention my designs frequently incorporate local oddities I collect along the way. It's certainly been a journey and the line has definitely evolved overtime, but I'm proud of what it's become and hopefully what it will be a few years down the road. "

Crysten was kind enough to offer up one of her lovely pieces just for you! 

Winner chooses from one of the following necklaces;  Leaf me Breathless Necklace, Handcuff necklace, or the Novia Necklace.

And don't you lovelies worry that this is all I have in store for you! All of my readers can save 15% off with the promo code LOVELY15 and FREE SHIPPING!

That is a total Black Friday steal! 

Shop HERE!

Contest Rules:

- Head on over to Phul Effect Shop and choose your favorite piece.

- Leave a comment below and tell me your choice.

- Contest ends at December 1, 2011 at 11.59 PM

- Winner wil be announced on Friday December 2, 2011 

- One Comment per person please

One additional entry for each of the following:

- LIKING a lovely little blog on Facebook

Make sure to include your Facebook name in your comment below

- LIKING Phul Effect on Facebook

Make sure to include your Facebook name in your comment below

- And one more entry opportunity revealed on my official FB page.

ode to sarah's laundry

Before I was a blogger myself, I was an avid blog reader. I spent hours upon hours on blogs from all over the world, covering all different topics. I would jump from blog to blog, wishing that in this little city of Akron I could have a blog. I can not for the life of me remember how I first stumbled upon AK2NY, which would eventually turn into Sarah's Laundry, but when I did it changed my little blog world. Before AK2NY I had never even imagined an Akron girl could have her own blog and people would read it. But there I was spending hours doing that very thing, and loving it! I started at Sarah's very first post, and day by day worked my way forward. 

I will never forget the day I was at work and I walked out and Sarah Stannard was sitting at my table. Of course she looked stunning and I was in my greasy work clothes. I was so nervous the whole time and couldn't make up my mind whether I should tell her I was a reader or not. Finally at the end of her meal I told her. Little did I know it made her whole day because that was the first time she had ever been recognized. 

What this sappy little blogger story comes down to is that it was Sarah who really inspired me to start my own blog. Of course I had wanted to before I even knew of AK2NY, but it was her little blog that made my lovely little blog not seem like such a crazy idea.

Once I started my blog and the 330 Blogger Collective was founded, Sarah quickly became one of my good friends. She was my ultimate blogger BFF and I have truly enjoyed getting to know her. She is a true one-of-a-kind lady and I will miss her dearly as she moves into the next chapter of her life, NYC!

Sarah, 

Thank you for welcoming another Akron blogger so warmly and kindly and showing me the ropes. You are so very talented and creative, and I can not wait to see what your future holds. New York has no idea what it has coming! 

Best wishes and much love from your blogger BFF,

Lyndsey