cliche gift guide

I arise from the dead is what I want to say, but not so much how I wanted to say it. But here is proof I still exist and very periodically click on over to this space and brush off the cobwebs. The update is a totally different story. For now, since the only thing that seems to be going on in blog world is gift guides (yawn), I decided to join in on the fun. I mean like they say if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

I won't bore you on what you should be buying your lovely smelling man in your life, or the little brother who's #1 priority is still sports, but more what you should buy for you. Because in my book? You deserve it.

I tend to be the worst at gift giving (whoops – ask anyone close to me) because I tend to just spend my only currency on myself. So take this guide as you will – pin it to your 'wishlist' pinterest board (because yea, we all have those), consider buying a few odds and ends for your mumsies/sisters/cousins/super trendy best friends, and obviously yourself.

P.S: Don't forget to wrap once received and put it under it under the tree! Or Hannukah bush.

– 'Merci' cards. Perfect for sending long lost cousins a trendy thank you to counteract their shitty gift giving. 

– Vogue and Coffee. To fuel the artsy bloggers motivation. Oh and to create a perfect instagram photo

– Scout tee via Sincerely Jules. One step closer to being a famous blogger, she whispers to herself.

– Cashmere Scarf via Zara. Yes, Zara scarves are all the rage.

– Amy Stone print via Design Darling. I could live in Amy's instagram photos for the rest of my life and be fully satisfied. On the reals, everything about her eye for beautiful visuals is something I admire. always.

– Blanket via Lulu & Georgia. Yes. Blankets are everything.

You will not find me in a mall for the next 15 days or so. Comin' for ya, online shopping. As for the blog world? Let's hope I don't go milk-carton missing again anytime soon. Focker out.

I'm feeling 22...

To the "ael" to my "Rach" (read: The Rachael Way),

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I figured since I can't send you mail (I mean I could, but lets face it I'm more than broke), posting about you on our favorite thing (aka how we became friends) is a pretty cool gift. Also, people can read this and agree as to why we have so much love for you. Talking to Ashleigh and then you about two weeks less than a year ago, I would have never expected to come out of all of this with a best friend. Meeting you in the basement of a frat house (lol, what is life) minus the partying and just talking forever about blogging and just getting each other? Yea, never thought I would have left Ohio knowing I made a new best friend forever. 

As you say, #BridesmaidStatus. 

I couldn't put into words the amount of thankfulness that I have that you are in my life. I can tell you realllllly anything and I know it won't be pushed into judgement category of your brain. You accept me for who I am...even if I've called you crying, freaking out about dates I'm about to concur, dealing with the men that suck, and every little positive thing in between. Because let's face it there are more positive than negatives in life but the fact that we can listen to each others negatives when we face them is a beautiful thing.

Thank you for letting me vent to you when its my time 4am and yours 4pm. Thank you for dealing with every call before AND after dates- good or bad. Thank you for making your two hour drive to meet little ole sunshine and sinatra. Thank you for inspiring me to rebrand. Thank you for meeting me in a frat basement for gosh sakes. Thank you for your gifts. Thank you for showering me with love (wow look at me sentimental as eff). Thank you for encouraging me to follow what I love! Thank you for rocking at life. Thank you for being the best person you could ever be. Thanks for all of our bucky inside jokes that I can think of to myself and laugh at (change blog title to something with Felicia). Thank you for being you - you rock never change. 

I cannot wait until you can return back to the U.S because I am booking my flight to see you A.S.A.P. (even though its miles away). I know you are enjoying china and I am so proud of you for taking your own leap of faith and doing something that scared you. 

Hope you're crying because we're good at being sentimental.

Thanks for giving me a blog topic for today.

I hope you're feeling the 22-est. 

X's and O's and Felicia's,

Sunshiney Rach