Last Minute Gift Guide | Health + Wellness

1. I love tumblers + travel mugs (I know, so #basic) and this is the only brand I use! So many shapes, sizes, colors and they actually work!! Check out the new Curve design!

2. This copper coffee press is so luxurious. Plus it forces you to slow down and enjoy the morning!

3. For the hostess with the mostest! You know what they say - if it's not moving, monogram it!

4. This is my absolute favorite product. My ride or die. My deserted island item. The one supplement I must have. While you're at it, search the entire website - there's something for everyone!

5. I know this is a splurge item, but trust me it's revolutionary! Especially for morning smoothies, nut butters, soups and so much more!

6. No gift guide would be complete without adaptogens and supplements. Support small, women-owned business and shop from my girl Alyssa! She is so kind and knowledgeable and all her products are incredible! I especially love Reishi and Pine Pollen.

7. Yes, I included a planner because I believe organization is key to a calm mind which leads to a healthier life! Shop from my girl Ashley, another amazing #girlboss! I love all of her designs - so incredibly chic!

8. This not only the perfect gym bag, but it also works great as a weekender or carry-on! I picked it up in Black Cherry for myself ;)

Tips On How To Have A Stress Free Holiday

I've said it a million times before -- it's the most wonderful time of year. But unfortunately for a lot of us with all the love, laughter and joy comes stress. Whether it's because of a strained relationships with family members or all of the cooking that you have to do -- there's a lot going on this time of year and it can lead to unnecessary tension and stress. I want you to enjoy Thanksgiving, eat lots and laugh with your family. I want you to have a calm and peaceful Christmas and spend time focusing on what is most important. 

So here are my tips for how to have a stress free holiday:

Accept You Can't Do It All
I listed this first because it's is so necessary and a key to having a stress free holiday. The sooner you can get on board with this idea, the better. I know you're a super woman / mom / friend. But you cannot do it all for everyone. So prioritize and do your best. Accept the things you cannot do or change.

Just Buy It

Last night a friend showed me a picture of a delicious meal. I was so impressed, I immediately ask 'Did you make that?!' Without skipping a beat, he replied 'Yes! I made the money that I used to buy that!' I LOVED that answer! Understand that there are some things worth spending money on -- your time is one of them. Wherever you can -- BUY! Buy the dessert for your Thanksgiving dinner. Buy the cookies for that DIY Christmas Cookie Exchange. I promise you no one cares. Save yourself the hassle and remove extra stress this holiday season. I love this concept of being ok with good enough. Now, I know that's hard for some of us perfectionists out there but it can be a truly freeing and revolutionary concept once we accept it. So repeat after me: "Yes, it's good enough that I will buy the cake for my son's classroom party!" You get the idea :) 

Stay Home

I am usually one to promote accepting invitations and going out in to the world to experience different events. You never know what will happen or who you will meet. But this time of year is sooooo busy to begin with. Don't add extra stress by attending every single thing you get invited to. Again, prioritize and pick the things that mean the most to you. Attend the events you actually want to attend. For everything else, just send a lovely holiday card and call it good!

PLAN

Now of course I was going to include planning as one of my tips. Don't take it for granted. Spend some time now to map out your holiday party schedule, keep track of your gift list, decide what you'll be purchasing on Black Friday, organize your mailing list for holiday cards. All of these are important elements for staying organized during the holiday season. [And of course, don't forget to pick up my DIY printable stickers to make your planner look super cute as you organize! ;)]

When Life Gives You Lemons

Smell them! According to researchers at Ohio State University, the smell of lemons quickly boosts your mood. So the next time you feel stressed, use this easy and fast DIY trick to feel better instantly. 

Practice Self-Care

I know this should go without saying, but take care of yourself! When you are running around organizing dinners and wrapping gifts and pleasing everyone else, it's easy to get run down and exhausted. So plan some time in your weekly schedule to get a massage, read a book, watch some YouTube video on the couch, or whatever else you love to do. Do what you love! And a productivity tip: make sure you actually write it down in your planner, that way you are much more likely to do it. So Treat Yo Self! Oh and of course, I have some stickers for that! ;)

Do you have any other tips and tricks to share to help make this a stress-free and relaxed holiday season? Please do share them in the comments below!

Wishing you and yours all the very best

xo

Holiday Gift Guide 2016 | Planner & Organization Lovers

Can you believe it's time to think about gift giving again?! The holidays are right around the corner! I'm constantly asked about my favorite planner supplies and what I would recommend to purchase for  paper lovers. Check out my latest YouTube video to see my top picks!

Cloth & Paper - I love Ashley's boutique for a well-curated assortment of beautiful & chic planner and office supplies! This is the perfect gift for the girl boss in your life!

Filofax Gold Saffiano Customizable Notebook - This is the perfect notebook because it can be customized just like a 6 ring agenda or Arc / Levenger disc bound system but it still functions like a notebook. Plus! It's a beautiful gold saffiano material -- the cover is thick & durable. Highly recommend!

CrateJoy - A fun online marketplace so you can pick out your own subscription box!

Leather Alphabet Stickers (for Louis Vuitton Agenda or anything else!) - These are the PERFECT affordable dupe alternative the Anya Hindmarch leather alphabet stickers. I LOVE these! Couldn't recommend them more!

Chic Planner Stickers - For those of you who share my aesthetic and are always looking for chic, sophisticated planner supplies, please check out my sticker designs! These are a digital download so you can have an unlimited supply! It's a great bargain! My original designs will brighten up your planning routine, but you can still show them at the office proudly! 

Are any of the items I mentioned on your list? Any other gift recommendations? 

Merry, Merry!

Whatever you believe, however you'll be celebrating [or just relaxing]….wishing you and yours all the very best of this holiday season!

And may 2014 be your best year yet!

xx

DIY holiday centerpiece + DIY golden pinecones

I feel kinda bad calling this a DIY project, because it's literally the simplest thing ever! 

I love the holidays & I love decorating but sometimes the red, green & cheesy snowflakes are a bit much. I want a sophisticated yet whimsical theme and this project was perfect for that! 

Supplies:

*Pinecones
(These are from my neighbor's yard, but you can buy them from Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, etc.)

* Gold Glitter Spray Paint
(I used Krylon from Wal-Mart. The other option is to use glue and glitter.)

* Golden ornaments
(I got these from the Dollar Store! Eight, medium-sized  ornaments for one dollar! Love it.)

* Glass container or decorative bowl

Steps:

There's really only two! Scatter the pinecones, spray with gold glitter and let dry. Then layer the pinecones with the ornaments in a pretty bowl. That's it!
If you're feeling extra festive, use some essential oil to add a fragrance to the pinecones!

Placement:

I love this as a coffee table centerpiece or by the front door on your entry way table. You can also use it for the dining table.  It's such a fun and festive addition to really any part of your home!

What other fun and easy DIYs have you been doing?

When it's cold all I want to do is stay home and make things!

If you make this, please tweet me a pic @maebad or tag me on Instagram! @maebad

See you back here FRIDAY for the DSW Shoe Hook-Up giveaway!!

We're giving away 5 pairs of shoes! 

x

Guest Post // Holliday Favorites

I'm thrilled to welcome my friend, Hailee Holliday, to the blog today to share her festive favorites!

Bow earrings (similar) // Bobbi Brown Makeup Pallet // Tory Burch Crossbody Bag // Tory Burch Slippers // Kate Spade Watch // C Wonder Mug // Fur Collar Coat (similar) // J.Crew Bow Sweater // 

Hello Mae Badiyan readers! I'm Hailee and so happy to be here talking about the three things that are catching my eye this year...bows, bling, and fur. From sparkly eyeshadow to trendy coffee mugs, these items are a must for any fashionista's wish list this season. If you were born with glitter in your veins like me...I'm sure these "Holliday" favorites will keep you extra warm and full of cheer!

***

That Kate Spade watch is on my list! Love it! 

How adorable is that monogram mug...and under $10!

Thanks so much for stopping by Hailee!

See y'all back here tomorrow for a sparkly Friday's Fancies! xx

{wear that room} holiday party

This week's Friday's Fancies is all about the holiday party!  It was so fun to dream up the perfect party outfit and all the better to do it as part of my wear that room feature...the holiday-decorated living room was just the inspiration I needed!  This has been a really long & tough week...lots of ups & downs.  I haven't had one like this in a while, so I'm a bit exhausted.  But, still counting my blessings and happy to be surrounded by all this good cheer. 

Hope your weekend is wonderful!

here's to a happy new week & fresh beginnings,

xx

{dream home} holiday vignettes

A little under a month before I head home! I can't wait, but I'm a bit sad that I won't be back in time to see all the holiday lights and decorations.  These holiday-inspired vignettes, courtesy of Pinterest, have made it a little easier to be so far away during my favorite time of year.  The warmth, the textures, the sparkle...it's all reminiscent of a home filled with good cheer and happy memories.