Holiday Gift Guide for the Ladies in Your Life

I made a list of some of my favorite things right now that I think some of the ladies in your life might like for a gift.

Urban Decay Naked Palette. The newest palette from Urban Decay has been out for a few months now and is specifically made for a smokey eye. If the gal you are buying for loves makeup this is definitely one for her collection.

Bounkit Earrings. These aren't just any earrings. These are two-in-one interchangeable earrings. They can be worn long, or you can unhook the bottom half and they become studs. I love these and they come in a variety of beautiful stones. I recommend buying them in the receiver's birthstone shades.

FitBit. These athletic bracelets are very popular right now, they track your steps, heart rate, amount of calories you burn, steps you take and miles you walk. Additionally, you can set up an online profile and your daily information can easily be uploaded for you to track results, and if wanted you can allow friends on the FitBit site see your progress.

M. Patmos Dickies. They are back. Quite a few designers are making dickies fashionable, they are soft, perfect for layering, and stay put, unlike a scarf. M. Patmos has been some beautiful ones in cashmere and wool.

Leather Backpack. And I don't mean one with Elmo on it. I mean a backpack bag that looks great, but is also multi-functional. A little leather backpack is great when going out to run errands, when you want something casual, yet also a little fashionable.

Sockwell Compression Socks. No, these are not just for the cast of Golden Girls, which by the way is still one of my favorite shows. Compression Socks come in different level of compression, so I recommend starting is a lower level of compression. These socks are perfect for those who sit long periods of times whether behind a desk, on a train or plane, or stand all day too. I have this pair and I love them.

Pendleton Uggs. Pendleton and Uggs collaborated again and this year they created a Southern California inspired collection with shades of blues and browns. I love that they are neutral and can be worn almost every day.

OPI Starlight Collection. "Give Me Space" is a beautiful lapis like blue color. The colors in the "Starlight" collection are beautiful and inspired by constellations.

Maggie Louise Chocolates. Speaking about constellations, these chocolate are also inspired by constellations. The box includes 9 constellation cubes in milk chocolate with cream caramel and chocolate nougat. Dreamy.

High Street Market Crystal Ball. I have always wanted to be able to tell the future. The closest I got was playing with the magic 8 ball. This glass ball on brass is a unique gift to give to the bohemian at heart. It make a beautiful piece of home decor.

Lapis Ringly Ring. Ringly connects to your phone via Bluetooth and lets you receive customized notifications through vibration and a subtle light on the side of the ring.

Agate Coasters.   Gold Plated Agate Coasters add a beautiful natural and organic touch to home decor. This set is Azure Blue and comes with a set of 4. Mined in Brazil electroplated gold edge / glossy finish, easy to clean discreet rubber feet protect your tabletop each one measures between 3.5" to 4.5" in diameter

Thierry MuglerAngel Perfume. Angel, the first perfume by Thierry Mugler, evokes the emotion of tender childhood memories together with a sense of dreamlike infinity. Angel, which launched a new fragrance category called the "oriental gourmands," seduces us with angelic flavors found deep within the heart of our memories, as well as sensual and passionate notes.

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Just when I thought I had made every type of Christmas cookie there was, I found these adorable Rudolph the Reindeer cookies from The Bakergirl. I am always so inspired by her cookies. I had to make these cookies the moment I saw them.  I made just a few slight changes and cut the recipe in half. This will make about 20 little reindeers. I also could not find mini pretzels dipped in chocolate like she used, so I used the mini pretzels in the Chex Mix bag and dipped some in chocolate, this is why some pretzels are square and round, but I think they did the trick. I also, didn't dip them all in chocolate, because I thought they looked cute with just plain pretzel, they looked more antler like to me.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

6 Tablespoons of of peanut butter

1/2 cup and 2 table spoons of brown sugar

1/4 cup of butter (4 tablespoons)
1 1/2 tablespoons of milk

1/2 tablespoon vanilla

1/2 egg (crack egg beat it a bit and put half the mixture in the recipe)

1/2 cup and 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

1/8 of a teaspoon baking soda

1/8 of a teaspoon of salt

Mini pretzels (Which I couldn't find and used the pretzels in a Chex Mix bag)

Mini brown M&Ms

Regular-sized red M&Ms

Additionally, you can do the entire recipe of 40 cookies.

Combine brown sugar, peanut butter, butter, milk, and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed until well blended. Add half of the beaten egg.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to creamed mixture at low speed. Mix just until blended.

Form dough into 1-inch balls. To make reindeer-shaped cookies, pinch the bottom of the ball slightly to form a point, then gently flatten with your hand. Space cookies about 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 7 to 8 minutes, until set or just beginning to brown. 

Remove from oven and immediately (and gently) press two mini pretzels into the tops of the cookies for the reindeer's antlers. Press two mini brown M&Ms in for the eyes and one red M&M for the nose.

Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel to cool completely. 

Enjoy!