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Gift Guide for Runners

In my second gift guide installment, I’m highlighting a few items that are great for both your favorite male and female runners. Each of these items have been tested and loved by either Bo or myself and are currently hanging in our closet, hanging out in the dirty clothes pile, or folded and put away in our drawers.

These range in price from $5 to $130 so hopefully you’ll find something to fit your personal price range!

gift guide for runners 2

1. Pro Compression Socks: So I’m a little partial to the amazing and bright marathon pink, but these bad boys. For nearly as long as I’ve been running marathons, I’ve sworn by compression. But, these socks, more than any others I’ve tried, fit perfectly. They provide ample compression in the legs, are long enough for tall runners, and don’t leave my feet feeling tight and suffocated. I especially love that they are very reasonably priced too, making it easy to have one pair clean at all times. Bo has also taken these for a test run and loves using them for recovery after tough boot camps that our heavy on box jumps, leaving his calves screaming. If you follow them on Facebook you can learn about their “sock of the month” program which includes a new style, discounted at 40% off each month!

2. New Balance Minimus 20v3 Cross-Training Shoes Mens &Womens: These super light shoes are perfect when your favorite runner is cross training. These shoes which come in tons of fun colors help keep the weight of your body in the heels of your foot instead of the ball, which is necessary when driving with power and working with weights. For the past month, we’ve been wearing these at least 3 times per week during weight and boot camp sessions and are absolutely loving them!

3. Clif Shot Bloks Chews in Margarita: These bad boys pack in 3 times the sodium and are perfect for any runner or endurance athlete on your list. Have multiple on your list? Then buy one box and split them up as perfect little stocking stuffers!

4. New Balance NBX Windblocker Jacket: Bo received this jacket to review and loves it due to the fact that it is breathable, windproof, and still wicks moisture. Bo used to run in his North Face rain coat which did a great job keeping him protected from the outer elements such as wind, rain, or sleet but it wasn’t breathable in the least. Now he can run in comfort versus a sauna. $135

What’s on your holiday list if you’re a runner?

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Holiday Party Menu and Money Saving Tips

For the 3rd year, we opened our doors last night to 45 of our friends and loved ones in New York City for a fun night of merry making, delicious food, mingling, and dancing in our holiday tackiest. Oh, the Diamond Tacky Holiday Party never disappoints, that’s for sure.

Last night people donned their tackiest and raised the bar for next year. Holiday Party 2IMG_6473IMG_6475IMG_6485IMG_6503

Holiday Party 3HOLIDAY PARTY 8IMG_6504

Yes, once Frank, Melissa’s fiance arrived in his holiday best, I may or may not have screamed, “Santa, I know him!” a few times!

The costumes and great turnout weren’t the only wonderful things about last night. Our food and alcohol selections this year really worked out perfectly! We made some key changes which allowed us to spend less money this year but still have a great presentation and party overall.

Holiday Party 5

Tonight’s post will share our actual menu that we finalized on and the links to recipes.

Perfect Hors Dourves Menu for A Crowd

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Money Saving Party Tips

  • Don’t spend too much money on alcohol. This year we relied on Trader Joes and friends for our alcohol. Instead of purchasing $15-$20 bottles of wine like we did last year, this year we bought 6 bottles of Trestle Chardonnay from Trader Joe’s wine after many Twitter folks recommended it to us. For liquor we used what we had in our cabinet already versus buying new, in addition to the egg nog. In addition, when friends asked what they could bring we gave them specific requests such as red wine, champagne, or Pinot Grigio since we weren’t offering that! Bo also altered this year’s egg nog recipe after hearing that last year’s was too strong. The new recipe called for half the liquor, which made it cheaper too!
  • Get a bar tender! We have never had a bar tender before and therefore many parties, find ourselves near the wine rack serving drinks most of the night instead of socializing with guests. Last night we were able to chat and enjoy everyone while one of our friend’s younger brother tended the bar for us. He made some extra weekend cash and we enjoyed our party more which made it a win win!
  • Don’t cook too much food! Last year we had enough food to pack our fridge even after the party was over! This year we asked our guests for a final RSVP the week of to ensure the number of people attending. Once we knew that our number was around 45 people we assesed the guest list and calculated that in reality only 3/4 of the people would eat heavily. Normally 1/4 of the people are either party hopping, going to another dinner, or focus more on drinking than eating. Today we have only a few pieces of cheese and some sugar cookies left from last night’s event.

Hope you guys have a great week! This week is going to be a busy one because I have PADI Scuba lessons Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8-11pm each night. Someone bring be a glass of wine when it’s done because I’m super nervous!

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Great Gifts Under $50

Under $50 Holiday Gift Guide pic

If you’ve braved Black Friday and Cyber Monday then you may be absolutely fed up with words like deals, free shipping, just a few hours, or even the holidays in general. Hopefully this gift guide will provide you with one or two things that can easily meet a need on your holiday list. Each of these items is under $50 and can be given to both males and females. I’ve personally four of the items on here for hostesses, girlfriends, family, and my sister-in-law.

1. Harry & David Triple Treat Fruit Classic: Amongst all the popcorn tins and cookies that clutter our office each year, I always look forward to the Harry & David fruit delivery. The fruit is a healthy treat and gives me the energy I need to combat the holiday chaos. Regardless your friend or co-workers taste, they’ll like at least one of these delightful fruits. At $39.95 this can also make a great gift for in-laws or your office. 

2. BaubleBar+Essie Set: Do you have a sister-in-law or cousin who loves fashion and jewelry? What about a girlfriend who is always ready to try the latest nail polish colors? If so, then for just $50 you can give her the gift of her dreams this holiday season. First, start by choosing one of six colors from Essie’s new trend collection. Next, choose a bracelet that matches, hand selected by the BaubleBar stylists. Last but not least, choose a final bracelet which is a fun, more flirty option such as bright beads or a light bangle.

3.  Wine.com Gift Certificate: Wine is one of the best gifts out there, especially for hostesses! At the beginning of the season I order a few of these in $25 increments to gift to friends and save for last minute gifts in case someone gives us a gift we aren’t expecting. They are good on your favorite wines and bubbly or for accessories such as wine glasses or cork screws.

4. Power Mate Plus for JCrew: I stumbled upon this little treasure three weeks ago when I was doing some Fall shopping at JCrew. The tiny backup battery can charge in your computer and then is ready to charge your iPhone at a moments notice! It’s so small that it easily zips into the coin section of my wallet! While the $39.95 price tag may seem expensive, in just 3 weeks it’s already paid off for this social media addicted gal! (Edited to add: Thanks to readers, I now know that there are plain black versions on Amazon for only $5! Or colorful ones for $29.99)

5. Amazon Kindle Gift Card: These days almost everyone has an Amazon Kindle whether for catching up on the daily news, surfing the web, reading magazines, or enjoying a good book. Why not gift a Kindle Gift Card to someone on your list. The best part is that you can make it be awarded in any increment and includes free 1 day shipping!

6. Agloves Sport: Two years ago my parents gave these to me for Christmas and ever since they have been my go to glove whether for a business event, long run, or walk in the park. They are rated #1 for touch screen accuracy and the snug fit keeps the wind and elements out. The worst thing is getting a draft  from the wind during a winter run! In addition, these gloves are sleek and black unlike some of the other touch gloves on the market, making them perfect for any occasion!

Hope one of these helps you this holiday season!

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