Okio B Designs: 2020

I confess. I started taking down our Christmas decorations the day after. I did leave up some wintery items like the bottle brush trees and petite skis, though. I've started decorating for New Year's Eve - even though it will only be the 4 of us. I found this adorable free printable on Pinterest, and it worked perfect for my new winter theme.

We don't have a lot in the way of New Year's decor. I had just enough to dress up this Target tiered tray. I don't feel like buying anything new, so we'll keep it simple this year. Low key seems to be my new middle name these days.

How will you be celebrating the ball drop?

Jeanine

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Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and safe Christmas!

Jeanine

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Last minute gift ideas for her. Everything is under $50 and available for store pick-up before Christmas. Follow me in the LiketoKnow.It app (@okiobdesigns) for all the details!

Jeanine

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First snow/blizzard of the season! It looked pretty for about an hour, and then we had to get busy digging out...

Jeanine

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The countdown to Christmas has officially begun! Ten more days to go...

Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite vintage Santa cards.

Feel free to use them for any last minute Christmas crafts.

Some of them are quite old.

And whimsical!

Which one is your favorite?!

Jeanine

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We all know Christmas is going to look and feel a little different this year, but that doesn't mean you still can't have a little family fun.

Our friends at Hippo.com have created a variety of fun and safe downloadable holiday activities that the whole family can enjoy. I know we're going to crush the Holiday Scavenger Hunt. If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, try the Santa Limbo.

You can also download Coloring Page Placemats or plan a Zoom party! Find everything you need here or visit Hippo.com.

Jeanine

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We may see the season's first snow here today! Makes me glad I stocked up on some cute boots and sweaters during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

Target's Leopard Print Mock Turtleneck Sweater is still on sale. It's only $20.99 (regularly $29.99). It's so0000 cozy. The Fedora is also from Target ($20). It's NOT on sale, but you save 5 percent if you use your Red Card.

I'm in love with this blue plaid Levi's coat ($79.99). Unfortunately, it doesn't qualify for any coupon codes. Still, it's a gorgeous coat that I gifted to myself. The boots are from Target. I grabbed them when they were 30 percent off. The beanie hat is also from Target (from last year).

This Cozy Teddy Sherpa ($43) is 20 percent off with code SWEET today. It's so warm and toasty! I got it when it was 50 percent off. Today just maybe the perfect day to wear it. The jeans are Sofia Vergara for Walmart and are only $16.99! The Wedge Sneakers ($37.99) are from last year (from Target), but I'm linking this year's version.

What winter outfits are you dying to wear?!

Jeanine

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Farmhouse Christmas finds from Target, Amazon and Hobby Lobby. Follow me in the LikeToKnow.It app (@okiobdesigns) for all the details!

Jeanine

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I broke out some white paint and my label maker to create these super cute (and easy!) Jenga block ornaments. Another DIY in under 5!

Jeanine

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Before I focused on home crafts exclusively, I used to make jewelry. I know firsthand the work that goes into designing and crafting individual pieces. And that's why I'm featuring Creative Jewelry By Marcia* for today's Under $25 Gift Guide post.

Marcia creates high quality, designer jewelry - including earrings, bracelets and necklaces - to fit every budget. If mass-produced pieces aren't your thing, Marcia's timeless pieces are sure to become a favorite!

I just love these Silver Long Leaf Earrings. They are striking, yet simple. Perfect for wearing for date night or to an office meeting. And for $24, they make for the ideal gift for your bestie, mom or sister.

Or how about these Oval Pewter Silver Earrings? Again, only $24! I also love how each pair is designed for sensitive ears.

These Copper Oval Leaf Earrings just may be a gift to myself!

You'll be happy to know (like I was!) that as of 2018, Marcia donates 5% from every jewelry sale to New Horizons, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence. Check out her full line by visiting CreativeJewelrybyMarcia.com.

Jeanine

* Note: I received a review sample from Creative Jewelry by Marcia. However, all opinions, text, images, etc. are honest and my own. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest. Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.

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I know Saturday was the big day to Shop Small, but we can all keep it going by supporting small businesses every day! And that's why today's Under $25 Gift Guide features Dermaroot Natanicals, a female- and minority-owned holistic beauty company.

Created by Dr. Gwendolyn Green, a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Licensed/Registered Pharmacist, Dermaroot Natanicals offers a versatile selection of healthy, organic and vegan skin, hair and body products. My favorites include the Tonka Bean Detoxifying Black Coffee Scrub (it smells just like a fresh brew!), and the All Natural Strawberry Peppermint Lip Care Set (my lips have never felt so soft and smooth!).

Shop today to enjoy 45 percent off site-wide - including sale items (use code CYBERMONDAY45). The Coffee Scrub originally retails for $42, but with the code it's only $23.10. The Lip Care set originally retails for $28; with the code it's only $15.40.

Check out a wide selection of goodies for women, men and kids, by visiting DermarootNatanicals.com.

Jeanine

* Note: I received review samples from Dermaroot Natanicals. However, all opinions, text, images, etc. are honest and my own. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest. Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.

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Wishing all of you a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Jeanine

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I'm back after a few days of being down for the count with a nasty cold. Yes, a cold. Remember them? 😆 Anywho, let's get back to business with today's Under $25 Holiday Gifts post.

I'm sharing two of my favorite perfumes from one of my favorite online retailers: FragranceNet.com*. First up is Pink Sugar by Aquolina. This has been my go-to scent for a few years now. The notes of Cotton Candy, Sandalwood, Strawberry and Vanilla provide a soft, sweet aroma that doesn't overpower the senses. It's available in several sizes and with FragranceNet.com's instant coupons, a 3.4 ounce Eau de Toilette spray is only $21.74!

Next up is Simply Belle by Exceptional Parfums. This one is a little more expensive, but trust me when I say it's worth every penny. Fresh, clean notes of Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Vanilla and warm Musk, make this the perfect everday scent for teens, moms, sisters and you! It retails for $54, but you'll save 25 percent and enjoy free shipping when you join their mailing list. Score!

Believe it or not, but these are just two of the thousands of perfumes, colognes, and other bath and body products FragranceNet.com has to offer. Check them out; I know you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Jeanine

* Note: I received review samples from FragranceNet.com. However, all opinions, text, images, etc. are honest and my own. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest. Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.

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When 2020 throws you lemons, you make lemonade and break out the Christmas cheer! Well, at least that's what I've been doing - minus the lemonade. 😏

Mr. Okio B hasn't complained one bit. Probably because he knows it makes me less anxious in these uncertain times. And my boys are completely onboard.

I didn't want to buy a lot of new Xmas pieces this year. However, when I saw all the cuteness at Target's Dollarspot and at Walmart, I made a few exceptions.

A lot of what you see is from either store (this year and last year). Everything was super affordable - $10 or less.

And speaking of affordable, I hope you've been enjoying my Under $25 Holiday Gift Guide posts. Who knew there was so much budget-friendly goodness out there?! Stay tuned because there is lots more to come!

Back to the Christmas decorating: we haven't put our main tree up yet. Mainly because of the cats, and, well the cats. For now I'm satisfied enjoying our flocked tree from Walmart ($35 last year!).

Sooooooo, have you started decorating yet?

Jeanine

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I love supporting fellow Etsy sellers...especially when their products are just so stinking cute! So, for today's Under $25 Gift Guide post, meet Art2TheExtreme - makers of the original rainbow crayon.

Created by Nicole Lewis, a former art teacher, Art2TheExtreme offers personalized and customized crayon designs. The idea came to Nicole when she realized a need for adaptive art supplies for the special needs children in her classroom. Since then, her creations have exploded, and she has even partnered with the OWN Network, Microsoft, Pandora and Sephora, among others.

The best-selling Personalized Original Rainbow Crayon® gift set is just $19.95 (for 1-4 letters) and ships free! Likewise, their Crayon StixTM are also $19.95 and are the perfect crayons for toddlers and children. Their large size makes them easier to use compared to traditional crayons. If you've got kiddos on your gift list, these are definitely a must-have!

And how cute is this Advent Calendar? Although it retails for $79.95, it definitely deserves an Honorable Mention just for its creativity alone!

Find more of Nicole's creations by visiting Art2TheExtreme on Etsy.

Jeanine

Note: Images were provided by Art2TheExtreme, however all opinions are my own.

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Now that we're all washing our hands a gazillion times a day, the next presents in my Under $25 Gift Guide are not only pretty; they're practical!

Take the ho-hum out of hand-washing with a selection of stunning soaps from The Lavender Sachet*. Launched in July 2020, "The Lavender Sachet creates beautifully designed soaps that can become statement pieces for the bathroom counter." These make for the perfect stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift!

Each soap is inspired by naturally occurring gemstones such as amethyst, turquoise, opal and moonstone, among others. Flavors include peppermint, bergamot, sandalwood, tea tree, eucalyptus and more (SRP: $6 per soap at The Lavender Sachet). Take it from me, the Ylang Ylang and Lime Terrazzo smells like a tiny slice of heaven!

Another favorite of mine for the holidays is bar soaps from Nubian Heritage.

Nubian Heritage's bar soaps use certified organic ingredients, and wash away dirt without leaving your hands a dry mess (raise your hand if you've been there!). They come in a variety of scents, including: Mango Butter, Coconut & Papaya, Peppermint & Aloe (smells like Christmas!), and Goat's Milk & Chai, among others (SRP: $4.99 per bar at Nubian Heritage).

Bar soaps just may be the new it gift for 2020!

Jeanine

* Note: I received a review sample from The Lavender Sachet. However, all opinions, text, images (except those provided by The Lavender Sachet), etc. are honest and my own. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest. Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.

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Omg, omg, I'm so excited to share this next Under $25 Holiday Gifts post! This is definitely one of those "where has this product been all my life?" finds - and it's courtesy of Color Street*.

For those of you who don't know, Color Street "offers a vast array of colors and nail art design" in the form of 100% nail polish strips. The strips include "base, color and top in every strip with the bonus of no drying time. The colors are vibrant, the finishes glossy and they easily adhere to the nail instantly." Prices range from $11-$13.

Seriously, where have these been all my life?! I'm the world's worst DIY manicurist. Soooooo, I was really nervous about trying these. Each set comes with 16 double-ended nail polish strips, a nail file and wipe (to clean nails before application).

All you have to do is: 1. Remove the clear cover; 2. Peel polish strip; 3. Tear tab and select end; 4. Apply to nail and gently stretch to fit; and 5. File excess strip. And - voila! - instant manicured nails.

I have to say, I'm pretty happy with my first attempt! (This color is Gratitude is Everything.) It only took me about 10-12 minutes from start to finish. I imagine I'll get better with time.

And the color lasts for days! With all the COVID hand-washing, I thought for sure the color would peel. Nope! However, the color can be removed with ordinary nail polish remover.

These would make for great stocking stuffers for any special lady on your gift list. Find them by at Color Street.

Jeanine

* Note: I received a review sample from Color Street. However, all opinions, text, images (except those provided by Color Street), etc. are honest and my own. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest. Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.