holidays – neverbeenso

Coordinates Are The New Black

Published on December 20, 2016December 20, 2016 by neverbeenso1 Comment

I’ve always been a hoarder of mementos. That ‘best friends’ necklace from middle school, that thirteenth birthday card from Grandma, that playlist from freshman year in college; if it relates to a significant memory, I most likely still own it. I love the way I’m instantly taken back and filled with memories when I see one of these or hear that song.

Insert coordinates jewelry. |Scroll to the bottom for DISCOUNT CODE|

While photos and journals and cards are a medium for special memories, they aren’t always easy to keep handy. Either in a photo album shoved on a shelf or a keepsake box under the bed, I really only get a chance to remember these times during a spring cleaning or a move. Coordinates jewelry has changed the game, allowing special memories to be worn via coordinates of a location and an inscription.

Lat & Lo founder, Kellie Ivey, “never imagined what these pieces would come to mean to thousands of people around the world.” I’ve received coordinates and I’ve gifted coordinates and the reaction is always the same, pure sentiment.

The first coordinates piece I received was after Will and I’s first big trip together. We went to Italy. We both instantly fell in love with Florence, as if we were meant to live there. One of our favorite memories was climbing the Duomo. While touristy, we made it a point to be the first in line so that when we reached the top, we had it to ourselves for a few moments. It was surreal. It was beautiful. And that following Christmas, Will gifted me a piece with those coordinates on it. Whenever I look down, I am instantly taken back to that early morning breeze, the tight stairwell of 463 each way and the satisfaction and appreciation we felt at the top.

Each of the members of my bridal party are like family to me. I’ve known them all for different lengths and met them all at various places. I wanted to remind them of those times because they happened so long ago, but without them, my life would be so different. I got them each a cuff with the coordinates of where we met and an inside joke/nickname that I knew would trigger a memory. When I gifted them, I had several teary eyes staring back at me and I knew they felt what I felt and how special each of our bonds was to each other.

My most recent piece. If you read my most recent blog post, you know the disaster we faced with our original wedding venue and the hell associated with it. That was one of the hardest things Will and I have ever faced as a couple together. When choosing a song for us to walk into as our first entrance as Husband and Wife, “Beautiful Day” by U2 felt so fitting. We knew that no matter how that day turned out, it would be beautiful to us because we were officially married. So, Lat & Lo gifted me this gorgeous vertical bar necklace with the coordinates of our new venue where we were married with the inscription “Beautiful Day” on the back. I’ve #neverbeenso happy to show this off.

It lays right over my heart and I instantly feel joy and strength when I look down and see it or when someone asks me about the numbers, which is exactly what Lat & Lo envisioned when they created this company. Ivey states, “I hope we have also inspired some great conversations along the way between strangers and friends alike. Next time you see someone wearing Lat & Lo™ ask them about it.”

If you are ever in need of a gift for that special someone, coordinates are sure to steal the show. Or a treat for yourself to remember that special place.

Use code ‘NEVERBEENSO’ for 10% off your entire purchase at Lat & Lo !

#whereareyouanchored

DRESS: Zara | NECKLACE: Lat & Lo

Never Been So Ready For The Holidays: Gift Guide

Published on December 1, 2016 by neverbeensoLeave a comment

I’ve #neverbeenso excited for the holidays! I say that every year, but this year I MEAN IT!Festive decor, delicious treats, family time AND gift giving (and receiving isnt too bad either). I actually feel somewhat on top of my game this year, thanks a million to online shopping (is there any other way??).

There are so many gifts out there for everyone on your list and what’s even better, is there are a ton of affordable options!

Here’s a round up of some of the best gifts I’ve seen so far this season from secret santa stocking stuffers to that perfect gift for you know who. Most of these are under $50, but there’s one specialty I had to share because it’s on the top of my list!

Let’s get to it. {Priced in order from low to high}

I Slay Koozie | Alice and Wonder | $4

Let’s Do This Notepad | Rifle Paper Co | $8

Cocktails Glass | Alice and Wonder | $10

What’s Inside Pouch | South Moon Under | $15.95

Herbivore Botanicals Calm Bath Salts | Brightside Boutique | $18

Monday’s are Garbage Mug | The Daily Tay | $18

Whiskey Ball Mold | Nordstrom | $19.95

Wine Glass Set | WWLW | 2 for $24; 4 for $40

Candle – Jac Vanek – $24

Vacation Mode Top | The Daily Tay | $27

Woven Scarf | Nordstrom | $29

So Very Thankful Clipboard | Darling Savage | $30

In The Company of Women | Anthropologie | $35

Cheese Knives | Anthropologie | $36

Champagne High Ball Set | Anthropologie | $48

Adventure Army Jacket | Jac Vanek | $88

Stay tuned for more specific gift guides! I just couldn’t wait on these! Happy Shopping!

SUPER Easy Holiday Truffles: Mint & Smores

Published on December 14, 2015 by neverbeensoLeave a comment

These truffles are an instant crowd pleaser at any holiday get together. I’ve neverbeenso thrilled to create an easy recipe to bring to parties that can be made ahead and easily distributed. They’re also a super easy no-bake dessert. They do take a little time to chill in between batches, but you can do other things in the mean time, and look how darn pretty they are!! Each batch only uses 5-6 ingredients! You could just make one flavor, but I’m a lover of chocolate mint AND smores, so I opt to make both! And now with all the new oreo flavors, you can really be creative!

Crush your cookies in a food processor, or get any of that holiday stress out and crush them yourself!

Either way, just make sure they are finely finely crushed as below.

Next, add your softened cream cheese. I mixed this all up using my hands, it’s A LOT easier than trying to combine using a spoon. Ultimately, you want it combined like so.

Make sure to give the filling adequate time to chill (at least an hour), so that it’s easier to roll into uniform balls. Then start your rolling!

Let these chill for at least 2 hours or overnight, so that they don’t fall apart as you dip them in the melting chocolate. I found that using tools, like these from Wilton, make the truffle dipping process SO much easier!

I topped the smores truffles with crushed graham crackers and drizzled red and white chocolate over the mint truffles!

I’ve included both recipes below! Enjoy!

Smores Truffles

Servings: 36
Difficulty: easy
Print

Ingredients
1 package Golden Oreos
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup Kraft Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits
1 (16 oz.) package milk chocolate Candiquik
½ cup graham cracker crumbs

Directions
1. Using a food processor, crush Oreos into crumbs.
2. Using hands, combine crushed cookies, cream cheese, and marshmallow bits in a medium bowl.
3. Chill dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour to make easier for rolling.
4. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate until firm.
6. Remove from refrigerator and dip balls into melted Candiquik.
7. Sprinkle immediately with graham cracker crumbs.

Chocolate Mint Truffles

Servings: 36
Difficulty: easy
Print

Ingredients
1 package Mint Oreos
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional, but gives more mint flavor)
1 (16 oz.) package white chocolate Candiquik
1/2 package red candy melts (found at Michael’s)
1/2 package green candy melts
Plastic squeeze bottles or plastic bag for drizzling

Directions
1. Using a food processor, crush Oreos into crumbs.
2. Using hands, combine crushed cookies, cream cheese, and peppermint extract in a medium bowl.
3. Chill dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour to make easier for rolling.
4. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate until firm.
6. Remove from refrigerator and dip balls into melted Candiquik. Let cool.
7. Once hardened, melt green candy melts and drizzle over truffles. Let cool.
8. Follow the same process with red candy melts.

GIFT GUIDE: Stocking Stuffers Under $25

Published on November 25, 2015December 8, 2015 by neverbeenso3 Comments

This holiday GIFT GUIDE series started off with my last post on subscription boxes and now here are some of my favorite stocking stuffers UNDER $25 that can be for just about anyone on your list or for those secret santa/white elephant exchanges you never know what to buy for.

Stay tuned for the next post in the GIFT GUIDE series. Who is your hardest person to buy for??

Half Moon Planter – $14

Who’s Most Likely To Game – $16

Beverage Warmer – $19.99

Shark Socks – $10

Date Night Bucket List – $18

Beer Stein Can Grip – $6

Travel Theme Adult Coloring Book – $10.55

The Little Book of Yoga – $14.95

Carry On Cocktail Kit – $24

Pallet Drink Coasters – $16.99

Leather-Bound Explorer Journal – $25

AND WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS….

Coal Gum – $6

GIFT GUIDE: Monthly Subscription Boxes

Published on November 23, 2015December 8, 2015 by neverbeenso2 Comments

Monthly subscription boxes are quickly taking over and with good reason. They’re a unique, personalized and who doesn’t love getting surprise things in the mail?! And there is literally something for EVERYONE. I subscribe to quite a few of these and could easily add 50 others if money was no object. I decided this year these monthly boxes are going to be a huge part of the gifts I give for the holidays; hello online shopping without the wrapping! You can either give one box as an introduction or buy a few months for your someone special; it’s up to you! Here are a few of my favorite monthly subscriptions.

FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE:

Mantry: jerky, hot sauce, bacon-everything etc.
Dive Bar Shirt Club: Each month they’ll receive an authentic t-shirt from the best of America’s most interesting and unusual bars.
Bowtie of the Month Club: Each month receive 1 bowtie in the shape of your choice.
Root Bizzle: If bow ties aren’t their thing, sign them up to receive regular ties, once a month. Choices vary between skinny, whimsical and business and sizes of their choice.
Birchbox Man: Box filled with grooming and lifestyle samples from both up-and-coming and well-known men’s brands.

FOR THE TRAVELER:

Try the World: 8 authentic gourmet foods from a new country every month
Escape Monthly: Luxury products from new destinations each month

FOR THE HEALTH NUT:

Bestowed: 7-10 healthy snacks, beverages and lifestyle items
Buddhi Boxes: Delivers mindful products that enhance your yoga practice on and off the mat

FOR THE CREATOR:

Smile Create Repeat: Quality art supplies, hand selected by artists with creativity card and additional surprises (from kids 3+ to adults)

FOR THE SWEETS LOVER:

The Cravory: 1-2 dozen cookies at your door each month!
Mystery Chocolate Box: 3 mystery chocolate bars from top chocolate makers; for every box sold, two meals are donated to charity, so you can feel good while you’re stuffing your face with chocolatey goodness.
Treatsie: red velvet milk chocolate bar, lavender sea salt caramels, cinnamon peanut butter cups etc. (DROOL)

FOR THE BEAUTY BABE:

IPSY: 5 beauty products in a darling reusable cosmetic bag
Julep Maven: $40 worth of never before released polishes and luxurious nail treatments.
The Clean Getaway Box: Receive luxurious bar of soap and other beauty faves such as lotions, lip balms, candles etc.

FOR THE BOOK WORM:

Crate Joy: Each box contains 1 YA hardcover book and 3-5 other bookish goodies
Gift Lit: Allows you to choose the theme of books for your subscription (i.e. mysteries, history, favorites for women etc.)

FOR THE FOODIE:

Bacon of the Month Club: 2 lbs of bacon to your door monthly…nuff said
Taste Trunk: Gourmet items under various themes chosen by you each month
Carnivore Club: 4-6 different selections of cured and smoked meats, charcuterie and jerky from around the world

FOR THE COCKTAIL CONNOISSEUR:

Crafted Taste: full size bottles of alcohol and mixers..need i say more?!

FOR THE NEW PARENT:

Citrus Lane: toys, books, snacks etc. newborn – 5 years

FOR THE KIDS:

Kiwi Crate: Ages 5 – 8
Tinker Crate: Ages 9 – 16+

FOR THE BEER BUFF:

Craft Beer Club: Each month receive 12 bottles of craft brews from around the country
Cooler Can Monthly: To accompany those bottles, check out this monthly koozie subscription from around the country.

FOR THE GAMER:

Loot Crate: Hand-picked geek and gamer products, such as shirts and gadgets.

FOR THE FASHIONISTA:

RocksBox: 3 designer jewelry pieces, wear up to 60 days and then decide if you want to keep or return!
The Trendy Box: 3-4 fashion accessories such as necklaces, belts, wallets, ring etc.
Stitch Fix: A personal stylist gets assigned to you and instantly sends you 5 products you can choose to keep or return. They even take a look at your pinterest boards for inspiration.

FOR THE TEA/COFFEE LOVER:

Tea Club: 4 oz of premium loose leaf tea per month.
Craft Coffee: They find the perfect coffee blend for you & ship it right to your door monthly!

FOR THE NEWLY ENGAGED:

The Bride Box: Fun full-sized products and samples specifically catered to brides!

FOR THE COUPLE:

Lovebird: Once a month, your favorite couple will receive a creative date at their door!

FOR THE CAR FANATIC:

Box of Car Stuff: Mixture of luxury, commonly known brands and eco-conscious value product brands including interior and exterior products.

FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER:

Bark Box: Dog treats, toys and goodies for your pup each month!
Meow Box: Unique toys and goodies specifically catered to your favorite feline!

FOR THE GOLF GURU (I have a lot of these in my life):

BirdieBox: Premium golf, lifestyle and nutritional products. Every box includes the current Golf Digest magazine. Can be customized for Men or Women and logos can be added for corporate outings.
BogeyBox: $40 worth of golf goodies, lifestyle products and food & beverage samples to help you focus on improving your golf game and time on the course.

What are some of your favorite monthly box subscriptions for yourself and/or to give as gifts?!

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Smores Truffles

Chocolate Mint Truffles

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