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I think we can all agree that the holidays feel a little funky this year! Normally I’m not even a huge decorator for Christmas but this year I decided to get a little extra… like we mayyy have put up 5 Christmas trees 🎄Some of them were mini ones, but still! Listen, Christmas 2020 anything goes!

This was our first Christmas without Scootie, but he was definitely not forgotten. I swear half of my personal ornaments are of Scoots or weenie dogs. Which was kind of sad but happy at the same time. He loved Christmas so much and digging around the gifts under the tree so it was nice to have reminders of him.

It was also Benji’s first Christmas with us so you we had to do it up! Included a little reindeer outfit for him! I couldn’t resist.

This is where the bonus Christmas trees come into play! By Dad told me had a Christmas tree of mine in the attic and asked if I wanted it… and again, 2020 so I said yes! So we put one up in our bedroom and then I also was gifted another pink Christmas tree that I couldn’t say no to!

My office was the pink Christmas tree hub and I loved every minute of it! 2020 may have been a bummer but our decorations definitely added a spark to our home! Now I just wish we could keep them up even longer!

We're getting down to the wire for holiday shopping! Still have a few people to check off your list? Me too! That's why I'm excited for today's post because I'm introducing a new candle company called Katya Candles. Candles have always been a go-to gift for me, because who doesn't love having their home smell amazing?! Another cool thing about these candles is each one comes with a ring inside that features Swarovski Crystals. Double win!

I checked out the Fir Balsam flavor and was sooo impressed! Since I was going to be in Washington for the holidays, we didn't put up a tree in the apartment this year, but if you walked in you'd think we had one thanks to this candle! 🎄 I feel like this is a scent that's kind of hard to nail down -- some brands' scents end up smelling artificial, but Katya Candles really got it right! Like standing in the middle of a Christmas tree farm right! It smells so stinking good! Even when it's not lit with the lid off, the scent really fills the room, which I love.

The candles are made of soy wax and are free of dyes, parabens, sulfates, pesticides or major allergens. They're also made in the U.S. and are all hand-poured California. West coast babyyy! Overall I was really impressed with the quality of the product. From the gift boxes to the glassware and the ring inside, you can tell they've really paid attention to the details.

Another cool thing about the company is that is was started by an awesome girl boss who has really put her heart and soul into the company (and it shows!) Since becoming a small business owner, I appreciate all of the hustle and hard work that goes into these businesses SO much more. One of my favorite quotes right now is "When you buy from a small business an actual person does a little happy dance" and it's so true! When you shop small you're supporting someone's dream which is an extra little bonus while doing holiday shopping for those you love!

If you'd like to get your shop on, click on the link below! The candles are also available on Amazon and through Etsy. Make sure you order before Saturday to receive your candle by Christmas Eve too!

*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. Katya Candles provided me with a candle to review in exchange for a blog post. This post and all opinions stated are based on my own ideas and honest experience with the products and have not been influenced based upon the sponsorship.

This week’s Friday Favs is getting the gift guide touch! Here’s a look at some of my NYC-inspired picks for the holidays!

1. For your NY-loving friend: C. Wonder has the cutest NYC heart coasters that are the perfect combination of cute without being overly touristy looking. Plus, everything at C. Wonder is 40% off all weekend long! I’m going to have to hold back some serious self-control to not pick up a thing or two for myself ;-)  
2. For your friend who still loves snail mail: I seriously LOVE this shop based in Brooklyn named appropriately, Hartland Brooklyn! I’ve been buying their cards for the last few years (which my best friends have probably received one). On top of their adorable cards, they also offer stationary and other cute desktop essentials. 
3. For your boyfriend: “Reality TV and Hookers” by NYC author Chris Sandstrom is your book. The title might throw you for a loop, but it’s a seriously entertaining satire on the reality TV industry. If your man was a fan of Tucker Max’s books, then this book is definitely up his alley. Bonus, you can score 50% off paperbacks all day today for Black Friday with the code: X7EEZZU2 and 40% off ebooks until Monday with the code: PN34S.
4. For the foodie in your life: We’re serious about bagels in the city and you should be able to enjoy the real thing no matter where you live! Which is why the New York Bagel of the Month Club is the perfect gift. You have quite the selection of varieties to pick from as well as the duration.
5. For your stylish friend: This one is a little bit of a splurge, but Kate Spade sells a NYC map scarf that is a lot of fun. Plus they’re offering 25% off everything on the website all weekend.

Happy shopping everyone!