affordable

gift guide

Gift Guide: Sweet, Small Gifts For Under $10

Whether you're looking for stocking stuffers or a fun white elephant gift, there are plenty of ways to give this holiday season without spending a bundle.

Whether you're looking for stocking stuffers or a fun white elephant gift, there are plenty of ways to give this holiday season without spending a bundle. From art prints to decorative bowls to tea towels, you can find something affordable for everyone on your list.

I've found plenty of fun favorites for your friends and family this holiday season. Start with the CB2 Red Chick Candleholder ($8) While it's inexpensive enough to scoop up an entire flock, decorating with even one will add a cute touch to a well-decorated mantel or an already established candlelit corner.

For those in your life who appreciate a well-earned beer, the Vintage Key Bottle Opener ($8) will keep them looking classy even if they're opening a bottle of Huber. Attach it with ribbon to a six-pack and bring it to the host of a holiday poker party.

I'm also appreciating the Moroccan flair in the Large Tile Poppy Kitchen Towel ($6). Use it to wrap another gift, or, fold it into the stocking of your favorite cook.

Loving one of the other gifts? Click on it to get your shopping started.

POPSUGAR Fashion

Designer-Worthy Denim Under $150!

You don't have to spend a ton of money to get a great pair of jeans.

You don't have to spend a ton of money to get a great pair of jeans. There are so many different denim choices out there, so we went ahead and selected our favorite labels that you need to know about. Whether you're in need of a cool black jean, searching for the perfect pair of high-waisted pants, or want to try out a '70s flare — Les Halles, Cheap Monday, and SOLD have you covered. And the best part? All of these jeans are under $150. On Allison: ASOS blazer, top from Madison LA, SOLD jeans.

Shopping

Roundup: Large Area Rugs For $250 and Under

If you're looking for a small accent rug, it's not too difficult to find a budget-friendly, stylish option.

If you're looking for a small accent rug, it's not too difficult to find a budget-friendly, stylish option. But when it comes to large area rugs, it gets trickier. I have a friend who's been on the hunt for an affordable rug for his living room, and he's realizing it's not an easy task.

You can always try your luck at discount stores like Home Goods, go on a treasure hunt at vintage stores and flea markets, or scope out department store sales. To help you out, I've rounded up some of my favorite five-by-eight (or similar) floor coverings that are $250 or less, from seagrass to tufted, ethnic to modern. Some, like this Jungle Carving Rug ($250, originally $500) from Anthropologie, are deeply discounted — so grab 'em while you can!

fast and easy

Fast & Easy Dinner: Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts

Although I'm a fan of interesting vinegars and exotic sauces, it can be pricey to purchase a bottle of something you may only use once.

Although I'm a fan of interesting vinegars and exotic sauces, it can be pricey to purchase a bottle of something you may only use once. That's why it's nice to look toward the juice aisle. Juice is an incredibly affordable flavoring agent — and you can drink it after you cook with it. In this recipe, cranberry pomegranate juice is used to season savory chicken thighs. It's an effortless dish that's also elegant enough to serve friends without breaking the bank. Check out the technique and read more

Wine

Happy Hour: Red 2005

Worried about what wine to pour for Valentine's Day?

Worried about what wine to pour for Valentine's Day? Have I got the perfect bottle for you!

St. Francis Winery's 2005 Red blend is a spectacular wine at a shocking price. When I served this smooth-bodied wine to a girlfriend on Monday night, she guessed it was at least $25 a bottle. However, this succulent blend of five varietals — Merlot (58 percent), Syrah (25 percent), Cabernet Franc (9 percent), Cabernet Sauvignon (6 percent), and Zinfandel (2 percent) — is only $10. Produced in the Sonoma Valley, Red has a ripe fruit flavor, a spicy undertone, and robust aroma. It's wonderfully easy to drink and, since it's a table wine, it pairs with most foods from pizza to pasta to steak.

The modern, stylish labels (there are actually 12 different designs) were created by Jeffrey Caldewey, a renowned wine label designer. If you are looking or a great value wine, I highly recommend Red. Has anyone else tried it?