Christmas Gifts I'm Actually Giving

I buy what I know is good. I do own all of these products so this is more like a favorites/gift guide...

Barefoot Dreams throw - I've professed my love for these throws on the blog. I'm spreading the joy to others. I cannot buy any other throws now. I buy mine at Nordstrom Rack for $50, which is a steal!

Barefoot Dreams socks - I own two pairs, but really want more. I wear them every night. They're so cozy and wash/dry really well. They stay soft and don't loose their shape. This is a great stocking stuffer idea!

LLBean tote - I have three sizes of this tote (medium, large, extra large) and I prefer the large with regular length handles. These totes hold up so well. I've had mine for years and they still look great.

Truffle travel case - I got this after seeing a Fashion Jackson post about Truffle bags. I used my bag for the trip to London, Paris and Iowa. I haven't had any issues with TSA. It's the perfect size and is such good quality! 

Moleskin journal - I've been journaling for years and find it so therapeutic plus entertaining to look back at journal entries from years ago. I highly recommend journaling to everyone and this moleskin is so nice. 

Framed photos - I love a sentimental gift and a photo is easy to execute. A cute frame makes it that much more special. I love these antique style metal frames. 

Aquis hair turbans - I'm addicted to my hair turban. My hair is so silky after using it. I only wear it for about 10 minutes while I do my skincare routine and brush my teeth. It does wonders in that short amount of time!

Le Labo hand soap - A great gift for the person who is difficult to shop for. Everyone needs hand soap and this is the most luxurious scent. I love Le Labo!

Ouai products - I don't specify exactly which products because they're all good! I'm a big fan of Jen Atkin and I've bought so many hair and body products for myself and as gifts. 

Stocking Stuffers

... or small gifts. This is what my sister's and I get for each other. My list this year includes a lot of lounge items. 

1 | Pajamas & Slippers

PJ's are my weakness, especially bottoms. I just can't resist a pair of flannels. Pair them with some MUK LUKS and you are in business for some serious Netflixing. 

2 | The Body Shop Body Butters & Scrubs

Can't go wrong with The Body Shop. I go through body butters and scrubs so quickly so it's great to stock up this time of year. I also really love their holiday scents. 

3 | Sports bras

Sports bras are so much more expensive than they should be. Therefore, great gift idea. I recently found the best one yet. Hello Nike Pro Indy...

4 | Beanie & Gloves

For some reason I really love buying cold-weather accessories. Always a great option this time of year. Plus, you can go for cashmere if you're feeling extra fancy. 

5 | Throw Blanket
My mom and I have been admiring the faux fur throws at Pottery Barn. They're so luxurious and cozy. West Elm have some pretty good ones at a lower price point. 

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is hit-and-miss for Brady and I. Some years we exchange gifts, while other years are spent fairly low-key with dinner or a movie (seriously, who has time for both?). If we do celebrate with gifts they're always small. 

Here are my top V-Day treats...

Sonoma Lavender Lilac Dot Sleep Mask

I've been interested making this purchase for months. I have really dry eyes and I've started using an eye ointment at night, but I think this would help make sure my eyes are completely closed. Practical + cute.

Charlotte Tilburry Makeup Bag

I've been lusting after this enormous makeup bag. It would seriously hold all my makeup and brushes. That's impressive. The pattern is spot on for Valentine's Day.

LUSH Heart Throb Bubbleroon

Really, anything from LUSH would a big hit. The bath bombs are a personal favorite, along with the shower gels. I actually take time to have a bath and relax when I have these products laying around. 

MUK LUKS Amira Bootie Slippers

I just got a pair for my birthday (thanks, Mom!) and I've worn them everyday since. They are so soft and comfortable. And they actually stay on, unlike backless slippers.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Rollberball

My holy grail A/W scent. It's a fragrance that suits everyone. However, the name is deceiving. It's not too florally. It actually has a nice spicy undertone. Plus, it lasts all day. 

There's one guarantee on Valentine's Day...

Dad never lets us down

Birthday Wishlist

My birthday is in two weeks and I'm completely dreading it. I've always had a complex about aging- I remember crying on my 18th birthday because I didn't want to be an adult. The big 2-6 is really going to rock my world. I will be closer to 30 than 20!

Gifts are the only reason to live through birthdays now. Here's what I'm hoping for :) 

1 | The 1975 Beanie

I didn't get this for Christmas, but I've already harassed Brady about getting it for my birthday. I'm definitely expecting this one and will be sorely disappointed if I'm still with any The 1975 merchandise in two weeks.

2 | Longchamp 'Le Pileage Neo- Large' Tote

I've been looking for a large, lightweight tote for the past month. I've had my eye on this one for awhile. I've been torn between the classic and neo styles. This would certainly be my everyday bag- perfect for work.

3 | MUK LUKS 'Amira Candy Coated' Bootie Slippers

Brady keeps the condo freezing cold and I seemed to have misplaced all my slippers in the process of moving. This pair is perfect- soft, fuzzy, and cover the entire foot. I need these in my life!

4 | Pandora Floral Ring

I've gotten into gold jewelry recently (and mixing silver and gold). I really like wearing a thin band on my index finger and this subtle ring would be perfect. It's a bit pricey but worth it considering it can be worn everyday. 

5 | Steve Madden 'Ecentrcq' Sneaker

I've been wearing a pair of leopard slip-ons nearly everyday to work. They are so comfortable and cute (with skinny pants). I think black would a great neutral option to add to the wardrobe. I really like this quilted pattern. 

Weekend Update

Christmas in Washington was nice, but quiet- definitely missing our friends and families in Iowa! Brady cooked an amazing Christmas Eve dinner and we FaceTimed with our families while opening gifts. We capped off the night watching Christmas movies. We spent Christmas day lounging around. I started the Serial podcast and now I'm addicted. I'm only on episode four, but I'm hooked.

Chef Brado

Amazing!!

Crab cakes :)

This little babe is crawling already

It's all about new traditions... gigantic cookies

Beauty junkie

Non-beauty items... only three

Super dressed up for the occasion 

Chai lattes and cinnamon rolls

Finally found The Polar Express on TV (just in time)

We both had to work on Friday, but we hit up our favorite local pub Friday night for dinner and drinks. We love Harmon Tap Room too much. The food is amazing, the drinks are always good and the decor is exactly our taste- industrial and rustic. Plus, it's 2 blocks from our condo. 

We explored Gig Harbor on Saturday and it's the cutest town! We know where we want to settle now :) I had only been there a couple times for work so it was nice to see a different side. The downtown area was full of adorable shops and cafes right along the water. We both thought of Brady's mom- quaint and artistic.

Coveting these book ends

Tickle the bird

Dream homes

Brady in heaven

IOWA

Sunday was spent cleaning the condo, baking banana bread (I was quite proud of this!), and online shopping. We ventured out to go to the gym and walk along the Sound at dusk. 

Rainbow

Feeling a little uncoordinated on these rocks

Overall, a nice, relaxing weekend- just what I needed!