Stocking Stuffer Ideas

One of my fave youtubers, emilynoel83, put together great beauty stocking stuffer ideas. Check out her nifty recommendations:

Snow Days + Philosophy Snow

 

When I was little, my aunt brought a truck full of snow home for me as a surprise and I made a snowman on my front lawn. It was very fun and all of the kids who walked by my house after school thought it was awesome. Even though I love building snow people, it doesn’t snow where I live and I am definitely okay with that. Shoveling snow from the drive way, waking up to find your car under a pile of snow, and driving in it never seemed appealing. If I want to experience snow in all its winter glory, I only have a two-hour drive. Confession: for senior skip day in high school my friends and I went to the snow. 

 

If you want to capture the essence of being in the snow without freezing, try Philosophy’s seasonal Snow line. The collection features shower gel, lip gloss, shimmering lotion, foot and hand cream set, and two other gift sets ranging in price from $10 for the gloss up to $25 for the gift sets.

Holiday Gift Guide: Sweet Treats

Need a gift for a real sweetheart? These fun and irresistable gifts are great for little ladies and grown up ladies alike. 

 1.  L’OCCITANE Limited Edition Creme Caramel Candle: $28, usa.loccitane.com; To create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, light this decadent scented candle to find your own comfort and joy this holiday. 

2. Fossil Candy Dome Ring Size 7: $40, fossil.com; This pretty metal and gemstone ring will be sure to please even the most finicky of recipients.

3. Hard Candy Just  Nails Polish; $5, select Walmart stores; The newly reinvented Hard Candy line is now exclusively sold at Walmart. With a larger color selection and variety of finishes (cream, shimmer, glitter) there is something for everyone. These also still include the signature ring in a coordinating color. Tip: Online is almost always sold out of these so input your zip to find a store nearest to you. 

4. Lush Creamy Candy Bubble Bar: $6.65, lush.com and stores; This bubbling bath treat smells so yummy you’ll want to eat it but it’s best enjoyed crumbled into your warm bath water for a deliciously scented bath-time escape. Bath bars can be crumbled into pieces and used for multiple baths. Best when kept in an air-tight bag or container. 

5. Sephora Sweet Candy Gloss Trio: $13, sephora.com; These glosses are slick and never sticky while having a slight shimmer and shine to make your pucker look irresistable. Set includes Guava Passion (my personal fave), Apple pomegranate, and Tropical Jasmine. Glosses are also sold individually in 8 different flavors for $7 each. 

6. Girl’s Juicy Couture Eat Candy Hoodie: $74.00 for toddler and child size 2-6, $98.00 for girls size 7-14, juicycouture.com; This soft velour-feel hoodie features glittery “eat candy” print on back. Matching pants and candy tee also available separately. 

7. Dylan’s Candy Bar Birthday Cake Batter Lip Saver: $8, sephora.com; DCB best-selling flavor “birthday cake” scented lip balm is hydrating and smells delish.

Holiday Gift Guide: The Hip Gentleman

Confession: I know more about men’s fashion then I do about women’s and love to style guy’s outfits (when they let me, which is rare). Here are my fave picks for the hip, modern gentleman:

 

 1. KRIS VAN ASCHE – Elongated waistcoat: $500, farfetch.com; Want to spend a little extra change on your fashionable guy? Try this “waistcoat” that he can wear with everything from tee shirts to a suit. I’m also a fan of the John Galliano Double Vest Jacket. Look for similar styles at Nordstrom and Macy’s. 

 2. Fossil Analog Silver Dial Watch: $75, fossil.com; This modern cuff watch features a sleek dial, date window, is water-resistant up to 5 ATM and has an 11 year warranty. Look for similar, less expensive styles at Target. 

 3. Pinstripe Paisley Tie Mens Fedora: $16.99, tillys.com; This cool grey fedora features a subtle paisley print that will look smart with any look from casual to dressy. 

 4. D & G 6 L’AMOUREUX & 1 LE BATELEUR: $65 each, sephora.com; This series is modeled after tarot cards and features simple yet elegant 3.3 fl oz bottles at an affordable price. The collection is genderless (for neither man or woman) and each fragrance is designed to be worn alone or layered with another in the collection. L’Amoureux is the “lover,” sensual and romantic with notes of musk, woods, bergamot, and cardamom. Le Bateleur is the “magician,” is seductive and features notes of an aquatic accord and coriander, vetyver, and cedarwood. I really like the advert for these fragrances, especially Le Bateleur with Tyson Ballou. Click here to see it on youtube. 

 5. BKE Argyle Skinny Tie, $24.50, buckle.com; This grey, black, and white silk tie is a go with anything essential. Also available in blue argyle. 

 6. Banana Republic Black Split Leather Belt: $49.50, bananarepublic.gap.com; Sizes 32-46, 100% leather, 1 inch width. Look for similar, less expensive styles at department stores, discount stores and Target. 

7. Personalize your gift with a mixtape or mixcd. Or, if you can get ahold of his mp3 player, a special mix playlist.

Holiday Gift Guide: The Spa Lover

Since most of us can’t get spa treatments done often, giving the gift of spa-inspired products is a great way to treat someone this holiday season. Here are my top picks for the spa-lover in your life (or even for yourself):

1. Caudalie Spa in a Bag: $30, sephora.com; This luxe set includes everything you’ll need to relax and revitalize the body. Includes a full size Fleur De Vigne shower gel, Crushed Cabernet Scrub, and travel sizes of Caudalie’s best-selling hand cream and body lotion.

2. Elemis Spa Candle: $76, timetospa.com; Indulge in this cinnamon, vanilla, and orange candle. The beautiful wooden base is reusable when your candle has finished its 130 hours of burn time.

3. Clarisonic Plus Skin Cleansing system: $225, sephora.com and clarisonic.com; As your cleanse your face and body, the sonic system rotates 300 times per minute to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to reveal more radiant skin with less oilyness, fewer dry patches, fewer blemishes, and reduce wrinkles and pores. Used in many salon treatments and recommended by estheticians and dermatologists. This new plus system now has a third setting and special brush head for the body. Replacement brush heads, $25.

4. Calvin Klien Lush Bathrobe in White: $99, Macys.com; This cozy machine washable cotton robe is a great gift for anyone on your list. One size fits all, also available in the color Green Tea. A good alternative to this robe is the Bath and Body Works Sweetest, Softest Ever Robe, $39.50-$49.50, in multiple sizes and colors.

5. Tanda Regenerate Anti-Aging Starter Kit: $275, sephora.com; Is there someone on your list that must try all of the hippest, newest skin care gadget trends? Give the gift of youth with the Tanda. This anti-aging light therapy device helps to improve skin texture, tone, and firmness. There is also a blue LED light (sold separately) for acne.

6. Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Cream: $75, drbrandtskincare.com; Previously called “microdermabrasion in a jar,” this fine, smooth facial exfoliant is the creme de la creme of at home treatments. A version for the body is also available. Treatment may not be suitable for those with hyper sensitive skin or open lesions.

Lush Figs and Leaves Soap

 Mmmmmm. I love Lush’s Figs and Leaves Soap because it smells like a little peace of heaven. The scent is light, slightly clean and also a little foody. It also feels divine and exfoliates without being messy or leaving behind a film. Figs and Leaves exfoliates with fig seeds and is scented with essentials oild of ylang ylang, orange blossom absolute, and added fragrance.I love this because it’s gentle, smells divine, feels wonderful on my skin, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry. The only downside, for me, are the leaves on the top of the soap. Sure, it’s pretty decoration, but it gets mushy with use and can clog the drain. I just simply peel the leaves off after my first use. I discovered this soap thanks to a little sample that a nice sales lady added into my bag and I’ve been hooked ever since. I love it during fall and winter the most and will sometimes indulge in a bar during other months as well.This soap ranges in price in store depending on the size you get and the online quote for a 3.5 oz bar is $7.60. You can also have the lovely sales people at the store cut your very own custom bar as well.

Lush is best known for its natural approach to skin, body, and hair care. Sometimes synthetic materials (man-made) are used and they strive to use skin and eco-friendly versions. There are several locations world-wide and the online store is the only place to find “Retro Lush” items (previously discontinued products). Many items are also vegan friendly.

Fun Times: The Flat Tire

I was having a marvelous day off last Monday. I slept in, got a little holiday shopping done, and was on my way to get my brows waxed when I heard a loud BOOM. It sounded as if something had hit the roof of my car and I was worried it cracked the glass on my sunroof. I pulled over, checked the top of my car and all looked fine. I also checked the rest of the car and everything looked fine so I drove on for a few miles. Nothing sounded or seemed out of the ordinary until I suddenly wasn’t able to accelerate. Shortly afterward, I started slowing down even though I was pressing the gas. I pulled over again, got out, and saw that I had a flat. I’ve only ever had a flat tire once before and also didn’t realize it was flat for quite some time (until a nice lady  flagged me down).

Even though I didn’t have many warning signs of a flat that I immediately recognized, it’s good to know what to look for. I can’t tell you how to change a flat (I know it’s supposed to be easy but I still haven’t learned how) but I can inform you of the basics of tire care:

-I always get my tires rotated on schedule. This helps them to wear evenly and it’s also a great way to know if you need any repair work done (retreading, etc.) or if your tire shop expert notices any potential problems for the future. They will also usually check your pressure (if not, ask them to). I take great care of my tires since they are pretty big investment and sometimes no matter what you do, flats will still happen. If you don’t know how many thousand miles to have them rotated, ask your local shop.

-You should also always check your tire pressure at least once a month. To do this, you can purchase a gauge, which is relatively inexpensive, at your auto parts store or any store that sells basic auto products (Target, Walmart). I prefer to have my own so that I can check the pressure anytime and anywhere. Most gas stations also have air you can fill your tires with and the hoses usually have a gauge that you can use for free. Side note for Californians: It is now illegal for gas stations to charge you for air use. To find out the desired pressure for your tires, there is often a chart on the driver side door of your vehicle, in your owner manual, or you can ask when you purchase your tires or have them rotated. The place I purchase my tires from will also check my levels for free and fill them if needed. Many places will also do this for free or a small fee.

-If you are in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately!  If you need to pull over due to a flat or stall (for any reason), try to do so safely and pull off to a safe spot. Grip your steering wheel firmly and steer carefully, minding traffic conditions around you. Do not slam on your brakes and don’t stop in traffic as it may cause an accident. Turn on your blinker to alert drivers of your lane change. If you remember to turn on your emergency flashers, now would be an ideal time to do so. Carefully exit your car (preferably on the side NOT adjacent to the road) and stand off to the side of the road.

-If you carry emergency flares, place them 300 feet away from your car. If you have a second pair, those should be placed about ten feet from the first set. Flares are especially needed at night or in bad weather to warn other drivers that you are on the side (or middle) of the road. There are now LED flares on the market that can be re-used several times.

-If you are not able to accelerate, it’s a good idea to pull over and inspect your tires. This, for me, has always been a sign that I had a flat.

-Some people hear a flapping sound or a boom when they have a flat. It’s always good to pull off and investigate.

-If you have a cell phone, always make certain it is charged or that you have a car charger in case of emergency. It is also a good idea to have emergency numbers on hand to refer to: road side assistance or a tow company, your highway patrol, and someone you can count on for a temporary loan if you don’t have charge or cash on hand (or someone who will be nice enough to drive you to a bank or ATM).

-I believe that it is best to over prepared then not prepared at all. I keep an emergency kit in my car that consists of: a blanket, plastic rain gear (pants and jacket), a change of warm clothes, socks, old shoes, two jackets, a gallon of water, flares, bungee cords, jumper cables, a travel-friendly tool kit, a large towel, paper towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, first aid kit, and a personal toiletry bag (new disposable razor, sample packs of cleanser, moisturizer, spf, eye cream, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, a small brush, extra hair pins, and a tooth-brush and tooth paste. Plus, I always carry two flash lights and I check the batteries every six months.

It’s always good to expect the best and also be ready for the worst.

Clarisonic Opal

 

I want one when it comes out! It is designed to help to diminish signs of aging immediately and over time. While my skin is well-cared for and I’m too young to see aging, I still want this to keep my skin looking that way. Click here to see the sneak peek: Clarisonic Opal (there is a vid full of info you can check out).

Dior Creme Abricot Fortifying Cream For Nails

This nail and cuticle treatment has been around for a very long time and has a cult following. It hydrates, strengthens, and encourages nail growth. A small amount is all that’s needed to be effective and can be used before or after using polish. It’s $23 and you get plenty of product in one little pot.

I know a lot of people really dig this product but I did not like having to physically dig into the pot to get any out. I’d much rather invest in products with user friendly packaging. It is hard to close a screw top pot after one has goo residue on his or her fingers from hydrating the cuticles.

I tested this product in store and did not buy, so I can’t report on if it actually helps with nail growth. Like other Dior products, it is fragranced. That’s fine and dandy, however, the fragrance they used for this product is less than satisfactory to my nose. Very grandma-like (though not my grandma, she’s hip and smells lovely).

 

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment & Brown Sugar Body Polish Turns 10!

I love Fresh bunches and I also love their original Sugar Lip treatment. It contains sugar, a natural humectant, to help keep your lips hydrated. It also feels smooth and makes my lips look and feel healthy. It also contains a ton of ingredients to keep your pucker in top condition. Plus, it features SPF 15 to prevent sun damage and burns.

The “new” Rose tinted treatment has all of the same benefits of the original, now with a little hint of tint. The color is sheer, buildable, and is a very soft rose color. I liked it at first because it was great when I wanted a little color and hydration. Then, I left it in the heat and it melted everywhere. So no more Sugar Rose for me. Oh well, I think I prefer the original better since I can wear it to bed without turning my pillow pink.

At $22.50 for both the original and roseversion, it is a bit steep. Keep in mind, though, that this is more of a treatment then a lip balm. A little goes a long way and you just want to use a little dab instead of slathering it all over your lips, especially with the rose version. Either is a great treat for yourself or a gift for someone else.

Celebrate Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish’s 10th birthday! Fresh Stores will be hosting events every Thursday from 5pm til closing during the rest of September. There are two events remaining, check the website for details: http://www.fresh.com/content/TenYears

If you have not tried this body scrub, it will knock your socks off. It’s a very luxurious body polish that softens and hydrates with essential oils. It’s almost like having a pricy spa body exfoliation treatment in your own tub at home.