Christmas Gift Guides and Life Update

I’m coming to you live from my little, warm RV in the middle of the mountains. I actually had to lean over and ask Michael where exactly we are. Usually I find it hard to write posts while we’re traveling, but since we have the RV, it’s so much easier. I have my second monitor, keyboard and mouse all set up. And on top of that I have a beautiful view just steps away or out the window.

I wanted to get a head start on my holiday gift guides this year since I know many of y’all are online shopping and trying to get it done early.

I’ve been VERY busy behind the scenes working on something very exciting: a brand new product. For the past 3 years I’ve been working on this and I can’t wait to FINALLY share it with you soon. It is a physical product and it’s perfect for Christmas time. It embodies everything I love and is a direct representation of what this brand is about. And, I’ve never seen anything quite like it before.

 

I’m usually very wordy when it comes to blog posts. But since this isn’t a travel post, I don’t want to leave you hanging. Here is what I’m shopping for right now for the holidays.

I’m breaking this down by brand because I find that so much easier!

Holiday Gift Guides

Ulta Holiday Gift Guide

First up, Ulta. I'm a huge fan of Ulta because they always have coupons, discounts, and their holiday specials are amazing. Each year so many brands come out with cute Christmas sets. I have two sisters and there's always something I can buy for myself and then also give to them! If I don't know what to give someone, Ulta is always a good idea. Right now, Ulta is having 50% off of many of their top brands like Benefit, MAC, and Becca. Also get a free 23 piece beauty bag.

 

Too Faced Christmas Snuggles and Melted Kisses Liquid Lipstick Set – Comes in 4 colors. I was going to give this away… then I tried the “Hot Toddy” lipstick and I got so many compliments I had to keep it and order more for gifts. I'm a huge fan of Too Faced's liquid lipstick. I still have the “gingerbread” from last year. It lases all day and the colors are just too pretty.

Too Faced Enchanted Wonderland Makeup set ($49 for a $245 value!) and Enchanted Forest Makeup set ($44 for a $205 value!) – the first comes in a pack of 3 so it's great for stocking stuffers. Too Faced is a high quality brand and all their products smell good! The Enchanted Forest set also comes with their lip injection lipstick and a mascara. Plus the value of these packs is too good.

Too Faced Sugar Plum Fun makeup set – You can't go wrong with this pretty eye palette. Again smells delicious.

Lancome Big Lash Volume Duo – this is my biggest question I get: what mascara do you use?! It's this one. This is a two pack of the best mascara ever. You can also try their bold lashes trio set which includes primer and their Hypnotiq mascara.

Best of Lancome set – I love so many of Lancome's products but they can get expensive. This box is a chance to try all the best. Also, Lancome is offering free gift with purchase.

Tarte Blush Authority Amazonian Clay Cheek Wardrobe – $35 for a $171 value! Includes 9 blushes in 3 different stacks, so perfect for multiple people, plus the value is awesome.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Set – Buy their cult favorite concealer (I love it and am in shade 20B light) and get a free mascara.

Tarte Eyeshadow Wardrobe ($49, a $270 value) – Another great palette that's perfect to give. I love the great quality of Tarte's eyeshadows. Also, Tarte is offering a free gift with purchase. Get a free 3 piece gift with and $30 Tarte purchase until 11/17.

IT Brushes from It Cosmetics – This comes with a rose gold complexion set of 4 brushes. I love IT Cosmetics brushes, they seem to last me longer than any of my others and are super soft. Plus comes in a pretty rose gold package- it's like it's already wrapped!

Bare Minerals 4 Piece Fan Favorite Set – $15, a $61 value! I have recently been reaching for Bare Minerals more and more since it's a more natural look. Especially if I want almost a makeup free day, this is perfect. This 4 piece set has everything you need, but I especially love their warmth bronzer. I always bring this when traveling.

Grande Lash Fix-It Kit – A $90 value for $75. This is what I use to help grow my lashes and it works SO well. I've tried a few others, but this so far is still the best. Comes with the lash serum and lash leave-in conditioner.

Ulta Best Beauty Bets – A 9 piece sample kit of some of their best products like Grande lash serum (I use this!), Nars cult classic orgasmic blush, Bare Minerals powder and more.

American Eagle / Aerie Gift Guide

I'm a huge fan of this brand. Super comfy, cozy, and inclusive sizing. They have some great options for you plus your loved ones. I love all their fairisle sweaters, socks, and mittens. Which make for the perfect gift! Everything I'm sharing is on major sale.

 

Fairisle Mittens – I love mine and wear them all during winter! Plus this is a great color combo.

Fairisle Crew Socks – I personally love getting socks for Christmas. It's something you always need. These are cozy and come in a variety of colors. These would be so cute paired with boots.

Fairisle Sweater – There are so many cute sweaters from Aerie, but I love this option. I bought one for myself.

Dog Sweater – This is just too cute and would make for the most adorable pictures.

Offline Crossover Legging – These are the best lounge leggings I've ever found. So cozy and perfect for hanging around the house

Aerie Cozy Good Vibes Jogger – These are the SOFTEST and coziest. These pair great with a glass of red wine or, business on top and comfortable on the bottom for a Zoom call. So many cute colors to choose from too. Also comes with a matching top.

Offline Read Me High Waisted Pocket Legging – These are great to work out in and the pocket makes it perfect for carrying my phone when I go on a walk. Tons of colors and even a super cool acid wash look that would look great paired with knee high boots.

Good Vibes Corded Sweatshirt – I have this and love it! It's oversized and so easy to throw on over leggings or with a skirt.

Oversize Long Sleeve T-shirt – Comes in 13 colors and so many different cute sayings. Also plain options available. Perfect every day tee.

Cozy Slippers – These buffalo check slippers are perfect for anyone tough to shop for – men or women! Also comes in blue and leopard.

Plaid Jacket – Plaid jackets are so popular right now. This jacket/shaket (shirt jacket) is all the rage. I love these neutral colors.

Aerie Pom Beanie – I am always down for a good pom beanie! I love this cute one. Tons of color options.

Cozy Sherpa Quarter Zip – I personally can never have enough of these cozy sherpas. I LIVE in them in the winter. Tons of colors from plain to patterned and under $40.

Oversize Flannel Babydoll Shirt – So great for anyone that loves to dress casual but cute.

PJ pants for him – Michael will never buy his own so I finally bought him some last year and he wears them to death. These are great pattern options.

Touch Screen Gloves – When you want to stay warm but be able to check your Instagram.

Aerie Flannel Pajama Jogger – I have these exact pants and don't leave home without them when traveling (or at home) they are so cozy and cute!

 

Target Holiday Gift guide and Decor

Target has some of my favorite holiday decor. From simple and clean to cute and cozy, there are tons of options. I also appreciate that the website breaks down gift ideas based on interests- makes shopping so easy. Check that out here. There's also a section for gifts under $3, $5, $10, and $15 so you can stay within budget.

Matching Family PJs – Target has dozens of options for every member of your family. This would be a great Christmas eve gift.

Christmas Coffee Mug – Target always comes through with cute mugs, I love this classic design. Plus it's only $5. I also adore this retro mug. I have one that's super similar for double the price.

Oversized Chunky Hand Knit Blanket – Oh I added this to my cart so fast! I've been looking for a hand knit throw and unable to find them for over $150. This is $79 and comes in 4 colors!

Sherpa Lined Socks – So cozy you won't even need slippers! Only $10.

Flannel Plaid Throw Pillow – SO many good pillows right now at Target! I love this plaid one, this oblong “to all a good night” one, and this cable knit one.

Cozy Chenille Robe – I adore chenille fabric. It's one of the softest. This robe would feel so good in the morning after getting out of bed.

The Office Board Game – I think games are such a great gift since they can be played all year long. If you have an Office game, this would be perfect.

One Liter Whiskey Barrel – This is a great idea for the guy who loves beer. Also a good father-in-law gift.

Women and Men's Onesie – Show people you really love them with a onesie. We would wear these while living in our freezing cold apartment in Germany and stay warm.

Blanket Scarf – An easy gift for anyone on your list. $17 and tons of options.

2021 Calendar– I love this calendar with travel themed photos from Lonely Planet! A great way to look forward for the new year.

Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Styler – this was my number one gift last year and I'm so happy it's on sale this year at Target!

Scrunchie Pack – Great for girls and only $10 for 6.

Knit Monogram Stocking – I got these for our home and I think they are so cute. Also include dog paws!

Merry Christmas Garland – Only $10 and so cute to hang in your home. Also love this wood garland.

3 count deer– these retro style deer remind me of Rudolph! So cute for neutral holiday decor.

Christmas Tree, Flocked – I love decorating my home with mini Christmas trees in various sizes. Target has some of the best! I also love these bottle brush trees.

Christmas Sign – This cute “Farm fresh” sign would be great indoors or outdoors. Only $10.

Kitchen Aid – If you want to splurge on a really nice gift, go with a Kitchen Aid. This lasts forever (I've had mine for 10 years!) Comes in 5 colors.

Tall Ceramic House – So cute with a tea light or LED light.

 

Will continue to update this post with holiday finds! Also… how many times did I say the word cute or cozy?

See more gift guides here.