g's gift guide

To be completely honest, blog posts may be few and far-between during the holiday season. I truly think that this is a time to gather with friends and family, eat delicious food until you feel absolutely stuffed, and relish in relaxation - which is what I will be doing. I hope you plan on doing just that, too!

In light of this, I want to make your life a bit easier before the holidays by providing a list of inexpensive gifts for that person you just quite haven't checked off your list yet.

[image from baublebar.com]

BaubleBar solo pendant necklace | This dainty little number is understated, chic, and a great price point. BaubleBar has been doing the 12 days of Christmas - with jewelry at $10, $15, and $20. Purchase in the next few hours to get it by Christmas eve!

[image from anthropologie.com]

Anthropologie Initial Mug | I love the gold detailing of this mug - it makes it look much more expensive than it really is!

[image from traderjoes.com]

Trader Joe's goodies | The oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, corn and chile salsa, bruschetta... and so much more are some of the amazing items you'll find at TJ's. Buy a friend, family member, or foodie some goodies, and I promise you'll get a lot for your money.

Spa-in-a-jar | Throw some lotion, a small candle, cozy socks, a bath bomb, and chapstick into a mason jar, and tie it with some burlap. Most women love beauty items, and this make-it-yourself gift set can be super inexpensive. I borrowed this idea from one of my favorite vloggers - Ingrid Nilsen. Check out her DIY gifts video!

[image from Lush.com]

Lush goodies | If you don't want to go all-out with the spa in a jar, you can easily grab one luxurious item from Lush. No matter your price point, Lush is sure to have something for everyone - even men. I particularly love the bath bombs and lip scrubs - both under $10.

[image from target.com]

Pajamas | I think these ones from Target are adorably classic, and perfect for snuggling up with a mug of cocoa.

Wine | Who doesn't love a nice bottle of vino? For around $10, you can get a pretty nice bottle of wine for someone who entertains, or simply enjoys a beverage with dinner.

And remember, gift buying isn't last minute until it hits December 24!

happy shopping!
G

confessions of a lushie: part III

Surprise, surprise... I'm reviewing two more Lush products, perfect for holiday gift-giving!

Sparkler bath bomb | This rose-jam scented bath bomb is a nice little treat at the end of a busy week, with a smell that is so comforting and relaxing. In an effort to preserve this goody for more than one use, I broke the "stick" in half. The bomb has a sparkly center, which adds a bit of glimmer to your bath (that also sticks to your tub once the water is drained - which I personally don't mind). I felt quite relaxed, moisturized, and sweet smelling after soaking in the tub with this bomb. Even if you don't take baths often, I would recommend buying this product simply for the scent. I honestly steal a whiff of it a couple times a week.

Right now it's sold out online, but you may be able to find it at your local Lush store. It's also included in this luxurious gift set! I think Lush's bath bombs make the perfect holiday gift for a friend, for under $10.

BB Seawood fresh face mask | Once you get past the odd texture of this mask, you might just love it. This product was recommended to me after I found out the Catastrophe Cosmetic mask was sold out. The scent of the BB Seaweed mask reminds me of the beach - fresh and slightly salty. With calming and exfoliating properties, my skin feels smooth and refreshed after one use. The only downside is that the seaweed is slightly weird - there are substantial pieces that are sometimes difficult to wash off once the mask dries. But, I can get past the seaweed because this product truly lives up to its claims.

xoxo,
G

hats off to Old Navy!

Just popping in to share one of favorite deals of the season. I stopped into Old Navy one night looking for a flannel, and ended up leaving with a cute little hat that cost less than lunch (only $5)! This hat is quite flattering and a style that is really popular lately. I'm happy I didn't have to spend a fortune to try out this trend.

Unfortunately, I can't find the exact hat on the ON website (I think I just got lucky finding it in the store's sale section). But, I did find a similar one from Target - complete with a bow!

[ jacket | J.Crew, similar
sweater | Joe Fresh for JCPenney, last year
leggings | J.Crew pixie pants in navy
boots | Steve Madden ]

In my eyes, this outfit is a perfect fall and winter go-to. Comfortable, cozy, and classic - three of my favorite things.

[ earrings | Kate Spade ]

I love a good pop of tortoise shell, and these Kate Spade earrings certainly fit the bill. They go with just about everything! Don't be afraid to mix tortoise with black or navy blue.

I'm not normally a hat person, but this floppy felt hat looks so chic and classic, I couldn't help but pick it up. I also cannot wait to re-create this look from Glitter & Gingham one weekend!

xoxo,
G

keep calm

"Give me all the chamomile!" is almost a daily thought for me lately. I have found two great products that I love, both of which include chamomile, a magic ingredient.

The silky cleansing oil from The Body Shop was a gift from my equally-makeup-obsessed best friend. I was so excited to try this, but I didn't know what to expect - putting oil directly on your face sounded like a breakout waiting to happen. Fast forward a few weeks, and it has seriously worked wonders for my complexion. The combination of oil and chamomile makes skin silky smooth and calms redness. I actually look forward to removing my makeup with this every night, followed by my regular face cleanser or a face mask. I would definitely consider this a must-have beauty product. I only wish it came in perfume form! The smell is so light and comforting.

My second favorite chamomile product is the chamomile vanilla tea by Bigelow. I've been a huge tea person lately. This tea is slightly sweet and very soothing. In addition, drinking chamomile tea has immense health benefits. It can help relax muscles, improve skin tone, and even help fight off colds - just to name a few. Did I mention it tastes delicious too?

With the holidays in full force, I think we all need a few fool-proof ways to stay calm.

xoxo,
G