beauty gifts 2014

So it was with the Foodie gifts, I want everything on this list too. There's just too much cute stuff out there!

For the body:

These bath and body products aren't just beautiful to look at, they're infused with natural ingredients and contain some of the best scents. I mean, with a name like Library of Flowers, how could you not leave the house smelling like the prettiest bouquet? And the honey pot stick that comes with the Laura Mercier set just sends me over the edge with cuteness. 

For the Face:

With your skin changing every day, it's nice to have a mask that can change with it- that's why I'm crazy about these cute little Korres Beauty Shots. They're a quick 10 minute mask to give your skin the radiance, hydration or vibrancy it needs. I've only heard wonderful things about Eve Lom skincare, so I think this Eve Lom Travel Essentials kit would be a perfect way for me to try some of the brand. 

Makeup:

I must admit that after working in the beauty industry for so many years, I'm a bit jaded when it comes to Holiday palettes and sets. I feel that most companies just recycle last years gift with a few updated colors. And the same could be said for these as well, the only difference is I actually like these sets and would be happy to use them. The Bobbi Brown Smokey Nudes eyeshadow palette, Hourglass Ambient Blush palette and the Urban Decay Full Frontal lipstick set contain colors that I would wear everyday, but could easily amp it up for a special occasion. 

Perfume:

I feel like I've been wearing the same perfumes for years now, that's why I'm so excited that I found these two that I'm in love with. Aerin Waterlily Sun and Tocca Simone are soft florals with hints of citrus- they're different and similar (if that makes sense) and would probably be even more amazing if I wore them together. Well that's decided. Someone (ahem, Kent) needs to get me both!

What beauty products are on your holiday wish list? What are you giving?

foodie gifts 2014

The title of this should really be: everything I want for Christmas (Kent, pay attention here please). So, here they are!

For entertaining:

I have a small collection of cake stands and these doily cake plates are precious and practical- a must! This star platter works for entertaining any time of the year and will elevate any food placed on top of it. Who cares about using this stemless wine glass for wine? I'd use it every day of the week for juice, water... you name it. It's too pretty not to use everyday!

For Cooking:

For years now I've been toying with the idea of making my own pasta. Since I don't normally make a lot of pasta it doesn't make a ton of sense, but I do love the idea of turning into a real Italian Mama with these little attachments. 

Books:

These are just a few of the cookbooks I've been dying to get my baking mitts on. I have all of the other Ina Garten coookbooks, so it just makes sense to complete the collection. A Kitchen in France is worth buying just for the pictures alone. And need I say more with Homemade Decadence? The cake recipe on the cover is worth the cost of the book. 

For the Stocking:

One of these may already be ready to go in my stocking (thanks Santa!). The chef'n zipstrip herb stripper not only takes the precious leaves off the stems, but then those leaves fall into the bowl so they're all contained. And those hot cocoa sticks come in a few flavors to try (salted caramel and French dark truffle anyone?).  

So, what are you asking for? Any of these items being added to your list?

Fabulous foodie gifts under $50

With the Holiday's fast approaching (hello, Hanukah is before Thanksgiving?!?!) I though I'd devote a Holiday gift giving post every week until Christmas, and today is all about foodie gifts under $50.

For the pizza connoisseur: I've been really into homemade pizza's lately (especially this recipe) and I'd love a gift like this.

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For the baker in the house:

I love oven mitts and you definitely need two of them- these mitts are sturdy enough to handle the hot oven heat. A small, flexible silicone spatula is essential for lifting cookies off the pan without scratching the surface. Every baker needs a cookie scoop. How else will you get that perfect, consistent round shape? Candy thermometer's aren't something you buy unless you need it for a specific recipe. So wouldn't it be so much easier if you could open the drawer, have the thermometer available and make these Pecan Pralines?

Popcorn junkies:

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We all know going to the movies has become ridiculously expensive, and sometimes it's better to stay in and watch a movie with different popcorn flavors. Aren't those individual popcorn cups the cutest? No germ-y hands in a big bowl. Here's one of my favorite popcorn recipes.


For the everyday chef:

salad spinner/ bamboo salad utensils/ large glass bowl

I feel like every time I go to a bridal shower, all the women who have been married for decades complain that they wish they could have a shower too- they're kitchen items are either broken or outdated. Well this salad set would be a great "refresher" gift of household items that a home chef who's been cooking for years may not have... or they might want to replace anyways!

How to brew loose tea, for beginners

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The tea industry has really exploded in the past couple of years. If your gift receiver likes tea then these are ideal for helping them start their loose tea journey!


All of these gifts would be great on their own (some of them could be stocking stuffers) and they'd all go nicely in a wrapped box or cellophane-d basket. What are you asking for the Holiday's?  Any of these suggestions helpful in crossing gifts off your list?