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?

Foodie Gift Splurges

For the one you love, go all out! Really though, everyone benefits from these gifts. That's why my husband never seems to mind buying me kitchen items because he knows he'll reap the rewards. Here's a few fancy splurges that you'll never regret having:

Yes it's true what everyone says about a Vitamix. They are sent from Heaven and make the best everything! If you ever watch the QVC segment on this thing then you'll know what I'm talking about. You need one and should put it on your list immediately!

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Le Creuset cookware is worth every penny because they're versatile and they cook everything so well. Too well, almost. They hold in so much heat I barely need to have my stovetop on. I have a few pieces and truly enjoy using them.

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All Clad has the most amazing stainless pans- they're infused with a special technology that cooks everything evenly. I have one of their larger sauté pans and use it constantly. It also cleans better than I thought it would (prior to the All Clad I only had non-stick cookware). I wish I was able to re-do my wedding registry because I would've asked for a set of these pans instead.

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Maybe you're not so much into cooking as you are eating? How about a cheese-of-the-month club? This isn't some deli sliced American. This is months of hard, soft, blue, French, Spanish and any other fancy cheeses you can think of. The fun part will be finding ways to cook with them- especially one's that you've never tried before.

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Stonewall Kitchen has a 12 month Specialty Club gift where each month you get different ingredients- jams, oils, syrups, boxed sets, etc.- to try your hand at. This would make a great gift for a family or for anyone who wants to cook more but is maybe a little overwhelmed in the creative department. Because Stonewall Kitchen pairs their kits perfectly, there's not too much guessing as to what to do with the maple syrup and pancake mix.

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Well if you ever want a gift basket, you can't go wrong with anything from Harry & David. Do you know I'm crazy about gift baskets? I love them and never get them! I really am a sampler at heart. I love to try a little bit of everything and a gift basket is perfect for me. Now this one may be over-the-top, but it really is a party in a basket. Just set out some drinks and napkins and you're done!

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Will any of these be added to your wishlist?