Holiday Gift Guide 2018

Hey Friends!

To my friends that celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday, I hope you had a relaxing and delicious day! We had a wonderful day at my daughter and son-in-law’s home.

Great food. Lots of laughs. So good.

Since today officially kicks off the holiday season, I thought I would share a few of my favorite self-care and gut health products for the the season of giving.  I don’t know about you, but I do like to buy a couple things for myself during the holidays too. 😉 Ha! Hey, it’s all about ‘self’-care, right?!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

1. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

First up, a little self-care product! I love Kiehl’s products and this Midnight Recovery Concentrate is high on my list for skin care products especially in the winter as it is particularly hydrating.  I put this serum before I go to bed and my skin feels so great in the morning. The scent of this product is amazing too–like you have just experienced a spa facial. Buy here.

2. Nespresso espresso maker

If you want to feel like you are in a café in Paris or Italy, this Nespresso machine will do the trick!

I do love the convenience and the quality of the espresso from my Nespresso maker. Truth be told, my husband Russ makes me coffee in our French press every morning. I am totally spoiled. I do, however, absolutely love to make a quick short espresso in the afternoon in a moment’s time or quickly whip up a fancy coffee for a friend that stops by for a visit. It’s a luxury item for me–but one I really appreciate having in my kitchen. I bought another one for our Maine cottage too–and we really love the ease of being able to have a tasty espresso anytime–with little effort. Buy here.

Oh…and my favorite Nespresso blend is Ristretto. Buy here.

3. Caudalie hand cream

Since I was a kid, I have been prone to eczema, primarily in the winter.  I have tried so many products but the Caudalie hand and nail cream is by far my favorite for my sensitive winter hands. I keep one tube of lotion by my bed and one in my bag for on the go.  Buy here.

4. Tazo Chai Tea

The cool weather and chai tea lattes are the perfect combo for cozy afternoons. I  steep this Tazo chai tea, then top with frothed almond or oat milk and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. So good. So good. And if you want to froth and heat your milk to perfection, check out the frother I recommend below!

Buy here

5. Vitamix

When my husband treated me to a Vitamix, I thought this gift is OVER the top as the price point is pretty high…but, I LOVE this blender. I make about 4 smoothie bowls a week –and nothing quite blends up my frozen fruit and chia seeds better than this machine. It is a beast.  Extra bonus, it makes the most amazing homemade peanut butter and almond butter too! Buy here.

6. Boos cutting board 

This is a very sturdy and practical cutting board…and it looks nice too! It’s perfect to keep right on your kitchen counter at your ready to slice and dice all your veggies.  Buy here.

Oh…and remember to oil your wooden cutting boards!

7. The Low FODMAP Diet Step by Step

Okay, a bit of a plug…yes, but honestly, I love this book for its realistic and easy to follow details on the 3 phases of the low FODMAP diet and the delicious low FODMAP recipes!  Buy here.

8. Nespresso Milk Frother

Is it worth having a Nespresso frother? To me, the answer is YEEEEEEES.  It’s a luxury item that I enjoy using almost every. single. day.  I add frothed up lactose free cow’s milk on top of my espresso or frothed plant-based milk for my chai tea lattes. I find the Elmhurst almond milk really froths up to a creamy deliciousness that can be scooped on top of a chai tea for a magical experience.  It warms the milk too and really takes my tea and coffee game up to a whole new level. Buy here.

9.  Capri Blue Candle

I love candles. A flickering candle with a light scent makes me feel calm and relaxed. This Capri Blue Candle- Volcano has a beautiful and calming tropical scent.

Buy here.

10. Daring Greatly

I am a Brene Brown fan.  I think her writing is inspirational and thought provoking. This book had to be on my holiday gift guide!  From the Amazon page, this sums it up:

“Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage. In a world where “never enough” dominates and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It’s even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there’s a far greater risk of getting criticized or feeling hurt. But when we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena—whether it’s a new relationship, an important meeting, the creative process, or a difficult family conversation. Daring Greatly is a practice and a powerful new vision for letting ourselves be seen.”  YEEEEEESSS! I am a firm believer that stepping into the arena can be difficult but SO rewarding.  Buy here.

11. A nice tub tray

So this is on my holiday wish list this year.  I love a nice warm tub. I find it extremely relaxing! I have always wanted a tub tray to put a candle, my lotions and potions on. I definitely would not bring a computer in the tub, but that’s just me!  So…let’s hope someone gives me one this year. 🙂 Buy here.

12. Peace mug

I love this style of mug. In fact, I have many mugs in this style with fun words on them.  I am all about inner peace –for the mind and the gut. So, yes, this mug is my fav!  Buy here.

So, let’s kick off the holiday season together! I will be doing a little online shopping today and then off to Portsmouth, New Hampshire for a little get-a-way with my man.

Happy Friday!