Still need gift ideas? Here are all my favorite things.
Last week, my girlfriends held our annual Favorite Things Holiday Party. The idea is simple. You bring 5 of your favorite thing that is $5 or less. You go home with the favorite thing from five other attendees. It’s always our favorite get together and an easier way to do holiday gifts. Unfortunately, I had to go out of town unexpectedly for a family emergency and wasn’t able to attend. It did, however, get me thinking about all sorts of my favorite things.
Focusing on family and being grateful for how lucky we are is the main focus of the holiday season. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love shopping for others. If you are stuck and need ideas for people on your list, here are some of my favorite things. Some are a little nontraditional, but maybe it will spark ideas.
Perfume
I didn’t wear perfume until I was in my 30’s. I probably buy it every 4 years because I don’t wear it every day. The idea of spending a lot on a tiny bottle of liquids seems ridiculous until I found what I love. I’m obsessed with the Replica By the Fireplace scent from Maison Margiela. Each scent is meant to conjure of memories and experiences. I love this smell so much I sometimes just spray myself before bed so I can smell myself.
Local Store
Sleepy Poet Antique Mall is my one-stop shop whenever I’m working on the house. I’m a big Etsy fan but I like to see things in person. Also, I’ve found some amazing steals throughout the years by buying through the local booths. I’ve scored everything from my 80’s party prom dress to a vintage folding rocking chair for the cabin to my gold swan business card holder. Tip: Grab the map up front. It’s easy to get lost.
Favorite Charlotte Cocktail
Since I don’t drink much anymore, I make sure that anytime I do have a drink, it’s something I love. There is no drink I love more than the Smokey Mint Julep from Haberdish. It sounded quite boring to me but once I tried it, I was sold. The copper straws add a sense of cool. Maybe I should get those for the bar at home.
Sheets
People seem to go crazy over sheets. Threadcounts and the sorts. I’m not a sheet expert but when we upgraded to a new bed this past year I figured out that I like the old school percale sheets. I was surprised when I found this cheap set of pinstriped Vintage Washed Percale sheets at Target that have turned out to be my favorite sheets we own. I need to go snag a few more sets before they get discontinued – because that always happens to me.
Jeans
Jeans and I have a love-hate relationship. I love wearing a comfy pair, but I hate buying them. Trying to find a pair of skinny jeans that fit my curves is almost impossible. I hate having to pull up my pants all day. I guess that is what belts are for. After realizing I literally had no jeans that fit anymore, I gave in and figured out what works for me. On the expensive side, I am in love with my Fidelity Sola Mid-Rise jeans. (Disclaimer: I got them discounted from a boutique going out of business) They are the softest jeans I’ve ever touched, they keep their shape, fit me comfortably around the waist but stay up and I can wear them for lots of days (I won’t tell you how many days I’ve worn them) before needing to wash them. For my cheaper jeans the SP Black Label High-Waist Jeans were my biggest surprise. Currently on sale for $34! They fit like an expensive pair of jeans and are my other go-to pair.
Eye Liner
I wear very little makeup. Most days it is under eye concealer, blush, eye liner and mascara. My 19 year old cousin who is going to be a makeup artist told me that undereye liner is way out of style. I don’t care, though. I wear it. If you know me you know I’m (1) blind as a bat and (2) can’t apply makeup to save my life. I searched for years trying to find a pencil liner that I could actually use and wouldn’t smudge throughout the day. I had been using Urban Decay until a woman at Sephora told me I needed to switch to the Marc Jacobs gel eye crayon. I did and she was right. It’s perfect for a heavier line and it is waterproof.
Gadget
For our jobs, both Josh and I have had exposure to the topic of wellness will building design and interior spaces. The most interesting part of what we’ve learned is around circadian lighting and the impact that lighting has on our brains. We wanted to test it out and bought this Phillips wake-up light last year. Instead of waking us up with an annoying noise, the light simulates the sun rising. We were very wary and doubted this would work. But it does! We slowly wake up on time, peacefully and in a better mood.
Pajamas
They aren’t really pajamas but I use my Cuddl Duds for everything from sleeping to layering when it is cold. I got them with few expectations when I was stranded out of town with no extra clothes and grabbed something cheap from Marshals. They are so soft I find myself wanting to wear them 24/7.
Moisturizer
The Origins Vitazing SPF 15 Energy-boosting Moisturizer has become the only moisturizer I use. I’ve never used foundation or anything on my skin really for the day except moisturizer. This one has SPF and is slightly tinted. I didn't even know it was tinted until I ran out and went to the Origins store for a confusing conversation with the saleswoman.
Candle
I found this Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Black Pepper and Coconut candle at Target when I was searching for a teacher gift. I’m regretting not getting one for us and will most likely be back at Target later today to fix that. It’s a wintry take on a normally summer flavor.
