holiday 2018
holiday gift guide
Holiday Gift Guide for The Girl You're Close To
1. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cardigan | 2. Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette | 3. EA Family Initial Necklace | 4. Aquis Luxe Hair Turban | 5. Anthropologie Cozy Blanket Scarf | 6. EA Double Disc Stamped Family Necklace | 7. Mark & Graham Half Moon Clutch | 8. Fresh Sugar Jetsetter Kit | 9. Barefoot Dreams Throw Blanket | 10. Barefoot Dreams Leopard Throw Blanket | 11. EMU Australia Slippers | 12. Slip Silk Pillowcase
This is a gift guide to refer to for the girl you're close to; your mom, sister-in-law, best friend. The girl you want to spoil a little bit this holiday season. If I really want to spoil somebody, I look no further than Barefoot Dreams. I wear this cardigan nearly every day for lounging around the house. It's so cozy and warm - the perfect thing for this time of year. We also have a few of their throw blankets, but this leopard one is our favorite. We keep it in our living room because it's large enough for us to both fit under!
If you know she likes makeup and skincare, you can't go wrong with this eyeshadow palette. It's one of those palettes that you can use for any look and it small enough that it's easy to travel with! Or treat her to a really fun array of tinted lip balms. I love all of them! A splurge-worthy gift is a silk pillowcase - I've been using one for over a year now and it makes a difference in my skin and in how my hair does overnight.
A great gift for a close girl that either has everything or you're just not quite sure what she would like is a personalized piece of jewelry. If all other ideas don't see quite right, every woman can use a pretty and functional zipper pouch in her bag!
SHOP THE POST
coffee conversations
I binge-listened (really, is there any other way?!) to Bear Brook this week on the recommendation of an Instagram follower and enjoyed it. It was pretty interesting and a bit of a twisty journey. I'd recommend it if you enjoy the cold case, investigative-type podcasts.
I'm hoping to do some holiday baking over Thanksgiving, so I'll definitely be referring back to this post to try a recipe!
Have a great weekend!
Coffee Conversations
This post usually goes up on Friday morning, but I decided to treat myself yesterday and set a later morning alarm. It was a delight to get a little extra sleep, but by time I got up and got my coffee at 9am, I was feeling behind on my other work, so I decided I'd do a special Saturday-edition of Coffee Conversations this week. We'll be traveling next week for Thanksgiving, so this week and weekend are the final push to get everything buttoned-up before Cyber Weekend. Historically, it's a very busy weekend for Elisabeth Ashlie, so I've been stocking the site and making sure that everything is ready to go for all you holiday shoppers! I'm also planning to be sharing quite a bit about the best sales and cyber weekend deals here and on Instagram, so keep an eye out for that, if you're planning on shopping!
I recently restocked on my favorite Drunk Elephant products, the C-Firma Day Serum and the Glycolic Night Serum. These are the only two products I use on my skin and I am so impressed with how well they work. I have an "updated skincare routine" coming up in a couple weeks, but this is half of that routine!
There's a lot of Pre-Black Friday Sales happening right now! If you want to avoid the BF mayhem or want to ensure you will get an item while it's still in stock, I've rounded up my picks from the places I frequent the most:
I'm hoping to do some holiday baking over Thanksgiving, so I'll definitely be referring back to this post to try a recipe!
Have a great weekend!
style
try-on
Loungewear Try-on + Styling
Loungewear is my most-worn, most shopped for category in my current stage of life. Working from home and learning that comfort is king when it comes to said working, I'm wearing some form of leggings, a top and cozy sweater nearly every day. Some of my most-worn items of the last few months are currently on sale, so I thought I would share a little "try-on" with you!
Look #1
Look #2
Lou & Grey Cardigan in XS (40% off!), Madewell Pocket Tee (select colors on sale), Aerie Destroyed City Joggers (under $28)
Look #3
Aerie Ribbed Long-Sleeve in a M - I sized up two sizes (under $21), City Joggers in another color
Look #4
SHOP THE POST
holiday 2018
holiday gift guide
Holiday Gift Guide for Gifts Under $25 and Stocking Stuffers
1. Baublerella Bling Brush Jewelry Cleaner | 2. EA Caffeinated + Grateful Mug | 3. Aerie Sherpa Sleep Mask | 4. J.Crew Factory Camp Socks | 5. Umbra Jewelry Box | 6. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask Trio | 7. Living Proof Transformation Trio | 8. Fresh Facial on the Fly Kit | 9. Amazon Memory Foam Slippers | 10. Old Navy Polka-Dot Cosmetic Pouch | 11. Target Blanket Scarf | 12. EA Monogram Studs | 13. Madewell Leather Card Case | 14. Amazon Lightning Cable Set | 15. Paper Source Notepad | 16. Anthropologie Monogram Ornament | 17. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask | 18. Le Pen Set
Whenever I'm not quite sure what to gift somebody or I want to treat my friends to a little something, I naturally go to the "under $25" category. I love being able to put together a gift that's made up of a few smaller things, versus just one expensive item. Nearly every year, my sister and I inevitably end up exchanging a bunch of small things like this -- I'll see things throughout the season that I think she would like and buy it. By time Christmas rolls around, I've got a pretty decent pile of items I've collected for her!
These gifts would also be great options for a girlfriend or co-worker gift exchange!
SHOP THE POST
holiday 2018
holiday gift guide
Holiday Gift Guide for Acquaintances and People You Don't Know Very Well
1. Corkcicle x Rifle Paper Co. Insulated Canteen | 2. West Elm Stone Octagonal Coasters | 3. Williams-Sonoma Monogram Board | 4. Anthropologie Monogram Mug | 5. H&M Stoneware Cookie Jar | 6. H&M Bakery Wooden Box | 7. EA Christmas Tree Farm Candle | 8. EA Essentials Zipper Pouch | 9. Nordstrom Plush Throw | 10. Baggu Packable Bag Set | 11. EA Cheers Stemless Glass | 12. Cupcake Sparkling Red Wine | 13. World Market Woven Basket | 14. Herbivore Bath + Body Kit | 15. World Market Canister | 16. World Market Chocolate Peppermint Coffee | 17. Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Minis
I have to tell you, this was one of the most fun gift guides to put together! It was a bit of a challenge because it required some more creativity than the others, but I think there's a great collection of options here. Any of these gifts would be great to gift to someone you don't know very well; whether it's your significant other's family that you have only met once or twice, a friend of a friend who is hosting you for a holiday party, a neighbor that you want to do something special for, or somebody else.
Some of the gifts I included are pretty self-explanatory, like the monogram mug, the beautiful throw blanket, and the holiday candle. Things like that are always a safe bet!
But I also wanted to give you a few ideas for more creative gifts that can be totally personalized by you. For example, you can buy an adorable cookie jar and fill it with some festive homemade (or store bought 😉) treats. The wooden bakery box would be great filled with a bag of chocolate chips and your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. Or you can buy a pretty woven basket and fill it with a couple wine glasses and wine (or sparkling cider; depending on whether or not they drink) or with some bath products. The best part? Even if the contents of the basket aren't something they would necessarily use (they can re-gift them!), they have a nice basket to use for a gift for someone else or as storage in their home. One last option in this line of thought is to buy a pretty ceramic canister and fill it with a bag of coffee or some mints and wrap it with a bow - it's simple and easy for you, but would be a lovely gift to receive!
These gifts would also be great for a mother-in-law or sister-in-law, a new friend that you're still getting to know, or for a gift exchange.
Some of the gifts I included are pretty self-explanatory, like the monogram mug, the beautiful throw blanket, and the holiday candle. Things like that are always a safe bet!
But I also wanted to give you a few ideas for more creative gifts that can be totally personalized by you. For example, you can buy an adorable cookie jar and fill it with some festive homemade (or store bought 😉) treats. The wooden bakery box would be great filled with a bag of chocolate chips and your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. Or you can buy a pretty woven basket and fill it with a couple wine glasses and wine (or sparkling cider; depending on whether or not they drink) or with some bath products. The best part? Even if the contents of the basket aren't something they would necessarily use (they can re-gift them!), they have a nice basket to use for a gift for someone else or as storage in their home. One last option in this line of thought is to buy a pretty ceramic canister and fill it with a bag of coffee or some mints and wrap it with a bow - it's simple and easy for you, but would be a lovely gift to receive!
These gifts would also be great for a mother-in-law or sister-in-law, a new friend that you're still getting to know, or for a gift exchange.
SHOP THE POST
holiday 2018
holiday gift guide
Holiday Gift Guide for Guys
1. Herschel Supply Co. Duffle Bag | 2. Mark & Graham Acacia Valet Tray | 3. H&M Leather Tray | 4. YETI Rambler Mug | 5. Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine | 6. UGG Men's Scuff Slippers | 7. J.Crew Tall Socks | 8. Wireless Digital Grill Thermometer | 9. Madewell Leather Passport Cover | 10. Portable Bluetooth Speaker | 11. Large 40 oz. Tumbler | 12. Away Travel Bigger Carry-On Suitcase | 13. Fossil Top Zip Dopp Kit | 14. Fossil Leather Toiletry Bag
Buying for my husband, brother, and dad has proven to be difficult over the years. It's taken me about 25 years, but I finally learned that my dad is thrilled with a Starbucks or Barnes & Noble gift card. He's a simple guy when it comes to gifts and I love that! It makes that one an easy buy. My brother usually gives me specific things, which is very helpful, so I just choose something from his list. My husband is a bit more difficult. He rarely shops for himself or even wants things, he's very content with what he has. I love that about him, but it means I have a little more work to do when it comes to birthdays and holidays. I will usually end up picking something out that is 90% functional for his life, like the carry on suitcase I gifted him on our wedding day. It wasn't the most sentimental or exciting gift, but he's used it on every trip we've been on since that day, so I'd say it was a good purchase!
When it came to putting together this gift guide, it was with Mike in mind. I tried to think of functional and fun things that he would actually use and see value in. Some of the things included here I've gifted him in the past, like that suitcase, those slippers, and a similar leather tray. Other things are items he has and uses regularly, like the leather toiletry bag and the large tumbler.
Some years, we forego a material gift exchange with each other and plan dates or activities to do together - those are some of my favorite "gifts" I've received from him! We've done massages, a fancy "treat yo'self" dinner, and a couple other random activities that were specific to where we were living at the time. I love taking advantage of the opportunity to plan something special and make memories!
SHOP THE POST
holiday 2018
Ten Desserts to Try This Holiday Season
Brownies and cookies together? Yes, please!
I'm not usually a shortbread girl, but these look delicious. I love the large sugar crystals that are used on the edge - it adds a bit of whimsy to an otherwise simple dessert.
Definitely on my list to try this year. Don't they look so good?!
This is such an easy and delicious option! I've been making it for years and it is always a hit.
These look a little more labor intensive than some of the other options, but they would be fun to bring to a cookie party or serve after Thanksgiving dinner!
I've never made gingerbread cookies, but am tempted to try to this year! I love this classic Christmas cookie.
Another simple option that is delicious!
A very simple option that is always a crowd-pleaser. I love the idea of decorating with different holiday-colored sugars or doing the red striping.
We make these every year and they are so good. Hands down, my favorite Christmas cookie.
I call these, "Pecan Dreams" during any other season, but love the festive title for the holidays. These actually melt in your mouth, so you know they're good! (I would use pecans versus walnuts.)
coffee conversations
Happy Friday! It's been a full week over here, so I'm looking forward to one last work day before a little relaxing this weekend. I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away already! We're going to Friendsgiving at our friend's house this weekend, so I feel like that will make things even more real.
As you may remember from a couple weeks ago, I started rewatching Gilmore Girls. I'm already halfway through the final season and don't want it to end! Since it's been a couple of years, I didn't remember a lot of the small stuff that happened, so it's been fun to see it all again. I love having it on in the background while I'm working or cooking or doing something else around the house.
If you need a stocking stuffer idea, these earrings are perfect!
I'm seriously considering painting our fireplace mantle this weekend! It's a very dark wood and is pretty, but it's just not really our style. I'm thinking either a rich, dark grey or a really soft, lighter grey. I love this color.
This is a great turtleneck sweater for the season. It's a good weight, super soft and fits well. I got my normal size, but in the tall version for a little length and it's just right. Currently on sale for $20!
We've got the travel bug again! Our last trip was in June, so it's been awhile (for us) to not have something else on the horizon. We're thinking another beach/warm weather trip in January, like we did last year. That was a pretty fantastic way to start a new year!
Have a great weekend!
Coffee Conversations
Happy Friday! It's been a full week over here, so I'm looking forward to one last work day before a little relaxing this weekend. I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away already! We're going to Friendsgiving at our friend's house this weekend, so I feel like that will make things even more real.
As you may remember from a couple weeks ago, I started rewatching Gilmore Girls. I'm already halfway through the final season and don't want it to end! Since it's been a couple of years, I didn't remember a lot of the small stuff that happened, so it's been fun to see it all again. I love having it on in the background while I'm working or cooking or doing something else around the house.
If you need a stocking stuffer idea, these earrings are perfect!
I'm seriously considering painting our fireplace mantle this weekend! It's a very dark wood and is pretty, but it's just not really our style. I'm thinking either a rich, dark grey or a really soft, lighter grey. I love this color.
This is a great turtleneck sweater for the season. It's a good weight, super soft and fits well. I got my normal size, but in the tall version for a little length and it's just right. Currently on sale for $20!
We've got the travel bug again! Our last trip was in June, so it's been awhile (for us) to not have something else on the horizon. We're thinking another beach/warm weather trip in January, like we did last year. That was a pretty fantastic way to start a new year!
Have a great weekend!
decor
holiday 2018
home
There are two distinct camps of people: those who decorate/start thinking about decorating for Christmas the day after Halloween and those who wait until after Thanksgiving. I've never really been firm on a time for decorating, but this year I'm doing it early. Part of that is out of necessity (for my business), but the other part is because I want to! I've mostly decorated for "winter", if that's a thing you can do. So, we have a couple trees up, but they don't have any ornaments or anything else on them. I've also put out a couple garlands and decorative accents, but that's it. The majority of my decor from years past is with my parents, so I'll be able to bring that home after Thanksgiving and really Christma-fy the house!
This year, I'm really loving the classic Christmas decor - red, plaid, lots of greenery. I'll always be drawn to the more modern pieces, as well, so lanterns, pretty garlands and seasonal fabrics are catching my eye. I'm looking forward to sharing more with you!
Things I'm Loving Thursday: Holiday Decor
There are two distinct camps of people: those who decorate/start thinking about decorating for Christmas the day after Halloween and those who wait until after Thanksgiving. I've never really been firm on a time for decorating, but this year I'm doing it early. Part of that is out of necessity (for my business), but the other part is because I want to! I've mostly decorated for "winter", if that's a thing you can do. So, we have a couple trees up, but they don't have any ornaments or anything else on them. I've also put out a couple garlands and decorative accents, but that's it. The majority of my decor from years past is with my parents, so I'll be able to bring that home after Thanksgiving and really Christma-fy the house!
This year, I'm really loving the classic Christmas decor - red, plaid, lots of greenery. I'll always be drawn to the more modern pieces, as well, so lanterns, pretty garlands and seasonal fabrics are catching my eye. I'm looking forward to sharing more with you!
SHOP THE POST
Ski Chalet Soy Candle | Oh What Fun! Doormat | Log Holder | Wood Houses | Gold Hurricanes | Fresh Cut Christmas Trees Wall Art | LED Finials | Trees Table Runner | Wood Bead Garland | Cheers Velvet Pillow | Pine Garland | Season's Greetings Pillow | Kitchen Rug
beauty
holiday 2018
What I picked up for me:
a beauty blender
I needed a new beauty blender, so I went ahead and restocked on this one and also picked up this one, for good measure. I love using a beauty blender for under eye concealer, which you can see me use in my everyday makeup tutorial.
I use the larger silk scrunchies when sleeping, but wanted to give this smaller size a try! I love that they come as a six-pack, so that I can travel with them without fear of losing that one good hair tie. I have noticed a significant difference in my hair since using these to sleep at night. (Blog post coming on that soon!)
fragrance rollerball
bronzing serum
I've been intrigued by this product for a few months, so I figured I'd finally give it a try. It will make a little more sense to wear in the summer when I'm really wanting a glow, but so far, so good.
matte lip pencil
I saw this when I was browsing and thought it was such a pretty color. I prefer a matte lip and love the application of a pencil, so this one fit the bill. It's a subtle but beautiful pink shade named Bettina.
Recent Sephora Buys + Stocking Stuffer Ideas
It's hard to ignore the pull to start holiday shopping when it seems like all the stores and websites have so many great options available! Historically, I'm a little bit of a late shopper. I'd say I usually start shopping for gifts around early December, sometimes closer to the middle of the month. It seems like this season always gets away from me and I lost track of time and then I panic. In an effort to be a bit more thoughtful and prepared this year, I'm stocking up on great gift options early! I love picking up small things, little beauty gift sets, Target dollar spot things, or doubles of products that I love to have on-hand for gifts.
I recently ordered some new and "restock" things from Sephora and thought it would be fun to share. I picked out some things for me, but also a few great gift sets. What I like about these sets is that you can keep them as is, or even mix and match - take a lipstick from this one and a scrub from that one, etc.
What I picked up for me:
a beauty blender
I needed a new beauty blender, so I went ahead and restocked on this one and also picked up this one, for good measure. I love using a beauty blender for under eye concealer, which you can see me use in my everyday makeup tutorial.
fragrance rollerball
I love the fragrances from Nest - I wore Citrine on our wedding day - and enjoy having the rollerball tubes around for travel and easy transport. It's a great little thing to toss in your work bag or gym bag if you need a quick freshen up, or to pack in your carry on when traveling. This scent is so good, too!
bronzing serum
I've been intrigued by this product for a few months, so I figured I'd finally give it a try. It will make a little more sense to wear in the summer when I'm really wanting a glow, but so far, so good.
matte lip pencil
I saw this when I was browsing and thought it was such a pretty color. I prefer a matte lip and love the application of a pencil, so this one fit the bill. It's a subtle but beautiful pink shade named Bettina.
I love a tinted lip balm and this one is great! It has just the right amount of color and is actually hydrating, which is key. I'm wearing it in the photo below.
What I picked up for gifting:
Bite Lipstick Set
I love all things Bite Beauty, so when I saw this gift set I was sucked in. Not only are they in a cute mini size, but it's a great mix of colors.
Drunk Elephant Out of Office Set
This is a cute gift set with the bronzing serum, face oil and a lip balm. A great option for someone with winter travel plans!
Bite Agave Lip Care Set
I'm a huge fan of all things agave lip from Bite, so this gift set is perfect! It comes with a mini lip scrub, a tinted lip mask and a balm -- all in a cute little container.
Living Proof Dry Shampoo Duo
I originally bought this as a gifting option, but since I use both the full-size and the travel-size of this product regularly, I may just keep it for myself!
That's it -- a little bit for me, a few great options to give to family and friends this holiday season. There are a lot of great gift sets at Sephora right now, if you're shopping early!
What I picked up for gifting:
Bite Lipstick Set
I love all things Bite Beauty, so when I saw this gift set I was sucked in. Not only are they in a cute mini size, but it's a great mix of colors.
Drunk Elephant Out of Office Set
This is a cute gift set with the bronzing serum, face oil and a lip balm. A great option for someone with winter travel plans!
Bite Agave Lip Care Set
I'm a huge fan of all things agave lip from Bite, so this gift set is perfect! It comes with a mini lip scrub, a tinted lip mask and a balm -- all in a cute little container.
Living Proof Dry Shampoo Duo
I originally bought this as a gifting option, but since I use both the full-size and the travel-size of this product regularly, I may just keep it for myself!
That's it -- a little bit for me, a few great options to give to family and friends this holiday season. There are a lot of great gift sets at Sephora right now, if you're shopping early!
SHOP THE POST
lifestyle
Monthly Amazon Favorites
October Amazon Favorites
I love this tunic with leggings and sneakers or dressed up a bit with jeans and booties. It's super soft and stretchy, so it's very comfortable. Plus, the quality for the price can't be beat! (It runs true to size.)
I tend to believe that you can never have enough pairs of lounge pants, including these joggers. They fit like a true jogger and the material is soft. (Fit true to size.)
I love these hair ties because they actually hold my messy bun for the day!
4. YETI Rambler
I've actually had my rambler for awhile now but wasn't using it regularly until the last week or so. I love that it keeps my coffee hot/warm for closet to 2 hours. I no longer feel like I need to gulp it down in 5 minutes in order to actually enjoy it in the morning! This would make a great gift this holiday season!
I love a buffalo check print, especially this time of year! This throw would look great on an occasional chair or the end of a guest bed. It's a neutral piece that's decorative and functional, which is what I look for!
To make it easier to look at and not lose my phone on my desk 😂
What a cute greeting!
I've come to find that I love this style of slipper. It keeps my feet warm without making them so warm that they sweat (and then get cold). The sheepskin adds a cozy element, and the hard bottom makes them comfortable to wear for awhile around the house.
Who can say no to a good salt scrub in the bathtub?
10. Extra Long Tee
These tees were an absolute gold mine of a find for me! I have them in three colors already. They're a fantastic length to wear with leggings or layered under a sweater.
SHOP THE POST
These tees were an absolute gold mine of a find for me! I have them in three colors already. They're a fantastic length to wear with leggings or layered under a sweater.
SHOP THE POST
saturday style
style
A little weekend style inspiration...love a laidback but chic look like this! A simple pair of skinny jeans and knit sweater are elevated by pretty details like a lace bralette and layering necklaces. I love a classic pair of chelsea boots with an outfit like this - they're comfortable and sophisticated. Add a fun crossbody bag and a matte lip for a finished look!
Saturday Style
SHOP THE POST
H&M Knit Sweater | Aerie Bralette (currently on sale!) | Madewell Roadtripper Jeans | NARS Lipstick Pencil in Bettina | French Coin Necklace Set | Madewell Chain Crossbody (currently 20% off!) | Target Chelsea Boots
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)