Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve! I feel like the day before Christmas is the perfect time to explore all of great things that I’ve discovered this Winter (also can we please just appreciate that this winter I’ve actually been able to wear sweaters in Texas and not roast alive). I feel like this holiday season has been a change up from ones in the past; it’s my first in a place that’s just mine and my significant other’s, no roommates or parents really making me compromise on my taste in decorations (so as you can guess, the majority of them are black and white). I still feel like I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone this season and tried a lot of different things that I haven’t in the past. So here’s just a few things that I’ve fallen in love with this winter.

Starbucks Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

It wouldn’t be a winter favorites without talking about a Starbuck’s holiday drink. Can we just appreciate this year that I don’t have to sub out the milk for once in this seasonal drink?!?! I am obsessed with this latte, and I love it hot AND iced (which is saying something since I’m an iced coffee all year long kind of girl). The sprinkles are just adorable in it, and it makes up for the fact that my eggnog latte didn’t make a comeback this year. I am not ashamed to say that if you look in my order history, it’s basically just this drink for the past few months.

Target’s Opalhouse Eggnog Latte Candle

So Target has been knocking it out of the park lately with all of their season scents (which are literally half the price of Bath and Body Works, so I haven’t been in once this season which is very impressive if I do say so my self). This one was a bit of a compromise in our house; personally I love the Tree Farm candle while my boyfriend is more of the Orchard Cider/ Sugared Cinnamon taste, so this was the the middle between us. It does smell really festive but it’s super light and not overwhelming at all.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

Reading used to be a big pastime of mine when I was younger, but honestly reading for pleasure kinda just flew out the window with university. The last few months, I’ve been trying to get back into it, and after seeing this series all over Tiktok, I decided to give it a try. Needless to say, I read the entire series in a week, and am now on a first name basis with several employees of my local bookstore. I don’t want to spoil the books for anyone who hasn’t read her yet, but let’s just oh my.

Olaplex Bonding Oil

Now due to the fact that I’ve been bleaching my hair for a solid four years, it’s safe to say that my hair is pretty dry most of the year, but winter just makes the issue ten times worst. Enter the bonding oil; now I’m not saying that this is the best hair oil on Earth, however it will be the only one I purchase from now on. I absolutely love how it leaves my end smooth and soft, but doesn’t weigh my hair down.

Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick

Again with the Tiktok trends, though I will say that my friend who works for Clinique has sworn by this lipstick for as long as I’ve known her so I had to give it a try. I now see why this is a must in so many Hollywood makeup artists kits and why it’s been around for over twenty years. It gives you just a beautiful amount of color on the lips with some hydration (are you noticing a trend here). I love it so much in fact, it’s actually the lipstick I’m wearing in my senior photos.

YSL Black Opium Extreme

I have long held that my standard fragrance is some sort of fresh floral, but this season it was time to find something a little darker and spicier to match the shorter days. Despite my love affair with coffee, the original Black Opium is not my cup of…well coffee. However the vanilla in this fragrance (which is a bourbon vanilla fyi) just balances out the coffee accord so much better in my opinion, and it has jasmine which is just one of my favorite flowers instead of the simple “white flowers” that the original features. I’m not the only one who likes it, as the first night I wore it my boyfriend declared that it’s his new favorite of my perfumes.

So those are all of my winter favorites! I always love this time leading up to the new year since it’s a good time to experiment. I hope you enjoyed this week’s post, and check in next week to see what’s new. All of my socials are linked if you want to give them a follow, until next time!

Even though we are only in our first week of November, it seems like already the holidays are upon us. A quick stroll through the aisles of Target will tell you that as the lights, wreathes, and ornaments have been up since mid-October. As probably many a basic girl will say, there’s just something about Christmas time that is absolutely magical. However, one of the biggest struggles I have during this season (besides dealing with unagreeable family members) is figuring out what to get everyone in my life. There’s just so many options out there nowadays, that it can be difficult to decide what to pick. So here are a few options for those in your life (with a few of my own longings thrown in) that might be a bit more challenging.

For the Book Nerd: Minalima’s Illustrated Edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

This illustrated edition is a great option for any Potterheads you many have in your life as well as those who love special edition books in general. If you didn’t know, Minalima are the duo behind all of the amazing graphic design you see in the Harry Potter films. Like I’m talking every book cover, sign or poster in the movies, they’re the ones who did it. I got the Sorcerer’s Stone edition last year for Christmas, so when I found out that they were releasing book two this Christmas, no joke, I may have let out a scream. Needless to say, this book already has a reserved place on my bookshelf, and will be what I read to my future children at bedtime.

For the Hair Obsessed: Dyson Airwrap

If any of you have ever gotten to play with any Dyson product, you know they are next level and the hair tools are no exception. The airwrap is the one to go for if you’re ready for the commitment (not gonna lie, they are quite the investment piece), but with all the attachments, you’d never need another hair tool again in your life. Also, this Christmas they’ve released a limited edition blue and copper one that’s just *chef’s kiss*.

For the Skin Guru: Limited Edition Skin Sets

We all know that person in our life who could go on for hours and hours about skincare. Their routine has about fifteen steps, and you can bet that they’d never dare go outside without sunscreen (I have a friend who’s so obsessed with SPF she keeps a bottle in her work bag for second application before she goes home for the day). Helping them restock their skincare cabinets is basically their love language, and one of the best things about the holiday season is the variety of sets out there. Whether it be time tested staples (like Fresh’s shower gel and lotion duo) or limited editions of your year-round favorites (Tula’s So Polished is available this season in scents like gingerbread, sugar plum or delicious peppermint chocolate).

For the Conscious Makeup Lover: Tarte Holiday or Urban Decay Cyber Collection

Let me tell you, every year it seems like more and more brands are stepping up their game when it comes to their holiday collections, but personally I feel like Tarte and Urban are the creme de la creme. Tarte of course has always been vegan and cruelty free, but now that Urban Decay’s started creating more and more vegan products, I feel like that these are great options for the clean beauty lovers. The newest holiday collection features both the Cyber palette (think duo chrome and pastels) as wells as the new Naked 3 mini in a set with the perversion eyeliner along with an all nighter spray duo. Tarte every year releases a flood of great value sets like their shape tape sets and palette vaults, along with a few limited edition items (this year there’s a coffee themed palette and I feel like it’s calling my name.)

So while this list is definitely not entirely finished (as in there are probably hundreds more options to offer up), there is always the hope that perhaps this list has given you some ideas about what to get your loved ones this season (or maybe a few ideas about what to ask for yourself). I think the most important thing to remember is that it’s the thought that goes into the gift that matters, not the amount of money you spend. Make sure to subscribe if you want get notified when I post, and my socials are linked if you want to stay up to date on my day to day life. Till next time!