Girlfriend's Christmas Gift Guide

“I love going shopping.” - Serena Williams

Do you ever find it challenging to find the right gift for your best friend? Well look no further! I absolutely enjoy finding the perfect gifts for my girlfriends during the holiday season. It is so much fun watching their faces light up when they open their gift..

Today, I am sharing the perfect gifts to give your bestie at Christmas.

For the friend who loves to read

For the friend who loves wine

For the friend who loves to cook

For the friend who loves to accessorize

For the friend who needs a little bit of self-care

For the friend who loves gadgets

What are some gifts you are giving your friends this year? Share below!

XO, Analise

Songs for the Season

“The smell of pine needles, spruce and the smell of a Christmas tree - those to me, are the scents of the holidays.” - Blake Lively

Christmas is my favorite holiday, and nothing gets me in the spirit more than some amazing songs.

Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite songs for the holiday season, from my Spotify playlist!

A playlist featuring Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, PJ Morton, and others

Share some of your favorite Christmas songs below. Happy Holidays everyone!

XO,

Analise

Holiday Cheer

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

The holidays can be a super fun time. It is filled with excitement, parties, yummy food, and love from family and friends. Yet, if you are not careful it can be super draining, and not so stellar. Here are my tips for staying happy and healthy during the holiday season!

1. Do not over extend yourself. Like, I stated before, you will be hustling to someone's home for a party, baking, and attending family functions. Learn to set boundaries and not over extend yourself. It can be so easy to say "yes" to going to an event, but remember to pace yourself and learn when to take a step back and relax.
2. Get your holiday shopping done early. While, this is most certainly the season to give, try to get your shopping completed as soon as possible, so that you can enjoy this fun time! People often poke fun at G and I, but we start our Christmas shopping in the summer! Yes, and we are always done by Halloween. We like to spend the holidays spoiling each other and getting our home decorated for the season. 
3. Try not to over indulge. For me the holidays means lots of wine, champagne, and food! Yet, after the holiday season I may regret going a little too hard on the baked goods. So, I try to pace myself, and balance what I'm eating and drinking during this festive time.
4. Give back. During this time, not everyone is fortunate and may not have a lot of loved ones around them. Being a former Navy Brat, my Dad was not home for several holidays when I was little. It was so nice when people reached out to ensure that we were okay and having a fun time. Take some time to volunteer, or just connect with a family who may not have a loved one around them during the season.
5. Surround yourself with love and positivity. Remember the holidays are supposed to be fun! Ensure that you are around people who are positive, loving, and a lot of fun. Enjoy the holiday season with amazing people at your side who love and adore you.

What are some things you do to ensure you have an amazing holiday? Have a safe and fantastic holiday season darlings!

XO, Analise

Holiday Gifts for Her

I've searched Nordstrom's website to gather my top picks for the ladies this holiday season ...

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. Shopping for my friends and family is always a fun time for me!

I absolutely love Nordstrom and all that they have to offer! It also does not help that I work two blocks away from my favorite store :)

Below are some of my top picks! Some items I already own, and others are some things I've been secretly wanting (hint hint, G). 

Top Picks

Love Letters Spinning Initial Necklace by LULU DK I was lucky enough to score this during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale! I got the 'A' initial in gold and it is simply perfect. Tip - you can also get it for a lucky lady if she is a newlywed, with the initial of her new last name!

Vermeil Mini Tin Candle Set by VOLUSPA, again I got this during the Anniversary sale as well! The deal was too good to pass on. Voluspa makes the perfect scented candles. They are tiny enough to go anywhere and everywhere, especially on the go!

PROi Professional Hair Dryer by T3, last but certainly not least. I have the rose gold version of this hair dryer, and my gosh, it is the best I've ever owned. I researched for days on the best hair dryer and this is absolutely it. I have super thick hair, and this bad boy makes drying my hair super easy.

What are some gifts you are getting the lady in your life?

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Holiday Gifts for Him

Now, I am breaking down my top picks for the fellas! Of course, we are back at Nordstrom, because ... why not?

When shopping for G, I always try to re-up on things that he loves! Whether it be buying him new sweaters in various colors, or getting him his favorite cologne. Of course, I like to surprise him here and there with some of the things he's been wanting or that I know he needs! G is really into watches and gadgets so those items always stay on the list.

Below are some items that he already has and swears by, along with some things he's been wanting.

Top Picks

Home Voice Activated Speaker by GOOGLE, We fell in love with our friend's Google Home on our visit to their house for the weekend. G immediately went to the Best Buy right by our home when we returned into town, and got one for our main level. He loved it so much, I came home from work a few days later, and there was one set up in our master bedroom. Clearly he loves this device! We are able to connect to various apps like Spotify and iHeartRadio. Also, we got a Google Chromecast so we could connect it together! This device is legit and the speakers on this thing are phenomenal.

QuietComfort® 35 Wireless Headphones II by Bose, I got G similar headphones to these, and they work like magic! G works for an architecture firm, as a Design and Model Manager ... needless to say he has to stay focused in order to be creative. These headphones are perfect! He's able to play his music or podcasts and totally stay focused during the work day. 

L'Homme Set by YVES SAINT LAURENT, This is G's favorite scent, and he and I both love it! He actually wore this cologne on our wedding day, after I purchased it for him while we were in engaged. I absolutely love the cologne on him, and he always makes sure he keeps a bottle of it!

What are some gifts you plan on getting the special man in your life?

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography