ASB Favorite Things 2019 | 20 Gift Ideas

Happy Holidays and welcome to my annual list of favorite things! Featuring the best of the blog, many of today’s tried and true favorites would make wonderful gifts to give or treat yourself to during this holiday season. From a magical face serum to cozy loungewear and must-have gadgets – each one of the 20 items on my list has been personally tested over the course of 2019. And to make your shopping even easier, I’ve linked each item for your shopping convenience…you can thank me later!

What was your favorite thing of 2019? I’d love to know! Drop us a note in the comments section at the end of today’s post…’tis the season of sharing!

Psst… print this page, circle what you like, and hand it right on over to the hubby, partner or kids, I’m sure they’d appreciate it!

Best of Beauty

1.Glossier Future Dew Oil Serum

You know that glow your skin radiates after a facial? Meet Future Dew!

What it is: A shortcut to the way your skin looks after a full skincare routine—dewy, glowing, cared-for—in one long-wearing product. I use it as the last step in your skincare routine after moisturizer, serums, and sunscreen. I wear it alone or under BB Cream or Foundation. My new fave!

2. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Palette | A $208 value, now $59.95 | Nordstrom | HERE

What it is: A limited-edition 12-pan eyeshadow palette filled with colors inspired by the sparkling lights of NYC’s Fifth Avenue.

Why it’s different: This palette is filled with neutrals, golds and jewel tones in sparkle, metallic, chrome metal and matte finishes for all of your festive looks – shop it @ Nordstrom | HERE

3. Sensai Sponge Chief Make-Up Removing Sponge | HERE

I use this amazing cloth as an alternative a wash cloth for removing my makeup. Dampen the sponge and wipe your face clean. I love the super clean feel I get and my skin feels less dry when I wake up in the morning.

 

4. IT’S Skin Prestige Snail Masque | HERE

I’ve tried so many sheet masques and I always come back to this snail masque. My Sunday morning indulgence, I love how my skin looks and feels after using it.

5. Dior Dream Skin 1 Minute Masque | HERE

Dull skin bye-bye! When I need an extra kick, I apply this masque, brush my teeth and viola, life is good.

What it is: A more moisturizing, skin-perfecting, AHA peel formula so powerful that your skin appears revitalized in just 60 seconds, leaving the skin feeling soft and comfortable.

6. Dior AirFlash Foundation

What it is: A go-to solution for professional makeup artists that brings an airbrushed effect to your makeup routine. I spray a small amount onto my foundation brush and apply it alone or over my BB Cream for a more polished look.

Bling Bling

7. Pave Teardrop Hoop Earring | Gold and Silver | Under $50 | Nordstrom (HERE)

Perfectly sized, these statement teardrops, alight with crystals, make elegant statement earrings to complete your special evening look.

Get Cozy!

8. Haflinger Slippers

What I ever did without these cozy slippers I’ll never know. Crafted from soft, natural wool, I own these in grey, but some of these whimsical slippers sure look happy and fun!

9. Barefoot Dreams Lounge Wear

From blankets to a variety of loungewear, here’s a few of my favorites.

10. Lou & Grey Signaturesoft Plush Upstate Sweatpants

After hearing a friend of mine rave about the softness and comfort of these everyday sweatpants I had to share. In fact, she told me she likes them better than Barefoot Dreams and they are about 1/2 the price. Available at Nordstrom | (HERE).

10b. Just added! Textured Knit Pullover | Talbots, now 30% off (HERE)

Did you know that Talbot’s carries some fabulous loungewear? With sizes ranging from Petite, Misses, Plus and Plus Petite you’re sure to find your fit in there somewhere. Soft, cozy and the perfect length for lounging – also available in brushed melange (HERE). 

Shop all Loungewear at Talbots | (HERE). Sleepwear | (HERE)

10c. If you or someone you love it on the hunt for a cozy poncho, check out Talbots. I just came across these two styles while visiting my local Talbots store. Now 30% off, click any photo for details.

10c. The COMFY | Now 20% off at Kohls (HERE)  | Bed Bath and Beyond (HERE) | Amazon (HERE)

After hearing rave reviews from girlfriends, I picked up COMFY’s for each of my teens for gifts this year. My pal Kanesha Baynard bought one for each of her parents (below), and recommended I pick up the ORIGINAL version, as Amazon has many knock offs. I found the best price at the moment to be at Kohls (with their coupon), and Bed Bath and Beyond. The black/red check is my personal fave, but I bought the burgundy and blue (as on Nay and LC) for my kiddos.

About: ORIGINAL BLANKET SWEATSHIRT SEEN ON SHARK TANK: the softness of a blanket with the fit an oversized hoodie is here. This wearable blanket pullover keeps you warm & cozy while you lounge at home, watch TV, play video games, work on your laptop, camp, attend a sporting event or concert, & more.

Gadgets

11. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron | HERE

I’ve spent much more, but if you are looking to create beauty waves, this one does the trick for me. 2 different hairdressers recommended I give this a try. It’s under $50 at Amazon, and for me it’s does the trick. For reference, I use the 1.5″ iron.

ASB Must-Haves

12. Beltaway Flat Buckle Elastic Belt | HERE

This adjustable wonder keeps your pants and jeans where they should be, and the no show buckle will not stick out under your tops as a regular belt does. A must-have for anyone who finds they are pulling up their pants during the day.

13. Uniqlo Bra Camisoles and Tanks

A Big Bang for your under $20 buck!  I wear these tanks for layering and lounging. What I love most about these camis, is I can get away without wearing a bra. Wide Strap Cami (HERE). AIRism Bra Cami Tank (thinner) (HERE). Browse all Uniqlo Tanks and Camis (HERE).

14. TraGoods 20 Pack Clothing Rack Dividers | HERE

Who hasn’t uttered the words ‘I have nothing to wear’ in the morning? We’ve all been there. We’re ready to dash out the door, but find ourselves standing in our underwear looking at a full closet of clothing, feeling flustered about what to put on. Outfit ideas run through our minds, but it’s usually the same ones we wore a couple days ago or even last week. Am I right? It’s not that we don’t want to utilize the rest of our clothing, but sometimes, we simply don’t know what to do with it, or often can’t remember an outfit combination we put together ages ago.

Stylist Tip: Take an afternoon or morning (I usually opt for Sunday evening) when you have 30 minutes to play with the clothing in your closet. Challenge yourself to create at least 5-7 outfits for the week and using these dividers, separate the looks within your closet. Come Monday morning you will have a week of outfits ready to go!  These dividers are also fantastic for sectioning off your (or the kids) closet. Read more on getting your closet organized and workable in Spring Cleaning | 5 Step Guide to Organizing Your Closet (HERE).

Books

15. All You Need to Be Impossibly French | Amazon (HERE)

About This Book: With wit, whimsy, and wonder, British expatriate Helena Frith Powell uncovers the secrets of chic living in All You Need to Be Impossibly French, a cheeky guide to releasing your inner Frenchwoman. Delving deep into a mysterious realm of face creams, silk lingerie, and shopping-as-exercise, Powell reveals how French women stay impossibly thin and irresistibly sexy by achieving the maximum effect from the minimum amount of effort. Forget diet and inspiration books and style guides—this is all you need to embrace the wisdom of French living, and learn how to turn every day into la petite aventure.

16. The New Bohemians Handbook: Come Home to Good Vibes: Justina Blakeney | Amazon (HERE)

About This Book: With Justina’s expert guidance, learn how to rearrange, paint, prop, and plant your way to a home that’s fresh and inspiring. Uncover your “spirit environment” and learn how to use color and scent to enhance mood, productivity, and relaxation. Revel in Justina’s encouraging advice (“you got this!”), and easily and affordably turn any dwelling into a personal sanctuary.

 

Let’s Eat!

17. Instapot | on sale at Target (HERE)

It has similar functions to a crockpot and rice cooker, yet it does so much more. This pressure cooker is a lifesaver for one pot meals. For an easy and quick dinner, try out (THIS) recipe for Instapot Sloppy Joes. I made (THIS) Mulled Cider over the weekend and it was a huge hit! You’ll find more Instapot Recipies on my Let’s Eat Board on Pinterest (HERE).

18. Favorite Market Recipe | Chocolate Zucchini Cake

With 2 full-grown active teens in the house, I like to have healthy food options available to grab-and-go for breakfast, after-school and late-night snacks. This week I picked up some extra zucchini at the Farmers Market and baked up THIS Chocolate Zucchini Cake from the Italian Dish Blog. This bread calls for 2 zucchinis, cocoa, butter, vegetable oil (I used olive oil), buttermilk, plus the usual flour, salt, sugar, baking soda, and eggs. Since the crew ended up eating the “cake” in the morning, I’d like to try subbing out a few of the ingredients – as I often do with breakfast bread. Or if you are looking for an overall healthier version, THIS RECIPE from The Montana Homesteader looks like something to try.

Home

19. Capri Blue Iridescent Candle in Volcano | Anthropologie | HERE

Did you know that the smell you love when you walk into an Anthro store can be had in your home? Available in a variety of jars, I love the iridescent limited edition jar for the Holiday Season.

Volcano: tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons and limes, redolent with lightly exotic mountain greens

Lifestyle

20. Rent the Runway Unlimited | Read More and receive $100 off Unlimited (HERE)

I joined Rent the Runway Unlimited last February and I have to say it’s been a game changer for me. I love having unique items in my closet and access to an unlimited closet gives me options. I find I take more fashion risks by renting pieces I might not normally buy.  I spend less on clothing each month, shop less, stress less, and wear more of what I have in my closet. And with Rent the Runway now offering drop off locations at select Nordstrom Stores (including the Palo Alto Store) the program just got better. I’m hooked!

May your hearts be filled with much love and joy this Holiday Season!