Christmas

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide 2016 – Tech

December 20, 2016 No Comments Christmas

Thank you to Verizon for sharing the following items for me on a limited basis to test and review. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the companies that help make this blog possible!

If you are anything like me then you are just now getting around to stuffing your stockings! Before you head out for your last minute shopping (or, hey, open your computer) check out my comprehensive 2016 Well Crafted Holiday Gift Guide!

My Tech Favorites from Verizon Wireless this Year

I was pleased to be able to test a few items from Verizon Wireless this year as I didn’t know that they offered much more than phones. They do though! They have phones, smart watches, tablets, and accessories. Below are some of my favorite items from Verizon this year.

Fitbit Alta

Fitbit® Alta™ keeps you motivated and also looking great. Change the wrist bands (sold separately) and customize the digital clock face to update your look. Track your activity and take advantage of automatic recognition and recording of select exercises via the Fitbit app’s SmartTrack feature. Easy-to-see call, text and calendar notifications from your nearby, compatible mobile device are displayed right on the wristband.

The band was slightly difficult to put on at first. But, once on, it worked like a charm and didn’t need to be charged too often. The tracking of deep and restless sleep was an added bonus!

Pixel & Pixel XL

With this new phone by Google, you can be sure to document precious moments with the highest rated smartphone camera, a battery that lasts all day and a charger that gets you seven hours of battery life in 15 minutes. Stay up-to-date on customized news while also using Google Assistant to keep your daily schedule organized.

I was able to test this out for twenty days and fell in LOVE with the camera! The camera has cool features such as a double twist of the phone puts it in selfie mode, HDR+, video stabilization, lens blur, and photo sphere (yes, 360!). You can even adjust levels before taking a photo which is insanely cool control. The light the camera took in was fantastic.

Verizon Wireless

The Google Pixel is currently only sold through Verizon Wireless. I was able to test out the service while testing the phone. I had no issues with service while using it and found that phone calls were crisp and clear. There are a variety of different sized plans that are available so that customers may choose the plan that suits their needs.

Kate Spade Wrap Case

Keep your favorite blogger’s phone safe & looking good with this beautiful wrap case by Kate Spade. Find it and other cases for the Google Pixel and other popular models at Verizon Wireless. This case was easy to put on and fit in with most of my accessories.

What tech are you hoping to find under the tree this year?

Christmas

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide 2016 – Beauty Products

December 19, 2016 1 Comment Christmas

If you are anything like me then you are just now getting around to stuffing your stockings! Before you head out for your last minute shopping (or, hey, open your computer) check out my comprehensive 2016 Well Crafted Holiday Gift Guide!

Read on to check out my suggestions for a holiday stocking stuffed with fantastic beauty products.

This post is sponsored. All opinions and experiences are my own. As with all beauty products, read the ingredients to see if they will work for you. I only share about products I have tried and liked.

“SpaRituals Holiday Vegan Gold Collection

I love nail polish. I hate buying nail polish. Which makes nail polish one of the best stocking stuffers someone can get me. The SpaRituals collection hits it out of the ballpark this season for me based on the names alone….Come Together, Take a Stand, Unite, and Rising Spirit. SO GOOD. But, even better? The coverage and staying power. Following the provided directions and using the SpaRituals top coat in addition to the color, I was able to wear the color for two weeks which is forever for me. Purchase SpaRituals online through their website, find SpaRituals on Amazon (here for the topcoat*), or use their spa locator to find a local store.

Burt’s Bees Mistletoe Kiss Gift Set

Get mistletoe ready with: Burt’s Pomegranate Lip Balm, Peony Lip Shimmer, Hibiscus Tinted Lip Balm. This package is perfect for a stocking or as a fun addition to your Christmas tree. See who finds it first. Purchase online or at your local Ulta.

evo Live Large Rad Bag

There is just something about a company that makes a great product but then goes the extra step of giving that product awesome names and packaging. Purchasing a shampoo and conditioner can also get you this rad bag. This would be a welcome addition to the holiday tree or stockings. You can purchase these online or visit their website to find local stores that carry evo hair.

From their website: “born from a desire to produce an exclusive salon range (and not sell it as the answer to life, love and other woes), evo steps outside the normal realm of truth-stretching invention in a ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ crusade of twisted honesty – designed to make people think. and so comes the catch phrase – saving ordinary humans from themselves™. inside bottles of evo that are bursting with personality, you’ll find luxurious products that are sulphate, paraben, dea, tea and propylene glycol free; products that give professional results while respecting the environment.”

Kleenex Facial Cleansing Wipes* & Eye Makeup Removers*

These everyday purchases may seem like an odd thing to give as a holiday gift. But, really, they work perfectly in stockings because they allow your favorite person to try something new all wile not spending their own money. If they are already fans of these wipes then you just saved them a trip to the drug store. Seriously, that in itself is a gift! The Kleenex facial products are sold exclusively online. Pick up these wipes on Amazon (links above) or choose your favorite online retailer. Find out more about these products on the Kleenex Facial Cleansing site.

These were fantastic for getting off my stubborn eye makeup without a ton of products. Both of these are sitting up on my countertop now. The Kleenex Facial Cleansing line launched about a year ago and to celebrate they are sharing under the hashtag #WashWhatHappens. Check it out to see the wipes in action.

See more of my beauty picks for 2016…

Gifts

Guest Welcome Gift

August 16, 2016 No Comments Gifts

In putting together our event guest welcome gift we were excited to be able to include a few wonderful, complimentary items from Dr. Teal’s and Nature’s Gate. All opinions are my own.For more information about my sponsored content please visit my policies page. This post contains affiliate links which are marked with an *.

Our anniversary party was very similar to a wedding with guests coming in from other states to help celebrate. We didn’t have the opportunity to make wedding welcome baskets. (A tradition that really became popular sometime in the past 10 years after our wedding.) I love the thoughtfulness of the idea to welcome those who took the time and money to fly or drive a long distance with a small gift. So, when we invited family out to join us in celebrating I knew I wanted to have some gifts for them.

Guest Welcome Gifts

We rented a local AirBnB for my family to stay in during their stay. I didn’t want them worrying about food or toiletries when they first arrived so my guest welcome gift was put together with that in mind.

I’m giving you a bit of sneak peek into the bags that were created for our anniversary party favors, but I had extras so I used it for the welcome gift as well.

What is in our welcome gift?

In the bag we put some basic groceries to help them have necessities for the first day at the AirBnB. We included some local items as well including Franz Bagels. We had cereal, milk, bagels, cream cheese, coffee, and half and half.

We added in some toiletries into a box that would both help them feel more at home and also help them destress a little. Come on… family is always a little stressful wether for a wedding or a 10 year anniversary party. 😉

We included shampoo, conditioner, body wash, kids body wash, some Dr. Teal’s Body Oil* & Dr. Teal’s Body Lotion* and Nature’s Gate Sport Sunscreen*. I figured that the oil and body lotion would go a long way in de-stressing them after a long day of family fun. The sunscreen is something I’ve started to give to EVERYONE because I believe healthy skin protectants are one of the best gifts to give after going through skin cancer surgery twice now.