Showing posts with label holiday gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday gifts. Show all posts

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Accessories Holiday Gift Guide 2024


Looking for last-minute gifts? Here's a look at my favorite Accessories Council picks for this holiday season. Don't forget to gift yourself too!



A charm, necklace, or bracelet is the perfect gift for the person that loves to travel. I love how you can really customize a necklace or bracelet with multiple charms for specific places they traveled to, or include a passport, luggage tag or favorite food charms.



Pins have made a comeback, for both men and women, as an added accessory to a blazer, shirt or dress. Fleur'd Pins features an assortment of leather lapel pins that dress up your outfit for the holidays



Brooklyn-based Kimono Dragon includes vintage and contemporary jewelry, including colorful, statement pieces perfect for this holiday season.



Hampton Road Designs vibrant and versatile silk twilly scarves are reversible and make a great accessory for handbags and luggage or as a headband or scarf, bringing fun to your accessories or outfits.



Jane Win Jewelry features coin jewelry and charms that are great for necklace layering and symbolizes positivity, strength, hope and luck.



Vera Bradley has a new look this holiday season, including luxurious velvet pieces in Sea Moss and Black as shoulder, crossbody and crossbody bags, cosmetic bags and pouches.



Aneta Zae includes hand made fine jewelry made with recycled metals and sustainably sourced jems. These exquisite and unique jewelry pieces are a work of art. 



Covet NYC earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces add a feminine and playful touch to any outfit. One of my favorites is the Color Wheel Pave Link Chain Necklace, which is great to layer together.



Rosa K handbags are known for monogram designs in a variety of colors, sizes and handbag styles.


- Kim Weling

Saturday, December 9, 2023

The Perfect Gift for your Dog: Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed


If you have a large-sized dog in your family, I recommend getting a Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed. It's such a practical and comfy gift for your dog and easy to put together! My boyfriend Dan has a 7-year old German Shepherd in his family, Kenya and she suffers from joint pain. So upon testing out the 7" Big Barker XL sofa style bed (for dogs 60+ lbs) in Charcoal, Kenya immediately started laying on it! It's the perfect size for her and she has plenty of room for her pillows and toys. The bed allows her to stretch and lay on it multiple ways and it's also easy to move from one spot to another. 

This dog bed comes in different colors and also is available in the 4" size (for dogs 20-60 lbs), with the option to include cooling technology and to have your dog's name embroidered on the front (up to 10 letters). 

It's great to see how cozy this dog bed is for Kenya. The proprietary 3-stage foam construction protects joints from painful pressure points, and it's also easier for Kenya to get into the dog bed versus having to jump up on the couch.

The orthopedic dog bed is made in the USA and has a 10 year warranty! You won't have to worry about the dog bed getting flat. The foam is set to last a full decade or you'll get a new one from Big Barker! 

I was so happy to partner with Big Barker on this collaboration and it's so great to see Kenya enjoy her dog bed! 

If you want to see Kenya testing out her dog bed, check out this Instagram reel!







- Kim Weling

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Bath and Body Works Holiday Gift Guide


Bath and Body Works is a great place to get your holiday shopping done all at once! It's been a long time since I shopped in-store, and it was a fun experience to get to know the new holiday assortment and discover new scents. As I picked up gifts for myself, I also grabbed a bunch for family. 

The 3-wick candles are at the top of my gift list, as well as the cleansing gel and foaming hand soaps, along with festive holders to pair them with. There are great gift under $20 including the Winter Candy Apple body wash, body cream and fine fragrance mist set, but it's also easy to create your own gift set. Don't forget to pick up stocking stuffers such as the PocketBac anti-bacterial hand gels + holders, hand cream and lip products (scrub, mask or lip gloss), all great for travel or to throw in your bag. With many promotions changing from week to week, it's great to mix and match products and fragrances. 

Some of the new fragrances this season include Woodlands (men's collection), Luminous and Northern Brights Eucalyptus & Pine. If you want to shop for holiday scents I recommend Winter Candy Apple, Bright Christmas Morning, Winterberry Ice, and Snowflakes and Cashmere. 

A must-have for me during the holidays are candles and hand soaps in a traditional pine fragrance and Bath and Body Works has a few options, including Tree Farm and Fresh Balsam which I both love. For year-round scents, check out Champagne Toast, Aromatherapy Lavender + Vanilla and Chasing Fireflies.





- Kim Weling

Thursday, October 12, 2023

iPhone Accessories Holiday Gift Guide 2023

With every new iPhone launch also comes new accessories! I used to have dozens of cases that I used to switch to match my outfits or my mood, but these days I'd rather have fewer cases that I can call my favorites. Check out my round up of phone cases for this season!



I always seem to buy a new iPhone right before the new model comes out. Last time it was because my battery kept dying, this time it's because I lost my phone. While many people are looking for iPhone 15 cases, I have my eyes set on ones for the iPhone 14 Pro. This case is great for anyone that loves earth tones and neutrals. This one comes in Saffiano leather, with a back case that opens up to reveal two card slots. 



If you happen to have an iPhone 14 Plus, then you are in luck! Instead of $40 you can find this for $14.99 at Target. The 14 Pro can be found on Amazon for $34.49. This case has a gold glitz and glamour feel with an art deco vibe, inspired by a sparkling chandelier.



These Burga cases are definitely on my gifting list (for myself lol). I love the designs, especially this marble one, and they look sturdy too. They also come in all different sized cases. 



I'm still shocked I don't own AirPods yet, but this would be my case of choice! I love the Moschino bear! I wish there was a phone case in the shape of the bear. 

- Kim Weling

Thursday, December 23, 2021

iPhone Case Holiday Gift Guide 2021

With the recent launch of the iPhone 13 series and many people upgrading their phones, now is the perfect time to gift a new iPhone case, or start the new year off with a new case for yourself. Here are a few of my favorite fashionable and functional cases. 



The Pretty Connected Belle Pearl Chain + iPhone Case is the perfect gift for the fashionista. This clear case is paired with a pearl chain (the pearl chain can also be purchased on its own), and can also be swapped out worn with other Pretty Connected silver, mermaid or gold chain straps, including the KESHA x PC Yin Yang Braided Multi-Use Necklace to Mask Chain. This case is perfect to carry or wear on your wrist when you don't have a purse or pockets to store your phone. It's not only an accessory for your phone, but for your entire outfit!



Who needs a wallet when you have the Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case! This phone case and wallet in one is made with high-quality full-grain vegetable tanned leather and a luxurious Japanese microfiber lining. The leather pocket on the back is designed to hold 2-3 cards, just enough for everything you need on the go:  license, bank or credit card and a metro card. The back pocket is beautifully stitched, and the buttons are full covered in leather. I can't wait to see how this cases ages, as the leather will develop a unique patina and transition from tan to a deep, dark amber. Since I have the iPhone 12 Pro, this case is also available in Black, Slate Green and Monaco blue. For the iPhone 13 series, it is available in Black and Monaco Blue. 



The Purity "Chlorite Ring" iPhone Case, named after the mineral, is a for the fashionista that loves both color and marble for this unique design, with the ring attached. They make a variety of stylish cases that caught my eye but this one is my favorite.

- Kim Weling

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Accessories Council Holiday Gift Picks 2021

With the holidays in full swing, these are my top Accessories Council gift picks this season, for you or your loved ones, with jewelry picks under $100. All these gifts are available online to help you avoid the crowds and save time having to shop in-store.



The Gold Collection by Ashley Wahler has all the right accessories to get you glam this holiday season, including the Golden Girls accessory, which is perfect for dressing up your ponytail.




Akola jewelry is handcrafted in Uganda, creating jobs and transforming the lives of families and communities. Their jewelry ranges from stretch, unlock-it, cuff and bangle bracelets to earrings and necklaces. One of my favorite pieces is the Jasmine Heart Charm Bracelet, made with a hand-carved, heart-shaped horn charm and recycled glass beads from Ghana.



Pura Vida, founded in Costa Rica, makes handmade accessories and helps provide full-time jobs for artisans worldwide. One of my favorites from Pure Vida is "The Jetsetter Pack" designed exclusively by travel blogger @theblondeabroad. The pack features a stack of five bracelets in grey, blush and rose gold, including travel-inspired charms. 



Adina's Jewels include trendy pieces such as charm and chain necklaces, pendants, chokers and more, all great for layering together. Two of my top picks for layering is the Baby Figaro Necklace, in gold plated sterling silver, and the Double Sided Herringbone Necklace.



Big Lovie's products are created with inspiring messages that encourage, appreciate and celebrate. The Dream collection blanket is soft and cozy in charcoal gray and black, with the name BIG LOViE on the edge of the blanket, with an imprinted label that says "big HEARTED, FUN LOVING, SOULFUL & KIND."

- Kim Weling

Monday, December 24, 2018

2018 Holiday Tech Accessories

These holiday tech accessories are perfect for gifting yourself or your loved ones! iHome's iBTB2 Aquio Removable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker, $59.99, is easily detachable from the bottom half, so you can enjoy music on the go. It's great for road trips, BBQs, and outdoor workouts. This fashionable water bottle has a built-in carry loop, is BPA free, double wall insulated, and keeps your beverages cold up to 24 hours or hot up to 14 hours. It's available in four colors - Merlot, Blush, Seafoam, and Midnight.

No more worries about plugging in your phone to charge up with this 6,040mAh powerstation! All you need to do is set your phone on top of it!You can also charge wired devices using the USB-A port. 

A universal wireless charging pad for Qi-enabled smartphones, this will charge your Apple or Samsung super fast. This is perfect for the home or the office and easy to use - just set your phone down on it and let it charge up!

Who is guilty of not backing up their laptop? You'll have no worries with My Passport™SSD, as this has automatic backup to keep all your files safe! It's also got password protection with hardware encryption, and super fast file transfers with speeds up to 540 MB/s. I love the mini, lightweight, sleek design, making it easy for travel, too. My Passport™SSD comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capactiy.

- Kim Weling

Friday, December 21, 2018

Favorite 2018 Holiday Gifts at Sephora

Shopping for the holidays is easy when you decide to give the gift of beauty! Everybody can use a little skincare or cosmetics in their life, and I'm excited to share some of my favorite products and gift sets you'll find at Sephora this holiday season. 


SEPHORA FAVORITES Scouted By Sephora, $44 ($145 value)
This kit contains ten travel-friendly must-haves! These skincare favorites include Biossance 100% Squalane Oil, Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt, Dr. Roebuck's No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer, Farmacy Beauty Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask with Echinacea GreenEnvy™ Honey, Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil, Kopari Beauty Coconut Lip Glossy, Saturday Skin Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel, Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, Volition Beauty Turmeric Brightening Polish, and Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser. I haven't tried any of these products yet but I can't wait to!


FRESH Roundtrip Ritual, $65 ($92 value)
This complete skincare set will keep your skin hydrated while traveling! It's got everything you need: the gentle Soy Face Cleanser (which is one of my favorite cleansers), soothing Rose Face Mask, radiance-boosting Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream,  depuffing Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate, and plumping Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy to keep your lips moisturized all winter long. This set makes the perfect gift since it works for all skin types, too. 


 
SEPHORA COLLECTION SUPER MASK - in Gold and Silver, $6 each
Silver Mask - a 15-minute metallic silver glow booster sheet mask, enriched with pearl extract to brighten skin. If you have an uneven skin tone and experiencing dullness and dryness, then this mask is for you!

Gold Mask - a 15-minute metallic gold skin perfector mask hydrates, rduces skin irregularities and refines skin texture.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Midnight Wishes Eyeshadow Palette, $16
This eyeshadow palette comes in 16 shades, from matte to shimmer and metallic. The palette has a perfect mix of timeless and festive shades. 


was $59, now $42! ($354 value)
This limited-edition gift set is packaged in a fun, gold pineapple case, filled with gorgeous eyeshadow  shades in matte and metallic finishes, along with Amazonian Clay blush, highlighter and bronzer. The set also comes with the Sex Kitten Liquid Liner and Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-In-1 Mascara to top off your full eye look plus the Rainforest of the Sea™ Collection Lip Quench Rescue Balm in Pink.


HOURGLASS Confession Refillable Lipstick Duo, $34
This lipstick duo, in My One Desire (dusty mauve) and At Night (brick red) includes a sleek, refillable metallic pink applicator. The lipsticks are creamy and saturated, and won't smudge or feather! 

- Kim Weling

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Nordstrom Beauty 2018 Holiday Gifts and Exclusives

MAC Shiny Pretty Things Goody Bag, now $29.63

Every time I get a glimpse of Nordstrom Beauty's gift sets and exclusives for the holiday season, they keep getting better every time! This season, Nordstrom Beauty has your favorite beauty brands and must-haves that you'll want to check out! 

Some of the exclusive festive offerings include Charlotte Tilbury, Diptyque, La Mer, MAC, Tom Ford, Jo Malone and more. You'll find everything from luxury sets to mini stocking stuffers across cosmetics, fragrance, skincare and men's grooming. There are plenty of gifts under $50, skincare sets and treats for yourself! These limited-edition offerings will be available at Nordstrom.com and Nordstrom stores.

While shopping, Nordstrom Beauty Stylists are on hand to help customers found the perfect mkaeup, skincare and fragrance products across all brands and counters. They can help you in-store, by phone at 1.800.7BEAUTY or online.

You can try almost any beauty product in-store before you buy it and if a sample is not readily available, once can always be made for you.  Nordstrom also always has free shipping and free returns!


Fresh Sugar Wanderlust Lip Set, $53 ($85 Value)
Lip treatment set to nourish, protect and tint

Winky Lux 

Deborah Lippman, Lanolips, Smashbox, Stila

Urban Decay


Charlotte Tilbury Stars-In-Your-Eyes Palette, $75

Yves Saint Laurent Mini Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick Set, $60
Mini limited-edition lipsticks in five stunning shades

MAC Shiny Pretty Things Lip Kit
Ten little lipsticks in a shiny pretty pink metallic box


Benefit Goodie Goodie Gorgeous Set, $29
Benefit Confection Cuties Set, $19 ($36 Value)
Benefit Triple Decker Decadence Set, $39 ($89 Value)


Anastasia Sultry Eyeshadow Palette, $45 
Includes 14 shades, from golden mattes to bronzy metallics


BECCA


Luxe It Up Mini Luxe Lip Color Set, $116.25 ($243 Value)

Trish McEvoy Portable Beauty Voyager Collection, $98
Trish McEvoy The Power of Makeup Planner Collection Holiday 2018, $250 ($520 Value)

Atelier Cologne 


Versace Bright Crystal Set, $99 ($168 Value)








Clé de Peau La Crème


La Mer


Kiehl's 


Jo Malone




Acqua di Parma


Jack Black Classic Shave Set, $39


Murdock London The Cologne Collection, $54

Antica Farmacista




- Kim Weling