A Quirky Weekend Roundup

Twas the weekend before Chrismukkah

Hello, Gorgeous!

First off, a tiny bit of housekeeping. While I had initially planned on taking off for the holidays, there will be fresh content daily during the holiday break. The reason being simple, we all need a tiny escape during the frantic holiday season. I’d like to continue being part of your coffee or eggnog break!

Also, if you’re considering upgrading to a paid subscription, I’m launching some new sections and features next year exclusive to paid subscribers. As for subscriber only giveaways, for every new giveaway there will probably be at least one element open to paid subscribers only.

Or you could upgrade simply because you enjoy and appreciate my daily content. No pressure either way, I love having you all here!

I love unexpected gifts. If you’re looking for a last-minute gift idea, one of these could work!

Thoughtful gift ideas

A vacuum/mop combo

Want to earn brownie points with your mom? Tell her you’ll wash her floors and vacuum her house once a week like clockwork. And then treat her to this Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum & Sonic Mop. Simply set up the app, create a map of the space, and set your vac to mop or suck up dirt. This little powerhouse also works on hardwood floors or carpets equally well. Feeling chatty? Say “Hello, Rocky,” as the vac’s wake words and input voice commands. It can take a bit of time to set up initially, but I’ve vacuumed remotely from a different state and it’s as much fun as it sounds. ($1,299, Amazon.com).

A comforting comforter

Along those lines, you can promise to tuck your wayward offspring or long-distance love in nightly…and then present them with this cloud-soft Lele Coastal Comforter. It’s designed in Hawaii and has a lovely mellow vibe and design. (About $200, nohohomehawaii.com).

A stunning suitcase

Sometimes it’s time for a grownup piece of luggage. This could be that time. Cambria Hardside Carry-On Expandable Spinner comes in a variety of colors and patterns including this super chic tortoise pattern. It’s gorgeous, has a TSA approved lock and a retro vibe that I feel that even Audrey Hepburn would have approved of. It’s also on sale now for close to half-price off, at about $99, on ricardobeverlyhills.com. Incidentally, you could win this stunning suitcase. Stay tuned since I hope to finally announce my giveaway next week!

Sorta spa treatments

Nu Skin came out with a whole bunch of new skin gadgets earlier this fall. Nu Skin RenuSpa iO uses adaptive microcurrent technology to offer a whole bunch of functions meant to boost your mood, depuff and energize your skin, and tone your jiggly bits. I’ll be posting a review in the coming weeks. ($375, Nuskin.com).

Don’t want to splurge quite that much? WYLYS is a luxe line of skincare that has a great face roller and black obsidian gua sha gift set that brand founders sisters Sue & Herra say will “soothe, sculpt and depuff just in time for your holiday or New Year celebration. They strengthen connective tissue, help relieve tension and improve circulation, while promoting lymphatic drainage.” This is definitely a brand to watch, stay tuned since I’ll be reviewing WYLYS Nightinol Cream in the coming weeks. ($60, wylys.com).

Grow some crystals

National Geographic Jumbo Crystal Growing Kit is a lovely STEM experience for anyone of any age. You’ll get a cup, some powder to grow your crystal and instructions, and voila! Crystals in a few days (or weeks). (About $13.00, Amazon.com).

Give them a glow up

A friend has been (not so subtly) pining for this Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette ever since she saw mine. Clearly, her Hanukkah gift is a no-brainer. I’ll add a corny but cute sentiment to her card saying she can add some light to her beautiful face with this kit. ($48, Sephora).

Sorta splurge

I have a confession to make. I bought the Smeg retro style electric hand mixer in red for a friend’s housewarming. I still owe her a gift though since it’s so cute that I kept it for myself and I’m thrilled that I did. This is such a fantastic hand mixer with a ton of power under the hood. It has dough hooks! It has whisks! You can combine either for a customized mixing experience. It’s also a nice way to treat someone to a high-end item without breaking the bank. ($178, Amazon.com).

A stocking stuffer hack

If you still have a long list of people who’s stockings must be stuffed, consider my Advent calendar idea. Buy an advent calendar and take all the small gifties to give out as stocking stuffers. This way you shop once, save time and money and give great gifts!

And the cutest ugly sweater you’ve ever seen

I love ugly sweaters, especially when they’re not actually ugly. Danish Creamery— a California-based dairy producer made up of family farmers— has a ridiculously cute (or is it ridiculous but cute?) sweater/butter dish cozy combo. It makes absolutely no sense, but it makes me want to be matchies with my breakfast table.

So have you finished your shopping, or is anyone still on your list? Let’s discuss in the comment section!
Rachel, Your beauty (and gift) concierge 💋