Gift Guide No. Two: My Everyday Favorites

A guide of my absolutely favorite, and most beloved items perfect for gifting
Filed Under > Everyday

 

 
 
When pondering what themed gift guides to do this year I thought, why not round up everything I love and use on a daily/weekly basis that would also make great gifts.  So that’s what we’re doing for Guide No. Two.  My very own Oprah-esq favorite things.  I’d love to know in the comments, if you were creating your own list of favorite things what would make the cut? Truly, MKR

One. Happy Menocal Mr. Charles Stationery.  I’m a HUGE fan of Happy Menocal; have been forever.  So when she launched her collection on Paperless post a few years ago I was besides myself giddy.  Of course Mr. Charles was my obvious choice as he looks so much like my Addy, but I also snagged this every day set and have used this holiday card more than once.

Two. C.O. Bigelow Cold & Flu Soak. I buy this in bulk because it sells out every year right when you need it.  I swear if you feel like you’re getting sick, or have gotten sick soak in this for 30 minutes and you’ll feel so much better.  And I’m serious, buy more than one bottle as it sells out every year.

Three. Herbivore Orchid Facial Oil.  Cult status with this oil; and yes I’ve drank the koolaid.  The oil is uber moisturizing, but my skin just glows whenever I use it.  My very own fountain of youth.

Four. Breville Tea Kettle.  This is my most used appliance next to my coffee pot.  It makes making tea, cider, hot cocoa, matcha, anything and everything you need boiling water for so easy. I actually have my kettle upstairs in my bedroom as I drink tea the most at night and I couldn’t imagine my evening routine without it.  This would also be great to have in a guest room if possible.  

Five. Great Lakes Co. Sweatshirt.  I’m a BIG fan of sweatshirts.  It’s the Michigan in me.  So when I found a small business named after my beloved Great Lakes and they just happen to make the coziest sweatshirt ever I couldn’t press buy fast enough.  And it has not disappointed.  It really is beyond soft.  I actually asked for a second one for Christmas so I can rotate them while ones being washed. 

Six. Singing Bowl. I cannot get enough of singing bowls, sage, palo santo, and anything that helps rid all that bad juju. And even if you don’t buy into the “spiritual” side of it there’s something very relaxing about the ritual of it all.  Don’t know it till you try it.

Seven. Illuminated Bible.  An gorgeous, illustrated bible that invites you to write and doodle all over it.  Game changer for my morning quiet time routine.  It comes in a hardback version, but if you’re going to use this as your everyday bible I suggest the classic leather as it will wear much better over time.

Eight. Teleties. The hairband that has caused a frenzy at WOMH.  Seriously, we cannot keep these in stock.  And I understand why.  They do not rip your hair, they actually work, plus they look like a bracelet on your hand.  Seriously, try them if you haven’t.  And if you’ve tried another brand in the past they’re not comparable to these which are SO much better!

Nine. Truffle Mustard.  I mean mustards mustard right? Wrong.  This mustard is beyond.  I keep it in my fridge and dip pretzels in it, always put it on a cheese plate, and constantly cook with it.  I brushed it over chicken and last night combined it with spices, herbs, and vegetable broth for a pork tenderloin roast.  Wow, just wow!

Ten. The Five Minute Journal. If you do anything for yourself next year do this.  I mean it.  Only five minutes in the morning and five minutes in the evening and I promise your life will be changed.  Promise.

Eleven. Young Living Essential Oils.  I won’t get on my soapbox again about YL Essential Oils, but seriously if you haven’t taken the plunge yet with the starter pack I really don’t know what you’re waiting for.  I use YL Essential Oils for everything.  Diffusing, cleaning, beauty, health, healing…everything.  Read a bit more about it here and join the WOM/Well Code oily life! You’ll be glad you did.

Twelve. Peloton.  This was my birthday gift from the hubs and I couldn’t love it more.  It’s the one workout I seem to be able to stick with and is worth every penny.

Thirteen. Sleep Mask. Another can’t sleep without it necessity.

Fourteen. RMS Luminizer Quad.  RMS is one of my favorite non-toxic beauty brands and this luminizer quad is definitely a beauty essential I use every day.

Fifteen. Ullo Wine Purifier.  I love wine.  I also get terrible headaches from too much wine which I think may have to do with sulfites as different wines effect me differently.  Anyway, that’s what led me to Ullo.  And I don’t know the science behind the magic all I know is every time I run a bottle of wine through the purifier I don’t wake up with a pounding head.  

Sixteen. Golden Goose Sneakers.  Okay, so when I first heard about sneakers that looked like they had been worn for 5+ years and carried a $500 price tag where all the rage I was like”yeah right.”  Then I bought a pair.  And they are honestly the most comfortable shoe I own.  More comfortable then my Nikes. Seriously, they are that comfortable.  Plus they really hold up and you don’t need to worry about scuffing them up…the more scuffs the better.

Seventeen. Toffee To Go Toffee.  There’s a reason this toffee is on Oprah’s list year after year.  We’re talking melt in your mouth toffee.  It’s so good all of us at WOMH ate through all the samples before we were able to sample any to customers.  Oops.

Eighteen. WelleCo. Sleep Welle Calming Tea.  I learned about this specific tea after using their Super Elixir; which is also a favorite.  It really does help you calm down and sleep sounder, plus it comes in the most gorgeous container.  If you’re like me and have trouble falling asleep then definitely give this a whirl.  

Nineteen. Goop Edition No. 2 Shisho Spray.  The description is what got me, the fact that its non-toxic helped.  “A perfume of cool air, pale sun, new life unfurling on the forest floor, this mystical perfume channels the energy of spring: sensual heat against cool, damp air.” 

Twenty.  Serena & Lily Carins Throw. I’m a BIG blanket fan. And this is my currently cozy, curl up go-to.  Plus it gorgeous!

Twenty-One. Gray Malin x Away Luggage. Y’all know I’m a HUGE fan of Gray Malin. So when he partnered with AWAY luggage to create a custom collection and one of those pieces was one of the Gray photos I own well I had to have it! Available in 3 colors and 3 different Gray prints this is the chicest and most functional luggage ever!

 

 

Two Different, Non-Dairy Ways to Nespresso

A toasted coconut latte and warm almond milk honey latte recipe to mix up your daily grind
Filed Under > Breakfast & Brunch

I remember seven or eight years ago reading about a new machine that promised to brew Italian espresso with just a touch of a button.  Sure, an Italian espresso machine was nothing new.  But, unlike espresso machines we were familiar with, this new machine promised to be a fraction of the size and at a fraction of the cost.  But while the size and cost may be smaller, we were assured that the taste of the espresso would not. It was called Nespresso.

This promise was a huge selling point for me living in a limited space, one-bedroom Chicago condo.  Not to mention, I didn’t feel like investing thousands of dollars in one appliance.  Fast forward years later, and I’ve had four different Nespresso machines, still enjoying that perfect promised Nespresso moment day after day.

One of my favorite things to do is to get creative with my Nespresso.  Because I try to stay away from dairy products my go-to milk alternatives are always almond and coconut milk.  Alternative milk options have come a long way in the past few years making it easier, and healthier, than ever to mix up your daily Nespresso.  

Recently, the recipes I can’t get enough of are a warm Honey Almond Milk Latte and a cold Toasted Coconut Nespresso.

Nespresso Machine | Glass | Livanto Capsules | Linizio Lungo Capsules 

The toasted coconut recipe is beyond easy.  Over a glass full of ice simply add 2-3 chilled espressos, cold coconut milk, a drop or two of coconut syrup to slightly sweeten the Nespresso and top with fresh toasted coconut. This would also be amazing as a frozen drink, simply freeze Nespresso into ice cubes like I did here and blend away!

The Honey Almond Milk Latte combines fresh, local honey and frothed almond milk, for the perfect warm and toasty way to start the day.  I prefer mine with two shots of Nespresso and just love sprinkling just a touch of cinnamon on top for that extra bit of warmth.  And I suggest putting the honey in first, just covering the bottom of the cup.  As you add the hot Nespresso it will naturally begin to melt and blend the honey.

Nespresso takes no shortcuts in their process of creating the perfect pod.  As Nespresso says, “the path from bean to cup is a complex one.” Knowing that a single faulty coffee bean can taint a whole batch Nespresso takes control of the quality down to the very last bean.  Not to mention they source responsibly.

Focusing on sustainability of the coffee tree and coffee world in general.  To address the issue of coffee’s future Nespresso created the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program in 2003 in conjunction with the non-profit, Rainforest Alliance. This approach enables Nespresso to safeguard the future supply of the highest quality coffee, while paying farmers a higher income and protecting the natural environment. Win, win!

With all of this, it’s no surprise why I’ve been pressing that Nespresso button every morning for the past eight or so years.  I’ve shared both of these recipes below for you to give them a try at home.  Tell me, is a Nespresso machine on your holiday wish list?! Truly, MKR

P.S. Did you see their holiday pods? I’m definitely snagging their holiday coffee & chocolate assortment!

Photography, Rustic White | This post is in partnership with Nespresso.  A brand I love and adore.  All opinions and recipes are 100% my own.

Santa’s Elves Reporting For Duty

Creating Santa's Sleigh with Esurance
Filed Under > Everyday

Between owning a Shoppe, running a Blog, and just living my life I spend more time in my car than anywhere else.  At the risk of sounding cliche; my car is my home away from home.  And while that sentiment rings true all year long, it’s never more true than during the holiday season when my car turns into Santa’s Sleigh. 

So with that said, it only made sense to partner with Esurance to celebrate their Holiday Campaign focusing on the creative ways we customize and love on our “home away from home.”  I mean my car already feels like Santa’s Sleigh each holiday season so why not actually turn it in to Santa’s Sleigh.

For me, my car’s transformation begins with that first trek to the Christmas Tree farm where I outfit both my home and my car with all things green.  For my car I always wrap the rails with garland and hang wreaths from the front grill and back window.  This can easily be done with green wire and my go-to command strips.  Just make sure everything is securely tied down.  Nothing is worse than losing a wreath on I-85.  Trust me.

I also make sure I have laods of holiday necessities in the car at all times.  Wrapping paper, boxes, tape and scissors because you never know when you’ll need to wrap that last minute gift.  Plenty of my homemade Chex Mix, tied up with a bow.  And I always keep toiletries, and a few extra pairs of mittens and hats in case I come across someone in need. 

Between the festive decor, holiday musts, and plenty of holiday music playing; my car always helps me to get and stay in the Christmas spirit while getting from point A to B.  It also helps that I’ve got my own little elf named Addison to help me! Happy Holidays Friends, I hope this helps you to get into the spirit this year. Truly, MKR

P.S. Thank you Esurance for such a fun project. Celebrating my “home away from home” was the perfect way to kick off the magic of the season!

Photography, Kathryn McCrary  |  This post is sponsored by Esurance, a brand I love and adore.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Copyright © Welcome by Waiting on Martha  /
CLOSE
CLOSE
Back to Top