I’ve always been a fan of a great at-home bar. I strongly believe it’s a must-learn life skill to mix up classic cocktails, and as an avid host, it’s important to provide an array...
Looking back on Easter as a child, I remember how excited I was to dig through my Easter basket. Full of chocolate bunnies, malt ball Easter eggs, Peeps, golden coins, and my favorite Cadbury...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Here’s a friendly PSA that we’re only a few days away from Christmas. If you’re still scrambling for a gift idea for the last person on your list, you may want to consider a subscription box. See, what I’ve learned this holiday season is that there’s a whole world of great items that can now all be delivered to the front door all year ’round. And who doesn’t love receiving a package of goodies each month?!
From organic food delivery (for you and even your dog), to fresh blooms and even healing crystals, subscription boxes are hot on the scene right now. I mean, I’m amazed by the offerings out there, and I know that they’d make great, unique gift ideas for that hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list. So if you need a little last minute inspiration, you should check out the list below. I included eight subscription box services below that I know I’d personally love to receive. Do you see anything on the list that would be a home-run this year?? Cheers, Kat
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So yes, this one is pretty luxe. But how AMAZING would a monthly delivery of fresh peonies be?! Each delivery includes 10 stems, all in the same color, from Flower Muse’s farms. The team picks only the best-of-the-best blooms that are in season each month, and they deliver the flowers straight to your door (in bud form so you can enjoy the entire budding process).
You really can never go wrong with fresh flowers, and that’s why we have all the heart eyes for all of Flower Muse’s subscription options. #swoon
Health is wealth, and in the new year you can give a gift that keeps on giving. ClassPass is the leading fitness membership that lets you explore countless options of workouts at participating studios in your city. It’s perfect for both beginners and the fitness-obsessed alike, and it’s available in 39 cities around the country.
Gifting options include the suggested amounts of $50 or $100, or custom for your budget.
There’s nothing better than Jeni’s ice cream. Well okay, maybe if it’s delivered straight to your doorstep! The Pint Club is the perfect gift for the ice cream-obsessed on your list this year. Membership includes a curated collection of three pints delivered four times per year. Unfortunately, no substitutions or changes are possible to the lineup of flavors (but it’s okay because we like them all anyway!).
Perfect for the person on your list that seeks health, wellness and deep spirituality, this 3-month subscription box of crystals is a great idea. Crystals are believed to store, transmit and transform energy, and are needless to say, gorgeous.
Each month, the box will include 4-8 hand picked small to large crystals, along with extra mini crystals and minerals. Descriptions for the crystals are included with a handmade cloth crystal grid.
Membership options include: $58 month-to-month membership, and options to purchase 3-month, 6-month and 12-month prepaid plans.
We don’t want processed, frozen food, so why should your furry friend?! The Farmer’s Dog makes fresh, homemade dog food that’s never been stored on a shelf.
So how does it work? You create a personalized meal plan based on your dog’s needs. You’ll receive the meals portioned out and ready-to-serve, and your pup will thank you!
The meals average $29/week, dependent on the size of dog.
Promise better quality meat in the new year for every meal with the help of Butcherbox. This subscription box will deliver 7-10 lbs. of 100% grass-fed beef, organic/pastured chicken, and heritage breed pork. Each box is enough for meat for 15-20 meals, making the price work out to $6.50/meal.
If you’re interested in gifting a one-time box, see the gift options HERE.
Step up someone’s cheese plate game with four monthly shipments of irresistible, unique cheeses from Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom. Included in each box will be celebrated regional favorites that spread a nice range of flavors, textures and styles.
Each package is shipped chilled with ice packs, with instructions to refrigerate upon receipt.
If your recipient would prefer American cheeses, HERE is a 3-month option to gift ($149.95)
The ladies of LEAFtv have curated twelve great boxes that encourage a holistic approach to health and wellness. Each box has a theme (Detox, Nourish, Glow, Rest…etc.) and includes 10-15 products and gadgets to help you on your personal wellness journey.
Both MKR and I enjoyed the first two boxes of the series (you’ll always start at the first box, whenever you sign up). LEAFtv makes it easy to gift the first two boxes HERE. It’s proven to be a great way to explore new products for our daily routines!
If you’re interested in investing in this for yourself in the new year, try the month-to-month option, or secure an entire year (with one box free).
**The deadline has passed for Christmas delivery, but orders will now be shipped the week of Jan. 2, 2017.
Hello, winter skin woes (read: annoying acne breakouts, tight and dry skin and lackluster complexion); we meet again. Unfortunately, it’s safe to say that I’m struggling with my yearly beauty battle of the cold season. I’m reaching for anything and everything that can help me fight blemishes without skipping a beat, while lining up the overnight masks and creams that can keep my skin hydrated and soft after I buff with my Clarisonic.
I’m sharing each of the products I currently have on rotation below, but I’ve got to point out a few of the MVPs here too. As you may remember, I went on a beauty bender with Fresh products last month. This firming overnight mask was part of the haul, and I’ll tell you: it STILL has me completely enamored; it’s rich, yet lightweight, and it’s made me wake up with a brighter glow than I thought was possible this time of year. Obsessed, I tell you! And to fight blemishes, I’m using NERD Skincare‘s all natural acne cleanser, which is unique in that it doesn’t have the harsh benzoyl peroxide or salycylic acid that most acne products do. The brand is worth checking out if you’re also struggling with a bit of adult acne but can’t bother with the (damaging) drugstore duds. The all natural acne cleanser is my current favorite, but the entire line is strong.
The wintry cold doesn’t have me quitting my go-to, 5-free nontoxic nail polish; I’m just shifting my shades a bit darker (“Dark Like Me” and “Lovers Creep” are my favorites)! A strong polish that’s as beautiful as it is safe (and long lasting) just cannot be beat in my mind. Both Kat and I have tried a few other nontoxic nail polish brands, but we keep coming back to Smith & Cult for being the best.
Check out the rest of the products below, and tell us if you’ve tried any of them too! Truly, MKR
I do my own manicures at home (I actually dread the time spent in the salon chair!), so a nail polish that looks just as good by me as the professionals is key. I do the whole routine; the cuticle oil is one of my secrets to a smudge-free hand.
Smith & Cult is my go-to 5-free nontoxic nail polish that literally lasts longer than any other polish I’ve worn. I have about a dozen shades at home, along with the base coat and top coat. Once you go Smith & Cult, you’ll never look back!
I can’t say enough for this little guy. I LOVE that it’s a convenient size that I can throw in my bag when I travel. The Mia Fit is both lightweight and waterproof, so I usually use it in the shower.
The delicate, yet powerful design is the surest way to remove makeup, buff dead skin and find soft, smooth skin beneath. The reviews say it all; people are obsessed with this Clarisonic, and I’m one of them.
Not all face oils are created equal, I’m finding. I’m currently in love with this one (and The Well Code approves). It has an all-star lineup of ingredients: organic rosehip oil (corrects dark spots and restores suppleness), organic argan oil (an anti-oxidant that hydrates and softens), jojoba oil (a great anti-inflammatory that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and pore size), organic sea buckthorn seed oil (calms redness), vitamin e oil (a strong anti-oxidant that boosts collagen production), jasmine essential oil (tones all skin types), lavender essential oil (soothes skin), and geranium essential oil (reduces the appearance of wrinkles).
Whew! I use 2-3 drops day and night after I’m done cleansing and toning. And I’ve got to say…it’s damn good.
I use this toner as my second step to my daily skincare routine (after cleansing) and before applying the face oil. The umbrian clay helps purify the skin, while cinnamon bark and burnet root work to clarify. I love the addition of lavender floral water in the mix too; it tones and balances (and relaxes me!).
This face mask is a big reason my skin feels soft and supple, despite the frigid temps. It has a unique, cooling gel formula that seriously melts into your skin. The mask soothes and tones my complexion (I can smell the cucumber and the aloe) and it’s simply a lovely feeling on my face and neck. Another really, really great buy from Fresh.
I’ve started using this gentle cleanser daily since my skin has flared up a bit with the colder temperatures. I have sensitive skin, so I really enjoy this plant-derived cleanser that doesn’t strip my face too harshly.
My skin feels SO soft after using this, and I haven’t felt my usual tight, too-dry skin I usually do this time of year after cleansing.
I’m glad I snatched up a bottle of Wild Fig & Cassis before it was discontinued! I know it’s just a tease to hear it now, but I just can’t get enough of the fragrance. “Sun-warmed figs and delicate cassis is entwined with notes of hyacinth and cedarwood, enveloping the wearer in the warmth of the Mediterranean” just whisks me away to heaven.
Of course, her other fragrances are note-worthy; I’ve worn Jo Malone for years. The gift sets make great gift ideas this time of year too!
Like I said earlier, I’ve experienced a few more breakouts recently than my usual. I use this Acne Clearing Wash in the shower to help keep them under control.
It’s alcohol and paraben free, too, so I feel better using it than, say, your standard harsh acne wash.
I never colored or filled in my brows before. I’ve heard many girls swear by doing it, but since have such light coloring on my face, I hadn’t really thought about doing so until recently. So when I decided to try it out, I of course looked to the go-to name in the game, Anastacia Beverly Hills. I tried the Tinted Brow Gel in blonde, and with a few practice runs I was able to get it looking natural and subtle.
Another must-have in the brow department I learned: the Perfect Brow Pencil. This pencil is two-sided, giving you the means to apply and blend the color perfectly into your natural brow. I really like the consistency of this pencil; it’s a creamy formula that dries down to a natural powder finish and helps you get the most natural effect possible. I ordered the blonde shade here as well.
I. Am. Obsessed. with this Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask by Fresh. While you sleep, your skin is already working to recover and turnover, and this mask works in sync with that! It gives me an incredibly moisturized feel to my skin in the morning, while firmer too (I swear).
I like to apply it to my face, neck and chest, leaving it on overnight.
I picked up this special edition lip scrub at Create & Cultivate in October, and I can’t be caught without it now. It tastes and smells like a Sprinkles cupcake, which is AMAZING and right up my alley. But most importantly, the lip scrub is packed with essential oils that hydrate and gently exfoliate my lips so I can keep the perfect pout. Aaand it’s paraben free, which is so important in my book!
Where was NERD Acne Treatment when I needed it years ago?! This unique acne treatment lotion uses your own immune system to kill acne on your face by nurturing the good, acne-fighting bacteria. The lotion works WITHOUT damaging benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid you’ll find in other acne products. Instead, it uses powerful plant extracts, and it’s lightweight and colorless. It’s amazing, I tell you…I swear my face looked clearer after a few days.
I know we’re in the midst of all of the holiday craziness, but I always get a wanderlust itch this time of year. I amount it to the cold weather; after Christmas and NYE, I’m usually dying to see the electric blue water somewhere tropical instead.
Thanks to my travel bug, I recently found myself poking around on Instagram (as I laid down to fall asleep probably), falling down a rabbit hole as I discovered a few intriguing travel startup companies. Of course, I know the routine with these travel startups though; a lot of the unique, bespoke approaches to traveling almost seem to good to be true. Some, too, sound like they’re mainly geared to millenials, and I have my doubts if they’ll be around forever. BUT, that said, I can’t help but be intrigued with some of these offerings.
As I read about several of these travel companies and travel startups’ missions, I realized that the common thread was obvious: they’re all putting the control back in the traveler’s hands to create truly memorable trips in the most authentic way. No, seriously. With customized itineraries, unique and intimate experiences and chances to find the true hidden gems and hang with locals, you can finally say hello to the trip you’ve always dreamed of.
El Camino Travel, for example, got my attention a few months ago. They send a professional photographer with a group of 12 (max) to Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua or Trinidad and Tobago. Sounds silly at first, but get this…you can leave your phone at the hotel and truly experience the authentic side of the countries with extensively planned itineraries by the pros. I mean it IS a little intriguing, isn’t it?!
So if you’ve got the travel bug like I do, check out the five companies below. I’d love to know what you think…are they too good to be true?! Too out-there for you?! I don’t know if I’d be brave enough for Night Swapping. Regardless, I’m rooting for them to be everything they say they are…and I’m saving up for my next adventure in the meantime. Cheers, Kat
P.S. If you’ve got a trip on the books (lucky duck!), check out these 11 tips to travel like a pro, and don’t miss the best airport outfit you can wear. xo
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El Camino Travel‘s philosophy is for “curated travel, unique experiences.” With extensively planned itineraries that focus on making a memorable trip that truly discovers the gems of the destination. All itineraries are planned by El Camino Travel’s founder, who has traveled to all of the countries available for your trip.
What’s more: each group is accompanied by a talented photographer with a creative eye ready to capture the whole experience. That’s right, you can leave your phone at the door and live in the moment. Every morning, the photog shares 20+ images of the group so you can share on Instagram for all your friends back home to swoon over.
Another great part about El Camino Travel is that a percentage of the profits of each trip go to a local social entrepreneur who is radically changing the face of their country. The group will meet this inspiring individual, and partake in an intimate dinner or activity with the social entrepreneur to get a unique and personal perspective of the current surroundings. You’ll also be able to support local vendors and businesses throughout the many aspects of the trip, ensuring that your tourism dollars go directly back into the local economy.
Finally! The chance to see a country the way it should be seen, without the tourist traps and wrong turns. All groups are capped at 12 travelers, so you know you’ll have an intimate experience. Not to mention, it’s a great chance to meet some awesome new friends if you’re planning to travel solo.
Book your trip now to: Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, or Trinadad and Tobago.
Absolute Travel should be a household name for a true jetsetter. The company has won countless awards and gained recognition by Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic Traveler & More for being a top world tour operator.
Absolute Travel is perfect for the experienced traveler who is past packaged trips and set dates. Instead, the trips are designed and scheduled around your interests and needs, with a customized luxury itinerary just for you.
You come to them with a broad idea, and Absolute Travel will build your trip and shape it by suggesting additional destinations and sites and ensuring you only stay in the most incredible hotels. They arrange unique luxury travel experiences based around your interests, and connect you with chefs, yoga gurus, expert guides, and gallery owners so you have a truly personalized and enriching luxury travel experience.
WithLocals
Connecting people & cultures through food & unique experiences
Imagine joining an intimate dinner in a family’s home, or going on a mountain hike to hidden places or even trying your hand at a traditional stone-carving workshop.
Through WithLocals, you can book food experiences and things-to-do experiences in countries like Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, India and more.
To admit their approach to travel is novel to me would be an understatement, as they focus directly on Asian locals that have something to offer travelers in terms of knowledge and culture, rather than on the consumer-driven tourism industry. They cut out the “middle man” or the booking/travel agency, and connect hosts and locals for truly authentic and memorable experiences. It’s also a great way to encourage sustainable income to the local communities that we want to preserve.
You can apply to be a host or traveler on their website here.
Nightswapping is another unique idea; it’s a community of people that host each other to travel for free. This new, friendlier way to travel involves no money exchanged between members, and guests can therefore experience a truly authentic look at your city.
Here’s how it works: whenever you host members in your guest room or entire home, you earn Nights credits that you can then use to travel later on.
Nightswapping moderates every listing, they verify members and then collect review by guests. They also cover your home up to a certain amount with an international insurance company.
They suggest trying the program as a traveler first, before hosting someone in your home. To do so, you’ll simply buy Nights directly from the website for a low cost, no matter how many travelers and whatever the destination.
Boutique Travel is another company that is putting the power in the travelers’ hands. With professional custom designed itineraries offered by their friendly, specialist consultants, your luxury travel desires can come true.
Boutique Travel lists destinations like Argentina, Tahiti, the Caribbean, New Zealand and so many more places that are on my bucket list. The testimonials make it sound like they really know their stuff, too. When it comes to a lot of the nitty-gritty logistical details of a major trip, Boutique Travel would definitely come in handy.
I’m bookmarking them on my list for hopeful honeymoon adventures!
