The holidays are officially here! It's my favorite time of year mostly because I love being cozy, slowing down, getting creative, dreaming up new plans, connecting with dear friends & family and giving gifts + giving back. So pour some wine, bake some yummy treats, turn on some Ella, pull out the cashmere, put up the Christmas lights and let’s get to it!

Early Holidays in Palm Springs, California which I realize is not the most ‘cozy’ of holiday places but it is lovely nonetheless! Love this Cupcakes & Cashmere sequin dress and Sam Edelman puff heels - Thank you Poshmark!

For the last several years I have put together a ‘Gift Guide’ of sorts in past newsletters and blogs. As I get more and more conscious about consumerism and responsible spending, I tend to buy less, trade more and most definitely increase those donations (& travel savings!). I always send a stack of good ol’ fashion Christmas cards because I just miss the practice of a hand written letter, and there is something really nice about reflecting on the relationships with the people you are sending them to. In fact, it’s a great time for reflection - and self care - all around. I also do the not-so-fun stuff, like planning financially, career & life goals for the year ahead, which I guess is also a gift of self-case because who else is going to do it? Things change every year with life’s highs, lows and realizations, and a chance to change things in any way you see fit - so I try to make this a slow, reflective process too. Treat Yo Self!

Donations

This is becoming more and more personal, especially as we seek transparency as to where donated funds are going to. I usually seek a local women & children shelter/organization to be a Santa for kids wish lists (there will be many in any major city), and always set a reminder to update my memberships and regular donations to places like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, but if you are wanting to research additional organizations too, I would suggest using the Charity Navigator.

Gift Guide

*In addition to this list, you can shop my Amazon Store or the Wild West Home store for independent vendors. This includes my children’s book “To Be We: The Adventure of Owen and Lucy”

**I also encourage you to trade, sell & shop on sites like Poshmark, Thread Up and The Real Real. Clear your closet and use the funds for new treats!

Mediation Apps like ‘Calm’ or ‘Headspace’. I have found these to be invaluable and part of my daily practice, and they have plenty of options for newbies or long time practitioners. (Hot tip: Most of the big podcast shows have discount codes for their sponsors that include these. For example, see Crooked Media list)
Babel Language App. I used this to brush up on my French and learn some basic Spanish. It’s a great program for all levels, you can use from desktop to mobile
Give a Class gift certificate: Masterclass, Udemy, Skillshare, and more. There is so much to learn, so little time.
Rescue your face: There are so many gel masks out on the market, but two that I love are of the high/low variety. I love these Petitfee Black Pearl Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch (come in container of 60, only $9) and also unbelievable these 111Skin Rose Gold Brightening facial treatment masks that all the models for on photoshoot day
CBD Oil: Charlotte’s Web by Stanley Brothers is my favorite to take orally, and Perfectly Posh Cann I Be All Fluffed Up for topical. Seriously, get on this train - helps with sleep, anxiety, stress and more.
I am partial to all the cashmere and faux fur I can get my hands on come Fall/Winter, but most importantly - an over the top, luxury robe. This Faux Fur robe ticks all the boxes and is currently on sale.
Portable Movie Projector: If you are a movie buff, or even have kids who are, these are better than ever and small enough to travel with. Plug it into your computer or phone, and voila - you can make any wall your movie screen!
Amazon Fire Tablet - I always tell my fellow travelers to buy one of these instead of an iPad. They are cheaper, lighter and do all the same things from internet to email to Netlfix stream with the addition of all your audible and Amazon books.
Sonos is a great housewarming gift, and the new standard in wireless speakers you can sync to everything. The two room/two speaker pack Is a great place to start
For you business types - consider giving yourself the gift of Bonsai or Quickbooks to get organized in the new year, from invoicing to proposals

*I may receive a commission from these affiliate links, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase or sign up through a link.

A Gift Guide + Holiday Playlist