Thursday, December 14, 2023

Stuff I Like: Not A Gift Guide.

Somehow it’s mid-December and I am, as always, shocked. Shocked! It’s like how PMS takes me by surprise every single month. (Hm, why do I suddenly feel like everything is doomed? *looks at calendar* Ooooohhhh, right.) Anyway, here we are and for the first time in more than 10 years I’m not posting gift guides. I mean, honestly, how many cute dang Anthro ornaments can I throw at you? (Apparently, at least one.) 

Okay, so instead of a gift guide you don’t actually want, shall I tell you about some holiday-ish stuff I’m enjoying right now? And maybe a few suggestions? Yes? Okay:

This Book Marianne Recommended
How did I not know about Sophie Cousens? Marianne recommended This Time Next Year which is delightful and funny in the manner of Mhairi McFarlane or Jenny Colgan. Light and easy to read, but also well-written. And, it’s going to be a movie with the hot guy from Emily in Paris which should be a good time. It’s not really a Christmas book (more of a New Year's Eve thing) so if you’re looking for that, I made some recommendations a few years back.


This Is The Only Candle You Need
Listen, if you want a truly amazing Christmas tree candle? You want the Thymes Frasier Fir candle. Trust me, this is THE ONE. It’s not super expensive it's pretty and it’s excellent quality. I bought this one which has a nice glow as it burns down but it also comes in a bunch of sizes and container options. It’s 100% worth it. 



This Thing I Bought Myself
While in London I spent a happy few hours at Liberty of London touching literally everything I could get my paws on. I bought a few gifts for other people and also bought this pretty Iphis print wallet for myself. I’m going to wrap it up and put it under the tree because I’m a weirdo like that. Anyway, it’s compact and beautiful and I love it.  

This Thing I Might Buy Myself
Okay, here’s a jaunty little cat that will hold my AirPods on my desk if I’m not using them. Um, but why tho. Also, I love it. But why. Do I need this? I absolutely do not. Do I want this? Of course I do.

This Thing Marianne Gave Me That I Still Love
I posted about the Dior Crème Abricot Strengthening Nail Care a while ago and wanted to give an update: I continue to love it. It's such a thing and makes a very luxe gift. The packaging is fancy-pretty and it's just a really nice product. Best of all, it falls in that excellent gift category of "thing people might not buy for themselves" and right now it's under $30!


Welcome to Adrien’s Sock Corner
Look, I know I just talked about Smartwool socks but I didn’t see this exact pair and now I want them (so pretty!) and I think you should know about them too in case you also want them. YOU ARE WELCOME. Happy Holidays, y'all! 

5 comments:

  1. Socks---smartwool > bombas?? You turned me onto Bombas and I've been a loyal Bombas-only wearer ever since... What say you sock lady?

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    1. I still wear both! Bombas is a winner for fitness socks, but Smartwool is a great daily option in the colder months.

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    2. I wear my smartwools on the peloton and to run and they keep my feet from feeling sweaty. They are the best socks.

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  2. I see you go to London fairly frequently and I was hoping you would share where you stay while there. Hotels? Air bnb? London is huge and pricey and I am overwhelmed by the choices! Thanks.

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    1. Hi! This was only the second time I've been to London. The first time we stayed at a chain in Shoreditch that was fine, but nothing I'd recommend. For this trip we stayed at room2 in Chiswick. It was nice and very quiet and we liked being in a non-touristy area, but it does involve a tube ride into the city.

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