Food gifts are a tasty way to show how much you care for someone. Special food goes hand and hand with the holidays and giving a treat is such a fun idea!
Below are three companies that make amazing treats for everyone on your list:
GourmetGiftBaskets.com Santa Cookie Cake
GourmetGiftBaskets.com Santa Cookie Cake ($34.99 USD) — Make this season extra sweet with this delightful Christmas treat! We’ve loaded this 12-inch cookie cake with rich chocolate chips and hand decorated with sweet frosting, creating a holiday dessert that’s impossible to resist!
This cookie cake is so yummy! The frosting was soft and it tasted really fresh. On the website, it says that it can ship tomorrow and you can get it quickly!
Love, Cookie — What sweeter way to celebrate the holiday season than by gifting and indulging in treats from the Love, Cookie brand. Handmade in small batches by Baker Maid, a fourth generation, family owned New Orleans-based confection company known for its cookies and cakes.
The Love, Cookie collection comes in eight varieties of melt-in-your-mouth flavors made from only the finest ingredients available. The cookies come in Almond Toffee Crunch, Espresso Chocolate Chip, Midnight Almond, Chocolate Chip, Lemon Cooler, Butter Pecan Praline, Dark Chocolate Orange and Dark Chocolate Mint. I love the Espresso Chocolate Chip the most, but all are so yummy!
Affordably priced at $3.99 Love, Cookie is conveniently available throughout the Gulf South region in supermarkets like Rouses, Robert’s Market, Breaux Mart, Dorignac’s, Langenstein’s and Maxwell’s, as well as many other fine grocery chains. You can also buy online at http://lovecookie.com
Wine of The Month Club Vintner’s Own Gift Basket
Wine of The Month Club Vintner’s Own Gift Basket ($89 USD) — Want to impress? Elegance meets rustic in this loaded tin gift basket. Two hand selected California wines supply the fun and a variety of top shelf goodies finish it off. All delivered in a rustic steel bin that would be a nice addition to any kitchen.
Gift includes: One Bottle Wheelhouse Cabernet Sauvignon (California), Backstory Merlot (California), Herb Marinated Olives, Cheese Knife, Busetto Salami, Bruschetta Mix, Fruit and Nut Mix, Dried Apricots, Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares, Brie Cheese Spread, Marinated Olives, Almond Roca Cookies, and Water Crackers all delivered in a dimpled tin rustic basket.
This and many other gift ideas are available at www.wineofthemonthclub.com/
For a change from my usual beauty reviews, I thought it would be fun to talk about fun treats I recently received — yum!
GourmetBaskets.com sent me a couple of really neat candy and popcorn gift ideas that are perfect for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Haunted House Halloween Gift Tower ($39.99 USD) — It’s time to eat, drink, and be scary! Inside this fang-tastic four-tiered tower, your little monster will discover a variety of otherworldly treats they’ll find impossible to resist. Complete with ghostly good gourmet popcorn, chilling chocolates, and scarily sweet candies, this spooky arrangement is the perfect way to make this Halloween memorable!
Ingredients:
· (3) Tootsie Roll Midgees – Long lasting candy chews that are packed with cocoa taste and subtle fruit flavors.
· (3) Super Bubble Gum – Iconic pink bubble gum that offers hours of endless bubbles.
· (3) Jawbreakers – assorted – Individually wrapped hard candies that explode with sweet fruit flavors.
· (3) Atomic Fireballs – Round hard candies that erupt with a bold cinnamon taste.
· (3) Smarties – assorted flavors- Bite-sized tablet candies that offer the perfect combination of tart and sweet flavors.
· Mixed Candy – An assortment of classic candies in a manageable mini size.
· Buffalo Popcorn by KingOfPOP.com – Handcrafted gourmet popcorn that’s coated in fiery buffalo flavor.
· Confetti Popcorn by KingOfPOP.com – Crisp freshly made popcorn that’s sealed inside colorful fruit-infused candy shells.
What I think: It came out of the box tied with festive ribbons and was so adorable. All three of my daughters wanted to take a box to store treasures in, but I told them it’s a perfect Halloween decoration! I might let them have the boxes later, though.
It has a great candy variety, something for every taste. I ate a few Tootsie Rolls and my kids dug in, too! The popcorn is a neat treat as well! I think this is perfect for grandparents or aunts and uncles to send for family that are far away. Also fun for your own family. Mine sure loved it!
Thanksgiving Popcorn Feast
Don’t forget about Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving Popcorn Feast ($34.99 USD) — Experience Thanksgiving dinner like you never have before with this collection of outrageous flavors! Using our perfectly crisp handcrafted popcorn, we’ve recreated our favorite holiday tastes, including tart Cranberry Sauce, succulent Turkey, and sweet Apple Pie! And the best part of this delicious feast? Not a single dish to worry about afterwards.
Thanksgiving Popcorn Feast Flavors
Popcorn Flavors Inside:
• Turkey
• Stuffing
• Gravy
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Herb Roasted Vegetables
• Buttered Corn on the Cob
• Cranberry Sauce
• Pumpkin Pie
• Apple Pie
• Strawberry Cheesecake
* Each flavor of popcorn is packaged in a sealed bag for freshness. Each bag is filled with approximately two cups of popcorn.
What I think: This is a crazy fun idea! This popcorn is gourmet and the flavors are so original. We have tried a few of the flavors already — Turkey, Herb Roasted Vegetables, Pumpkin Pie and Strawberry Cheesecake. They were all really good! Pumpkin Pike is my favorite so far, but I’m still trying them!
This would be perfect to send a family member who is not going to be able to make it home for Thanksgiving — maybe a college student or a military man or woman. They can share the popcorn and think of you!
Both of these great gifts and so many more are available at GourmetBaskets.com. I highly recommend this site because of the great packaging and quality ingredients!
Beauty gifts can be a welcome change from the usual flowers and candy on Valentine’s Day. I know I would love to receive fragrance, skin care or makeup! But I am a beauty junkie!
These ideas below are perfect for all of the beauty junkies in your life!
Korres The Brightest Skin Wild Rose Collection
Korres The Brightest Skin Wild Rose Collection ($48 USD) — This complete Wild Rose collection features three steps for your brightest skin. Formulated with wild rose oil, a powerful natural source of vitamin C, this regimen includes the iconic Wild Rose Brightening & Refining Buff Cleanser and Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturiser paired with the best-selling Wild Rose Sleeping Facial. Gently buff skin day and night with the Wild Rose Cleanser, quench skin with all-day moisturization with the Wild Rose 24-Hour Cream, and reveal brighter, petal soft skin by morning with the Wild Rose Sleeping Facial.
This set contains:
– 0.68 oz Wild Rose Brightening & Refinishing Buff Cleanser
– 0.68 oz Wild Rose Brightening 24-Hour Moisturiser
– 1.35 oz Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial
Lipstick Queen Bete Noire Trio ($40 USD) — Embrace this season’s glamorous dark lip with Bête Noire, a super-flattering blackberry shade in three chic, flattering and seductive formulations. Possessed Sheer is a silky, wet formula for a mere crush of forest fruits on the lips. Enriched with anti-oxidant Vitamin E and nourishing moisturizing oils, this lipstick keeps lips soft, comfortable and hydrated. Next, discover this same shade in Possessed Intense’s rich, creamy and opaque formula which cloaks the lips with deep, powerful and enduring pigments while moisture-rich oils and waxes ensure lips remain super comfortable and soft. Finally, the metallic finish of Possessed Metal takes statement lips to the next level with its burnished and richly shimmered texture. Enhanced with Apricot Kernel Oil, it glides on effortlessly, dressing the lips with long-lasting and hydrating color.
Spa Sonic Pro Skin Care System — $41.99 (reg. price $74.99) on sale now through Valentine’s Day at http://www.drugstore.com. This new two-speed waterproof device, is dermatologist recommended and ideal for use in the shower, bath and sink. Gently cleanse, smooth and exfoliate the skin with one of five attachments: a large brush for the body, a small brush for the face, a pumice for rough areas, a facial sponge and pore minimizing silicone brush. Also included is a luxurious and convenient travel tote.
L’Occitane Roses et Reines Voyage Gift Set — ($28 USD) includes a Roses et Reines Silky Shower Gel (75ML), Beautifying Body Milk (75 ML), Hand Cream (30ML), and Bonne Mere Rose Soap (100GR).
This and other great Valentine’s Day sets will be available on February 4th on usa.loccitane.com.
Savannah Bee The Sweetest Surprise Valentine’s Day Gift Set
Savannah Bee’s Sweetest Surprise Valentine’s Day gift set ($54.50 USD) — will thrill the honey and chocolate lover in your life. This incredible gift set includes one 12oz jar of Savannah Bee Tupelo honey, one 12oz jar of Savannah Bee Winter White honey, one 3.35oz jar of Adam Turoni’s decadent Honey Caramel Sauce, and one, tube of Adam Turoni’s Dark Chocolate Honey Hazelnut Truffles! With the combination of these four products, this is a “can’t miss” Valentine’s Day gift.
I know that this isn’t a beauty set, but I receive a sample of this and it is amazing! And Savannah Bee does have bath products as well as consumables. Plus, I will be announcing a Savannah Bee giveaway soon!
It’s a new year! And it is so cold and dry in Kansas City! Brrr!
Some of my favorite new products include a moisturizing face mask, bright eye shadows, a refreshing face mist, great new products from Yes to and a yummy sweet and salty snack.
What are you loving this week? Leave me a comment and let me know.
Le Mieux Hyaluronic Shea Mask
Le Mieux Hyaluronic Shea Mask ($15 USD) — Formulated with the moisture-binding hyaluronic acid, this deep conditioning mask prevents water loss, dryness and roughness, providing intensive, long-lasting hydration. A rejuvenating blend of soothing oils and botanical extracts deeply nourish dry, damaged and mature skin, while improving elasticity.
What I think: My skin has been dry, but also really sensitive lately. I tried a different mask and it burned my face, so I was wary of trying another. But, I am so glad I tried this mask! It was so soothing and hydrating, and once I washed it off, my skin was so soft! I think I will be using this once or twice a week to keep my face soft and moisturized.
Mehron INtense PRO Pressed Pigments in Fire ($52.95 USD) — are super long-lasting matte finish shadows that are edgy, bright, and sophisticated. Our pigment rich, high-performing shadows offer an essential range of intense hues and a velvety matte texture. Formulated without shimmer, these completely matte shades have an incredible silky finish which allows for amazing color payoff.
Fire Palette – includes the colors: Ignite, Purple Heat, Fire Island, Electric Green, Pure Lightening, Hot Pink, Inferno, and Yellow Spark. This also comes in Earth and Wind palettes.
What I think: These shadows are so fun for a fresh look! Especially in this cold, dreary winter. The shadows are extremely pigmented and fun to use. I like to use them as an accent to more neutral shades. But using them together would be a very bright look!
Phyto-C Icy Blue Mist ($40 USD) –Provides intensive hydration by binding water to skin tissue. Refreshes skin, nourishes dry and sun damaged skin. Enhances skin elasticity and radiance. Helps prevent irritation and other skin reactions.
What I think: This is great tospritz on the face after washing and beforemoisturizers and during the day for a pick me up. It is very refreshing and smells minty!
Ingrid Nilsen x Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes – 40ct
Yes to Coconut Cooling Lip Oil
Yes to Blueberries Face and Neck Oil
IngridNilsen x Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes -($5.99 USD40ct) — Yes To Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Wipes gently remove dirt, sweat and makeup (eye makeup too!) without the need to rinse. Whether you’re out and about, going for a run, or having a late night, these wipes make it a snap to refresh on-the-go. Packed with greensuperfoods these all-natural, biodegradable wipes naturally exfoliate, detoxify, and rejuvenate all-in-one. Stay gorgeous, and go from zero to clean in seconds!
Yes to Coconut Cooling Lip Oil ($4.99 USD) — This lip oil provideslong lasting nourishment, softness, and fits just about anywhere (talk about a triple threat!). This new lip oil will quench dry lips with decadent oils, that also cool while it moisturizes. Formulated with a plethora of oils: Virgin Coconut, Olive, and cooling Eucalyptus, your lips will be intensely moisturized and soft. Throw in an added hint of natural shine, and you will be ready for coconut kisses (under the sun!)
Yes to Blueberries Face & Neck Oil ($15.99 USD) — Return your skin to 22! Imagine (really…close your eyes) a face oil that provides intense moisturization, absorbs quickly and won’t clog pores! Formulated with organic blueberries andL22, a botanically derived system which helps deliver the skin lipid profile of a healthy 22-year old. We couldn’t believe it either, but seeing (open those gorgeous peepers) is believing!
What I think: I was so happy to test some new Yes to products, and these three were my favorites! The wipes are perfect for my sensitive skin and they clean very well. The lip oil is amazing! It smells and tastes fantastic, like coconut and mint and is so moisturizing. My lips were chapped by are much better after a few days use. And the face and neck oil keeps my parched skin soft without being greasy.
Snappers Crunchy and Salty and Sweet Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel
Now for something different, and sweet. Snappers Crunchy and Salty and Sweet Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel ($9.99 USD for a 24 oz. bag at COSTCO) — These are the perfect blend of smooth dark chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pretzel topped with a hint of sea salt.
What I think: These are so yummy! The crunchy pretzels topped with the soft caramel rich dark chocolate are paired with a pinch of salt. They are delicious and you need only one or two at a time to tame sweet cravings!
I was so excited to receive my PopSugar Must Have Box this Saturday! It always includes a cool combo of fashion, beauty, home goods, fitness and food!
Popsugar must have costs $39.95 a month, but you can usually find a coupon for your first month’s box. I had a coupon for $10.00 that I used. But if you can’t find another one REFER5 will get you 5 dollars off.
Here is what was in my box:
Nicole Miller Stereo Earbuds ($20 USD)– It’s hard to see in the photo, but they are a dark cobalt blue. The two ends of the ear buds snap together for easy storage and there is a button on the cord that will pause the music and allow you to answer your phone. They are pretty cool, but didn’t work when I plugged them into my computer. They did work on my phone, though. Available at http://www.iWaveaudio.com
Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Sea Salt & Almond Minis
Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Sea Salt & Almond Minis (5.95 USD) — This was a special extra (along with a $20 nike.com gift card). These yummy little morsels are individually wrapped — and mine are almost gone. Chocolate + sea salt + almonds = YUM!
rifle Paper Co. Garance Dore Assorted Girls Note Cards
Rifle Paper Co. Garance Dore Assorted Girls Note Cards ($18 USD) — These are made of very high quality paper and the illustrations (there are 4 different prints, two of each) are gorgeous! These are perfect for sending notes to my friends! You can purchase at http://www.riflepaperco.com.
Oribe Superfine Purse Size Hair Spray
Oribe Superfine Purse Size Hair Spray ($21.50 USD for purse size) –This smells so good! Plus it holds my hair in place without making my hair stiff. Available at http://www.orible.com.
Letter C Design Gold Foil Arrow Pencils
Letter C Design Gold Foil Arrow Pencils ($5 USD) — This pack of 5 pencils are super cute, but not the most exciting thing. I will use them, though. Available at http://www.shoplettercdesign.com.
Urban Remedy Almond Brownie
Urban Remedy Almond Brownie ($6 USD) — This is made with 100 percent organic ingredients and is vegan. It looks kind of gross. And, I wasn’t really a fan of the taste. You can purchase at http://www.urbanremedy.com.
Tilo Scarves Modal Gradation Scarf in Raisin ($125 USD) — This is a hand-dyed scarf that is an ombre of gray and a brownish-purple color. It is so light and pretty. Available at http://www.tiloscarves.com.
Also, today PopSugar Must Have is on sale at RueLaLa. You can get an Introductory box for only $24.95 (normally $39.95). (FYI – this will start a POPSUGAR subscription at the regular rate after the first box). Visit http://www.ruelala.com to grab this great deal!
Do you subscribe to PopSugar Must Have? Did you get the September box?
We have had a pretty hot week here in Kansas City, but it is finally cooling down a little, yay! I am still trying out new summer products to help me with the heat.
This week, I have been enjoying a facial cleansing oil, a gorgeous makeup up palette inspired by a new film, a refillable brush for my favorite powders, natural dental hygiene products, crunchy dried fruit snacks, and a cooling face cream.
NUDE Skincare Perfect Cleansing Oil
NUDE Skincare Perfect Cleansing Oil ($35 USD) — This omega-rich oil deeply cleans and removes all impurities, including eye makeup. All-natural plant oils, including meadowfoam and jojoba, support skin health and hydration. Skin is left radiantly clean, comfortable and soft.
What I think: This is so healing on my parched summer skin. I like to use this oil at night to remove makeup and restore my skin’s natural balance. I feel that the heat, sweating and being in the sun makes my skin feel really uncomfortable. This not only removes all dirt and makeup, it leaves skin soft and definitely not greasy!
Pur Minerals Jupiter Ascending Collection ($29 USD) — This has just landed at ULTA Beauty from Pür Minerals. They have created an exclusive, limited edition collection for the highly anticipated film, Jupiter Ascending starring Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum.
The collection is designed to help you achieve the flawless on-screen looks with:
Eye Shadows: Six stunning shades of shadow from subtle neutral to dramatic shimmer help you get Jupiter’s striking look. The talc-free eye shadows come in matte, satin, and metallic textures for a wide range of looks from day to night.
Galaxy Lip Gloss: Housed in futuristic light-up packaging, the iridescent pink gloss comes with a built-in touch-up mirror for beauty on the go.
Space Eyeliner: This liquid precision eyeliner in inky black features a user-friendly felt tip for easy application. Get sharp, clean definition for flawless eyes with this daily must-have.
What I think: This is a gorgeous makeup kit! My daughter was going out for her 19th birthday with friends and used the eyeliner and shadows to create a dramatic look. She loved the color payoff of the shadows and said that the liner was easy to use. I kept the awesome lip gloss for myself. The pale, sheer pink is one of my favorite lip color looks. And it lights up as you use it. Cool!
Exclusively found at ULTA and ULTA.com.
Jane Iredale Refill-Me Refillable Loose Powder Brush
Jane Iredale Refill-Me Refillable Loose Powder Brush ($35 USD) — A mess-free way to apply loose powder and get exceptional coverage on-the-go.
Self-contained, ready to be filled, with a locking mechanism that prevents spilling.
Ideal for travel.
Easy to refill.
Only one jar of Jane Iredale’s Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder is needed to fill the brush two times!
Can be used with Jane Iredale’s Amazing Matte and Powder-Me SPF, as well as your fave powder, too.
What I think: I have been using this with the Jane Iredale Golden shade of Powder-Me SPF powder and I find it easy to use and it gives great coverage. You can easily lock it so it won’t get messy if you take it on trips. I thinks this is a really good investment for travel.
Available at shop.janeiredale.com
Hello Mouthwash Pink Grapefruit Mint
Hello Mouthwash Pink Grapefruit Mint ($4.99 USD ) — Helps clean and freshen the mouth. This mouthwash is free of alcohol, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, and doesn’t cause mouth pain. It is never tested on animals.
What I think: I’m loving this cool line of dental hygiene products. They currently have mouthwash, toothpaste and breath spray in Pink Grapefruit mint, Mojito Mint and Supermint. I like all three flavors — they are like nothing I have tried before! I love that they are natural, and not too strong. LOVE!
Crispy Green Crispy Fruit ($1.59 USD for 1 .36 oz. bag, you can also buy in larger bags) — Crispy Fruit snacks are 100% freeze-dried fruit slices that are made of real fruit and nothing else. The taste in Crispy Fruit comes from the fresh fruit itself. There is no sugar, sweeteners or other additives used to enhance the taste or appearance! Crispy Fruit is truly guilt-free snacking.
What I think: Yum! I tried all six flavors: Apple, Asian Pear, Tangerine, Banana, Mango and Pineapple and like them all. My favorites were the banana and pineapple. I would definitely purchase these again for myself and my family for healthy snacks!
Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial ($45 USD) –A centuries-old Greek remedy for skin soothing, moisturizing Greek Yoghurt provides a natural source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins to instantly nourish stressed, dry skin. This ultrahydrating facial-in-a-jar contains a Greek Yoghurt concentrate with two and a half times the protein content of regular yogurt, and works overnight to provide skin with intense, long-term moisturization and nourishment to create a smooth, even complexion. You will wake up to noticeable improvements in skin texture and more moisturized, refreshed skin.
What I think: This is such a great evening skin treatment! I apply at night after my serum, and when I wake up my skin feels fresh and so soft! I use it about every other night, but it is so gentle it can be used more often if you wish. Summer skin becomes so stressed and tired and this evens the skin tone and texture by morning.
Candy is delicious, but not really good for you. Candy is delicious, but not really good for you. That’s why I was excited to try UNREAL candy, especially since myself and my family are trying to eat better.
This candy does not include corn syrup, the artificial ingredients, and the partially hydrogenated oils. Not to mention less sugar. They even add more cacao, real caramel (not corn syrup dyed to look like caramel), more peanuts, protein, and fiber. .
I received coupons from BzzAgent.com, to try the candy and spread the word. I am glad I did!
The candy names are actually is numbers. With my coupons, I have tried 77, the peanut butter cups, 41, the candy coated chocolates, 5, the chocolate caramel nougat bar, 8, the chocolate caramel peanut nougat bar.
I have noticed that the chocolate isn’t as sweet as the usual chocolate used in candy bars. It is also a little bitter, but I enjoy that. It reminds me of a very dark chocolate.
My favorites are the bars with nougat. The caramel is amazing! The coated chocolate candies are pretty good too. The peanut butter cups are okay — but not my favorite any way.
My kids like them as well. I like that they are better for them than the usual chocolate candy available.
I will purchase these again. They will be perfect when I want to indulge — but not kill my diet!
I found these at CVS. I heard they are now at Walgreens and will be at other mass market retailers soon. Visit www.getunreal.com to learn more!
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 