One of my favorite things to do around this time of year is browse through "Oprah's Favorite Things" List. For many years, I've entertained the idea of doing one of my own. So on that note, here is my first go around of sharing some of my Favorite Things. A combination of favorite gifts I've received to favorite things that make our Family Holiday Breakfasts more fun and enjoyable.
Her, His and Ours - Lisa's 10 Favorite Things 2014
1. CH Eau De Toilette by Caroline Herrera:
My Hubby surprised me with this fragrance a few years ago. I have to say, I am still in love with it. It's my go to spray in the morning! Slight floral tones with a hint of musk. It also comes packaged in a beautiful red bottle, so you can't miss it when you're half asleep in the morning.
Price: $78.00 Macys.com/ch
2. Scavo Dinnerware from Crate and Barrel
I have a love affair with dishes! Yep, there I said it! I love finding the right dish for the right event. My current fave and everyday dinnerware is the Scavo Collection from Crate and Barrel. They're dishwasher and microwave safe. As a bonus, they handle kids who don't give them as much love as I do. A great pattern that can double for both Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts.
Price for 16 piece set: $79.96. On sale until November 10th! CrateandBarrel.com/scavo
3. Awake English Breakfast Tea
I've always liked a cup of plain old black tea. Our First Anniversary trip to Stephanie's Inn, I was looking forward to their afternoon tea time. Only to find myself, mildly upset when they didn't have just a plain old black tea. Luckily, I took the staff's recommendation to try Awake tea. Reluctantly I took my first sip AND fell in LOVE! It's the best black, English Breakfast tea you will ever experience. Start your own love affair, with a great wake up boost for those cold, early Holiday mornings.
Price: $3.95 per box Amazon.com/TazoAwake
4. 'Touch Tech' Gloves
My kids gave me a pair of 'touch tech' gloves several years ago that I am still using and loving! I hate being out and about - having to remove my glove to check a text from my kids, meanwhile freezing my hand off! Perfect for a busy Blended Mom on the go; warmth - function - style.
Price:$68.00 Nordstom.com/leathertech
Or a cashmere version - love the purple vine color. Price: $42.00 nordstrom.com/cashmeretech
5. Ugg 'Simmens' Waterproof Leather Boot
Living in a cold, winter climate these are ideal boots for the winter months ahead. They're extremely warm with the shearling lined foot bed and boot shaft, along with waterproof leather! What more could a girl ask for? How about a grey textured material on the outside of the boot shaft. buckles for some extra style, along with a fantastic price. This boot going to go fast this season. Grab 'em before the first snow storm.
Price: $159.95 Nordstrom.com/UggSimmens
6. J. Crew Cashmere Sweater
One of the things I love the most, but rarely buy for myself is cashmere. My favorite cashmere gift is a V Neck sweater from J Crew. Not only do they have tons of amazing colors (amazing purples), they feel like heaven on! My fave color right now is the Heather Orchid.
Price: $140 JCrew.com/cashmere
7. Mini Croissants from Williams and Sonoma
Not only do they taste fantastic, it makes Holiday mornings a breeze. Master pastry chef Jean-Yves Charon, does all the hard work for you, creating the mini croissants from scratch - freezing them - then overnighting them packed in dry ice directly to your doorstep. That's best part! Place them on a cookie sheet the night before. In the morning, whisk an egg with 1 tsp of cold water - brush over the croissants - bake in a 375 degree oven for 15 minutes. Wala! Fresh from the oven croissants.
Price per box of 20: $39.95 Williams-Sonoma.com/Croissants
8. Mini Mixing Bowls, Whisk and Pastry Brush from Sur La Table
Every fun thing I have to cook with in my kitchen comes from Sur La Table! I could live there, truth be told. Love, love, love my purple and green mini mixing bowls, along with my multi color whisk and purple pastry brush! The bowls can be used as measuring cups as well. They come in handy when you prep your mini croissants! Run don't walk to get these awesome finds. Price:$12.95 SurLaTable.com/Mixingbowls
9. LBD from Elie Tahari
This is a splurge for sure, but an item that is timeless along with a memory that will last a lifetime. Growing up, I loved watching movies where the female lead returns to the hotel room with a large black box with a beautiful dress inside. Nobody replicates that experience better for us regular folk than Elie Tahari. Unlike most designer clothing, Elie Tahari fits a woman's body with curves perfect. It's one of my all time favorite gifts from the Hubby. Try my fave LBD with a twist - the Aiden Dress. A smart Hubby will include a night out sans the kid with this gift!
Price:$197.00 ElieTahari.com/Aiden
10. Wit and Wisdom Jeans
I don't know anyone that doesn't love a great pair of go to jeans. Wit and Wisdom are the ones! As a busy Wife and Blended Mama I want; comfort, flattering fit, one that holds their shape and won't break the bank! The bonus is that you won't be flashing your friends and neighbors when you sit down with the higher rise in the back. Not to mention the compliments from even your kids! Great for tucking into your new boots!
Price: $64.00 Nordstrom.com/witwisdom
I hope my 10 Favorite Things has inspired a gift for the Blended Mama on your list Or better yet, given you some ideas for your Significant Other's gift search. Want more ideas? Check out one of my favorite friends, fellow Mom/StepMom Heather Hetchler over at Cafesmom. She has an awesome favorite list of her own. I'm excited to try the Lush hand and foot cream for my dry hands and feet! Sounds amazing!
How about you? What are some of your favorite things?