Stocking Stuffers For Him

I combed the internet for these stylish, luxurious, and practical stocking stuffers just for him <3 They’re a bit more pricey than the gift guide I featured earlier this week but stocking stuffers to me are so much more fun! I almost love digging through my stocking more than I love unwrapping a boxed gift … am I the only one?

 

Cashmere Scarf ≈ This Uniqlo scarf is a soft, plushy cashmere, will keep him warm and keep him cute 😉 Soft things make for sweet snuggles.

Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme ≈ This scent is so perfect that I wear it! It’s got that sexy androgynous feel to it, sensual and stylish. Yes I’m still talking about the cologne lol With citron top notes and base notes of vetiver and sandalwood, buy it for him but enjoy it for yourself also. I fell in love with this scent when a girlfriend of mine Meeshel was wearing it and had to have it, so spritz yourself and see how many ‘mmm you smell so good’ comments you get.

Beats By Dre ≈ Give him the gift of listening to his music privately. And quietly … okay okay maybe this is just another gift for you disguised as as a gift for him but Joe listens to techno music at 6am. 6am! I’m gifting him this so I can live my life in the morning without the bunchhaabunch bada bunchhh. lol I sound like my mother. P.S. I’d like these in rose gold please and thank you.

Kiehl’s For Him ≈ I love when a beauty brand creates something catered to men because they’re usually much simpler than we are and don’t need many products, because they don’t use ANY at all to begin with! lol. I’m lucky if I can get Joe to use a cleanser and moisturizer. Kiehl’s has a bunch of really great skincare sets for him, they’re reasonably priced, and the basic set will have his skin lookin vibrant before no time.

Bose Bluetooth Speaker ≈ Perfect for a hike, a bike ride, the beach, or just lounging around, this wireless speaker weighs less than 11 oz! But he’ll love how big it sounds, you know what they say, great things come in small packages. Like skittles. It’s also scratch resistant and waterproof, again, perfect for all the things he’ll be doing on his adventures.

Fleece Jogger Pants ≈ I LOVE fleece joggers! I bought 3 pairs during Cyber week (raise your hand if you went overboard too) and now I’m gonna splurge on Joe’s stocking and get him these Nike joggers. The heather/birch/black combo is powwww, sooo good! Has pockets, cuffs at the ankles, and is soft like buttah, this will be his favorite <3 But Jess it won’t fit in his stocking…. yes it will, just roll it up like you do the 103 outfits you shove into your luggage and call it a day.

And there it is, my favorite stocking stuffers of the season. Up next is Stocking Stuffers For Her and a Beauty Guru’s Gift Guide!

Please tell me I’m not the only one obsessed with Gift Guides these days. 

 

 

 

 

Gifts For Him Under $45

Keeping with the specificity of ‘gifts under $45’, here’s my favorite lil somethings for that special man in your life. Or your special someone who loves androgynous gifts <3

My thought behind creating this gift guide was “what would Joe want actually use” and “what would my pops and my brother want and actually use”? Cologne, socks, trinkets, all things that are easy gifts and make for great stocking stuffers too, but these are just so damn cute! Psst and kinda chic if you ask me <3Shaving Gel ≈ Grown Alchemist is back at it with this sandalwood and sage shaving gel. It’s light and moisturizing and you won’t be able to keep your hands (and your lips) off his face. It’s a light musky scent that’s fresh and masculine.  

Leather Card Holder ≈ Baggu is one of the simplest yet functional brands. I love how this uncomplicated design is perfect for the one who doesn’t want a protrusion coming out from their back pocket. Made from a fine leather grain it’ll hold 4 cards and some cash. What more do they wanna carry around? Ah yes, whatever it is they’ll ask to put it in your purse haha *for me it’s holding Joe’s eyeglass case and chapstick. And snacks*

Backpack ≈ This is the casual backpack that can be toted from the office to the gym, from a hike to date night! It’s water resistant, has water bottle pockets, and will carry a 14″ laptop. I love that it has padded reinforced straps because if your mans is anything like my Joe he will try to carry everything in that thing! Comes in 26 colors, snag one from him and one for you!

Coffee maker ≈ This chic Chemex is the coolest and comes with or without a handle. Joe loves his morning cup o’ Joe (somehow tried to make a joke there.) but isn’t the best at it. I love you baby but your coffee could use some research skills lol. This pour-0ver allows coffee to be covered or refrigerated for reheating without losing flavor, it’s simple, and perfect for any caffeine lover.

Briefs ≈ Had to throw some Calvin Kleins up in here because if I’m gonna gift underwear, it’s gonna make the booty look good and comes in three. I really don’t enjoy unwrapping individual boxers to build a gift. He’ll appreciate these, guarantee some of his are holey. 

Bindle ≈ I included a gadget! A functional one <3 It’s a 2-in-1 stainless steal water bottle, double wall vacuum insulated with a storage compartment at the bottom! Did you hear that, a storage compartment! I don’t have to carry his keys, cash, or snackies in my teeny ass legging’s pocket. You know the “pocket”, that slit in all of our waist bands that’s supposed to be able to hold stuff? Well it holds nothing. This gift will free up your hands and his so you can do things like get handsy on hikes. 

I hope you enjoyed this lil gift guide from me to you. Next up are stocking stuffers, crowd pleasers, and the ultimate gift guide for the BEAUTY GURU in your life! Stay tuned love bugs and happy holiday shopping. Hope you don’t get too overwhelmed. When you do, come back here to home, where you can save time and monies with my cheap(er) and chic (af) gift guides.

Are you like me and you start shopping for gifts last minute? We leave on the 18th and I have yet to follow my own advice and get to shopping, I’m starting to sweat. “mama my legs are sweatin”. Quick, what movie is that from? 

 

 

 

Gifts For Her Under $45

Yes this is a gift guide for under $45 not ‘under $50’ lol I figured I’d be exact, not under 50 but under 45 babyyy! For that lady in your life.. your wife, girlfriend, bestie, ride or die, sister in law, mother in law, all the ladies!

There’s something for everyone and these are my personal favorites. Corrine and I hand picked these just for this guide and I hope some of them end up under the tree for me!

Tortoise Statement Earrings ≈ I love a good statement earring! Even with a pullover and sweat pants, these earrings will juge it right on up!

PF Candle ≈ Who doesn’t love PF Candle Co, their scents are so subtle and never overpowering. Pick a scent, any scent, they’ll love it no matter what you choose. Sweet Grapefruit happens to be one of my favorites so it’s the one I linked you to 😉

Moglea weekly jotter ≈ Journaling, I’m into it. There’s something that feels special about physically crossing something off your to do list, something about writing out your goals and thoughts and not just typing them out onto your phone notes or a text edit. My friend Nikki gets me a Commit30 calendar/journal each year and it’s one of my favorite gifts. Puts each day into motion.

Body Cleanser ≈ It’s not just a body wash. Grown Alchemist is one of my favorite brands, kind of earthy smelling and musky but not like a basement musky, like a clean sexy musky. It’s a gel cleanser, hydrating, and leaves a light scent on your skin like ‘yo I just showered, hey’.

Moisturizing Lip Tint ≈ Of all the lip balms, lip glosses, and chapsticks I own, the Yves Saint Laurent lip tint reigns supreme. It’s glossy and moisturizing with a sheer splash of color. Just enough to make your pout look naturally flushed but not enough to look like you’re wearing lipstick.

Baggu Everyday Backpack ≈ Baggu just gets bags. This canvas satchel has a drawstring top so even with awkward shaped objects like a liter of water and a laptop (why am I like this…why do I put these two things into one bag together), you can still secure the top so nothing falls out. I carry two water bottles around so this nicely supports that habit with an outside water bottle compartment and for spillage…it’s machine washable. Hallelu!

 

And there it is! My go-to six gifts all under $45 <3 Something for everyone, even if you have a white elephant gift exchange or a weird cousin that you drew during the Secret Santa drawing, there’s a gift in here that anyone will love and appreciate. And while you’re at it, treat yo self!

Have you begun your holiday shopping yet? Are you a last minute, December 24th Mall shopper, crazed Amazon Prime order-er? lol it’s okay, you can tell me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I Eat In A Day

I’m not sure what my current obsession with what everyone’s eating these days is all about, but it’s freaking me out. I genuinely am so curious about what everyone’s eating in a day, how much, what foods, how do they prepare it, what do they consider ‘clean’ eating? I hate the phrase ‘clean eating’ because it can be so confusing to me. Like 80 avocados and 17 bananas in a day, I wouldn’t do it, but to someone somewhere, THAT is clean eating and they don’t understand why they’re having digestive issues. Am I climbing the crazy tree alone here?

So I thought in the interest of keeping up with a trend that has piqued my interest, I’d share with you what I eat in a day. This is what I’m eating this week and the kind of meals I consumed last week as I’m in a Lacey Stone Fitness bootcamp, the last two week camp of the year and I’m all IN! You’ll notice I didn’t mention how many calories I have in a day because honestly it doesn’t matter. My caloric intake and my fitness goals are going to be different from everyone else’s so I thought I’d spare you the drama of explaining my daily breakdown of it all and just show you the food, when I’m eating it, and how I’m eating it…. the answer is with my fingers!

Here’s the video of my day <3

You’ll also notice I’m using My Fitness Pal (not spon, ha must disclose this just because) because I’m tired of ‘guesstimating’ what my eating habits are doing for me. How many calories am I consuming in a day? Where are my nutrients coming from? How many grams of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs am I having? WHERE IS IT ALL COMING FROM?! I had no idea, so I downloaded the dang app and decided that for two weeks I’d track my meals and give myself a more accurate layout of what I’m doing that’s both good and bad for me.

I personally love meal prep because of the convenience. And the fact that it saves me time and money. We did the math and for us 6 ladies to meal prep 4 meals a day for 5 days, it cost us $79 each…for the week! Whoa, hey babyyy yes count me in! On days like yesterday and today where I’m cleaning the house or plowing through a day of work and to-do’s it really does help me to just heat the meal up and move on with my life. My hand is raised right now because I’ve become that person who sets an alarm to eat every 3 hours or so. Honestly, I do it because I forget, or I get too busy that I’ll munch on a snack aka a sugary treat and then by the end of the day I’ve gone the entire day without eating real food. So this helps!

So it goes down like this: after a fasted workout I’ll have my breakfast, then lunch, then a midday snack, then dinner. Four meals a day, either over 12 hours (8-8) or over the entire day depending on travel and my intermittent fasting streaks.

Breakfast: Egg white frittatas, fruit, coffee

Lunch: Lean protein, complex carb, healthy fat (this is every meal actually) and on this day I had a turkey burger with a Portabella mushroom open faced ‘bun’, some grilled veggies, salsa, and sweet potato fries

Midday snack: Veggies with hummus (I did zucchini, tomatoes, and cucumbers)

Dinner: Lentils with brown rice, hummus and a spinach salad (I used the spinach leaves like a tortilla and wrapped the hummus in the leaves like a lil baby taco!)

*Also featured as another meal option to have is another meal we prepped, bbq pulled chicken with grilled veggies, corn and black beans, with sweet potato cubes (they had cinnamon on them omgawww noms!) Also not featured, the healthy snacks I’ll munch on throughout the day if I’m ravenous and don’t want to eat my arm off. 

And that’s what I had for the day. It may not sound exciting but honestly it was delicious and super nutritious, and I feel so energetic and good already just after this last week of eating this way. The bloat has gone away and I feel like my peppy self.

 

Have you meal prepped? Do you love it? Have recipes to share? Would you like the recipes for the meals I had today?

 

 

 

 

My Morning Routine

Morning routines: we all have one, or SEVEN depending on the day. Days that I’m not doing a work out or going for a run (ha, a run!) I consider my rest days because I’m in this stage of my life where I’m either working out or resting…say hello to my 30’s, work vs rest. So on this particular day of ‘resting’ where I’m editing videos and blogging from my couch in my pj’s from the night before, I wanted to share with you what this kind of morning routine looks like.

I picked up my camera, just moments after putting in contacts, brushing my teeth, and tidying up the place to showcase all of the different things I’ve been implementing into my daily morning routine. And when I say I casually picked up the camera to film a candid ‘morning routine’ with you, I mean c-a-n-d-i-d, girl is looking rough! Honestly, it’s fine, some sleep in the eye and makeup from the night before isn’t new to anyone so love me tender.

Here it is in all its glory <3

As you’ll see, I’ve been intermittent fasting lately and 14 hours is my breaking point before I go all out hangry on a stranger so it ends there. And the first thing I try and break my fast with is a collagen drink or bulletproof coffee, depending on the day, then I do a workout or work, have my supplements, and go about my day. Here’e the goods I talked about in the video:

                 

 

 

I’ll save this whole intermittent fasting topic and meal prep subject for another day. In the mean time, check these goodies out and if you’re looking for an awesome daily vitamin that you won’t have to fuss over, give Ritual Vitamins a try <3

What’s something that’s a part of our morning routine that has been a game changer? It’s vitamins for me! 

 

 

 

3 Ways To Style My Fave Belt

I don’t own many belts and I don’t follow many trends, but this is one fancy trend I love and let me tell you why (Tiffany Morgan I’m looking at you on that one)!

There are a lot of trends and brands that go in and out of style. However, luxury items like this Gucci belt, even it in specific isn’t on trend, it’ll never not be cool to style with your favorite looks. If I’m going to invest in a sophisticated, staple piece, this is it.

From casual and cool, to classy and chic, here are my top three favorite ways to style your Gucci belt.

Casual Cozy Chic

I live for comfort and this belt absolutely adds a chic edge to this totally cozy outfit. This happens to be my favorite … jeans, a top, and some fancy accessories


Click here for this look:

 

Business Casual – work hour to happy hour

 


Click here for this look and for these festive metallic pants, check them out here!

 

 

Oh she fancy – classy chic

Click here for this look , this knit cardigan with roomy pockets is here, and the mini slip dress of your dreams is here! <3

 

I hope you enjoyed some of my favorite looks to pair with your Gucci belt, which one is your favorite? P.S. did you know I’m on LIKEtoKNOW.it??? Follow me along over there to have my top picks sent right to your inbox! P.P.S. if you don’t want to drop that kind of coin on an accessory like this, I’ll be linking you to some of my favorite style inspired looks for you soon, so stay tuned!

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from me and mine <333

 

 

 

Best Cyber Monday Deals

Two things signal the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving and each make me equally excited. One, the tree goes up! It’s finally acceptable to put the Christmas tree up, hang all the lights, and not get the side eye from your neighbors. And two, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have all of our attention from waiting on line at 3am, to sifting through all the deals that our feeds get flooded with weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

It can all be a bit overwhelming so I sifted through the sites to bring you my personal guide to shopping this year’s best deals. In 5 categories, 1 pick from each (okay maybe 2), I figure you can start here and work your way up and out … from under all the shopping bags and wrapping paper. Good luck!

Makeup/ beauty: SEPHORA

This was a hard one for me since all the beauty brands are running some kind of special, so I chose Sephora as an ultimate one stop shopping site, and then hand picked Glossier’s Body Hero wash and lotion as a bonus since 1) it’ll be on sale and 2) double the fun with this duo. If you didn’t know about this product before I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised to find out that the body lotion will be your new holy grail pick. Lightly scented, adds a sheen to your skin that doesn’t scream “Tinkerbell dumped her bag of sparkles on me”, and hydrates all day, hallelu!

Electronics: HEY ALEXA!

I’ve talked about this product before and I’ll say it again, great as a gift and even greater to have this season for yourself. “Hey Alexa, where’s my stuff?!”, makes tracking your holiday shopping easier than ever and you won’t even have to log onto your computer to find out.

Fashion: Think(x) bigger and BETTER with these two!

Firstly, yes, I’m putting unmentionables on this list of must haves during one of the biggest shopping days of the year, but like c’mon! They’re fashionable and functional and they’re nothing like the unmentionables of our younger years shoved in the back of the drawer. Do it for yourself, your sister, your mother (who may never use them lets be honest), and your bestie. She, and the unmentionables will thank you for it.

and take it with TOPTOTE!

This accessory is a game changer! No longer will you have to stack your hats on your head, smush them in your luggage, or leave them at home because there is now the most convienient way to tote them along! You clip it to your bag or luggage, separate and attach your hat, snap it, and wear it or not!  My friend and inventor of TOPTOTE, Lindsay Albanese, is founder of this genius company where this accessory is just one of many that’ll launch in the near future. Perfect gift for yourself and anyone you know who wears a hat. Anyone! Use my code JESS10 for 10% off your order! <3

Home stuff, gotta have stuff for your home: and yourself … SLIP into something more comfortable why dontcha!

I did say this was for your home, but this is also for you and your face! Sleep, well the way in which we sleep is one of the leading wrinkle causes. Obsessed with sleeping ON your face? Well get yourself a silk pillow and your face and your hair can be saved. You can thank me when we’re 90!

Travel: it’s on the list! Expedia … don’t roll your eyes, that’s the second time in 2 minutes

People don’t usually put travel plans on their wish or shopping lists and I say BOOK THE TRIP! Beginning this Friday at 9am PST, they’re offering 75% off select hotels and more, just go to their website for the codes, download the app and use it to book your next getaway. Don’t forget to pack all the other things you purchased from this list, and I can’t wait to see you all relaxed and rejuvenated!


Well my darlings, I think that about narrows down my top picks during next week’s Cyber Monday madness. I have a blog post and links for my actual “fashion” items for you this weekend, just in time for Monday! I hope this helps you, so help me help others and leave me your top picks for this shopping season! #halppp

And remember, at the end of the day it’s about giving back to others and not running over toes in shopping centers with shopping carts. And pie … it’s really all about the pie. 

 

 

 

 

 

DIY Halloween Cocktail

Halloween is this week and I’m all for an easy themed cocktail just as much as I’m up for an easy costume! This is the Vampiress Kiss, it’s delicious, Rum-my, sweet, and you’ll just need one… kinda like that vampiress kiss, only takes one.

 

What you’ll need:
– Captain Morgan’s White Rum
– Coconut Rum
– Ice
– Kahlua
– coconut essence
– Milk

For the Vampiress Kiss Drizzle:
– Sugar
– Cherry juice

Method: add ice to a tumbler and combine an oz of white rum with an oz of coconut rum, splash of coconut essence, half an oz kahlua, 1/4 cup milk, and SHAKE

For the drizzle you’ll combine one part sugar to two parts juice in a small pot and boil the mixture until thickened. Then drizzle that goodness into a martini glass and try not to lick the pot. Or do!

I hope you enjoyed this easy and not so spooky Halloween themed cocktail and have a safe and happy Halloween babes!

What are your plans? Staying in or braving the chilly weather and going trick or treating?

 

 

Find Your Skincare Routine

If you asked my husband to assess the product situation happening on my vanity he’d tell you I’m borderline a hoarder LOL Between makeup and beauty products, I’m not ashamed to admit that my life’s become a Netflix series episode.  Honestly, I think we all have, I mean there’s just SO many options out there!
I started this blog 4 years ago to share with you any tips, tricks, and advice that I myself would love to hear about.  So today I’m sharing with you a brand I’ve been using for the past month, Beauty By Design, what makes them unique, and how their service will help you to slash the stash!
The way their service works is you send them a selfie and skin survey, then they connect you to a Licensed Esthetician (!) via text.  She diagnoses your skin and sends you a ‘skinscription’ where listed is all of the ‘game-changer’ products that she suggests just for YOU- and you can choose what to purchase.
I purchased four products that I’ve implemented into my daily skincare routine and have genuinely noticed a difference in my skin’s texture and hydration level.  The best part… I can now text her anytime for advice… pssst hey Hilary, I promise not to call you at 3am and heavy breathe lol

Enjoy this Get Ready With Me video featuring the 4 Beauty By Design products that I purchased <3

Try their service for yourself, I’d love to get your feedback, and PS they offer free shipping on all orders! Click HERE to shop the site and use my code JESSICALIZAMA20 to receive 20% off your order because friends don’t let friends product hoard. #slashthestash <—- I’m coining this term lol
What’s your skincare routine look like? Wouldn’t you love to just eliminate the guestimating of it all and have a professional help you out? Do ittttt <3