by Christina | Dec 18, 2017 | Recipes, Wellness
Eggnog is one of those drinks that tastes like memories. I hated eggnog when I was younger, and it honestly really bothered me that I didn’t like it. I love anything “traditional,” and I feel like hot cocoa and eggnog are the traditional holiday drinks. I wanted to love it so I could take part in the festivities… I just didn’t. It was too heavy.
After years of my uncle trying to get me to drink some nog, I eventually decided to give it another shot when I got older. My world was changed. It was thick, creamy, and delicious. Like liquid custard in a cup! What was I thinking before?! Since then, eggnog has been one of my favorite parts about the holidays.
Eggnog is a very controversial drink. People either love it or hate it. If you think you hate it but haven’t given it a try in awhile, I encourage you to try again. Your taste buds might have changed! And this stuff is just too good to miss out on.
The other thing is that not all eggnogs are the same. I know the exact carton I used to love prior to going dairy-free, and I remember all of the other options at the store just did not taste the same. I would only drink that one specific eggnog.
Since going dairy-free, I’ve tried a few different eggnog replacements. Some are actually pretty good, but nothing ever tastes exactly the same as I remember. Most dairy-free eggnogs at the store are also vegan, and they’re usually an almond milk base. That means they’re pretty thin. So even if the taste is on point, the texture isn’t there. Besides that, there are always extra gums and thickeners, and usually a ton of sugar.
Obviously, that meant it was time to make my own! I always assumed eggnog was really complicated to make, but it’s actually quite easy! The way this is made allows the eggs to sort of “cook” without becoming scrambled, so you don’t have to worry about eating raw egg yolks. And you still get that classic eggnog texture! I love this eggnog even more than the original because it’s thick and creamy with that same rich, custard-like taste, but doesn’t leave me feeling sick afterward. Sweetened with just a bit of maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice), it also won’t leave you with a huge sugar crash like other nogs. This dairy-free, paleo eggnog is the perfect chilled drink for the holiday season!
Classic Paleo Eggnog
Makes: About 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk (can use coconut cream if you want it extra thick!)
- 1 cup almond milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1.5 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cloves
Instructions:
- Whisk the egg yolks, vanilla, maple syrup, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves in a small bowl until well combined.
- Heat the coconut milk and almond milk in a saucepan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes — don’t let it boil!
- Slowly pour about a cup of the warm milk into the bowl with the egg yolks and spices while whisking the mixture constantly.
- Pour everything back into the saucepan, still whisking, until it’s all incorporated. Continue to heat for about 3-5 more minutes, stirring every so often, until the drink has thickened up.
- Once the eggnog has thickened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. Store it in the fridge to chill.
- Once the eggnog has chilled in the fridge, serve it with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top!
by Christina | Dec 16, 2017 | Recipes, Wellness
Before December rolled around, I asked you guys if there were any specific recipes you wanted me to create this holiday season. I received a ton of great suggestions, but there was one thing I got an overwhelming amount of requests for – Gingerbread.
Specifically, sugar-free gingerbread.
I love that you guys love my sugar-free recipes. My recipes are not all sugar-free, and are not always going to be mainly sugar-free, but I will always continue to provide them. So of course whenever someone makes a special request for a sugar-free something, I want to make it happen.
The problem, though, is that gingerbread is tough to make sugar-free. If you’ve never made gingerbread before, you might not know this, but the ingredient that really makes gingerbread taste like gingerbread is molasses.
What is molasses? Molasses is that dark, sticky syrup you might’ve seen in grandma’s cupboard. The one you thought was maple syrup, took a taste of, and wanted to spit out. It’s a result of the sugar-making process, and it comes from cane sugar or sugar beets. When the juice from cane sugar is boiled down and the sugar crystals are removed, molasses is what’s left over. It has a very unique taste, to say the least. Besides that, it’s very high in sugar.
Because of that, the thought of making a sugar-free gingerbread felt like a total contradiction. How could I make gingerbread without molasses when molasses is what gives gingerbread its unique flavor?
Then, I figured it out. I wasn’t going to make it totally sugar-free, but I could make it low-carb and keto-friendly!
The topic of sweeteners is very controversial, especially in the ketogenic community, but the main thing to consider is if the sweetener spikes your blood sugar. Also, I will always prefer a natural sweetener over something man-made.
One sweetener that’s gotten a bit more popular in the keto space recently is yacon syrup, which you may or may not be familiar with. I started to see a ton of keto dessert recipes pop up a few months ago, which made me very interested in trying it!
Let’s talk about yacon syrup, shall we?! It’s not as well known as other sweeteners, but it should be! Yacon comes from the Peruvian yacon root, is completely natural, and was actually used in ancient cultures for medicinal purposes. Yacon is interesting because although it does contain sugar (a low amount, though) and tastes sweet, our bodies don’t digest it. The sugar molecules in yacon syrup, fructooligosaccharides, go to the large intestine undigested and actually feed the good bacteria there! This is why it’s considered a prebiotic food. Prebiotics feed probiotics, and we all know how important probiotics are for digestive health, metabolism, and overall health! Because the yacon acts as a prebiotic food, the small amount of sugar it contains shouldn’t spike your blood sugar.
Yacon syrup definitely has a distinct flavor, and a little goes a long way. The funny thing is, though, that oftentimes people compare the taste of yacon syrup to molasses! BINGO! So that’s how you make a molasses-free gingerbread – you replace the molasses with a low-carb-friendly sweetener that tastes like molasses! It’s the perfect substitution.
This took a bit of toying with, and my best friend and I taste-tested this a few times to make sure we got it juuuuuust right. Thanks to yacon syrup’s prebiotic properties and the fact that I am very far along on my Candida protocol, I got to enjoy this sweet treat without a problem!
Gingerbread is nice because it’s not a “dessert” that’s super sweet to begin with. I actually never even realized gingerbread was considered a dessert until I hit my 20s… I grew up eating this as breakfast during Christmastime! Ha! The traditional molasses gives gingerbread a rich, deep flavor with a hint of sweetness, but nothing too overwhelming, and the yacon syrup gives it that same subtley sweet flair.
I get my yacon syrup online, although nowadays it’s sold in a lot of health food stores. It’s important to get one that doesn’t contain any additives and is 100% pure. This is the brand I use.
I wanted to spice things up a bit, so I added a frosting on top! It’s totally optional, but it definitely brings this to the next level! You can swipe the frosting on top of the entire loaf, or you can spread it onto each piece as you eat the loaf!
This is definitely a new fave of mine. It’s moist (I hate dry gingerbread), not too heavy, not too light, and tastes just like the holidays! Paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto-friendly, low-carb, and ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! This is the perfect bread to bring to your next Christmas party!
Paleo / Keto Gingerbread with Cocoa-Spiced Frosting
Ingredients:
Gingerbread Loaf:
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup yacon syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt / pink salt
- 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla
Cocoa-Spiced Frosting:
- 1/2 cup soaked raw, organic cashews (soaked for about 4 hours beforehand)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp yacon syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp canned coconut milk (or other nut milk)
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cacao powder / cocoa powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400* F. Grease a loaf pan with coconut oil or line with parchment paper.
- Add all gingerbread loaf ingredients into a large bowl and mix together until well incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and place in the oven. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until the edges start to brown and a knife / toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 20-30 minutes.
- While the loaf is baking / cooling, prepare the frosting. Add all of the frosting ingredients into a food processor and process until smooth. This might take a few minutes, and be sure to scrape down the sides every so often so everything gets blended! Once the frosting is smooth, store in the fridge until ready to use.
- Once the loaf has cooled, spread the frosting on top of the loaf. Serve and enjoy!
by Christina | Dec 13, 2017 | Wellness
I’ve created a holiday gift guide specifically for HER, and a holiday gift guide specifically for HIM, so it’s finally time to fill in the blanks! This is probably my favorite gift guide because it has EVERYTHING, with a heavy slant on the “healthy living” side of things. I’ve said it again and again – Christmas is the perfect time to transition friends and family to a healthier lifestyle. Buy them things they wouldn’t usually buy for themselves, or things they wouldn’t even think to buy in the first place. On the flip side, this is also the perfect time of year to get yourself stocked up on all of the items you’ve been eyeing. If you want to send your friends and family this exact list and rename it “My Christmas List,” I won’t blame you at all. That being said, let’s get to it! You’re bound to find at least ONE thing on here that tickles your fancy.
Primal Kitchen Keto Kit: This kit contains all of the Primal Kitchen dressings, the Primal Kitchen Mayos, and the Avocado Oil, which are all staples in my kitchen. This is the perfect kit to help someone transition into a healthier diet because these products are the perfect replacements for their unhealthy alternatives that many already have in their kitchens. They taste way better, too. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love a box of yummy dressings and mayo. I put that mayo on everything.
Thrive Market Membership: I consider this to be the gift that keeps on giving! A Thrive Market Membership will save someone a ton of money throughout the year on pantry staples and household items. If you’re unfamiliar with Thrive Market, it’s like an online Costco for healthy food and household products. Giving someone a membership will incentivize them to actually use Thrive Market to shop, which gives them access to a ton of healthy products. If you really want to go above and beyond, pair the membership with a box filled with Thrive goodies! I order a ton of things from Thrive – nut butter, nuts, canned fish, mayo, dressings, ACV, etc.
Butcher Box delivery: Butcher Box delivers 100% grass-fed beef, organic chicken, and heritage breed pork straight to your door each month. You can either get a pre-made selection of meats or customize your own box. Butcher Box is a great way to get delicious, high quality, well-sourced meat without any hassle, since it’s literally delivered right to you! You can keep the meat in your freezer and just thaw it throughout the month whenever you want to cook some. Not only is Butcher Box super convenient and delicious, but it also ends up saving you a ton of money throughout the month as well. You can just order one box as a gift, and it might interest the person enough to continue to order afterwards!
Dry Farm Wines – This is the ultimate Paleo wine service, and I’ve been told it’s beyond delicious. Perfect for anyone who likes a good drink! The wines are organic, all-natural and additive free, lab-tested for purity, and delivered straight to your door. The wines are all crafted by hand and come from small, family farmers. If you have a wine-lover in your life, this is the perfect gift.
Vital Proteins Collagen – I truly believe everyone could benefit from incorporating Vital Proteins into their diets, but I know that not everyone can afford it on a regular basis. Christmas is the perfect time to treat someone to it, or ask for it for yourself! I recommend going with the plain collagen peptides, the Vanilla Coconut Collagen if the person is a smoothie drinker, or the Matcha if they love matcha tea. Collagen is amazing at healing the gut lining, supporting joint and bone health, aiding in muscle recovery, and improving the health of hair, skin, and nails. If there was ever a magic beauty pill, this is as close as it’s gonna get.
Pure7 Chocolate 6-Pack of Bars: Pure7 chocolate is one of my favorite chocolate brands because, besides being delicious, the chocolate is organic, Kosher, Paleo, non GMO/gluten/soy/dairy-free, and contains only the purest ingredients. It’s sweetened only with honey, and honey and maple syrup are always my sweeteners of choice. They also have an amazing 100% dark chocolate bar with no sweetener, as well. I love this 6-pack because you can pick exactly which flavors you want for your 6 bars and build your own kit from there! Pick from their Dark, Espresso, Salted Almond, Raspberry, Coconut, 100% Cacao, and Peppermint flavors. I recommend one of each!!
Healthy Human Stein and/or Healthy Human Tumbler – Everyone needs an insulated mug and / or a big, stainless steel water bottle to stay hydrated with! Healthy Human makes my favorite steins and tumblers because they have a few different sizes, come in a ton of a great designs and colors, and keep things cold / hot for a long time. Pretty much a foolproof gift, if you ask me! You can put water, coffee, tea, smoothies, soups, or anything else inside. I especially love the new marble design! You can choose what size you’d like – I personally think the bigger the better!
Berkey Water Filter: This water filter is very expensive, but it’s the best of the best. You hardly ever have to change the filter, and you’ll know that the quality of your water is top notch. This filter is huge, and well worth the money. It filters out chemicals, toxins, bacteria, and all of the other not-so-great things lurking in the water. Sadly, a lot of filters don’t completely clear all of that out, but you can trust a Berkey filter.
Nutri Ninja Blender System: Nothing will change your life more than having a quality blender. Although it’s not a VitaMix, I honestly think it does just as good a job at blending. This is the system I have, and I cannot live without it. If you have a friend who loves to be in the kitchen and doesn’t have a Vitamix or this, then I highly recommend this! It comes with a full-sized blender, a food processor, and a few ninja cups for single serving smoothies and soups. It’s incredibly powerful and hasn’t failed me yet!
Instant Pot – This is a game-changer for the kitchen! The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker that basically does the same thing a slow cooker does but in a much, much faster time. For example, you can make melt-off-the-bone chicken thighs or lamb shanks in 20 minutes instead of over 5 hours in the slow cooker. You can also use the Instant Pot as a regular slow cooker if you want! You can cook meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, soups, yogurt, and practically anything else you can think of in the Instant Pot. It’s also stainless steel, which means it is much safer to cook in than a Crock Pot.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – I think everyone needs a good Cast Iron Skillet in their kitchen, but it can be hard for people to invest in one for themselves. Cast Iron Skillets are my #1 choice when it comes to nontoxic cookware. You can buy one online, or I recommend checking out thrift shops to see if you can get a used one! Cast Iron Skillets only get better with age! The key is to cook “low and slow,” and your food will taste better than you’ve ever had it before.
Beautycounter Daily Detox Charcoal Set: This set contains the charcoal cleansing bar and No. 3 Balancing Facial mask. These are my holy grail skin items, and they really do transform everyone’s skin. Charcoal is incredible for pulling out toxins, which means it can help with any congestion in the skin. This is a game changer for anyone with clogged pores, blackheads, combo/oily/normal skin, acne-prone skin, or uneven skin. The charcoal soap can be used on the face and body, and the mask can be used as a weekly mask or spot treatment to pull out any impurity!
Beautycounter Citrus Mimosa Hand Duo: This set comes with the Citrus Mimosa hand wash and hand cream, which are two of my absolute favorite products. Everyone can use these in their home. They smell divine, leave your hands clean and moisturized, and are an easy way to help someone start switching over to nontoxic products! Since hand wash is something we all use regularly, it’s one of the best things to swap out first. Plus, this duo feels oh-so-luxurious!
doTERRA Home Essentials Kit – I mentioned this in my other holiday gift guide, but I really believe everyone needs this in their lives. The Home Essentials kit is perfect because it really comes with everything you need to get set up with essential oils. I also recommend you check out my post all about how to get started with essential oils regarding ordering and why I use doTERRA – that post covers everything. You’ll get all the main oils in this kit alongside a diffuser for a truly incredible price, and you’ll be set for a long time. You can diffuse, topically apply or ingest essential oils for emotional health, household cleaning, digestive health, immune system support, skincare, pain, rashes, focus, and so many other health benefits.
Squatty Potty – This will be on my holiday gift guide every year until every person in the world has one. I got my entire family Squatty Potties a few years ago, and I’ve given at least one person a Squatty Potty every year since then. Humans were not designed to sit on toilet seats. If you want to optimize your digestion and bowel movements, get yourself a Squatty Potty. Thank me later. (I have a full post on why you need a Squatty Potty, which you can read here.)
Letter Board: Letter Boards are all the rage now, and for good reason. They’re the perfect decor for any space, and the best part is that you don’t have to really know what the person likes, since they can customize the board themselves! They’ll never get tired of it, because they can always change what it says. If you want to be really fancy, you can write out a message on the board that they’ll see when they open it!
Fit Bit Alta HR – There are a bunch of different Fit Bits available, but I like this one because it tracks your heart rate in addition to your sleep, steps, and exercise. It also comes with call, text, and calendar alerts and reminders to move throughout the day! If someone in your life is active and likes to geek out over their sleep and steps, this is the perfect gift. On the flip side, if someone in your life is looking for some motivation to get more active, this could be the perfect motivator!
Workout Resistance Loop Exercise Bands / Exercise Tube Bands: Exercise bands are great for enhancing the workouts you already do at home or the gym, and they’re also the perfect travel companion for anyone looking to stay in shape! People don’t always think to invest in these for themselves, but I guarantee they’ll get a lot of use out of them!
TRX Training System: If you know someone who loves at-home workouts or is interested in them and you want to splurge, I highly recommend getting them a TRX. I recently got one myself and am totally obsessed — it brings your workouts to a whole new level! Your core will burn. They can set the TRX up inside their home or somewhere outside, and they’ll always have somewhere to get a killer workout in.
Chromecast: This is a super easy way to stream movies, TV shows, and games straight from your mobile device/ computer to your television. No more messy cords required — it totally streamlines the process and is one of the best inventions ever made.
Swannies Blue Blockers – Blue Blockers are glasses that block the blue light from entering our eyes. We spend way too much time looking at screens and artificial lights nowadays, which completely throws off our circadian rhythms and natural hormone cycles. Too much blue light exposure at the wrong time of day/night not only affects your sleep cycle, but it can also cause excessive eye strain, blurred vision, and headaches. I highly recommend wearing blue blockers to protect your vision and improve your sleep! There are a lot of options for blue blockers, but I prefer Swannies the most because they don’t look like construction worker glasses.
Powerbeats Wireless Earphones – Cords can get really annoying when you’re on the go, which is why wireless headphones are a serious lifesaver. These are ideal for workouts, walking, or anyone who just doesn’t want to deal with a tangled mess (story of my life)! These will actually stay in your ear no matter what you’re doing, they have great sound quality, and they have a long battery life of 12 hours. Definitely worth the splurge.
Audible Membership – Everyone can benefit from reading more books, but unfortunately not everyone has enough time to do that. We are a society on the go, which is why audiobooks are so perfect! You can listen to them while you’re driving, going on walks, working out, cleaning, doing laundry, getting dressed, or any other time of day when you’re doing other things but don’t have to be totally focused on the task at hand. Audiobooks are the perfect way to continue to expand your mind, vocabulary, and perspective, and a membership allows you to listen to as many books as you want for one monthly rate!
Pop Socket: If you don’t want to spend much money, I think a well-designed pop socket is the perfect answer! This attaches to the back of your phone and makes it much easier to hold, plus it acts like a cute phone accessory! At first this might seem useless, but I’m sure you’ll get thanked later when the person realizes how much easier their life is with a pop socket on their phone. Let’s be honest – who isn’t always holding their phone?
#NoSugarNoProblems: A Lovely Collection of Paleo Sweetener-Free Desserts: I might be a tad biased on this one, but I think this is definitely the best ebook in the game! My ebook is filled with 30 recipes of completely sweetener-free desserts – no sugar, no maple syrup, no honey, no stevia, no xylitol, no monkfruit, no bananas, and no dates. This is perfect for anyone who is on a no-sugar diet, the Candida diet, the ketogenic diet, a low-carb diet, low FODMAP, or any other gut-healing / blood-sugar regulating diet out there. Even if you don’t have to limit your sugar, you’ll love these recipes. Everyone should be able to have sweet treats, and you don’t have to sacrifice anything when you go sugar-free. This ebook is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite treats without worrying about any sugar or sweeteners at all! There are cookies, cupcakes, breads, pies, milkshakes, puddings, brownies, and more inside. You can use the code “actuallyadultish” to get 20% off!
Gratitude: A Healthy Holiday Guide for a Paleo Thanksgiving – It might not be Thanksgiving anymore, but this ebook is full of a ton of useful tips for getting through the holiday season. Kayleigh and I discuss how to handle family drama, how to be mindful and present in the moment, what to do about holiday indulgences and drinks, getting movement and exercise in, how to optimize your digestion, and how to throw the ultimate holiday party. We have everything planned out for you so you don’t even have to think about it. Plus, the recipes inside are perfect for any holiday, or really any time of year at all! Cauliflower mash, brussels sprouts salad, artichoke salad, casseroles, golden deviled eggs, maple-spiced cookies, dark cherry crumble, holiday drinks, and lots more! All of the recipes are paleo, and many are vegan! You can use the code “actuallyadultish” to get 20% off!
The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson: This is the book I give anyone who I’m trying to get interested in a healthier lifestyle. I don’t have to make any arguments or suggestions on my own — I let Mark Sisson do it for me! This is the book that convinced my dad to go Paleo, so I know it’s pretty convincing! The Primal Blueprint really lays out everything you need to know about the paleo lifestyle, and it’s been one of my favorite books for a long time because of that.
Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo: Another amazing Paleo book, and this one comes with a ton of amazing recipes and sample meals plans. Diane gives a deep dive into nutrition and tailors meal plans for a variety of conditions and special cases so you can find what works best for you. The recipes are so delicious and not overly complicated. This book is a staple.
Paleo Principles by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne: This one is for the nutrition nerd, or the person who literally wants a Paleo Bible. Sarah Ballantyne has truly covered every topic related to Paleo, and the size of this thing shows it! Dr. Ballantyne presents research as clearly as possible, and she looks at things from all sides. This is a science book that actually makes sense.
An experience: I think getting someone tickets to anything they might enjoy, like a concert, movie, sporting event, festival, or anything else, is one of the best gifts you can give. They’ll remember it for a lifetime, and it gives them something to look forward to! If not tickets to something, then just plan a free experience!
Time: This is probably the most valuable gift you can give. Give someone a card that offers up a specific item that will save them time, or just that you will dedicate X amount of hours to them. People would never think to ask for this, but I know they will appreciate it. Maybe it’s an hour of chores around the house, or doing their laundry, buying their groceries, running an errand, or babysitting if they have kids. Saving someone time is truly priceless, especially in today’s busy world!
WAHOO! You made it! That’s the end of this year’s holiday gift guides, and I hope you found at least one thing that interested you! I’d love to hear — what’s your favorite gift you’ve ever given?
by Christina | Dec 7, 2017 | Wellness
Part 2 of my 2017 holiday gift guide series is finally here, and this one is definitely the most difficult / most requested. Why is it so hard to shop for men?! Probably because their wish list is usually pretty simple (if it even exists), and most of them already have what they want or need. I pooled my resources for this guide. I made a list, and then I consulted with my best friend (who took note of her boyfriend’s opinions), and then I talked to my friend Rahul, who you might remember from his episode of Actually Adultish about a year ago. In the end, I think we came up with a great list!
Most men are pleased with any gift, so don’t overthink it! Just get him something you think he will actually use and enjoy. Or at least something he’ll get some entertainment out of. As usual, I encourage you to use this season of giving as an excuse to set him on a healthier and / or more stylish path, if you know what I mean. These gifts are the perfect start!
People’s Choice Beef Jerky Health Nut Box: I don’t know any guy who wouldn’t love a box of beef jerky. Food is the perfect gift for a man because you know he’ll eat it. Especially this stuff – it is beyond delicious! I don’t know exactly what it is about jerky, but I feel like it’s such a “man’s” snack. I’m obsessed with this stuff, too, though. I love these jerky boxes from People’s Choice because you get a variety of flavors (six!!) and don’t have to commit to just one. This particular box is my favorite because it’s gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly. Most jerky nowadays is filled with sugar and weird additives, but this jerky is just the meat and spices!! My dad and uncle are especially obsessed with the Old Fashioned Hot & Spicy and Carne Seca Limón con Chile. What is it with guys and spicy food?!
Kimera Koffee – This is the best coffee you will ever try. Not exaggerating. Kimera Koffee is filled with cognitive enhancers that will boost your energy levels, optimize your mental focus and concentration, and improve your athletic performance. It’s infused with Alpha GPC, Taurine, DMAE, and L-Theanine to boost your brain, and there’s really nothing else like it in terms of taste and health benefits. Kimera has a few different options, but Jujimufu’s Brew is the darker, more robust roast. My dad is a dark roast-lover so I went with this one, but any coffee from Kimera is a serious winner. This is great for an athlete, a businessman, or just anyone who drinks coffee and wants to boost his brain. (If you want to learn more about Kimera, listen to my podcast with the founders here!)
Counterman Perfect Shave Set: This set comes with an exfoliating face wash, shaving cream, face moisture lotion, soft touch beard oil, and luxe shaving brush! It’s a must for switching your man over to nontoxic personal care products – ones that actually work. This set sold out the first day it came out, but it will be back very soon! Keep an eye out — VERY hot product.
Daily Detox Charcoal Set: The charcoal bar is a huge favorite among pretty much everyone, but especially for men. All of my male family members use it, and so do most of my guy friends. It’s also great for any teenagers who are struggling with acne/oiliness — totally balances out the skin. Men’s skin in general tends to respond really well to charcoal products, so this duo is perfect for any man in your life who wants an effective cleanser and a spot treatment (guys breakout, too..).
Men’s Grooming Kit: I think it’s essential for every man to have a nice grooming kit! Men have to get haircuts often enough as is, so having a grooming kit at home can really help extend the length between visits to the barber. Plus, a kit like this can help your guy stay totally clean shaven. I know guys use this for their brows, too.
Primally Pure Charcoal Deodorant: Take this opportunity to get the man in your life away from toxic deodorants that disrupt his hormones (yes – it’s important for men to pay attention to hormone disruptors, too.). I love this new charcoal deodorant form Primally Pure because it’s great for sensitive skin and is actually effective. Plus, the black packaging is much more appealing to the male audience.
doTERRA Deep Blue Products: These are definitely a must for any man who is active. There are a few different Deep Blue Products to pick from, but I recommend the Deep Blue oil or the Deep Blue Rub. The rub is a lotion infused with the Deep Blue oil, so it really just depends if you’d prefer an oil by itself or the lotion. Deep Blue is amazing for relieving any muscle aches or soreness, and is used by a ton of athletes and chiropractors. This blend is even used by professional sports teams! If anyone needs soothing for their joints, muscles, or body in general, Deep Blue is the key.
MAPS Anabolic: I’m gonna say it – there are way too many guys at the gym who have no idea what they are doing, but they try to act like they do. Save your man the embarrassment and get him a MAPS program from the guys at Mind Pump. They have the best programming in the industry, and it will actually work to build muscle and improve fitness without sacrificing your health or doing anything crazy. Everything is totally mapped out for you, and the Anabolic program is perfect for any man looking to get in great shape. You only have to listen to Sal, Adam, and Justin once to realize that they definitely know what they’re talking about when it comes to fitness. You can listen to them on Actually Adultish or Straight Up Paleo, too!
Polo Ralph Lauren Microfiber Robe: WHO DOESN’T LOVE A SOFT ROBE?! Most guys refuse to buy themselves a luxurious robe, but once they get one… they’ll never take it off. Trust me on this one.
UGG Men’s Ascot Slippers: Another staple in every man’s wardrobe – the cozy slipper that can also be worn outside when necessary. He will live in these. UGGs might seem so 2007…but they honestly never go out of style. Mostly because they are so darn comfy.
HappySocks Stripe Gift Set: Everyone jokes about giving socks like it’s a bad thing, but I really think they are a fabulous gift. People never think to buy socks, but getting some high quality, patterned socks will brighten anyone’s day. I know so many guys who are obsessed with patterned socks, so why not provide more variety?! These are considered to be very stylish in the younger crowd (I am such a grandma.).
MeUndies Boxer Briefs: I honestly know nothing about men’s underwear, but my best friend’s boyfriend says these are the best underwear in the game. She says they are his favorite present. Let’s be honest – nothing is better than wearing good underwear, no matter who you are. Apparently these are extremely comfortable, and you can even get a subscription to receive a new pair each month! These come in fun patterns as well as plain colors, so take your pick!
Threadsmiths Stain-Resistant Shirt: I am OBSESSED WITH THIS. You might think it’s just a plain white shirt, but it is so much more. This shirt is totally stain-resistant. You can watch videos of people tossing drinks and sauces on the shirt. Everything slides right off. This is unreal. AND it’s perfect for the extra messy guy in your life. Honestly, though, I’d buy it just for the fun of pouring things on it and watching them bounce right off.
Clark’s Men’s Chukka Boots: When it comes to shoes, every man needs a good pair of Chukka boots. They really go with anything because they can be dressed up or down, and anyone can pull these off! If they’re not already in his wardrobe, they need to be!
Allbirds Wool Runners: These shoes are light, airy, super comfy, and made from recycled materials! They are very trendy. What guy doesn’t need a new pair of athletic shoes? Pair these with some patterned socks and you’ve got yourself the perfect duo.
M Tailor Fitted Shirts: This website seriously impresses me. They create custom-made shirts that are tailored perfectly to fit the individual’s body, instead of using standard sizing. All you have to do is send in a photo of the person, and the website analyzes the photo to figure out the person’s measurements. That makes it really easy for you if you don’t even know his size — just snap a picture, send it in, and decide on the color and style! It will be literally made just for him.
Slim Broken-In Henley Tee from J. Crew: A basic shirt like this is necessary for every man, but a lot of times he just doesn’t know it. Men often need help in the style department… Give him one of these, and it will immediately up his style game.
Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket: This jacket is on the pricey side, but very worth it. Another wardrobe staple. It will keep him warm, but it’s not overly bulky. It’s like a North Face, but better.
Google Home Mini: This is very similar to Alexa, but I’ve been told this is preferable because it integrates so well with all of the other Google Apps. You can sync up your Google Calendar, contacts, email, and so on, and also have the speaker capabilities. It’s basically a smart speaker! Because our society isn’t lazy enough. Kidding! (Kind of…)
Shot Glass Roulette: It’s PARTY TIME! I feel like this is the perfect thing for guys’ night in. Even if he doesn’t play this with his friends, I’m sure he will have fun spinning it around himself.
Remote Control Wall-Climbing Car: I saw this on another holiday gift guide and immediately thought, That is SO cool. No matter how old you are, you can’t deny that driving a toy car up a wall is very entertaining. Bring out his inner child with this one — you might have some fun with it, too!
Toy Drone with Camera: Everyone loves a drone…especially with a camera. This will keep him entertained for hours on end. I don’t know much about drones, but I know that they’re cool. It’s like the more sophisticated version of his favorite childhood toy.
There you have it! Those are all of my suggestions for what to get the men in your life for Christmas. I tried to include a wide variety of categories, so hopefully at least one thing on here caught your eye! Next up is my biggest gift guide – the healthy lifestyle holiday gift guide for everyone! Stay tuned — you’re gonna love it!
by Christina | Dec 2, 2017 | Wellness
The fact that it’s already time for a holiday gift guide is unreal to me. December came so quickly, and now it’s time to get my Christmas shopping done so I can kick back and worry about nothing other than watching tons of Christmas movies and getting my holiday baking on!
That being said, giving gifts is definitely one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. I take a lot of pride in the gifts I give. I want them to be as personalized as possible, and I want it to be clear that I’ve put a lot of thought into the gift. When I’m looking for the perfect present, I try to buy people something they wouldn’t buy for themselves, something they’ve mentioned in passing but didn’t expect anyone to pick up on, or something they didn’t even know they wanted. There’s nothing better than the look on someone’s face when they open a gift and are so incredibly happy because you clearly just get them.
People appreciate effort, creativity, and thought. If the present isn’t particularly inventive, then no worries – just make sure it’s something the person will actually use. I don’t believe in giving people presents just for the sake of giving presents. Personally, I would much rather receive a hug than an ugly shirt I have to return or an uninteresting book I have to find room for on the shelf, ya know?
Once again, I’ll be splitting my gift guides up into three installments. Part 1 is a gift guide for her, part 2 is a gift guide for him, and part 3 is a healthy living gift guide for anyone — that will be the BIG ONE.
Everyone definitely has different ideas about what makes a good present, but this list is pretty much everything I am going to give / would like to give other women in my life, or things I would want to receive myself. This first installment is more beauty and fashion-focused than the others, and it features nontoxic products, of course! Hopefully this gives you at least a few ideas of potential presents to give this season. If not, then at least it’ll get the wheels turning in your brain!
For the Makeup Lover:
Beautycounter Ultimate Nudes Eyeshadow Palette: Are you sick of me raving about this yet? This eyeshadow palette is hands-down the best palette I have ever used. It contains every shade a girl could ever need – you’ll never want another palette. The shadows are pigmented, creamy, and stay on all day long. It comes with a huge mirror (perfect for travel), and a dual-ended eyeshadow brush. Whoever said nontoxic beauty doesn’t work better than toxic products has been seriously proven wrong with this palette.
Beautycounter Winter Jewels Palette: This is the perfect palette for the girl who wants it all in one place. This is my go-to palette for travel. It has neutral eyeshadow shades for everyday looks as well as a number of shadows to create dark, smokey eyes. It also contains a bronzer and blush that look amazing on every skin tone, and it has a huge mirror!
Beautycounter Nude Eye Trio: If you have a friend who loves a good winged eyeliner and huge lashes, this set is the winner. It comes with a travel-sized version of the Beautycounter Volumizing mascara (my all-time favorite mascara – makes your lashes look HUGE!), a cream shadow in nude (great as an eyeshadow base or an all-over light lid color), and the black liquid eyeliner (my all-time favorite liquid liner!).
Beautycounter Illuminating Trio: If you know someone who loves a good glow, is a contour queen, or wants to step up her highlight/contour game, this trio is perfect. It comes with three cream products – the cream blush, a cream bronzer, and a cream highlight shade. All three blend beautifully and work perfectly with every skin tone! These are my go-to products for adding dimension and glow to my face.
Luxie Beauty Rose Gold Brush Set: Most people don’t realize just how much a high-quality set of makeup brushes can completely transform the way their products apply. I love this set not only because it’s high-performing, but also because these brushes are cruelty-free. They will last you a long time and will totally change the way your makeup looks. Plus, this set comes with a case that’s ideal for travel. If you don’t want to get the full brush set, then you could also go for another smaller set, like just the face brushes or just the eyeshadow brushes.
Fall Love Collection from Dr.’s Remedy Nails: I don’t wear nail polish often ever since switching over to nontoxic items, but when I do wear nail polish, this is the brand I love most. I love getting nail polish for Christmas because I feel like I never really have a “reason” to buy it for myself. This set comes with Wonderful Wine, Revive Ruby Red, and Defense Deep Red, which are all beautiful dark shades that are especially perfect for the fall and winter!
For the Hair Diva:
Beautycounter Smooth & Control Collection: Tested in professional Los Angeles salons, this set does not disappoint. This trio is key for fighting frizz and keeping hair smooth, and it’s made with completely safe ingredients. This set comes with the shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil – all staples in my hair routine. What girl doesn’t like a good haircare set?!
T3 Whirl Trio Styling Wand: If you’re looking to splurge, this is my favorite curling iron. It comes with three different barrels that you can switch out to adjust the look of your curls. It’s pretty much all you could ever want in a curling iron, and it’s clamp-free, which makes it extra easy to use!
For the Skincare Junkie:
Beautycounter Multi-Masker Set: These masks are my three all-time favorite masks that actually make a major difference in my skin. I’m sure you already know that the No. 3 Charcoal mask is my all-item favorite mask for combo/oily/acne-prone skin – it is truly a lifesaver and will zap any blemish immediately. The No. 1 mask is great for toning and brightening (you can feel it tingle!), and the No. 2 is ideal for plumping your skin and giving you a glow. Together, these three create the ultimate face mask kit! It also comes with a brush, which helps you get as much product as possible out of each tube.
Beautycounter Countermatch Discovery Set: This set is the perfect way to transition someone into safer skincare! Countermatch is my go-to skincare recommendation because it truly works for every skin type – normal, oily, combo, dry, sensitive, acne-prone, mature, young, and everything in between. The entire Countermatch line adapts to meet your skin’s specific moisture needs so your skin is left perfectly hydrated. Since this set is travel-size, it’s also perfect for any girl who’s on the go! This comes with the Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion, the Recovery Sleeping Cream, the Eye Recovery Cream, and the Intense Moisture Serum.
Primally Pure Spa Kit: If you know a gal who loves (or deserves!) a good spa night in, this is the perfect gift. This set comes with a dry brush, body oil, sea soak, flower bath, and organic bag to keep it all in! All of these products will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and totally refreshed – you really can’t go wrong! Use the code “LOVELY” for a free lip balm with your purchase, too (or for anything on their site)!
Primally Pure Mini Body Butter Collection: This collection comes with three of Primally Pure’s body butters – Citrus + Mint, Eucalyptus + Lavender, and Almond + Vanilla. They all smell like heaven, and these body butters will leave your skin feeling oh-so-soft and smooth but not greasy. The ingredients are totally pure, and your skin will love ’em. Use the code “LOVELY” for a free lip balm with your purchase of this set, too!
Franklin & Whitman Winter Self-Care Gift Box: Oh, you know there is nothing I love more than a good Frank & Whit set! This box comes with the Oak Lane Face Mask, Midtown Village Body Scrub, Jefferson Square Botanical Steam, and the Bella Vista Hair Serum. I adore each and every one of these products, and this truly is the ultimate self-care box. You’re basically giving the gift of repeated self-care nights in – and that is priceless. Any girl will feel like a queen with these natural products in her beauty arsenal! Use the code “LOVELY” for 20% off any of your Frank & Whit purchases!
For the Fashionista:
Casual Open Cardigan: A cardigan is always my top choice when I want to buy someone clothes, because you really can’t go wrong. Everyone can use another cozy cardigan, and an open, oversized sweater eliminates the pressure of knowing someone’s exact size. It’s much easier to guess someone’s size in a loose, open sweater than any other type of clothing – cardigans look cute even when they are really oversized!
Plaid Infinity Scarf: Again, a scarf is foolproof! It’s usually pretty easy to find infinity scarves nowadays, but my favorites are from Nordstrom because they always feel like the perfect thickness and have the perfect softness. Plus, they’re easy to exchange if the woman in question already has something similar. A cute scarf is the perfect way to transform any outfit, and it’s my favorite accessory to pair with any other small gift. Plus, you don’t need to know the person’s clothing size.
Cross body Bag: I love getting my friends cute purses for Christmas because people tend to think they need a reason to buy a purse (like, the old one fell apart), so they don’t want to buy them for themselves. I think every woman can use a cute cross body bag, and this black one will pair perfectly with just about any outfit! I love the gold detailing – makes it look much more expensive than it really is!
Satin & Faux Leather Backpack: It wasn’t until this past year that I got really into backpacks, and it has changed my life. I pretty much always carry my things around in a backpack instead of a purse nowadays. It can be hard to find a cute backpack that’s big enough to put your things in but doesn’t make it look like you’re going to elementary school. This black backpack is totally adorable, can be dressed up or dressed down, and will go with any outfit! If you’re giving other smaller gifts as well, you can put them inside the backpack!
Alex and Ani Bangle: Bangles are a really easy way to glam up an outfit, and Alex and Ani bracelets are pretty much the only bracelets I wear. I have a collection of them, and so do most of my friends, so it’s always fun to add to their collection or help them start one, too! There are so many different bangles to pick from, so I always try to pick a charm that would mean something special to the person I am giving it to! For someone new to these bracelets, I always think that going with an initial is a great way to begin.
Personalized Dogeared Necklace: Dogeared necklaces have always been some of my favorite pieces of jewelry because there are so many different charms with different meanings to pick from, and you can aways find something meaningful for any situation. Dogeared does totally personalized necklaces now, so you can 100% customize the necklace and packaging for the person you’re buying for! Who doesn’t love a customized gift? It makes it so much more special.
For the Athlete:
Manduka Yoga Mat: Whether or not she does yoga, I think every girl needs a high quality yoga mat. It’s useful for stretching or really any kind of workout. I spent years using a cheap Target yoga mat, and I never realized how much it was hurting my body until I finally got a nice Manduka mat! There are different options for thickness and color on their site, so you can pick according to your preferences and budget.
Mini Foam Roller: None of us want to admit it, but we all need to foam roll more often. I know, I know – it hurts! However, foam rolling is incredibly helpful for recovery from any type of activity, and just for general health. Get your friend her own mini foam roller so she can roll out her muscles while watching TV in the comfort of her own home, anytime. She’ll be more inclined to use it if it’s cute and pink!
Yoga Wheel: Yogis especially love these, but they’re great for stretching in general or working on your back bends. This is another tool that most people don’t usually buy for themselves, but once they get one, they’re hooked.
For the Girl Whose Home is Her Sanctuary:
doTERRA essential oils: You can’t go wrong with any items from doTERRA, honestly. If your friend or family member hasn’t ever used essential oils before, give her the gift of an enrollment kit! That way she gets a kit and the perks of being a doTERRA Wholesale Customer for the rest of the year! I highly recommend the Home Essentials Kit or AromaTouch Diffused Kit to start out with so that you get a huge collection of all of the main oils you could ever need right from the beginning.
I also love giving the Travel Kit or the Spa Kit to oil lovers or newbies if you don’t want to pick out individual oils yourself and want a more affordable option! The travel kit is great for the girl on the go who needs the essentials, and the Spa Kit is perfect for anyone who wants to unwind, relax, and pamper her body and soul. If you want more info on getting started with oils, check out my Essential Oils Start Guide!
Cute Mugs: Let’s be honest – every girl loves a cute mug. I swear that tea tastes better out of an adorable mug, especially because it’s ideal for Instagram. This is another item that people think they need justification for buying, so they don’t usually invest in “cute mugs” for themselves! Anthropologie is my favorite place to get statement mugs because their designs are adorable, have a lot of personality, and are really high-quality. You can find cute mugs in a lot of different stores, though!
Statement Dishware: Same as with the mugs – give your girl a plate that will make her feel fancy and cute! Try to find a pattern that reflects her personality and feels like “her.” You can even match this with a cute mug and give her the perfect little tea set!
American Tea Room Tea Favorites Sampler Collection: American Tea Room is one of my absolute favorite places to get tea from. They have a ton of delicious blends, but I always love to get people a gift set so they can try a few different teas! This set comes with ATR’s top sellers – Brioche Organic Black Tea, Earl Grey Shangai Organic Black Tea, Nirvana Green Tea, Choco Latte Rooibos Tea, and Martinique Tea.
Herbal Tea Monthly Subscription with Infuser Mug: With this subscription, you’ll receive two of American Tea Room’s most popular teas each month! I love giving (and getting) subscriptions like this, because it’s the gift that keeps on giving! This is a must for any tea lover in your life. Every month will be a new surprise! Plus, it comes with an infuser mug, so they’re all set if they don’t already have a way to steep loose leaf tea!
Mug with an Infuser: It shocks me how many people don’t own infusers! They’re a must to properly steep loose-leaf tea, which is preferable compared to tea bags (bags contain toxins). There are a ton of options when it comes to infuser mugs, but I love to get mine from David’s Tea. This Holly Branches Nordic Mug from David’s is super adorable and perfect for a cozy night in with a warm drink!
Fuzzy Slippers: Slippers are a seriously overlooked clothing item. I didn’t own a pair of slippers until recently because I felt like they weren’t a necessary purchase, but now I realize how much I needed them in my life. There is nothing better than sliding into a pair of cozy, fuzzy slippers when you come home. But they have to be comfy — and these are my faves.
The Happiness Planner: Everyone needs some organization in their lives, and with a new year coming up, this planner is the perfect way to start. I’m really picky about planners because I put my entire life in mine, and the Happiness Planner is definitely my favorite. It’s organized really well, and it also helps you with general goal-setting and mindfulness. I think every woman needs this in her life, whether she knows it or not!
Personalized Journal: Journaling can really change anyone’s life, and the new year is a great time to pick up the habit. Most people don’t want to take the time and effort to go out and buy a journal themselves, so gifting them a personalized one is the perfect way to get someone motivated to start writing out their thoughts and become more mindful! There is nothing cuter than a personalized journal, in my opinion. This journal can be made in a bunch of different colors as well, so you can get one made that will perfectly reflect the woman in mind!
Phew — part one is done! I know that any woman would adore any of these gifts! Hopefully this gave you some ideas for what to get the ladies in your life! Next up will be my gift guide for HIM, followed by my healthy gift guide for EVERYONE! What are YOU asking for for Christmas this year?!
