2015 Friendly Gift Guide

One of my favorite things to do every year is to show off my pals in the Friendly Gift Guide. Whether they are artists, musicians, or small business owners, these friends have something for everyone on your list!

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First up are three albums by The Brilliance. The first two are Advent Volumes 1 & 2. Easily my favorite “everyday” Christmas music, I love the way these songs prepare my heart for Christmas. They also have a kids’ album called “For Our Children.” Not your typical children’s music, in the best way possible.

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If you’re a fan of Christmas music, our friends Ben and Noelle also have a beautiful Christmas album. One of their songs was recently featured by Relevant Magazine. Whenever I ask Leila what music she wants to listen to, she says, “Can we listen to Ben and Noelle please?”

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Keeping a clean house is one of my least favorite chores. So I am not exaggerating when I say my friend Christine’s Norwex products have changed my life. My kitchen has never been so clean, my mirrors have never been so sparkly, and my cleaning time has been cut in half. And maybe the best part is, I am keeping my house cleaner with fewer chemicals.

Here are a few of my must-haves: Envirocloth (this is how I keep my kitchen so clean), Dish Cloth (throw away those gross sponges!), Window Cloth (my favorite product to keep bathroom mirrors clean), Dusting Mitt (makes dusting faster and easier), and Makeup Removal Cloths (a gentle way to remove makeup without harsh cleansers).

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I didn’t have too many skin problems growing up. Looking back at high school and college pictures, my skin was actually pretty amazing. Then I had kids, and my face went crazy. Thankfully my friend Lindsay hooked me up with incredible skincare through Rodan + Fields. Last summer when I left for Montana, I had constant breakouts along my jaw lines. I was wearing tons of makeup to cover up acne and discoloration. After three months of using the Unblemish line every day, my skin was 99% clear. This stuff works! Now I am using the Reverse line to work on discoloration and hyperpigmentation (hashtag mom problems).

Here’s what Lindsay has to say – Rodan + Fields is a premium skin care line created by the same world renown dermatologists behind Proactiv. We have four main regimens to address specific skin concerns such as sensitive skin, acne and post-acne scarring, sun damage, brown spots and dullness, and anti-aging. Results are enhanced using our two patented tools, the Amp MD Micro-Needling Roller and the Macro Exfoliator. All products come with a 60 day money back guarantee. Preferred Customers get 10% off plus free shipping on orders!

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Someone left a comment on a blog post recently asking if I had heard of Noonday Collection. Um, yes, I own about half of it. I think one of my love languages might be fair-trade jewelry. Anyways, if you haven’t checked out Noonday yet, their jewelry and accessories make great gifts because each piece comes with the story of the artisans who made it. This company is changing lives and communities around the globe.

My friend Sarah is an ambassador and can hook you up with online shopping or in-person trunk shows. A few of my staples include the Metric Cuff, the Very Versatile Bracelet, and the Two Coins Necklace.

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I love promoting my crafty friends because what’s better than a handmade gift? Jennifer makes adorable fabric dolls for boys and girls in her Etsy Shop The Dandelion Attic. She also makes the cutest slouchy hats for only $15! I’m ordering one in grey.

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My friend Ashley is a Thirty-One Consultant, and I am so glad. The bags I have bought from her (and won at parties) have carried me through the past two baseball seasons of sitting in the stands, traveling to hotels, packing food for the car, and more.

I think my favorite bag right now is the Delux Utility Tote. It’s perfect for hauling everything to a soccer game or carrying groceries from the store. You can see the full line of Thirty-One Gifts here.

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Happy Shopping!

Did I forget anyone? Shoot me a message and I’ll add you!