The Laura Blog

Oh, hi. It's been a long and hard week over here, with work just about as intense as it gets and a saddish, halfhearted Thanksgiving to celebrate tomorrow. So, I made Matt send me all of his picks for this year's men's gift guide, which will probably serve you better anyway. He has--and is a huge fan of--most of these things already, so any questions, ask away! Hopefully this provides some inspiration for whomever you may be shopping for, because I feel like the hardest people on my list are always in this category. Wishing you guys a happy long weekend, and some fun holiday shopping. December is almost here!

1.      1. Bees Knees Spicy Honey: Matt’s new favorite condiment for pizza, wings, sandwiches, everything.

2.      2. Oofos Recovery Sandals: If you want to discuss Matt’s enthusiasm for these recovery sandals, allot 60 minutes. These saved his feet from planter fasciitis and provide tons of relief after standing for 12 hours a day. He is never not wearing these when he’s at home.

3.      3. 8-in-1 Wheelbarrow / Yard Cart / Dolly: As the name implies, a wheelbarrow, yard cart, and a dolly in one. The handiest thing for all the stuff around the yard.

4.      4. Sanitizer Box: Grabbing this to leave in the car for phones, keys, wallets, etc.

5.      5. Toilet Timer – the stocking stuffer / gag gift to benefit us all.

6.      6. Tennis Shoes-Matt saw these and really loved them.

7.      7. Phone Docking Station: a landing zone for all of his stuff before bed: phone, glasses, watch, and a place to empty pockets and to store random junk in a prettier way.

8.      8. Leatherman : Matt’s favorite purchase of the entire year. He is obsessed with this for a variety of long-winded reasons, but assures me that the man in your life needs one too.

9.      9. Meat Thermometer: One of those things that, after we got it, we said “why didn’t we get this 10 years ago?”

Oh hi! I'm alive! And I'm here with a gift guide, falala! Since I have little time to peruse the internet these days, I decided to just round up all of MY favorite things from the last year (and a few things on my wish list, too) to bring you inspiration for whomever you may be shopping for this year. Can we all agree pandemics are no fun and it's time to treat yourself?

1. Pillow Talk Lip Set: the color that looks amazing on everybody. This makes me feel so pretty and put together, and now comes in this handy little set for the holidays.

2. Madewell Succulent Earrings: cute and easy to wear with everything.

3. Elemis Cleansing Balm: This changed my skin. It removes all of my makeup and leaves my skin with the healthiest glow. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the Pro Collagen Marine Cream, but wait until it goes on sale.

4. Personalized Jewelry Travel Case: For back when we could travel, remember those days? Still, there are better days ahead, and this personalized travel jewelry case is just the right size with the sweetest little monogram. This has become one of my go-to gifts.

5. Audible Gift Card: The best way for me to unwind and do something for ME at the end of a long day of ring leading my circus: listening to an audio book during a 45 minute walk. I’ve been flying through books this way and love that I feel like I’m actually doing something good for my brain. If you're a mom you need to jump on board the Audible train.

6. Ultra High Rise Elation Leggings: I discovered these leggings postpartum and NEVER looked back. Yes, they’re pricey, but they. do. not. BUDGE. So flattering and look brand new despite being washed a million times. Save yourself the $20 here and there on TJ Maxx leggings (previously guilty) and invest in a quality pair like these.

7. Bow Headband: My new favorite—and easy—accessory that adds an extra dose of pizzazz to any outfit.

8. Bombas Socks: My absolute FAVORITE socks. You’ll never look back. Use this link to get 25% off of your entire purchase!

9. Brazilian Bum Bum Cream: Will forever be on every gift guide. Smells like heaven.

10. Boots: I’ve been eyeballing these for forever. They go along with my “no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes” motto I’ve been trying to live by this year because my 2020 resolution was to go outside every day, no matter what.

11. Serving Board: to make the prettiest cheese or snack boards with.

12. Personalized Ring: still one of my very favorite pieces of jewelry ever. This ring is so comfortable to wear, lays super flat on your finger, and reminds me of my babies every time I look at it.