My Holiday Wish List

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Can you believe it’s almost Christmas?! I can’t. I’m not a big Gift Guide person, but I LOVE reading what people are actually wishing for this holiday season. For this reason, I’ve created a list with links (click the titles), of some items I’d be so grateful to receive this year. And YES I totally realize this is not a very FUN Christmas list, but when you’re almost 30, the holidays become a time when you’re excited to fill your home with things you actually need.

PLANNER AND PEN ORGANIZER:

I am planner obsessed. I would be nowhere without my planner that I hand write in every day. For the past few years I have created my own customized planner from Maydesigns, but this year for 2020 I purchased a dated and already designed planner (More to come on in a dedicated post soon). I am so excited for my new planner but it’s one downside is that it doesn’t have a space for me to hold my pens and stickers and such. Therefore, I’m asking for this organizer so I can put my planner inside and carry everything I need with me wherever I go. Any guesses as to what planner I decided on? Stay tuned until later this month to find out.

BOOK BUCKET LIST POSTER:

I purchased the movie version of this poster for Mikey last year for Christmas and we are still obsessed with it. Since we know what a reader I am, I also am hoping to get this one (cough, dad or Mikey, cough). I love that these are more interactive than a traditional list and they make a great stocking stuffer too! (Hint hint as to what post is coming next week….)

SOURDOUGH BREAD MAKING SUPPLIES:

One of my big goals for 2020 is to perfect how to make my own sourdough bread. Good bread making is a true art and I have been waiting until I am debt free to purchase the supplies to get started on this goal. There are some basic supplies you need and I really hope I get some of them.

GIFT CARD TO THRIFTBOOKS.COM:

Are we shocked at all that this is on my list? I will never stop buying books and I LOVE buying them through thriftbooks so that I am purchasing secondhand!

BOOKLIGHT:

I can’t believe I don’t own a book light but I figured it was time I ask for one. Very often I’m reading in a room that is dim at night and I hate turning on big and bright lights so I can see better. This one from Amazon looks nice and adorable.

RUNNING SOCKS:

Yes I actually have socks on my Christmas list this year. Hahah talk about feeling almost 30! My favorite brand has been discontinued but these pairs look similar to the ones I love. I prefer a tab on the back of my socks for optimal comfort when I’m running or cycling.

APRON:

Would you believe that I don’t own an apron? I guess I just embrace the mess when I’m cooking, but since I started Biscuit Sunday a few months ago, I have decided that it is time to own an apron. I love the look of a neutral gray or cream apron!

What is on your wish list this year? Leave me a comment below and let me know! I am doing my best to gift as much as I can from small businesses or secondhand ways. Don’t forget to shop small this holiday season and support those you know and love!

Have a great holiday season,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a small commission off the purchase of the product through my link. This does not affect the price of the product. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

Under $20 Gift Guide

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It’s the fourth and final day of Gift Guide Week and tonight I’m bring you a gift guide of gifts under $20! It’s a combination of all kinds of random gifts and hopefully it can bring you some ideas if you need a budget-friendly last minute gift. In case you missed the previous three gift guides from earlier in the week you can click below to visit each one!

  1. 5 Lbs of Gummy Bears:

    Hear me out. These are the BEST gummy bears I’ve ever had and I can never stop eating these. If you need a funny gift for White Elephant that someone would laugh at but actually enjoy, this would be great! Or if someone you know just loves candy…like me…

  2. Scratch Off Bucket Lists:

    You may have seen these with world maps, but they also have ones for Top Movies, Books, etc. If someone you know is a really into something specific like books, this is a great gift that they will be able to use for a long time, and even display if they want!

  3. Handheld Milk Frother:

    If the person you are gifting to loves coffee, matcha lattes, chai lattes, etc, a handheld milk frother to allow them to make yummy coffeehouse drinks at home is a great option. I love mine and use it all the time.

  4. Expensive Coffee/Tea:

    It’s really nice as coffee and tea drinkers to receive quality coffee or tea that you might not always have the budget for. I’ve linked my friend’s coffee company because it’s the coffee I drink every morning and it’s so delicious! I highly recommend it. My favorite tea (besides organic green) is the Tazo Wild Sweet Orange Tea.

  5. Christmas Ornaments:

    I think it’s fun to get really funny ornaments for people. Paper Source has some really great ones this year, like this avocado one. World Market also has a lot of great inexpensive ones in store!

  6. Card Wallet:

    Card wallets are a gift that are always nice to get because it’s nice to have a small wallet to carry to the gym, running errands, or when you simply can’t carry a normal sized wallet. Target has many great options including the one I’ve linked above.

  7. Camping Hammock:

    I think this gift would be great for someone who likes to spend time outside, even if it’s just in their backyard! This hammock can support a lot of weight and hold two people which is nice! I already know who I’m gifting this to this year!

  8. Papermate Inkjoy Gel Pens:

    These are my favorite pens and if the person you are gifting to loves stationary, planners, or just having a great pen to write with in many colors, this gift set is great!

  9. Subscription Service:

    Subscription services are nothing new, but I love gifting them because it allows people to see if they like it and continue on if they so choose. My personal favorite is the Book of the Month, subscription which is great for readers! It’s just $14.99 and you get a beautiful hardcover book every month and can choose between a few different options!

  10. Plants:

    Plants make a great gift for the holidays, especially if you live in a colder climate. It’s nice to receive a little bit of greenery for inside your house when outside it’s looking a little dull and gray. I haven’t personally ordered from Costa Farms before (the plants I linked above), but I’ve heard great things about them!

  11. Silk Eyemask:

    Having a nice silk eyemask is something that would be a great gift, but not everyone would necessarily buy for themselves. I love sleeping with an eyemask because it really feels good to have slight pressure over my eyes and the darkness helps me fall asleep faster. Silk is great and won’t tug on your skin, so this is a classic black mask that anyone would love.

  12. High Quality Candle:

    Everyone loves getting a nice, high quality candle, especially women. There’s just something about always having a candle burning that is so cozy. I’ve linked my favorite scent from my favorite candle company (from my home town of Kalamazoo!) above, Kalamazoo Candle Company! I love their scents and supporting small companies!

  13. Amazon Gift Card:

    When in doubt, get the gift card to Amazon. I promise no one will ever be sad that they have free money to Amazon.

What did you think of the above gifts?! Do you have any recommendations that are under $20? Comment below if you have some.

I hope you enjoyed Gift Guide Week on Andrea Fontana Beauty! If you liked it be sure to let me know so I can do something similar next year!!

Have a wonderful time picking out the perfect gifts for your loved ones,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

A Cookbook Gift Guide

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Welcome back to gift guide week here at Andrea Fontana Beauty! Just in case you missed my two previous posts here are the links for them; The Skincare Nerd’s Gift Guide & The Makeup Lover’s Gift Guide.

Today we are talking…COOKBOOKS! One of my favorite kinds of books.

If you’ve been following me for awhile you probably know how obsessed I am with them. My collection is past 50 at this point so I thought I’d offer a few suggestions and describe who I think they would be best for.

The Traditional or Brand New Cook

If you have someone on your list who is new to cooking I highly recommend either ‘The Joy of Cooking’ cookbook or ‘The Fannie Farmer Cookbook’. I have both and refer to them often for classics. They would be a great staple for any college student, newlywed or even someone who has found a new love for cooking, because they are filled with basic recipes that everyone needs.

If your gift is for a cook who is unfamiliar in the kitchen, I highly recommend ‘Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking’ because it teaches you so much about what it takes to make a great meal. The Netflix series is also AMAZING and not to go off on a tangent but you should watch it ASAP.

The Gluten Free Cook

I’ve talked a lot about ‘True Roots: A Mindful Kitchen’ a lot, especially on my Instagram. I have made so many of the recipes and they are so amazing. If someone has dietary restrictions like gluten, dairy, or refined sugars, this would make a great gift.

The Fit Cook

I received ‘Bobby Flay Fit’ for Christmas last year and I’ve used it so much, there’s a burn mark on the cover from the coils of my stove. If the person you’re shopping for is into fitness and healthy eating, but doesn’t like sacrificing flavor, this is a great option! The recipes are easy and rely on using a lot of great spices to create clean and delicious meals.

The Pasta-Obsessed Cook

If the person you are shopping for likes pasta or noodles (I mean who doesn’t though…) these are two of my favorite cookbooks that I have actually used quite a bit in the last few years. ‘The Ultimate Pasta and Noodle Cookbook’ has recipes from all types of cuisines, not just Italian. It’s again a great reference book. My other recommendation would be for someone who LOVES Italian pasta and I’ve talked about it before on here. ‘250 True Italian Pasta Dishes’ is great for those who want to learn which types of pastas go with which sauces and how to choose veggies to add in. It has many great combinations and even a section with fast weeknight recipes.

The Beauty Loving Cook

I know I just mentioned this cookbook in my Skincare Gift Guide, but I have to mention it again in case you missed that post. If you are gifting to a lover of makeup, skincare or nutrition, ‘Eat Beautiful’ is an amazing collection of in season recipes to promote healthy skin and beauty.

The Italian Food Cook

Did you really think I wouldn’t include an Italian section. My pick for this year goes to a cookbook my boyfriend got me for my birthday one year because he wanted me to cook from it. ‘The Sopranos Family Cookbook’ is not only full of delicious traditional recipes, but it’s also really fun to look through.

The Cook Who Loves to Give Back

If you have a friend to gift this season that loves to give back, this would be a great option for them. The ‘America The Great Cookbook’ is a collection of signature dishes and family recipes from chefs all over the country. So not only is it a great collection of different types of cuisines, but the proceeds go towards helping ‘No Kid Hungry’ fight childhood hunger.

Now if you have a cookbook addiction like me or you’re shopping on a budget this holiday season, don’t forget that thrifted/used books are a great way to reuse and recycle books! I don’t know what I was doing before I started using Thriftbooks.com to order all of my books from. I have been buying from them from almost a year and have always had great luck with them. The customer service is also great if you have a question. I have found some of my favorite cookbooks for under $5 before! If you click this link, you can save 15% off your first purchase on Thriftbooks.com!

Do you have any favorite cookbooks? Be sure to comment below and let me know which ones you are obsessed with that I need to add to my collection.

Don’t forget to come back here tomorrow for Day 4 and my last day of Gift Guides on Andrea Fontana Beauty,

Have a great day,

Andrea

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide

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Happy December! I asked in an Instagram story poll if you'd rather see a holiday gift guide or current favorite beauty products post first, and here is what you chose! I had so many things to share, so I thought I'd mix things up and try a different format by filming a video for you guys! I didn't realize how many times I could say um until I had to edit them out! haha!

Below I've listed all of the products with links. If you like this format let me know and I'd be happy to start doing more of these for you. If you have any gift recommendations that you want to share with everyone be sure to leave a comment below. Have fun shopping for your loved ones!