The Art of Everyday Luxury: Elevating Your Daily Life

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the beauty and luxury that can be found in the small moments. We often reserve indulgence and lavish experiences for special occasions, forgetting that we have the power to create a sense of everyday luxury right in our own lives. In this blog post, we will explore practical tips and ideas on how to add small touches of luxury to your everyday routine. From self-care rituals to creating an inviting home environment, let's unlock the art of everyday luxury and inspire ourselves to live life to the fullest.

1. Cultivate Mindfulness:

Mindfulness is the key to fully experiencing and appreciating the present moment. Take a few moments each day to pause, breathe, and savor the simple pleasures around you. Whether it's enjoying a cup of coffee or taking a walk in nature, immersing yourself in the present moment allows you to find luxury in the ordinary.

2. Elevate Self-Care Rituals:

Transform your daily self-care routines into moments of indulgence and self-pampering. Use luxurious skincare products that make you feel radiant and refreshed. Create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom with scented candles and soothing music. Take time to nourish your body and soul, reminding yourself that self-care is an essential part of a fulfilling life.

3. Embrace Everyday Glamour:

Who says you need a special occasion to dress up and feel glamorous? Incorporate a touch of elegance into your everyday attire. Wear your favorite jewelry, spritz on a luxurious perfume, or wear a fabulous pair of shoes that make you feel confident and stylish. By embracing everyday glamour, you'll radiate positivity and attract a sense of luxury into your life.

4. Curate Your Living Space:

Transform your home into a sanctuary of comfort and beauty. Surround yourself with items that bring you joy and evoke a sense of luxury. Invest in soft, plush bedding, add fresh flowers or plants to your living space, and create cozy reading nooks where you can relax with a good book. By curating your living space, you'll create an environment that nurtures your well-being and fosters a feeling of everyday luxury.

5. Savour Culinary Delights:

Treat your taste buds to a touch of luxury by savoring culinary delights. Instead of saving the fine dining experience for special occasions, why not create it at home? Experiment with new recipes, indulge in decadent desserts, or create a beautifully presented meal. Take the time to savor the flavors and appreciate the artistry of each bite.

Incorporating small touches of luxury into your everyday routine can transform your outlook on life. By embracing mindfulness, elevating self-care rituals, embracing everyday glamour, curating your living space, and savoring culinary delights, you'll unlock the art of everyday luxury. Remember, life is too short to wait for special occasions to indulge and embrace the beauty around us. Live life to the fullest, finding joy and luxury in the simplest of moments.

Start living a life of everyday luxury today!

4 Reasons Why Cruises Are A Great Option For Your First Vacation with the Kids

While child-free vacations can serve as a much-needed reprieve from the stress of parenting, there’s still nothing like going on a family trip with your kids. As discussed in a previous blog post on ‘24 Months Being A Mom’, parenthood is a constant balancing act between tending to your personal and professional responsibilities and being able to spend quality time with your child. Traveling with your kid allows you to slow down and be present as they gain new experiences and learn more about the world around them.

 It may seem like a daunting task to plan and go on a child-friendly trip, but cruises are a great option if it’s your first time. As this article will show, several cruise lines can cater to your whole family’s needs and interests — from ensuring a stress-free experience to introducing you to unfamiliar yet memorable destinations.

1. Convenient planning

 One notable advantage of cruises is that they take the hassle out of planning a trip for multiple people, as you essentially book your transportation, accommodation, and itinerary all in one go. Carrying your luggage from one destination to another can also be tiring when you already have your kids in tow. But on a cruise, you get to unpack once and only have to organize your things again when the ship takes you back home. With little to no stress before and during your actual trip, you can focus on what matters most: exploring new sights and going on adventures as a family.

2. Onboard entertainment and activities

 When traveling as a family, there’s always the fear that kids will get bored or throw a tantrum, especially during particularly long trips between destinations. Fortunately, family-friendly cruise lines like the Royal Caribbean offer numerous kid-friendly entertainment options. For instance, its newest ship, Wonder of the Seas, houses water slides and laser tag arenas to keep kids occupied when you’re out at sea. Meanwhile, aboard the Disney Cruise Line, kids can enjoy themed attractions and dining experiences featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and The Avengers.

3. Diverse cultural immersions

Beyond fun and enjoyment, taking your kids on a trip also opens them up to the rich culture and heritage of other places. This lays a strong foundation not only for children’s knowledge and learning but also for basic life skills like communication, empathy, and relationship building. In this light, Explora Journeys complements its luxurious onboard facilities with enriching and immersive cultural activities. Focusing on multi-generational journeys, the cruise line has a curated series of Destination Experiences. Whether you’re learning about Hawaiian mythology while island-hopping or exposing yourself to ancient languages and civilization on a multi-country Mediterranean journey, your cruise can help your entire family become better and more knowledgeable citizens of the world.

4. A range of price points

Regardless of where or how long you go on vacation, paying for a family trip will be costly. Fortunately, the cruise industry is diverse enough to come with a range of price points that can fit different family budgets and demographics. If you’re willing to splurge on your first-ever vacation, the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection comes with year-round enrichment activities designed for children and the youth. The Ritz Kids program is facilitated by a full-time youth counselor who guides your children through creative art challenges and science experiments while on board. For those on a budget, Princess Cruises has a more affordable seven-day journey to Alaska, where kids can participate in science challenges, beach clubs, and virtual scavenger hunts.

Overall, cruises are a safe and convenient travel option that allows kids to enjoy the trip to the fullest while still learning something valuable about other people, places, and cultures. If you are in search of more posts that resonate with your parenting needs and overall journey, feel free to check out the rest of The UnOrthoDoc blog.

24 Months Being a Mom & The Balancing Act It Comes With

My son, Braxton turns 2 today and I honestly do not know how to feel or act. As I sit down to reflect on the past 24 months, I am struck by how fast time has flown by, yet at the same time, how it feels like an eternity since the moment I held my little one in my arms for the very first time. Being a mother has been the most transformative experience of my life, and I am grateful for every moment of it, the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

The first year was a blur of sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and trying to figure out what my baby needed. It was a time of immense joy, but also of immense vulnerability and insecurity and tiredness! I was tired all.the.time. I constantly second-guessed myself and worried that I was doing something wrong. But with time, I learned to trust my instincts and believe in my abilities as a mother, and like everyone advised - it did get better.

The second year has brought new challenges and new joys. My little one is now a toddler, and I am constantly amazed by how much he has grown and changed. He is curious, adventurous, fiercely independent, and the dude is hilarious! Watching him explore the world around him has been a delight, but it has also meant learning to let go a little and accept that I can't protect him from everything.

As a mother, my priorities have shifted. Before my child, my focus was on my career, my social life, and my own personal goals. Now, my main focus is on my child's well-being and happiness. I have learned to be more patient, more compassionate, and more selfless. I have also learned to prioritize self-care and to ask for help when I need it.

One of the most challenging aspects of motherhood has been dealing with the guilt that comes with it. Guilt over not being a perfect mother, guilt over not being able to do it all, guilt of being away at work all day, guilt over taking time for myself. But I have also learned that guilt is a natural part of the journey, and that it's important to forgive myself and move forward.

The Balancing Act

As an orthodontist and practice owner, finding a balance between work and family life has been a constant juggling act. Before becoming a mother, my primary focus was on my career: growing my practice and providing the best possible care for my patients. My personal goals were also high priority and I enjoyed spontaneously skipping town and kicking back every couple weeks on a remote island somewhere. However, after having my child, I quickly realized that I needed to find a way to balance my professional aspirations with my responsibilities as a wife and mother. I also quickly realized that those frequent vacations would be less so and more structured and planned.

It hasn't been easy, but I have learned to prioritize and delegate in order to make it all work. I have a wonderful team at my practice who I trust implicitly, and they help to ensure that the practice runs smoothly even when I'm not there. I have also learned to be more efficient with my time and to make the most of the hours I have available to work.

However, as much as I enjoy my career, I have also come to realize the importance of slowing down and being fully present in the moments that matter. As my child grows up before my eyes, I don't want to miss out on any of the little moments that make life so sweet. I want to be there for every first step, every silly joke, and every milestone along the way.

So, I have made a conscious effort to create a more balanced life. I have learned to say no to things that aren't essential, and to focus on the things that bring me joy and fulfillment. I have learned to prioritize self-care, and to take the time to recharge my batteries so that I can be fully present and engaged with my family.

While finding balance hasn't been easy, it has been worth it. I am proud of the life I have built (and still building), and of the example I am setting for my child. I want them to know that it's possible to have a successful career and a happy family life, but that it takes work and prioritization. Ultimately, I aspire to live a slower pace of life, where I can fully enjoy and be present in the moments that matter most.

Looking back, I am grateful for every moment of this journey. The highs have been incredibly high, and the lows have been incredibly low, but through it all, I have grown and learned more than I ever thought possible. I am excited to see what the future holds, and to continue growing alongside my little one.

How to Find Work-Life Balance as a Working Parent: Tips and Tricks from an “Unorthodoc” Mom

Are you a working parent struggling to balance work and family life? Don't worry, you're not alone! Finding work-life balance can be a challenge, but there are tips and tricks that can help. As an "UnOrthoDoc" mom, I know firsthand how important it is to prioritize balance, accept help, create boundaries, and take time for yourself. Balancing work and family life isn't always easy, but with some effort and these tips, you can find solutions that work for you.

PRIORITIZING BALANCE

Let's start by discussing the importance of prioritizing balance. It's not feasible to cater to everyone's needs, so it's crucial to deliberately choose to prioritize balancing your work and family life. This entails making well-informed decisions, such as finding a job that's not overwhelming, modifying your work schedule to create a better balance, or even considering a family size that you can raise responsibly.

However, let's face it, striking a balance between work and family life can be quite challenging. This is why it's essential to have conversations with your family and gather their diverse perspectives. By asking them how they feel about your work and listening to their honest opinions, you can identify areas that require improvement and make them feel heard. Furthermore, they will understand your work situation better.

ACCEPTING HELP

Accepting help is crucial in achieving work and family life balance. It's essential to overcome the fear of asking for assistance from friends and family whenever necessary. Whether it's picking your kids from school or taking them to their extracurricular activities, having someone you can trust to support you with these tasks can significantly ease your burden.

CREATING BOUNDARIES

Prioritizing boundaries is essential for balancing work and family life. It's crucial to draw clear lines that protect both aspects of your life from distractions. You can establish rules such as avoiding work-related phone calls during meals or not checking emails while on vacation. This approach will demonstrate to your family that they are a priority while also safeguarding your work.

Of course, it's impossible to achieve a perfect balance between work and family all the time. Sometimes, work obligations or family emergencies will require you to make sacrifices. However, it's important not to let this imbalance become a norm. Try to take every opportunity to bring the scale back to the center and maintain equilibrium.

TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

Prioritizing self-care and taking time for yourself is essential to achieving a balanced life. Don't forget to schedule time for relaxation and rejuvenation, whether that's through exercise, binge-watching your favorite TV show, or enjoying a walk in the sunshine. Taking vacations can also be a great way to recharge.

It's important to keep in mind that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to balancing work and family life. What works for one person may not work for another. By implementing some of these tips and making an effort to find solutions that fit your specific needs and preferences, you can achieve greater balance.

If you're interested in learning more about living an "UnOrthoDoc" life as a mom, check out my blog for additional insights and inspiration.

THE BALANCING ACT:

Being an orthodontist and owning a practice means that finding balance between work and family life can be quite challenging. Before having a child, my primary focus was on growing my practice and achieving my personal goals. I enjoyed being able to travel on a whim and take time off for myself. However, after becoming a mother, I quickly realized that I needed to find a way to balance my professional aspirations with my responsibilities as a wife and mother.

It has not been an easy journey, but I have learned to prioritize and delegate tasks to make it work. I have a great team at my practice who I trust, and they help ensure that things run smoothly even when I'm not there. I have also become more efficient with my time and try to maximize the hours I have available to work.

While I take pride in my career, I have also come to understand the importance of slowing down and being present in the moments that matter. I don't want to miss out on my child's milestones or the little things that make life worthwhile. To achieve this, I make a conscious effort to create a more balanced life. I focus on things that bring me joy and fulfillment, and I have learned to say no to things that aren't essential.

It has been a worthwhile journey, and I am proud of the life I have built for myself and my family. I want my child to understand that it is possible to have a successful career and a happy family life, but it takes work and prioritization. I look forward to continuing this journey and living at a slower pace, where I can savor and appreciate the most important moments in life.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Him, Her & Your Little

It has taken me some time but it’s finally here, this year’s Valentine’s day gift guide! I know this is a fav on the blog and you’ve been waiting with bated breath, lol. This time I am putting a little something together for everyone. This gift guide is for him, her and your little one and, newsflash you do not have to get the cliché chocolates, roses and a card (come back and thank me later). Nothing against that stuff, I myself love a great box of chocolates. But, you can switch it up a bit and do things differently.

In my household we are big on gifts, it’s kind of one of our love languages. So I have created a gift guide that my household would love and I I hope you find something you like as well.

1. Lipstick (Christian Louboutin) - Lipstick is easy, simple and makes a great gift. I love lipstick and I have found that a great shade of red suits me very well. Now, your lipstick doesn’t have to be designer but I love the ones from Louboutin because it’s not only a lipstick but the tube can be worn as a necklace as well. It comes with a nice satin string that you can lace through the top of the tube, tie it around your neck and voila, a great statement piece. Worth the price tag, in my opinion. If you don’t care about that then my favorite reds are Wanted by my good friend Kami over at Kami Cosmetics and Feels So Grand by Mac Cosmetics.

2. David Yurman Bracelets - I have a love for Yurman classic pieces, if you haven’t figured that out by now. They are so sophisticated. I love that they look amazing when you mix, match or layer several styles. I personally love pieces from the cable classic collection. These stack well with the oval link bracelet. My husband wears this cable cuff and this spiritual bead bracelet all the time and has them in different colors that he switches out based on the color in his outfit.

3. Unisex Kids Pajamas - Include your little one in your Valentine’s day celebrations. They don’t require much. As a matter of fact, if you have a toddler like myself they don’t even know what valentine’s day is. A cute gift - PJs! I got Braxton this really cute and fun xoxo pajama set. I don’t know if he loves it or not but this is what he will be sleeping in come V-day.

4. Nail Polish (Gucci) - Similar to lipstick, such an easy and simple gift to buy your wife, mom or girlfriend. She will always have use for it - if she’s into getting her nails done (honestly, who isn’t?). Again, doesn’t have to be designer but these from Gucci really pop!

5. Mama/Daddy is My Valentine sweatshirt - Get these cute sweatshirts for your little one, whether for a boy or girl. This can be worn anytime, not just on V-day. I bought these recently and they are currently en-route to my home.

6. Paris Baccarat Rouge 540 - Can’t quite think of anything? my go-to will always be perfume (or cologne for men). This is one of my favs right now and it makes a superb gift. My husband’s fav at the moment is Bleu by Chanel. Smells amazing!

7. Vinglace Wine Chiller - You know I love a good bottle of wine. I actually subscribe to this wine club called Sparkle-ist where I am sent three bottles of sparkling wine every month. I love this portable wine chiller that helps keep my bottles chilled especially when I transport them to friends houses or to the park.

8. Cozyearth Pajamas - If you’ve been reading my blogs for a while, you know of my love for all things cozyearth. They have the softest, most luxurious and breathable fabrics. I almost have everything in their entire collection. I love everything I own from them including these pajamas. You cannot go wrong with anything they make. I love them so much I give this coupon code to all my family and friends for 40% off their stuff (shh I use it for myself too) code: DR.UNORTHODOC40

9. Electric Toothbrush - The dentist in me will not allow any gift guide to be complete without oral care goodies. Give Hubby, dad or your boyfriend the gift of good oral hygiene. Any electric toothbrush and water flosser is great, just check my resources page for all my favs but these black ones from Burst are really cool.

10. Foreo Iris - I got this for myself late last year and I really like it. It is Ophthalmologist approved as an effective & safe eye care treatment and combines ancient Asian lymphatic-drainage techniques with alternating T-Sonic technology, to refresh & depuff tired eyes, while gently massaging and soothing the eye contour.

11. Venus Fleur Roses - Yes, yes flowers do make the list because honestly, nothing says Valentine’s day like a bunch of long stemmed roses. I love these from venus fleur because they last over a year! Literally the gift that keeps on giving.

12. Caraway Pots & Pans - I am obsessed with my caraway pans. I bought this set along with the container set for myself around black Friday and it has been one of my best purchases. I love the quality, the non-stick feature and best of all the beautiful colors. With the success of the sales over the holidays they have chosen to keep the sale price for a little longer so run, don’t walk!

13. Candles - Such a no-brainer and always a simple yet thoughtful gift. Everyone loves candles, why not treat your loved one with the gift of fragrance to set the mood this holiday season. You can purchase any, but of course I am going to endorse my very own that are made of 100% soy and hand made by yours truly.

14. Date Night Ideas - Never run out of date night ideas with this scratch off card game. This is currently in my cart. Can’t wait to see what ideas they have!

There you have it, 14 amazing and fun gift ideas for the 14th of February - V-day! I hope you see something you love for yourself or will gift to someone. Come back, DM on socials or email me and tell me which ones you enjoyed the most. Happy shopping!

23 Goals for 2023

“Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.” — Leon Joseph Cardinal Suenens

I really enjoy goal setting. It is one of my key methods of self improvement yearly.

Time and time again, research shows that you are more likely to achieve your goals when you write them down. In that same breath, it is important that when you’re thinking about setting goals, you set yourself up for success. That means having a method of planning that allows you to track your progress in the right way, stay motivated, and encourages you to be both consistent and disciplined. For as long as I can remember, I’ve kept a planner where all tasks, meetings, outings and goals (big, small, daily, weekly, monthly, etc) live. I highly recommend downloading the 2023 goal planner from my shop. I personally use this and update it every year. You can download it for free by signing up for my newsletter.

This year I’m writing my goals down as it corresponds with the year! I heard this pretty cool idea on the GenTwenty podcast and thought I’d give it a whirl so here goes…these are my 23 goals for 2023:

1. Read at least 23 books in 2023

2. Commit to working out 2-3 times per week

3. Run a 10K

4. Maintain a 7-figure practice/business

5. Re-commit to date night with my husband once per week

6. Schedule a CEO day once per month

7. Go to church at least one Sunday per month

8. Complete the Wharton Masters Business of Orthodontics-AAO Program

9. Be more active on the Board of the DC Dental Society

10. Drink more water (4-6 cups/day)

11. Increase my blogging & candle company Income

12. Do one family/kid friendly activity per week(end)

13. Spend 1000 hours outdoors

14. Try a new restaurant every month

15. Find ways to give back to my community

16. Do continuing education (CEs) once per month

17. One spa day per month (self care)

18. Book at least four trips and two “real” vacations

19. Gain a new skill

20. Get more sleep

21. Pay off debt

22. Learn one new recipe every month

23. Shop with more small businesses

Now that I’ve written this on the blog, you get to be my accountability partner. I will do one check-in mid year to update my progress and another at the end of the year. What are your 2023 goals?

Books I Read in 2022

I am an avid reader! I love a good book. Losing yourself in a book to me is the ultimate relaxation, not only that but there are a host of benefits to reading:

• Increases knowledge

• Exercises your brain

• Improves your focus

• Improves your memory

• Entertainment

• Improves your ability to empathize

• Improves your communication skills

• Reduces stress

• Improves your mental health

• Live longer, etc

This year I managed to read 26 books, 12 of which I read together with my book club. I must admit that my time is very different now being a mom and business/practice owner, and while I would have preferred to read all 26 physical books, quite a bit of them were the audio version (thanks audible!) Nevertheless I got it done, still reaped the benefits and developed a newfound love for audiobooks. They are the truth! You can still carry on with your day, do several things and still “read,” it’s amazing. Here’s a round-up of the 26 books I read in 2022 and if one of your goals for 2023 is to read more books, join my book club.

I hope to see you in the book club!

2022 Ultimate Gift Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I love this time of year, everything gets merry and bright, people are generally nicer and there is that holiday cheer to put us in a great mood. I personally love it because of the gift giving (and receiving) and glorious vacation! I. cannot. wait. for vacation! I am on a somewhat mini vacay as I type this - It is the day after thanksgiving, there’s no work and the house is quiet. So, I have decided to put together a gift guide since they have been so popular on the blog - you all generally like them and find them helpful. So here goes, I hope you find something for yourself, a friend or a loved one.

1. Sparkle-ist Wine Club - This is a great gift for any wine lover you know, or even for yourself. I personally am a sparkle-ist club member and love it! I receive 3 amazing bottles of wine every month from small wineries all over the world. The owner, Lieven is from right here in Washington, DC but as he puts it - he’s a Belgian-born DJ turned bar owner turned fitness entrepreneur, and DC transplant. He is an amazing small business owner and person. That coupled with the fact that you won’t find these bottles in your local grocer or wine and spirits store makes them extra special.

2. Thumbprint Brandy Snifters - For a couple, dad, husband, boyfriend or male co-worker these set of 2 brandy glasses make an amazing gift and they are Tiffany, darling! So classy.

3. Set of 2 Stem Coupes - So dainty and elegant, these stem coupes make beautiful additions to your wine/champagne flute collection. Plus, they pair very well with the wine club membership above.

4. Candles - Such a no-brainer and always a simple yet thoughtful gift. Everyone loves candles, why not treat your loved one with the gift of fragrance to set the mood this holiday season.

5. Caraway Cookware - These make great gifts for the moms or daughters in your life, or for yourself. I got these myself this past Black Friday as my pots and pots were in need of serious overhaul. They have the most fun colors.

6. Cozy Earth Pajamas - If you’ve been reading my blogs for a while, you know of my love for all thing cozyearth. They have the softest, most luxurious and breathable fabrics. I almost have everything in their entire collection. You cannot go wrong with anything they make. I love them so much I give this coupon code to all my family and friends for 40% off their stuff (shh I use it for myself too) code: DR.UNORTHODOC40

7. Yves Saint Laurent Crossbody Bag - Accessories are my favorite statement pieces. I am a jeans and t-shirt with a nice blazer type of girl and a nice purse, jewelry and shoes always tops it off. Make the investment in a nice purse. This is a good one. Pair it with the card wallet too!

8. Cube Molds & Sphere Tray - Great for hubby, dad or a guy friend. I make a mean old fashioned or makers and ginger, hubby loves when I use these in his glass.

9. Designer Sunglasses - Gift me a pair of sunnies any day. They make such a great gift for your bff, sister, mom, dad, hubby, aunt or cousin. Get her chic, fun, classy designer eyewear or cool, sexy sunglasses for him and they’ll love you forever.

10. David Yurman Bracelets - I have a love for Yurman classic pieces, if you haven’t figured that out by now. They are so sophisticated. I love that they look amazing when you mix, match or layer several styles. I personally love pieces from the cable classic collection. These stack well with the oval link bracelet. My husband wears this cable cuff and this spiritual bead bracelet all the time and has them in different colors that he switches out based on the color in his outfit.

11. Square Valet Tray - The Square Valet Tray is a gorgeous addition to any entry table, desk, or vanity. Simply drop your keys or watch in it at the end of the day and trust they will be there when you head out in the morning. Perfect to add to your travel set, this valet tray organizer unsnaps and lays flat so you can easily pack it without bulking up your luggage.

12. Paris Baccarat Rouge 540 - Can’t quite think of anything? my go-to will always be perfume (or cologne for men). This is one of my favs right now and it makes a superb gift. My husband’s fav at the moment is Bleu by Chanel. Smells amazing.

13. 2023 Goal Planner - The gift that keeps on giving all 2023 long! Can be gifted to anyone on your list that is goal oriented and loves writing all their dreams and aspirations down.

14. Men’s Manicure Set - The Men's Manicure Set comes with the accessories he always needs, at home or on the road. Includes cuticle cleaner, small and large nail clippers, scissors, nail file, tweezers. Stainless steel construction. Genuine leather case. Case in brown.

15. Molekule Air Purifier - It’s cold and flue season and the cooties are out in full force. get this air purifier for your home (or office) and have peace of mind that your indoor air is free of all allergens. It’s PECO technology destroys SARS-CoV-2 by over 99% in under 1 hour. I have the air pro in my orthodontics practice. Works like a charm.

16. Foreo ISSA 3 - You knew it was coming, no gift guide is complete without oral care goodies. Gifting great oral hygiene habits is always a great idea.

17. Foreo Luna Mini3 - Self care anyone? I love this brand and have a few of their beauty products. I recently purchased this facial cleanser as i enjoy their gentle but powerful T-Sonic pulsations that deeply cleanse the face and prevent skin problems.

18. Foreo Iris - I got this for myself too recently. It is Ophthalmologist approved as an effective & safe eye care treatment and combines ancient Asian lymphatic-drainage techniques with alternating T-Sonic technology, to refresh & depuff tired eyes, while gently massaging and soothing the eye contour.

There you have it, 18 amazing gift ideas this season. I hope you see something you love for yourself or will gift to someone. Happy holidays! and happy shopping friends. Shop early this year, try to beat the holiday rush and avoid shipping delays.

Electric Toothbrush Round-Up

The holidays are among us and it is a time of year that is for togetherness, family, spreading holiday cheer and gift giving! I have started a tradition of putting together gift guides this time of year. In 2021 these were among the most popular posts on the blog so I am back again with the guides this year. Seeing that I am an Orthodontist, no gift guide of mine is complete without oral care goodies and it just so happens that some of my favorite oral care brands are having major sales this holiday season. I have rounded up a few electric toothbrush options for you and linked them below. Not only are the items up to 50% off but you can save additionally with my coupon codes. Click through for the savings. They make great stocking stuffers!

• Goby - I love Goby’s electric toothbrushes and even carry them in my practice. Every new patient gets a goodie bag with oral care goodies along side a brand new Goby toothbrush. This holiday they are having a great sale on their brush kits. 15% off 2 brush kits, 20% off 3 brush kits. In addition to that you can take an extra $10 off your order with code: UNORTHODOC10. They make great Christmas gifts.

• Foreo - If you missed it, I gave a detailed review of Foreo’s ISSA collection here. It is a swedish beauty brand that has made their way into oral care - they really are a self-care brand in my opinion. Having their products is like taking the spa home with you - all their products are luxurious, high-end, high quality, promotes taking care of your body and are backed by science and technology. I had the pleasure trying their entire line of oral care products, their ISSA collection. The ISSA 3 for adults, the ISSA kids for children ages 5-12yrs and the ISSA baby for ages 0-4yrs. They are having up to 50% off their entire line this holiday season. They make great, luxurious gifts! This link gets you the deals.

• Quip - If you’ve known me for a while you know I really like quip toothbrushes and their super stylish and sleek designs. Quip is a travel essential for me. I keep the quip toiletry bag with quip goodies including an electric toothbrush, tooth paste, floss pick, and mouth wash in my suitcase! They are having 50% off site wide on their toothbrushes.

• Burst - I personally love the rose gold burst products and the sleek design of their toothbrush and water flosser. I recommend these to my patients all the time! They have this really nice berry color that you can only get when you use a code. They are having 50% off right now but you can get an extra $10 off when you use code: SSNQED at checkout.

• Bitvae - Budget friendly electric toothbrush! Bitvae’s electric toothbrush is designed to improve our customers' oral health with smart products accessible to all. The price point is the best in the industry. Use code: 30patrice for 30% off the already low price.

I just love the holidays for all the gift giving and receiving! Did I tell you I gave quip kits as wedding favors? (along with some other really nice things). True story. The dentist in me had to do it.

Happy shopping!

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Foreo ISSA Collection: Luxury For Your Mouth

As a dentist (Orthodontist), I get very excited when I am introduced to any new and revolutionary dental product. Every now and then oral care brands send me items to try, have my patients try and give my feedback. One of these said companies is Foreo (pronounced for-ray-oh).

Foreo is a swedish beauty brand that has made their way into oral care - they really are a self-care brand in my opinion. Having their products is like taking the spa home with you - all their products are luxurious, high-end, high quality, promotes taking care of your body and are backed by science and technology.

I had the pleasure trying their entire line of oral care products, their ISSA collection. The ISSA 3 for adults, the ISSA kids for children ages 5-12yrs and the ISSA baby for ages 0-4yrs. I have been using them for roughly 6 months now and gave my husband, my 10yr old niece and my 16 month old baby each an age appropriate Foreo toothbrush to try as well.

I will go over the key features of each then give my feedback and a surprise at the end so be sure to read all the way through:

FOREO ISSA 3

The ISSA3 is the version for adults. There is also a mini version, which is small and compact and easily fits in your pocket. I like the ISSA mini3 for travel. I throw it in my toiletry bag and take it on-the-go when I am on the road. Key features:

• Manual toothbrush with electric toothbrush benefits

• Sonic pulse technology

• Hybrid wave brush head for teeth, cheeks and tongue

• USB charge that lasts up to 365 days

• Medical grade silicone

• PBT polymer bristles

• 16 speeds/intensities

• Waterproof

TOOTHBRUSH SPECIFICS & IMPRESSIONS

●  4-IN-1 COMPLETE ORAL CARE FOR TEETH, GUMS, CHEEKS & TONGUE

The ISSA3 is designed with an innovative hybrid brush head that offers an invigorating tooth clean and gentle gum massage, as well as a tongue and cheek cleaner on the back. This toothbrush has clinically proven to reduce plaque and improve overall oral health by 140%.

●  16 SPEEDS OF SONIC PULSE TECHNOLOGY

The sonic pulse technology offers 16 speeds/intensities. Basically this means that the toothbrush is offering an effective clean as you manually move it across all the surfaces of your teeth. This makes the ISSA3 the most personalized brushing experience on the market.

●  NATURAL MANUAL GESTURE, ELECTRIC BRUSH RESULTS

Unlike other electric toothbrushes on the market,  ISSA3 does not require you to change your brushing style, it just makes it better, healthier and more effective - so you get all the benefits of an electric toothbrush without any of the extra effort.

●  ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS

In a continued effort to be more eco-friendly, ISSA3 is USB rechargeable, and its innovative Hybrid Wave brush head lasts for up to 6 months before it needs to be replaced (twice as long as other electric toothbrush heads on the market). If you have sensitive teeth, you’ll be happy to know you can also use an ISSA Sensitive brush head made of 100% medical-grade silicone, which lasts up to 1 whole year!

●  SMART SWEDISH DESIGN

The combination of medical grade silicone and PBT polymer bristles makes the Issa3 10,000 times more hygienic than nylon bristled brushes. It is 100% waterproof and free of BPA & phthalates for health and safety. It lasts up to 365 days on a single USB charge, with a travel lock and case for ease on-the-go; and features a built-in timer, and a brush head that lasts up to 6 months before it needs to be replaced for ultimate convenience.

PRICE POINT

The Issa 3 ranges from $139-$189 USD $79-$99 when you use this link to access and take advantage of their Black Friday Sale!

FOREO ISSA KIDS

The ISSA Kids is the version for children between the ages of 5-12yrs old, the period when they are exfoliating teeth (changing from baby teeth to adult teeth) and becoming more independent brushers.

• Designed for kids ages 5-12yrs old

• Sonic pulse technology

• Hybrid wave brush head for teeth, gums and cheeks

• USB charge that lasts up to 265 days

• Medical grade silicone

• 16 speeds/intensities

• Built-in Timer

• Glee and Glum Smile helpers

TOOTHBRUSH SPECIFICS & IMPRESSIONS

• HYBRID BRUSH HEAD & COMPLETE 360° CLEAN

While the toothbrush bristles clan the teeth, the concentric ridges on the back of the brush head clean cheeks and tongue, for a full mouth-clean. Each replaceable brush head lasts up to 6 months.

• SONIC PULSE TECHNOLOGY & BACTERIA-RESISTANT SILICONE

The kids version gives 9,000 pulsations per minute for gentle cleaning and gum massage and is made of ultra-hygienic, medical-grade silicone that is up to 10,000x more hygienic than nylon bristles. 

• LIGHT INDICATORS & EASY CHARGING

Because kids need all the help they can get when it comes to brushing, the indicator light flashes to indicate when to move to a new quadrant of the mouth & when to charge. The toothbrush is charged via USB which makes it convenient to charge anytime, anywhere.

• GREAT HELP FOR PARENTS

ISSA kids is an ideal toothbrush for children aged five and over, rewarding great brushing habits. Along with a built-in timer, it features “Glee” (happy) and “Glum” (sad) face symbols. “Glee” smile symbol comes to life after two minutes of brushing and “Glum” sad face symbol indicates that the little brusher has not brushed for 12 hours. This is an amazing feature to encourage good brushing habits.

PRICE POINT

The cost of the Issa kids is $129 USD $69 during their Black Friday Sale, use this link to access.

FOREO ISSA BABY

The ISSA baby is the baby version and is fantastic for little brushers ages 0-4yrs.

• Designed for kids ages 0-4yrs old

• Sonic pulse technology

• Hybrid wave brush head

• USB charge that lasts up to 240 days

• Medical grade silicone

• 16 speeds/intensities

• Built-in Timer

• Glee and Glum smile helpers

TOOTHBRUSH SPECIFICS & IMPRESSIONS

• SAFE SWEDISH DESIGN

The ISSA baby gives 6,000 delicate pulsations per minute for gentle cleaning  and gum massage; this is gentle enough for even the most sensitive teeth and gum. The indicator light flashes to indicate when to move to a new quadrant of the mouth & when to charge. The long-lasting battery lasts up to 240 days per single charge

• GREAT HELP FOR PARENTS

Thanks to Smile Helpers and two smart Brushing Modes, ISSA baby makes teaching children to brush – fun. ISSA baby is safe and effective: this is the only electric toothbrush for babies to combine silicone bristles with gentle sonic pulsations.

• BEFORE AND AFTER THE 1ST TOOTH

Kids 0-6 months: even before any teeth appear, using ISSA baby will reduce bacteria in the mouth by clearing away food fragments and residue while soothing baby's teething pain.

Kids 6 months through 4 years old: precise cleaning of baby teeth by covering each tooth separately from all angles, while gently massaging sensitive gums to soothe irritation.

PRICE POINT

The cost of the Issa baby is $109 USD $59.95 during their Black Friday Sale when you use this link.

THE VERDICT

I am very impressed with the ISSA Collection for it’s innovation. There is nothing like it on the market. A few of my favorite features are the use of medical grade silicone which makes the toothbrush hygienic, the fact that is is waterproof so that it can be used in the shower, the fact that the brush head only needs changing twice per year and of course, the “Glee and Glum” light up feature for helping kids with healthy brushing habits.

Using the ISSA 3 has not personally changed my brushing habits but has afforded a much better clean than a manual toothbrush due to the sonic pulsations. My niece who’s ben using the ISSA kids loves the fun, vibrant color of her toothbrush, the Glee and Glum smile helper feature and the pulsations. She says it reminds her of getting a cleaning at the dentist. My 16 month old is infatuated with the gentle pulsations and gum massage which I believe is soothing to him as he teethes. It introduces him to an interesting sensation that he has not experienced before. I believe that the pulsations of the ISSA baby toothbrush will help little ones get used to the vibration of the dental hand-piece that will help with alleviating any of the dental anxiety that kids sometimes experience when going to the dentist.

SURPRISE SALE!

I mentioned in the beginning that the ISSA brand is very high end, high quality and is considered a beauty luxury brand. I have several of their products, not only toothbrushes and I enjoy using them for my skincare and self care needs. Because they are so luxurious they make amazing gifts, I know I am grabbing a few items for friends this holiday season. For a limited time they are offering up to 50% off their devices for Black Friday! This is a pretty big deal since their products rarely go on sale. If you’ve been eyeing something from their line, now would be a great time to grab them. Visit the FOREO site using this link to access the sale. This special pricing ends December 4th, 2022.

Increase The Good Bacteria in Your Mouth With Dental Probiotics

Did you know there are over 700 species of both good and bad bacteria that populate our mouths?

Our mouths have a diverse ecosystem of bacteria in it. The key to a healthy mouth is maintaining the right balance of bacteria where the “good” bacteria outnumber the “bad” bacteria. The bad bacteria are largely responsible for creating an acidic environment where they thrive. When your mouth becomes very acidic, demineralization, gum inflammation and cavities occur and when there is an overgrowth of said bad bacteria, plaque and biofilm begin to form.

A healthy population of good bacteria is the key to creating a microbiome that eliminates bad breath, reduces cavities and fights gum inflammation.

BAD BACTERIA

Bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, and hundreds of other species are constantly regenerating and populating the micro crevasses on your teeth and gums. They create a film on your teeth that leads to plaque and tartar. These bad bacteria consume sugar from your food and produce waste in the form of acid and volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). The acid creates cavities and the VSCs cause bad breath.

Lack of brushing, poor quality foods/high sugar, lack of water, and dry mouth can lead to an over-population of bad bacteria.

GOOD BACTERIA

Bacteria such as lactobacillus plantarum, streptococcus salivarius, and others fight the bad bacteria. They keep the bad bacteria population under control and keep the oral microbiome in a healthy state.

When you brush with toothpaste or rinse with an alcohol-based mouthwash, you are essentially sterilizing your mouth and that sometimes this kills both good AND bad bacteria.

Unfortunately, the bad bacteria tends to grow back fast and often over-populate your mouth before the good bacteria has time to fight. (This is why we often hear stories of people who regularly use mouthwash but still have bad breath)

HOW DO YOU IMPROVE your ORAL MICROBIOME?

Dental probiotics are chewable tablets with concentrated amounts of the healthy bacteria that your mouth needs. It is recommended to be chewed once a day before bed (after brushing, flossing and rinsing). The tablets populate your mouth with good bacteria and leaves less opportunity for the bad bacteria to take hold.

By repeating this process on a daily basis, studies have shown that you can truly change the microbiome of your mouth and increase the population of good bacteria while subsequently reducing the population of bad bacteria.

This process is often referred to as Microbiome Rejevenation Therapy or Bacterial Replacement Therapy.

Studies have shown that clinical grade dental probiotics reduce plaque, cavities, gum inflammation and bad breath over brushing and flossing alone. Further, they help improve the upper respiratory immunity in both children and adults.

Some great dental probiotic options are:

ProBiora

The original dental probiotic - brings your oral biome into balance, addressing the cause of most common teeth and gum issues.

Smile Brilliant

The optimal way to build a healthier oral
microbiome and support ear / nose / throat
immunity!

Burst Oral Care

Contains one of the highest concentrations of BLIS K12TM and BLIS M-18TM available. Studies have shown that these probiotic strains support robust oral health.

Great Oral Health

These chewable oral probiotics are vegetarian, gluten-free, sugar-free and lactose-free with natural flavor. They have no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners and carries a unique and patented blend of dental probiotics packed with 7 potent strains of probiotics: the BLIS K12 and BLIS M18, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Reuteri, Lactobacillus Salivarius, Lactobacillus Paracasei, Lactobacillus Thermophilus, and Streptococcus Salivarius.

Father's Day Gift Guide

Father’s day is June 19th this year and since my gift guides have become quite popular I have decided to create one for dad, too. Unlike me, my husband will be celebrating his 2nd Father’s Day this year (our son was born at the end of May). I have to admit, growing up my dad always received the cliché dad gifts from me and my siblings - a tie, mug and cheesy DIY card. I always felt like dads didn’t care much about Father’s day until my husband said otherwise. So here we are! I am rounding up a few amazing gift ideas for the dad/father figure in your life.

1. Packing Cubes - Hey, guys like to be organized too when they travel and if he isn’t hip to these yet he will be! ask me how I know.

2. Bose Speaker - My husband loves his bose speaker and takes it with him on vacation, to outdoor family picnics or to just chill in the backyard. It’s great for having your own little personal jam session. It’s loud enough to feel like you’re having a personal party but quiet enough to not disturb your neighbors or beach/vacation mates.

3. Bose headphones - If you’re hubby/dad is a music lover then he will appreciate great quality headphones. Bose has the best ones.

4. Record Player - Such a fun device to have. When hubby is feeling nostalgic he throughs a record on, grab a glass of whiskey, a cigar and vibe out. Great gift.

5. David Yurrman Bracelets - I have a love for Yurman classic pieces, if you haven’t figured that out by now. They are so sophisticated. My husband wears this cable cuff and this spiritual bead bracelet all the time and has them in different colors that he switches out based on the color in his outfit.

6. Ray-Ban Sunglasses - You can never go wrong with a pair of sunnies. These are such a no-brainer and almost anyone looks great in Ray-Ban aviators.

7. Duffel/Weekender Keep All - Really nice and generous gift for hubby, dad or boyfriend. Great to take on weekend trips or to use as a hospital bag (yes, dads pack a hospital bag too). My husband loves his and uses it for short weekend getaways.

8. Tiffany Whiskey Glasses - These brandy snifters made it on my Christmas gift guide last year and I found similar whiskey glasses. These are really simple yet classy gifts for dad. If he drinks he will love these.

9. Cologne - No brainer if you can’t think of anything super unique. My husband’s fav at the moment is Bleu by Chanel. Smells amazing.

10. UnOrthoDoc Candles - The simplest, most thoughtful gift, imo are candles. Everyone loves them and you can find some really great scented ones around. Obviously I am going to recommend my own candle line - Deboniar and Allure are great for any male figure in your life.

11. Wine Chiller - We are now wine lovers and even recently joined a wine club where we get 3 bottles of specialty wine delivered to us every month. We take a bottle with us to friends homes as gifts, to the rooftop when we want to hang out with a view, on picnics etc. Needless to say, we needed a way to keep our wines chilled on out outings and found these.

12. Wine Club Subscription - Is dad/hubby a winer lover? then get him a wine subscription from sparkle-ist. We joined this wine club recently and are obsessed. We get 3 bottles of specialty sparkling wine each month from small family farms around the world. We are having fun discovering and learning about sparkling wine. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

13. Plush Microfiber Robe - Robes are always a great idea. They are super cozy and make really nice gifts for grandpa, dad, uncle, husband or brother. They’ll be wearing it all year round.

14. Electric Toothbrush - The dentist in me will not allow any gift guide to be complete without oral care goodies. Give dad the gift of good oral hygiene. Any electric toothbrush and water flosser is great, these black ones from Burst are really cool.

I hope you see something you love for dad, that father-figure in your life or for yourself. At the very least I hope this gift guide gives you some inspiration this year. Happy shopping!

Cozy Earth Mother's Day Gift Guide

One of my favorite brands is having a Mother’s Day Sale and I had to share. I was introduced to Cozy Earth several months ago and I kid you not, they have some of the best quality products I have come across in a long time. All their products are made of bamboo! The bamboo is sustainably sourced, pressed, dried, milled and spun into viscose which gives us the softest, most breathable fabrics.

I own their loungewear and it is easily the most comfortable ones I own, I practically live in them. When I am home, the jogger pants and matching pullover are my go to. I also have the kimono robe and some of their bed sheets - they are the softest sheets in my linen closet. My mother (who is of a certain age) has been living with us since my son was born and has taken over the sheets because of how breathable they are. As someone who suffers from frequent hot flashes she is loving the fabric and how cool they keep her during her sleep.

This Mother’s Day I will be getting my mom her own Bamboo sheet set and getting a few items for myself. They are having a 25-30% off sale but my code: DR.UNORTHODOC40 will get you 40% off. I plan on getting another jogger set, lounge socks, crib sheets for baby Braxton and a bath mat.

1. Plush lounge socks - Soft, breathable and moisture wicking fabric, made from viscose from bamboo. Great for lounging around home or to wear on cold flights.

2. Bamboo Joggers - My all time favorite joggers that I wear all the time. They are the most comfortable ones I own. You will love them.

3. Rib-Knit Bamboo Pants - Great for lounging or wearing to run errands.

4. Bamboo Throw Blanket - I always need a throw when I get on the couch to cover my legs. This could be used as a comfortable cover or decor for your sofa.

5. Baby Crib Sheet - I have the bed sheets myself and I think my baby deserves to sleep on soft, breathable sheets too. Will be getting this!

6. Sheet Set or Bedding Bundle - The softest, most comfortable and breathable sheets in my linen closet.

7. Plush Bath Towels - Ultra absorbant, made from 40% viscose and 60% cotton.

8. Plush Wash Cloths - Similar to the bath towels - ultra absorbent, made from 40% viscose and 60% cotton.

9. Short sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set - Rated “softest ever” by Oprah! I am sure this is super soft since it is made of 100% viscose. The shorts and short sleeve top makes it great for the spring and summer months

10. Stretch Knit Bamboo Kimono Robe - I have this and love it! Made of 100% viscose and VERY soft.

As with all the products I review, I personally own some of these and honestly love them. Whether for your mom, mom friend or yourself I am sure you will love these items.

PS: I love partnering with brands whose products and services bear a mission and purpose that I can get behind. This page contains affiliate links and will earn The UnOrthoDoc a small commission if you purchase or sign up to the services. These add no cost to you but helps keep The UnOrthoDoc sustainable. It’s also worth noting that almost all resources mentioned are resources that I have verified and/or personally use. To find more promo codes visit the Resources Page.

My Favorite Mommy Accessory: Tushbaby Carrier

If you’re in my friend circle or follow me on social media, you would know just how much I have been loving my newest mommy accessory, the Tushbaby carrier. I have raved about it since I got it last week.

My baby boy Braxton turned 10 months recently. At his 9 month pediatrician appointment he weighed roughly 25lbs. He is in the 96th percentile in both height and weight for his age. Needless to say, it has been quite the ordeal to hold him for any extended period of time. This is why I was ecstatic when one my company reps and friend told me about tushbaby and how much it helps her carry her little girl around. I got it immediately and have been in love since.

If you have an infant or toddler I’m sure you’ll love this product too. You can actually use it from birth up to 36 months (or 45lbs) and it can be worn in four different ways.

Wearing the TushBaby is very comfortable, and it’s easy to put on. You simply wrap the TushBaby around your body, above the hips, and secure the velcro as well as the buckle. It feels very secure and with the heavy-duty velcro, it’s not going anywhere! Then you simply set your child on the seat. You can place your child in a feeding position, face to face, front facing or side carrying. I mostly carry Brax face to face (he loves laying on mommy’s chest) or side carrying. His weight is more evenly distributed through my back when wearing the carrier than when I simply carry him on my hip. The anti-slip fabric patch on the seat keeps him in place, and keeps his legs in a good, wide position which is important for his hip development.

Four Ways to Wear Tushbaby

When I have him in the carrier, I do need to hold onto him with one arm to make sure he doesn’t tip backwards, but it’s still significantly less difficult than supporting all his weight on my hip and arm.

TushBaby has multiple storage compartments which makes it even more handy! There is a front pocket which is the perfect size for my small wallet, phone and anything you need within easy reach.

There’s another really big pocket underneath the seat where you could store a variety of items. I carry my wallet, keys, a small pack of wipes, a bottle, toys, etc. There’s also a mesh pocket in the back.

In my opinion, TushBaby is a great option for parents with young children! From birth through toddlerhood, it is a product that can serve many purposes and stages.

Quite a number of my friends got the carrier after I raved about it to them, so I left a great review on their website and reached out to the brand for a discount code and they happily obliged. Purchase from TushBaby and use the code UNORTHODOC to save 15% on your order.

Come back and tell me how you like it!

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is different and extra special this year because it will be my first! I always have a lot of fun picking out thoughtful gifts for my mom, sister and mom friends but never have I been on the receiving end of things. I love receiving gifts! (perhaps it’s one of my love languages) and I equally love giving them, so I have rounded up a few gift ideas for the mommas in your life. These items are things that I either have, would want for myself or things that are on my “wishlist.” You might even see something that you want to grab for yourself!

1. The Always Pan - You must’ve seen these all over Instagram, they are all the rave because it’s a do-it-all pan designed to replace eight traditional pieces of cookware. They are also very good looking pans that add a bit of decorative flair to your kitchen. They also come in over 10 colors.

2. David Yurman Bracelets - I love Yurman pieces. They are sophisticated, classy, stylish and I love that they look amazing when you mix, match or layer several styles. I personally love pieces from the cable classic collection. These stack well with the oval link bracelet.

3. Mama Pendant Necklace - Definitely getting this as a gift to myself. I love how dainty and cute it is.

4. Hermes Geta Bag - Summer is coming and I love a great statement accessory, like this Hermes Geta Bag. It is uniquely designed and has the right amount of pop! A bit on the pricey side but makes a great gift. New mommas, if you didn’t get a push present this is it.

5. Chanel Blue Tweed Flap - Again, love a good accessory. The tweed is classy and I love the colors in this purse for Spring. But honestly, any classic Chanel flap is a great gift regardless of color.

6. Baccarat Rouge 540 - Perfume is a no-brainer! Whenever I am in a pinch and can’t think of anything this is always my go-to. In love with this scent from Baccarat at the moment.

7. Satin Pajama Jet - Can never go wrong with a luxe pajama set. I love the animal print on this one but it also comes in a variety of colors.

8. Birdies Slides - Luxury for your feet. These slides are classy, comfy, cute and comes in 2 colors.

9. Electric Toothbrush + Waterflosser - The dentist in me will not allow any gift guide to be complete without oral care goodies. Give mom the gift of good oral hygiene. Any electric toothbrush and water flosser is great but I love the rose gold ones from Burst.

10. UnOrthoDoc Candles - The simplest, most thoughtful gift, imo are candles. Everyone loves them and you can find some really great scented ones around. Obviously I am going to recommend my own candle line - I really do hope you give them a try!

11. Monogrammed Trinket dish - Love these trinket trays for jewelry or as a catch-all for random things like hair pins, hair ties and buttons. They are pretty and will look great on mom’s vanity.

12. Dior lipstick - In addition to diamonds, I believe lipstick s a girl’s best friend! Pair a great lippie with any of the items listed to round out your gift.

13. Amber Champagne Flute - I am in love with these champagne flutes from So Home Collective. The flutes are classy, sophisticated, fun AND is black woman owned. The collection ranges from the classic “The Sunday” flute, to a cute pink, an ultramodern grey to my fav - amber.

14. Designer Sunglasses - Gift me a pair of sunnies any day. They make such a great gift. Get mom a pair of chic, fun, classy designer eyewear and she’ll love you forever. Love these Dior ones.

I hope you see something you love for mom, that mom-figure in your life or for yourself. At the very least I hope this gift guide gives you some inspiration this year. Happy shopping!

How to Balance Work and Parent Life - Tips from Experienced Moms!

This is a guest post by Stephanie Shea

Balancing family and work has become an issue for modern families. It’s overwhelming and stressful, especially when you’re giving more attention to one at the expense of the other. This behavior has led to dysfunctional outcomes like strained family ties, poor physical and mental health, and inefficiency in the workplace.

Balancing these two different aspects of life is therefore essential. The process is daunting but achievable.

Here are tips from experienced moms to get you started.

Prioritize Balance

It’s pretty hard to be everything to everyone. Therefore, making a conscious decision to prioritize work and parent life balance is crucial. Most moms believe you must create opportunities for balance to avoid failing along the way. Making effective decisions about your life will make attaining balance easy, like finding a job that’s not overwhelming or thinking of a family size you can responsibly raise.

Additionally, you can make small changes here and there as your family continues to grow to achieve balance. An excellent example of a small change you can do is requesting flexible hours and reorganizing responsibilities at home.

Talking to your Family

To solve your work versus family conundrum, you’ll need different perspectives. Talking to your family to see how they feel about your work will shed light on their perceptions. They’ll be honest with you and tell you if you’re focusing too much on your work. It will allow you to be aware of areas you need to change. During such moments, try to make them understand your obligations at work.

Having such conversations will make your loved ones feel heard. Plus, they’ll see where you’re coming from as far as your work is concerned. It’s, however, essential to make these conversations constant.

Accept Help

At times, balancing work and parent life becomes difficult. Maybe you’re trying to beat a deadline, which means working till late hours. You’ve already communicated to your family how the situation is at the workplace. It’s now time to bring in help.

Most friends and family are always willing to help. Ensure you seek help from people who can be trusted to do the things you’d normally do. If it's taking your kids to practice or picking them up from school, they should be willing to do them all.

Create Boundaries

It’s essential to establish boundaries between family and work. Boundaries are imaginary lines that protect your work from family distractions while protecting your family from work obligations. It shows what’s acceptable and what isn’t. With clear-cut boundaries, you can easily tell which aspect of your life is not going in favor of your ultimate work-family life balance.

You can make rules like no work-related phone calls at the dinner table or no checking emails on vacations. It’ll make your family feel they are a priority too.

Accepting Work-Family Imbalance Is Inevitable

Are you struggling to balance work and parent life? Don’t beat yourself up; you’ll let your family or work take center stage at times. You can miss a work event when your loved one is sick or miss a couple of dinners to beat a project's deadline.

It’s, however, important not to let this imbalance become the norm. The scale may shift according to the situation at hand. Ensuring the scale moves at the center always should be your top priority any chance you get.

Take Time for Yourself

Taking time off from everything-the work, the family to relax and re-energize. There's no point in pouring from an empty cup. It doesn’t have to be grand; it can be an easy fitness class, following your favorite TV series, or taking a walk to feel the sun over the lunch box. 

Going on vacations is also an excellent idea; check out these designer bags for your next vacation here. When you take good care of yourself, you’ll be better positioned to manage your busy work schedule and take care of your family, achieving a balance in the end.

Wrapping Up!

Trying to balance your work and your parenting life is not easy. There’s no right approach to finding this balance. What works for one family may not work for the other. Every family needs to zero down and find solutions specific to their needs and preference.

People who have made strides to balance between work and family life can sufficiently meet both family and work commitments. Working hard to get ahead in life is what everyone desires, but letting it override every other aspect of your life becomes a challenge. There’s nothing that’ll replace all the missed special family moments.

You can never get them back, so be sure to make time for your family even as you're stomping the workplace. Strive to achieve a balance that works best.

About The Author:

Stephanie Shea is a marketing professional who originally hails from Southeast Asia. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends by visiting various natural landscapes and hanging out on beautiful beaches. Besides nature-tripping, she’s also very passionate about writing quality content that helps in building professional relationships with people and sharing informative insights to various audiences interested in different types of topics.

Mental Health Toolkit for Winter 2022

Original article by Natalie Foster of Mindfully Well Rooted.

There are many times in the year when our mental health comes under fire with challenges. Challenges that come from every direction of life. Those challenges can come from motherhood, from marriage, the comments people say, from work, and the list goes on. These reasons alone and so many more for every black woman, are why it is so critical to have a mental health toolkit. A mental health toolkit is a necessary resource that is specifically designed to support mental wellbeing throughout the year. 

What Is A Mental Health ToolKit?

A mental health toolkit is a group of resources designed to bring you comfort in times of mental stress. A mental health toolkit can also be referred to a mental health survival guide. This collection of resources helps keep you grounded, calm, and redirects focus to positive situations in your life. When creating a mental health toolkit, it is best to lean into incorporating specific resources. Resources that help you maintain a happier and healthier version of yourself throughout the year. The components of a mental health toolkit are meant to help manage mentally stressful conditions, reduce the severity of mental illness symptoms, and boost overall mental well-being. A mental health toolkit is not meant to stay the same. There are periods of life that lead to evolution and change. So as the circumstances of your life change so does your mental health toolkit. 

What Led Me To Create A Mental Health ToolKit

I have had a long-standing history of mental health disorders since the age of 11. I continuously struggled through much of my adolescence and young adulthood with a range of mental health issues. Those range from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and suicidal ideation. During this particular time frame, there were certain circumstances that escalated my mental health issues. That is when I would usually turn to alcohol, marijuana, and or promiscuity to numb the pain of the mental pressure I was dealing with. Eventually I realized the mechanisms I was turning to only worsened my mental illnesses.

During my experience with cognitive behavioral therapy, I asked my therapist if I could possibly go any lower. From there, my therapist asked me since I felt this way, what healthy coping mechanisms did I enjoy? She made me aware that I deserved happiness. I could do so by implementing those mechanisms when I felt myself entering a mentally stressful moment. She simply dubbed those mechanisms as a mental health toolkit. She informed me that a mental health toolkit will create a positive foundation for me to redirect my mind while engaging in positive mechanisms. In spring 2019, I started discovering resources to support my mental wellness.

The Foundation of My Mental Health ToolKit

Over the course of the past 2 years, I have leaned into specific resources. Resources that will help me to maintain a mentally healthier version of myself. After a significant amount of trial and error, I found that my particular preference of resources include the five senses. Having a resource from each of the five senses, mentally works for me. I have grown to nurture this approach for the past two seasons of fall and summer. I have found that taking this approach with the five senses allows me to have variety in the tools I engage in. Having five broad areas I can pull from gives me the freedom of knowing that I can always change a tool when it longer improves my mental wellbeing. 

I use tools that stimulate each of the five senses

What's In My Mental Health Toolkit?

The purpose of what is in my mental health survival guide is to help me recall or imagine joyful moments. These joyful moments are brought on while engaging in activities that I thoroughly enjoy. Having these specific mental health tools have prevented me from reaching the point of a mental health crisis.

Sight

I incorporate the sense of sight into my mental health toolkit by either reading a book/magazine or opening up my affirmation coloring book. Being able to read takes me away to different settings within the books where I am able to connect. I often imagine what the fictional characters or nonfictional people did outside of what was presented in the books/magazines. While I color, my mind focuses on precise strokes of my crayons and pencils. It's a form of a calming experience for me that I recommend as a mental health gift. Some of my favorite books to read are The Alchemist, Set Boundaries Find Peace, and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck. Plus a few of my favorite adult coloring books are Color My Melanin: Affirmation Coloring Book and Uplifting Aspirations.

Smell

The act of lighting candles and then letting the amazing aroma permeate the room, is how I incorporate smell into my mental health toolkit. Smelling the aroma from candles truly helps me to ease any stress that I may be having. There are certain scents that remind me of a particular place or a specific time. That place and or time in my life is usually when something positive occurred in my life. I have been a fan of using candles in my mental health toolkit for the past two years. My favorite candles to burn in my home include UnOrthoDoc Candle Co., Public Goods, the Harlem Candle Co.

Touch

Holding onto a soft weighted blanket has been the way I incorporate touch into my mental health toolkit. I also like to pull out my childhood teddy bear to hold onto for some extra plushness. The weight of a soft weighted blanket offers a therapeutic touch that mimics a comforting hug for me. The type of comforting hug my husband and dad gives me. Speaking of my dad, he bought me a teddy bear when I was about five years old. I have held onto that bear ever since because of the pleasant memories it me. However, if you are looking for your own weighted blanket, I recommend the Room Essentials Sherpa Blanket, Baloo Throw Blanket, and the Bearaby Cotton Napper

Taste

One of the best ways for me to incorporate taste into my mental health toolkit is to eat some sweet and savory snacks. It is known that the types of food we consume play a vital role in not only our physical health but our psychological health as well. This is why I tend to stick to eating things that are good for my mental wellbeing. I love to eat some strawberries and grapes along with some roasted almonds and pistachios! The taste of these foods immediately make me feel great! I tend to shop at Publix, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s for my fave mental wellness snack!

I incorporate the sense of hearing into my mental health toolkit using two tools. Hearing is incorporated by either playing the piano and or listening to music. I started playing the piano when I was seven years old. Honestly I used to despise it. However, now that I am much older and in the world of adulthood, I have grown to appreciate the talent I have. These past two years, I have been playing the piano to improve my craft and escape in the melody of the music.

I also escape while I am listening to some of my favorite genres of music on my record player. Music is oftentimes a powerful way to bring mental stability into your world. A quick dance session happens a majority of the time when I listen to music as well. The piano I am currently playing is Williams Legato III Keyboard and a few of the records in current rotation are Michael Jackson Thriller , The Isley Brothers, and John Coltrane.

The circumstances of life are constantly changing. Oftentimes those changes challenge our mental health and wellbeing throughout the year. That is why it is so important to have a mental health toolkit to turn to in those times. Using that toolkit outside of those times, is just as critical to keep the mind at ease before stressful situations arrive in life. I encourage you to build your own mental health toolkit. Be intentional in what you choose to include in your toolkit. In addition, incorporate it into your life on a daily basis and not only when a mental health crisis arrives. If you need inspiration on how to create a mental health toolkit, I highly suggest you visit the following websites: Plus if you know anyone who needs something new to put in their mental health toolkit may I suggest checking out my Mental Health Gift Guide.

Let me know in the comments what you have decided to put in your mental health toolkit for this season!

To find these items and purchase them visit my LTK Shop at https://www.shopltk.com/explore/MindFULLyWellRooted**

**This post contains affiliate links and I receive a commission if you visit a link and make a purchase. There is no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products and services that I trust.

Meet Natalie

Natalie Nicole Foster is the blogger and content creator behind MindFULLy Well Rooted. On her blog and social media platforms she uses both her faith journey and life managing mental illness to propel other women forward to build a relationship with Christ and prioritize their own mental wellness. In addition, she encourages other women to manage all the various hats as mothers, wives, and everything else in between. Natalie Nicole is a stay at home mom of two boys and a wife to her husband of nearly three years. They live in the beautiful city of Charlotte where they enjoy the outdoors, family events, and so much more!

How to Smash Your Goals in 2022

The years 2020 and 2021 taught us a lot about uncertainty, to the point where now we probably have gotten used to plans changing on a whim or at least a bit more comfortable with variability. Nevertheless, the beginning of a new year is a hopeful time. It is often a time where we daydream and envision our ideal future and motivate ourselves to turn our vision of this future into reality by smashing our goals.

My method of goal setting remains the same, but I wanted to add a few specifics this time around:

1.START WITH A YEAR REVIEW 

I know this might seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth your time. Don’t stress, just be honest with yourself. If you had a planner last year, just look back through the months and assess everything without judgment. The easiest way to do this review is by answering these 5 questions: 

1. Identify 3 to 5 things that made you proud from 2021

2. If you set goals for 2021, how far did you get?

3. Identify what worked well, what didn’t work and why

4. Are there things you would like to improve, start or stop doing?

5. What are some of the lessons you learned last year that you want to keep moving forward?

2. PRIORITIZE YOUR GOALS

Now that you’ve done your review, identify the top priority areas that you want to work on whether it is career, finances, health, relationships, etc. It could be all of the above, but pinpoint specific things in each category to work on. Remember, this is not about anyone else but you.

3. WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN

A sure way to make things happen is to write it down. It sounds strange, but there is enormous power in putting things down on paper, and according to research you become 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams when it’s written. I always keep a physical (paper) planner even though I use the planner on my smartphone as well. If you’re in need of a planner, you can find one here.

4. MAKE YOUR GOALS S.M.A.R.T.E.R

So how exactly do you set intentions that you will actually stick to? Be SMART about it. You’ve heard me speak on setting smart goals here and here. But this year, I want us to be SMARTER.

Before you set a goal, first figure out your “why.” By figuring out and articulating the reason you want to achieve something you are more likely to remain motivated to stick to it.

S - Small and Specific: What do you want to do?

M - Measurable : How will you track your progress?

A - Attainable: How will you do it?

R - Relevant: Is this relevant to your life right now?

T - Timely: When do you want to do it?

E - Evaluate: How is it going?

R - Readjust: How can you make it better?

5. Build a system around ACHIEVing YOUR GOALS

This is where we sometimes lose focus. We may know what goal(s) we want to accomplish and at this point they are intentions, but the steps in how to accomplish them might get blurry, so we need to turn them into action.

6. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS, REFLECT AND RE-CALIBRATE

Resist the urge to freestyle your goals and actually check your progress as you go along. At the end each month, take time out to analyze what you have achieved, what you failed to achieve and how to improve on this. Journaling as you go along and circling back at the end of each month can really help you to stay on track.

7. ADJUST TO LIFE’S LEMONS

Life gets in the way and can derail you. Things such as illness, family commitments, work, life emergencies etc can impact your goals. Take note of these things and adjust as you proceed. 

8. ASK FOR HELP

Lastly, get an accountability partner. Have a friend or loved one you can lean on  for moral support and encouragement, you will need it from time to time. If you need specific help, reach out to those who can offer any guidance or assistance. The internet and social media is a great way to make connections.

Bonus: Be your own D**n Cheerleader and eliminate self doubt. Figure out what keeps you motivated and inspired. I love quotes! I keep them everywhere - my phone’s wallpaper, sticky notes around the house, on my desk at work, on the bathroom mirror, etc. I listen to music, books and podcasts that are uplifting. I tolerate no negativity and try to stay away from it at all costs.

Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish. By breaking down your goals into bite-sized, manageable actions and writing them down, setting goals and intentions for the new year that you can actually stick to becomes a much easier process.

Grab your planner and let’s smash our 2022 goals! Remember, a sure way to make things happen is to write it down.

Hospital Bag Packing List

I have been meaning to write this post for several months now. For a minute I thought it wasn’t necessary since I delivered my baby 5+ months ago but after receiving a few direct messages on Instagram asking what I included in my hospital bag I decided to just go ahead and put it together. So, this is for the mama’s to be who will be delivering their little bundle of joy in the near future and just want a little clarification on the necessities. It was really fun reminiscing on those preggo days getting ready for when the inevitable contractions would hit but I should mention that you really don’t need much at the hospital. They have EVERYTHING that you actually “need” – and they have plenty of it! But there are a few things that might be nice to bring to make the hospital feel a little more comforting. With that in mind, let’s get into what my hospital bag looked like!

My Hospital Bag

When packing for the hospital, first just think of it like you’re packing to go on a little trip for a few nights. Mentally go through what you’d want to have while away from home. This would include basic things like your wallet (and insurance information), a change of clothes, PJ’s and anything you would like to have to freshen up! Don’t overthink it!

I used my away Away carry-on as my hospital luggage because it’s easy to roll around, lightweight and perfect for the things I needed without having to purchase another bag. I have it in aluminium. I used one side for my stuff and the other side for baby Braxton’s stuff.

Packing list For Mom

I will say again, the hospital has everything you need so you could honestly show up empty handed and be fine. But, there are some things that are nice to have for your own comfort and others that are pretty self explanatory. I will list everything I packed below because I know how helpful it can be. I know I wanted this list when I was in your shoes!

The Basics

• Toiletries - This is a no-brainer. Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair brush, hair ties and anything else you would put in your toiletry bag. Some hospitals might have a few of these and a blow dryer if you need it but in my opinion you won’t have time or even be thinking about washing your hair after baby arrives.

• Glasses, contacts, contact solution – I recently had Lasik so I no longer need these but at the time of my delivery I couldn’t see a thing without my glasses (or contacts), so I was sure to grab those before leaving the house.

• Cleansing Wipes – I was in labor for about 11 hours and felt icky throughout. You don’t need it, but wipes came in handy for me to wipe the sweat away.

• Night gown – I absolutely love this night gown and even still wear mine from time to time. It has buttons down the front that make it easy to breastfeed. Keep in mind that you might want something with easy snaps/buttons so you can breastfeed or pump (if that’s what you’re wanting to do).

• Robe – You don’t absolutely need one but hospitals tend to be a bit cold. If you’re cold-natured like me a robe may help keep you warm and cozy. You’re gonna need all the TLC you can get post delivery.

• Slippers/Flip Flops – You may want to venture out of your room to get snacks, ice or simply go for a walk. You can even use it in the shower. I personally didn’t like standing in the hospital’s shower barefoot.

• Post-partum underwear – The hospital has mesh underwear that you wear over your post-partum pads (so sexy). Your regular underwear will not fit over those pads. I personally preferred my Frida mom post-partum undies as they were full coverage and comfortable. They came as part of the Frida mom post-partum kit. If that’s not your jam these high-waisted ones are quite nice and secure. I wore these a couple days after being home.

• Nursing Bras – I got a pack from amazon and they were great. I got some others that were very similar and wore them for several months post-partum.

• Nipple cream – The hospital will have some but you might want to bring your own just in case. I didn’t end up using it much in the hospital; but really needed it once I got home.

• Phone charger with a long cord to keep your phone charged. You and dad will be taking lots of pictures and videos of your little bundle.

• Snacks – If you have favs it’s helpful to pack them. The hospital where I gave birth had really good food and snacks so I didn’t need to pack my own. I remember being extremely hungry after delivery so you will want to eat!

• Going home outfit & shoes – Pack a going home outfit that would fit your 4-6 month baby bump (if you can remember that). You will still have a pooch post delivery so pack accordingly.

Post-partum

As far as postpartum things like pads and peri bottle, I really feel like that’s unnecessary since the hospital will give you plenty! They truly do have everything you need. Nevertheless I still packed the Frida mom kit that comes with a nursing gown, socks, peri bottle, ice maxi pads, disposable underwear, perineal foam and a few other things. I used up all the items given to me by the hospital (I even had more left over for when I got home). I depleted this before using the items from my Frida mom kit. I especially loved how soothing the Ice Maxi pads and perineal foam were.

Packing list For Baby

Once again, the hospital has and will give you everything you need. However, I felt better taking baby’s own things to use. Here’s all I packed for Braxton:

• Receiving blankets/swaddles - I really love these swaddles and so did Braxton! A lot of fun colors to choose from this brand. We still use this personalized blanket and it is Braxton’s favorite.

• Newborn diapers and wipes - You will get more than enough diapers at the hospital but if there is a brand hat you love take those with you. I loved the Dyper brand as well as Huggies for both diapers and wipes.

• Pacifiers & Pacifier Clips - Your baby has entered a whole new world and might be fussy so pacifiers can he helpful to soothe. Braxton was particular fussy after his first shots.

• Baby formula - My milk production wasn’t the best at the hospital so as to not have Braxton starve I supplemented with formula. Pack some just in case, you never know! The hospital does have these however so If you don’t pack some and end up needing it you will be taken care of.

• Infant car seat - You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without an infant car seat. Have your significant other bring this to the hospital room with you on the day of discharge. The doona is great as it is an all-in-one stroller and car seat.

• 1-2 going home outfits – Make sure it’s an outfit with legs so baby can fit in a car seat. If you have room, maybe pack a few different sizes? The outfits we brought for Braxton were HUGE on him.

• Socks for keeping baby’s feet warm.

• Hat – To keep baby’s head warm. You will get some at the hospital but sometimes you want your own.

Packing list For Dad

Since Dad will be in the hospital just as long as you are, make sure he packs a bag too! He just needs his usual toiletries, some clean clothes and underwear, and then a going-home outfit. Plus, the usual things like wallet, phone charger, etc. Reggie mostly wore sweatpants and comfy clothes while we were at the hospital so that he could stay as comfortable as possible. Here’s his list:

• Lounge clothes for wearing around the hospital

• Toiletry bag with toiletries- toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush and perhaps a razor for beard/head trimming.

• Underwear and pajamas

• Robe, Slippers/slides for wearing around the room

• Going home outfit and shoes

• Phone charger, wallet

• Headphones – not necessary but might be nice for him to have for those moments when mommy and baby are asleep.

• Blanket & Pillow – The couch/bed they put your husband on isn’t great and it might be nice for him to have his own blanket and a pillow. These are not necessary but adds a layer of comfort.

If you’re a mom to be, rest assured that everything will be fine! If you don’t have the things on this list that is totally okay because the hospital will have it all. Wishing you a safe delivery and a speedy recovery period.

2021 Ultimate Gift Guide

The holidays are upon us, which means it’s gifting season! I love getting gifts for my loved ones, whether for friends, family, co-workers, staff/team at the office. There’s something special about gift giving around the holidays that give me the warm and fuzzies. Maybe, it’s the feeling of thanksgiving for me. An ode to getting through yet another year together. Or, maybe it’s the spirit of the season that makes you feel generous and giving. Either way, I love giving them as much as I enjoy receiving them and as such have compiled a list of great gifts that you can share with your loved ones. Some of these I have, will be gifting or are on my wish list. If I had more time I would have totally broke these down into several categories, but consider this my Ultimate Gift Guide.

1. Lily & Bean Hettie Mini Bag - Great gift for your bff, mom, wife or girlfriend. I love that you can personalize it with your initials and, if you glance really quickly it sort of resembles an Hermes mini Kelly Sellier. By all means, get her the mini Kelly if you can but if a $13K gift is not quite in your budget right now, this certainly gets my vote.

2. Thumbprint Brandy Snifters - For a couple, dad, husband, boyfriend or male co-worker these set of 2 brandy glasses make an amazing gift and they are Tiffany, darling! So classy.

3. Double Heart Tag Pendant - So dainty and elegant, this necklace makes a really special gift for your sister, daughter, niece, mom or even your staff/ team. I gifted Tiffany necklaces to my team one year and they absolutely loved them.

4. Candles - Such a no-brainer and always a simple yet thoughtful gift. Everyone loves candles, why not treat your loved one with the gift of fragrance to set the mood this holiday season.

5. Mama pendant necklace - for the moms in your life, or for yourself. This one is very cute, I might even get it for myself.

6. Edge Wine Glasses - I love a good wine glass set and these are so unique and fun. Switch it up a bit from the traditional glass and gift these to your friend or relative that’s always hosting. Choose from a variety of shapes and sizes.

7. Duffel/Weekender Keep All - Really nice and generous gift for hubby, dad or boyfriend. Great to take on weekend trips or to use as a hospital bag. My husband loves his and uses it for short weekend getaways.

8. Plush Microfriber Robe - Robes are always a great idea. They are super cozy and make really nice gifts for grandpa, dad, uncle, husband or brother. They’ll be wearing it all year round.

9. Electric Toothbrush kit - You knew it was coming, no gift guide is complete without oral care goodies. Gifting great oral hygiene habits is always a great idea.

10. Ionic Facial Steamer - Because, self care. Add this to your skin care routine or gift it to a beauty lover and thank me later.

11. Paris Baccarat Rouge 540 - Can’t quite think of anything? my go-to will always be perfume (or cologne for men). This is one of my favs right now and it makes a superb gift.

12. 2022 Goal Planner - The gift that keeps on giving all 2022 long! Can be gifted to anyone on your list that is goal oriented and loves writing all their dreams and aspirations down.

13. Wood and Marble Cheeseboard - For the hostess with the mostest! A great gift for mom, sister, aunt, your neighbor, girlfriend or anyone who loves to host.

14. Cigar and Whiskey Gift Set - Nice gift for dad, hubby or an uncle who is a cigar and brown type of guy. It can even be personalized. Such a classy gift for him.

15. 6 Piece Personalized Packing Cubes - A very useful gift for a mom, sister, aunt or girlfriend who is frequently on the go and loves a bit of organization. I personally love my packing cubes! What was I doing before them?

16. Designer Sunglasses - Gift me a pair of sunnies any day. They make such a great gift for your bff, sister, mom, aunt or cousin. Get her chic, fun, classy designer eyewear and she’ll love you forever.

17. Leather Money Clip Wallet - This reasonably priced wallet can be gifted to any male in your life whether its grandpa, dad, brother, husband or co-worker. They will love it.

18. Classic Trio Makeup Brush Set - I can only think of one person in my life that would love and appreciate these exquisite makeup brushes: my sister. Gift this luxe set to the beauty-lover in your life.

There you have it, 18 amazing gift ideas this season. I hope you see something you love for yourself or will gift to someone. Happy holidays! and happy shopping friends. Shop early this year, try to beat the holiday rush and avoid shipping delays.