How is it November already? Time seems to pass faster as I get older, but I’m sure my kids think the days have been dragging since school started at the end of August.
This is the time of year when many bloggers publish their holiday gift guides. I enjoy perusing them for ideas, although I’d be lying if I said I was looking for gift ideas. I’m usually looking for things for me!
I considered making this month’s Love List a holiday gift guide, but that’s not what these lists are about. My Love Lists are things that I love, and that I think you may like as well. Maybe one or two would make a good gift for someone on your list, but I give you permission to shop solely for yourself. There’s still plenty of time to buy for others – why rush the holidays?
1. Plum Paper Designs planner
I am ridiculously excited about my new planner; I actually carry it around the house and caress it at least once a day. While I keep my calendar on my phone, I like pen and paper for to-do lists, projects, and any other things I need to remember or keep track of. However, this resulted in pieces of paper all over the house. Now it’s all consolidated in my beautiful personalized planner, which I found at Plum Paper Designs on Etsy.
You can personalize the outside of the planner with your name or initals and your choice of covers. Inside, you get month tabs, a month view, weekly spreads, and pages for notes. There are many options to satisfy all the slightly anal organizers, including ones for students and families. It’s not as cheap as the planners you can pick up at Staples, but it’s also not as expensive as some fru fru ones I found online. And the joy it gives me every time I look at it makes it worth every penny.
2. Raise.com
I have used a gift card buy and sell website in the past, but after it shut down I never found another. Raise.com is a good one. You can sell unwanted gift cards (in any amount); I sold a $15 Cold Stone Creamery gift card for the price I chose ($13.50), and after Raise’s commission and shipping, I netted $10.48. It’s not big money, but it’s better than an unused gift card sitting in your drawer. You can buy gift cards too, at discounts ranging from 1% to over 12%. I like to register for brand alerts so I know when a new card is available. Gift cards can be physical or e-vouchers, which means you can check out Raise before you shop online and possibly score a discount.
If you refer a friend, you can get $1.00 to use towards a gift card purchase. You can check out the site using my friend link and bring my available funds up to a whopping $11.48.
3. Smile Actives teeth whitener
I’ve used the Crest Whitening strips before, but after a few uses my teeth and gums were too sensitive to continue. This whitening pen is much better, since you “paint” the whitening gel right onto your teeth and no gel touches the gums. Paint the top teeth, wait two minutes while making a weird grimace to keep that top lip out of the way, and then paint the bottom teeth. That’s it. It works – my teeth are not blindingly white, but they are pretty white for a two cup a day coffee drinker. I use it once or twice a day for two weeks, and then stop until I notice I need it again.
No before and after photos, but check out my new pic over on the sidebar. Pretty white, huh? Now if only they made unwrinkle pens…
You can find a single pen at Amazon, but I bought mine from QVC – you get a set of two pens for less money per pen. Then when your daughter steals one pen, you still have one left.
4. Jus by Julie juice cleanse
I’ve been wanting to give this a try for awhile. Why? I have no idea; I’m certainly not a masochist. But after four days of heavy eating in New Orleans, I thought a three day juice cleanse would be a good detox. Jus by Julie was recommended by my friend Mimi, and it was on Groupon, so it was the perfect time to give it a try.
It was effective, and the juices were better than they look. If you are considering a cleanse, definitely check it out. Peek on Groupon too; it’s often offered there for a little less.
I did not love this cleanse, but it’s on my Love List because if you want to try a juice cleanse, I recommend it without hesitation. I did lose about three and a half pounds (which I’ve already found), but I would not do a cleanse to lose weight. Do it if you want to detox from unhealthy eating, or as the start of a more healthy eating plan. There’s a one day cleanse as well, and a five day one which I think is insane. One piece of advice if you try it: pick a time when you will be home for meals. Sitting at lunch with girlfriends while I sipped on my “Sweet Spin” was less than ideal.
Disclaimer: These are my own unprofessional opinions; a juice cleanse may not a healthy option for everyone. If you have any concerns about doing one, consult your doctor.
5. Josie Maran Cheek Gelée
I have always used a powder blush, until I noticed that the powder settles into fine lines for a decidedly unflattering look. I didn’t want the heavy cream blush like my grandmother used to wear, though. This cheek gelée is perfect. It looks like clown makeup in the jar, but it goes on sheer and gives a nice color to the cheeks that stays put for the day. It lasts forever, too. I’ve had the jar in the photo for over a year.
I hope you found something to love on the list this month, but if you didn’t, check out my Super Huge Love List with every item I’ve ever included on it!
What are you loving this month? If you’re a blogger with a holiday gift guide, tell me about it!
I’ve always been afraid to try teeth whitener since Ross on Friends over did it and his teeth glowed in the dark. LOL! I don’t blame you for selling the Coldstone card. I think that’s a place either you love or hate. I think the taste doesn’t match the price. It’s just okay but cost like a million dollars for a small.
I know, and I prefer Baskin Robbins anyway. James was happy to have the cash instead, and I was happy to not have the calories settle on my hips.
ohhhh, I’m super intrigued about the teeth whitening pen and the gel blush, and I never heard of raise.com but it’s BRILLIANT! Whoever thought of that is genius.
I was also told by a makeup artist Nordstrom’s lady not to use powder blush for that same reason. I bought some cream blush, but I like the sound of your gel blush too.
I thought the gel blush was a little lighter than the cream blush, so I gave it a shot. I’ve even used it on my lips in a pinch!
Raise.Com.
What a cool site.
Did you know that billions of dollars are not used on gift cards each year. WTH?
I believe it. That’s why sites like Raise are so great. Most people would rather have $20 in cash than $25 in a gift card they will never use, right?
I love these, Dana…especially your juicing idea. I can’t do a detox right now because I’m pregnant but I do make my own mix of fruits and veggies in my nutrininja daily now that we have one. I use it as a way to get a lot of the vitamins I need. I would have to say I’m loving our new Ninja right now. 🙂
I have a Ninja too – it’s awesome, isn’t it?
Have never heard of raise.com! That is GENIUS. thanks for the tip!
You’re welcome, Nina!
I am so far out of the loop I had no idea people are posting their gift wish lists in November! Where do I sign up for that??? That cheek gelee is going to haunt me in my dreams tonight. How is it possible that you can not know that you so badly need something? 🙂 I love, love, love the site’s design and feel, by the way (just imagine how long it’s been since my last visit). I, too, should drop by more often. I think that this is the first time in about a month, that I’ve read a blog post 🙂 xo
Well, I am honored that it is mine! I can only imagine how busy you are, Katia. I do see quite a few gift lists, mostly on parenting blogs. I prefer to keep my lists completely self-centered. 🙂
I have honestly been wanting to try a juice cleanse, so I appreciate you recommending one! And I love the idea of Raise.com…FABULOUS! Off to check it out right now! :)-Ashley
If you try it, let me know what you think, Ashley. Unless you hate it. Then I didn’t tell you about it at all…
I love me a good planner! That sounds like a pretty cool site where you can exchange gift cards. I think it is totally brilliant that you linked all your love lists in one category so people can refer to them. Brilliant!
Thank you Tara. Organization is one of my strong points. 🙂 I don’t like scrolling through tons of posts in a category, so I thought a comprehensive list would be useful. Thanks for noticing!
We have cardswap but I think it might just be a Canadian thing. It sure beats that awkward “Ummm thanks for the $50 gift card but I don’t need fifty dollars worth of birdseed” or something stupid like that.
I’m also head over heels in love with planners. I say worth it!!!
I just googled cardswap – it does look similar to Raise.com. And I’m with you – a good planner is worth it!
These are great ideas! Although I now keep almost everything organized digitally (thank you Dropbox, Excel spreadsheets, and Google calendar), the personalized planner is tempting. There’s something about physically writing things down that appeals in a deeper way. (and, when is the next meeting of the anal organizers club?)
It’s next Thursday – write it in your planner! 😉 I agree about writing things down. Crossing things off my list is also much more satisfying than deleting them with a push of a button.
Great list and I think I am definitely getting one of those planners….love! I’ve never done a Holiday Gift Guide on the blog, but maybe I will do one this year…=)
Jennifer
I think they are really fun to read. I just decided to stick with my regular Love List though. I have enough trouble coming up with a gift list for the people I have to shop for; I can’t handle making one for all of blogland!
I love this list! It’s like your version of Oprah’s favorite things, only better. Dana’s Favorite Things! Will you be giving away cars anytime soon? 😉
That would get me lots of blog traffic, wouldn’t it? My favorite things are just a tad more affordable than Oprah’s, but not as fun!
Oh, I’ve been wanting to try the Josie Maran Cheek Gelée!
It is excellent. I’m so glad I gave it a try!
This is an awesome list. I’m glad you kept it for products you love, because this is pretty much the only way I decide how to buy things these days – on the recommendation of someone I know who uses and loves. Love your comment about the clown makeup. And yes, i have noticed that my blush gets in those lines too!
I had no idea you could sell back gift cards! Thanks for giving me that hint. I’ll have to sort through my drawer and see if I can sell something. I’ll definitely use your friend link if I do!
Thanks, Alexa! I rely on recommendations a lot too. I’m glad the list is helpful 🙂
I love the planner and am definitely getting one for myself. Thanks for the link to your Super Huge Love List – I went back and checked out the ones I had missed and have already but a number of the items in my Amazon cart for Hanukkah/Christmas gifts!
Yay! That makes me happy, Mo. I’m that girl who responds to someone saying “I like your ____” with “You can get it here and it will cost you x dollars.” So now I do it on my blog!
I love your love list. It totally makes me think of YOU! The gift card thing is awesome. Although I do tend to spend mine.. like.. instantly. I’m bad like that.
I’d love to try the teeth whitener! I haven’t whitened in ages, but I remember my dentist did it. It was expensive and it hurt and it didn’t even last.
You’re so awesome Dana. I have so so many gift cards that I haven’t used. One is for $75 to some restaurant in downtown DC. It’s like 7 years old though so maybe worthless by now. Sigh. I’ll most definitely check that site out!! And yeah, I hear you about the blush. And the foundation. They gather in the cracks.
I’ve thought about a cleanse, but have never done one. I like that blush, too. 🙂
The cleanse wasn’t fun, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I won’t be rushing to do it again, even though I quickly fell off the clean eating wagon!
Ooh, Raise.com sounds great! I have had on several occasions received gift cards from places that I don’t shop. Usually I regift them, but this is a nice alternative 🙂
It really is. And you can save a few bucks on buying gift cards too. I wish I had come up with that business plan – brilliant!
So excited to learn about Raise.com! Thank you Dana. Now to find those unused gift cards in all the very messy drawers… 🙂
Great list of things you love – thank you for sharing. Going to definitely try that cheek gelee!
Happy to share, Nicki! You could make a nice sum if you have a bunch of gift cards, and then buy one you really want. And that cheek gelee is pretty awesome!
What a great idea for the gift cards. Not gonna lie – I have re-gifted gift cards more than once but this seems like a good solution.
Yes, especially when it’s a hard one to regift. James got a few for his bar mitzah which were random (and probably re-gifts), so I sold them for him and gave him the cash.
I have a few gift cards laying around here that I’d love to offload. It sounds like Raise.com might be a good spot to do that at!
I am planning a holiday gift guide. I am really excited about the brands and companies I’m working with. I think most of my readers will love the product too, which makes it even more fun!
I’m looking forward to reading it, NJ! I started a Gift Giving board on Pinterest just so I could pin everyone’s great guides.
My dear, you are lovely and don’t need an anti-wrinkle pen. You might think you do, but you are lovely and smiley and as much as your spirit, your pics always make me feel tremendously warmly towards you – you have a very open and welcoming face and I always want to smile back at you.
Lizzi, that was the sweetest thing to say! Thank you so much. I’m so glad you feel that way. And you know what? I resisted the urge to edit any of my new photos. You only see the lines when I smile, but why hide them? They are there because of all the smiles I’ve had in my life, and I want to remember that.
Good 😀 That’s the spirit. That’s what I want for myself, too – smile lines. I’m working on them 🙂
Okay, I’m definitely checking out the juice cleanse. I’m leaving for Florida on Thursday – anniversary trip and I will need a detox when we get back – for sure!!!!
How fun – have a great time, Allie! If you try the detox, let me know what you think.
As a fellow planner and list maker, your first item is on my love list too. They are one of my favorite shops and I have it bookmarked because I’m nuts about planners! Now if only I had the funds to finally launch my line of planners!
Your own line – how cool! I’m so in love with my planner; it was worth every penny. And I just couldn’t wait until the new year to get it, so I had it made as an Oct 2014- Dec 2015 book. So happy.
I just joined Raise. I think I have some gift cards from the holidays last year that I never used!
And now you can have some cash in your pocket instead!
I am so checking out Raise.com as I totally have a few unused gift cards and could most definitely use the money more. Thanks Dana 😉
Janine, I thought about teachers when I first found this site. They get so many gift cards from students, and I’m sure many are not ones that they want. It’s nice to have another option.
You should definitely keep these lists all about YOU and what you love. There are enough gift guides out there for sure!! And I’m LOVING that planner!!! I also love the teeth whitening pen since mine are too sensitive for the strips as well. Thanks for another great list Dana!
That planner makes the Type A part of me SO happy! And the pen is really pain-free. I’m on my third or fourth one.