Gifts For Yourself (Because You Deserve Them)

Reading time: 3 minutes

Gift season is almost upon us, but before you go all out and splurge on gifts for friends and family to make up for this year that should really just be erased from the history books, remember to also treat yourself.

I'm super guilty of spending a lot of money on other people but then getting real Ebenezer Scrooge when it comes to spending on myself, but here are some things I've splurged on all for myself, and I honestly have ~no regertz~ that I did.

Skincare products

Quality skincare products tend to be pricey, but they are absolutely worth it if you find some that work for your skin. Besides, your skincare routine, at least for me, is the two times a day I get to really unwind, so why not go all out?

Bath products

Another gift of relaxation is for bath time. Think bath bombs, soaks, salts, soaps, bubbles, and oils or a combination of a few, depending on your specific need at the time. My go-to is an unscented bubble bath that I then add essential oils to.

Books

If you're an avid reader, you probably find that reading is one of the most relaxing activities. Even better is to have a stack of books waiting for you, so treat yourself to some new books. Browse a (virtual) bookstore, look up some lists, or ask some friends for suggestions.

Satin pillowcases

I think we know by now that satin pillowcases are better for your hair and skin when compared to cotton pillowcases, so not only do satin pillowcases look and feel waaay better, they keep your hair free of frizz and your skin free of wrinkles, so make the switch when you can!

An oil diffuser

Another way I use essential oils is in my diffuser. If you don't have time for a full-blown bath, putting the essential oils you need in a diffuser is a great alternative. Splurge on one that has a timer function so that you can run it as you fall asleep without worrying about it overheating or something.

Jewelry

By jewelry, I mean those fancy ones that hurt your bank account but can last you ages like a 1 carat diamond ring. Of course, just because you can, it doesn't mean you should. You should still work within a comfortable budget. For example, now that I'm wearing earrings more, I'm thinking of treating myself to some fancy earrings when I reach my next milestone like finishing a big work project ahead of schedule or something.

A quality mattress

This one would probably be the most expensive on this list because who knows why mattresses are so gd expensive. With that being said, though, you literally use your mattress every single day (or you should, at least), so why not make those hours of sleep count? A good night's sleep does wonders.

What gifts do you usually buy for yourself?

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Shapewear for All Shapes ft. Cosmolle*

Reading time: 1 minute 18 seconds

If there's one thing I love about the holiday season, it's all the free time I get to really invest in dressing up and experimenting with more outrageous outfits (think long, slinking dresses, plunging necklines, and extraextravagant jewelry) that are way too time-consuming for everyday wear. What's annoying about these outfits, though, is the need I feel to wear shapewear in order to get the smooth, seamless lines I want. That's usually fine and dandy, but the problem is that most shapewear products are hella uncomfortable and feel terrible to be in, especially if you have to be seated for extended periods of time. Also, ironically, some shapewear products are chunky, and you end up with more lines than when you started. 😂

This is where Cosmolle Shapewear comes in.

One product range that caught my eye is the tummy control shapewear, not so much for the flat belly but for the way it can keep your belly looking the exact same way before and after a meal. 😂 I don't like looking like a potato after eating, ok, especially if I looked like fresh fries when I walked out the door.

Another product range that targets my list of shapewear pet peeves is the seamless body shaper. This one I find ~revolutionary~ because these shapers smooth out everything you want to smooth out while staying comfortable and breathable. Moreover, they retain their seamless quality even with the lace and mesh detailing.

As the icing on the cake, Cosmolle's philosophy is all about defining your own beauty by shaping your body your way for your shape. They believe that yes, shapewear is body positive because shapewear should not be about hiding imperfections; rather, it should be about enhancing your natural features, and with just a little lift, that inner TLC can shine through. After all, when you feel like you look 🔥, you always actually end up looking 🔥.

  

Cosmolle's offerings may still be small, but their products span multiple categories to meet different needs for different situations, ranging from shorts and panties to bodysuits and slips; hence, they suggest trying out their shapewear for casual outfits as well.

What are your thoughts on shapewear being body positive?

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Last-Minute Gift Ideas ft. Basic Invite*

Reading time: 1 minute 10 seconds

The holiday season is a time when many of us reconnect with family and friends. I know I, for one, reconnected with many a cousin this year as well as an old high school best friend. Because these are last-minute reunions, these folks are not on my holiday shopping list, especially since I prepare my list months in advance, so since time was not on my side, I found a great alternative: Basic Invite.

My rationale is this: cards are the easiest and speediest way to show someone you're thinking of them without breaking the bank, but my gripe with many store-bought cards is that they're generic and don't really communicate my ~aesthetic~ or my brand of humor. Don't get me wrong; premade cards are great for the occasional thought-of-you gift, but for situations like this where you're rebuilding relationships, I personally would prefer something custom and personalized.

That's why I love Basic Invite for their cute holiday cards that are Truly Custom™. What they mean by that is that they offer (almost) unlimited colors. Unlike the majority of online stationery companies out there, Basic Invite allows us to customize every element on each design from a selection of more than 180 colors, including the recipient addresses on each envelope, which is provided at no additional cost. Even the envelopes come with a whopping palette of over 40 different colors like crowd-pleasing pastels (cream cotton and lemonade) or colors that are more my speed (cranberry and peacock). That definitely beats out a rando card from a grocery store.

Besides that, Basic Invite offers other cool products like a company holiday party invitation and clear business cards and even free websites. Y'all should definitely check 'em out for all your invitation needs, especially right now when they're offering 15% off every order with coupon code 15FF51.

Basic Invite is also on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

What last-minute gifts do you usually give?

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Holiday Gift Guide for Treatin' Yo'self

This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate revenue helps me keep ExtraExtravagant running. Thank you for your support!

I'm one of those people who stress about getting the perfect gift for family and friends, not just for the holidays but also for occasions like birthdays and parents' days. I know that you can show appreciation in other, non-material ways, but I've always used gifts as like a grand gesture to supplement the little things.

One person I always miss out on, though, is myself. I can't even think of the last time I bought something nice for myself. I'm a major Scrooge McScroogeface when it comes to spending money on myself because I get hella anxious about buying things I don't absolutely need, mostly because I worry about things like, "What if I need this money for something lifesaving in like three days from now?"

This year, because I have that sweet, sweet raise from switching jobs, I've decided I'm gonna treat myself with something nice, so I compiled this list, mostly for myself but also for you as a reminder that every now and then, you should pat yourself on the back. Note, though, that when I say "gifts to treat yo'self," I don't just mean throw ten grand down and take yourself on a trip to Europe. Sure, that's one way to do it, but this list is more so treatin' yo'self in the sense of managing your wellness.

  

1. Lauren Ralph Lauren Further Lane Woven His Shirt in Navy Dot
2. Gap Hooded Sherpa Union Suit
3. Charter Club Cotton Printed Flannel Pajama Set in Candy Red Dot

4. Women's SONOMA Goods for Life Long Plush Wrap Robe in Blue Dot
5. Gilligan & O'Malley Women's Floral Print Satin Robe
6. White Mark Women's Knit Robe in Pink

  
7. Pier 1 Imports Patchouli Collection Filled 3-Wick Candle
8. Target Galvanized Container Sugared Birch Candle
9. Spice Decor 3-Piece Wine Bottle Candle Set

  

10. Unitrex SpaRoom TulipMist Oil Diffuser

11. Stadler Form Jasmine Aroma Diffuser in Black

12. Bravqo Air Humidifier Oil Diffuser

  

13. Dermal Korea Collagen Essence Full Face Mask Sheet
14. Manefit Natural Gift Green Tea Pore Care Sheet Mask
15. Peach & Lily Original Glow Sheet Mask Set


16. Borghese Restorative Eye Mask 17. Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Under Eye Mask 18. La Pure 24k Gold Eye Treatment Mask

  

19. Malin + Goetz Bergamot Gifting Set

20. World Market Lavender and Rosemary Bath and Body Collection

21. Molton Brown Explore Luxury Women's Travel Size Toiletry Kit

22. Fizz & Bubble 9 Pack Spa Bath Truffles
23. My Spa Life Everyday Indulgences Bath Bomb Advent Calendar
24. Latika Bath Bomb Gift Box

  

25. Willa Arlo Interiors Reversible Complete Comforter and Cotton Sheet Set in Aqua/Grey

26. Threshold Pinched Pleat Comforter Set in Teal

27. Joss & Main Aiden Cotton Comforter Set in Blue

 

28. The Big One Supersoft Plush Throw in Donuts
29. North Pole Trading Co Velvet Plush Fringe Throw in Lazy Diamond
30. Pottery Barn Cozy Pom Pom Throw in Light Khaki

How are you treatin' yo'self this holiday season?

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Celebrity Style Inspiration for Any Age: 40s

Another installment of Celebrity Style Inspiration is here! Previously, we've looked at celebrities in their teens (Elle Fanning, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Bella Thorne), 20s (Selena Gomez, Emilia Clarke, and Emma Roberts), and 30s (Krysten Ritter, Rose Byrne, and Meghan Markle). In today's post, we'll look at celebrities in their 40s: Lucy Liu, Sofía Vergara, and Tyra Banks.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu is one of the first Asian American actors I remember seeing on TV, and I'm so excited that she's back in the limelight. Her Joan Watson on Elementary is one of my favorite characters, not just because of the gender swap but also because she's a female Asian character who isn't a sidekick even though canon John Watson plays the sidekick role. 

Source: @lucyliu

  

1. Gap Factory Favorite Stripe Crewneck T-Shirt in Navy Stripe
2. Old Navy Relaxed Mariner-Stripe Tee for Women in White Stripe
3. SheIn Crew Neck Striped T-Shirt

Sofía Vergara

The mere mention of Sofía Vergara's name brings to mind the image of Modern Family's Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, and although Gloria is also one of my favorite characters, I hate that the role has reduced her into the "loud and feisty Latina who butchers the English language." I hate it so much that I used her as a prime example in a sociolinguistics paper I wrote about language and identity. The basic premise is that multilingual celebrities portray themselves differently in their different language environments. If you Google Sofía Vergara in English, interview videos pop up about her mispronouncing shit or being a spicy Latina, but try Googling her in Spanish. She suddenly becomes a poised, ex-TV host who can speak on important issues.

Source: @sofiavergara

  

1. Forever 21 Argyle Midi Skirt
2. H&M Pleated Skirt in Turquoise/Patterned
3. Boden Lola Floral Flared Skirt

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks is one of the first celebrities who made teenage me think, "Wow, I want to be just like her when I grow up," because it was America's Next Top Model where I first saw her, and she was always looking gorgeous af. Plus, her job was literally making dreams come true, and she was always coaching women and inspiring them and, despite the competition that can sometimes get toxic, she showed me how rewarding it can be when women support one another.

Source: @tyrabanks

  
1. ModCloth Stargazing Splendor Blazer in Floral Chambray
2. SheIn Polka Dot Open Front Blazer
3. Boden Bramley Blazer

Who would you have liked to see featured in this post, or who are your celebrity style icons?

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