Happy Holidays! Are we officially allowed to say that yet? With the holiday deals in full swing, holiday decor on store shelves and Black Friday and Thanksgiving this week, it sure does feel like the holiday season! So we'll just go ahead and kick things off with our first gift guide of the season!

Our first holiday gift guide of 2021 is dedicated to gift ideas for beauty lovers. Beauty lover in your life and searching for the perfect gift? Look no further! We've curated the perfect selection of gifts in this year's beauty lover gift guide for anyone who lights up at just the idea of opening a gift of makeup, skincare, perfume or visit to their (our) favorite spa!

From skin masks to serums to candles to our favorite holiday value kits and holiday exclusives, most of these beauty gifts are also on our own holiday wish lists (oh Santa, please leave us that Glossier Lip Trio in Cranberry under the tree!)

Here are our 20 gifts for the beauty lover on your list.

Seasonal Running Transitions Featuring Brooks Fall 2021

And just like that we're midway through Fall 2021! Holy smokes, Fall in Seattle burst on to the scene like nobody's business. One minute we're going in hot at 110 degrees in Seattle mid-summer, we slowly move onto cruise control in the 80s and then just like that the rain starts pounding, the temperatures drop and the color changing leaves are already being whisked from trees by the wind. 

However, from these photos you'll notice, that although the temperatures are dropping and the weather getting a bit temperamental, I am still wearing shorts to run. Because, yes, I am one of those runners that refuses to give up shorts and transition to leggings or tights until it is truly winter or the snow begins to fall. There is just something about my legs being a little bit more free that propels me forward and lets me feel like I'm flying.

Because of this though, I am all about layering in other ways to keep me warm and dry as we continue to creep through Fall into Winter. Layering is absolutely key for seasonal transitions. One minute it's 60 and sunny, the next the rain is pelting your face. This week for example, we were hitting close to 70 a few days ago and I barely needed a long sleeve over my shorts and sports bra.. Today (as I'm writing this post) it's raining with a high of 58 and a wind chill that's dropping it to feel like 51. I will definitely need a few layers, including one to repel rain, when I venture outside for a run. 

When I'm choosing what running clothing and running shoes to wear in seasonal transitions (and really, year round!), I turn to Brooks Running. I've been wearing Brooks Running clothing and shoes for years (decades!) and I trust Brooks for their quality, style, wear-ability and the newest technology in running gear.

Brooks Aurora-BL Women's Running Shoes in Grey/Coral/Black* | Brooks Notch Thermal Hoodie in Heliotrope* | Brooks Shield Hybrid Vest in Magenta/Heliotrope* | Brooks Drive Mesh Run Bra in Heliotrope/Magenta* | Brooks Chaser 3" Short in Heliotrope/Brooks* | *gifted by Brooks Running

What to Wear When Trail Running

 Thank you Brooks for partnering on this post!

My favorite seasons for trail running are fall and winter. When the air is crisp. multiple layers required and the likelihood of a raindrop or two increases. You see, I'm about to let you in on a little secret. In the fall and winter, as temperatures drop and the sky overhead turns grey in the Pacific Northwest, the trails empty out. 

In summer in the Pacific Northwest (and also spring as soon as the first ray of sunshine appears) and particularly in close proximity to Seattle, trails are crowded every single day! Everyone loves to hike and run and play outside when that sun is shining bright and those living in the PNW crave that vitamin D. But as soon as it gets just a little colder and a little rainier and a little more grey, that is the best time to hit the trails with your running shoes!

Today I'm partnering with Brooks to share with you what to wear when trail running! Trail running is a healthy, simple activity that requires minimal gear, but it does require you to be prepared with what you do need for your run. You'll want to find the right shoes and gear up for your run to help make your run more enjoyable and stay safe, healthy and run happy!   

What to Wear in Fall: Gold Earrings, Sustainable Scrunchies, Recycled Fleece, Cashmere Sweaters and More of My Favorites This Season!

 Thank you Nakturnal for partnering on this post.

Brr! November is here and with that brings crisp (cold?!) days and nights, the last of the leaves changing color and now falling off trees and a mix of weather from sunshine to rain (and possibly snow?) It's that time of year when layering is key and accessories shine like the golden leaves upon the trees. It can also be a bit challenging to get dressed, as the weather can vary day to day, but its not quite time to break out the winter parka.

Today I'm sharing an outfit I see as my go-to a this time of year - an oh-so-soft cashmere turtleneck sweater, black leggings, sustainable pearl and gold earrings, the most comfortable pair of flats, a cozy fleece made from recycled wool, scrunchies made from recycled water bottles and my favorite thrifted crochet bag. The perfect outfit to wear in fall!

5 Tips For Winter Wellness

 This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.

Who else is noticing our days getting shorter and colder? Post-daylight savings and I can definitely feel that winter is just around the corner. With the sun now setting in the 4p hour, the temperatures dropping and sweater weather turning into puffy jacket weather, winter is in the air!

This change of seasons brings the importance of winter wellness. From staying warm during the colder days and nights to paying special attention to protection and treatment of lips from harsh weather and stress to transitioning your skincare to winter to taking care of your hands and feet and keeping your body moving, winter wellness is so important.

Today I am excited to share with you, in partnership with Babbleboxx, five tips for winter wellness.