Instead of our usual book discussion, each December we have a Favorite Things Party hosted by my fabulous friends, Kellie and Diana. Things are always super festive and get a little rowdy. This year I sent an email to my fellow B*tches following the party so we can all shop the items we didn’t walk away with. Without further ado, here is the email I composed:
As promised, here’s a list of the items we gifted and stole Wednesday night.
Starting with the most stolen item (and a personal fave): Wildling Gua Sha. The Wildling oil is linked here, but Katja found some less expensive versions, such as The Ordinary Rose Hip Oil and Mad Hippie Antioxidant Facial Oil.
Next up, Keri’s gorgeous suede sling bag from Quince. Quince can do no wrong.
Diana gifted one lucky B*tch a gift card to Solace Flow Head Spa. I am happy to join anyone who wants to visit this place! Not what Keri thought!
Jacque somehow got her hands on the cutest Le Creuset teapot, which she paired with matching stoneware mugs and “medicine ball” tea. We could all use some of that right about now. The teapot is available on the UK site only (that I can find). Those Brits know their tea! The mugs are out of stock on the Le Creuset website, but they are the San Francisco style. Today was the perfect opportunity for a spot of tea. The tea is available at The Whistling Kettle.
I think the teapot image is the incorrect shade of blue, but these things are like unicorns in the States, apparently.
I may or may not have tried to steal (for real) Deidre’s MacKenzie Childs Courtly Check spoon rest. How do I not already own this? It’s not for lack of trying…
D paired the spoon rest with the perfect tabletop finishing touches: Rifle Paper Co. Holiday Guest Napkins and Hester & Cook Bow Accents, linked here and here.
Casey spoiled a B*tch with Buff City Soap laundry detergent in the Cobalt Blue scent. It’s such an indulgence! I need to make a trip to Greenridge ASAP. I’d forgotten how much I love this stuff.
Another of Casey’s favorite things included in her gift is the Williams Sonoma Butter Crock. I still don’t understand how these work, but I’m hoping Santa brings me one.
Another Casey fave is a Geometry tea towel. This print is perfect for us!
A bottle of Molton Brown shower gel rounded out this fun gift.
Kimberley brought this year’s version of the Kendra Scott necklace that caused a bit of a frenzy at last year’s Favorite Things Party. I’m not totally sure which design she brought, but I think it’s either Renee or Bella. Both are gorgeous.
Kellie’s fabulous Cordless Table Lamp and Rattan Shade ended up in my house. They are both from Scarlet Tassel. I’m smitten.
Patricia’s gift consisted of fun items I’ve yet to try, but desperately need to. First up: Latika Magnesium Balm. I’m late to this party, but apparently this is calming and nourishing. Sign me up. Kellie likes to apply this with her MacKenzie Childs spoon rest. Patricia snagged this at Woodhouse Day Spa, but I found it on the Latika site. She paired it with a set of Biodance Collagen Masks and a silicone body scrubber (funny enough, my kids love these and tell me how gross my loofah is. They’re not wrong). I’m not sure of the exact scrubber, but Emery and Bodie swear by these.
I am thrilled Diana ended up with Anna Maria’s gift: the OG Merle Norman Anti Aging serum. Diana swears by MN products, but I didn’t realize Anna Maria is also a loyal user. Y’all. I am amazed by the reviews for Merle Norman products. I checked Amazon first (couldn’t find the exact serum), but plenty of other Merle Norman products had five star reviews. Way higher than Obagi and Elemis. I found the product Anna Maria uses on the Merle Norman web site and had a good time perusing all the items. I had NO idea. I’m very curious! Check out the hype here. MN isn’t super budget friendly, but must be worth every penny based on the reviews.
Lee brought the prettiest Christmas cactus I have ever seen! It’s from The Nested Fig on Augusta, which is full of darling gifts. Lee swears these Christmas cacti are easy to keep alive. It’s blooms are the most beautiful shade of pink and the pot is adorable.
I brought a batter bowl (pink, of course!) and measuring cups from my latest obsession: The Food Nanny. I love her products! Everything is handmade in the US and they are gorgeous. Her pastas, salts and flours are also amazing. Jamie Simpson introduced me to this little company. The downside is shipping is ridiculous, so if anyone ever wants to place an order, we should combine. The pottery items sell out quickly, so watch for restocks. The pink batter bowl is currently sold out (again), but usually not for longer than a few weeks. You all will love The Food Nanny
Kimberley ended up with my gift, which means we can all expect homemade goodies from her in January, right?
Ladies, I am sure I’m forgetting some stuff. Too many fabulous finds to share. Let me know if I need to add or correct something.
Merry Christmas, B*tches!
Love,
Ashley
Oh how I love this group of ladies! We had a smaller crew than usual this year, due to illness and school events, but the energy was the same. Thankful for each and every one of you!
