Every year advicesisters.com receives some great holiday gift ideas that arrive too late to fit into our gift stories. We start working on gift guides months prior to the actual holidays. That leaves me with some really nice things that would end up not being suggested or that I’m so pumped up about, I can’t wait to share them. So I’m suggesting these to you as gifts for yourself. This is especially true if you didn’t get what you wanted. These are also for the procrastinators who always end up shopping after the holidays.
SNEAK PEEK (review in 2021) Jabra Evolve2 85 Headphones:
The Pandemic has pushed the workplace back from the office to workplaces in the home. But working with other people around, pets, and other distractions can make it difficult to concentrate, let alone participate in online conferences. At a recent Showstoppers online event, I discovered these Jabra Evolve2 85 headphones. It’s a big-ticket gift for yourself that will be an investment well worth making. I’ll be reviewing these Jabra Evolve2 85 headphones in more detail in early 2021. However, I’m mentioning it in this story first, because this headset can really make next year easier and more productive.
Why You Need These NOW:
The new Evolve2 85 headphones have 20 microphone technology, up to 37 hours of wireless battery life, and active noise cancellation. This comfortable, well-padded, folding headset lets you cancel out the noise so you can concentrate on what you’re doing. There’s a swing-down boom mic that rotates 90 degrees towards your mouth for better speech clarity. Putting the arm back up mutes the microphone, and lowering it back down unmutes calls. Indicator lights on the front and back of the earcups light up when you are on a call so the kids (or in my case, a husband sharing my workspace) can see that you are actively engaged on a call and hopefully won’t bother you!
The headphones fit neatly into a slim oval clamshell-type case with accessories in ivory or black, with USA A or C charging cord. Download the Jabra Direct App for your computer to enhance the sound options.
Be sure to watch for the full review on advicesisters.com coming soon). Jabra worked with Microsoft on this version of the headset with official Teams support., therefore, the Evolve2 is certified for Teams as a plug-and-play experience. There is so much more to tell you, but meanwhile, if you’re as pumped up about this product as I am, gift it to yourself now! Price: $449 (optional charging stand $50).
Luxury Lip Plumping Kit:
I have a good friend who had her lips permanently colored, and they look really full and pretty. However, you don’t have to get that radical to plump up your lips into a nicer pout. Treat yourself to this luxurious FLIRT Lip Plumping Kit by MAЁLYS. This kit was so popular it sold out, but the good news is that it is available again! so you can gift it to yourself.
The nicely boxed Lip Plumping Kit features a gentle lip scrub to gently exfoliate with 100% natural sugar grains The actives in the lip plumper include Hydroxyproline. This gives lips a gentle, thickening gloss effect.
First, you exfoliate the lips. Doing this is the base for the lip plumper that fills in after you’ve exfoliated. Gently scrub. then slide on a small amount of lip plumper. You will immediately feel the tingling, warming sensation that creates a sense of fullness. Everyone can use the scrub daily * the Lip Puff plumper isn’t recommended for use during pregnancy — the formula contains active ingredients that boost blood circulation.
MAЁLYS says that your lip thickness will increase with regular use. I really can’t quantify that. However, I will say that I loved the smoothing and plumping effect, and the tingling effect did immediately make my lips look a bit more full. This best-selling kit is available for $49.95 at MaelysCosmetics.com.
CeraVe Must-Have Skincare:
If you read advicesisters.com stories regularly, you know that I’m a huge fan of CeraVe Skincare. While it’s true that you can buy pricier products, I’ve never tried a CeraVe product that didn’t work extremely well, allow me to use it with my sensitive, skin and generally provide the best that any skincare has to offer. If dry, itchy, irritated skin is bothering you, it’s time to change up your skincare routine and you can “gift” a range of products from CeraVe to yourself and not deplete what’s left of your holiday budget.
When CeraVe launched some new products in 2017, the one that really captured my attention was the CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream with SPF 30. Although I don’t suggest baking in the sun with any SPF product, with SPF 30 this is a great multi-tasker for everyday use. The reason I love this is that it has broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, (actives are 10.5% Zinc Oxide and 7.5% Octinoxate). But importantly, it also has encapsulated retinol. Better yet, the retinol is stabilized so it will slowly release over the course of the day.
The sun’s damaging rays are out there 365 days a year, so Winter is not the time to forget skin protection. This multi-tasking product is ok for even those with sensitive skin. Also, you definitely need SPF protection when you’re using retinol products. As we said back in 2017, this CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream is: “magical…once you try it you’ll be hooked.” At just $25 for a 1.7 oz. pump bottle, it’s an awesome skincare product at an amazing price so gift it to yourself.
Help Your Hands:
The CeraVe products contain ceramides 1, 3, and 6-11 to help restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. Soothing your dry, hard-working hands is a must, especially with all the admonishments to “wash your hands.” Keep in mind that CeraVe products don’t have any scents, colors, shimmers, and were developed by dermatologists. CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream ($11) is nice to have on your desk, or in your handbag. The alcohol and fragrance-free, the water-resistant formula keeps the moisture on your skin, but it’s greasy. It has hyaluronic acid and Dimethicone. The skin protectant provides an extra barrier to lock in moisture. It’s a simple way to keep your hands healthy and soft so gift it to yourself! Find CeraVe products at mass-market retailers and drugstores. For more information, visit the CeraVe Website
Affirmations Count:
Do you believe in Miracles? The Miracles Store has inspirational apparel & housewares brand that donates 10% of profits to help women & children rise up from domestic violence. These mugs are offered with a bunch of positive thoughts. I believe strongly in affirmations. My favorite one is: “If I can think it I can say it. If I say it I can do it…and I will!”
Whatever your favorite affirmation is, remind yourself that “You Are Enough” with this simple coffee mug. No matter which way you hold your handle (lefty or righty) the “You Are Enough” saying is on both sides to remind you. Choose either a black background or a white one. The small is 11 oz. ($14) and the large mug holds 15 oz. ($19) You can use it in the microwave and top rack of the dishwasher, but for a longer life hand wash it. An affirmation is a great way to inspire you, or someone else. It’s a little gift idea for fun gifts all-year-round. Visit The Miracles Store website.
