Happy Valentine’s Day!
Much like Oprah’s favorite things, this is a collection of my favourite gifts I’ve received, things I’ve picked up, and some I’ve had for sometime now! Unfortunately, I am not Oprah so I can’t throw my hands in the air and give all this to you for free BUT! I’ve linked everything throughout the post and some recommendations for that R. L. MOORING aesthetic. In all honestly, this list began a couple months ago when I was beginning my blog back in November. It started off as a birthday wish-list turned Christmas gift-list now Valentine’s Gift Guide! Life, my job, and the holidays at the end of the year just kept getting in the way.
Since I started this list, I actually ended up purchasing a couple of the items (Checkout My Favourite New Tool Here!) and others are new additions that I’ve picked up along the way. The gifts listed below are really for anyone stuitable any celebration whether it be a holiday, you want to spoil your loved one, or even yourself (who needs a holiday for that #TREATYOSELF). They vary from home goods, travel accessories and apparel, I’ve linked where to snag all of these throughout the post!
FOR THE TRAVELER
Whether it’s a weekend trip away or somewhere abroad everyone, in my opinion, needs to have a good sized weekend bag. Over the summer I managed to score this vintage duffle bag at Value Village made in 1950 from London, England!. It’s size is perfect for an extended stay and anything in between (I used only this bag for 15 days in Europe — checkout How I Packed). Much like my problems when it comes to coats and jackets I have a very bad habit of buying way too many bags. They can be small, duffel, or travel I have an unhealthy habit of continually buying them. A gift I received as a stocking stuffer from my mother this year turned out to be one of my favorite little items! The Carry-On Cocktail Kit by W&P Design are so fun and a great idea (I even received one from a coworker for secret santa and was so excited). Each kit comes with everything you need to create two drinks in the air (just add that good stuff). I discovered that Amazon has a set for purchase here!
FOR AT HOME
While growing Up I was surrounded by picture books, novels, textbooks, you name it. My mother worked in the education world as a librarian as well as being an avid reader, so most of the time my house was littered with stacked books for schools and students. Now, in my adult life I’ve continued that lifestyle falling in love with coffee table books on almost anything. Ralph Lauren’s 50 Years Anniversary follows the successful brands’ timeline from fashion, lifestyle, and interiors. Consisting of rich photos and writings from ralph himself, this book is not only a collectors item but also a phenomenal walk through history. Now that I’m done treating myself, these are two books I received that also serve as great manuals for the modern man: Make Your Bed & The Parisian Field Guide To Mens Style.
If you’ve ever been to my house chances are you’ve experienced the extremely addictive Mahogany Teakwood scent by Bath & Body Works. I really do not have much to say about this candle other than buy it, you’ll love it (there’s even a room spray — that was a gift itself! — for an alternative, Grab it here).
Glassware is another thing I believe everyone should invest in when the time is right (now that isn’t when you live with roommates or slippery fingers). Continuing with my Ralph kick, these Classic Rock and Herringbone Highball Glasses (in the photo above) are a steal I picked up from Winners back in the fall. Saying “I” is a bit of a lie, a friend of mine (Checkout Birthday Suit Beauty here!) snap’ed me a picture while she was shopping and I immediately sent her money (literally think of the meme “shut up and take my money” that was me). Combined, these are almost $600 U.S.D. worth of designer home goods for less than $70. I can’t stress my love for Winners. I couldn’t find the exact set I have online but there are a series of similar here.
FOR THE CAFFEINATED
This was totally a spur-the-moment decision. I’d been shopping with my mother on boxing day, not even looking for sales, more so trying to find a store that was actually open. Here in Nova Scotia stores open December 27th for their sales but Shoppers Drug-Mart was oddly open the day before. I had been in the market for an espresso machine but never seriously looked around until I walked into a wildly discounted machine. Almost a month and a half since I bought it? can’t live without.
Both the Cuisinart Espresso Machine and Espresso Grinder has saved my life this winter, I barely leave the house for fresh pressed espresso! With that, I’ve been able to experiment around a variety of beans from shops all over Halifax and even my favourite cafes in the neighbourhood. Currently obsessing over Full Steam Coffee Co. espresso beans from around my hometown and Anchored Coffee in Dartmouth, N.S.!
STYLE IT UP
Sunglasses & Anchor bracelets, I can’t get enough. I don’t wear a watch as much as I would in the past (trying to decide what new timepiece I’d like to buy) but, you can count on me to have at least one Kiel James Patrick piece on my wrist. Originally I had purchased one anchor bracelet back in 2012 when products were limited.. Since then I’m up to five (oops) and Kiel (pronounced Kyle) store has blown up with so many new things I want/need. Someone?. I love these accessories and I’m continually met with questions on where to get them, who they’re by, and so on (you can grab my everyday one “The Kraken” here). A good pair of sunglasses are always a good idea too if you’re replacing a pair for someone or just feelin’ like being bougee at Sunglasses Hut for yourself I always stick to my trusty Ray-Ban clan.
Much like I mentioned above, I buy too many bags. I bought this Calvin Klein black leather piece while visiting Boston for a kind of “pseudo professional” looking briefcase vibe. I wanted to have something slim and structured for documents, a laptop, ipad, and small agendas that was also formal looking. Weeks later when I returned home I casually strolled into winners (again) and found THE MATCHING SET; wallet, money clip, and foab key chain. Literally died. New wallets and money clips are an EASY thing to buy for someone if you’re stuck on a last minute gift — much like this post — my best recommendation is to go to pop in to TJ Max, Marshalls, Winners and look around. They always have the best priced sets or boxed deals on small accessories.
MENS GROOMING
My head of hair is a blessing and a curse. I’m very fortunate to have a thick head of hair that takes such a beating between heat, product, and hats. I get asked about my hair quite a bit so I figured toss the products I use into this guide. For the longest time I was a Reuzel Boy starting out with their Green: Grease Medium Hold then graduating up to their Pink: Grease Heavy Hold. Now, I may no longer use them but they’re still worth to mention. I loved the scent of both and didn’t find it overpowering or mind numbing when wearing. The only reason I switched over is my damn hair needs a stronger hold (you can grab Reuzel Green Here and Pink Here).
My barber recommended me try Victory Barber & Brand’s “Claymore” about two months ago and I’ve fully converted. Matte finish, super dry, touchable hair & yet it keeps its shape while I run around serving for 5+ hours straight (I barely even use hairspray anymore). If you’re shopping in Halifax you can pick it up all these hair products downtown at Sailor Bups or online Here!
Alright time for skincare. This is rather embarrassing but my past skincare routine was terrible. I would lifeguard in throughout the summer’s in middle & high-school at an outdoor pool then switched environments to an inside pool for the winter months. Dry Dry Dry. I started out with Jack Black (No, not School of Rock) with the lip-balm almost eleven years ago? (wow) and now I’ve collected their Hand Cream, Shaving Cream, Shampoo, Face Moisturizer, and (new) Lip Balm. No, I am not sponsored I just really like the products (I also found their Travel Kit online for a bit of everything!).
Thats all for me! Happy Shopping
R.L.M
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