It sounds cliche to say money can’t buy happiness, but as I grow older, my Christmas list gets shorter and shorter because the things I want, simply can’t be bought. You don’t need money to be rich. When you love what you have, you have everything you need. This is a list of my favorite things that money can’t buy.
Family/Friends/Loved ones - With adulthood comes hectic schedules and limited availabilties. But I find that the people who I matter to, will always make time for me, and I will always make time for those I care most about. You can’t buy good friends who will always be there when you need them, a family that has your back, or a significant other that stands by your side in support when you’re going through rough waters. These types of bonds are rare. LOVE and true relationships are rare. Don’t take it for granted if you have this type of magic in your life.
Time - We never have enough of it, we say. But in actuality, we all have the same amount of hours in a day. How we spend it is up to us. But tomorrow is never promised today, and in that respect, you must remember to spend the time you do have to spare with your loved ones as much as possible. Love them. Appreciate them. LET THEM KNOW. It costs you nothing and trust me, it means a lot to people and really brightens their day. You can’t buy more time in this life so spend the time you do have wisely with the ones who matter most.
Food - So maybe this is one item on the list you can buy. But I list this because in place of trinkets and useless tchotchkes, I prefer to share a meal with my favorite people. I enjoy warm, fun meals, laughing and spending time with my ohana. Whether it’s at a fancy restaurant, or a cheap comfort food spot, or even home cooked meals, it’s always a good time. I love discovering, trying and sharing new food with my friends and family. Food brings people together and is not only a way to stay connected and catch up, but also allows us to learn about other cultures, new recipes, and exotic flavors.
The little things - People always take for granted the little things until they’re no longer there and then they realize how much it meant to them. It’s human nature unfortunately so we must learn to practice gratitude and actively appreciate it every chance we get. Examples of little things that I love that can’t be bought are morning goodbye kisses, when my husband takes care of car stuff for me like oil changes and inspections, cleaning the house up before I get home, cutting up fruit for me and simply being there to pick me up from the airport when I come back from a trip. It means a lot to have someone there who cares enough about you to take care of the little details.
Experiences/Memories - this one is a little cheat as it’s a combination of all of the things listed above. But I list it because this past year I took on my first race, a half marathon with one of my best friends, and with my sisters to cheer me on. My sisters came last minute and I didn’t realize til they were there with me, how much it really meant to me to have them there cheering me on, experiencing this achievement with me and making memories as I conquered new territory. Again, it’s the little things that really mean the most.
Health - While some parts of your health can be ‘bought,’ like healthy food and properly scheduled doctor visits for routine check-ups, it’s not something that can be totally bought. It’s still something you have to work at and maintain. Good health is another thing many people take for granted and many people neglect. I’ve only recently taken a more active and pro-active role in being more conscious of my physical and mental well-being and it’s definitely improved for the better. KNOCK ON WOOD, but since improving my active lifestyle and making the conscious decision to eat healthier, these past two years I haven’t been seriously sick at all. Working out has also helped me work through my personal grieving process that I’ve been struggling with for the past 5 years.
Motivation/Discipline - I originally had these two separate but realized they go hand in hand. It’s a hard thing to have and practice, and definitely can’t be bought. Self-motivation and self-discipline to keep going and work hard at something you really want is not something you can bottle up and save for a rainy day. Unfortunately it comes and goes. You have to learn to hone it, to be your own cheerleader, to push yourself and grasp any ounce of inspiration you find, to push forward when the going gets tough. I worked on a lot of projects and goals this year and some I finished, some were started and then forgotten about and some I never even touched upon. I worked out almost every day this year and it feels good to finally establish good habits. I set out to do at least one photoshoot a month and while some days I really didn’t want to get out of bed and really wanted to just cancel, I pushed through creative ruts, painted my face and brought it. I jam-packed my days off from work with so many activities to maximize my time looking for content for my blog. I hope to continue this energy and expand upon it in 2020.
Inspiration - The internet is both a blessing and curse. It can be the most dangerous place and the most resourceful. With the golden age of social media and how fast thoughts, ideas, photos, music, news, etc can be shared, there is an endless sea of inspiration all around if you know where to go looking for it. When I first started modeling, I used Model Mayhem and saved so many photos for inspiration in a folder on my computer. It has since then evolved into Pinterest, Instagram folders, the ability to screenshot, reshare and repost and share links. I have so many notes saved on my phone of blog topics, many different folders of ideas and inspirations for shoots and poses, folders of workout ideas, food recipes, everything. The funny thing is I constantly worry about running out of ideas and getting stuck in a creative rut or writer’s block and yet I’m always working on something and trying to come up with more to do and try. So far, I’ve been lucky and haven’t hit that wall yet. I may cringe at my past self when I look back and compare but then I remember that this is how you grow. You get inspired and you get better. You improve over time, with experience, hard work and that fire burning in you to want to keep going and creating.
And for those who are still in search of a physical Christmas gift for a loved one anyways that they can wrap up with a bow for them to open on Christmas morning, here are a few of my more tangible favorite things if you need gift ideas. I use some of these every day and love them.
Pearl earrings - I used to wear trendy cheap earrings all the time back in college. I would wear a different pair every day. But as I got older, my taste started to change and I realized I wanted something simple and classic for everyday wear. Pearls are always in and go with everything. These Tiffany pair are a little pricey but I’ve had them for nearly 5 years now and I still wear them every day. Full disclosure, I did have to get them sent in a few times in the beginning for repairs, since one of the pearls seemed to keep falling off the earring post but each and every time, Tiffany stood by their work and fixed it free of charge. Their service department is top notch and always treat you like VIPs. I love visiting their flagship for a quick cleaning whenever I’m in the area. I found an old Tiffany necklace from years ago, brought it to them and they cleaned and polished it right up for me, as good as new. This is what I love about these tried and true brands. They stand by their work. Now I know why people will spend a little more for quality.
Fuzzy socks - When I was a kid, like all kids, I hated opening up gifts like this. What kind of kid wants clothes for Christmas? But as you get older, you start to appreciate the little things and stocking stuffers like this. I love fuzzy socks because they’re a warm and cozy for the winter. They’re great around the house when it’s freezing. And not to mention, it’s actually my secret as to how I’m able to stand walking around all day in my heeled boots. They’re so comfy and provide extra cushioning. I live in them all winter, at home and when I’m out and about, inside my boots. It helps provide extra warmth and insulation as an extra layer over your regular socks when it’s cold outside too.
Wireless headphones - I used to wear wired earbuds while running but they’re really a hassle in the gym when you’re lifting. I bought the Ariana Grande headphones years ago when I tried out Twitch streaming for a hot minute and hated it but then realized they were perfect for the gym. Since then, my world has changed. I work out faster and harder as I’m able to work through it continuously without worry of wires getting tangled, accidentally pulled out or in the way. I use these literally every day. I love them. I’m thinking of picking up these cute pink Beats one for my race in February.
Mickey bar plush - Ok, so I know this looks like a weird gift choice, but hear me out! First of all, it’s just so adorable. I own two of these scented Disney plushes already; a strawberry Mickey shaped macaron and a gingerbread Mickey cookie. They sit on my couch and smell amazing. And they’re so nice and comfy to hold onto or lay on, when you’re lounging on the couch watching a movie. They are both decorative and useful. They look so cute in my living room and everyone loves seeing them and wondering what the sweet smell is coming from.
Laduree or Bottega Louie macarons - Who doesn’t love an edible gift? I love fresh macarons but you can always substitute with your loved ones favorite snacks like chocolate, cookies, cakes, candy, etc. When in doubt, food is always a good idea if you know what they love. Especially if they have a favorite item that’s hard to find or get. They’ll always appreciate the gesture and the work you went though to get them for them.
Red marching band jacket - I am OBSESSED with band/military jackets. But I have yet to track down the perfect one. It’s a beautiful look that can go with almost anything, in my opinion. It can dress up a cute dress or add edge to an outfit.Although I do know this style is not for the faint of heart. You can substitute with a classic motorcycle jacket if your gift recipient is a little simpler in taste, as both of these styles will never go out of style and is universally flattering with many outfits and looks.
Tiffany perfume - I love this scent as it’s clean, simple and fresh. It’s not overpowering or too much. But not everyone has the same preferences in smells and perfumes. Some people like warmer scents, some like floral, some like more tropical and some like more complex smells. So substitute with their favorite perfume if they have one.
Red winter coats - I love bold colors and I’ve always found red to be a beautiful color for a winter coat, especially for the holidays. It’s a more interesting color than the basic black peacoat. I bought one on sale at Forever 21 almost 10 years ago and I still have it and wear it today. It always gets noticed and people always think it’s more expensive than it looks. I am in search of a new coat though as I do feel it’s time to replace this one as it’s finally showing signs of wear and tear over the years. I just have yet to find another one as I’m particular with details like gold buttons and fitted waistlines. Red coats are a classic staple in any closet.
Sherpa hoodies - Like fuzzy socks, these hoodie are just so damn cozy. I live in these all winter long. They are so warm and soft and I love how it feels like teddy bear material. I love when the inside of hoodies are lined with this material. During extra cold winter nights, I’ll throw them in the dryer for a quick 5 minutes and then throw it on for that extra toasty warmth.
Cute berets - I LOVE berets. They’re just so cute and make a cute fashion statement. I fell in love with this heart shaped one I saw on Raquel Reed during her trip to Paris. Unfortunately, it’s out of my price range at the moment but there are plenty of affordable cute options on Etsy. I wore a cute Mickey one on my recent cruise ship, made by Roses and Thorns, a small shop specializing in all things cute and Disney. They make tons of cute custom designs that are perfect for Disney trips and Disney bounds. Berets are also cute all year round, no matter the season and no matter where you are. You don’t have to be in Paris to wear a cute stylist beret. They add a little something to all my outfits when I accessorize with this cute headpiece.
And there you have it, a list of my favorite things, both intangible and tangible. What are some of your favorite things you like to receive for Christmas? What are some of your favorite things to gift other people?
