Hi there! Welcome to my last gift guide for the 2021 holiday season! I'm so excited you're here, especially since this is an extra special guide for my fellow Minnesotans. In previous years of my #mostlylisagiftguide series I've always hosted a unique giveaway on the last day, so I'm really happy that this year is no different! While this year is smaller than previous giveaways, it's still amazing as the winner will be able to create a lot of memories with what they win. 

As I've said, I'm approaching this series now as something to do for fun and have no expectations on the reach this will have. If it reaches a small group of people, that's amazing! If it doesn't, that's still okay and I know that I'll have some loyal followers still participate. It's truly for those "you betcha's" of the Midwest. Keep reading for more information and I hope you enjoy this more budget-friendly guide, as all items are under $50! 

Frosted Juniper Candle ($20-$30) | Ski Girl Boxed Set of 8 Cards ($20) | In the Spaces: Poems and Illustrations by Anna Lisabeth ($18) | Black Lives Matter 3" Button ($6) | Small Fall Variety Pack ($13) | STAY ON TRACK DESKTOP NOTEPAD ($28) | Adele - 30 2XLP ($37) | Snowman Projector ($20) | Ceramic Lit Tree Decorative Figurine Pink ($30) | Roses and Hearts Set of Two Glass Tumblers ($28) | UNICORN Nail Polish ($12) | Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy: A Journal ($9) | Mask Duo ($32) | GARDEN PARTY ($6) | The Lord of the Rings Tengwar Script Cuff Beanie ($13) | Foiled Zodiac Constellations Yearly Calendar ($33) | Tickets to The Northern Express ($15-$20)

Since memorable gifts can still be affordable, these are some of my favorite finds that won't hurt your budget and are bound to still impress. Perhaps you have a Secret Santa exchange, (a retro pink Christmas tree would be so much fun), a skincare enthusiast, (a mask duo that will put your skin into a great mood), or for my Minnesotans who want to shop local and enjoy a new holiday experience (which leads into my giveaway)! 

I've ✨proudly✨ partnered with a new immersive holiday experience that is coming to the Twin Cities - The Northern Express! Since this season is all about wonder, excitement, and the holiday spirit, I figured what better way than to give back. 

So, what is The Northern Express? 

The Northern Express is a multi-acre holiday escape where you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the North Pole or jumped right into a Hallmark movie. The Northern Express will be a treasured family tradition where you can enjoy the magic of the holidays! 

🎁Shop a market with 100 small businesses represented and 8 charitable partners

🎄Indulge in decadent treats from top notch neighborhood purveyors 

❄️Grab drinks from one of the many bars 

Now let's get into the giveaway! You have the ability to win TWO free tickets to the Excelsior location for the weekend of your choosing. 

🎄✨GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED! Congratulations to Christin Mielke for winning! ✨🎄

To enter, you must follow the steps below:

1. Comment in this post below what item you'd buy from this gift guide or any of the others I've made this year! 
2.  Follow me and my friends at The Northern Express on Instagram
3. Like, tag a friend, and comment on the associated Instagram post for this Gift Guide with these emojiis: 🎄🎁
4. For an extra entry, share in your stories and tag me! 

The winner will be announced on the Instagram post after 11:59 pm on Tuesday, November 30th. 

I have realized lately that I have a lot of people in my life who love to cook and know how to cook, so I thought for this next installment that I would focus on them. The cooks and foodies that you know and love, who go out of their way to make food taste excellent! The ones who make you feel spoiled every time you get to eat something they made. Gifting these talented people can be fun and challenging at the same time! There are so many options to choose from, you really have to look into who has the best knives or dishware since you'd be investing in them. 

So if you've been looking for ideas in your own kitchen as well, please enjoy this gift guide, and let's get cookin'! 👩🏻‍🍳🍞🍳🥘

Baby Baggu | George & Viv Milk Bottle | Dagny Pie Dish | Finex Skillet | VÉNUS MON AMOUR - BOX OF 18 MACARONS | dark chocolate candy cane 51% | white raspberry popping candy 28% | Wüsthof Gourmet 3-Piece Starter Knife Set | Icon Lidded Soup Crock | Susannah Garrod 'Tis The Season Dessert Plate | mDesignt Metal Storage Box Bin with Hinged Lid | Thomas Kinkade A Christmas Wish Popcorn Tin | The Copper Hen Cookbook | Holiday Jewel™ 3-piece Serving Set

I wanted to showcase a unique selection of items that could be for anyone who wants to be a Masterchef in their own way! Since these items will also be investment pieces, I knew that budget didn't have to be too much of a problem. Whether it's high-quality chocolate with unique flavors, a cookbook straight from the kitchen of a Twin Cities restaurant, or festive plates for the upcoming holiday season - they will surely be a hit if you want to be a sous chef! 

Gifting the he/hims and they/thems in your life can be pretty tricky - especially since you usually don't get a solid response on what they actually want. Finally being in a relationship though has opened my eyes to the subtle ways they can tell you what they like, without having to tell them to do anything! What do they like to do ALL the time? What interests them when they're searching the internet or when you're going shopping at Target with them? What a relief it is to have clear communication with a guy for the first time!

I do know that I tend to reference the same items every time I've done this guide in the past, but it's what works and it tends to always please! So please enjoy and let's get into my next guide - for the lads! 

Plant Energy Shirt | Breville Bambino Espresso Machine | Market Smiley Patch Beanie | Mushroom Pour-Over Coffee Set| PUPPERS PLAID KOOZIE | Inverted Lighter | Best Buds Votive Candle Set | Konor Waterproof Chukka Boot | Harry Potter Collection - Hogwarts Express 3D Puzzle | BORDEAUX CORKSCREW | Flannel Pajama Set | Fenmore Midsize Multifunction Brown Leather Watch | Pinecone Cut Decanter, Green | Custom Vinyl Record Print | PIZZA SOCKS BOX 

A new merch drop from my favorite streamer (Julen), pizza socks that I even want, and so many other tech/gadgets that will make his holiday super special! These will be perfect for stocking stuffers and for big spaces under the tree.

It's been so long, wow! When I first started the Mostly Lisa Holiday Gift Guide series, it was one of the best ideas I had come up with for this blog. It drove me to use my creativity, it urged me to regularly post because I was so proud of what I had made. Now? Now it's mostly inner feelings of everything I've made doesn't even matter in the long run,  that it wouldn't get the attention I thought it deserved no matter how hard I've tried. It takes a lot of work, I'm talking hours and days for me to create all of this on my own. I know, I know, I decided to do this for my blog and that is a task I put upon myself, but still. Endless hours of searching and editing to make something that was a lot of fun in the beginning but has now turned into an ego game. That's not what I'm about, so I had to stop and I'm really glad I did.

The time passed has helped and it's brought a new perspective for me to look at. I'm going to approach this series not so seriously and just do it for fun again. If it gains nothing, if no one sees it - I'll be okay with that because I know that I put my heart into it. Maybe I'll be able to work with some small, local brands and have the ability to give something away because that's what the holidays are all about. So I've decided to try again, and here I am. ❤✨🎄

Let's start with the ladies!

Christmas Time In The City Dessert Plate | Capri Blue Ombre Faceted Glass Jar Candle | Eco dreamiest long-sleeve pajama set in constellation print | Celestial-embroidered velvet Mary Jane flats | Holiday Jigsaw Puzzle | Original Pink Hoodie | Satin Heatless Curling Set - Sunset Tie Dye | GALAXY NECKLACE | Hatch Restore Personalized Sleep Solution | New York Eau de Parfum Spray | Kraken Kitty Edition Black Chroma Wired Gaming Headset | The Muppet Christmas Carol - Vinyl Soundtrack | Maroon Patch Beanie | Spirited Away Lipstick | Hot Cocoa Kit | Obstinate Headstrong Girl Mug | Northwoods Candle | Grecian Bust Table Lamp 

I am ALWAYS down to watch a movie that is based in Autumn, or that has Autumn in it, so I wanted to create a list of movies that are some of my absolute favorites! I love the bright, colorful moments that happen in movies with this season. They're so much fun to watch and sit back on a moody, rainy night in October with someone special. So please, feel free to read through and let me know what you're watching this time of year!

Stepmom (1998)

A terminally-ill woman must deal with her ex-husband's new lover, who will be their children's stepmother.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice?

Little Women (2019)

Jo March reflects back and forth on her life, telling the beloved story of the March sisters - four young women, each determined to live life on her own terms. 

You've Got Mail (1998)

Book superstore magnate, Joe Fox and independent book shop owner, Kathleen Kelly fall in love in the anonymity of the Internet both blissfully unaware that he's trying to put her out of business.

When a young girl living with her good-witch grandmother learns she too is a witch, she must help her grandmother save Halloweentown from evil forces.

A group of young misfits called The Goonies discover an ancient map and set out on an adventure to find a legendary pirate's long-lost treasure.

Dead Poet's Society (1989)

Maverick teacher John Keating uses poetry to embolden his boarding school students to new heights of self-expression.

Hello my fellow skincare enthusiasts, today I wanted to talk about these two beauties! This is not sponsored by Fresh Beauty (however, feel free to hit me up FB, I would adore being an ambassador for you) but I'm enamored with these products and wanted to share a little bit about them and how they fit into my skincare routine flawlessly. After trying both in a sample size several months ago, I originally put them to the side due to both of their price points and not being able to justify the spending. That has now changed and I'll just say, I'm probably never going to go back. Both products in their full-size form are well worth the purchase, especially if you use the proper amount every time. A little goes a long way! Please read on for my thoughts and let me know what you think! Have you tried a Fresh Beauty product? Pros? Cons? I'd love to know any other items I should try. 

Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash

Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer

This lightweight moisturizer delivers 72-hour deep hydration in three ways: A duo of hyaluronic acids instantly and deeply hydrate while time-release technology delivers continuous hydration. Damask rose extract strengthens the skin’s barrier, resulting in dewy skin that’s plumped with moisture.

What an absolutely stunning scent, obviously of roses. I feel like a goddess applying this to my face after exfoliating. It leaves skin feeling silky smooth and hydrated, which works perfectly for me as I tend to have dry skin year-round. There's no sticky residue leftover and the best part is that the scent doesn't linger for too long. It also includes hydrating plum seed oil to keep the complexion looking fresh, which is what everyone wants, right? Highly recommend!

LET'S CONNECT ||  TUMBLR | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

Always,
Mostly Lisa

A few things to love this month. 

Grecian Bust Table Lamp

Look at this lamp! ✨ The perfect mixture of elegance and sophistication is what I think Anthropologie does well with its home decor, so I'm not surprised that I would find this and love it immediately. This has been on my wishlist for a while, but I hope that July will bring it to fruition. 

Reacting to 'THE HILLS' with Whitney Port

This YouTube series is such a guilty pleasure of mine! I love Whitney and her husband, Timmy, as they re-watch 'The Hills' from start to finish and provide hilarious commentary throughout. It's fun to watch, 30-minute episodes that are easily digestible and can be on in the background if you want. If you ever watched the show originally, I highly recommend starting this series!

Leonie Black Ballet Flat

A comfortable flat from Loeffler Randall that has me dancing off the ceiling! Seriously, these are a dream.

I came across this series of photos last week and I've been thinking about them ever since. There's something so magical about them.. maybe it's the anonymity of who the woman is carrying the big bouquet of flowers or maybe it's the hint that they're off in a hurry to meet someone they love OR they just need to get the stems in water as soon as possible. I mean, the possibilities are endless and I love that little fact. This has inspired me to go out and see if there are any other mysterious ladies carrying the world's most beautiful flowers and living a life I can only dream of. So please, enjoy and help me make up some fantasy about who they are and what they're doing. 👀🌺🌿🌼

Yasmine Florals

Carla Coulson

vilde kaniner

Ashley Kane

zoeclaudia