A holiday gift guide, one thing I always get my kids for Christmas, and an artichoke salad you won't want to miss.

Plus, another November playlist.

A Holiday Gift Guide

As you probably know by now, I love gift giving. I love the feeling of finding that perfect something for someone, and the simple act of giving always brings me so much joy and happiness. Even though the holidays can be stressful, I try to plan my gifts ahead of time so I don't feel rushed. Here is a roundup of gifts I'll give this year and a few things on my wish list.

Olea Pia Rose Balsamic Vinegar - a sweet and tangy condiment sourced from the Emilia Romagna region, which also happens to come in really great packaging. You can find it here in the States or, if you’re in Europe, from their online shop.

Roz Healthy Holiday Hair Kit - It's no exaggeration to say that these are the best hair products I've ever used and they have totally transformed my hair. They're absolute perfection, from the packaging to the scent to the formulations. (Use code EARLYACCESS today to get 20% off ahead of the Black Friday Sale. Then, from Nov. 23rd-Dec.1st Roz will be 20% off site-wide for Black Friday + all purchases over $100 will receive a Free Full-Size Willow Glen gift ($48 Value). Now is the time to get your Roz!

Oeuvres Sensibles Handmade Tablecloth - This is the tablecloth of my wildest dreams. Each item in the collection is handmade to order, and all pieces created by artist and designer Sarah Espouse in Marseille are truly works of art.

An A-Z of Pasta by Rachel Roddy - I started following Rachel shortly after we moved to Rome, as she too lives here, and her recipes are exactly the type of food I like to eat and make. She has a real talent for improvisation and using all the little bits she has left in the kitchen to make comforting food. It’s so inspiring. So, this cookbook is definitely on my list.

Babaa Sweater - This red Babaa wool knit is crafted in Spain and looks like it feels like a warm hug. We all need a touch of red in our wardrobe right about now.

Jennybird Nouveaux Puff Earrings - I love these Jennybird earrings so much. They are modern and classic at the same and would go with anything and everything. A great everyday earring.

Merit Five Minute Morning Set - I continue to be obsessed with this makeup brand. It's the best for a no-makeup makeup look. It leaves you looking natural and glowy with minimal effort or time required. And the products are so hydrating.

Valleybrink Road Celebrate with Bubbles Gift Box - This is my go-to gift for clients or when I want to send something for an entire family to share. Filled with so many delicious, artisanal sweet treats and a festive bottle of bubbly.

Udea Wellness Mood and Hair Pill - You know I love all my potions and wellness products for mood, especially since having three kids. They really make such a difference with how I feel daily. An excellent gift for a new mom or someone who you know needs a little pick-me-up.

From Roy Chocolate Panettone - Is it even the holidays if you don't have at least one Panettone?! There are incredible Panettone all over Italy, but it was harder to find when we lived in LA. This Chocolate Panettone was always our favorite to order and enjoy on Christmas.

Spring & Mulberry Holiday Set - I've been a huge fan of this brand for years. The date-sweetened chocolate is decadent and makes you feel good after eating it. And I love the look of this limited edition gift box they launched for the holiday season.

A Gift Subscription to Barrett and The Boys - Give the gift that keeps on giving. For all your foodie friends or anyone curious about living abroad or traveling in Italy and around Europe, this is the newsletter for them! And, here is a cute little card you can print out so you have something to tuck under the tree.

A.OK Self Care Set - Oh, I love a gift that encourages some self-care and this luxurious botanical body oil set offers exactly that. And, it’s already beautifully packaged and ready to gift.

Graza Sizzle and Drizzle Set - Who doesn't love a gift of olive oil? I know I do! Here is a playful set by Graza that includes their best-selling olive oils.

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Holiday Pajamas

The one thing I buy every year for the kids is a new set of Christmas pajamas. I love seeing them on Christmas morning in their matching jammies. It's just so cute! I usually get them a little big so they will last the year, as my boys are obsessed with the holidays and always wear these festive pajamas all year long. Right now, it's the best time of year to find great deals on the cutest sets. Here are some of my favorites:

Hanna Andersson - These are the pajamas I buy the most for the kids. They wear so well, and I can pass them down year after year to the younger ones. They're having their 50% off sale, so now is the time to stock up on all the festive holiday prints.

Cat and Jack at Target - If you have a child with any clothing sensory sensitivity, this brand from Target is a great one to turn to. All of their holiday pjs are on sale right now, too!

Lewis Organics - I love this brand's whimsical animal prints and playful designs. The material is soft and durable, and they wear very well. Their Black Friday sale is happening now, 25% off with code JOY25.

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An Artichoke Salad

We recently went to Roscioli in Rome and had an inspiring artichoke appetizer that combined artichokes prepared in two different ways, into one dish. I incorporated this idea into an arugula salad the other night for a dinner party, and it was delicious. A great thing about the produce markets in Rome is that you can often buy artichokes from the stands already prepped at no extra cost, which eliminates a lot of the work involved in preparing artichokes. But no worries, you can do the prep ahead of time and leave them soaking in lemon water until you are ready to dress the salad.