House of Bren: {GUIDE} Chic & Luxe Valentine's Day Gift Guide, 2016

Something really fantastic; really amazing; really game-changing has taken over my life. For now, the monthly and special features post and digital productions are on temporary hold. Just until I get my life back and am able to see the silver lining in the madness of …. a delicious cookbook production. A different story I’ll talk about in one of my upcoming posts. So for now and until that day when all’s clear and I’m skinny again, and because it’s impportant I continue to share the fabulousness that embodies my day-to-day, I’ll create quick and to the point posts for you to enjoy. I mean, these are things life is made of. The very things we wake up for! To be beautiful, strong, inspirational and unique.

All tat to say, the B! Inspired Luxe Gift Guide for Valentine’s Day is here. Right here. Short and sweet. I’m only omitting the thrills and frills of a beautifully designed magazine. The content is still solid.

These few hand-selected items are lovely. They are tried and true. They are real things in my home. Well, except for that huge painting. I love it but it’s not in my home’s color palette. But it may be in yours!

From mi casa to your heart for consideration, here are my last minute Valentine’s Day gift suggestions.

FOR THE LADY

Perfume. It’s always a good idea. Much a like a trip to Paris. This option is much cheaper, tho. And Ralph gets the essence of a woman with this classic scent. I’ve gotten my home hooked. My bottle is hers now.

ECCO Bella Lip gloss. The ruby red is gorgeous. We love how they’re vegan. Not sure that makes a huge difference, but they sure feel good on the lips. A great gift for your sis.

Cover | FX Infusion Drops. I’m all about making my morning and nightly skin regiments better. I’ve started adding drops of the chamomile (resting/calming) into my Erno mask (see below). The neroli one is even better.

ERNO Laszlo night mask. This has given me life again. I’m obsessed with all things Erno. Have been for a while but even moreso recently. I’m working on a feature of a solid all-exclusive Erno treatment but I need a few more things. This mask is the sexiest I’ve applied at night. For real. Very much worth the $100.

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla. Carol’s Daughter stands for the woman. I love how they empower us to be better. Feel better. With affordable prices, why wouldn’t you. We all shop at Target, right? Find them there. This entire vanilla collection is magic.

FOR THE FINE MAN

Cologne. Supreme OUD cologne. This.right.here. I’ve been so tempted to wear this! What?! Goodness. I can sniff a man all day if he’s wearing this. I gave one to my brother’s and their flirt life has changed. This is just everything on a man. Just everything.

Bar Ware. I’m not a huge Whiskey drinker, but I do travel the world. These are now on my bar for the guys that do enjoy a good Scotch. They’re light but a great conversation piece.

Upkeep. Dollar Shave Club membership is cool. It’s inexpensive and a great way to stay on top of trends for maintaining your metro status.

THE HOUSE OF BREN

I entertain a lot in my humble home. It’s my job, yes, but I love the feeling my friends and clients have when they leave after having eaten really good food and asking questions about why I collected this, that, or the additional mixer. That’s honestly a point of envy. I love finding new and sexy things that make my personal time really special; not just when I have a house full of on lookers.

Stand Mixers/Small Applicances. Why is this is so, so, so darn gorgeous. I don’t have this colour, but it’s on fiyah! It’s luxurious without being too feminine. You need little else on your counter with this beautiful piece of American goodness by KitchenAid. Make sure to get the clear bowl. It changes everything. And they say it’s all about that first impression, right.

{WATCH: Bren and Tamron Hall make olive bread and ravioli pasta on the TODAY show}

Artwork. I recently came across this gallery in Atlanta, my old stomping grounds. They have the most fascination artists there… artist that will bring joy and intrigue into your home. I feel in instant love with Spencer Sloan. There’s something about this piece that’s whispering in my ear. If not a larger than life piece, considering a day at the museum. That’s classy.

Three Coconuts Pillow. A new element in my very persona space. I’m crushing on this pillow. Not only because it’s made and designed by a California woman, but also because it’s made with raw, organic, and true earth elements. We overlook those things when buying bedding, but all of those little nuances we don’t think about, really do affect our sleep. This is for the person whom’s really serious about their long-term health. She also has mattresses. Ooh, lala.

Pillows. There was a scene in ‘Along Came Polly’ that still has me in stitches — you know, the one where Ben Stiller’s friend has a moment and cuts open all of the bed pillows? I fear I may have a moment like that one day. I have a slight and secret addiction to pillows. I have 8 on my bed alone. And now on my couch, I have 6. Why? Really, just why? Colors and patterns like this ikat one is bold and doesn’t meed many friends. She stands really well alone.