When the holidays roll around, I always have grand plans for multiple gift-giving idea posts.  I long to do different ones for each personality type, a post for pets, a post for the men in your life, a post just for you.  But then I get overwhelmed and run out of time and don't get any of it done.

So this year, I'm going a different route.  Taking inspiration from Miss Oprah, I am presenting you with a list of some of my favorite things.  Rest assured, my list will not include $200 bird houses.  I definitely support buying gifts for yourself 100%, but I also wanted to include items you could gift to someone else.   I talk about makeup, skincare, hair care, home goods, and more.  Let's get started!

Hair Care, Skincare, & Makeup

I'm going to start with hair, makeup, and skincare because I love talking about this stuff!  I have tried so many different products over my many, many years of dabbling in these topics.  I finally feel like I am starting to find things that really work for me.

Royal Locks Hair Care
($12 and up; Use code 20DIVINE through December to get 20% off any products!!)


Last year, Royal Locks sent me their Pro Curl Cream for review and one to give away to my readers.  It has been the best hair product for me and everyone I have turned on to it.  My sister and her mom have become huge fans of the line.  I've been raving about the Pro Curl Cream since I started using it, but then Royal Locks started coming out with even more products.  I bought the Clean Curls Shampoo and Curl Quench Conditioner a couple weeks before my last hair appointment.  When I went to see my stylist, she had been sent the whole line to try as well because she knew someone who introduced her to the owner of the company.  I was so excited and talked to her about my experience with the products I had tried thus far.  My stylist being as awesome as she is, gave me samples of the products I hadn't yet tried so I could get an idea for how they all work compared to the Pro Curl Cream.  And let me tell you, I'm sold.

If you or someone you know has curly or wavy hair and is in desperate need of awesome hair products, look no further.  The difference if I use a different shampoo and conditioner is very noticeable.  The Royal Locks products give my hair hydration and softness and allow me to simply comb through my hair without any trouble.  After using the samples my stylist gave me, I immediately purchased the Curl Rescue Leave-in Therapy (if there is any tangling, this gets rid of it, adds hydration, and makes my hair deliciously soft), the Curl Nectar Smoothing Serum (if you have any frizz, this gets it gone stat!  A little goes a long way without making your hair greasy or weighing it down), and the Dream Cream (same lightweight cream feel and hydration as the Pro Curl Cream, but gives extra definition to curls and a bit of hold.  I can brush my hair out to waves and have some really gorgeous defined waves with the hold from this.).  I tried the Curl Gel as well and felt it performed very similarly to the Dream Cream for me.  It gives that extra hold, but is just in a different form texturally since it is a gel form versus a cream.

I also purchased the Party Curl Cocktail, a recharging and curl enhancing spray.  I use this for second day hair and find it adds a little bit more hold.  If I used the Dream Cream on Day 1, I just need this and some serum for Day 2 hair.  There are also product sets to choose from for some money-saving action, like the Party Curl and Dream Cream Set, the Shampoo and Conditioner Set, and the new Wash Day Set (Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave-In, and Microfiber Hair Towel) which I purchased over Black Friday.  I reached out to Royal Locks to see if there were any current coupon codes I could share with you all for this post.  I am thrilled to tell you that they gave me a special code for the blog in which you all can save 20% off on any products through December.  Use code 20DIVINE at checkout!!  The customer service is excellent, so if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.  Also, they are on Day 6 of their 12 Days of Giveaways over on Instagram. You can enter to win a variety of products!!



Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist
($30 for 4.8 fl oz)


My hair performs big and bold and beautiful with Royal Locks, but sometimes I need a little added lift.  I love this volume mist because it doesn't leave a crusty or filmy feeling in my hair like when I use a salt spray.  It performs really well and is my go-to for extra volume.  I am still using sample sizes from my box subscriptions, so I haven't had to buy a full-size yet.  Every time I prepare to get the full-size, I receive another sample in one of my boxes. Yay!

Alternately, I would also recommend the Ouai Wave Spray ($12 to $26) for a similar result.  I think the Alterna one above gives more lift, but the Ouai product also doesn't leave any crusty or filmy feeling.  They both rock!



Moisturizers
($16 to $47.50)

I know I've raved about the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb ($22 to $38) on the blog before.  It is a lightweight gel moisturizer that does not make my oily skin greasy throughout the day.  It feels really hydrating, but very light.  It is my go-to daytime moisturizer because of these qualities.  For more hydration in a more traditional cream formula, The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb ($22 to $62) may be for you.  I can only wear it at night because it makes me more oily, but it truly hydrates well and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth.

Because of my oily skin, I need mattifying help.  I also use the First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Oil-Free Mattifying Gel Moisturizer ($30) during the day, but on my T-zone.  It has a creamy gel texture with a lightweight but hydrating feel.  Combined with the mattifying serum below, my skin does not need to be blotted as often as it did before.

I had not tried a Kiehl's product before a couple months ago, though I have heard people rave about them for years.  I received a sample of their Ultra Facial Cream ($16 to $47.50) in my Birchbox and fell in love.  I used it for about a week before I started to wonder why my skin was feeling so smooth and soft.  Then it dawned on me that this Kiehl's moisturizer was the only thing I had introduced into my routine that week.  As soon as I ran out, I bought the full size.  I mainly use it at night because of the more traditional creaminess of the product.  I could probably wear it during the day fine because it doesn't seem to contribute to my oiliness at all.  I wake up with super soft, smooth skin and am always amazed by it.  I've since purchased a couple different Kiehl's sample kits and a lip balm to try.



Serums / Mists
($18 to $42)


Helpful serums have been another game changer for me.  I've been using these for quite a while now with great results.  The Belif Hydra Sebum Control Essence ($42) is on the spendy side, but has lasted me a long, long time.  A little goes a long way.  This serum prevents oil and shine without drying out your skin.  It is a very lightweight semi-liquid gel texture that smooths out over the skin easily.  I noticed a difference in oil and shine the first day I used it.  Combined with the First Aid Beauty Mattifying Moisturizer above, I don't have to blot my face too often.  It is pretty darn effective.

The First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Vital Greens Face Mist ($18) is a cooling facial mist with superfoods to nourish skin.  I use it several times a day to hydrate and refresh.  FAB also has a Vitamin Hydrating Mist ($16) that is very similar and makes my skin feel equally great.  The latter is only available at Ulta now.

InstaNatural is a company I found on Amazon while I was searching for vitamin C serums with natural ingredients.  They have really great prices and products that give both Sean and I results.  I took a chance and ordered the InstaNatural Vitamin C Skin Clearing Serum ($21.97) and have been very happy with the results.  I use it all over my face, neck, chest, and breasts almost every night.  It contains vitamin C, retinol, and salicylic acid, among other ingredients like tea tree oil and niacinamide.  In using it, my skin is brighter, more even toned, and nary a zit to be had.  It really helps keep my skin clear and also helps to hydrate and repair.  I went a couple weeks without using it while I was waiting on my next order and noticed a difference in how my skin behaved.  I love it so much, I had Sean start using it too.  I also use the Micellar Water ($15.97) from InstaNatural.  It is great for removing makeup.  I do also own the hyaluronic acid serum ($15.97) and retinol moisturizer ($19.87), though I can't use those as often or my skin gets really dry.



Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Sprays
($29 to $35 each; Value sets available; Sign up for their email newsletters to be reminded of their frequent 20% off sales)


Another product that has noticeable results for me is the Skindinavia Prep and Set Kit Oil Control, a priming spray and finishing spray formulated for oily skin.  These products also help to greatly reduce my need for blotting throughout the day.  I still have to blot, but far, far less than I used to.  I have used the priming spray on its own before, but I prefer using it as a base, followed by my Benefit POREfessional primer in my T-zone and the Dr. Brandt Illuminating primer all over.  The finishing spray continues to be the best setting spray I have tried thus far.  Both products are sold separately, but I prefer to buy the large set.  They last a good amount of time for me, but since I have previously purchased the small set I refill the smaller bottles that I keep on my vanity table. Skindinavia runs 20% off sales quite frequently.  You can check back to the site or sign up for their newsletter to keep up-to-date with sales.



Face Primers
($12 to $75)

Speaking of primers, I thought I would run down my list of favorites of those as well.  The Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Luminizer Primer ($38) and Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer ($12 to $49) are my every day go-to products.  I use the Benefit primer in my T-zone and the Dr. Brandt Primer all over my face and neck.  Benefit just came out with an illuminating version of their POREfessional primer, which I just bought a mini size of to try.  I'll let you know how it works out.  I love that the POREfessional really blurs my pores and gives my skin a more airbrushed look.  It has a mousse-like, lightweight texture that feels good on the skin.  The Dr. Brandt primer has an illuminating quality that isn't too sparkly or over-the-top.  It comes in a more creamy texture and blends into the skin well. This primer doesn't feel heavy, even with the texture being a little thicker.

Other faves include the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer ($19 to $75), definitely the most expensive of the bunch, but a silky, lightweight formula that feels really amazing on the skin.  I've purchased deluxe sample sizes here and there so I have the luxury of wearing it every so often.  Cover FX Illuminating Primer ($38) has a great illuminating effect in a similar lightweight cream texture.  I like it more compared to the Mattifying Cover FX primer that left my skin quite dry.  The No7 Photo Fix Wrinkle Filler and Primer has apparently been discontinued in this form, but Target carries a number of its cousins.  I am not sure which one is most like it as I have been working my way through my back stock of No7 for quite a while. (Airbrush Away Primer, Airbrush Away Pore Minimizing Primer, Airbrush Away Radiance Boosting Primer - all $19.99)



Eyeshadow Primer
($13 to $24)


While I was on a Too Faced Shadow Insurance kick for a while, I still love the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Anti-Aging ($13 to $24) the most.  The anti-aging formula seems to smooth out my lids just a little more.  I have tried tons of eyeshadow primers and continue to have the best results with this one.



Makeup Brushes
($5.99 to $19.99)


Ah, makeup brushes!  I probably could have done a whole post on brushes alone.  I find Real Techniques and Royal and Langnickel's MODA line to be the best quality for the least amount of money.  The handles are sturdy and have a rubberized feel to them.  The bristles stay in place and have held up well to use and washing.  I chose a few older brushes I keep using and a few new ones that I am loving to share with you.  So from top to bottom:
MODA Complexion ($7.99)
I use this brush to blend liquid foundation or to buff the foundation after I have blended it with a sponge.  It really helps blend and give a better finish to my foundation.  It is also good for stippling if you need extra coverage in certain areas.
MODA Crease ($5.99)
This eye brush is perfect for applying shadows above and into the crease.  It blends beautifully and distributes product evenly.  I bought another one because I use it constantly.
Real Techniques Sculpting Brush ($9.99)
This sculpting brush is a newer one for me.  I bought it to contour quicker.  Because of the elongated brush head, it is the perfect size for placing contour more precisely and blends out the powder well.
Real Techniques Powder Brush ($9.99)
Another brush I use consistently.  This works great for applying powder, buffing powder away after a bake, blending out edges of blush and contour, you name it!
MODA Perfect Mineral 6 piece Pink Brush Set ($19.99)
The two shorter pink brushes come in this set or full size in this MODA EZGlam Duo - Flawless Face ($9.99).  The duo fiber brush is great for applying Colourpop blush because of the creamy texture of that line and the pigmentation.  For powder blush, I prefer the more rounded brush.  The head is smaller than my other blush brush so I have more control of application with this one.
MODA Highlight and Glow ($6.99)
The Highlight and Glow brush is new to me, but works much better than my other brushes I was using for applying highlighter.  This one picks up enough product, is soft so it doesn't damage my foundation, and the right size and shape for applying highlighter in a more controlled area.



Eyeliner
($20 to $22)


My top eyeliner choice is the It Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Gel Eyeliner ($22) in Black-Brown and Highlight.  Black-Brown I use all over and the Highlight shade is great for brightening up your eye when applied to your water line.  These never migrate or gunk up in the corners for me.  I also own this brand in black, purple, navy, and dark green.  They are also twist-up, so they don't require you to sharpen them.
I've gotten back into liquid liner lately.  While I don't normally want to take the time to do a winged look, I like to follow my upper lash line with the liquid liner to tight line and give the illusion of fuller lashes.  The Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($22) has a longer tip that gets really thin and sharp for more precise lines.  It makes application a breeze!  Plus, it stays put ALL day.
The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($20) comes in lots of awesome colors.  I like to put Scorch below my lower lash line.  I do find that these tend to gunk up in the outer corners if I use them on my lids, but I have no issues when I use it underneath my eyes.  These require you to sharpen them yourself.



Mascara
($24)


It used to be that only tubing mascaras would work for me.  I have hooded lids and oily skin, so all other mascaras would give me raccoon eyes in very little time.  The Benefit Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara ($24) isn't a tubing mascara but acts like one on me.  I can cry in these and they don't run.  I never have raccoon eyes or discoloring at the end of the day.  The added benefit is that they also don't make my lashes feel crunchy or weird.  The mascara is easily removable with makeup remover as well.



Setting Powders
($24 to $32)


For me, It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish Airbrush Powder ($24) is my go-to powder.  It helps to airbrush my pores and gives me a smoother look.  The silky powder feels good and is quite light on.  It performs better on my skin than the MUFE HD powder.  I apply it with the included puff.  But then I started using the Too Faced Born This Way Ethereal Setting Powder ($32) about two weeks ago.  Now I use Bye Bye Pores on my T-zone and cheeks, then put the Born This Way powder on the rest of my face.  It gives my skin a really pretty glow without looking frosty or glittery.  The effect is subtle but quite lovely.  This one I apply with a puff or sponge, or a brush.
To set my under eye concealer, I use the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($26).  It does exactly that - brightens my under eye.  This is also a very fine powder.  I apply it under my eye with a small wedge sponge.

I apply these after I do my foundation and concealer and let them sit on my face while I do my eyebrows.  This is called "baking".  Then I swipe away the excess with the aforementioned powder brush and continue doing my makeup.



Finishing Powders
($22 to $62)


Once I'm done with my whole face, I finish with one of these Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders ($22 to $46) and my setting spray.  While these fine powders give a subtle change to the face, I definitely can tell a difference.  They blur imperfections and give the skin a gorgeous glow.  The full sizes at the top are Dim Light and Luminous Light, my two favorites.  As you can see, they are much used and loved.  If you are worried about the $46 price tag for the full size (even though they do last a LONG time), you can get a mini for $22.  I wanted to try more colors after only having the Luminous full size.  The minis are Mood Light, Luminous Light (because I was running out of the full), and Diffused Light (which is a little too light for me).  I also ended up buying the Ambient Lighting Palette ($62) which contains Dim, Incandescent, and Radiant.

These would work well even over a bare face for an added glow.

Mind & Body

WishGarden Tinctures
($16.22 to $19.99)


I've been trying to talk more about my anxiety and issues related to it.  I know other people can relate, but I also think it is important to recognize it and acknowledge it for what it is.  I'm a bit wary of taking anxiety meds for a few reasons and try to use more natural remedies.  A Nutritional Therapist friend suggested Deep Stress by WishGarden.  I found it helpful and branched out to a couple other tinctures by the brand as well.  I keep a small size of Deep Stress in my purse at all times now.  I find these tinctures at my local Natural Grocers and New Seasons.  I'm not sure if Whole Foods carries them, but you can find them on Amazon. (links below)

These are herbal tinctures placed under the tongue, or in some water to dilute, that have different properties.  They taste gross, like pungent cough syrup, but they work.  Deep Stress ($15.75) is more for normalized mood, energy, and adrenal support.  It gives me a bit of calmness and helps to reduce my anxiety a bit.  I can certainly tell when it has kicked in because there is a sense of calm and relief for me.
Genius Juice ($19.99) supports healthy focus, memory, and cognitive ability.  I've been using this one here and there throughout the day when I am feeling pretty tired and exhausted.  It really does give a little energy boost and helps to keep me focused.  I notice I have been a bit more productive on the days I use it.  Sean is going to test it out next.
Serious Relaxer ($16.39) provides relief from muscle tension and sore muscles.  When I couldn't find Deep Stress at the store, I grabbed Serious Relaxer thinking they were interchangeable.  Serious Relaxer definitely helps relax me in a more bodily way, where Deep Stress is more about the mind.



Pink Parchment Soaps
($4.99 to $79.84; Use code PINK10 for 10% off)


Sometimes I browse Etsy looking for something specific, and sometimes I browse for the sheer joy of finding something new.  The latter is how I found Pink Parchment Soaps.  They carry handmade soaps, body butters, bath bombs and shower steamers, sugar scrubs, perfume, and gift sets in a variety of scents.  The Pumpkin Pie and Lavender Body Butter ($9 for 4oz) was the first thing that caught my eye.  It has been said that this combo of scents is the one that turns men on the most.  I first read this back in 2000 before I was going on a trip to New York with a friend.  We wanted to make ourselves irresistible for a certain boy band we were seeing, so I slathered myself in Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin lotion from Bath and Body Works. hahaha

So when I saw a Pumpkin Lavender scent, I had to try it!  It has a strong lavender, earthy scent and smells really good to me.  I like that it is something different than the usual.  I bought the Pumpkin Lavender Roll-On Perfume ($10 for .3oz) at the same time.  While the body butter scent can be a bit strong for me at times, the creamy texture, hydration, and how soft it makes my skin feel makes it my favorite body butter to date.  I branched out to try the Vanilla Bean Noel Body Butter ($9 for 4oz) next.  YES PLEASE!  I am on my second one now and ordered four more to make sure I have back-ups.  The scent is vanilla goodness, almost like a buttercream frosting, but not sickeningly sweet.  It is a real vanilla scent, wonderful but not overpowering.  And again, the texture is creamy and hydrating.

When I made an order for gifts, I purchased a few gifts sets.  The Lavender smells like real lavender.  The Rose smells like a rose.  These aren't fake smelling at all.  I usually get a gift for me as well, so in my recent order I purchased the Mango Papaya Sugar Scrub with Turmeric and Coconut Milk ($12.95 for 4oz).  It smells like Hawaii!!  I've used it a few times so far and really love how soft and smooth my legs feel after I scrub them with this.  I also have the Vanilla Bean Noel Roll-On Perfume ($10 for .3oz) and Headache Relief Aromatherapy Roll-On ($10 for .3oz), a minty fresh roll-on I've put on my wrists and temples to keep me awake.  It does help.

Pink Parchment Soaps has a 10% off code - PINK10 - that you can use if you decide to order!



Oil Diffuser
($8.15 to $19.69)


Earlier this year when I was having a rather bad cold, Sean came home with this oil diffuser to see if it helped heal my dry nose and throat.  It definitely did, but I quickly learned how great it is for 'not sick' times as well.  Diffusing the essential oils leaves my bedroom smelling great for days.  Some oils help me stay alert, while others help me sleep.  I use this thing almost every night and bought a larger one for my office.

The SpaRoom SpaMist Wood Grain Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser and Ultrasonic Cool Misting Humidifier for Essential Oils ($19.69) holds 118ml of water.  It does need to be refilled every time you use it (if you run it the entire four hours of running time like I do).  It comes with a remote, can change colored lighting or the light can be turned off, and it doesn't use heat to diffuse.  I turn mine on before I go to bed.  It runs for four hours and turns off automatically.  If you want something you don't have to refill with water every night, look for a larger capacity diffuser, like this 500ml one I have in my office.

While you can use it as a humidifier alone, I prefer to add essential oil drops to the mix.  Sometimes I go with one scent, or four, depending on my mood.  My favorites are Clear the Air ($8.15) - minty and fresh,  Peace and Harmony ($9.59) - herbal and warm, Peppermint ($11.24) - minty and sweeter, Naturally Lovable ($10.59) - mostly citrus smelling, Nature's Shield ($13.30) - rosemary and mint, and Cheer Up Buttercup! ($9.80) - citrus and ginger.



Weekly To-Do List
($12)


I don't think I could manage to keep track of anything without this trusty weekly planner.  I can write down blog to-dos, as well as household chores.  I like to use post it notes for the things I need to do every week.  This handy, dandy tool would make a great stocking stuffer.
Similar - My Awesome Week Paper Mousepad ($12) & 5 Days a Week Planner ($10.88)

Extras

Unique Sterling Silver Charm Holder
($17.50)


I talked about my Charm Holder from Etsy seller HillCountrySilver in a recent blog post, but wanted to give it another shout out.  I've been collecting various charms for a while now, most of which were gifted to me on special occasions.  I like to have them with me all the time, so most of the time I am wearing this necklace.  I started collecting charms from our travels, which adds up really fast.  So this year, I started looking for a holder for my various charms that would keep them a bit more organized.  I bought this pretty silver holder after seeing it on Etsy.  I love the winding closure and hammered finish.  Now I've decided to keep my travel charms on a separate necklace, so I bought a second holder for that.  While I prefer the shiny, hammered look, you also have the options of antiqued and matte black for finish and smooth for pattern.

And if you need a chain for your charm holder, I got the Sterling Silver 30-inch 1mm Box Chain ($11.97) from Amazon for my second holder.



Water and Wine
($15 to $32.64)


I stopped drinking cokes (what I call carbonated beverages like Pepsi, Sprite, Root Beer, and the like) back in 2009.  Mostly, I drink water, though I also have La Croix or coffee or wine.  We have one of those water cooler machines at home, so I carry my Lifefactory 22 oz Water Bottle ($15 to $25) around with me everywhere.  I bought one for Sean last Christmas and recently picked up a smaller size that fits in the cup holders in the car.  I refill it throughout the day and do my best to get as many ounces in as possible.  I like the silicone outside and the spout is quite durable.  I've dropped them a few times without incident.
Sean gave me the Lifefactory 11 oz Wine Glass with Silicone Sleeve ($32.64 for 4-pack) for my birthday.  I love the silicone outside on this too.  It makes it slip resistant from my hand and other surfaces.  While you can usually find them in store as singles, I could only find 4+ packs online.  And on the subject of wine, we've often wanted a wine aerator but don't like the bulky, hard-to-wash decanters.  Sean found the Vintorio Wine Aerator Pourer ($15.95) online and we've been using it with success.  It definitely makes a difference in the taste of the wine.  This compact aerator is super easy to use and easy to clean.  I also bought one for my friend Nigel.



The Art of Jahna Vashti
($4 to $95)


I'm so excited that I get to see Jahna again this weekend at Crafty Wonderland in Portland.  Not only is she a super sweet, bubbly, friendly, gorgeous lady and fellow Outlander fan, but she is so talented! I love her use of color, along with the whimsical designs she creates.  I'm all about the anthropomorphic animal art, but she does more than that!  I have a whole wall in my front room that is nothing but cute animal drawings that I have collected over the years.  Jahna's work is front and center with her seasons collection (pictured above) as well as the works below.  'My Purple Dream' hangs in my bedroom.  I still have many pieces of hers to frame and hang and love checking out her newest works.  If you follow her on Instagram, she posts works in progress as she creates them, which is so fun to see.





Quin Candy
( $6 to $16)

I first tried Quin lollipops through the Surprise Sweets box via Amazon.  The boxes have included the raspberry and blackberry flavors, which are tasty.  I love having them at my desk for those afternoons when I need a little pick-me-up.  I had no idea there was a Quin store in Portland until a few weeks ago.  After one of my doctor's appointments, we journeyed to the Shave Ice shop for a treat and happened upon the little Quin shop in the same area.  Quin offers lollipops, sparkling candy, hard candy, gumdrops, and caramels. We stopped in and bought some caramels and Sweet Tea Lollipops to try.  They are fun little treats and would make great stocking stuffers!



Jamie Fraser Outlander Fleece Blanket
(Purchased for $20)


Of course, since I took photos of this and prepared it for the post, this item is sold out everywhere.  I wanted to include something fun for your Outlander fan friends.  I'm still including it in case Amazon carries it again.  It is much softer and nicer than the Fraser Crest blanket I bought from ThinkGeek a while back, which is why I wanted to make sure to share it.  However, let me recommend the Outlander Daily Calendar instead.  I bought one of these last year and love the daily photos, quotes, and Scottish tidbits throughout the year.



An Audible Membership

($14.95 a month)

I used to think audiobooks were a waste of time because I was much more of a visual learner.  In a lot of ways I still am, but I find audiobooks invaluable these days.  I can actually get through books in a timely manner because I can listen to them while I work and do house chores.  I've really come to love and enjoy my Audible membership.  I was able to get through all the Outlander books and have also been enjoying books by funny women, autobiographies, and self-help books as well.  If you or someone you know commutes, travels a lot, or likes to listen to things while they work/workout, I highly recommend trying out Audible.