Holiday Preview at the 5th Avenue Mall

Just a little over one month until Christmas, people!

The holiday bug is biting me earlier than usual this year. I’ve held off on listening to Christmas music or decorating my house with holiday decor, but I have already been buying gifts, which is one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season.

I especially got excited about gift-giving after attending a blogger event at the 5th Avenue Mall in downtown Anchorage last week.

Five of us bloggers were invited to a holiday preview at the mall. We started with appetizers at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. I had never been to Sullivan’s before–and to be honest I’ve heard mixed reviews about the restaurant, but I have to say I was very impressed. The inside was modern, the hostesses and waiters were very friendly, and the food was really good! I would definitely go back for a full meal in the future.

After introductions and a run-down of the night, we headed to Nordstrom to see some of the hottest gifts they have to offer this holiday season.

There was so much cute stuff; I wanted it all. Some of the top gifts include:

Cashmere sweaters (like this one from Halogen that is on sale for less than $70!)
Ugg boots
Bose portable speaker
Dinosaur Rug (Cullen would love this!)
Bogs boots
Kate Spade tote (want!)
Free People Sweater (I am currently lusting after this too. AND it’s 40% off in 3 colors!)

Our next stop was Sephora, which I frequent a few times a year, but did you know they have free classes they offer?! Everything from applying makeup to fake eyelashes. I did not that, and now I really want to take one or two. The gal said they offer free mini makeovers and a full makeover with a $50 purchase. Plus they are willing to give you samples of products you may be interested in. For holiday gifts, you can’t go wrong with their sampler boxes that contains the store’s best sellers.

Then it was off to Michael Kors to learn about the new smartwatches from Michael Kors, handbags, and dresses, which I didn’t realize he designed so many different items. This dress was on display at the store and would definitely turn heads if you needed a stand-out dress for your NYE party! I had no idea Michael Kors has smart watches. This rose gold one caught my eye.

Our last stop of the evening was at Bath & Body Works. I was happy to see that Bath & Body Works is starting to incorporate more all-natural ingredients into their products with their essential oils and soy-based oils in their candles. They are a one-stop shop with items for kids, guys, and wrapping items as well. (I have to admit I went back the next day to buy a few items.)