My Fave Gift To Give (Plus a Peek At My Holiday Decorations)

This year was tough. I've experienced a few losses and lots of sadness. I don't feel like my regular self yet, but I think recognizing it means that things are getting better. I know next year will be amazing!

When someone else is going through something tough, I always recommend self-care and give them my favorite gift. And this time, I'm taking my own advice.

I got my house cleaned. It is my favorite gift to give! Seriously.

It is the BEST feeling coming home to a clean house. I've given this gift to new parents, friends going through a tough time (loss, divorce, depression, an illness), and just because. It is always a hit. I can't recommend it enough.

I had the chance to try Well Kept, an Atlanta-based cleaning service. I loved it so much, I had to share it (no, this is not sponsored) and share my experience. I had my place cleaned before my annual Christmas party.

Think of them as the Uber of cleaning. You simply go to the site and click what services you'd like. Maybe a room or your whole house? Cleanup after a party? It's $15 a room. Add extras--I chose an oven cleaning because mine hasn't been cleaned since...ever. Choose the date and time--they only need 48 hours! No contracts, no in-home estimates, just a clean house.

So Melvin and Leonarda (I HIGHLY recommend them--ask for them!) showed up with cleaning supplies--you can give them specific products to use if desired. I chose to stay and wrap presents in the spare bedroom while they cleaned, but you don't have to be home. They were courteous and professional.

When they were finished, I couldn't believe how great it looked! It made me so happy. Everything was sparkling, like I'd just moved in. That sounds like an exaggeration, but you had to see it! I loved how everything looked. Let me just show a few pics already (this was a few days after they cleaned).

I'm a really private person, so I am just sharing bits and pieces of my place. Excuse the mess and any bad lighting. This is real life, y'all. Here's my bathroom--look how shiny my sink is!

Here's the kitchen--again, it's SPARKLING! But this is real life, y'all, complete with lots and lots of art from the kids in my life on the fridge and a box of grits next to the stove. I am in love with my bouquet, too.

Here's a snippet of my living room, including my tree. It's full of ornaments from my travels. I've shared a few of them on my Snapchat (ellesees). Charlie likes to sleep under the tree, so there's space for him always. I realized I had unwrapped Christmas presents sitting out, so I had to throw a jacket over them at the last second. ;)

I also collect nativity scenes from my travels, like Italy, Germany, and Mexico. I have lots of other Christmas decorations, like on the mantle, as well as my menorah, but instead of boring you with all of that, I'll share just one more pic:

Charlie! He is such a cutie.

If you live in the Atlanta area, I can't recommend Well Kept enough (coming soon to other cities). 

I was very happy with my cleaning and can't wait to use them again.

Extra Elle:

• When walking Charlie over the weekend, I noticed they were having Lion King auditions by my house. I had to resist the urge to hold him up like Simba!
• I'm a sucker for a red lipstick. I got the new one from Dita Von Teese. Review coming soon. It's perfect for the holidays.
• It's been nothing but sparkly nails for me lately. If only the weather was a little cooler around here.