Nikki DeLoach’s Holiday Rules

Nikki DeLoach is one of Hallmark’s leading ladies and a fan-favorite among loyal viewers. After starring in the Miracles of Christmas film Five More Minutes, she recently returned to the network as the lead in the movie Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate. Inspired by the Goldy Culinary Mysteries book series by Diane Mott Davidson, the story follows a spirited single mom named Goldy who is thrust into the role of town sleuth to help solve a friend’s mysterious death.  With the clock ticking to find the culprit, Goldy strikes up an unlikely partnership with Detective Tom Schultz, who leans into Goldy’s local knowledge. But just as their relationship shows signs of becoming something more, the suspect list rises, leaving viewers to wonder if Goldy will narrow in on the killer before the killer narrows in on her. It is airing now on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

A passionate philanthropist, DeLoach enjoys giving back. She is a Celebrity Champion and spokesperson for The Alzheimer’s Association in honour of her father who bravely battled Pick’s Disease, a rare form of dementia. She has been a featured speaker at the Los Angeles Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the past several years. Nikki recently joined the board of Mind What Matters, a non-profit that provides support to Alzheimer’s caregivers. In addition, she currently serves on the Foundation Board of Trustees for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which provided lifesaving care for her son, Bennett.

Where are you jetting off to next?

We are headed to the Bahamas with my mom, sister (and her family), and brother (and his family) this summer. We will also spend some time on the farm in Georgia afterwards. It will be the first time I have taken a trip with my mom, sister and brother outside of the United States. We are so excited.

How will you spend your days?

I like a nice balance of activity and relaxation when I go on vacation. I have to move my body every day. In the Bahamas, there are so many wonderful ways to do so in the water, so I imagine there will be lots of water activities. I also look forward to getting through at least two books (which is actually very ambitious when you have two young boys).

What’s in your carry-on luggage?

I always keep a change of clothes just in case something goes awry with the luggage. I usually pack bare-bones necessitates as well (toothbrush, contacts, eyeglasses, etc). I am a writer so my computer is an appendage at this point. I always have my computer and charger, as well as any other electronic devices and chargers. I usually bring a few healthy snacks, a book, extra masks, Clorox/Lysol wipes, baby wipes, hand sanitiser, my vitamins, and a reusable bottle for water. I’m a spokesperson for Cue Health, and I never leave home without my Cue Health PCR COVID testing device and a couple of tests. My four year old has had three heart surgeries and is immunocompromised, so this device has been critical to our family staying safe from COVID.

Beauty essentials?

I love products. There is nothing like finding the perfect beauty product. It also helps you to travel light because you’re not bringing a ton of random products. I love my Eminence face masks, especially the Eight Greens Phyto Mask. I also never leave home without my Dr Lancer Lift and Plump Sheet Mask. It’s so yummy. All of my face products are a combo of Eminence and Dr Lancer. I use Eleven Australia hair products. They are PETA approved, RSPO certified, and offer a range of vegan options. Plus they work for my hair! I also love Color Wow Extra Shine Spray and Root Cover-Up. For makeup, I use almost all Charlotte Tilbury products. My new favourite CT product is her Hyaluronic Happikiss Color Lipstick. I also love the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask. I bring two different types of sunscreen. I have a 50 coverage that I put on in the morning and then I carry the Coola travel Sunscreen Mist and re-apply throughout the day. I love my Billie razor and I love using rose oil (or some kind of body oil) all over the body for moisture.

What do you like to read?

I love, love, love to read. It’s also one of the pleasures that becomes more difficult when you have young children, so I really have to fight for my reading time. My book preferences are similar to my music preferences. It’s expansive and determined by my mood, and what I’m curious about at the time. Right now, I’m reading three books – Ashley C. Ford’s Somebody’s Daughter, my friend Kelsey Chittick’s book Second Half, and my friend Kate Bowler’s Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection.

Best travel tip?

My motto when travelling is, “If we all get to where we are going safe and sound, then it was a successful trip.” Travelling with kids can be hard. In the last couple of years during COVID, we hit the road and saw almost every state in the U.S. We also drove across half of Canada. One time we drove from California to Georgia in an RV. It was so much fun. I have learned to let go of expectation and control. There’s so much that’s not in your control between flight delays, weather, and traffic. The best thing to do in those moments is just to surrender to what is happening and try to make the best of it.

Favourite travel memory?

I have been so fortunate to travel to so many incredible places where I was able to have some once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With that being said, travelling across the country and Canada with my boys, husband, and dog during 2020 and 2021 is something I will never forget. As awful and heartbreaking as COVID has been, the memories we made as a family is on the road together are something I will never forget.

Favourite hotel?

It’s really hard to beat The San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara if you are in California. One of the most beautiful hotels I’ve stayed in is the Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, Italy.

Your vacation style?

I live in a perpetual state of curiosity so I love to explore and learn wherever I go. I love walking around a new place and taking it all in. I love to find local gems such as the best coffee in the city, the best cafe, or the best market. As I said before, I like a balance of relaxation and adventure. If I’m in Hawaii, I am going to want to fish, swim, surf, snorkel, hike, bike, etc. However, I’ll also want to have a few lazy mornings just drinking coffee, sitting on the beach, and reading. This is my style no matter where I go.

Your 3 packing essentials?

Besides the obvious (I.D., credit cards, cash), I never leave home without my phone and computer. My life and work are on my computer. Ever since I had kids, especially a kid with a serious medical condition, having my phone with me is non-negotiable. When I think of essentials, I think of items I could not just purchase wherever I travel. I have bad eyes and use prescription contacts and eyeglasses. Without them, I would walk into a wall.

Your packing advice?

I put outfits together, head to toe, ahead of time. I’m talking shoes to undergarments to jewellery. Depending on how long the trip is, and if I’ll have access to a washing machine, I like to avoid checking luggage as much as possible. Shoes take up a lot of space, so I try and minimize the number of shoes by keeping my clothes in the same colour scheme. So many products now come in travel sizes. You can even get a mini hair straightener. If your favourite products do not come in travel size, invest in travel-sized containers. Travelling is not the time to pack that product that you “might want to try” or the pants you haven’t worn in forever but pack them “just in case.” The only time I really allow for that is when we are driving and have lots of space in the back. The one exception is a bathing suit. I always pack one because you never know when there’s a pool, lake, beach, hot tub, or spa situation that needs to happen and bathing suits are so hard to find. It’s the most difficult shopping item for me.

The one beauty product you can’t live without?

Oh wow. That’s so hard. If I was stranded on a desert island, I would say the one product I could not live without is sunscreen.

What beauty trend will you be rocking this season?

The natural look. The more you put into taking care of your face, the less you will have to put on it. Clean skin, a pop of blush, a bold brow, Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick, and we are set.

How would you define your style?

To be honest, I am in workout clothes a lot. Especially because I work from home just sitting behind a computer when I am not on set. When I’m on set, I’m only in my own clothes riding to and from the set and on the weekends. In the spirit of continued honesty, coming out of a two-year quarantine, I am trying to figure out what my style is after all the shifts and changes that have occurred in my life. This is why style is so personal—it is a reflection of your emotional, mental, and spiritual self. I know that I can never go wrong with the French Style. It’s my go-to. But I also like a cool kick and a Stetson every once in a while.

This season’s 3 wardrobe musts?

Every year, I like to add a summer dress to my closet. Something I can dress down or up. I also think a pair of jeans with a white tee or tank is a must. There’s a new style of jeans every season. Invest in one great pair for the season and a flattering tee or tank. I love that the maxi dress is back. I think it is a great piece to add to your closet this season.

What swimwear trend is a must this season?

I like that ribbed is back. It’s very forgiving! Forgiving in swimwear is always nice.