Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Fun Gifts to Give

Looking for something different to give a friend or fill a stocking?  It can be hard to find something that they don’t have already.

I have some cool gift ideas that will be fun to give and receive:

 

Art Therapy Magazine
Art Therapy Magazine

Art Therapy Collection — Adult coloring books are all the rage right now! In this subscription, each magazine is packed with gorgeous coloring designs plus creative coloring techniques and relaxation tips.  You’ll also build an amazing coloring set as you go, with the high-quality colouring supplies provided with every issue.

How does it work? If you subscribe, you will receive your 1st shipment with 2 issues, collector’s guide and FREE pencil case for just $4.95 with FREE shipping. Approximately 4 weeks after your 1st shipment, you will receive and be billed for your 2nd shipping of 2 issues, with your FREE magazine, tidybox and FREE XXL colouring poster for just $9.90 (plus $2 shipping and handling). Thereafter, you will automatically receive and be billed for 4 new magazines issues and colouring supplies every month for only $19.80 (plus $4 shipping and handling).

Subscribe at us.arttherapycollection.com

AquaBall
AquaBall

AquaBall — Fun for a stocking stuffer or to have on hand for the holidays is this all-natural drink with no sugar or calories. And children everywhere will want AquaBall’s latest beverage containers with fun and familiar characters from Disney and Marvel.

It’s a naturally flavored water, enhanced with Vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12 and C and has 0 grams of sugar, 0 calories, no artificial flavors or colors and no high fructose corn syrup. It comes in four flavors: Grape, Fruit Punch, Orange and Berry Blast. Both parents and kid’s everywhere will love these fun and healthy beverages with their favorite characters from Disney and Marvel.

My eleven year old daughter loved these!  They are fun and tasty, too.

Learn more and find a store to purchase at http://www.aquaballdrink.com

Lucia + Danni Lucky Elephant Bangle
Lucia + Danni Lucky Elephant Bangle

Luca + Danni Lucky Elephant Bangle ($28 USD) — Hand made natural brass oxidized or silver plated wire wrapped bangle bracelet with hook and catch closure. Features a vintage pewter lucky elephant charm.

This is so cute!  It has good weight to it.  I love the one with the gold, the mix of metals is really pretty!

Available at lucadanni.com

Polar Optics Edison Sunglasses
Polar Optics Edison Sunglasses

Polar Optics Edison Sunglasses ($29.95 USD) — PolarOptics® Edison sunglasses are designed to fit over prescription frames which provide excellent sun-protection for eyeglass wearers. Classic traditional shape provides optimal coverage with side lenses and copper lens tint to help improve depth perception and contrast. 100% UVA/UVB Protection. Polarized to help reduce glare and scratch-resistant lenses. BendToFit® temples for comfort and a custom fit. Microfiber drawstring case/cleaning cloth included.

These are perfect for people like me who wear glasses but hate driving in the sun! The are really cute, too.

Available at polaroptics.diopticssunwear.com/

 

 

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Fun Food Gifts

Food gifts are a tasty way to show how much you care for someone. Special food goes hand and hand with the holidays and giving a treat is such a fun idea!

Below are three companies that make amazing treats for everyone on your list:

GourmetGiftBaskets.com Santa Cookie Cake
GourmetGiftBaskets.com Santa Cookie Cake

GourmetGiftBaskets.com Santa Cookie Cake ($34.99 USD) — Make this season extra sweet with this delightful Christmas treat! We’ve loaded this 12-inch cookie cake with rich chocolate chips and hand decorated with sweet frosting, creating a holiday dessert that’s impossible to resist!

This cookie cake is so yummy!  The frosting was soft and it tasted really fresh.  On the website, it says that it can ship tomorrow and you can get it quickly!

Purchase at http://www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com for this and much more!

Love, Cooke
Love, Cookie

Love, Cookie — What sweeter way to celebrate the holiday season than by gifting and indulging in treats from the Love, Cookie brand. Handmade in small batches by Baker Maid, a fourth generation, family owned New Orleans-based confection company known for its cookies and cakes.

The Love, Cookie collection comes in eight varieties of melt-in-your-mouth flavors made from only the finest ingredients available. The cookies come in Almond Toffee Crunch, Espresso Chocolate Chip, Midnight Almond, Chocolate Chip, Lemon Cooler, Butter Pecan Praline, Dark Chocolate Orange and Dark Chocolate Mint. I love the Espresso Chocolate Chip the most, but all are so yummy!

Affordably priced at $3.99 Love, Cookie is conveniently available throughout the Gulf South region in supermarkets like Rouses, Robert’s Market, Breaux Mart, Dorignac’s, Langenstein’s and Maxwell’s, as well as many other fine grocery chains. You can also buy online at http://lovecookie.com

Wine of The Month Club Vintner's Own Gift Basket
Wine of The Month Club Vintner’s Own Gift Basket

Wine of The Month Club Vintner’s Own Gift Basket ($89 USD) — Want to impress? Elegance meets rustic in this loaded tin gift basket. Two hand selected California wines supply the fun and a variety of top shelf goodies finish it off. All delivered in a rustic steel bin that would be a nice addition to any kitchen.

Gift includes: One Bottle Wheelhouse Cabernet Sauvignon (California), Backstory Merlot (California), Herb Marinated Olives, Cheese Knife, Busetto Salami, Bruschetta Mix, Fruit and Nut Mix, Dried Apricots, Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares, Brie Cheese Spread, Marinated Olives, Almond Roca Cookies, and Water Crackers all delivered in a dimpled tin rustic basket.

This and many other gift ideas are available at www.wineofthemonthclub.com/

 

 

Holiday Gift Guides 2015: Fab Skincare Gift Sets

More gift ideas you ask?  Of course!

Skincare is an amazing gift to give!  I think a lot of people aren’t certain how to take care of their skin as they grow older.  A kit with various products that tell you how to use them will help your family and friends take care of their skin.

Below are great sets to give:

 

H2O+ Sea Results Skin Renewal Minis
H2O+ Sea Results Skin Renewal Minis

H2O+ Sea Results Skin Renewal Minis ($24 USD) — Smooth away fine lines and replenish skin with a plumping surge of H2O+ anti-aging marine moisture. This mini-sized collection is infused with Anti-Aging Marine Blend, sea minerals and seaweed extracts to revitalize skin, improve elasticity, and keep skin looking as young as it feels. Set Contents 1.Sea Results Sea Mineral Cleanser1.0 Fl oz/ 30 mL travel size 2.Sea Results Line Mender0.5 Fl oz/ 15 mL travel size 3.Sea Results Eye Mender Plus0.24 Fl oz/ 7 mL travel size 4.Sea Results Anti-Aging Hand Cream1.0 Fl oz/ 30 mL travel size

Available at http://www.h2oplus.com

Philosophy spirit of miracles
Philosophy spirit of miracles

Philosophy spirit of miracles ($70 USD) — choose to live in the spirit of miracles and discover younger-looking skin. this comprehensive selection from the miracle worker family of skin care includes targeted treatments for morning and evening to address signs of aging including wrinkles, discoloration, uneven skin tone and rough texture. miracle worker miraculous anti-aging moisturizer 2 oz., miracle worker overnight age-resetting, anti-wrinkle moisturizer 0.5 oz. and miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid eye repair 0.25 oz. are advanced skin care formulas offering radiant results. let miracles happen and start revealing a younger-looking you.

Purchase at http://www.philosphy.com

Intraceuticals Limited Edition Divine Eyes Collection
Intraceuticals Limited Edition Divine Eyes Collection

Intraceuticals Limited Edition Divine Eyes Collection ($169 USD) — This gift set contains Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Eye Gel, Eye Mask (6 pieces), and the Atoxelene Line Wand.

Purchase at http://www.intraceuticals.com

Yves Rocher Anti-Âge Global Collection
Yves Rocher Anti-Âge Global Collection

Yves Rocher Anti-Âge Global Collection ($54 USD) — This new generation of skin care uses the power of plant source cells to offer visible results: smoother, firmer, denser, perfectly moisturized and radiant skin!

Includes:
– Complete Anti-aging Day Care, 1.6 fl. oz./50 ml jar
– Complete Anti-aging Eye Care, 0.5 fl. oz./15 ml tube
– FREE Signature Beauty Case*, dimensions : 7.1’’/ 18 cm L x 4.3”/11 cm H x 5.1”/13 cm Dbr />
*The Signature Beauty Case may vary

Available at http://www.yvesrocherusa.com

 

 

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Fragrance Gifts for Him

Cologne is a really fun gift for the men in your life.  My man isn’t picky, so he loves any fragrance I get him.  I’m lucky!

Even if your husband isn’t as easy to buy for, the fragrances below might just be perfect for your guy:

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Fragrance Gifts for
Valentino Uomo

Valentino Uomo ($86.99 USD) is a classic and brilliant fragrance with accords that change on the person over time. It is a profoundly Italian blend made of precisely chosen ingredients. With soft smoky and woody accords and a touch of vagueness that upsets the balance, it is an expression of unmistakable style. Everything about Valentino Uomo is restrained, yet enticing.

Notes:

– Top: Italian bergamot, myrtle liquor.

– Middle: crema de gianduia.

– Base: leather, cedarwood

Purchase http://www.fragrancenet.com

David Beckham Beyond
David Beckham Beyond

David Beckham Beyond ($25 USD) — Opening on a refreshing mojito accord, the fragrance immediately delights the senses. An invigorating hit of spicy cardamom and zesty grapefruit adds dynamic sophistication. In the heart, a vibrant burst of black pepper, combined with the assertive masculinity of cedarwood and geranium, delivers a timeless refinement. This melts into an intense and textured trail; magnetic patchouli is blended with warm tones of vanilla and leather to confer a strong, charismatic signature. A true concentrate of David Beckham’s identity, Beyond is refined, sensual and daring.

Purchase at http://www.walgreens.com

Burberry Brit Rhythm
Burberry Brit Rhythm

Burberry Brit Rhythm ($41.99 USD) –Brit Rhythm is a youthful and instinctive fragrance for men. Experience top notes of basil verveina, cardamom and a shot of juniper berries. Discover adrenalised heart notes of black leather, patchouli and styrax resin and sensual base notes of cedarwood, incense and tonka bean.

Purchase at http://www.fragrancenet.com

 

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Fragrance Gifts for Her

Fragrance is a thoughtful and personal gift.  There are so many different choices out there, but don’t be afraid of surprising her with a new scent.  Check out the notes in the following fragrances.  You might be able to find one that will be perfect for the lady you are shopping for!

Philosophy loveswept holiday collection
Philosophy loveswept holiday collection

Philosophy loveswept holiday collection ($57 USD) — Sweep her off her feet this season with a soft floral fragrance that sparkles with energy and romance. loveswept opens with fresh bergamot and citrus, the heart blooms with pink jasmine, then rests on creamy amber that stays close to the skin. this collection includes the scent in 3 formulas for body and bath that layer beautifully for an indulgent head-to-toe experience. includes eau de toilette 2 oz.; shampoo, bath & shower gel 8 oz. and whipped body crème 4 oz.

Purchase at http://www.philosophy.com

212 VIP Rose by Carolina Herrera
212 VIP Rose by Carolina Herrera

212 VIP Rose by Carolina Herrera ($72.99 for 2.7 fl. oz) features a blend of sweet and sensual notes like pink champagne and amber, making it the perfect finishing touch before a big night out. Champagne, fruity notes, peach blossom, woody notes, white musk.

Available at http://www.fragrancenet.com

Lisa Hoffman Beauty Holiday Serenity Travel Trio
Lisa Hoffman Beauty Holiday Serenity Travel Trio

Lisa Hoffman Beauty Holiday Serenity Travel Trio ($49 USD) — The holiday fragrance trio offers a unique set of our signature scents. Beautifully gifted, each fragrance is designed to envelop you in a scent experience that invites feelings of joy and happiness this holiday season. Wear each one alone or layer them to create your own signature fragrance. Each trio is beautifully packaged in our white gift box, signature wrapping paper and ribbon.

The Serenity Trio includes our fresh and crisp green French Clary Sage, warm and cozy Tuscan Fig, and zesty Japanese Agarwood 15ml eau de parfums.

Available at http://www.lisahoffmanbeauty.com

Katy Perry’s Mad Potion
Katy Perry’s Mad Potion

Katy Perry’s Mad Potion ($49 USD 1.7 fl. oz.) — This magical Katy Perry fragrance unleashes a spell with its notes of bourbon vanilla and sweet white peonies. Notes are Tahitian vanilla orchid, sweet white peony, fresh and crisp apple, musk, Madagascar bourbon vanilla, luminous jasmine petals, soft and whipped fluffy musk, Mexican vanilla bean absolute and glowing amber.

Purchase at http://www.kohls.com

 

 

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Personalized Gifts

You know I love giving beauty gifts, but sometimes it’s fun to give something different.  Personalized gifts let the recipient know that you are thinking about them so much you made something just for them!

Below are three great ideas to make online and have printed and sent to you.

Collage.com
Collage.com

Collage.com is a really cool website that makes custom products easy for anyone to create.

I received codes to create gifts for my honest review.  I have made two projects so far and really enjoyed creating them.

Above are the two projects I have completed.  The first one is a 50×60 fleece blanket.  I placed photos of my family and pets on it.  The photos ended up arranged differently than I wanted,  but that was probably user error.  It’s very cool up close!  The project on the right is a photo album.  It is so pretty, the photos look amazing in it!

I highly recommend this site.  Plus, when you visit it, you get a coupon for 60% off of your first purchase.  If you buy something, you also get great coupons by email.

Keep Calm and Color On
Keep Calm and Color On

Put Me In The Story, the #1 personalized books site in the U.S., now carries the first-ever personalized adult coloring book – Keep Calm and Color On by Illustrator Katie Martin. 

Color your stress away in this personalized coloring book where beautiful coloring pages are peppered with inspiring quotes to calm your mind and lift your spirits.  

A great personalized gift for the holidays, each copy of Keep Calm and Color On is personalized with your name on the front and back cover, a special dedication page, and a coloring page where your name is a part of the illustration. Keep Calm and Color On is the only adult coloring book that features YOU!

I received a free code to create this and it was so easy.  I just had to put in the name I wanted to use and then a dedication.  I received it and it’s really nice.  My recipient will enjoy coloring it!

AwesomeBox
AwesomeBox

AwesomeBox is a fun new twist on group gift-giving that will surprise, delight and warm the heart of someone special. AwesomeBox captures those moments that no one can buy — the best memories, stories and photos packaged in a one-of-a-kind printed gift that everyone creates together.

Invite friends, colleagues and family to share unique memories of your someone special — photos, inside jokes, poems or moments — that when put together, paint wonderful stories. They can upload tributes, memories, messages and photos, and AwesomeBox turns those into beautifully printed cards that weave a personalized tale of your memory, vividly showing the recipient just how special they are.

It’s easy to start and takes just minutes to make! Friends and family upload messages and photos — even from Facebook — AwesomeBox then transforms those favorite moments into colorful double-sided cards that are then stacked in a stylish box and shipped to the AwesomeBox recipient.

I haven’t seen one of these in person, but I think it’s a very original idea. I don’t think it would take too long to make and the person receiving it would love it forever!

Purchase at http://www.awesomebox.com

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Cookbooks For Everyone!

Cookbooks are such a wonderful gift idea for all levels of cooks. I love getting a new cookbook or finding new recipes.  I experiment all of the time.  Ask my family — sometimes it works and sometimes not so much!

I was sent the books below for my honest review.  They include lots of great photos and have easy to follow instructions.  I even made a noodle soup from Simply Vietnamese Cooking (see below). And it was good!

 

Best of Bridge Home Cooking 250 Easy and Delicious Recipes Fall 2015
Best of Bridge Home Cooking 250 Easy and Delicious Recipes Fall 2015

Best of Bridge Home Cooking: 250 Easy and Delicious Recipes Fall 2015 ($29.95 USD) – The Best of Bridge is back with this collection of recipes that evoke all the goodness of home cooking — that wonderful feeling of family and comfort. If you’re looking for easy weeknight meals or entertaining ideas, look no further.

This is food that makes you feel good and tastes great, too. These soul-satisfying recipes are easy, dependable, reassuringly familiar and, above all, delicious. They will inspire you to get back in the kitchen and create some special memories around your table.

There are loads of tips to help you deal with the midweek madness of meal preparation and, as always, the dishes are made with ingredients that are easily found at your local supermarket.

Within the 250 recipes, there are dishes for every occasion and meal, whether it’s a soothing soup for lunch, one-pot dinners for those harried weeknights or delicious meatless mains.

The Complete Guide to Sushi & Sashimi
The Complete Guide to Sushi & Sashimi

The Complete Guide to Sushi & Sashimi ($29.95 USD) —

Sushi isn’t tricky to make so long as you have the right utensils and some patience to get acquainted with the techniques. All it takes is practice and, in no time at all, you’ll be making sumptuous sushi that will wow your family and friends.

This incredible book will provide you with all the information you need to get started — from ingredients and equipment to fish butchery, making perfect rice, plating techniques and so much more. You’ll learn how vitally important knife selection is and the differences between Japanese and Western equivalents.

With full color throughout, 500 photographs, a user-friendly concealed Wire-O binding and hundreds of tips and techniques, this sushi book is sure to become the go-to guide for sushi and sashimi lovers, whether novice or experienced.

Ingredients certainly take center stage and here Robby Cook shares his extensive experience with fluke (hirame), octopus (tako), red snapper (tai) and many other types of fish and seafood.

Sushi, maki, sashimi, nigiri, oshizushi — it’s all here, from the California and dragon rolls we’re all familiar with to tantalizing clam and sea urchin recipes.

175 Essential Slow Cooker Classics
175 Essential Slow Cooker Classics

175 Essential Slow Cooker Classics ($24.95 US) — Using Judith’s recipes, thousands of home cooks have discovered not only how delicious and convenient food prepared in the slow cooker can be, but also how this handy appliance can be used to create an extraordinary range of dishes you might never have associated with a slow cooker.

This full-color reissue, with a new cover and all‑new trade paper binding, includes 60 new recipes, plus many of Judith’s favorites from three of her previous slow cooker cookbooks. The recipes span a wide range of meals and occasions, from everyday favorites to dishes that fit the bill for elegant entertaining, so you’re sure to find options that will satisfy and delight everyone. Vegetarian and vegan recipes are clearly identified.

Simply Vietnamese Cooking 135 Delicious Recipes
Simply Vietnamese Cooking 135 Delicious Recipes

Simply Vietnamese Cooking 135 Delicious Recipes ($19.95 USD) — Bright, delicate and satisfying, the cuisine of Vietnam is absolutely phenomenal. Sour flavors are balanced by salty ones, while sweet notes are answered by a little heat from chiles.

Nancie’s easy recipes will help you make an array of traditional dishes with widely available ingredients. You’ll find speedy stir-fries, vibrant salads and soothing soups, as well as numerous recipes for cooking meat and seafood on the grill. And all feature that wonderful balance between fresh herbs and spices (except for the sweets and drinks, of course!). You’ll soon be enjoying an array of authentic, classic recipes that really are fast enough to prepare during a busy work week.

With extensive information on ingredients, substitutions and time-saving techniques, along with suggested menus, you’ll be cooking simply sumptuous Vietnamese food in your home kitchen in no time.

Purchase at www.robertrose.ca

 

 

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Give The Gift Of Light With Fun Lamps!

Looking for a fun, but different gift for a picky someone?  Try a cool lamp! I love giving lamps as gifts because a funky lamp is so much fun to receive.

Below are three lamps I am loving right now.  The first two I was sent for my honest review.  The last one is one my daughter has and is the perfect night light for kids of all ages:

Lava Lamp 50th Anniversary
Lava Lamp 50th Anniversary

Lava Lamp 50th Anniversary Lamp — In 2015, the ubiquitous 1960’s pop culture icon celebrates its 50th Anniversary! This year marks a half-century of Lava Lamps in the United States, which has been featured in countless TV shows, movies, magazines and more. In honor of its golden anniversary, the ever-popular “original shape of cool” has created a limited edition 50th collection for its fans!

The limited edition 50th Anniversary Collection includes four lamp sizes: 14.5” ($19.99), 17” ($29.99), 16.3” ($39.99), and 27” Grande ($119.99). The lamps have premium features included: gold painted base & cap, embossed 50th anniversary logo on the base, certificate of authenticity, and either an easy-access switch on the base or a dimmer switch, depending on the size of the lamp.

I think this is such a cool lamp!  The colors are really fun and will brighten up any décor.  This is great for people of all ages, but teens and young adults will love it!

to www.lavalite.com

SolarPuff Lamp
SolarPuff Lamp

We would like to introduce you to the humble SolarPuff ($30 USD) light – a simple, origami-style solar powered lantern.  A perfect sustainable edition to your Holiday Gift Guide — suitable as a family/household gift, children’s gift or environmentally friendly gift lists.

It was developed to assist in disaster relief around the world and donated to areas in Haiti and Nepal still without power to bring light to survivors. On Friday, September 25, the opening ceremony of the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit (Sept. 25-27) featured 200 children carrying a U.N. branded SolarPuff, a symbol of saving the planet for future generations.

The U.N. chose SolarPuff over other solar light products because it is completely solar powered, sustainable and eco-friendly, made with recyclable materials. It was designed specifically for Disaster Relief as a light weight, flat-pack, sustainable and hygienic lighting solution. It’s very light for easy and affordable shipping.

This came flat.  You open it and charge it in the sun for 8 hours and the light lasts for 8-12 hours.  It is so light and is portable, so you can carry it anywhere.  I love the clean lines of it and think it’s fun for kids, too!

Available at http://www.solight-design.com or at MOMA

IKEA SMILA BLOMMA Wall Lamp
IKEA SMILA BLOMMA Wall Lamp

IKEA SMILA BLOMMA Wall Lamp ($14.99 USD) — Casts a soft light. Suitable for use with an energy-saving bulb, which produces very little heat.  My daughter has had this lamp in her room for almost a year and uses it every night.  It is so cute!  And the wall lamps come in different shapes and colors like a blue star, yellow moon and red heart.

Available at IKEA stores.  Learn more at http://www.ikea.com

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Cool Beauty Gifts

Looking for a cool beauty tool or a fun palette to give this holiday season?  I have some great ideas below.  From a hi-tech way to apply makeup to affordable palettes to luxe collections, there is something for everyone.

Luminess Air Epic Airbrush System
Luminess Air Epic Airbrush System

Luminess Air Epic Airbrush System ($399 USD) – Reveal skins natural beauty with our dermatologist tested and recommended Luminess EPIC Airbrush Makeup System. Airbrushing helps eliminate cross contamination (no need for makeup brushes) resulting in healthier looking skin.

This system is truly an EPIC breakthrough with its game changing digital design. The Epic features a built in display, easy to use interface, and several tutorials that brings our professional makeup artist Heather Boswell directly into your home revealing the simple art of Airbrushing. Luminess Air’s specially formulated foundation allows you to spray away a verity of unwanted imperfection such as acne, discoloration, dark circles, bruising, scars, wrinkles, rosacea; even tattoos. Our makeup allows skin to breathe without sacrificing coverage – Airbrushing with Luminess Air gives sheer to ultra-coverage minus the appearance of thick or cakey makeup. This kit contains everything you need to create a flawless, camera ready look!

 Kit includes:

EPIC Airbrush Compressor and Stylus

AC Adaptor

Instructional DVD

1 Year Warranty

4 – 0.55oz bottles Ultra foundation

1 – 0.25oz Blush

1 – 0.25oz Skin Brightening Glow

1 – 0.25oz Moisturizer/Primer

Too Faced Le Petite Maison ($39 USD) — Exclusive to Ulta Beauty, the kit features 12 shadows, Deluxe Shadow Insurance Eye Primer, and Deluxe Better Than Sex Mascara for party-perfect eyes.

Ulta Beauty Ulta Be Discovered Blockbuster Kit ($24.99 USD) — For those who just don’t want to share, keep curious hands out with the lock and key closure. Includes: 33 eye shadows, 4 blush shades, 1 bronzer, 4 brow powders, 1 eye shadow brush, 2 color coat cream eye shadows, 6 glitter eye top coats, 2 dual ended eye liners, 2 butter balm glosses, 1 powder brush, 1 eye liner brush, 6 gel eye liners, 1 highlighter, 2 eye shadow primers, 1 brow brush.

Makeup Revolution’s Mermaids Forever 32 Piece Eyeshadow Palette ($15 USD) in a beautiful collection of colors! Mermaids are forever, and this palette is the stuff that fantasies are made of. A breathtaking collection of jewel tones inspired by aquatic fairy tales and folklore, from sea greens to cobalt blues.

All available at Ulta.com

Tory Burch Holiday Cracker ($28 USD) is a perfect stocking stuffer! Cheerfully wrapped in a signature print which encompasses a little note from Tory and a Tory Burch Eau de Parfum Rollerball – a scent of floral peony and tuberose blend with crisp citrus notes of grapefruit and neroli, anchored by earthy vetiver.

Available at Sephora and Sephora.com

Tory Burch Lip Color Set ($72 value of $96),  represents the ideal balance of sheer yet vivid color and rich texture with a weightless finish. Each color is designed to flatter a variety of skin tones and is subtly scented with notes from the Tory Burch fragrance – cassis, grapefruit and mandarin.

Available in the fine fragrance area at most department stores

Last Minute Holiday Beauty Gifts!

Do you have all of your gifts yet?  Beauty gifts set are perfect because they allow the recipient to try different types of items that they haven’t used before.  And they are so much fun to get!

So what are you waiting for? Here are some ideas:

IMG_1922

Spa Heroes ($39 per month) is a the new monthly beauty subscription service dedicated to spa-approved skin, sun and hair care products that are free of health-hazardous ingredients, celebrates the season with a short list of holiday treats – to gift and to get.

I received the November box (above) to test.  The hero product is Spa Technologies Age Defense for Luminous Eyes (left, retails for $79).  This light cream contains a cell-rejuvenating mix of organic marine algae, liquid oxygen and micronized silver. Soy and rice bran peptides actively decongest and reduce dark circles while omega-3-endowed laminaria and porphyra algae strengthen tissue. I love this eye treatment it sinks right into my skin and makes the skin around my eye area so smooth!

The box also contained a generous 2 oz sample of Spa Technologies Hydrating Laminaria Oil for dry skin on hands, elbows, etc.  It smells fantastic and is very moisturizing!

Subscribe for yourself or someone deserving of good-for-you products at http://www.spaheroes.com.

Carol’s Daughter Marula Curl Therapy Collection 3-Piece Starter Kit
Carol’s Daughter Marula Curl Therapy Collection 3-Piece Starter Kit

Carol’s Daughter Marula Curl Therapy Collection 3-Piece Starter Kit ($24 USD) — To pamper your curls and train them to spiral into long-lasting perfection, Carol’s Daughter has used the super-softening, rich Marula oil in this new Marula Curl Therapy Collection. Experiment with the nourishing benefits of Marula Oil with this three piece starter kit, featuring the Marula Gentle Cream Cleanser, Diffusing & Styling Lotion and Softening Hair Mask.

These smell amazing and leaves hair soft and silky.

Available at www.carolsdaughter.com.

Burt’s Bees Holiday Gift Collection
Burt’s Bees Holiday Gift Collection

Burt’s Bees Holiday Gift Collection ($5 to $15 USD) — is full of natural, ‘no wrap needed’ personal care gift sets and stocking stuffers for everyone on your list this year. From the busy mom to the selfie obsessed teen, outdoorsy guy to your favorite teacher – we’ve got you covered.

The best part, they’re all available at your local drugstore. Besides, who doesn’t love a little natural beauty? Learn more at http://www.burtsbees.com

Big T NYC COUTURE COLLECTION Gift Set
Big T NYC COUTURE COLLECTION Gift Set

Big T NYC COUTURE COLLECTION Gift Set ($65 USD) — Premium loose leaf tea is HOT! Give the gift of luxury with this exclusive Couture Collection gift pack. It includes our debut collection of three Big T NYC organic teas, an infuser, and a guide to making the perfect cup of loose leaf tea. The Teas included are amazing!  They are:

TELL-TALE GLOW White Tea: premium organic Bai Mudan white tea blended with Goji berries, Elderberries, and Zante currants.

UNEXPECTED FLING Green Tea: This premium, organic, Sencha green tea is infused with rose and cherry.

BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE Black Tea: ultra premium loose leaf organic Vietnamese Black & Chinese Oolong tea blend, infused with maple essential oils, Indonesian vanilla & California almonds.

I have tried them all, and they are fantastic.  The black tea is perfect for cold days, the green tea is floral and spring-y tasting and the white tea is fresh and bright!

Purchase at http://www.bigtnyc.com

Lady Gaga Fame
Lady Gaga Fame

Lady Gaga Fame Gift Set ($21.99 USD) — Out of the ordinary, like Lady Gaga herself, this fragrance is built around three main accords: dark, sensual and light. This unique scent is the first black Eau de Parfum that sprays clear and becomes invisible once airborne. Includes a 1.0 fl oz EDP, and 2.5 fl oz Shower Gel.

This fragrance is really sexy and the black fluid is so cool!

Available at Kohl’s and mass drugstores nationwide.

Skin&Co Roma The Holiday Stocking Stuffer
Skin&Co Roma The Holiday Stocking Stuffer

Skin&Co Roma The Holiday Stocking Stuffer — Here’s the kit to surprise your family and friends with Stocking Sized to stuff your Holiday Stockings! Whether they love Truffle or Sicilian Orange, here’s a kit that embraces both collections!

THE GIFT:

– 3 PCS Truffle Body Gel (2 FL OZ/ EA)
– 3 PCS Sicilian Body Gel (2 FL OZ/EA)
– 2 PCS Sicilian Body Lotion (2FL OZ/EA)
– 2 PCS Truffle Body Milk (2FL OZ/EA)
– 1 Holiday Bag

This luxe set will be a hit with bath and body lovers!

Purchase at http://www.skinandcoroma.com.

Lavanila Pure Vanilla Mini Deo Duo
Lavanila Pure Vanilla Mini Deo Duo

Pure Vanilla Mini Deo Duo  ($14 USD) — Indulge in the freshness of vanilla with this award-winning Mini Deo Duo. Inspired by nature, soothing essential oils blend with powerful anti-oxidants and beta-glucan technology for superior, on-the-go odor protection. Set includes 2x Pure Vanilla Mini Deodorant.

This is a perfect natural stocking stuffer!

Available at http://www.lavanila.com