Holiday Gift Guide!

It has arrived! The most exciting time of the year! I am so thrilled to share these gift ideas with you all. I will be adding to this list every day in December, so remember to come back to see all the new additions. Now, let's go!

Women:

Vegamour

The best care is self care. Vegamour hair care products are exactly that, and then a little more. Not only do they clean, soften, and shine hair, but they help it grow. The past few years with diet changes and stress, my hairline hasn't been doing so hot. But with the Vegamour GRO line, it will be back on top (pun intended) in no time.

Truffiore

Taking something that a person is going to do anyway, and turning it into a simple luxury is always an excellent goal when giving a gift. Truffiore Gourmet Skincare fits that ask perfectly. Whether you want to give face care products, or their indulgent Body Care Collection, there is no better way to make the every day extraordinary.

 
Fortune & Frame

What better gift than jewelry and a personal message? Fortune & Frame offers breathtaking lockets with customizable fortunes inside. All the magic of a fortune cookie and the thoughtfulness of personal note, paired with the glamour of scintillating jewelry, and the whimsy of distinctive designs. I chose some of their Secret Diary and Fortune Cookie pieces. I am absolutely in love with everything about them.

Charisma Home Décor

Something I am trying to focus more on is giving original gifts and supporter smaller business. Charisma Home Décor is the perfect company for this. All of their items - Jewelry, throw pillows, decorative glass vases, wall art, artistic ornaments, and more - are handcrafted for incredible quality and truly unique pieces. I got the most beautiful Modish Dove Centerpiece Vase. I keep it on display even when I don't have flowers.

Vancaro

Jewelry is always an excellent choice. You can always fall back on staple pieces: basic gold and timeless pearls, but I prefer something a little more unique. Vancaro has a wide variety, but I fell n love with their gorgeous gothic themed pieces. I got the Black Gothic Skull Necklace, Black Gothic Heart Rib Necklace, Gothic Sword Plated Earrings, and Anchor Heart Infinity Ring. But I want basically every other piece they have too. It won't be long until I get more.

 

 

Men:

Puffin Drinkwear

While not just for men, by any means, these adorable, functional Puffin drink holders are winning choice for anyone on your list. The keep drinks cold (and oh so stylish) while keeping hands warm. They come in so many fun styles. Hoodies, puffy coats, football jerseys, life vests (that actually float!), flannel shirts, ugly sweaters, and more! Literally something for everyone.

Happy Nuts

Self care isn't just for women. Personal care items are some of my favorite staple gifts. Husband, son, dad, brother: they may not have a ton in common, but they all have skin, and other parts that can use some Happy. Things like this are fool proof, because even if somehow you get them a duplicate gift, it is something you can never have too much of. Want happy men? Happy Nuts.

The Duty Mitt

For any pet-lover on your list, The Duty Mitt makes a great stocking stuffer. On the go grooming has never been easier. Single use and disposable, he Duty Mitt is like a bath in a pouch. It wipes away dirt and oders form any pet. Is hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Keep your furry friends fresh and clean anywhere. Perfect for Traveling.

Shinesty

My favorite gift category: Necessities with a glow up. Find something they use all the time. Get them a newer, cooler, higher quality, more fun version of it. Foolproof way to ensure the gift is loved (and actually used.) Queue Shinesty underwear. In festive prints like Under The Mantle, he'll be well dressed from head to... head. All the function you expect, plus even more support, comfort and style. Give your boys' boys some love.

Foodies:

Cookie Pop & Candy Pop

Everyone has, at some point in their life, received one of those metal tins of 3 flavor popcorn. It's practically a tradition. But if you want to gift a popcorn that they'll really love, opt for something a little more exciting. Enter, Cookie Pop (and Candy Pop!) With exciting holiday flavors like Iced Gingerbread and Peppermint Hot Chocolate, and a great selection of year-round varieties like Oreo Cookie and Twix Candy, there is more than enough options to satisfy everyone on your list. Use a few bags as a stocking stuffer or White Elephant gift, or give someone an entire case of deliciousness.

eCreamery

Who doesn't love ice cream? Especially when it's made fresh in small batches and shipped right to their door. ECreamery offers a variety of fabulous gift packages for every step of the holiday season. With Season's Eatings Collection, Countdown to Christmas Collection, 12 day Cookie Countdown (yes, they have cookies too!) and even 8 Night Hanukkah Collection. So many ways to make their day (or month.)

Vahdam

For the coffee or tea drinker, I suggest the beautiful, practical Insulated Christmas Mug from Vahdam India. They also have a variety of tea collections and advent calendars, each one sure to delight.

Jeff's Famous Beef Jerky

The best gifts are the ones you can eat, especially when they taste this good. Gift them Jeff's Famous Beef Jerky: The best part of any stocking, emergency kit, hiking supply pack, or anything else you pair it with. Makes a great gift on its own too, just make sure you gift them enough, because after they try it, it won't last long.

Kids:

The Coca Cola Company

Soda might not be the healthiest gift, but for a once in a while treat, it is always a kid favorite. Now I don't suggest gifting them a can of soda for the holidays, though I'm sure most would welcome it, but there are so many other fun gifts from the Coca Cola Company. Like this adorable Fanta Can Pillow and practical yet fun Diet Coke Tumbler.

Quantum Storey

A children's favorite, re-imagined: My Little Pony: Virtual Magic. An interactive experience that combines reading with virtual reality. A book and app that blends AR and VR together to create a story adventure that lets kids jump straight from the page to see the world they were just reading about with their own eyes. What better way to make learning fun? 

Superior Source Vitamins - November Giveaway!

While you are stuffing the turkey, trimming the tree, and decking the halls, don't forget a little self care, too. I don't mean coffees and manicures, though those are important too, I mean caring for your health. In other words, 'immune-ize' your holiday season.

It can be hard to find the time for 'routine' wellness routines, but there's even less time for this bustling season when you are down with a cold or flu. Plus, it's not so difficult when you have a secret weapon tucked away on your Santa bag. Like diligent elves, Superior Source Vitamins do all the work.

What makes Superior Source Vitamins special is their MicroLingual “Under the Tongue Technology” which works lightning fast. Because they dissolving in seconds, they are quickly absorbed into the body to start working fast.

NO pills to swallow! This is the winning feature for me. I HATE taking pills and always feel the urge to choke, even on small ones. Not only that, but, by swallowing supplements, as much as 50% of the potency is lost in the high acid environment of the stomach. So these easy quick dissolve tabs are also more effective. 

And while you're buying gifts for everyone else, you deserve something too. The gift of better health. That's why Superior Source has generously sponsored a wonderful giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a prize pack with 7 awesome Superior Source Supplements ($100 value!) The pack includes: Advanced Zinc, Extra Strength D3, Mushroom Infusion Powder : Immunity, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Multi Vitamin, and Just Women Iron.

Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

*Although this is a sponsored partnership, all opinions are 100% my own.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Greatest Night of My Life - My Chemical Romance Review

On Saturday I had the absolute pleasure of finally living out one of my greatest dreams. Not only did I get to see my favorite band of all time perform live, but I had the immense honor of photographing them. This opportunity is, and likely will remain, the biggest achievement of my professional career. But, respectfully, this experience wasn't about my work.

In fact, I've found it extremely difficult to find the words to write this review. The desire is there, to shout from the rooftops how this was the greatest live performance I have ever seen, but no words in my vocabulary seem to hold enough power to truly describe what I felt that night.

I could easily say that the MCR show was special because I have loved them since I was a teenager. That would technically be true. However, the reality is so much more than that. As most of us have, I have been waiting for this show for nearly three years. That is a lot of anticipation and expectations to live up to. 

I have been following the entire tour via fan live streams, jumping around from link to link, choppy pixel to pixel, just trying to get a glimpse of the unique brilliance that every night on tour has held. Still, it was magical. I had a solid idea of what I could expect from the night. The ever-changing setlist, the unpredictable costumes, the hilarious stage banter, and, of course, some of the most passionate and talented artists to ever grace a stage.

Somehow, I was still not expecting Gerard to come out covered head to toe in a sheet. Of course he would be a ghost. It's brilliant. That, however, is my only complaint about the night. The idea was inspired; he looked super cool. B, but I was standing in the pit, ready to photograph his face. The gorgeous, expressive face that only Gerard has. I wanted to see his face. 

I got over that disappointment quickly. Who else could look this stunning while obscured by a garb of fabric? Gerard is so charismatic. You could still see and feel all his emotions during the songs. His voice was perfect, even through the barrier.

The first three songs (the only ones photographers get to shoot) flew by. My camera and photography skills failed me slightly, though I could have probably gotten better shots if I had focused more on framing than fist pumping. But as I said, my first reason for being at the show was not work. I was there to see My Chemical Romance live. I suppose that means nearly hitting another photographer as I jumped around to "I'm Not Okay". That memory will last me as long as any photograph.

It's fitting, perhaps prophetic, that Gerard dressed as a ghost because I felt as though I was watching from outside my own body. It was incredibly surreal. It was electric, a powerful current of emotion surging through my body, yet at the same time, it like I was watching it happen to someone else. Like it was a dream or a movie.

After the three press songs were over, I literally ran back to my seat to join my children who were also having this transcendent experience. I'm not in shape, and I don't run for anything less than emergencies, so that should tell you how important this is to me. Already embarrassingly winded from a short sprint, I still huffed out every word to the next song-- and every other song that I wasn't recording.

It was a precarious balance of trying to live in the moment, and preserve the moment. Screaming, singing, jumping, waving our arms at Gerard's prompt, as well as trying to video and take photographs (even, at times, with two cameras simultaneously.) 

The photos from my seat are not high quality by any means, but as a veteran fan, I am used to images that look twice cooked in a microwave, and a least you can see them; all of them, since Gerard took off his costume about eight songs into the set. It helps that the guys have never taken a bad picture. 

I love seeing the guys interact and play off of each other's energy. It's obvious how much fun they are having and how they are still just a group of best friends doing what they love. That is what has made this tour so unforgettable. This isn't an act, it's not a job: it's art, passion, love for the fans, love for each other. Bias aside, I cannot think of another band on this level who are as genuine, kind, creative and passionate as My Chemical Romance.

I have said a thousand times "this band is special" but that doesn't even begin to describe it. They are a once-in-a-lifetime kind of band. I am so lucky that I got to be a part of the generation that grew up with such positive role models and inspiring music. I can literally say that I would not be the person I am today without the contributions of My Chemical Romance - if I would even be alive at all.

I could write forever about the incredible show that the band put on. Gerard's voice: just as powerful and hauntingly beautiful as it was 20 years ago. Their smiles: happiness literally beamed from their faces. The music: even better than the studio versions. Each song is subtly refined as the band has matured as musicians. Everything about the show was perfect, and nothing I could say could do justice to just how life-changing it was.

I do need to talk about something else, though. Something that can't be planned or practiced. The experience of standing in a crowd, nearly 30 thousand strong, everyone of the same mind for 90 minutes. People of every age, gender, religion, and financial status, all feeling the same things. It's incredible. There was a moment, during The World is Ugly, when the crowd turned on their cell phone lights. I have seen this on streams and recorded videos. I have heard the reactions of other fans, being awed by how bright it gets. But it's something you can't truly understand until you experience it.

We weren't in a dark arena anymore, it was high noon on a cloudless day. It was so bright. And it may sound cheesy or cliche, but that perfectly describes how MCR's music affects me. It's the beacon of light that has guided me through all of the darkest points of my life.

I think I have rambled quite enough for one post, but I will end by saying that My Chemical Romance is still 'that band.' The one who works harder than everyone else. The one who puts every piece of themselves into their art. The band that doesn't follow a formula or a script because they are not a product, they are a revolution. This show was 'that show', the one I will never, ever forget, and MCR is and always will be 'that band.' I am so thankful.

Nadine West - August

 It's my favorite time of the month. Time to open my pretty pink package from Nadine West. I'm so excited to share this with you guys.

The first item I got was this cute, versatile gray peek shoulder top. All the comfort of a t-shirt with a little bit of flare that makes it perfect for going out.

Next I got these fabulous tie-waist pants. The checkered print is so classic, and the neutral colors make them a perfect staple piece to pair with almost anything. Look so cute with a tucked tee for a dress casual look, or paired with a button down for something a little more sophisticated.

This lovely maroon dress. I know it's hard to see against my backdrop, but clearly, as you can tell by my decor choices, I love this color. These dresses are so soft, stretchy and comfortable. They pair perfectly with leggings and a fun cardigan for a cozy fall look.

Speaking of cozy, these gray joggers are so comfortable and soft. Ideal for lounging, working out, or even going out, thanks to them being absolutely adorable.

This shirt is my favorite piece in this package, though I love everything. I have a soft spot for plaid, and the colors are so nice. Rich, deep autumn colors, and super flattering.

It doesn't stop there, though. There is also the gorgeous necklace. Dainty and simple yet elegant. I love leaf designs in jewelry and this fits perfectly into my collection.

Here is one of the looks I created with the pieces in this shipment. So adorable, right? I love it.

Nadine West never disappoints. I am thrilled with this shipment and I can't wait for my package next month. If you want to try this fabulous service for yourself (you absolutely should) Try before you buy! Low Risk, High Reward from Nadine West, one of the most affordable and personalized Subscription Services Out There!

*Although I received these items at no cost, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Back To School Guide

Time sure flies when you're having fun. It's nearly time for school to start again already. While I wish we could hang on to summer for a little longer, I am excited to share this selection of products that will make back to school a little easier.

Bleuet 

Bleum bras by Bleuet Girl are perfect for girls needing their first bra, but also good for any young girl or teen who wants coverage and comfort. The bras are fantastic quality and super comfortable. They also carry tops, camis, and shorts to ensure your girl has all the essentials.

JOYAMO

Back to school doesn't have to be all business. In fact, it can be nice to give kids a little treat to get them excited for the school year. I absolutely love this gorgeous personalized name necklace from JOYAMO for that. My daughter loves it, and she feels so special to have such a lovely piece of jewelry designed just for her.

Eco Lips

Fashion meets function with these Eco Lips tinted lip balms. My daughter is at the age where she always wants to wear makeup. At 10 years old, I don't feel she needs much for everyday occasions like school, so this is a great compromise. She gets the added glam of colored while she's moisturizing them and protecting them from the elements. They also have a fun fruity flavor.

 

Kids Crafts

The LeadHER collection from Kids Crafts is perfect for all the strong, brave, intelligent future leaders headed back to school. The items feature aspirational female figures and insightful quotes to motivate their young successors. With positive affirmations like "Be Kind" and "Make Today Amazing" they are sure to bring a smile to your child's face every time they sit down to lunch.

 

Rule Breaker

Rule Breaker snacks not only taste great, but they are better for you. These plant-based treats are nut free and allergy-friendly making a much safer choice for public schools where some children may have severe allergies. They are also vegan, gluten-free, and lower in sugar than traditional sweets. The individual portioned packs are ideal for lunchboxes.

Little Spoon

For the preschool or kindergarten crew, Little Spoon delivers fun, healthy meals, smoothies and more. With real ingredients in kid friendly recipes, individually packed and ready to heat or eat, these products save parents a ton of time while still providing balanced, nutritious meals.

Buzz Tea

Just because school is starting doesn't mean summer has to end, especially for grown ups. Ride out the tail end of the season with delicious and refreshing Buzz Tea ready to drink hard iced tea. 6.5% alcohol by volume. Available in Original, Half and Half, and Peach flavors.

 

Clubtails Cocktails

Another one for the parents. Clubtails are an easy, delicious way to unwind after the kiddos go to bed. With 10% alcohol by volume and exciting flavors like Long Island Iced tea, Bahama Mama, Watermelon Margarita, and more, they are sure to make any night a party.

Allyoos

This female-founded company boasts a 99% plant-based hair care line that is made for all of "YOO" Made with gentle and safe ingredients for ll the clean-leaning, creatively-inclined, curly, straight, thin, thick, full, frizzy, wavy, and fro-y. In other words, it's made for Allyoos.

Nadine West - July

 The Nadine West package has become one of my favorite features of the month. I just love surprises and getting to try fab fashions that I might never choose for myself. 

Check out all the cool things I received this month.

This 3/4 length floral top is buttery soft and has a super cute cutout criss-cross detail on the sleeves. It is super flattering and supremely comfortable. It has tons of stretch and is perfectly flowy at the bottom. 

How cute is this dress? I absolutely love the "overalls" aesthetic of the sleeves, but it has full coverage, so it does not require a shirt underneath. I love the neutral colors and vertical stripe. The length and material make this perfect for summer. 

Speaking of summer, how perfect is this vibrant floral sleeveless blouse? The fabric i super light and just barely sheer (if you look really closely). Perfect styled over a cami for a totally classy look, or great alone or over a bathing suit (think relaxing on a boat) with a cute pair of jean shorts for something more casual and flirty. 

It is still a bit hot for this here in Florida, (by a bit hot I mean Satan's bathtub), but I am loving the jump on fall/winter with this amazing hi-low buttonless cardigan. The dusty forest green color is so flattering and I am crazy for the whispy flow and slouchy pockets. And it's so soft you'll want to sleep in it.

Jeans are always my favorite thing in a Nadine West Package. It's because I have too many shirts, but maybe it's because they are so cute and go with everything? The stretch ensures the fit is always spot on, and no zippers to pinch, break, or slip. Wardrobe Staple.

Last but not least, the accessory. These small silver hoops are simple yet sleek. The perfect touch of sparkle to compliment any outfit. Like this one. 

If it wasn't obvious, I am thrilled with my Nadine West package this month. If you want to get your own pretty pink package of fashion fabulousness, you can Snag Your Subscription Today and Get Free Shipping AND $15 Off with Code JULYNW15. Happy shopping.