I like to give holiday gifts to my kids teachers and special friends in the community. Unfortunately, the budget doesn’t always allow for expensive gifts. I would love to purchase (everyone) something special from Bloomingdales but that’s not always realistic.
Being a true southerner, I come from a family that loves arts and crafts and this time of the year inspires me to pull out the ribbon box. I search for inexpensive gift ideas such as baked cookies, mason jar trinkets, or gift baskets.
Honestly, anyone (whether they love arts and crafts) can add a special touch to gift giving. The trick to DIY gift ideas is figuring out what inspires you and those people in your life.
Below, you will find ideas from Pinterest that can be prepared in 10 minutes or less.
Steps for DIY Inexpensive Holiday Gifts:
1. Create a budget for the project.
2. Make a list of supplies.
3. Locate your favorite craft store and ask for assistance (if that’s needed.)
Get into Beyonce and her Instagram Holiday style! The queen bey has been a fashion goddess over the last year; giving us a quick glimpse on social media.
Let’s do a fashion break down of her style with the help of Nordstrom.com
For the last three years I have made an attempt to purchase a Spa Sonic Pro Skin Care System. This professional face and body polisher was a priority because I’ve seen wonderful results in magazines and blogs. To my surprise (and excitement) I was able to test this product for the first time last night!
I opened the package and received a total of 5 attachments that connects to the waterproof device. As previously stated, yes…this product is waterproof and can be used in the shower, bath, or sink. The Spa Sonic Pro Skin Care System was a major plus (and not just because this is a product review) for various reasons. Number one, the speed of the skin care system was appropriate for use on your face, legs, or feet. Number two, its battery operated which means there’s no need to charge the device prior to use. Number three, the size of the Spa Sonic Skin Care System is suitable and not heavy in weight.
I decided to use my Spa Sonic Skin Care System withPevonia Skin Care Products and received great results. My face felt smooth and hydrated with the appearance of leaving a day spa. Overall, I suggest this product to anyone that’s incorporating a new skin care regimen and looking for a product that’s affordable and easy to use.
Spa Sonic is hosting the following deals through the holiday season:
As you prepare your checklist for holiday travels, it’s no surprise that you might be forced to modify your beauty routine in order to travel light. Saving space in your luggage this holiday season is quite simple with these multi-purpose beauty items from a variety of beauty brands sure to please!
Offering the ultimate in double-duty beauty finds, brands such as Palmer’s, Thicker Fuller Hair and Zero Frizz cater to the woman on-to-go, looking for travel-friendly products making her beauty routine easier than ever before. Please see below for a selection of 2-in-1 products:
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick
o All-in-one moisturizing powerhouse!
o Ideal for dry skin touch-up on the face and body as well as cracked, chapped lips. (Retails for $2.70)
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil Rosehip
o Perfect all-over moisturizer that targets all types of skin concerns!
o Helps overall appearance of skin, improving unwanted scars, stretch marks and wrinkles. (Retails for $9.99)
Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Dry Oil Mist
o The ultimate go-to hair product!
o 8-oil blend mist works great as a spot shine treatment or to quickly tame flyaways, while instantly restoring moisture to dry hair giving dull, lifeless locks the perfect glow. (Retails for $8.99)
Thicker Fuller Hair® Weightless Volumizing Hairspray
o Aids in volumizing without extra product!
o Formulated with caffeine to prop up hair strands and invigorate the scalp for a weightless all-day hold. (Retails for $4.99)
Zero Frizz® Keratin Smoothing Shampoo
o Eliminates the need for leave-in conditioner or smoothing products!
o Nourishes strands, detangles ends and tames frizz all while leaving your follicles clean and moisturized. (Retails for $3.99)
We’ve had a successful year because of you (our readers) and we would like to host a GIVEAWAY with products from BE. Anthony online retailer.
One lucky winner will receive a purse from the designer’s collection. This handbag is perfect for the holiday season because it’s small enough to carry under your arm but large enough to hold your most important items! And it has sleek design and lined with suede.
One of the puffers from the Dawn Levy line is an easy choice in gift giving; the Sly is a layered coat that keeps her figure slim and warm without a load of material. It will only cost you a reasonable $640. A slimming waist line on the Cloe is a big attention grabber, not to mention the coyote fur lining the top of the coat. That one will ring in at $1,105. One of Dawn’s personal favorites is her Donnie coat; it is fox fur lined, double layer, form-fitting puffer that will cost you $1,466.
The DL2 line offers the same slimming warm coats with a slimming budget to match. The Bell is a beautiful short puffer with princess sleeves that show off the skinny girl on the go. It’s a luxurious jacket that only costs $439. Another perfect gift for the chic woman is the DL2 Natashia; it is an all-white puffer with faux fox fur for the eco-conscious individual. This coat is only $525. The DL2 line is also famous for its classic quilted moto, the Marley. The tailored waist and cube pattern creates an elegant appeal for an elegant gal. This is one of the most expensive in the DL2 line at $699.
“Too often women are hesitant to wear puffy down coats in deep winter because their figure disappears under the volume– instead opting for more stylish coats that leave them cold. I was guilty of the same. I was either cold or feeling like a marshmallow. I knew there had to be a common ground,” Dawn recently admitted. Dawn’s designs are unique in that the wearer remains toasty warm and keeps her shape. Dawn uses a number of special combinations of design elements to ensure style without sacrificing warmth. With the seams and stiches carefully sewn in each coat, the finest down, quilting and power knit belts together ensure a warm snug fit around her body.
About Dawn Levy
Dawn Levy’s namesake luxury outwear collection debuted in the fall of 2011 to great acclaim. The flawlessly curated line ranges from goose down coats and parkas to cashmere blends and fine leathers with a distinctly Dawn Levy perspective. The launch captured the essence of modern femininity – exemplifying sophistication, prestige and the highest degree of craftsmanship.
Created as a reflection of Dawn Levy’s own signature style, her designs are distinctly feminine, formed with flattering silhouettes. Using only the most luxurious imported fabrics, elegant trims with rich detailing are trademarks of her collection. All of the pieces are created from the finest quality materials including whisper-light goose down and high-end furs such as Natural Blue Fox, Silver Fox or Saga approved Finnish Raccoon. Creating attainable fashion, while staying true to her designer insight, Dawn Levy offers a diverse selection of styles for women that leave them chic and timeless.
Dawn Levy’s evolved sense of style, and fashion intuition have propelled the brand to become one of the top performing outerwear labels in the market today. Dawn Levy applies her talents to produce a collection of outerwear that works with every woman’s wardrobe. Thanks to its versatile styles, fabrics and shapes, the Dawn Levy collection achieves the elegance and ease every modern woman seeks.
Harsh winter weather and freezing temperatures require a little extra care in your beauty routine. You can make a big impact with just a few simple ingredients. Nitika Chopra, host of “Naturally Beautiful” on Z Living TV network has broken down the basics to keep your skin baby-soft and your hair moisturized all winter long.
Nitika Chopra
1. Coconut Oil – Once a week in the winter, treat your hair to a coconut oil hair mask. Just before bed, apply organic coconut oil to your scalp and the ends of your hair with a cotton ball. Wrap your head in a towel, cover with a shower cap, and leave it in overnight. It keeps your hair super healthy and makes it soft and shiny. The next morning, rinse it out with just a little bit of shampoo (no conditioner necessary!). Use less coconut oil for thinner hair.
2. Rose Water – Your beauty routine should be a sensory experience. I live in New York City, so I love to feel peaceful, relaxed and calm. One of my favorite ingredients is all-natural rose water. You can use it as a toner just after cleansing. It’s perfect in the winter because it fights inflammation and takes away redness and puffiness.
3. Avocado – Avocado is really your best friend. The fruit is rich in Vitamins B, C, E and K. Mash up an avocado and use it plain as a face mask. It helps skin retain moisture, which is great for fighting wrinkles. Eating avocado, especially in the winter when we can have vitamin deficiencies, is also great. During colder months, it’s natural for us to crave creamier comfort foods, and avocado has the perfect consistency.
4. Sugar – I’m also a huge fan of sugar scrubs because they are so luxurious and easy to make. Take brown sugar and your favorite oil (olive is a good option) and add an essential oil for natural fragrance. Lavender is soothing, while peppermint is more energizing. Pick the one that fits your mood!
5. DIY Spa – Just remember to test a small amount of any DIY spa recipe on the inside of your wrist before you use it on your face or body.
Nitika Chopra, a certified life coach, is the Founding Editor-In-Chief of on-line lifestyle magazine YourBellaLife.com and a life-style contributor to the Huffington Post. Nitika’s unique point of view stems from the challenges she faced growing up in a traditional Indian home, without a traditional Indian cultural bone in her body, all while battling a debilitating skin condition that covered her body from head-to-toe for years. To overcome several low points in her life, she found a spiritual voice within her and became passionate about the power in small steps and infusing every day activities with spirit and possibility, regardless of one’s faith. Nitika uses this positive outlook to help people realize their own inner beauty and shares them with thousands of people who subscribe to her magazine. In 2011, Nitika was invited to speak about healing one’s authentic soul wound at the prestigious REVEAL conference hosted by Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation. She is extremely active with her on-line community of thousands sharing her life-experiences with them in order to aid young women in their difficult life challenges and help transform them from hopeless to hopeful. Nitika is host of the show “Naturally Beautiful” on Z Living TV. Growing up, Nitika battled debilitating health problems that made it difficult for her to walk with ease for many years. This challenge, among others, fueled her passion for helping individuals and has made her an empathetic resource.
I am super excited to share this photo from my natural hair journey. Last Spring, Motions Hair Care Productsshipped a variety of products to my doorstep for a blogger promotion. During that time, I was suffering from hair breakage and wore several protective styles. In between wearing protective styles, I maintained my tresses with conditioners, trims, and hot steaming.
Anyone who’s a naturalista will confess that you anticipate your hair growing after the big chop. To others, the big chop can be dramatic but I wanted to start with a fresh mane of hair.
In this photo, I am wearing one of my favorite hairstyles (the twist out) which is a simple style that locks in moisture. I also like to wear a variety of hair accessories and deep conditioning treatments in the winter months.
I’ve always been a fan of natural hair and looking forward to continuing this journey. Ladies, share with me a few of your tips and favorite products? Email me at kim@stylelifefashion.com or post below.
The Integrative Spa Will Arrive in the Heart of Downtown Columbia, Maryland Just in Time for the Holidays
The Still Point’s new location at Haven On the Lake is officially opening this Saturday, December 6, 2014. The brand-new spa will offer complimentary services, as well as another complimentary wine tasting by Red: Wine, Beer & Spirits. Take a look at the full weekend agenda:
The Still Point’s co-owners and TOMA Skin Therapies’ founders, Marla Peoples and Tori Paide.
Complimentary Wine Tasting by RED – Wine, Beer & Spirits
Complimentary Wine Tasting – 1pm-4pm Saturday
Full-service pedicure stations at The Still Point’s new location at mind-body retreat, Haven On The Lake.
Washington, D.C. (November 21, 2014) – On Saturday, December 6, the visionary healers behind The Still Point wellness spas, Tori Paide and Marla Peoples, will unveil the third location of their growing DC-area presence, with the launch of The Still Point at Haven on the Lake in downtown Columbia, MD. Columbia Association will open the doors to the brand-new, multi-dimensional sanctuary, located in the Whole Foods Market building. The facility will feature lakefront views overlooking scenic Lake Kittamaqundi. Health and beauty savants can get a jump start on relaxation and revitalization by booking appointments online starting today here.
At 4,500 square-feet, The Still Point at Haven on the Lake will offer a variety of services including acupuncture, holistic skincare, naturopathic medicine and massage therapy. Other restorative procedures range from acupuncture facial rejuvenation to essential oil body wraps. The urban oasis will also play home to three full-service manicure/pedicure stations, where guests will be treated to deep nourishing natural nail treatments by Deborah Lippman.
The use of high-quality, customizable and wild-crafted skincare products are just a few of the business characteristics that set Paide and Peoples apart from existing wellness experts. TOMA Skin Therapies – The Still Point’s recently launched organic skincare line – will be available for purchase on-site. Beauty fanatics and the skincare-obsessed can choose from cleansers, moisturizers, anti-aging products and customizable solutions within the line. The holistic collection enlists essential oil tonics to sooth a variety of ailments and cater to every-day skin needs.
The wellness experience at The Still Point at Haven on the Lake will provide guests with a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital and its neighboring cities. A serene and tranquil atmosphere will allow clients to escape the stresses of every day life and enter the Columbia, MD sanctuary. The wellness spa will be nestled within the 25.000 square foot Haven on the Lake which will feature mind-body movement classes (in three studios and a pool) such as Pilates, yoga and barre. Guests will have the rare opportunity to experience Haven on the Lake’s unique healing environments designed to soothe with spaces that include a crystal salt room, tropical rain shower, steam bath, cold plunge, sauna and whirlpool.
ABOUT THE STILL POINT:
The Still Point aims to enhance wellness in the DC, Maryland and Virginia community by providing access to the best integrative mind and body services while enabling wellness practitioners to thrive in a healthy and supportive environment. The wellness spa’s highly trained practitioners are amongst the best in the industry and have a genuine passion for the gift of healing. The Still Point continuously offers the latest in holistic skincare, massage and alternative medicine. The destination has locations in Takoma Park and Clarksville, with the third location opening at Haven On The Lake on December 6. www.TheStillPointSpa.com. Haven on the Lake is located at: 10275 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044.
This year, celebrate the holidays with gifts for the modern woman from the philanthropist to the fashionista and everyone in between – including the office secret Santa with Ann Taylor’s gift guide.
For your holiday gift guides, Ann Taylor’s holiday collection has something for every woman!
