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What Student Athletes Want {Gift Guide}

student athlete
roller ball image

Because the pandemic has limited opportunities for student athletes to train and compete this year, they have to find in or near home creative ways to stay active and fit and maintain their skills.

These are gifts that your student athlete would love to receive this year for the holiday gift-buying season.


Finish underwater music

UNDERWATER PLAYER

The swimmer in your life will appreciate the Finis SwiMP3 player which uses bone conduction to deliver sound from your cheekbones to your inner ear. The player delivers a surprisingly crisp sound and can enhance the enjoyment of any workout, whether you are listening to music or podcasts. It supports MP3 and wma audio formats compatible iTunes; listen to music, audiobooks, podcasts and more.

Users recommend getting an add on to the manufacturer warranty as they stop working after a year or so. but you can get new ones with the warranty!

FINIS

$79.99


TRXSuspension system

TRX Suspension System

The TRX suspension system are the best for training specific muscle groups and isolating areas to target for strength training.

The system itself was created by a former Navy SEAL that uses your own body weight to get a full-body workout. The kit comes with instructions for doing hundreds of different routines that can challenge everyone from beginners to extreme athletes.

It’s pretty hardcore but intermediate users can benefit from included workouts.

TRX

$99.99


massage ball

MASSAGE BALL

The TriggerPoint MB Vibe massage ball is a must-have for athletes who want to perform at their optimal level day in and day out. Combined with the spherical design for multi-directional rolling, the roller’s vibrations penetrate deep into muscles to target tense muscles with precision.

Ideal for use before a workout, the vibrating massage ball loosens and lengthens muscles to increase flexibility.

TripperPoint

$79.99


thermal sleeve

THERMAL ARM SLEEVE

Cyclists, runners, hikers, and climbers will appreciate a pair of Pearl Izumi Thermal Arm Warmers when embarking on an early-morning or cold weather workout. The anatomical design ensures a comfortable fit, while the four-layer thermal construction generates enough heat to be toasty but not overly hot.

Pearl Izumi

$16.99


marsheepy charcoal odor eater

GYM BAG & SHOES ODOR ELIMINATOR

This is more of a stocking stuffer than a gift, but Marsheepy’s charcoal bags naturally absorb moisture and smells from shoes and stinky gym bags. Putting them on your shoe closet overnight will remove the shoe smell all while leaving no scent of its own. They also can be used for other applications as a dehumidifier on small enclosed places, or musty basements. Get a kit of 12.

Marsheepy

$24.95


sony noise cancelling headphones

NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONE

First, for all athletes, these headphones are great for tuning out the distractions and noise, getting laser focused before performance and helping work out time pass quickly or getting them them get in the right mind set to compete.

Now these headphones can get pretty pricey so I would only recommend getting the higher end on the list for the very responsible kid who isn’t going to leave it around carelessly, on the floor by the pool where it can get wet or damaged or forget it out in the open on the field in a public park.

It is on par with Bose’s, the gold standard in home audio equipment.

SONY

$99.95


under armour back pack

WORK OUT BACK PACK

Student athletes got a lot of gear, uniform and sport-related equipment they have to lug to school, to practice and to games, meets, tournaments and competitions.  They need a back with a lot of compartments internal and external so they can organize all their stuff.

The UA Hustle 4.0 Backpack is the ultimate back pack for any student athlete. It has a front pocket for shoes and lots of interior pockets to separate all the gear and keep the soiled stuff separate from the clean.

The side pockets can hold large 24 ounce bottles of water or recyclable water bottles. It’s light weight and sturdy for a sports bag only.

Under Armour

$99.95


agility ladder

AGILITY LADDER

You’d think every student basketball player athlete would want an official Spalding NBA Basketball and a portable backboard to practice at home with. Yes, those too, but the serious ones are thinking ahead.

Per the experts, an agility ladder like the SKLZ ladder is a great tool for ambitious basketball players who want to improve their footwork and coordination.

SKLZ

$26.99


portable gym beam

PORTABLE GYM BEAM

For your gymnast, there is still time to get an FBSPORT floorbeam from Amazon in time for Christmas. This adjustable and foldable portable beam has a 5-inch to which is the same width as those used in competitions but has a 6 inch base to stabilize it so it won’t topple over. 

It’s made of high density EVA foam, and its padded beam is covered in suede-like material with a nonslip rubber bottom for a soft sturdy practice surface that won’t flatten over time.

FBSPOR

$63.95


tennis sweatshirt

HIGH PERFORMANCE SWEATSHIRT

A lovely high performing sweathshirt is a great gift.

Nike’s Court line has these popular hoodies for after play tennis. It’s made of French Terry cloth and has a boxy shape which makes it unisex although Nike sells a female and male version of the hoodie!

It comes in other colors than the traditional Tennis white and you can still get it in time for Christmas!

NIKE

$70.00


lacrosse rebounder

LACROSSE REBOUNDER

 To help your lacrosse player hone his or her passing and catching skills, a lacrosse rebounder is a great gift for a goalie, offensive player or for team practice drills to increase your kid’s reaction skills.

FBSPOR

$149.95

under armour shoe

ATHLETIC SHOES

 For running, there are many brands that offer superior quality shoes.  My two sons’ high school is sponsored by Under Armour and we have had success for three years in the HOVR Infinite  which lasts an entire season of training runs and meets. Don’t just take my word for it. The HOVR won Runner’s World Magazine’s recommended running shoe recognition this year!

The best tech in the shoe is the  ‘zero gravity feel’ to maintain energy return that helps eliminate impact step after step. It’s a good shoe overall and has great reviews.

Under Armour

$109.90


happy holidays shopping!

$25 eGift Cards For Teachers {Gift Guide}

teacher gift graphic

Parents may want to use this opportunity of the impending Christmas and Winter Holiday break to give their child’s teacher a nice gift as a thank you for the school year so far, especially this very different and challenging pandemic school year.

In a lot of school systems, it may be not permissible to spend too much money on a gift and the government may have imposed a monetary limit, in some cases.

Because many schools systems are distance learning full time, there also may not be an adequate opportunity to personally hand a teacher a box of chocoloates, a nice mug or another nice gift of gratitude this year.

Fortunately, we live in the era when e-gift cards and virtual gifting is now a very regular thing!

I’ve curated a list of nine stores that offer amazing virtual gifts you can simply email your child’s teacher:

starbucks gift card

Starbucks e-Gift Card

With the digital Starbucks card, your child’s teacher will get a code that she or he can add to her/his mobile device and order enough hot cocoa to sip and chill all Winter break long, depending on how much of a cocoa fan s/he is.


sugarwish gift card

Sugarwish

Send your fave teacher the gift of a sugar rush this Holiday season with the popular Sugarwish treats delivery service. Send him or her an invite to choose their favorite flavors of candy, cookies or popcorn and it will get delivered to them. Prices start at $19.98.


sephonra gift card

Sephora

Who doesn’t love the gift of self care and pampering? With an e-Gift card from the beauty store, Sephora, you can send a present in any denomination.


audible gift card

Audible

When keeping up with lessons plan doesn’t allow time to dig into that new book she or he wants to read, Audible books are the next best thing. A month free listens provides access to thousands of books, podcasts and Audible original content. Prices start at $15.00 for one month.


uncommon goods egift

Uncommon Goods eGift

An uncommonly good gift for any occasion, a gift certificate lets them pick from hundreds of unique gifts.


netflix gift car

Netflix

Since we all will be home anyway this Winter, your child’s teacher can catch up and binge watch all those TV shows trachers missed during the semester! A Netflix membership for a month or two will do it!


amazon gift card

Amazon

They have it all so you cannot go wrong with an Amazon.com e gift card.


Ban.do

Ban.do is that place where you can find the quirkiest of gifts and its $20 Gift Shop is filled with a fun ecclectic mix of little gifts that will put a smile on your teacher’s face!


etsy gift card

Etsy

Etsy is a marketplace for personalized gifts, and everything in between and is a beloved place your teacher can get lost at while looking for something for her or himself! There’s so much fun on Etsy!


gift card graphic

What to Buy That Foodie In Your Life {Gift Guide}

foodie

If it’s Time to shop for that Foodie on your holiday shopping list, this is the gift guide for you!

Do you have someone on your holiday shopping list who is a connoisseiur of cuisine and who appreciates food of all cultures, the shapes, the textures, the flavor, the plating?

Then, it’s likely that you might have to shop for a foodie.  

Foodies enjoy food as an art not just for eating and foodies are usually adventurous when it comes to trying out different dishes, eateries, and restaurants.

This passion also extends to drinks as well.

Shopping for a foodie requires you to be adventurous and seek out the best in kitchenware.

Here is my list of top gifts for Foodies.

charcuterie

WOOD AND MARBLE BEVELED CHEESE BOARD, SMALL, RECTANGLE

$39

Everyone is into charcuterie boards this year. They are usually wooden or porecelin and used to display range of different cured meats, these platters go beyond salami and prosciutto, typically featuring various cheeses, crackers, spreads and produce.


watering garden

SMART GARDEN Self Watering Indoor Garden

$99.95

Foodies prefer the freshest of ingredients and can usually tell the difference between taragon, oregano, chive, basil, thyme and other delicate fresh seasoning. It would be a delight to a foodie to get to grow his or her own fresh ingredients even if s/he doesn’t have a large yard.


cook book

My Family Cookbook

$30

You know those family recipes tacked on the fridge, in  a tin canister on a kitchen ledge, in Aunt Josie’s head? Pen them all down in this one spot, a family cook book that you and the family customize.

Also, foodies are always looking for new dishes to create. Here’s a way for them to organize all the different recipes they discover or wrangle from folks and chefs.


wine

Wine Trio

$67

Bring the elegance of Bordeaux to a friend or family member’s doorstop with this special trio. The experts at Wine Insiders have selected three beautiful red blends from one of the world’s premier wine regions, representing the exquisite terroir and craftsmanship that Bordeaux is known for.

Savory and food-friendly, these remarkable reds are perfect for pairing with roasts, lasagna, charcuterie, and delicious holiday dishes. Featuring two award-winning bottles, this impressive collection is sure to impress fans of French reds and makes a thoughtful gift.


molcajete

Molcajete

$50

Everything Avocado is hot now, and what better way to mash up fresh guacamole or any spice, paste or rub for a dish than with a molcajete?

Among the world’s oldest culinary tools, volcanic rock mortars and pestles like these have been used by great cooks for thousands of years. Williams-Sonoma makes a molcajete (mortar) and tejolete (pestle) that are hand carved from a single piece of basalt rock, so every piece is unique.

In addition to being a great prep tool, the molcajete makes an impressive serving dish for guacamole and other party favorites.

  • Perfect for crushing whole spices and making spice blends.
  • Ideal for blending and serving guacamole – or for making pesto and other rustic sauces.

air fryer

Insta Vortex Air Fryer

$30

Just because your foodie enjoys carefully prepared meals that take time to whip up does not mean he or she isn’t down with fast-cooked foods.

Your foodie will enjoy the taste and crunch of his or her favorite deep-fried foods by cooking with super-heated air instead of hot cooking oil in the Instant Vortex 6-qt. air fryer. Air fried food is cleaner, healthier, and less expensive than cooking in oil, making this appliance a must-have in every modern kitchen.

BON APPETITE AND HAPPY FOODIE SHOPPING!

foodie graphic

48+ BLACK-OWNED CANDLE COMPANIES TO PATRONIZE {Gift Guide}

black owned candle companies

The Bath and Body Works Annual Sale reminds us of another opportunity to support black-owned candle and bath essentials companies

If you were near a Bath and Body Works this weekend, you might have seen the super long lines with holiday shoppers taking advantage of its amazing annual Holiday sale featuring $10 candles that normally sell for close to $30.

Actually, you might have been in that line.

According to reports, the beauty, skin and body essentials company sold out of its online offerings forcing customers to have to visit the retail stores to get the deal.

Because we are still in the year of the death of George Floyd which triggered a renewed interest in elevating, promoting and recognizing, finally, black-owned businesses, the sold out situation presents an excellent opportuntiy to once again consider candle brands and companies that are among the group of biz owners that are traditionally undercapitalized, under appreciated, under represented.

As such, I compiled a list of over 48 black-owned candle makers for you to consider patronizing this year.

Some of these brands overlap with companies that Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, Cosmo, NY Mag, The Zoe Report, 21 Ninety and Elle magazines put in their profiles of Black-Owned Candle makers this Summer and Early Fall back when it was quite fashionable and en vogue to spotlight Black makers in the US, Canada, the UK and globally.

Let’s keep up the energy.

About the Candle Makers

I did take a cursory review of many of the companies. I only shared an image from their Instagram page for convenience and to quickly put this post together.

However, you can access a link to their websites to purchase and you will see who makes their candles in their homes in small batches, who actually delivers locally, who sells at upcoming craft fairs, virtual and in person, and who delivers beyond their country’s borders.

Some, like the ones featured in the major fashion magazines this past Summer and Fall, have appeared on Oprah’s annual Favorite things list.

More Reasons to Support

And don’t think because they are small that the candles will be expensive. Some start at just $5 and others are luxury priced but worth it.

Also, for people who are mindful of essential oils that can be toxic to burn, and allergies to materials in many candles, quite a few of these brands are careful about using toxic dyes, perfumes and other allergenic materials.

They hand pour.

They test.

They scale.

Here is a compilation of Black-owned candle makers in the US and Canada for you to consider patronizing this year.

They come recommended by some of the 38K members of Arsha Jones’ Build, Brand and Launch Facebook group.

I’ll add more as I discover them and I will update this post with local cities where this makers are currently located.

The companies are listed in random order and not by order of rank and I have reviewed none personally yet but did not want that to stop this list from getting out there especially this weekend.

1. Jadore Candles

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

2. Well Lit Candles

UPPER MARLBORO, MARYLAND

3. Simply Scents by Shan

HOUSTON, TEXAS

4. Alchemy Bliss

5. Black Girl Candle Company

North Carolina

6. Pure Candle House

Chicago, Illinois

7. Len McCaddy Home Candle and Co

Atlanta, Georgia

8. Common Scents

Savannah, Georgia

9. Amajai Home

Randallstown, Maryland

10. Nautana

Atlanta Georgia

11. Lufrays

Cedar Park, Texas

12. Elixir

13. Wicks And Shit

Gwinnett, Georgia

14. Cozy Wicks

Owings Mills, Maryland

15. South Florida Candle Supply

North Lauderdale, Florida

16. Adesuwu Botanicals

Lithonia, Georgia

17. Sola In the City

Baltimore, Maryland

18. Deese Noire

Buckhead Atlanta, Georgia

19. Gavin Lux

Los Angeles, California

20. Be Speak Candle Co

Sacramento, California

21. Alexandra Winbush

Atlanta, George

22. Chaos Candle Company

23. Lit Unity Candle

24. Wick’d by Nik

25. Camiller Creations

26. Elon Eick Candle Co

27. Breathe Enlight

28. Lit AF Candle Co

29. Forvr Mood

30. 2-10 Candle Company

Oakland Park, Kansas

31. Rooftop Candle Co

32. Quiet Quarters

33. Heavenly Candle Co

34. Posh Candle Co

35. CC Holistic Living

36. So Lit Candle Co

37. Candle Essentials

38. Bonaco Candles

39. Just Candles

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

40. The Jetsetter Candle Co

41. Naughty Naturals World

42. Her by Kashay

43. Simply By Toni

44. Krazy Essentials

45. Liliane’s Glow

Washington, DC

46. Experience of Luxe

47. Diary of Queen Esther

48. Shai Sensual

49. Harlem Candle Company

Harlem, New York

50. MĀKTUB Candles

Los Angeles, California

51. Uplift Candles

Hyattsville, Maryland

52. South FL Candle Supply Company

Broward County, Florida

53. Wicktrovert Candle Co

St. Petersburg, Florida

54. Diamond Life Home

Georgia

55. Willow St. Design Company

Washington, DC

56. Elevated Scentz

Houston, Texas

57. Arrows + Feathers

Mitchellville, Maryland

58. 6ixs Wicks

Toronto, Canada

59. Ivy Mae Blake

Toronto, Canada

60. Bright Black Candle

Durham, North Carolina

61. Peace and Harmony Brands

62. Knits, soy and metal

Baltimore, Maryland

63. Twelve 21 Candle Company

Brooklyn, New York

64. Narii Nicole

Fairburn, Georgia

65. Wix & Wax Fanatic

Orlando, Florida

66. Wyk Candles Zoo

Kalamazoo, Michigan

67. Amor Mas Luxury Scents

Wallingford, Connecticut

68. Lamar Denom

69. B Calm Candles

Brockton, Massachussetts

70. Southern Elegance Candle Company

Raeford, North Carolina

71. Elevation Lifestyle

Camp Springs, Maryland

72. By District 78

Pause Cincinnati, Ohio

73. Tribal Unicorn

East London, UK

74. Frères Branchiaux Candle Co.

White Plains, Maryland

75. Damalia’s Soy Candles and Body Bar

Hartford, Connecticut

The 2020 Gift Guides

It’s the first week of December and many families are scrambling to decide what to get their loved ones for Christmas this year.

As per usual, I am compiling gift guides to help out my readers and will be updating them all here on this singular blog post.

Keep checking back for more guides and links.

The Woman Who Has Everything

Beauty and Tech

Deals to Help Launch Your Small Business Idea

Blogger’s Wish List

Top Athleisure Brands to Shop Other than Lululemon {Gift Guide}

This Year, athleisure and loungewear will be big but there are other options to Lululemon

It’s official. With rising cases of the novel coronavirus, a lot of us will not be going anywhere this Winter to stay safe. In fact, everyone may be holed up at home.

The new normal for the season

As a consequence of the ongoing pandemic, a lot of restaurants, entertainment and other activities have been canceled, postponed or suspended. This shift will leave little opportunity for people to dress up. Alternatively, this opens up a market for the leisure wear industry.

Therefore, people will be trading in their club wear for sweats. If you’re considering getting clothing for a significant other, sister, teacher, nanny or sitter, friend or any other woman on your holiday shopping list this year, I’ve got the run down on the top brands in this sector of the fashion industry.

Lululemon isn’t the only game in town

Arguably, Lululemon is the most well known brand of athleisure, yoga and lounge wear but it is quite costly. It has a problematic history but still remains the go-to source.

But there are other options. Here are 9

aday

ADAY adopts a ‘less-is-more’ approach and a design ethos based on seasonless pieces and sustainability to offer everyday, athleisure-inspired clothes that are both performance-driven and stylish.

Every ADAY piece of clothing features novel technical material properties (sweat-wicking, quick-drying, UV- and chlorine-protected and wrinkle-free).

alala

Alala is a super trendy New York City-inspired luxury activewear brand.

Ivy Park offers high-fashion meets high-tech performance wear by Beyonce. The collection of activewear is effortlessly cool and includes everything from sports bras to leggings, crop and oversized sweatshirts, bodysuits and more. She recently partnered with Adidas on a collection.

athleta

Athleta (by Gap) The Gap-owned fitness brand Athleta offers stylish athleisure wear for women and girls for a variety of activities including yoga, running, swimming, and hiking.

fabletics

Fabletics Kate Hudson’s fitness fashion brand Fabletics features a collection of comfortable workout and athleisure clothing. This American retailer sells sportswear, footwear and accessories.

ivl collection

The Ivory Lane Collective, or IVL Collective for short, is fastly becoming a leader in women’s athleisure wear. Their activewear collection includes everything from cute leggings to tanks, tees, and jackets.

Nike One of the most successful and recognisable sportswear brands in the world, Nike offers everything from quality shorts and t-shirts to shoes and socks that are both fashionable and functional. The brand also sells a lot of high-quality gym gear for your home..

under armour

Under Armour The American sportswear label Under Armour launched in 2016 Under Armour Sportswear (UAS), a premium athleisure range designed by Belgian designer Tim Coppens. UAS fuses high-performance sportswear designs with an elevated sartorial touch. They have really cute and sexy gym clothes on their website.

FP Movement is Free People’s active fashion line which triumphs both bohemian chic style and function.

adidas

Adidas is a sportswear powerhouse that combines quality and style to create modern, street-savvy active wear. The active wear brand’s signature three-stripe motif has gained iconic status in popular culture.

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Love, Jay Jay

A 10 year veteran influential lifestyle, parenting, small biz, beauty and tech blogger, Jay Jay gives you the information, news, deals, steals, inside scoop and knowledge, straight, no chaser! Follow her on social media @JayJayGhatt

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What to Get the Woman Who has Everything {Gift Guide}

posh mom gift guide image

It can be difficult to holiday shop for that woman who has everything.

Think the CEO or boss of your small company, a high net worth corporate executive or law partner, the jetset babe or your Chanel Princess bff who also happens to be a trust fund baby.

And because getting a $27,000 Tiffany Yellow diamond or a $371,000 Himalayan Birkin bag may be out of the budget, you have to settle for the next best things.

Lucky for you I’ve curated the below list with the help of some mom lawyer friends of mine I know who are in the know.

jolene

Jo Malone London

Luxury Bauble Collection

The luxe fragrance house sells six decorated baubles that can be reused each year and hidden inside each one is a duo of surprises including Colognes, a Miniature Candle and Bath & Body essentials.

$210.00

Handmade Chocolate

Burdick Critters Collection

Treat her with a collection of exquisite chocolate from New Hampshire-based L.A. Burdick Chocolatiers Burdick Critters Collection. All the critters are made individually by hand, meaning each is unique and no two are alike. Includes wood box of 16 Chocolate Mice, wood box of 9 Chocolate Snowmen, wood box of 6 Chocolate Pigs, wood box of 9 Chocolate Penguins, and 1/4 lb. Everyday Chocolate Assortment.

$198.00

Go up in budget with the Epicurious Collection for $350

joggers

Vuori

Joggers

The performance jogger by Vuori is slim but relaxed fit with a slightly cropped leg, side pockets and a drawstring. Designed with their softest premium stretch fabric, they’re your new go-to. Great for traveling, yoga, training and chilling. It comes in a variety of colors and shades and in sizes XXS to XXL.

$84.00

Barefoot Dreams

SOFT THROW

She will love to be blanketed in the luxurious warmth of a soft chenille throw from the Barefoot Dreams Store and you can practically feel the softness through the screen.

$120.00 +

NEST New York

Grapefruit Candle and Diffuser

If your rich misses is like a lot of women who enjoy fragrant homes, then she will thoroughly enjoy filling her abode in this intoxicating signature scent behind NEST New York’s iconic fragrance which is a blend of pink pomelo grapefruit with watery green notes, lily of the valley and coriander blossom. The Classic Candle is meticulously crafted with a proprietary premium wax formulated to burn cleanly and evenly, while the Reed Diffuser is made with the highest quality oils to release continuous fragrance for 90 days, uninterrupted.

$75.00

Skin Store

Slip Skin Pillowcase

Your receipient will love to lay her head down and protect her crown with a silk pillow covering. It is a brand of silk cases recommended by dermatologists, hairstylists & beauty experts and is made of the highest grade (6A) long fibre mulberry silk, and without the use of dyes.

If you’re seeing this on Cyber Week 2020, get 25% off with the code Cyber at check out.

$110.00

Lululemon

Align Yoga Pants

Get the most breathable, sweat wicking pants, soft, light weight and with added lycra that retains shape after wash and wear.

Normally $98-$118. They’re on sale for the season

$69.00

Drunk Elephant

The Littles

The eco-conscious beauty buyer is wary of essential oils, chemical perfumes, dyes, fragrants and alcohol that are all horrible for the skin and so she is drawn to lines like Drunk Elephant which has combined sample sizes of all its best sellers into one kit it calls The Littles.

$90.00

cavallini calendar

Cavallini & Co. Paper Company

2021 Wall Calendar

Printed on Cavallini Paper Company’s signature Italian paper, this calendar features a unique collection of late 18th century wildflower prints and is perfect for home, kitchen, or office.

Calendars.com is offering free shipping this week.

$21.95

Boden

A Dress

Any dress in any print from Boden could be worn at a variety of events, openings, meetings, formal or informal outings. This Mila Midi Dress with its colorful and attractive stripes would do perfectly!

It’s practically half off down from $198 right now but not sure how long this will last.

$99.00

Yeti

20 ounce Rambler

The Yeti ramblem with the megslider lid is the perfect gift for a coffee or tea drinker or anyone who loves to sip slowly because it keeps hot drinks very hot and cold drinks super cold for long periods of time. It’s a winner that I’ve personally enjoyed and highly recommend.

$29.00

Athleta

Pranayama Wrap

Go from the yoga studio to the coffeee shop and back in this highly coveted and well rated wrap from Gap’s athleisure brand, Athleta. And it has pockets! Yes to this.

$99.00

Good luck and happy shopping and shout out the ladies of the Lawma Facebook Group for giving me all these ideas for this post!

gift guide pinterest graphic

JJ’s Favorite Things {2019 Gift Guide}

This year, instead of producing 15 holiday guides with tips and suggestions of products I’ve learned about from others, marketing materials sent to me or from what social media says is the hottest “must-have” items, I’m publishing just one guide/list.

This list includes items that I have either 1) purchased or was gifted personally and I use and love; or I have researched and inspected and want on my personal “wish list”.

Therefore, followers and readers of this blog will get my authentic, genuine and unbiased perspective on what items I believe are great gifts!

naipo shiatsu massager

1

First up is this Naipo Shiatsu neck and upper back massager. The makers gifted this to me over a year ago to review and I must say it is the absolute best. My husband and I are still using it today and it has not malfunctioned and continues to provide almost daily relief to our achy necks and backs after a long day at work, sitting at a computer desk all day or after waking up from a restless night sleep. The massager cover is made of leather and has oscillating balls and three settings that deeply kneed into your muscles to break up knots, soothe aches and pains.

An expecting or new mom would absolutely love this as she experiences the aches and pains of carrying a baby and caring for a new born.

It’s $49.99 at Amazon.com with free shipping for Prime members.

I absolutely recommend this massager as a gift. Tell the recipient it came highly rated by me! They will love you for it

ABC 3d

2

Second, as a work at home mom blogger and solo-preneur who works from home, I am always on the go, covering events, shuttling my kids to sports, music activities, practices, meeting up with clients at coffee shops, blogging from cafes and lounges and local libraries and just hustling about.

Although my children are t/weens now, not long ago, I used to buy them toys and books for Christmas. I discover some at the library, book stores and am pitched several. My fave books for a baby or new mom are these 18 board books for Baby’s First Library

But if you want a book that is visually stunning, stimulating to a young brain and eye popping as a gift, I highly recommend the ABC 3D pop up book by French designer and artist Marion Bataille that I discovered while thrifting and vintage shopping one day. Each of the 26 three-dimensional letters move and change before your eyes.  SEE It for yourself up close in this YouTube Video!

You can buy it for just $10.55 on Amazon!

3

I have several stylish and colorful oversized bags that I chuck all my stuff, laptop, umbrella and other remote office stuff in before hitting the road, but I really need a deep sturdy laptop backpack instead.

I found the Incase Icon Pack in black online that I like because it has several compartments I can use to store an umbrella, pens, make up, my phone, a water bottle, and other items separately so I can find them in a pinch. I am otherwise always digging and rummaging around a big abyss when I need to find something.

I also like it because it looks sleek and has a sexy silhouette. Get it for $90 from Amazon.

This backpack would be much appreciated by the blogger, student, mom, dad or anyone in your family who need to stay organized and is always on the move.

4

When my son was being incubated in my belly during my first pregnancy, I played The Nutcraker Ballet’s “Dance of the Sugarplum Faeries” song regularly and when he was born, whenever he would fuss while in the back seat during travel, for example, he would immediately stop crying, cock his head towards the music and calm down. Music miraculously can calm, soothe and wire our babies brains for intelligence, I believe.

 

Invest in some belly buds to gift to a mom to be. The results will be long lasting, I think. There are a lot of brands out there and a relatively new comer to the market is mbrio which stands out because it pipes out music at a lower volume than its competitors for a safer level for the baby. Moms-to-be can clip the soft medical-grade silicon covered buds to their pants and connect. The buds are  just $34.95 and are compatible with apple iPhones and devices.

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5

I am not certain a woman exists on earth who would not appreciate a trip to the spa. I know some people out there dislike strangers touching their bodies and face, yes, but they are the minority. A Spa Gift Cardis a perfect gift for any  expecting mom could use a massage, facial and some good old fashioned pampering while she waits for her bundle of joy.

You can purchase a card starting at $25+ and add on from there, depending on the cost of spa services in areas where you live

 

6.

Anything personalized is usually more cherished and loved because the giver obviously had forethought to seek out something just for the receiver. At this late stage in the game, time is running out to purchase a personalized item. I’ve given each of my kids when they were younger a personalized book and they loved it and still have it in their bookshelves today.

You can still get a personalized children book in time for Christmas from Uncommon Goods for US buyers for just $35.

 

 

7.

I just got an iPhone 11 and purchased a basic black Otter Box case which works functionally. I only use Otter because it is the only case that I can rely on to keep my phone safe but the black is not cutting it because it gets lost in the bottom of my purse too easily and I lose track of it all the time because it blends in with counters, and tables. I’ve left my phone several places and luckily got it back but I really blame the cover’s color for this problem. So I’m hoping to get an Otter case in a bright color for Christmas.

It sells all sorts of colors but I would love to get it in yellow for $50

 

insta pot

8.

Because slow cookers have been updated and now it’s quicker and easier to whip up a nutritious meal for the family with minimum effort, Instapot is the hottest thing around. The holiday season has revealed the lowest prices ever for them now as well. Currently, an Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker  which is almost $100 can be purchased for half off at $49 over on Amazon.com!

9.

Here is a personal thing. I am in love with Caroline Herrera scent “Good Girl“. It is my new second fave to Jessica McClintock’s self-named perfume which works with my chemistry and gets me compliments every time and all the time. If you are familiar with a fave scent, get it because many come with a free gift at the department stores. If you order Good Girl from Ulta for $69.99 you can get a free gift, a luxurious soft throw or robe. Nice! It’s like two gifts in one!

dooney and bourke wallet

BONUS.

Finally, I would love a new leather wallet. I have a very cute square coin purse wallet my brother in law gifted me from Brooks Brothers years ago. I get a lot of compliments because of the odd shape but it is not practical. I think anyone would love a nice quality new wallet for the new year!

I’m eyeing Booney & Bourke‘s Saffiano Large zip around wallet which the brand sells on its website for just $69! Woot!

 

There you have it! My 9 (10) favorite things for 2019!

What to Get that Gal (or Guy) Who Has Everything {Holiday Gift Guide}

big house woman sits in front
The holiday gift buying season is upon us ! Can you believe Black Friday is next week?! If you’re like most of us, we’re getting ready to scramble to get things for our loved ones. But for that man or woman who has everything s/he needs, you may find yourself in a conundrum! Fear not. We’ve assembled a list of unique things you can consider purchasing for that affluent friend or family member who is incredibly difficult to shop for because they can purchase for themselves any and everything. Heavy on this list are experiences which are priceless!
  1. Helicopter Ride or Lessons Above a Fantastic City ($1355+ depending on the city)
  2. A Rolex watch for her or him
  3. Spa Experience ($250+)
  4. Private Whisky or Tequila Tasting ($80+ depending on city)
  5. Plush monogram robe ($99+)
  6. Ski Vacation
  7. Birkin Bag ($5,000+) or Otter Pass Messenger Bag ($275)
  8. A Subscription Box ($149+)
  9. A Room Full of Flowers
  10. Fishing Adventure ($2,000 per person+)
  11. Anything from Tiffanys
  12. Anything engraved
EXTRA PRICELESS INTANGIBLES THAT LAST FOREVER….
  1. A Star in the Star Registry
  2. A Living Donation to a Building

Your Graduation Gift Guide

We are deep into Graduation season and if you are still on the hunt for the perfect gift for that high school, college or graduate school celebrant in your life, I’d like to suggest you check out my fave online site and partners, Etsy!

Logged on the other day and instantly spotted some sentimental and funny gifts like…

These T-shirts modeled after the “Friends” TV show logo but with a funny play on the word Seniors. It’s just $9.34 now on sale. Order it today before the sale expires.

I also absolutely loved these personalized chains and charms celebrating the graduate in Rose Gold, Gold and silver. They’re practically a steal at just $19.95. Want!

How clever is this mug to celebrate a woman who has earned her Master’s degree? I HEART it sooo much! It’s just $13.95 by The Gift Mug Shop which has a host of other clever mugs! Check them out HERE to find one that fits better with your grad!

Speaking of clever, for that kid who could not wait to graduate, this hilarious shirt is for him or her! I have just the person in mind for this next year! ha! It starts at $13.99 which is a steal in my eyes.

Now for the design fan who cherishes graduation, this personalized frame grad art it superb! So sentimental and so perfect! I love it and surprisingly just $13.95. Wow! Get it!

Finally, something that a graduate can carry around that is both functional and commemorative: a silver keychain, personalized, and just the right touch at $17.99.

Get on these for a graduate this year, in the fall or next year!

Batman138 Bro138 Dolar138 Gas138 Gudang138 Hoki99 Ligaciputra Panen77 Zeus138 Kilat77 Planet88 Gaspol168 Sikat88 Rupiah138 Garuda138 Gacor77 Roma77 Sensa138 Panen138 Slot138 Gaco88 Elanggame Candy99 Cair77 Max7 Best188 Space77 Sky77 Luxury777 Maxwin138 Bosswin168 Cocol88 Slot5000 Babe138 Luxury138 Jet77 Bonanza138 Bos88 Aquaslot Taktik88 Lord88 Indobet Slot69 Paus138 Tiktok88 Panengg Bingo4d Stars77 77dragon Warung168 Receh88 Online138 Tambang88 Asia77 Klik4d Bdslot88 Gajah138 Bigwin138 Markas138 Yuk69 Emas168 Key4d Harta138  Gopek178 Imbaslot Imbajp Deluna4d Luxury333 Pentaslot Luxury111 Cair77 Gboslot Pandora188 Olxtoto Slotvip Eslot Kuy138 Imbagacor Bimabet