GIFT GIVING IDEAS

It's that time of the year when our attention is focused on the holiday ritual of gift-giving. We scurry about, getting caught up in the hustle & the bustle looking for the right gift for those special people in our lives.  Giving a gift is a universal way to show love, appreciation, and gratitude, and it also brings us JOY.

Make your holiday shopping fun this year. Here are a few stocking- stuffers  & gift ideas for the special people in your life. 

Linda Rodin is such an inspiration in the fashion and beauty industry, she's ageless chic. Maybe you have a friend, mom, a daughter or sister (in-law)...Her yummy lip balm, cleanser and jasmine perfume just might be the feminine touches she needs. 

How about Restoration Hardware cozy Faux Fur Slippers with matching Neck Scarf for your mom, grandma or mother-in-law?

Dr. Lancer has a new product out - Dani - Glowing Skin Perfector- An illuminating skin finisher and skin treatment that brightens, and perfects all skin tones in one setp.

How about a few fun stocking stuffers - Can't go wrong with these beautiful glitter nail polishes. She'll be ready for her New Year's Eve Party and that special Valentine. Butter / OPI / Deborah Lipman /

Don't forget about the Golfer in your family...Restoration Hardwares Golf Ball Personalizer - Everything you need to emboss you name or initials right out of the box.

I've recently discovered these unique candles. After Party Candle Co. Especially for those champagne lovers in your life, an Incredible gift for a hostess. Beautiful champagne bottles from the best bottles of bubbley to well-known favorite brands. After your candle is finished, you will want to keep it for a vase with fresh flowers, or what-ever you choose. 

Does someone in your life need a little pampering?  Maud's of Beverly Hills is a charming boutique that offers stunning lashes, nails, and brow service.  Here she can relax, unwind and feel beautiful. 

AMERICAN TEA ROOM has the most delicious teas. Their is a huge range of green, black, and oolong teas. Their gift wrapping is lovely. On your way to a holiday party or your need a simple elegant gift, you can't go wrong. Three favorites I keep in our home -  Victoria Organic Black Tea - Earl Gray Shanghi, and Madame Bergamot Organic. You can find any tea to your liking online. Beautiful teas, beautiful flavor.

Violet Grey is an incredible boutique filled with highly curated luxury beauty products. It's located here in Los Angeles on Melrose Place. If she loves beauty products, you will be a rockstar if she receives a gift certificate or a favorite product from Violet Grey. You will find everything for her cosmetic wardrobe you need online or in the store. This foundation is FANTASTIC. Koh Gen Do - for flawless skin. If you live here in L.A. be sure to take a minute and experience a true beauty boutique.

Restoration Hardware's Leather Watch Holder is great for your on-the-go guy. It's a rich chocolate color, soft leather, and lightweight. Also great for storing your watches safely.

 Whether you're 3 or 53 you'll find Diane Muldrow's little golden book full of life's lessons, and remember what you were taught along the way.  It's always nice for a humorous "guide to life" for grown-ups!  or great advice for your little one. It's pretty much everything that really matters about life in this simple little book.                                                                                                                       Celebrating You (and the beautiful person you are) Read about your kind heart, your spirit, generosity, your laugh, and your glow. You can't help feel joy and loved if you receive this little book. For all ages. 

A gift card from his or her favorite studio or gym is a great idea. Harmony Studios is located here in West Hollywood, and the instructors are very focused on you being your best healthy self.  Here you can have private or group instruction and a full mind-body connection. You'll feel welcomed the minute you step in the door. If you live here...check it out. You will get in shape and have fun at the same time. NO matter where you live, a gift card to jumpstart a healthy body is always a great gift of life. 

And most of all...The Gift of Time. Spend time with those you love, give your time to those who are in need. Take the time to be Grateful.         

Doesn't it feel satisfying when you see the joy on the face of the person you're giving the gift to? How about being a Secret Santa...Maybe pay for someone's coffee, or breakfast. Don't forget the people who help us in our everyday errands. I love to give to the guys who help me at the gas station, José, who helps me load groceries.  Fedx, UPS - We always depend on Tom...our fantastic mailman. He delivers the mail everyday, with a smile on his face... Enjoy the process and may your heart be filled with joy this holiday season.  

               We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” 
― Winston S. Churchill                                                                                                                                                           

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

'Tis The Season... The holidays are here, and what a special time to be Grateful. It's the perfect time to gather your friends and family, and share great food, wine, and of course laughter. We have soooo much to be grateful for, we have freedom, we have choices.  Let's start off with  I Am Thankful For....

 Thank you Mother Earth - Mother Nature for these beautiful flowers! We have a Pavilions nearby, and they always have a large variety of colorful flowers and greenery. Here I chose Tulips - Roses - Calla Lilies - Peonies. If you live in the West Hollywood area, ask for David! He's the best...

You can also buy long stem leaves and decorate the inside of the vase for an elegant touch to your arrangement. While arranging your flowers say "Thank You"...tell Mother Nature how grateful you are for her flawless beauty she has provided for us.

Tulips have so many leaves, just take and wrap those extra leaves around your stems for that 'Wedding Bouquet' look. 

I love the vibrant orange, perfect for a fall color.  Tulips love a little light, in just a few minutes they will open up as the light shines through the window.

Beautiful pink Tulips and Peonies, and the peonies have a soft...light fragrance as they begin to open. 

White Peonies, White Roses... 

I find groupings of three, to work well. Choose different vases, and heights for that artistic feel.

Simple Calla Lilies...Simple Vase... Elegance.   We all have many things we can be grateful for. If we can stay in a state of gratitude for just a few minutes a day, our hearts will change, we will feel lighter, and the longer we can say "Thank You" the Universe will recognize our gratitude. We can always be of great service to ourselves and others when our heart says "Thank You"

    "Choosing gratitude is akin to choosing forgiveness. It is to create forward and healthy           movement within the individual expressing it"       Reverend Keith Cox...my friend

  Thank you to my followers for being supportive and taking the time to read my blog, The Grateful Gardenia. I hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving, and you were able to share the day with your friends and loved ones. During this season let's envision laughter, hugs and a heart full of gratitude.   

                                    Make someone's day special today... it matters

EFFORTLESS FALL FASHION

Fall has finally hit here in sunny California, and we couldn't be happier. All you need is a cozy sweater, hat, and scarf and you are looking effortlessly chic. 

I love these Fiorentini & Baker boots; they have held up terrifically over the last few years. I think they keep getting better over time.

It's so simple to take a scarf... or wrap and add to a soft sweater. Vibrant colors or solid, it doesn't matter. Scarves can change your entire look. Find a scarf with stunning colors, and your outfit will come alive. I wear the scarf from the morning, till night.

AG Jeans are a great fit, and there are  plenty of styles to choose from. True to size, and they hold their shape after several wears.

I found this sweater at Madewell. I love how the back is bit longer than the front. It's a small difference that gives a simple sweater a little movement.  Couldn't resist grabbing my Borsalino Hat, another fun essential for the Fall and Winter seasons. 

With cream & neutral colors, It's like having a blank slate.  Simple becomes chic. Just like you.

There's no need to buckle and unbuckle each time, I just slip them on and off, really easy.

Fall into Fashion this year by getting out of your comfort zone, do something different. Get creative in your closet, and have fun while you're getting ready. Wrap your scarf around your neck and feel like those beautiful French women who make scarves so fashionable. Email me, send me photos, I'd love to see how you styled your scarves with your fall and winter wear. I will gladly help out if you have any questions. Scarves can give you a whole new attitude, It's important for you to feel great. You are BEAUTIFUL...

                 "The world is open to us and each day is an occasion to reinvent ourselves"                                               

                                                                     Ralph Lauren