2020 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

I think as 2020 wraps up, we all need a holiday and to spread a little joy and kindness. One of my favorite things to do when this time of year rolls around is sit down with a nice cappuccino and put together my holiday gift guide. This year, there’ll be a lot less travel and a little more vino and carbs flowing! I will miss hustling about town the day before Christmas, but thank goodness for online gift guides and Amazon elves. So grab your list, check it twice—and let’s get shopping and giving!

Skin - Vara Slipper

Mer|Sea - Charleston Travel Trio

Code: 20MERSEA

Looking forward to this season of slipping into laid-back luxury?

Nod Pod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask - Have you tried a weighted eye blanket?

Breville - Nespresso Creatista Single Serve Espresso Machine

A juicer with Non-drip Function, Stainless Steel & Easy to Clean

Style Union - Ursula Pitcher Small

Style Union - Jill Candle Small

Truly understated elegance and for the person who has everything. Style Unions above Jill Candle can be used to hold everything from guacamole, flowers, berries, and your jewelry! Founder Kym Gold has created the most gorgeous fragrances that leave you floating on cloud 9. I think her line is so personal and authentic. If you love true artistry then this makes a fabulous gift for both men and women.

Style Union - Shana Menorah

Style Union - Willow Tray

Style Union is Handmade In L.A. and donates 5% of all sales from the Unity Collection to Black Women for Wellness.

ETU - Brasserie Serving Tray

HOMQUEN - Black Red Wine Glasses

Bandolier - Bella Crossbody Smooth Leather

Code: GG15

The Golden Dog Co. - Handmade Leather Dog and Leash Collar

Wildone - Collar Walk Kit

I think Bandolier is a fantastic gift for all ages. Hands free and hands on—there are so many colors and styles to choose from.

CALPAK - Ambeur Carry-On Luggage

Parker Thatch - Medium Mimi in Olive Nylon Quilted

Clare V - Simple Tote - Navy w/ Black Stripes

CALPAK - Ambeur Carry-On Luggage

Get away in style on a road trip or a plane ride with my favorite Parker Thatch Tote—find your color and style because they go quick!

Natori - Women’s Leopard Robe (personal favorite)

Majestic International - Sapphire Silk Robe

Eberjay - Garden Lilies Long PJ Set

Lunya - Washable Silk Robe

Netflix and a bubble bath on this bamboo bathtub tray

Caddis Readers - Mabuhay

Williams Sonoma - Marble Honeycomb Coasters

Gotta Have Face - Mask Chain /Gotta Have Face - 100% of net proceeds are donated to charity.

Werktough - Tool Kit

Magnetic Backgammon Set with Carrying Strap

Hallstein - Membership

Code: GARDENIA for 1 Five Gallon When You Sign Up

Collective Laboratories - Regimen

Code: JANET50

No.2 - Toilet Paper - Use JANETGUNN10

Chok Chok - Hydrating Face Masks

Code: JANET40

Grayson - Gift Card

Franne Golde - Gift Card

Tis the time to Unplug

Great gift for the whole family!

For Every Family Member - Unplug Meditation App - Use code Grateful25 for 25% off the app. This discount can only be redeemed on the web at www.unplug.app/signup, not directly through the mobile app.

Luxury Pure Calm Bath Oil from Uma

Gourmet Chocolate Truffles Gift Box

Gratitude Note Cards

West Elm donates 50% of the purchase price directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®.

Always Pan - Partnered with Feeding America / Calf Socks - For every pair purchased, one pair of socks will be donated — and the proceeds from any red, blue, or white socks go directly to homeless veterans. Rescue Pet Dish Towel / $2 from your purchase goes to Rescue City, a pet rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption non-profit in the New York City area / Bar Soap Set - For every packaged bar of soap you buy, a bar of soap is donated to a child in need through Hand in Hand's partnership with the child advocacy group My Neighbor's Children / Personalized Candle - All candles are made by refugees at Prosperity Candle and 100% of proceeds go right into their pockets. Children Mending Hearts - Weekly deliveries to those in need. Cancer Cartel / They award grants - From gas money to mortgage payments, we clean up the cost of cancer by cleaning out the closet! Thank you!

YOUR TINY HOUSE DREAM AWAITS - Modern Tiny Living The gift for when you’re ready to “chuck it all in” Modern Tiny Living just made it look cool. Also designed for businesses and your at-home workspace or anywhere you want to be.

Off we go! Onward and upward on a new journey.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas - From our house to yours, I wish you peace, joy, and health to you and your loved ones. As we move forward may we choose to release the past—to release bitterness and release failures & missed opportunities. Instead, may we embrace grace and power to boldly move forward into the blessings that await us for the coming year.

Blessings!

Thank you for reading,

xx, Janet

LOOKING BACK ON 2018

Looking back at 2018 was a year filled with opportunities, adventures, and meeting fabulous people!

Not only was it a fun travel year, but it was also a year of non-stop events, diving into technology and falling in love with Downtown LA.

My favorite thing about being a blogger is the constant discovery of the special places in your own backyard. These last few months I had a strong desire to get back to where and why I began this blogging journey. It’s like hitting the refresh button and it’s given me a new perspective and appreciation for a simple idea… Discovery of a passion and sharing that with others.

Havana, Cuba

VAMOS A CUBA!

What I love about Cuba; Cuba was a destination I personally had always wanted to go to. It was the people that I was intrigued by the most. After all, Ernest Hemingway wrote about Cuba from a place that made you want to discover the mystery. The contrast of the dilapidated buildings and the warmth of the locals said it all.

We had the chance to meet one of Cuba's top young entrepreneurs Carlos Garcia, the founder of Kewelta. Carlos is leading the way for technology and his office is around the corner from the Hotel Nacional. We were invited to his office to meet his team, and talking with them left you with certainty that this group of young entrepreneurs are switched on! Read on for more information for visiting Cuba.

Ojai, California Caravan Outpost

DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT - CARAVAN OUTPOST

Ok, can we talk about one of the best local staycations in Los Angeles? The fact that I can hop in my car and be in Ojai at Caravan Outpost and kicking back in an hour is music to my ears. My friend and fellow blogger Melissa Meyers were thrilled to discover this special spot and we can’t wait to return. It’s a must!

Hvar, Croatia

WELCOME TO HVAR CROATIA

Probably one of the best vacation spots our family has ever been on. Who knew Croatia was such a special and sacred location that would elevate our love of travel. It’s a hotspot destination right now and well worth a google. The people, the food, the water… and the price!

For 2019, I hope it’s a year filled with discovering your passions. We really never know what awaits us on the other side of that door. It’s our job to do the work, discover what makes us tick… that’s the laboratory to our soul.

Happy New Year! Thank you so much for joining me on this journey!

Blessings to you and your family,

xoxo

Janet

HAPPY HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN

Happy Holidays...Happy Holidays...The holidays are quickly approaching and I'm sure many of you have checked off your holiday shopping list, but if you're like me, a last minute shopper, It's always nice to here about a few fun, practical and cozy gift ideas for friends, family, and work-related peeps. I've also included my favorite links for giving back. After all, it is the season for giving and it feels so wonderful when we do. So let's get started with the "naughty" & "nice" list.

Bari Lynn Clutches - Naughty / Nice

With removable chain - Double Sided.

FUN HOSTESS GIFTS

What a fun Hostess Gift! Say it all with Emoji's...the new language - Kim Seybert

Maggie Louise Chocolates

Cashew Almond Toffee Popcorn

FOR THE MEN

Probably time for some new slippers!

Here's something for the men in your life - Hatteker Professional Electric Shaver Razor - 4 in 1 Beard Trimmer - Cordless - Waterproof -Rechargeable.

Ready for some Happy Feet! Happy Socks for the men in your life. Already packaged and ready to go!  

Herschel's iconic backpack, designed to organize and carry daily school essentials, is featured in a cool camo print with a two-tone water-resistant sealed front-zip pocket. Stylish and practical for your, boyfriend or hubby.

Say "Happy Holidays" with delicious chocolates - Great idea for a business gift

STYLISH TECH & MONOGRAMMING

Cuyana will transport your laptop secure and sound while you look professional & sophisticated. Designed for 13" or 15" laptop, features Italian leather, gold pin closure and a smooth entry and padded lining for maximum tech protection.

Timeless and secure, Italian leather wallet, with gold or silver hardware and wraparound zipper. Cuyana offers classic monograming on all of her accessories. Cuyana is also a brand that gives back & we love that.

LET'S TRAVEL

I've always loved LeSportsac Medium Weekender - I feel they each tell such a story - then you get to create your own. Only 1 left!

Get carried away In style - CALPAK - Great colors to choose from.

• Small Case: 14”W x 20”H x 9-11”D; Large Case: 19”W x 28”H x 12 1/2-14 1/2”D.
• Small Case: 7.1lbs., Large Case: 10.5lbs. 
• Zip-around closure with integrated TSA lock
• Telescoping pull handle; top and side carry handles
• Interior zip divider, mesh pocket, accessory pouch; elastic pockets; adjustable tie-down strap

Clare V Alistair Petit - Reminiscent of circular vintage luggage, the Black Veg Petit Alistair’s top handles and long shoulder strap give this bag a beautiful look that is refreshingly modern.

Sophie Strap

Add a perfect new custom accent to any bag - Or a key chain.

LET'S SNUGGLE

Spend downtime in this luxurious full-length robe crafted from deliciously soft plush velour with fleecy contrast trim. 

Extra-fleecy microfiber so soft & warm poncho that's great for wearing around the house or even on errands out.

LET'S GET REFRESHED

Instytutum - With these Flawless Pads - Brighten your skin instantly. Don't forget to use code HOLIDAY30 - 30% on all skincare + free shipping if you spend $200 + you receive free full-size Triple-Effect Peel. 

DOG GONE GOOD

Personalize your pooch - customized hi-def text and art - Leash available in 6 sizes

LET'S HELP OTHERS

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST - Foster an Orphan as a Christmas Gift

Fostering an Elephant - For $50.00 a year As Christmas approaches why not give a loved one a novel gift by registering them online as a foster parent, and they can then play an important part in the much-needed care and dedication that their baby elephant needs. A fostering certificate with a profile and photograph of your adopted orphan together with a description of the Orphans’ Project.

A monthly summary highlighting events of the previous month together with a direct link to the ‘Keepers Diary’ for your elephant. In the diary, you will be able to access the daily calendar entries and the monthly photos. These updates highlight  the progress of your orphan;
And most importantly, as one of our foster parents, you are considered part of the DSWT team and we will be keeping in personal contact with you as an important member of our project. This is a terrific gift for kids and for the people in your life who have all they need or those who are passionate about our wildlife.

H.E.A.R.T. VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM - Your support bridges the gap between homelessness & hope for a child in need. 

CHLA Treats More Than 111,000 Kids A Year. You can be a part of this life-changing support.  By giving monthly you become a Miracle Maker to the young patients they serve. Every little bit counts!

It's the season to think about others, to have a compassionate heart and drop any judgment we have about ourselves and others. This season just BE...Be kind, Be humble, Be generous, Be open-minded Be grateful. And Be-lieve in the magic!       xo  Janet