I was both surprised and thrilled when a handful of people (three, to be exact) mentioned how much they missed the holiday gift guides I used to create. It seems that this year, amidst the hustle and bustle, I didn't manage to put together those guides or even send out Christmas cards. Knowing that there are even a few people out there who appreciated those little labor of loves—just like when I share the things I adore gifting—filled me with joy. So, I've decided to bring it back, but with a special twist: this time, it's all about gifts for YOU!.
I truly believe that our ability to be there for others—be it friends, in relationships, or with family—stems from nurturing a foundation of self-love and compassion for ourselves. It's more than just treating yourself, it's about acknowledging your value and offering yourself the same love and respect you generously give to those around you. So here you go… My for the “LOVE OF YOU” Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.
P.S. Let's have a quick chat about prices, shall we? Sometimes, I glance at a price tag and have to remind myself that, no, a mani-pedi doesn't cost $20 anymore (oh, how I miss those days! I realize that was probably ten years ago). It's like I blink, and suddenly, the total at the salon is nudging $100 with a tip! Ah, the joys of everything getting pricier, right?
This little reality check has turned me into a much more discerning and selective shopper. So, when I recommend items on this list, trust me, they've passed the "Is it really worth it?". Each pick is a gem that I believe stands tall in value when sized up against its peers. And yes, I've personally tested and tried them all.
This might be my most worn item of this Fall/Winter. It is so soft and light and such great quality. I layer it in so many ways and just love it. I also love that this company really cares about the ethical impact of fashion donating and partnering with organizations that support girls receiving an education globally, among other causes.
I was so sad when I recently realized my all time favorite perfume from Tom Ford that I had been wearing for years was discontinued. Then…one day when I was shopping with daughter, we started testing some of Tom Ford’s new fragrances. And fell in love with this one, Rose D’AMALFI. I don’t even know how to describe so here is how they do. Fragrance Description: An intimate, discreetly sensual rose kissed by Italian bergamot, Rose D’Amalfi merges baies roses with sunlit heliotrope, evoking skin-on-skin warmth.
This is amazing for dark hair. My friend and my hair stylist, Jana Rago, used this masque on my hair and I actually thought she had dyed my hair. I often have brassy reddish tints and tones that appear in my hair, making my hair a color I don’t love. Especially in the summer. This mask, tones the red. In just 5 minutes of leaving on this mask, my hair was back to its dark color. Pretty amazing. You can pick this up at Jana Rago Studios on Newbury street if you are local. https://janaragostudios.com/
I love these clean beauty face and contour sticks. They have lasted way over a year. They are easy to use, easy travel with, I love the colors. As someone who is not great with make up, I love the simplicity. And for a simple look, all you need is these three sticks and some mascara and done!
I don’t know why it took me so long to swap out the pinchy plastic resistance bands for these fabric bands that are so much softer and just so much all around better. A game changer. Link to all my favorite workout accessories.
Still a favorite even after years. I am big fan of this local Boston company that makes colorful beautiful bags in all shapes and sizes. These bags come everywhere with me! So many to chose from, check out their website to find your favorite. www.lilibridge.com
I have to give credit where credit's due: I discovered this amazing cream blush through my daughter. She's become a pro at finding the best makeup. (thanks social media). Things sure are different from when I was growing up, with only the local drugstore's selection to chose from. I did not have access to videos, tutorials, reviews. And yes, I've got some hilariously epic photos to prove that era's beauty choices! This blush is from Charlotte Tilbury, and the shade? Euphoric
I love when someone picks out the perfect treatment/products for me that actually work. I feel like I have wasted so much time and money trying skincare that doesn’t really work. Taylor of Taylored 2U Aesthetics chose this gentle Retinol cream for me to treat my hyperpigmentation and sun spots and the sunscreen to prevent getting new sun damage. I really have seen a difference! I have tried other Retinol creams that were so harsh they dried my skin out. Really liking these. Highly recommend getting in touch with Taylor to find the correct skin treatments for you. Located at 500 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston.
So far, definitely one of my favorite candle companies! I pretty much like all of their different scented candles. If you are local, you can pick one up and test some out yourself at Monroe at 207 Main Street in Charlestown.
This is a favorite wellness tool and I am guessing many of you have never seen this before. The Sonic Slider harnesses the power of therapeutic sound to help people feel and look younger and healthier. A few years ago, I went through a sound healing practitioner training in Biofield tuning. It was an extraordinary experience. The founder of this method created the Sonic Slider, a tuning fork with unique frequency to give people more energy, greater well-being, weight loss, increased muscle tone, smoother skin, reduced pain, improved circulation and more. I have seen in myself and in family members real results from this. The Key is consistency. I recommend visiting the website to learn more about this and I highly recommend purchasing the 21 day video series with the fork. I found following along was the best way I stayed consistent and it was like a 21 day wellness reset.
This Valentine's Day, begin on the transformative journey of self-love and understanding with your very own Custom Human Design Report. After spending the last few years diving deep into Human Design and becoming a certified coach, I've experienced firsthand the incredible insights and transformative changes it can bring. This is exactly why I'm so passionate about sharing these custom reports with you.
Tailored to your unique blueprint, this 100+ page digital guide offers a comprehensive exploration of your energy type, strategy, authority, profile, and more. It's designed to demystify the complexities of Human Design, making it accessible and actionable. Whether you're new to this journey or looking to deepen your understanding, this report serves as a personal roadmap, guiding you towards a life of ease, alignment, and fulfillment.
Discover the power of aligning with your true nature, understanding your innate decision-making processes, and embracing your personal strengths. This report isn't just about self-knowledge—it's about taking actionable steps towards a more authentic and harmonious life. It's the gift of self-discovery, inspired by the profound impact Human Design has had on my own life and my desire to share that gift with you.
www.authentichumandesign.com
My feet have never been happier. I have struggled with shin splints my entire life. No matter how much stretching, strengthening, icing etc.. I’ve tried everything and nothing has really helped or cured them. My shin splits got really bad this year and so I researched recommended shoes for people with shin splits, and these HOKA Clifton 9’s kept coming up. I was skeptical but WOW what a difference. My feet really have never been happier. I wear them all day. I will say I am not sure they are the best for workouts like HIIT or weight lifting. The sole’s are very cushioned (hence my happy feet) so may not be as good for stability. They come in all different colors.
I hope you'll enjoy my favorite Instagram account as much as I do! It's a New England-focused account that offers travel tips and destination guides, and it's just fun to follow. Thanks to the creator, Colleen Blair, I now have a very long list of local places she has inspired me to visit. What I especially love about following Travel Like A Local is that it makes me realize how often I overlook some of the amazing places to visit nearby—a good reminder that you don't always have to go far to satisfy that wanderlust adventure.
Being consistent with meditation can indeed be more challenging than maintaining a workout routine, yet its impact on my life is just as significant, if not greater, than physical exercise. My meditation journey began 10 years ago, starting simply with reading an inspiring excerpt from a book and evolving into sometimes an hour or longer of daily practice. Similar to workouts, there are numerous styles, methods, and approaches to meditation, and it can take time to find the one that truly resonates with you.
I often recommend the book/guide by Biet Simkin. It's filled with insightful pieces of wisdom on mindfulness and meditation. Biet has a way of making the concepts entertaining and accessible, possessing a unique gift for articulating ideas in a manner that just makes sense. I suggest listening to the book because Biet's voice adds a special dimension to the experience, offering clear, direct advice and setting realistic ways to begin or deepen your meditation practice. Her book has served as an invaluable tool in refining my approach to meditation.
If you haven’t tried sleeping with a weighted blanket, you might want to give it a try. I find I relax quicker and I stay asleep longer using this 20lb non-toxic blanket. Other reported benefits of sleeping with a weighted blankets are: Improved Sleep Quality, Reduced Anxiety and Stress, Decreased Restlessness, Enhanced Mood, Comfort for Sensory Processing Disorders, Alleviation of Insomnia.
“Star studded and heartfelt, The Heirloomist’s first book will remind you this planet we spin around on is full of wonder, joy, heartbreak, love, and most of all, connection.” - Shana Novak
It was such a heartfelt moment to be asked to share the tale of my Red Dress for this book. I feel truly honored to be featured among some extraordinary individuals and their captivating stories in the stunning new book by the supremely talented Shana Novak.
My Red Dress. The dress I wore to testify at the State House. This red dress is a symbol of my journey through stroke recovery and ultimately how that experience changed and inspired me.
Shana's book brings together 100 such unique treasures, each with a profound story to tell. Available now for pre-order.
Fit-Fashion Carbon38
My go-to workout gear that always seems to get the most compliments comes from Carbon38. Without a doubt, these pieces stand out as my most fashionable athletic wear collection these days. Not only are they super stylish, but they also fit well. What I love about Carbon38 is the variety, they carry an impressive range of brands, giving plenty of options to explore and try out!
I learned about this SKIMS-Like bodysuit (but for only $28 vs $70) from a Fitness Influencer Instagram account I love to follow. If you are not following cindysullivanfitness, you should. She is like a ray of sunshine with practical and great fitness tips. Cindy focuses on fitness after 50 and is such an inspiration! She also shares other great tips like this bodysuit! I bought it and love it.
I'm excited to share my wellness gift with everyone. Over the past decade, my class, originally called "barre," has evolved to become more inclusive for all fitness levels while still offering a challenge.
I've adapted the methodology, moving away from traditional Barre exercises that can be tough on the back, hips, and knees, and incorporating more functional movements. This ensures effectiveness and safety for all body types. My Barre-inspired method focuses on holistic wellness, blending physical fitness with mental focus and mindfulness. Proudly recognized by Boston Magazine as the Best of Boston Fitness Class 2023, this journey celebrates the beauty and strength in us all.
Use The Discount Code: monthfree for unlimited access to over 100 workouts for the first month.
