Gifts that give twice

Mother’s Day this year is on May 12th in many countries, including USA. This year I collected 7 gift caring ideas that give twice. Many of these products support a charity, are made from recycled materials or are made with all natural ingredients. Great gift ideas for granola and fashionista moms alike!

1. Jonathan Adler Retro Floral On The Go Coffee Mug ($14)
The Jonathan Adler porcelain coffee mug with a coordinating silicone sleeve and lid isn’t just any pretty new coffee to-go-mug when you purchase it from Gifts that Give. $2.80 of the price goes to any cause of your choice, easily with a click of a button. Perfect for the soccer mom-on-the-go!

2. Patent Foundation Double Wrap Logo Stud Bracelet by Tory Burch ($95)
Patent Foundation Double Wrap Logo Stud Bracelet by Tory Burch is gorgeous and perfect for the trendy fashionista mom. All profits from the purchase of this item benefit the Tory Burch Foundation, committed to providing economic opportunities to women and their families in the United States

3. Smart Traveler Makeup Bag Set by Cuyana ($85)
Smart Traveler Set by Cuyana comes with two makeup bags, perfectly sized for traveling. The large one for toiletries and the smaller one to fit inside a carry-on or a purse for daily essentials. This set comes in several colors but the trendy emerald green is my favorite. The bags are Handmade in Argentina and Cuyana donates a percentage of profits to charity:water.

4. TOM’S Shoes ($53.95)
The ‘Classic – Circle’ Slip-On by TOMS shoes comes in cute new prints. And like for years now… With every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

5. FEED India Bag in Flame Navy ($75)
This colorful block printed FEED India Bag is handmade by artisans working in India. Each FEED India Bag will provide 50 school meals for children in India, and in ADDITION 15.00 goes to any cause of your choice when you purchase it from Gifts that Give. The do-good bag also looks good and it’s perfect summer, for beach days or farmer’s market runs.

6. Mereset scarf from fashionABLE ($36)
The soft 100% cotton Mereset scarf from fashionABLE is handmade in Ethiopia and allows women in Ethiopia to have a way of living. This thin scarf is perfect even for summer.

7. Pure Natural Diva Botanicals Perfume ($100)
Pure Natural Diva Botanicals Perfumes are a perfect a gift for an eco savvy mom. Made with natural ingredients and scent from heaven. May we recommend? Try the Natural from the four different varieties. It is fresh and inviting, with notes including a hint of clary sage, exalting pink grapefruit, Moroccan rose, and soothing ylang ylang. Calming yet luxurious, just what mom wants. 1.69 oz bottle $100.

Thank goodness spring break is around the corner. My family is going to take a few days to explore the mountains of North Carolina. We’ll be stopping in Asheville for one night, then spending a few days in the mountain town of Highlands, where waterfalls are as abundant as the curvy roads. In addition to my children’s luvies, snacks, and spring coats for that cool mountain air, I’ll be taking our new Intel tablet on this trip. We didn’t have a tablet before owning the Lenovo ThinkPad 2, and after taking some time to get used to the new Windows 8 operating system, I cannot imagine not taking it on our spring break excursion.

7 Reasons Why I’m Traveling with My Intel Tablet

1. Travel Planning

I’ve done a lot of trip planning while watching TV on my tablet. I’ve mapped out the best routes. I’ve bookmarked things to see on my travels, too. I want to continue my research while on location. The tablet makes it easy for me to do so. I love my smartphone, but the larger size of the tablet makes it a lot easier to reserach destinations on the go or in the comfort of the couch.

2. Entertaining the Kids in our Room

My kids have basically taken the tablet away from me. They love it. With the built-in inking feature, the kids have so much fun drawing with the tablet. They write notes. They draw glasses on their dad. It’s provided hours of entertainment. We love the app Skitch. My daughter has also found some great preschool games, too. I firmly believe in seeing things when traveling, and I don’t allow electronics during our dinners, but the tablet will be great for some downtime in the hotel room.

3. Watching Movies or TV Programs

The picture on the Intel tablet is crisp. It’s been great for watching TV and Netflix. With free Wi-Fi, I don’t have to be limited to what is on cable while in a hotel room or rental house. My son has earphones, so if he doesn’t want to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse then he can watch something else while we get ready for our day’s adventure.

4. Easy Access to Email and Social Media

With the tablet, and the touch of the Windows email app, I have all my accounts right there at the touch of the screen. It truly makes it easier to stay in touch and on top of my email when traveling. My mobile phone is just too small for me to type well. Under the People app, I can view my social media updates and notifications. I can take a photo of us in our room at Old Edwards Inn and Spa with the tablet and share it with my friends immediately.

5. Easy Access to Restaurant Reviews while On-Location

The one thing that the Intel tablet truly masters is speed and easy transition from one thing to another. It’s so easy to go from one app to another, watch a movie, or surf the net. It’s going to be great to have while traveling to seek out restaurant reviews, search for things to do in a new area, or even to see what’s playing at the movies while I’m in town. If I feel like having a burger for dinner, I can find the best burger in town within seconds.

6. Recording Special Travel Moments

I truly need to do a better job of catching special moments on our travels. The built-in camera allows you to transition from video photography to still photography with ease. The camera quality is good. The dual-camera feature enables you to get the videographer in the shoot, too.

7. Catching Up with my Favorite Reads

The tablet is great for reading. I’ve not downloaded a book yet, but I love reading my favorite blogs on it. I despise reading blogs on my phone. In fact, I don’t do it. Now when I travel, I can keep up with what Katja is posting on Skimbaco while I’m away.

I’m looking forward to taking the Intel tablet on this trip. I’m sure I’ll discover even more great uses while on the go.

Be sure to follow @SkimbacoTravel, @SkimbacoFood, and @Hinessightblog on Instagram so that you can keep up with me on my travels. I will be staying at the beautiful Old Edwards Inn and Spa while in Highlands. This European boutique property recently received the honor of being one of TripAdvisor’s Top 25 hotels in the U.S.

Disclosure: We don’t do product reviews on Skimbaco, but I was given an Intel tablet to use on my travels. Opinions about the tablet are my own.

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Last minute Valentine’s Day Gift Tips

This Valentine’s Day give gifts that you and your loved one can share and enjoy together. Valentine’s Day is, after all, about celebrating and enjoying the love and connection you share with another. I have put together a list of gifts that can turn the ordinary breakfast in bed to something special and make that next trip even more exciting.

Nespresso Latissima+

Who says a man can’t enjoy breakfast in bed every now and then. Give the gift of Nespresso this Valentine’s Day and enjoy a lovely addition to breakfast with your loved one. The Latissima+ is perfect for coffee lovers as it brings the exceptional quality of the signature Nespresso beverages into the home. I am a coffee lover and have personally tried the Latissima+ myself thanks to our friends at Nespresso. It creates everything from traditional espressos to Americanos and Lattes with the included milk frother. It truly brings the European coffee experience home. Check out Nespresso’s Ultimate Coffee Creations  for new ways to enjoy Nespresso. Available at Nesresso Boutiques and Nespresso.com ($399)

Luxe City Guide

Here at Skimbaco we love to travel, and traveling to a new destination is always exciting, especially when you know the best places to dine, shop, and visit. The Luxe City Guide is the perfect way to prepare for an upcoming trip with your loved one. The Bespoke Box set allows you to hand select 5 city guides which is perfect for 2013 travel plans that have been made. Get to know your destination cities with your loved one inside and out with the Luxe City guides which are curated from recommendations of locals and refined by a resident editor. Available at Luxe City Guides. Bespoke City Guide Bookset ($55).

Cooking Lesson at the International Culinary Center

Spend some quality time with your significant other while picking up a new skill at the same time. Learn to make authentic Italian pastas and sauces by hand in the 4 hour “Homemade Pasta” class. If you find yourself to be a natural, transfer your skills from classroom to kitchen that evening and enjoy a wonderful homemade dinner. Available at the International Culinary Institute, New York. ($195).

Moët & Chandon Valentine’s Day Gift Bag

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a wonderful bottle of rosé. This year, Moët & Chandon, one of my personal favorites, is offering special Valentine’s Day bottle which invites you to customize the bottle via an array of stickers to decorate the bottle with your own message.

Moët & Chandon is a favorite of Hollywood A-list couples such as John Hamm & Jen Westfeldt and George Clooney & Stacy Kiebler. The Rosé Impérial distinguished by its bright fruitiness and elegant maturity. Notes of intensity include strawberry, raspberry, and redcurrant. You and your loved one can enjoy this bottle paired with dishes such as beef carpaccio, ratatouille, and fruit salad of berries. Available at Sherry-Lehman  ($52.99)

Disclosure: I received a Nespresso coffee maker to review, but all of my opinions are my own.

H&M’s & Other Stories Announces Store Locations

As reported this fall H&M is launching a new fashion brand & Other Stories this spring to bring a new luxury clothing and accessory retail chain into the market. I’m super excited about this as I like the H&M’s look but not their clothing quality, and often find items I like, but don’t purchase due the quality of the materials. While H&M’s designer collaborations have been exciting, I am more excited about & Other Stories, the concept sounds very appealing. Expect to see women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, accessories and beauty products.

H&M just announced the seven cities where the chain will open this spring: Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Milan, Paris and Stockholm to mark its first collections. The stores will be located in the luxurious shopping areas such as Regent Street in London, Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris and Corso Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, H&M has said & Other Stories will be priced below its premium COS brand. If you don’t live in any of the cities mentioned you still might be lucky to order the & Other Stories products online. An online store, stories.com, will launch in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. I’m sorry my American friends, this time you just have to wait. Now you know how we here in Europe feel when we have to wait all of the movie premiers and TV shows to cross the pond.

As far it comes to me? I’ll be in the Stockholm store opening as soon as the doors open.

This post brought to you by Selfridges & Co. (with video provided by GoViral). All opinions are 100% mine.

Gift ideas from the Best Department Store in the World

Today I'm virtually shopping in the world's best department store, the Selfridges in London. Selfidges contacted me to pick some of my personal favorites from their luxury Holiday Gift Guides. Selfridges was recently voted the "Best Department Store in the World" at the Global Department Store Summit in New York. In my recent trip to London I did some shopping at the Oxford Street, let these pictures take you to London and get the feel of shopping on the Oxford Street, walking towards the Selfridges London store, which is a national institution with the most famous shop windows on Oxford Street. Selfridges is known for opening the world's first ground floor beauty department in 1910, which revolutionized department stores. You might also know Selfridges from one of my personal favorite Christmas movies Love Actually (I just watched it last night!), the shopping scenes were filmed in the Oxford Street store in 2003. Across every single department, from food to fashion, home to beauty, Selfridges sets the standard for up-to-the-minute style, lasting quality and exceptional customer service.

This Holiday season Selfridges created this fun video and created awesome “Not Your Usual Christmas” Holiday Gift Guides to help their customers to find luxurious gifts for anyone in their list. What I love about their Holiday Gift Lists – they have picked classic products that stand the test of time and some very trendy products that are a hit this year to make it easy to pick gifts. The gift guides are named not your usual way, or can you imagine many gift guides for "silver foxes" or "eroticists"? While I found my all time expensive dream gift from the lists (it's been in my dream list for years), the guides also had luxury for less options, so you can get the luxury  feeling of shopping at Selfridges without spending a fortune.

Editor's Picks from Selfridges

Here are my favorite Holiday gift ideas from Selfridges.

1. Mulberry Bayswater This bag has been in my dream list forever… And if I can have one regret it's that I didn't buy it when I still worked for Mulberry and got an employee discount. I know, what was I thinking? Any woman would love the classic Bayswater.

2. NESPRESSO Magimix Gran Maestria coffee machine The most popular thing in coffee in Europe is Nespresso. Nespresso coffee machine is everyday luxury any coffee lover in your life would love.

3. Diptyque candles When you are looking for a luxurious gift for less, you can't go wring with Diptyque candles.

4. Lancôme Christmas cracker gift set. Lancôme gift sets are on my wish list every single year, and if I don't get one – I usually go and gift myself one. This Lancôme gift set it includes six beauty-filled Christmas crackers. Including; Hypnôse Mascara 2ml, Bi-Facil 30ml, Mini Juicy Tube – Fraise 17, Visionnaire 7ml, Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate 7ml, Mini L'Absolu Rouge ßx Lipstick 06.

5. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN skull scarf The Alexander McQueen skull-print modal and cashmere-blend pashmina is a must have for any fashionista. Got a picky teenager? This will impress.

6. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Rock Chrono rose gold-plated watch This year I am really into rose gold-plated watches. The rose gold gives a nice hint of pink to the masculine chrono watch, and I just love it!

7. Loimu glögg by Lignell & Piispanen When in doubt – buy a bottle. Whether it's a good bottle of cognac or whiskey, a bottle is a good gift idea in my book. For wine lovers it's difficult to get a gift especially if you are not a wine expert yourself, although bubbly is always a good idea. My gift pick from Selfridges is Loimu glögi, Scandic mulled wine, mixture of Merlot, the arctic bramble and a touch of cinnamon and cloves, perfect for the Holidays and my Scandinavian Christmas wouldn't be complete without some glögi.

Check out the Holiday Gift Guides at Selfridges and watch the Holiday video by Bruce Weber, shot in the Selfridges Oxford Street store.

Cheap gift ideas for fashionista from Hollywood stylist

When it comes to your personal style I believe in investing in good quality, but when it comes to fashion and trends, my advice is that if you are not going to wear it for longer than a few seasons, don’t waste much money on it. Thankfully being trendy on a budget can be easy. If you are looking for fashion accessories to spark up your Holiday outfits or to gift for your friend or yourself, Hollywood stylist Ali Levine of Ali Levine Design™ presents you her top 7 Holiday glam gift ideas. Both Ali and I want the leather studded gloves.. Hello Santa!

7 glam gifts for fashionista on a budget

1. Glitter ballet flats by J.Crew $138
Lula glitter ballet flats from J.Crew are the perfect glittery shoes to bring some sparkle to your holiday.

I love these flats from J.Crew, put them with a pair of denim, or your favorite little black dress.

says Ali Levine.

2. Glitter bow belt by Kate Spade ($98)
Kate Spade glitter bow belt and for around 100 bucks you can instantly turn her old outfit into something completely new. Perfect for Holiday and New Year’s parties.

I love this belt for a little glitter sass, recently styled on one of my clients for her holiday party, the perfect touch of sparkle!

says Ali Levine.

3. ASOS Leather All Over Stud Gloves ($45.73)
ASOS Leather All Over Stud Gloves is probably your BEST best for fashionable, high quality gift under 50 bucks. If your fashionable friend is like me and she’s been eyeballing the Burberry Prorsum Studded Gloves ($650) in every fashion magazine this fall, she will be thrilled to get these gloves as a gift.

Looking for some studs and edge for your winter look dolls? I love these gloves, personally on my “must have, Santa pls send me”-list!

Ali says.

4. Lauren Conrad Polka-Dot Scarf ($5)
Kohl’s Cares® LC Lauren Conrad Polka-Dot Scarf is a steal for 5 bucks! If you’ve been mesmerized and dreaming of the polka dots at Louis Vuitton, this is the budget fashionista’s way to sport the spots.

Loving this scarf from Lauren Conrad, sold at Kohl’s so festive and affordable for the holidays!

says Ali.

5. Sequin Stripe Sweater by Pim + Larkin ($69)
Sequin Stripe Sweater by Pim + Larkin is a perfect go anywhere-sweater, mix it with jeans or glitter skirt!

Is this not the cutest? Piperlime style, warm yourself up in this minty candy cane! I just adore!

says Ali.

6. Ashley shoes by Mia ($59)
Ashley
by Mia are cute and inexpensive, and come in variety of fashionable colors/prints too.

You’ve got the blues? Blue Suede shoes, yes pls. Put these on and head to your office holiday party!

Ali Levine recommends.

7. Rhinestone Fringe Necklace by Sabine ($38)
Rhinestone Fringe Necklace is über-trendy and will make your old LBD transform into something new.

Add this fringe to your neck for the holidays.

says Ali.

Make sure to follow our stylist on call Ali Levine on Twitter @alilevinedesign and check out her site Ali Levine Design™ and connect at Facebook as well.

Read all of the Holiday Gift Guide posts and stay tuned for more from all of our writers.

Fashion Friday

I’m linking up with Blonde Episodes and Jo-Lynne Shane’s Musings of a Housewife for Fashion Friday.

Holiday Party Glamorous

Part of the Holiday season is all of the Holiday Parties! No more fancy cocktail parties in NYC for me, my parties this year are easy last minute get-togethers with friends here in Sweden. Regardless the function… dressing for the Holiday parties is almost as much fun as the party itself. They say dress for the job you want, I say dress for the fun you want to have!

A little bit of Holiday Party inspiration for you comes from model, DJ, fine artist and It Girl Alexandra Richards, the daughter of Rolling Stones Keith Richards and super model Patti Hansen. She is the cover girl for the Harper’s BAZAAR en Español, December 2012 issue and was photographed by Benjamin Kanarek.

Alexandra Richards wears Lanvin, Roberto Cavalli, Christian Dior, Chanel, Burberry Prorsum, Moschino, Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada in the photos.. but you don’t have to go high fashion to look Holiday Glamorous. Here are some of my finds that give you the look and saves you some money for the Christmas gifts too.

1. Faux-fur vest ($248)
Instead of a fur-skirt, opt for something more practical. The BCBG faux-fur vest keeps you warm in the parties and updates even your old LBD to trendy.

2. Sequin Twiggy Dress by Rachel Roy ($159)
The Sequin Twiggy Dress by Rachel Roy is an inexpensive investment that goes from the Christmas parties to New Years Eve and then some. Glitter and glam from a party to another.

3. Lightweight Stretch Georgette Fantasy Skirt W/ Tiered Lace And Feathers ($295)
Lightweight Stretch Georgette Fantasy Skirt with Tiered Lace and Feathers by Donna Karan is a step up from the sequin dress. If you are looking for trendy, you can’t go wrong with feathers and lace this year. This will turn heads and yet it’s “just a skirt” making it more playful than a dress.

4. Diane von Furstenberg Lace Dress Zarita ($325)
50 celebrities, fashionistas and TV personalities and Hollywood stylists can’t be wrong. The Diane von Furstenberg Zarita lace Dress must be the most forgiving and comfortable dress out there. It’s been seen on TV shows, red carpets and on A-listers numerous times, and I can see why just looking at the pictures. It’s gorgeous and definitely Holiday Party glamorous. Plus it comes in several different colors.

5. Kahlo Gathered Bodice Flare Dress ($597)
The priciest yes… but the Kahlo Gathered Bodice Flare Dress by Alice and Olivia is the dress to impress this Holiday season. The fluttering tiers of chiffon create an elegant evening look and the bold red will leave even Santa second.

Fashion Friday

I’m linking up with Blonde Episodes and Jo-Lynne Shane’s Musings of a Housewife for Fashion Friday.

Winter Wonderland gifts for her under $60

These après-ski style Holiday gifts are perfect for skiers or non-skiers alike. Even if she isn’t the snowboarding queen nor the belle of black diamonds, it’s OK. These après-ski lifestyle gift ideas just say “Winter Wonderland,” and work great for gifts for friends, as stocking stuffers or even for teen girls, or college students. And this snowmama would be happy to have any of these as a present.

1. Jet set coasters by Jonathan Adler ($48)
The Jet Set Part Trois ski resort inspired coasters by Jonathan Adler could also be my “ski travel wish list” with four dreamy ski destinations in the coaster pictures. Great for ski lodge, home or even to protect the office desk.

2. Solstice artisan New Zealand wool socks, two pairs ($48)
The solstice artisan socks from Sundance Catalog are great for ski chalets and beyond to keep her toes warm during cold winter months. These wool socks come in twos and you can even slip them to gift socks for two. Handknit in New Zealand.

3. Snow Village hand lotion set by Philosophy ($20)
Snow Village hand lotion set by Philosophy is a perfect stocking stuffer for any woman. No parabens, no sulfates, no phthalates, just the good stuff and yummy scents to keep her hands soft during the dry winter months. The three scents in the set are Candy Cane, Spiced Cider and Sweetly Fallen Snow.

4. Fairisle Pom Pom Toque hat by Roots ($45)
The Fairisle Pom Pom Toque hat will keep her warm outdoors, but who are we kidding here.. she’d love it because it’s cute! Perfect winter accessory that combined practical and cute. Plus she will really love it for après-ski, it’ll cover her helmet hair after a day of skiing.

5. Shearling Cuff Gloves by Ralph Lauren ($59.99)
Shearling gloves are a classic winter accessory that never goes out of style, and I have owned several pairs of them. They tend to be pricey, and if you love snow as much as I do… they do take some damage when they get wet. I’ve found that Timberland and Ralph Lauren gloves give the best bang for your buck, good quality, but not super expensive. Shearling Cuff Glove by Ralph Lauren would make a perfect gift for any woman who likes classic style.

6. Peppermint bark from Williams-Sonoma ($26.95)
Hot chocolate gift would be a perfect too for a snowbunny gift, but my personal favorite is peppermint bark, it just says winter to me. It’s easy to make at home but my favorite store-bought peppermint bark comes from Williams-Sonoma.

7. Uniqlo Heattech Leggings ($14.90)
If practical is what you are looking for for the skier girl in your life, there is nothing better than Uniqlo heattech leggings. I swear by these, and own these in several colors. They are ultra light (but warm) and pack perfectly in small for ski trips and go from under layer for snow fun to warming leggings under skirts for après-ski fun. That’s why she needs them in every color for each occasion.

Read all of the Holiday Gift Guide posts and stay tuned for more from all of our writers.

Gifts for Refined Man

The holiday season notoriously sneaks up on us each year. Make your gift giving or receiving easier this year with the following gift ideas for the refined man in your life. While these are all picks that I would love to see under my tree, they will also make gift giving a success for those men with a taste for sophistication. To make this list even better, there are gift ideas for any budget.

1. LACOSTE Rouge ($60)
A perfect scent for the winter, Rouge blends together three spices to create a scent that includes hints of Madagascan black pepper, Indian ginger, and Guatemalan cardamom. This fragrance is masculine and zesty at the same time, perfect for the season. Available at Lacoste.

2. Tumi Ballistic Snap Case for the iPad ($95)

Available in array of colors, the iPad cover is the perfect gift for the man on the go. The modern man always wants to be connected and is never without his iPad. This case from Tumi comes in an array of colors choices as well as fabrics. Available at Tumi.

3. The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave ($60)

This shaving kit is perfect for initiation into the society that is expert grooming. It includes everything needed for an outstanding shave: pre-shave oil, shaving cream, genuine badger hair shaving brush, and after-shave balm. Available in an array of scents via The Art of Shaving.

4. Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut ($79.99)

A leader in Champagne, the century old maison of Veuve Clicquot makes the perfect gift for the man hosting all those holiday parties. Champagne is perfect for the season, and this brut offers initially notes of fruit followed by hints of vanilla. Available at Wine.com.

5. Silk Pocket Square by Brooks Brothers ($40)

The pocket square is truly classic and can match any suit with its availability in an array of color choices. The pocket square is perfect for the corporate man or the man who enjoys a refined look while having an evening out. Available at Brooks Brothers.

6. TODS Gommino Suede Driving Mocassin ($445)

Nothing is as easy an effortless as the driving mocassin. The classic Gommino driving mocassin by TODS is perfect for the man who enjoys the luxury of Italian craftsmanship and quality. With over 10 color choices, you will be sure to find the perfect match. Available via TODS.

7. C. Jere Sailboat ($1295)

Curtis Jere is regarded for his trendy metal sculptures. The sailboat brings a touch of old world charm mixed with modernity of the metal. This sculpture would make the perfect addition to any man’s library or home office and will be sure to be a discussion piece. Available from Jonathan Adler.

Read all of the Holiday Gift Guide posts and stay tuned for more from all of our writers.

Gift Ideas for your Best Friend

I love to buy gifts to my family and friends. Giving and making your love ones happy is so much fun! This year I’m going to surprise my love ones with the special gifts I have found during my Fall in New York. Here are some of the best things I have found lately. These gifts are perfect for your best friend, or even for the teen or college girl you want to get something special and trendy.

1. Baggu Pouch ($20-$40)
The softest leather ever, two different sizes, many beautiful colors, good quality, affordable and made in NYC. Can you ask for more? When you touch the soft surface of the pouch I bet you will fall in love with all the Baggu products instantly!

2. Cushion Garnet Pendant ($90)
Very simple and sophisticated gemstone pendant from Blue Nile is a perfect gift for a friend who loves jewelry. It is sometimes difficult to buy a jewelry to someone if you are not sure what kind of jewelry they like. The gemstone pendant is a good solution because every horoscope has it’s own gemstone. If your friend is born in January her lucky gemstone is Garnet, so you really can’t go wrong with buying her her lucky stone!

3. Pompey Ring ($48)
Maybe the best thing I have found during my Fall in New York is a jewelry collection called BRVTVS created by Caroline Ventura. This delicate and beautiful collection is 14k cold and every piece is hand made in New York. The jewelry is made by order so you can get the right size immediately. I simply love all the jewelry from BRVTVS!

4. Vintage earrings ($20-$1000)
One more jewelry find I want to share with you. Erica Weiner‘s lovely jewelry store is at one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Manhattan, in Nolita. You can make an amazing finds from the store full of vintage and antique jewellery and Erica’s own design as well. You can find a beautiful ring for $6 but if you need something more special you are able to find an amazing and unique antique pieces in every price range. This place in Elizabeth Street (or the Erica Weiner web store) is totally worth visiting for!

5. Benetint from Benefit ($29)
Every girl loves to try new cosmetics, right?! This liquid blush from Benefit has a cult status but it’s still affordable and available in all the Benefit stores. You can use this product to your lips and cheeks. You will have a sheer, natural and healthy look without heavy make up. This is a must have!

6. DOSE Nail Polish ($20/one color trio)
This is my latest find and I’m super excited about it! This Fall Strange Beautiful has invented something fun! A nail polish called DOSE. This Capsule Line is a perfect gift for your friend if she likes to try out different things, different colors or likes to travel. One capsule of the DOSE is very small and easy to take with and it’s enough for three manicures. The collection consists 6 different trios so there is a color trio for every taste. I think this is a cool idea!

7. Gnosis Raw Chocolate ($7)
Last but not least the gift that can’t go wrong, chocolate. Gnosis Raw Chocolate is 100% hand made in New York. Three years ago health counselor Vanessa Barg started to make raw chocolate for her clients to replace their unhealthy sweets. Suddenly everybody wanted her chocolate and now it’s carried in over 200 stores! I have tasted a few different flavors and I can really understand why Gnosis chocolate is so popular. It’s organic, it’s healthy,  it’s hand made, it’s yummy and it’s good for you. A perfect gift for someone you care about!

Read all of the Holiday Gift Guide posts and stay tuned for more from all of our writers.