New Year's Gift for the Hostess

New Year's Eve is right around the corner, and I hope you have some fun plans lined up! If you're going to a house party, this post is for you. Bringing a bottle of bubbly is always in order, and why not dress up that bottle with a few extra goodies?! I partnered with Garden Collage, a lifestyle gardening publications and curated boutique bringing the best in stylish living with garden love at their roots, to create the perfect gift basket. 

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

I hope this post brings your some good gifting inspiration. There's no better way to ring in the new year than with a giving to those you love. Here's to 2017!

 

In the Bag...

OTHELO POM POM BASKET, via Garden Collage #handwoven #naturalfibers 

NIGELLA FACE, BODY & HAIR OIL, Charme d' Orient via Garden Collage #natural

BLACK SOAP EXFOLIANT, Charme d'Orient via Garden Collage #natural #reusablejar

PROSECCO, Cupcake Vineyards 

I can't exactly recall how Garden Collage came onto my radar... All I can say is I'm so glad they did! With beautiful presentation in their publication (both on and offline) coupled with the thoughtful curation of their online shop, it has become a source of inspiration and good gift giving for me.

From cooking ideas, to origin stories of the plants around us, as well as in depth editorials on experts spotlighted areas, GC is an amazing addition to the world of content. And, since we are wrapping up 2016, you can check out their top ten stories of the year right here

Many thanks to Garden Collage for sponsoring this post. 

Home Spa Day with Kai

Taking time to truly relax seems like a rare experience these days, yet it is so important. Since my move to California, I have tried to set a new intention for work-life balance, which includes time to read and just chill, sans screens. In an age where we are uber connected and constantly updated, I find myself yearning for some restorative offline time. The Universe must have heard my pledge, because a home and beauty brand just up the the coast from me in Malibu recently reached out to collaborate. I instantly said yes and began to craft my at home spa day with their intoxicating signature gardenia scent... Kai. 

As a Malibu-based company, Kai is very connected to the beauty of the world around them. All of their products are paraben, sulfate, phthalate and phosphate-free. They are also a cruelty-free brand that is made in the USA. All of these things attracted me to Kai, along with the quality of their products. 

An assortment of a few of my favorite things... RADIANT ROSEWATER by Shiva Rose (thank you Garden Collage!), KAI SKYLIGHT CANDLE, EXTRAORDINARY FACE OIL by Circ Cell, KAI LINEN SPRAY, NECKLACE AND EARRINGS by Padgett Hoke #madeinUSA

At Home Spa Day Essentials

  • Relaxing music. I like to play the Spotify playlists under 'Chill' where you will find a classic Spa Treatment list and something a bit more hip with the Mellow Beats Playlist.
  • A Kai Candle and Kai Reed Diffuser to set the stage with a fresh gardenia scent.
  • Hot water + fresh lemon. Simple and satisfying.
  • Good reads. I recently read Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All by Russell Simmons and really enjoyed the connection of spiritual mindfulness with the work you do. A great reminder to give freely to the world the gift you have to give and it will all work out beautifully.
  • Healthy snacks. Fresh fruit and snap peas are my go-to snacks these days and are perfect for keeping digestion light.

The Perfect Bath

I love to unwind with a bath, and over the years I have learned a few things that make baths not only enjoyable but beneficial. 

  • Run a bath at a temperature that feels warm (but doesn't scald) when you hold your elbow under the stream of water. This usually ensures a perfect temperature.
  • Add Kai Bathing Bubbles or Body Wash for a delicious smell and some fun bubbles.
  • Add one half cup to one cup of epsom salts to help pull toxins out and ease sore muscles.
  • Drop five to ten drops of argan oil for an extra level of hydration that soaks into your skin.
  • Use the Kai Body Buffer to gently scrub away dead skin cells and increase circulation for a healthy glow.
  • Add rose petals for a special touch.
  • When you get out of the bath try to air dry and let the oils soak in. Follow up by misting Kai Body Glow on arms and legs and rub in for added moisture that is lighter than lotion, yet still hydrating. Perfect for summer.

Clothing by Averti. #madeinLA #naturalfibers Check out this post to see more from Averti

Jewelry by Padgett Hoke. #madeinUSA

Photos: Davis Bell (thank you, thank you!) Many thanks to Kai for sponsoring this post.