holiday gifts Archives

4 Easy Ways to be on Top of Gift Giving Occasions in 2017

December 20, 2016 by MyStyleSpot Leave a Comment

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to remember key events better, then it’s time to start getting organised now. Even the most organised of us can be guilty of forgetting an important date – but when it becomes a regular thing, you know you need to do something about it soon!

Planning ahead is the key to remembering special events like birthdays and anniversaries. The big day always seems so far away until suddenly it isn’t. Don’t fool yourself into thinking time is of the essence because your partner’s birthday or your nephew’s graduation is months away. The days creep up on you and if you’re horrible with dates, you need a full-proof plan to put into action! Here’s a few tips to get you started.

1. Set Early Digital Reminders to Remember Important Dates

In this digital age we live in, almost all of us are glued to our mobile phones, laptops or computers. If you’re not using one, chances are you’re on the other. Use this to your advantage and set digital reminders at the start of every month for what gifts you need to organise for the following month. This gives you a good 4 weeks to get creative and find something special. Consider going a step further by adding a link in the reminder to your favourite gift or online hamper company to make life easier for you. Some places will even let you create customised gift hampers to tailor the gift to better suit the occasion or person to really show you’ve put thought into it.

Utilise online digital tools to help you remember key dates too. LinkedIn does a good job of letting you know professional milestones coming up within your network. You can also create a Google sheet to track birthdays, anniversaries and other special events or utilise online reminders and free aps to prompt you.

2. Keep a Visible List of Important Events

Not all of us are tech-savvy and sometimes a visual list can resonate better as a reminder. Invest in a good yearly calendar, personal planner or diary to write down key dates. Keep a running list of everyone’s special dates in a prominent place and update it regularly. It’s also worth writing down any gift ideas that pop up next to each person. Perhaps your friend mentioned their favourite new guilty snack that you could include in a hamper for their next birthday or you noticed your mum has started going to a new salon where a possible gift voucher could be on the cards for Mother’s Day. If your partner mentions a new gadget or tool they’re after, add all these ideas to your list so you have a few go-to items come their special day.

3. Shop for Presents All Year Round

Don’t stress yourself out by shopping for the perfect gift a few days before the special event. You may spot something that the recipient will like months in advance. If you do, get it – and keep a record of the gifts you’ve purchased for who. Just because you may be bad at remembering the dates of special occasions, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep your eyes peeled for ideas throughout the year!

Take advantage of after Christmas sales to get a good bargain on something your friend or family member might like for their birthday next year. End of Financial Year will see some good sales take place too. By shopping for presents all year round you’ll be able to feel much more prepared and save yourself a lot of money in the long run. Just make sure you keep the presents hidden somewhere safe!

4. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is essential to giving good gifts. At the start of the year when you’re using your online tools or diary to jot down everyone’s special date, write down as many ideas as you can think of for what to buy them too. It doesn’t always have to be something materialistic too remember, the gift of time and sharing an experience can be just as valuable and offer a unique spin on the regular gift giving.

By planning ahead as much as possible, you won’t only train your brain to help remember the special occasions but you’re more likely going to give a present that’s meaningful, rather than a superficial choice.

Author Bio

This article is written by Jayde Ferguson, who recommends Just in Time Gourmet for the best choice of gifts, hampers and gourmet treats. With a diverse range of hampers and tasty food products, there is something to quench every appetite. You can catch her on Google+.

The Pros and Cons of Buying Jewelry Online

December 14, 2016 by MyStyleSpot Leave a Comment

In recent years, buying jewelry online has become more and more of a common practice, with many of the finest and most reputable jewelers in the trade offering you their services regardless of their location. However, there are some unique advantages and inconveniences that come with buying jewelry online.

Here are the pros:

1. Price

With so many jewelers available online it is naturally a competitive market. As such, it means that you can find some exceptionally good bargains. Furthermore, because online stores have far less overheads to deal with, prices tend to be further reduced. They are in a far greater position to give you a lower price.

2. Convenience

There was a time when your location would greatly affect your accessibility to jewelry. For many, that is still the case when local towns might only have one or two jewelers. Online shopping means that you now have countless stores available to you and you are able to browse items at your leisure. Additionally, you’re not restricted by opening hours, meaning you have access to the stores regardless of time.

3. Range

With traditional bricks and mortar shopping, stores are limited with how much they can stock, meaning that your choice is greatly reduced. However, wholesale online stores are in a position to stock a far greater selection because they are not restricted by displays and square footage. Even if they don’t have an item in stock, you are still able to view the item and place an order for it, which is much more difficult to do with a brick and mortar store.

And here are the cons:

1. Extra Costs

You might be saving on the price of your items, but you may find that you’ll incur additional charges with an online store. For instance, shipping charges can be pricey, particularly if you live overseas. And if you are ordering from another country, you may find that you will have to pay import tax. More expensive items may need to be insured for shipping and some stores may even have a minimum spending policy.

2. Handling

Some people might argue that there is no better way to purchase jewelry than to try it on and physically hold it. All the HD pictures and elegant adjectives in the world can’t replace the actual feel of the jewelry on the wearer. One possible solution is to browse the website of a known retailer and then visit their store if it is convenient to you. Most big jewelry stores like ascot diamonds have their own website so you can at least be prepared for your visit to the store.

3. Time

Whilst many online stores are reliable and deliver within a matter of days, some may have a far longer delivery time, which could be troublesome for some people. Be sure to check the item is in stock and what the delivery times are before you place an order.

Whatever you do, just be aware that you purchase online at your own risk. Try to get as much information as possible, such as reviews and references, before you buy any expensive item online. Any store of repute, be it online or bricks and mortar, should offer a decent refund/return policy.

2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Her + $500 In Prizes GIVEAWAY

December 9, 2016 by MyStyleSpot 32 Comments

1. Co-Pur Bath and Body Products

Bath products are a sure winner for any lady on your holiday list! I love keeping some of my favorites on hand to gift to the ladies in my life, because that is a gift I know all women can use and I don’t know of one who doesn’t love some good bath and body products! Co-Pur is a natural bath and body care products company created by a woman and formulated with the health of a pharmacist. Co Pur is a member of Naturally Boulder, as well as the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild (HSCG), so you can be sure you’re getting good quality, natural products when using the Co-Pur brand that are both safe AND effective!

Co-Pur strongly believes in living with fewer chemicals, which is why this awesome natural skincare company was created with a focus on using only high-quality simple ingredients. In fact, you’ll find only 9 ingredients or less in each product!
Co-Pur products are some of the purest and cleanest on the market. Everything created in this beauty line is preservative, chemical, fragrance, and dye free. Each product is 100% natural and completely hand made! Co-Pur products are simple and inspired by natural living and transparency. Read the rest of my review on Co-Pur Here.

2. Pure Glam Performance Dry Shampoo

This gluten and cruelty-free Dry Shampoo is a sweet geranium-smelling loose powder that you apply to the roots and crown of the head, rub in with fingers, and it will instantly soak up that excess oil, leaving hair looking and smelling clean and fresh, like you just washed it!

Bonus: Dry Shampoo is better for styling as it still has that natural somewhat-dirty texture that works best with updos. The Pure Glam Dry Shampoo is Winner of Yoga Journal’s Beat of Natural Beauty Award -2016, so you know this amazing Dry Shampoo is top of the line! It’s created using the finest natural ingredients including arrowroot, kaolin clay, and rice powder. This super convenient and easy to use dry shampoo helps to boost body and provide texture while absorbing excess oil that can leave your hair looking flat and dull.

Tip: After applying dry shampoo, put hair up in a high bun and then let loose 5-10 minutes later for some crazy good volume! Read the rest of my Review on Pure Glam Dry Shampoo Here.

3. Fashion Art from Art.com

Got a fashion lover on your holiday list who already has everything? Surprise her with fashion art from Art.com! One of my favorite pieces, Night Out by Sarah Acquire is just one of MANY lovely pieces focused on fashion you will find here! Art.com also does custom framing as well in many different sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect piece for your fashion lover in a price range to fit your budget!

The thing I love about Art.com is they have so many pieces to choose from, you can find art for anyone on your list, no matter what their passion! Even if they aren’t a fashion lover, there are hundreds of different art works on this site and something for everyone, I assure you! I plan on buying a few different gifts here for my loved ones this Holiday season! After all, who doesn’t love something beautiful on the wall to get lost in?!

4. sensiLight Mini IPL at home Hair Removal – What woman doesn’t have some unwanted hair she’d love to get rid of? Save your loved one big bucks by getting her this awesome hair removal system she can use in the privacy of her home, instead of having to pay for those expensive doctor visits! At home hair removal treatments are just as effective but cost a fraction of the price! I love the sensiLight Mini because not only can it be used on arms, legs, back, underarms, and the bikini line, but you can use it on your face too! No more embarrassing upper lip!

The sensiLight Mini is FDA cleared, safe, effective, and delivers PERMANENT hair removal! It uses advanced RPL (Reactive Pulsed Light) technology with a double safety mechanism that works on every flash. It comes with a 2 year warranty and will work up to 50,000 pulses, which is plenty to treat the body AND face!

This professional grade at home hair removal system will save your loved one so much time when she doesn’t have to spend time in the shower shaving each day! The SensiLight Mini works in just 8-12 treatments to permanently remove hair for good! See My Video Review HERE.

5. Eco-Friendly Reusable Shopping Bags Unlike all the rest!

These shopping bags are wayyy different than other shopping bags out there. You get your nice conveniently large shaped bags that are good quality, strong and durable too, and you also get the bag that is great for keeping your cold items cold as well, but those aren’t the only wonderful things about it! No! These bags are made to fit your cart (it hangs over the sides- see pics attached to get a better idea) and it makes it that much easier shopping, unloading onto the checkout belt, loading into your car, and unloading and carrying and unloading in your house. And they are even bigger than your other shopping bag set!

I love that when using my shopping bags from the HappyCart, I can load my cold items right into my cooler bag, to keep them cool while I’m doing my shopping! I no longer have to pay attention to what part of the store to start out first and what part (the frozen isle) to save for last!

These bags also take up the entire cart, so they keep you organized too, and you can easily see where things are in case you change your mind a few isles later or see something better. This also allows me to keep my bread separate so it doesn’t get squished in the cart, which I’ve always been known for doing! Oops! Oh and one of the best parts! They totally Velcro together so you can take in as few or as many bags as you like, organize them in the order you like, and keep them together nicely too. Oh and they zip shut too, so you don’t have to worry about anything falling out while lugging your groceries into the house. Read more and my review on these awesome Happy Cart Shopping bags Here.

6. Peppermint Essential Mints– The Perfect Stocking Stuffer!

Not only do you get yummy mints with these delicious peppermint essential mints, but you can pop whenever and get some awesome fresh breath, but it has some powerful fat-burning benefits as well! Energizing Peppermint from Essential Mints provides the clean energy to improve stamina and motivation for your healthy lifestyle. These convenient little tins full of fresh breath mints provide an all-natural energy boost and the ultimate empowerment you need to meet your workout goals, battle the onslaught of fatigue, and help you move that scale back down in the direction that makes you smile. AND who couldn’t use a little boost of energy this time of year anyway?! All that running around planning holiday parties, doing holiday shopping, etc. wipes me out and sometimes my Coffee alone just isn’t cutting it! I love that these delicious mints provide a healthy dose of energy with each serving too!

Each mini tin contains 20 mints. Just five of these super peppermint-y mints have as much caffeine as a cup of coffee! Yep, just 5! Your dosage can be individualized to fit your moment, mood, and need. The all-natural energy supplements are made with non-GMO ingredients, are Vegan Certified and contain zero binders or fillers. Read the Review on them HERE.

7. Essential Oil Diffuser and Essential Oil Blends from Organic Aromas

love the mood this diffuser creates in my home. It hums quietly, relaxing my mind, and the awesome mood lighting really adds not only style to my home but a cool laid-back chill vibe which I could always use more of in my house!

The cool thing about this diffuser that really sets it apart from others (besides its gorgeously chic style) is that it doesn’t need water! I love that you never have to unplug this gorgeous diffuser to take it to the sink to feel with water! Just add 15-20 drops of your favorite oil to the diffuser, top with the cute glass top, and you’re good to go! (Just note that thicker oils, such as vetiver, frankincense, sandalwood, benzoin, and patchouli don’t work as well in their pure for in this type of diffuser and should be diluted first for use in this diffuser).

You also get a much better experience smelling the pure oil non-diluted by water! And you also don’t get the unwanted extra humidity with this diffuser either! The diffuser is also much stronger than your average diffuser and can fill an area of up to over 800 square feet! It also automatically shuts off after two hours of use, however, the cool mood lighting will stay on until you turn the dial to shut it off. The dial also allows for picking your perfect diffusing power as you can go from low to high by turning it up or down! Read more about the diffuser in my review HERE.

The Essential Oil Blends from Organic Aromas are Crafted with skill and insight, each essential oil blend constitutes a fabulously complex aromatic combination. I love that each oil is mixed with an intention for a specific purpose. I can find one for every occasion, including waking in the morning with the Morning Bloom essential oil, Celebrating or hosting a party with my Celebration oil and many more!

These premium oils are made using blends that have a wide variety of therapeutic applications and benefits. So although the scent of these oil blends are lovely for filling the home with delightfully fragrant notes, they are doing some lovely things for your mind and body as well!

All ten exclusive elixirs in these two collections for Organic Aromas are made using a distinct formula for something truly unique and powerful. You will find a myriad combination of useful essential oil constituents, each aimed at providing a designated healthy function. You can use each of these unique blends to help you accomplish your goals in an unlimited number of applications, occasions, subjects and activities! They come in handy way more often than just using as a lovely scent! Read More on my Essential Oil Blends Review HERE.

8. Golden Star Sunless Tanning Oil

Can’t take your loved one on a tropical vacation this spring? Give her the gift of a beautiful tan, sans the sun! Golden Star is one of the best when it comes to sunless tanning oils. This tanning oil goes on nice and smooth and develops within 24 hours, leaving a dark, glowing, beautiful tan! No need to worry about orange skin or streaking with this innovative formula! The lotion is virtually fool proof and great for women of all ages! The tanning oil is also insanely moisturizing too and will leave skin feeling soft, supple, and super hydrated as well!

Want to learn more about this fabulous sunless tanning oil? Check out my video review HERE.

9. Anabolic Unwind -A Sleep Aid, Exercise Recovery, Mood Elevator, & Endocrine Booster all in one!

Got a fitness lover on your holiday list? This is a product they probably don’t have but will certainly benefit from, in more ways than one! Along with eating the right foods at the right time, taking the right supplement can help aid in your weight loss and weight training too! Anabolic Unwind from Nutra Innovations helps you unwind naturally post workout, but not only that! It also improves mood, boosts endocrine, relaxes the mind and body, and works as a natural sleep aid too!

I got to try it out over the last few days and have had a great experience using it. I find it helps me unwind after my day, and I feel my mind and body both relaxing in unison. I take it before bed since I normally workout in the evenings, and have found it to be a really great sleep aid. Within a half hour of popping 3-4 capsules, I’m quickly drifting off to sleep! I love knowing that this awesome supplement is aiding my muscle recovery while I sleep too, so I can wake to less sore muscles, and good energy to start my day! If you want to get the post recovery benefits but aren’t ready to nod off anytime soon, you just need to take 1-2 capsules to get the relaxing, muscle and mood boosting perks of this awesome supplement! Read the rest of my Review HERE.

ENTER TO WIN these Products in the Rafflecopter form below (a $500 Value!)

Sorry, this giveaway is Open to US only.

Winner Get’s ALL of these fab products!

Here’s what you can win:

Pure Glam Dry Shampoo ($31 Value)
Co Pur Body and Bath Products gift set(A $50 Value)
HappyCart Eco-Freindly Shopping Bags set (a $36 Value)
Nutra Innovations Sleep Aid ($59 value!) 5 WINNERS!
Essential Oils Box Set ($200 Value)
Organic Aromas Essential Oil Diffuser ($109 Value)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I was given this product for the purpose of review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are solely my own. I only share reviews with my readers, I feel will be beneficial or informative in some way.

*MyStyleSpot is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Gorgeous Holiday Jewelry Gifts for Her from Ross Simons

December 6, 2016 by MyStyleSpot Leave a Comment

Hey Lovelies! Dreamin’ of jewelry this Holiday Season but not quite sure how to drop the hint to your boyfriend/husband? Show him the this awesome Gift Guide from Ross Simons! They’ve got some fabulous pieces that should help make holiday shopping for him a total breeze and leave you a very happy girl this Christmas!

Happy Shopping!

Guide to Keeping Stress-Free During the Christmas Rush

November 24, 2016 by MyStyleSpot Leave a Comment

As we fast approach the end of November, now is the best time to start talking about Christmas. Planning early leads to more relaxation time and helps to lower those stress levels during the rush. So, why is it many of us always leave things to last minute? There’s nothing worse than organising Christmas shopping and holiday planning mid to late December. This year, we encourage everyone to start planning early to avoid the rush. Not to mention; the more celebrating time you’ll get to enjoy once everything’s done! Here’s a few tips to get you started.

Organise Presents Early Online

Most people like to avoid the shopping centres as much as possible come Christmas rush time – and with good reason too! The comfort of shopping in your own home, as well as the significant savings, makes online shopping the go to option for most consumers. Ordering Christmas gifts for friends, family and colleagues is convenient but getting in early is essential for delivery times and beating the Christmas rush.

Where possible, find one site to order all your online goodies. This way you’ll be able to schedule a delivery date in one go and save the hassle of extra shipping costs. Think Christmas hampers with tasty selections, gift boxes and other treats you can find for half the cost and hassle online!

Keep the Menu Simple

One of the best things about Christmas is the food. Let’s face it though, it’s very easy to go over the top with it. Keep the menu simple if you’re putting on Christmas at your house. Put food orders in as early as possible so you can trust it’ll be ready for the day. Bake and prepare any food as early as possible before Christmas day to prevent last minute stressing. Use recipes that are easy for you to make or if you’re trying something new, practice it well before the day.

The art of the festive season is planning and simplicity. If you have freezer room, buy food in advance and take advantage of storage space. Organising food and drinks doesn’t need to be complicated. Instead, make a list of what everyone wants and dietary requirements and tick off as you buy items. Don’t feel the need to take it all on yourself either – delegating other people to buy items off the list will make the day even more stress free.

Do a Pantry Stocktake

Use this time to go through the cupboards and do a pantry stocktake. Make sure you have the essential supplies to avoid needing to tackle the shops the day before Christmas or right afterwards. If the festive season is at yours it’s a good idea to check whether you have enough plates, serving tools and cutlery so there’s time to buy more or borrow from family and friends beforehand. Double checking this now will save some serious panic!

Book Christmas Parties

If you’re planning on dining out for Christmas or arranging work festive parties – you need to start booking now. It’s not uncommon for places to start booking out in November so it’s essential to get in early to avoid disappointment.

Be organised well in advance by making a list who’ll be attending and possible venues. You’ll need to ensure everyone agrees on a date and send out a reminder to put it the calendar. Drop expensive, high-stress rituals; instead stick with something simple everyone will enjoy.

Get Appointment Ready Now

It’s not unusual to put appointments to the bottom of the list when you’re planning everything. Book in any hair appointments in the lead up to the festive celebrations and make sure you and the family are on top of everything. This goes for doctor appointments for the kids before the rush and New Year, any check-ups that need to be secured early.

Streamline Your Holiday Planning

If you’re lucky enough to be heading away for the holiday season, make sure you take advantage of travel apps. It’s a busy season trying to squeeze in family visits, some ‘me’ time and relax. Not to mention all the coordinating you need to do with other people too. There’s heaps of travel planning apps that help take the stress out by simplifying your plans, creating itineraries or making to-do lists so nothing is forgotten. You can use custom Google Maps and simple spreadsheets to streamline your plans too.

Know When to Stop

The most important way to enjoy the Christmas period is to do just that – enjoy it. This means knowing when to stop and actually relax, and knowing when to ask other people for help in the process. The real meaning of Christmas is about spending time with family and friends and celebrating together. By keeping calm, planning early and focusing on the big picture; you’ll enjoy your time off much more.

Author Bio

This article is written by Jayde Ferguson, an online blogger and copywriter who recommends the gift and delivery service at Boxt.com.au. Boxt are a leading online provider of hampers and other gift ideas and do delivery throughout Australia. Catch Boxt on Facebook or Pinterest for more ideas.

How to Prepare for Attending Holiday Office Parties

November 12, 2016 by MyStyleSpot Leave a Comment

Savvy Travelers, a leader in designer beauty wipes, offers tips for preparing for the holiday party season

As we roll into November, the party season is on many people’s minds. There are many gatherings that will take place from now through New Year’s Eve. While most people feel confident enough to pull off a party with their loved ones, they may need a bit more preparation when it comes to the professional and work-related parties that they will be invited to. Flashbacks to Elaine from “Seinfeld” dancing crazy at the company holiday party leave many people feeling just a tad vulnerable about mixing a party with their professional life. The good news is that everyone can successfully navigate the party season with some planning ahead.

“The key to making a great impression at the company party is to be prepared,” explains expert traveler Tina Aldatz, chief executive officer of travel wellness company Savvy Travelers. “If you have done some pre-planning and have a few tricks up your sleeve you will not only survive it, but you will thrive and leave a great impression.”

Here are tips for preparing for attending parties this holiday season:

Choose the right clothing. If it’s a work-related party, you still want to go in looking like a professional, so that your image is not tainted. Opt for a more conservative look over one that will get people talking.
Get in the mindset to mingle with those beyond who you spend your work day with. Seek out those in higher positions and make a point to introduce yourself if you haven’t met them before, or to take a moment to chat with them. This is a chance to put your name on their radar, so don’t spend it as you would in a corner cubicle in the office.
Have a couple of conversation starters in mind, so you are not at a loss for words when starting a conversation or replying to someone. Have a couple of things to talk about, such as what you have worked on over the year, or what they are looking forward to in the new year.
Know your limits when it comes to drinking alcohol. Too many people pass those limits at corporate parties and end up embarrassing themselves. Avoid doing that, and always plan to have a safe ride home.
To help you look your best, be prepared by having something like a Speak Eazy wipe in your purse. Individually wrapped, they can quickly be used to clean off teeth that have been marked with lipstick, red wine or coffee, helping you to give a good impression, rather than leaving people to focus on residue on your teeth.

The Savvy Travelers Collection of Designer beauty wipes (www.savvytravelers.com/wipes), are curated for the sophisticated on-the-go travelista. Savvy Travelers keep ladies fresh and fabulous from head to toe, one swipe at a time, offering products in convenient kits and single-use packets that are disposable, eco-friendly and made in California! No Water? No Problem! Follow @Savvy_Travelers on social media and like us on Facebook.

Happy Holiday Prepping!