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Holiday Gift Guide

*This Post Contains Affiliate Links, Sponsored or Gifted Products*

Still Holiday shopping? Don't fret!

I've curated a Holiday shopping list that includes unique and thoughtful gifts that will wow even the most finicky recipients on your list.

FOR YOUR "ALWAYS TOO BUSY" GAL PALS
Photo courtesy of  Tuck Room Tavern
Plan a date in Los Angeles for your favorite gal pals starting with a yummy brunch at Tuck Room Tavern, followed by an afternoon movie at the super posh iPic theater. Trust me - even the busiest of your gal pals won't turn down a lux brunch date.

FOR THE BEAUTY BUNNY
Mally Beauty is a collection of over 1,000 multitasking products that truly stay put all day. Created for the real woman who doesn’t have time to touch up her makeup midday, the high-performance products are developed to offer real results and ultra-glam looks. Create the perfect gift with these three beauty essentials: Mally Beauty Evercolor Poreless Face Defender, Mally Beauty Shadow Stick Extra Eye Shadow and Mally Beauty H3 Lip Gloss.

FOR YOUR COLLEGE FRIEND
Many moons ago you drank beer, but it's time to upgrade that college friendship with Rekorderlig Cider, Sweden’s premium hard cider.

Create a Rekorderlig Cider gift that includes cider, rum, cinnamon, honey and a drinking glass, together with a Hot Swede recipe (Hot & Boozy Cider) and take that friendship to a grown-up level.

FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Look no further than gifting a stylish leather clutch from the Ayanna Listenbee Collection, which combines color, texture and functionality in a chic way.  The Verdana clutch can also be used as a wallet, with 2 exterior pockets and 2 interior sections, hand-crafted in a pebble grain and fabric interior, the Verdana clutch has a leather flap clutch with hidden magnetic closure, two interior sections, one exterior back slit pocket and one front slit pocket and a side gusset D-ring to attach keys or handbag accessory.

FOR THE FILM LOVER
Spanish artist Maria Suarez Inclan created a series of “Hollywood Kits," paying tribute to the most well-known names in Hollywood film by using instantly recognizable and iconic props and images. Maria recaps the directors movies, from Steven Spielberg to Quentin Tarantino, in her intricate and characteristically colorful illustrations available exclusively on Curioos. Imagine gifting a framed Scorsese print to a film buff?!

FOR YOUR FOODIE PALS
Photo Courtesy of RawSpiceBar
Gift an annual membership to RawSpiceBar, which delivers freshly made, recipe-ready flavor kits each month, including customized recipes for diets of all types. This is the perfect gift for the home chefs on your list and even those starting to experiment in the kitchen.

FOR THE HEALTH BUFF
While cocoa offers several wonderful health benefits, most of us know that sugar does not. Because of this, ChocZero set out to make a sinfully healthy indulgence that is not only suitable for diabetics but the natural, artisan-style, sugar-free chocolate uses a natural, soluble vegetable fiber and monk fruit extract to craft a guilt-free chocolate confection that tastes just as good as the next artisan chocolate...if not better!

FOR THE HOLIDAY PARTY HOST
Hosting Holiday parties isn't just stressful but quite draining. So instead of gifting a traditional bottle of wine, gift your Holiday party host a gift that will help him (or her!) stay healthy during the holiday season and beyond. 

From immune candles to immune tonics, BoKU International, doctor-formulated products are USDA certified, organic, kosher, vegan and completely free of GMOs, with no fillers of any kind and no wheat, dairy, soy or gluten. BoKU only uses the most pristine, nutrient dense, health-forming ingredients in the world, obtained from Fair Trade and sustainable sources. 

FOR THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY 
Production: Tales of Hoffman (takes the stage in March/April 2017 / Photo Credit: Robert Millard
Not your grandparents Opera, LA Opera has made it a point to appeal to a younger and more diverse audiences with shows that are welcoming to everyone, including those new to the Opera and live performances.

Two one-night performances that would be great to gift include Domingo’s Young Artist Concert celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Doming-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program; and Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov in Concert.

FOR THE STYLISH ATHLETE
Photo courtesy of  Funktional Wearables™
Wearable fitness trackers are all the rage, but lets be honest, they aren’t very stylish. For women on your gift list that rather go without than wear something ugly, they will LOVE Funktional Wearables™. FROM  their NEW bracelets for the Fitbit Charge 2, as well as protective unisex covers for the Fitbit Charge and ChargeHR, Funktional Wearables™ has something for every stylish athlete on your gift list.

Meet me at the Ontario Mills 'Accessorize Your Spring Sale' Makeover Event

*This is a Sponsored Post with Images Courtesy of Simon Center*


As most mom/daughter relationships go, we have a thing: We LOVE to go shopping! As in, shopping is not just something that we have to do, but is instead an all-out event that we look forward to.

Shopping to us always includes breakfast, lunch and dinner....in between checking out what's in, hot and now...and of course some much needed mother/daughter bonding time happens in between the racks.


Sometimes we shop for an event, say a wedding, while other times we just look through aisles in the hopes that we find something that we "need."

I tend to be all over the map with my style inspirations (blame it on my inner creative), while my mama has a classic style that is so uniquely her...so shopping is always a great time because I give her options that she might not otherwise think about; and mom, of course, has made me fall in love with accessories. Or, in my mom's own words, I have learned to live by the motto that "a pair of shoes, purse or accessories, will instantly elevate an outfit."


Now it's my turn to share my love of shopping by giving moms accessory styling tips during the Ontario Mills Accessorize your Spring Sale on Saturday, May 7 starting at 1 p.m.

When you stop by to meet me I promise to also share a gifting ideas for the moms in your life and hand-out a few $50 Gift Cards when you follow my tweets, Facebook updates, and Instagram photos...And just in case you can't meet me on Saturday, don't worry - the sale runs until May 31st!

With a wide selection of jewelry, bags, shoes, hats, sunglasses, tech gear and accessories, moms, and those shopping for moms on their special day, can shop effortlessly to find stylish accents for spring - with my help, of course!


Savvy shoppers (you!) will also find additional savings at all of the centers’ over 200 brand-name retailers, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Steve Madden, Brooks Brothers, Tommy Bahama Outlet, Tommy Hilfiger, J.Crew and more with deeply discounted spring merchandise and a sneak peek of summer arrivals.

Make sure to find your #founditatsimon accessory finds by tagging them with #accessorize so I can check them out and like them on social media.

Ana Lydia

Lladro Opens a New Boutique in Beverly Hills

I grew up with a mother that loved beautiful decor and an appreciation of porcelain figurines.

Stylized Victorian ladies holding dainty umbrellas and forest animals that looked gently into the midst lived throughout my childhood home. While the China hutch and curio cabinet were reserved for unique pieces that were priceless and irreplaceable.

The family vintage green glass, hand cut crystal platters, collectable vases, and of course, Lladro pieces were neatly arranged behind the glass doors of those tall oak doors.

When I got my first job as a teenager I remember going to my local mall to visit a collectables shop. I would stand looking at the Lladro pieces, then add-up my measly hourly wage in my head in the hopes that one day I would be able to afford to buy my mother a piece of her beloved Lladro.
Before I hit the age of 21, I did.

The light in my moms curio added a beautiful contrast to the smooth white face of the maiden standing front and center. Her dress seemed to dance in a wind that froze her in time.

***

Inspired by my mother's love of Lladros soft lines and dream-like color palettes, I've also been enchanted by the simplicity of each hand-crafted Lladro porcelain piece and admire their museum-like quality.

But buying Lladro is an experience in itself...
The experience of purchasing your first Lladro piece, or adding to a collection, is only heightened when you visit Lladro's newest boutique in Beverly Hills.

Surrounded by world renowned fashion luxury brands, the Lladro Boutique located at Two Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, is an intimate and inviting space where everyone can enjoy the beautiful simplicity of Lladro porcelain.

This new concept boutique also displays Lladro's foray into lighting design, while staying true to their artisanal porcelain process.

Stop by the Lladro boutique while you are in town for lunch or shopping to discover your love of a brand that will add beauty to your home.

Ana Lydia

Holiday Shopping in a Westside Wonderland


This is a sponsored post.


Start the holiday season off right when you join me and my hubby at the premier 
Holiday, beauty, gifting and shopping fundraiser on the Westside: the 

Celebrate the season on Sunday, December 7th, with live music, wine and food tastings, fashion shows, pampering, special discounts from retailers and more; and feel good knowing that 100% of proceeds benefits local community organizations including Westside Family Health Center, Ocean Park Community Center, Westside Food Bank and Homeboy Industries. 

The Westside Pavilion will be dressed in a dazzling winter wonderland experience with amazing live entertainment, fashion shows, food and libations, a beauty lounge, dessert bar, wine and beer tastings and more.

Westside Wonderland Activities Include:



FASHION SHOW
With seasonal looks from favorite retailers, including Macy's, Cotton On, Banana Republic and more
LOCAL TASTES & TREATS
Provided by Fill R Up LA, Sixth & Pine, Hollywood Candy Girls & more
WINE & BEER TASTINGS AND LIBATIONS
BEAUTY LOUNGE
Hair styling and touch ups provided by Carlton Hair and  Free makeup application, samples and consultations from Nordstrom, Macy’s Cosmetics and bareMinerals.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
by live band, Erik Hammer & Special Guests and celebrity DJ Casey Connor
SHOPPING & DISCOUNTS
Participating retailers offer the best discounts of the season so you can finish your holiday shopping with no stress! Gift wrapping will also be available on-site by the Culver City Women's Club.
Festive Attire Encouraged!

Buy your ticket HERE, or enter to win your own pair:



THIS WAS A SPONSORED POST.

City Chic Boutique opens in Culver City


I met a young woman today, probably somewhere in her mid 20's, that chocked-up when sharing that she didn't have clothing options when she was in High School. "I had to buy maternity clothes to find something that FIT when I was a teenager," she told me. "But now we have options; and I am proud to help other women also feel good about themselves." She told me this as her beautiful full hips leaned against a counter.

Surrounded by trendy dresses, jumpers, skinny jeans, and lacy bra's, the chandelier light in the dressing room area gave the Brea-location City Chic manager's smile a beautiful sparkle as she stood in the middle of it all. She was standing in a dream-like dressing area that most plus size gals have never been fortunate enough to enjoy when shopping - until now.

This woman was shapely, curvy, and not that it mattered, but she was plus size as well. Her tall boots peeked from under her polka-dotted rockabilly dress that suited her personality perfectly. She stood tall, confident, and entirely too happy to be part of City Chic's management.

City Chic, is an Australian brand that most American plus-size shoppers have learned to love via their online site, is opening several stores in California; one of which being the store we were standing in: Westfield Culver City.
This was my favorite dress in the store. I found the quality to be well worth the $100+ price tag.
The City Chic Boutique is absolutely gorgeous and flows like a large closet. Salespeople are called "stylists," and trained to treat every body, size 14-22 (up-to 24 online), like fashionable models. While special-occasion dresses, well-constructed bra's, and trendy tops were displayed on hangers, not mannequins, in a style reminiscent of a high-end designer boutique.

With not a register in sight, I wondered if I was there to look, or shop...until the store manager brings out his iPad. "I can also order anything that we don't have in stock and ship it to you for free," he told me. I found out that the iPad also serves as a register.
I did take my time to look through the store...

If I was a yee-bit younger, I would have been in heaven - but being that I am over 40, I found that most clothes were made with a fashionable High School or College Gal in mind. Some, actually my favorite pieces, were perfect for a night out on a town.  Prices were moderate, ranging from $14 for lacy briefs to $169 for an evening dress.

Not to say that someone over 40 can't shop at City Chic - actually, I found that several dresses were super cute, contemporary, and appropriate, for a someone my age. While the tops, jackets and jeans, were perfect for a casual Friday option.

Even for those of us that have less constraints because of our casual lifestyle might find some of the outfits a bit, well, young.

I found that overall, City Chic is the store where my plus size friends will want to go to and find their next date-night outfit, Las Vegas weekend wear, and something that will make us ladies with larger thighs and hips feel beautiful...
I found the lingerie to be absolutely stunning.
City Chic officially opens on Friday, August 1st in Culver City, with five additional stores opening in other Southern California locations.  Both online and store shoppers will receive 25% off during opening weekend. Visit their website for more information and locations of their other stores:
CityChicOnline.com

Happy Shopping!

Outlet Shopping in Los Angeles

The VIP Shopper Lounge at the Citadel Outlets
During happy hour a friend mentioned how her mother never taught her how to bargain shop. She looked to me for suggestions, mostly tips, on what to do to update her wardrobe without spending a pretty penny. "Go to the Outlets," I told her. 
"But we don't have outlets in Los Angeles..and, I don't want to drive to the dessert." 
"Um...I don't want to drive to the dessert either, that's why I recommend that you go to the Citadel Outlets."
Truth be told, this conversation happened - but it wasn't me advising a friend to go to an outlet, that was a friend telling me. 

It happened almost a year ago. I had yet to go to the Citadel Outlets since that conversation until I was invited to their blogger preview.

Honestly? I had a misconception about outlet shopping; mostly due to the fact that the only outlets I stepped foot in were in the dessert and weren't all that great. The Citadel Outlets doesn't fall in either category. 
Main Entrance
Just a short drive from Downtown Los Angeles (even driving directly from my Westside home, took less than an hour); the Citadel Outlets is located behind a GORGEOUS Assyrian castle facade.

Craig Reality, the folks behind the Citadel Outlets, put unique touches on this building and shopping experience that are not found anywhere else. From murals painted by a local artist to special perfume wafting through the center's plumbing center, there's love and care put into every inch of the Citadel Outlets.

The outlet center itself is set-up as an outside mall.  The big difference from other outlets, is that the Citadel Outlets has various benches, areas to sit and mingle, trees for shade, and basically a nice set-up to take a stroll. Not only that, but the Citadel Outlets also host weekend live music, making shopping feel more like an experience and less like a drag.
Some of my favorite stores located in the Citadel Outlets included Kate Spade New York, DKNY Company Store, Max Studio, Levi's Outlet and Kenneth Cole Outlet. I especially found a gem at the outlets that carried off-price/discounted Lancome and Kiehl's. Be still my heart!

As locals, we can appreciate all these touches, but those of you that are planning on visiting Los Angeles in the near future will appreciate the complimentary luggage storage, concierge service, foreign currency exchange, and multi-language signage, 

The Citadel Outlets also offers guided tours and shopping packages, such as the newly introduced "Shop Until You Drop Off...at LAX," program, which is exactly what it states: shop all day, and the Citadel Outlets shuttle service will drop you off at LAX when you're done!
As for me? Well the Citadel Outlets made me a convert - maybe it has something to do with them gifting me a shopping certificate, that I gladly used at some my favorite store, or valet parking ;-)

Nordstrom Rack Culver City Opens October 10!!

I was invited to preview the store before it opened to the public while enjoying yummy treats and libations.  This is my true and honest review of my experience.

Expect to find a large assortment of Kate Spade handbags, wallets,
and accessories at the new Nordstrom Rack Culver City.
Westsiders rejoice!  We are getting our very own Nordstrom Rack at Westfield Culver City (formerly Fox Hills Mall). (6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City)
Impressive selection of men designer ties.
Expect to find discounted Nordstrom brand-name merchandise, including apparel, shoes, accessories and beauty products.  Brands like Vince Camuto, Tory Burch, Butter London, and many (MANY!) others are sold at 30-70% BELOW retail!!

LOVE this Isabella Fiore purse!
This particular location boasts more than 1,000 handbags, thousands of shoes (THOUSANDS?!) and offers the convenience of on-site alternations and mobile check-out devices (no more standing in line!)

MUST BUY! 
This Butter London set (Nailpolish and Lippy lip gloss)
was priced at well below 50% off retail!
Located only minutes from Westwood/West LA and easily accessible from both the 405, Sepulveda Blvd. and Overland, the Grand Opening is set for Thursday, October 10 at 9 a.m.

Ted Baker and Kate Spade iPhone cases? I die!!!
But don't wait!  Get there by 8 a.m. on Grand Opening Day to enjoy festive music, breakfast treats and receive a free tote if you are one of the first 1,000 customers to make a purchase.  

You can also enter to win one of (30) $100 gift card - plus one lucky winner will receive a $1,000 shopping spree and early access through the Rule the Rack sweepstakes.  

For more information about this location and the more than five new locations opening throughout the US in the next few weeks, visit www.nordstromrack.com.  

How absolutely CUTE are these Betsey Johnson Socks?  Perfect for Fall!
I also invite you to follow Nordstrom Rack on Facebook www.facebook.com/nordstromrack and follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest: www.twitter.com/nordstrom_rack, www.instragram.com/nordstromrack, www.pinterest.com/nordstromrack.
This GORGEOUS Chantelle Bra was prized at less than $50!!
Follow @CulverCity_Rack on Twitter for merchandise arrivals, promotions and events.

Happy shopping!

Touring San Francisco's Chinatown & Union Square


The Iconic Golden Gate Bridge
I recently had the opportunity to spend an afternoon in San Francisco's Chinatown and Union Square.  Although it was a quick visit, I made a list of of my favorite places that I highly recommend you also take the time to visit when in San Francisco:



China Town
OP Therapy Academy
811 Clay Street
(Crosses with Grant Street in China Town)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 989-8822

Open 7 Days a Week
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

$35 for one-hour Foot & Body Massage

Foot reflexology is part of the 5000 years history of healing in art and culture.  It works by releasing stress and enhancing relaxation.  It cleans the cells, eliminates accumulated toxins which are the root cause of those knots, and restores the free flow of energy (QI) along the meridian.  This is the perfect stop after walking through all those steep streets after shopping in San Francisco!

Eastern Bakery
720 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 982-5157

Open 7 Days a Week
Call for Hours

Prices vary from 50 cents (yes!) to $110 for a full-sheet of mixed-fruit cake (feeds 40-80)

They are known as the oldest Chinese bakery in San Francisco's Chinatown, and pride themselves in baking everything from scratch without preservatives.  Eastern Bakery also has a small selection of pre-made dim-sum (AKA has probably been in the case for quite some time).  The owner and her mother where my tour-guides, and although beans in a moon-cake sounded like something most locals would want, I opted for something straight out of the oven: coconut filled bread!  A fresh and doughy snack with a 'slight' sweet coconut filling.  It was the perfect afternoon snack!


742 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 788-3828

Open 7 Days a Week
Call for Hours

This is one of a mini-chain of five Chinese-owned (and themed) stores, but only two of the five are my favorites and must-go-to stops in your tour of China Town. This one in particular had a few items (some of which you can see on Instagram), that you can take back home or give as souvenirs, without embarrassment!

Merchant of China
930 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 834-1615

Open 7 Days a Week
Call for Hours

If I see a big "SALE" sign, you can bet your morning Java that I will wander in.  I was happy to find in this boutique a small, but well made, non-cheesey collection of toddler-sized Asian-themed outfits.  I couldn't resist, and I got a mandarin-collared dress for my four-year-old niece.


Kan's Restaurant
708 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 362-5267

Open 7 Days a Week
HOURS

After a few minutes walking through China Town, the smells get to you and suddenly you are hungry.  With all fault of my own, the eager and happy lady outside this restaurant reeled me in with the promise of $2.95 Dim Sum and a private view of China Town.

Unfortunately, the only reason to visit this restaurant is the view.  Prepare to be disappointed otherwise.

New Peking
747 Grant Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 788-2388

Open 7 Days a Week
Call for Hours

I can not say enough about this boutique - I LOVE it, and love the super helpful staff.  The selection of products goes beyond your typical chatsky Chinatown fare!  Not only did I find a super-cute pair of dragon slippers for my nephew, I also found a purse-sized "treasure box," that I started using immediately!



Union Square
Lefty O'Douls
333 Geary Street
(Union Square Area)
San Francisco, CA 8900
(415) 982-8900

Open 7 Days a Week
7 a.m. - 2 a.m.

As snobbish as I tend to be, there's always something comforting when I wander into this down-home locals fav: Cafeteria-style, pick your dinner (or lunch) as you go, pay at the counter, choose your table or eat at the bar. Simple.

Personally, I prefer to eat at the bar and let the bartender make "adult-drink" recommendations while I listen to the band of the evening.  It never fails: I always meet some pretty cool people! 

p.s. If you do stop on by, please say HI to Paul and Bethany and try their Cinnamon Shot!

Macy's
170 O'Farrell Street
(Union Square)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 397-3333

Open 7 Days a Week
10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

This is the "mothership" worthy of any and all visits to San Francisco before you go anywhere else to shop.  A special shout-out to Jeremy in the Inglot (Beauty/Make-up) department for his amazing make-up tips!  (Disclaimer: Macy's is my client, but I am a long-time fan!)


Although I only spent an afternoon in Chinatown and Union Square, I had a great time and look forward to my next visit.  (View photos from my visit to San Francisco's Chinatown here.)

Happy travels!




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