Tired of mall parking lots or endless waiting in line? Feeling overwhelmed by online shopping – especially Amazon?  Need help this holiday season for ideas that are not the “same old, same old”?  Then you have stumbled upon the right blog to direct you to some great gift options.

There was a time when women had limited career choices and often found income by selling beauty products or home goods, such as Tupperware or Mary Kay Cosmetics.  Now with the calendar turning to 2016 women are continuing to sell these products, but there is a distinct change. Instead of the reward being a bit of “pocket money” these women are making some serious income.  And, the selection of products is outstanding and millennials will enjoy them as much as baby boomers!

I introduced you to Anita Garcia in the Part One of  my blog about the women entrepreneurs from Beach Cities Breakfast Club (BCBC). What I didn’t relate was that she has been selling Tupperware for more than four decades. YEP! That is 40 years of selling these timeless home products! Tupperware maintains their tried and true product line, yet introduces fresh ideas on a regular basis. Tupperware of 2015 is not your mother’s (or grandmother’s) company.  Want to revisit the land of Tupperware? Connect with Anita by clicking here!

Mary Kay Cosmetics also has a reputation of empowering their representatives to be self- reliant entrepreneurs and smart business women. Lori McConnaha is the BCBC rep for Mary Kay Cosmetics and well on her way to receiving the infamous pink cadillac.  Now I must admit that I was not a consumer of Mary Kay until I met Lori.  But, now I have an insane addiction to  their mascara and eye cream! In fact, Lori and her Mary Kay cosmetics are the what the 411 Voices social media correspondents use to look camera ready on the red carpet!  Lori is so popular that we have to reserve her months in advance for special occasions and you can, too! She creates the cutest gift certificate packages when you give a make-over to a special someone!  Connect with Lori for special events hair and make-up 

 

 

Often our 411 Voices has a need for a photographer. We only make one call – to Joy Daunis from Joyous Photos in El Segundo.  Another longtime member of BCBC,  Joy has an eye for snapping a photo that depicts in a single shot the essence of an event. Recently, she photographed for our group the Asian Film Festival the Global Change Gala event.  I loved how she captured the “action” during this Red Cross Benefit.  Joy also loves to photograph reunions and family group photos – which is a gift I gave my hubby last year.   Also, know that Joy can offer lessons on how to work that camera you got as a holiday gift.  Here is Joy’s contact info: http://www.JoyousPhotos.com

 

Your special someone likes bling?

 Lyn D Jewelry, owned by Lynette Vandaveer,  offers one of a kind pieces of wearable art at very reasonable prices!  I love Lynnette Vandaveers’ vision of creating beautiful creations.  Her heart and soul pours in to each piece.  Lynette has an active website that showcases her jewelry.

 

When it comes to fashion I must admit that I have another addiction to confess.  I love CABI clothing.  First because of the uniqueness of the designs and secondly because the clothing has a lasting quality.  Although CABI can be touted as a bit “pricey” the reality is that these clothes will outlast nearly anything else in your closet and still be “trendy”.   Plus, where else can you buy clothing and get the help of a great fashion advisor such as Kathy Gonzalez!  This dynamo knows how to pair the right clothes to the right person. CABI is a gift idea for the hard to buy woman in your life… Order that coveted gift certificate from Kathy buy clicking here.  By the way I LOVE the zigzag jacket that just arrived at my door this week!

And… to wear UNDER those fabulous CABI clothes are Ruby Ribbons foundations who are sold by BCBC member Tracy Farman.  They have special camisoles that take the place of cumbersome bras.  Also, their lace undies and other clothing pieces are so stylish.  Again… I may need a 12- step program to help save me from my Ruby Ribbon addiction!

A GIFT FOR YOUR HOME

 

Linda Straley is a decorating genius! I had her in my home to help “erase the beige” and before I knew it we were living in shades of teal and purple!  What a difference it made  and she can help you, too!  In fact –  give a gift certificate to yourself and maybe to someone who you know would love to facelift their living area but doesn’t usually treat themselves. AND…Linda also sells amazing sculptures and functional pieces of art. Her chandeliers rock!

Visit Linda Straley Designs for contact info and samples of Linda’s great work!

Now if you live in the Beach Cities consider giving loved ones gift certificates to these great places.

The FACE PLACE and MORE offers personalized facials and hair removal.  Owned and operated by seasoned professional, Linda Hirsch, this is THE place to go for pampering! Linda’s facial (with a neck massage) is fabulous for forgetting holiday stress!  Her prices are very reasonable and well worth every penny!

After your fabulous facial – walk to HAIRLINES where you can continue your pampering with hair styling by the incomparable Geri Dahl.  Not only do you get great service here but, you are treated to the luxury of hanging out in a funky designed salon that pumps out the best of Motown!  (Sing – a – longs are optional!).  While at the salon treat yourself to her FABULOUS hair products. (The conditioner is divine!)   Geri makes info videos, too!

 

GIVE THE GIFT OF CARING

Last but not least is a very special gift option from  FirstLight HomeCare.  Chanel Garcia of BCBC has often said that Firstlight offers services beyond what other agencies provide.  Here are some examples:

• New Mom assistance. Firstlight will bring a care giver to the home to help mom out. Even take care of the simple errands or watching older children.
• Post-operative care.  Just  back from a stay at the hospital and need an extra hand to help around the house, do errands or drive you to appointments?
• Respite care. This is HUGE. Imagine giving parents who care for adult children with Autism a day of respite. Even a few hours. This would be huge in helping to rejuvenate those who have much responsibility.
• Helping seniors.  Give your elderly relatives the gift of assistance with everyday living needs or special care.
• Special events.  Need an extra helper to care for an elderly relative during a wedding.  Firstlight can help.

If you have questions or would like to learn how to access a gift certificate contact Chanel Garcia.

That leaves me.

Yep… as the social media marketing member of BCBC,  I represent a larger group of professionals- 411 Voices.  Our media marketing services are extensive.  We also have a full roster of experts who are nationally known media personalities and speakers.  Check out our full portfolio at 411Voices.com

 

Happy Holidays!