Gift Ideas with a Florida Twist!

As a business owner…you never are off REALLY. Last week was a whirlwind getting my makeup studio retail ready for the holidays!

So, I am sorry I have been kinda M.I.A.

Since it is the time for gift giving I thought you might like this blog post.

I am really more like a NYC girl and as I write this and the holidays are near I am starting to get homesick already. When I first moved to Jacksonville I felt like actress Eva Gabor in the sitcom Green Acres. I would often dance around the house and tease my husband and sing “Darling I love you but give me Park Avenue”. But having HIM in my life and opened up my business in Florida I eventually fell in love with palm trees,not driving in ice and snow,yummy Southern food and the slower paced lifestyle.

So, with that said I have compiled a list of gift ideas that are made in Florida or that are made in…Jacksonville Florida. You don’t have to live in Florida to buy these.

My blog is called Beauty Candy cause I am crazy about beauty and candy!  Now I have to share with you about my fav’ LOCAL candy delight. 

Topsy Toffee is a locally owned toffee company that is to die for! No kidding. You just can’t eat a few pieces. The creator uses his mom’s recipe and soared with it. Chocolate and toffee anyone? They just introduced a Perky peppermint to the mixjust in time for the holidays…so excited!

http://www.topsytoffee.com

Gottahaveit is a store in the historic Avondale section of town. Iva the owner carries an amazing array of gifts and personalized gifts too. You gotta see this place! Give yourself time to browse and shop. You might even find something  you  love and have to treat yourself too!

http://www.gottahaveit.com

Speaking of beauty there is a beauty of a salon in a sweet yellow house called Chocolate Blonde Salon. I am mad about a product they have named after one of their top stylists! It is called John’s Elixir. This magic mix is not only great for conditioning the hair before you blow dry,you can shave your legs ,face (guys) with it,you can remove makeup with it. I have smoothed out dead ends and brows that have gone wild too. A little goes a long way. And it smells sublime!

Looking for a NEW scent to add to your fragrance wardrobe? TRY No.1 by a local designer Sandra Alford. It is a really sexy but soft  scent. They are offering FREE shipping with any order over $100.00 and up.

http://www.sandraalford.com

Don’t ya just love Chocolate dipped strawberries???

How can you resist? The absolute best the city has to offer comes from Glamour Gourmet.

The creator and owner Natasha makes the most DAZZLING glittered,sugared,chocolate decadence you will ever taste. Find her and shop her Instagram account…that’s how I find her!!! Warning you will soon be drooling at the edibles on the screen. She also makes chocolate dipped shimmering other things. Trust me on this your guests will be WOWED if you serve her glam YUMMY treats or given as a gift they will thing you are the bomb!

If  you’re looking for a hostess gift or something to stuff in a holiday basket you’re making…a trip to Community Loaves is all you need. They have some awesome fresh bread you will love and so will the people you give a loaf to. BREAD HEAVEN awaits you in Murray Hill.

If you are looking for locally made candles there are a few companies I can recommend…

Five Points Candle Company is your go to brand. You may buy them online or at Gottahaveit.

http://www.fivepointscandlecompany.com

Fitz Pulins has some aromatic and beautifully packaged candles. http://www.inventoryroom.com

Jacksonville in a BOX shipped to your or someone who used to live here’s door. A variety of things made in Florida and wrapped and shipped by people who have developmental disabilities. A combination of food plus Florida souvenir fun!

http://www.jacksonvilleinabox.com

If you’re looking for a cheap stocking stuffer and think Jax IS RAD! Go visit this site.

 

http://www.jaxisrad.com

Gotta foodie in your life that loves pie? Going to grandmas house or the in laws for dinner? Bring a pie from the YUM YUM TREE. This infamous place is an icon in Jacksonville.

These are just a few of my fav’ things I simply had to share and tell you about!

I know the season is really all about the reason. But since gifts are a part of it. I thought you’d enjoy my gift or stocking stuffer ideas.

Until next time…enjoy the beauty of this wonderful time of year!

 

UNIQUE Mother’s Day Gift Ideas!

Today I featured on my beauty & lifesylte report on The Chat TV show some awesome GIFT IDEAS for Mom. If you happen to live local you’ll love these but if you don’t live in sunny Florida you will love some too.

http://www.bagettes.com is a company that customizes cosmetic cases and fashionable wristlets too.Just send them a photo and they can create magic for you. Save those photographic memories and put them to use.

http://www.sweetpetes.com is a candy land of delicious FUN.it is located in downtown Jacksonville where you can shop three floors of fabulous~ OR you can order a gift basket! They ship candy and more to your door.

Candy Apple Cafe is a sight to see and when you dine with them you will find what I mean. Filled with chic and colorful decor and oh so much more.They are worth the just the trip visiting Jacksonville, Florida. I love HAPPY HOUR…the punch is amazing and the candied bacon I just want to lay in.It rocks this city. BRUNCH is the perfect gift any day or for Mother’s day.

http://www.noreenyoung.com or Noreen Young Makeup Studio creates one of a kind sexy for your lips kisses!You can buy a gift certificate or book an appointment at the cozy and charming beauty cottage. You pick the color you want it to be,a flavor,sunscreen or not,lip plumper added and a yummy flavor.

CHI for ALL you hair styling needs by FAROUK Hair Systems is THE go to for hair beauty. I love the new hair rollers.

FILL a gift basket with mom’s fave’s. Check out her bathroom cabinet or vanity. What does she LOVE or use or better yet what does she WISH for? Hair La Vie,OPI,Osmosis,FarmHouse Freshgoods,Chocolate Blonde Salon hair elixir… and more.

Use wrap cellophane,add some pretty ribbon! Oh and don’t buy a greeting card. D.I.Y. it is way more meaningful and fun.

Whatever it is treat her to something awesome! Wish my mom were still HERE! I’d smother er in kisses and hugs!

To watch my segment on TV go to http://www.firstcoastnews.com click on the left on the words…THE CHAT and look for my name. You can see these gorgeous ideas AND smile too!

Got a Love Affair with your Hair?

Lucky you I have some great tips from a hot stylist just for you. I never know how she is going to look. She is like a rainbow of hair personalities and hair cuts. ISN’T SHE GORGEOUS? Now enjoy her simple mane secrets and trends she wants to share with you.

What do you think is the secret for shiny fabulous bombshell hair?
1. I Always recommend you use a good conditioner or leave in treatment and a heat protectant before styling hair with heat. Then a great shine spray to top it off.
What’s hot for fall in hair this year?
2. The latest hair trends this season are the ombre and the long bob. The ombre is great for those clients who don’t want the hassle of coming every 6 weeks for a touch up. It will grow out and still look beautiful. The long bob gives you a classic look with out all the weight of long hair.
What colors rule and are rocking on the runway?
3. Red is in this fall . Auburn, reds, and mahogany colors are a great fall trends. They also work well when blended into an ombre.
Is a deep conditioning treatment for everyone’s hair?
4. Depends on client and environment conditions . Dryer environments and hair more frequent.
What products do you LOVE and are you professionally recommending for hair?
5. Chocolate Blonde highlights shampoo is a great highlight shampoo for blondes to keep brassy highlights at bay. Followed up with Color Artistry protein conditioner as a leave in treatment.

Got Questions on your hair? Follow Instagram this hair genius:strong>THE_DUCHESS_HAIRDESIGNS
Kena Shea is located in sunny Jacksonville Florida and looks forward to assisting you and answering any hair or product questions from you.