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!

 

See you there Jacksonville?

 

The day is almost here…actually 4 glorious days October 19,20,21,22 for the ladies of Jacksonville to enjoy the one and only Southern Women’s Show. I’ll be there whipping up some beauty on the Cooking Stage.

Thursday October 19th at 1:30

I will be featuring skin care and beauty ideas for HEALTHIER looking skin!

Friday October 20th at 1:30

How to Make a few seasonal D.I.Y.’s in your kitchen. Ideas for hostess gifts and gifts on the cheap… But oh so tres chic!

Because it is the shows 30th year. I am donating some awesome giveaways along with Whole Foods Market Jacksonville Florida!

Laurie Hernandez Olympic Gymnast will be making a guest appearance too!

If you live in Jacksonville Florida…come see me!

The SWS  show is always filled with food,fashion and fun!

 

15 Things to Give Your Lover…

….when you are on a limited budget!!!  It is that time of year to show your affection with your lover or significant other.

Enjoy MY simply and fun ideas!

It can be as simple as a home-made card from construction paper,printer paper or decorative paper you may have at home.

Bake or buy them what they love…a pie,a cake,brownies,cookies.Or even a simple yummy muffin.Add a note card like “To My Stud MUFFIN”.

Make a bottle of  massage oil simply buy  almond oil,jojoba or grape seed oil.Attach a tag to it and ribbon with hearts or lips.Write that they are going to get a sensual massage from you.

Buy some Hershey’s kisses chocolate in the kind they like:Dark chocolate, milk chocolate,with almonds and more. Lay the kisses down with rose petals and make a trail from when they open the door to the bedroom. Or you can simply do this on the bed.

Another D.I.Y. you can do is make a jar of aromatic relaxing bath salts.Add a candle and you’re good to go.

Flowers are fabulous but so very expensive this time of year especially.Buy him or her a useful plant like rosemary,mint or fresh parsley.They are magic in the kitchen and plants purify the air.

Nothing says “I LOVE YOU” like strawberries gilded in chocolate,nuts and or sparkling shades of gold,red or pink sugar.He or she will swoon and love you for this edible gift.

Champagne is out Prosecco is in! And the best part it is cheaper.

There is nothing like a handwritten LOVE letter! Write like you mean it and on paper.Not a text message please. I have done this to my husband and I must tell you he LOVED it. The look on his face said it all. He still  has it. If is is too much for you to do…try a note on the mirror made with a simple soap bar and write the words  “I  LOVE you” or any short message or words that mean something special to the two of you.

If you have a few bucks treat them to a Passion Fruit Facial by Skin Spa by Casey at Jacksonville Beach. Everyone needs pampering! The skin will look amazing!

Don’t have money for a date on the town? Set up a picnic in bed or throw a pretty throw or blanket on the living room floor.Prepare a simple cheese tray with crackers or a rustic fresh bread.Add music and a cocktail. Feed each other grapes and enjoy the night kissing away!

If you don’t have money for a sexy chocolate sauce from those types of stores….try a simple bottle of Justin’s Hazelnut spread.You know what to do.Lick the night away!

If you do have some money and you want to spring…make HIS or HER heart sing with a custom bottle of perfume or cologne …JUST FOR THEM! http://www.blendcustomparfum.com

I once found a REAL key at the hardware store that was white with a set of lips on it. I wrapped it in a big box with a V-day type ribbon and bow. I wrote a message with it that read “you have the key top my heart forever”. He got such a kick out of it.

I hope these ideas… help fuel your imagination for the perfect gift!

PS

If you don’t have a Valentine maybe it is time to be your own Valentine and treat yourself to something delightful.

Love me some WFM…Do you?

As we skip happily into the month of February which signifies LOVE I am excited! It is one of my fav’ months of the year. And this year it is even better because I have been asked to guest speak at Whole Foods Market again…in sunny JACKSONVILLE.

Next week if you happen to live in Northeast Florida GET YOUR TICKET for fun and join me for a Girls Night Out Beauty Workshop.904-288-1100

Even if you don’t have a Valentine (or want one) YOU can be your own Valentine! Treat your body and face well and take care of yourself.

• I’ll be sharing recipes for a few D.I.Y.’s for softer kissable lips treatments.
• Whip up a massage oil for face or body.
• I will show you makeup secrets to look and feeling sexier in seconds.
• You’ll learn how to make some cute gift cards and how to create a A GIFT OF LOVE package for your sweetie.
• Free sampling from NeoCell and Burts Bees
• Door Prizes
• Sip champagne and enjoy decadent treats while you make new friends.

ALL FOR A BEAUTIFUL CAUSE!

IF you don’t live here…I am sorry you can’t join us.

But you can still get your romantic on this month I will share a Countdown to Valentine’s day list of gift ideas! Come back for more.

BEER

You by now know I love to cook,eat  and makeup. So, in my shopping I came across this awesome beer.

SWEET BABY JESUS beer that is. It tastes like beer with a touch of chocolate and a dash of peanut butter. This frothy delight seems so right.If you are looking for a conversation starter at a party…these two beers may just be it! The six pack of Sweet Baby Jesus beer may just be the perfect gift for the beer lover!

 

I just love the name of this drink…Don’t you???

The Dirty Snowman

1-3 oz. Xingu black beer

1 1/4oz of Cognac

1/2 oz of simple syrup

tsp cocoa nibs and crushed hazelnuts

Coconut milk

 

Use simple syrup to rim a pilsner glass with crushed hazelnuts and cocoa nibs.

In a pint glass,muddle teaspoon of cocoa nibs and the simple syrup. Add the Cognac and shake with ice. Strain into the pilsner glass,add ice and top with beer. Float a splash of coconut milk on top.

YUM!

I discovered this recipe from my ABC wine& spirits catalog.Simply had to share.

If you like beer you’ll love this. It had me by the name of the drink and coconut milk!

I love Naples!

I recently had the pleasure of visiting a magical beautiful place…Naples.

I have been in Naples Italy  before but this time it was Naples in sunny Florida!

The beauty of shopping,drinking and browsing on 5th Avenue South!

• Bob Baker Shoes is the most unique SHOE and accessory store I have ever seen!
  
• Wind and Willow fabulous fashions and fun gifts
  
• Skyline Chili for casual dining on the cheap
  
• Best of Everything unique gifts,baubles,bangles and beads
  
• T Michaels for fine dining!
  
• Naples Grande Beach Resort THE BEST place to stay~

If you ever are out that way…it is so clean and beautiful and the gulf is at your feet.

COOL as a Cucumber!

A unique innovation that cools your body and eyes with the beauty of COOLING cucumbers. Having a heatwave? YOU  need this.

Simply place some fresh slices of cucumbers and place them in the mesh side of the eye mask. CU eye mask helps keep them in place and offers the perfect amount of relaxing shade for your eyes too. YOU’LL be cool as a cucumber.

You’ll love this amazing invention made by a woman business owner whose company is Serene Concepts.

http://www.serenecon.com

 

Shower,Wedding or Party Tower of Delights

 

For your wedding,showers,graduation or parties don’t think boring cake think these delightful colorful delights. In JACKSONVILLE, Florida or  where you may live…shop local and enjoy these delights.

Le Macaron has you covered!!!

These delicious macarons come from Le Macaron French Pastries, a gourmet bakery-café in Jacksonville, owned by 2 French gentlemen.

Their French gourmet macarons are gluten free! And they are NOT what we call “macaroons”!   French macarons are made with almond powder, not coconut!

Le Macaron’s Belgian chocolates and French macarons are the perfect gift for weddings, birthdays, and special occasions!

Locally… You can get a beautiful macaron tower delivered to your event, or you can select gorgeous gift boxes!

Le Macaron is offering a special promotion to my  TV  viewers until May 25!

Use the promo code “NoreenYoung” and get 10% off catering orders and gift boxes!

Makeup Lesson in session!

I love doing makeup lessons!  I DON’T CALL THEM MAKEOVERS! Erase that  word.

I love sharing my beauty secrets and kiss and telling new trend tricks!

My job takes me on the road a lot but when in town I go to my happy place. My fave place to be my office and private  makeup studio in sunny Florida.

When you’re thinking Valentine’s day gifts for your mom,sister,daughter or BFF think the gift of beauty!

Not just roses, a box of chocolates and perfume.Allow me to explain.

I have seen it all. I recently  gave a makeup lesson to a woman in her seventies who never used any makeup in her life and all because she was too shy to call and book an appointment for a makeup lesson or shop the pretty girls at the cosmetic counters (her words not mine). How sad…

After seeing me on TV she decided I was her girl and that it was a must to put me on her bucket list!

Last year I made up a woman in her thirties who booked a makeup session with me for a party she was going to. She kept on both staring at me and kept her head down. She did not want to look in the mirror. Next, she started to cry and tell me how ugly she was and that she felt so unattractive it was hard to look at herself in a mirror. This was hard for me to see. I gave her a tissue a big hug and told her all the beauty I saw in her face and body. ALL TRUTH…nothing to make her feel better.

She sat up taller,stopped crying and started to listen to my words. She felt amazing and looked it too. She loved that I gave her a natural soft look. Not like the over the top glam faces on social media. She commented on how I LISTENED to her and did what she wanted not a look I wanted. She flew on on wings of beauty after our session and felt like a million. It was an epic moment for me too.

I LOVE making women feel marvelous. Even men! Golf professionals,tennis players or sportscasters or men want to look good too!

Wherever you live…think about treating yourself or someone else to this feel good gift.

The way you see yourself and your attitude is EVERYTHING!

Korean Skin Care

Is so on trend! And this bodacious book takes you to Korea without leaving your home.After a five-year residential stint in KOREA, Charlotte Cho a native Californian transformed her obsession with cosmetics into a passion project.

Charlotte Cho… like me is a esthetician and the owner of SOKOGLAM a site  filled with skin care products,trending beauty and regimens from exotic Korea.

She is also the author of a unique and interesting skin care book. This book is fun read. If you love all things skin care and a bit more. Don’t wait order it from her website to be shipped to your door.

YOU’VE shopped for everyone else’s gift now it is time to treat yourself to a gift.

http://www.sokoglam.com