Category: Product Reviews
Father’s Day Gifts & Gets: Top Picks for 2024...
Posted by Merilee Kern | Jun 5, 2024 | Holidays, Product Reviews | 0 |
Gifts From the Heart: Thoughtful Mother’s Day Idea...
Posted by Merilee Kern | Apr 24, 2024 | Product Reviews | 0 |
5 Mobile Tech Gadgets Elevating Life On-the-Go
Posted by Merilee Kern | Aug 13, 2023 | Product Reviews | 0 |
Father’s Day Gifts for Deserving Dads
Posted by Merilee Kern | May 28, 2023 | Product Reviews | 0 |
Summer Bed Refresh
Posted by Lillian Africano | Aug 14, 2022 | Product Reviews | 0 |
Spring Fever Fix: Luxury in Bed
by Lillian Africano | Feb 25, 2022
As the first flowers begin to poke out of winter’s soil and the days grow longer, my...
Read MoreHappy Valentine’s Day–to Everyone!
by Lillian Africano | Feb 5, 2022
Given the continued misery of Covid in all its mutations, I think everyone deserves something special on Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be thoughtful–and maybe fun.
Read MoreUpgrade and Refresh for the New Year
by Lillian Africano | Jan 15, 2022
This New Year, I won’t be buying any new clothes to refresh my wardrobe–because I’m not going anywhere that isn’t necessary until the waves of Covid subside. But there will be upgrades and refreshers for 2022. I’m upgrading my skincare with a quarterly subscription to The Box By Dr Ava. It’s described as a “Derm in a Box,” and the “Derm” in question is renowned board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., the owner and director of two branded practices: AVA MD, her full-service dermatology clinic with locations in Malibu and Beverly Hills–and her newest concept, SKINFIVE, a tech-based provider of essential face and body treatments located in Pacific Palisades and Century City.
Read MoreHoliday Gifts Guys Will Geek Out Over
by Merilee Kern | Dec 12, 2021
2021 has been a great year to be a guy. According to the National Retail Federation’s...
Read MoreUncommonly Great Gifts for the 2021 Holiday Season
by Merilee Kern | Dec 12, 2021
Finally, after what has seemed like an unending upheaval of all that is familiar, the end of 2021...
Read MoreHoliday Matchmaking: Choosing the Perfect Gift
by Lillian Africano | Dec 11, 2021
Sometimes choosing the perfect gift is easy. For the flower lover, a holiday plant or a colorful bouquet is always a good choice. But sometimes matchmaking gifts takes considerable thought–and searching
Read MoreHoliday Gifts for My Favorite People
by Lillian Africano | Nov 27, 2021
Though I try to buy thoughtful gifts for all the people on my holiday list, I go the extra mile for those who are really special to me. For the techie in our family, I like this Reade Leather Laptop Backpack | $176.99.
Read MoreKeep Your Hair Natural and Shiny with an Organic Product
by Andrew Rossow | Nov 13, 2021
When hair salons began shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it became difficult for...
Read MoreSustainable Luxury Mattress from Nolah
by luxebeat | Nov 11, 2021
Getting a good night sleep goes a long way to our quality of life. Studies have shown that getting...
Read MoreFall Favorites
by Lillian Africano | Nov 3, 2021
Though it’s been decades since I attended any kind of school, the arrival of fall always...
Read More6 Fall Beauty Wellness Products
by Jill Weinlein | Sep 20, 2021
It’s time to change your skincare routine for fall. The cooler weather during autumn and...
Read MoreHealthy Posture Travel Tips
by Lillian Africano | Sep 13, 2021
In the long-ago Pre-Pandemic days, travel was relatively care free. Now it means essential face masks, vaccinations, packable antibacterial wipes and as much self-care as possible.
Kara Froula, Ergonomic Expert and Creator/Founder of BackEmbrace, offers a reminder that a healthy posture, whether at home or on the road, has been proven to improve mood and boost energy, which can make a world of difference to anyone’s 2021 Post-Pandemic trip.
Read MoreIt’s Deja Vu All Over Again
by Lillian Africano | Sep 4, 2021
After a few weeks of optimism and the sense that the upcoming “new normal” would mean fewer restrictions and a sense of relaxation, a fourth wave of COVID (mainly the Delta variant) means we are back to masks indoors and a heightened sense of caution.
So I’m giving up the idea of dining indoors for the foreseeable future, making my wo
Read MoreDickinson’s Witch Hazel: Experts Make it New Again!
by Lillian Africano | Aug 30, 2021
DICKINSON’S WITCH HAZEL SKINCARE has been around a very long time. This family-owned company has been a consumer beauty favorite since 1866. Now skincare experts are telling us more about this classic.`
Read More5 Summer Travel Essentials
by Jill Weinlein | Jul 24, 2021
Summer travel is heating up, and here are 5 innovative products that will keep you healthy, happy and safe. 1. Be sure to wear NakeFit protective soles when flying to a destination. They are ideal to adhere to the...
Read MoreSummertime–And We’re Back! [PRODUCT REVIEW]
by Lillian Africano | Jul 11, 2021
After shlepping around for months in sweat pants, using no makeup and very little skin care, I am...
Read MoreSummertime Sipping Pleasure [PRODUCT REVIEW]
by Lillian Africano | Jul 10, 2021
Now that covid restrictions have relaxed, so have I. I’m fully vaccinated, so I’m actually sharing restaurant lunches and visits with (vaccinated) friends and family members. As my home has a spacious covered balcony, I’m also inviting them to hang out and enjoy summer breezes and something delicious to sip.
Read MoreHappy Father’s Day: No Ties This Year!
by Lillian Africano | May 30, 2021
This year, more than ever, is not the time for old-school Dad gifts like ties and cologne. After being in lockdown for more than a year, Dad deserves more thoughtful–and perhaps out of the box–gifts on his special day.
Read MoreHappy Mother’s Day–To Me!
by Lillian Africano | May 3, 2021
As a mother of three, I’ve taken this Mother’s Day as a good excuse to gift myself. ...
Read MoreSpringing Forward
by Lillian Africano | Mar 8, 2021
After more than a year of lockdowns and precautions, we are finally seeing glimmers of light. Not only because of the vaccines that are flooding the country, but also because we have Daylight Savings time and more hours of much-needed sunlight to brighten our days.
Read MoreSuper Bowl 2021: Cassie’s Keto Cavalcade
by Cassie Bilyeu | Feb 6, 2021
I know what you’re thinking. “Whoa…this witchy chick likes football? Likes team sports in...
Read MoreNew Stuff for the New Year
by Lillian Africano | Jan 28, 2021
I made no resolutions for 2021. Just a commitment to keep wearing my mask, washing my hands, keeping my distance from other people. In other words, keep trying to stay safe as pandemic numbers keep climbing. Refreshing old products, trying new ones.
Read MoreFor All You Negative Nancys Out There, Here’s What You Need to Channel Your ‘Inner Empress’ For 2021
by Cassie Bilyeu | Jan 7, 2021
Congrats! We made it through 2020 into the bright, new year of 2021. As you know (because you read...
Read MoreREVIEW: These 2 Probiotics Will Provide You With a Different Approach to Holiday Health
by Cassie Bilyeu | Dec 4, 2020
We see it every holiday season; an overabundance of well-meaning articles with advice on “staying...
Read MoreSpa at Home
by Lillian Africano | Nov 2, 2020
The good news is that the makers of spa products are making available to consumers the kind of tools and products that offer spa-strength results.
Read MoreREVIEW: Plaine Product’s Shampoo and Conditioner is the Zero-Waste ‘Holy Grail’ for Curly Girls
by Cassie Bilyeu | Aug 14, 2020
Below is a review of Plaine Product’s Rosemary Mint Vanilla Shampoo and Conditioner. We requested...
Read MoreSingle Rider Golf Cart Allows Social Distancing
by Nina Africano | Jun 17, 2020
The pandemic and its subsequent social distancing requirements are changing golf courses around the world. The way avid golfers experience their favorite courses is being changed by the biggest evolution in the golf cart industry: the single rider movement.
Read MoreCelebrating Dad on Father’s Day
by Lillian Africano | Jun 11, 2020
There are so many traditional ways to celebrate fathers on their special day, but during these difficult days of sheltering at home and avoiding personal contact, special gifts for Dad can come in many ways.
Read MoreHome Alone: Self Care
by Lillian Africano | Apr 25, 2020
With so many of us working from home and/or self-isolating, any non-essential service is out. So,...
Read MoreA Review of Moonpod – The New Age Beanbag Chair
by luxebeat | Feb 18, 2020
Most people have a childhood memory of a beanbag, whether it was a go-to seat at home or a...
Read MoreGift Perfection for any Occasion
by Lillian Africano | Dec 27, 2019
For the women in your life, from daughters and sisters, to friends or co-workers, Sterling...
Read MoreStocking Stuffers I Loved
by Lillian Africano | Dec 27, 2019
I love filling Christmas Stockings with little gifts that I would appreciate. So this year, I...
Read MoreHappy Home for the New Year
by Lillian Africano | Dec 19, 2019
It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to spruce up your home for the holidays, because I do it every...
Read MoreSimple Luxuries for Fall
by Lillian Africano | Sep 28, 2019
Luxuries don’t necessarily have big price tags; they simply need to make life more comfortable or...
Read MoreBeauty Hacks for Spring and Summer
by Lillian Africano | Jun 5, 2019
Spring has sprung and with it came a legion of products from the beauty and skincare industry....
Read MoreTravel Hacks: Don’t Leave Home Without Them
by Lillian Africano | May 4, 2019
Frequent travelers have learned to pack efficiently, yet there are some items you don’t want to...
Read MoreThe Beauty of Everyday Objects: From Trash Cans to Teapots and More
by Lillian Africano | Jul 22, 2018
With its sleek cabinet-like design, Brabantia’s unique new and space-efficent Bo Touch Trash Can eliminates the need to hide your bin. As practical as it is beautiful, the Bo has been described as “the future of waste management.”
Read MoreCreate a Summertime Bedroom With Lacoste and Saaya
by Lillian Africano | Jun 26, 2018
The bedroom that felt so warm and inviting last winter can now, during the summer feel…too warm....
Read MoreEzra Arthur Wallets: Heirloom Quality Gifts Any Man Would Love
by Lillian Africano | Jun 16, 2018
Ezra Arthur Hand Made Leather Goods are Heirloom Quality In this age of disposables, there are...
Read MoreRobb Vices: Luxury Gifts That Keep on Giving
by Lillian Africano | Jan 8, 2018
Robb Vices. The name is sexy, the marketing is smart. The son of Robb Report’s publisher has taken...
Read MoreLuxurious Sound Quality Master & Dynamic Headphones
by Sherrie Wilkolaski | Dec 14, 2017
Headphone sound quality is something we take for granted. Our earbuds are tethered to mobile...
Read MoreShoes, Comfortable Shoes
by Maralyn Hill | Aug 26, 2017
There are so many beautiful shoes available, but they are not all comfortable and certainly not...
Read MoreEtymotic’s MK5 Isolator Earphones Deliver High End Sound for a Low-End Price
by Lillian Africano | Jul 6, 2017
New high-fidelity, low profile earphones for sports and travel I travel a lot and during long-haul...
Read MoreALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex: A Powerhouse Anti-Aging Treatment
by Lillian Africano | Jun 24, 2017
Some anti-aging products simply soothe and refresh the skin but offer no lasting improvement. And...
Read MoreJuicepresso for a Healthy New Year
by Maralyn Hill | Jan 23, 2016
It’s a common trend to start the New Year off with something healthy. What better way to do that than with a Juicepresso? The ad was good, but it did not convince me that this product was the answer to my needs. Most of...
Read MoreModern Travel Accessories
by Maralyn Hill | Feb 20, 2015
It seems we could have new gimmicks and gadgets every month. Some we may wonder if they really...
Read MoreHomemade Confections A-List Candy Queen Judith Galindo
by Maralyn Hill | Feb 5, 2015
In the winter of 2009, I had the pleasure of being a judge at the Oregon Chocolate Festival, which...
Read MoreSuki, Skincare Specialist
by Maralyn Hill | Dec 14, 2014
We had the opportunity to interview Suki Kramer of the suki skin care line, which is re-launching...
Read MoreWhat Are You Renting for the Holidays?
by Courtney Lowden | Dec 12, 2014
By Sherrie Wilkolaski and Courtney Lowden If you want to feel like you just came off the runway,...
Read MoreSea Bags An Ideal Gift All Year Long
by Maralyn Hill | Oct 10, 2014
Several years ago, I was fortunate to receive a Sea Bag as a gift, when covering Harvest on the...
Read MoreMy Magic Wristbands Deliver More Disney Magic
by Debi Lander | Jun 21, 2014
A day in any theme park means a lot of walking, but the new Disney My Magic+ bands, customized...
Read MoreWhat do Téa Leoni, Carrie Ann Inaba, Colin Cowie, and Kim Vo Have in Common—Aqua Tan
by Maralyn Hill | Mar 28, 2014
Do you want to make a fashion statement with your skin sporting a lovely natural looking glow?...
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