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Choosing Sustainable Furniture for a Modern Home Want to style your home with pieces that are as kind to the planet as they are to your decor? Our latest guide dives into the world of sustainable furniture—what it is, why it matters, and how to bring eco-friendly options into your space. From understanding key materials and certifications to discovering top sustainable brands, this guide makes it easy to create a beautiful, green home. Because every thoughtful choice we make adds up to a healthier world!

Feeling overwhelmed by endless home decor inspiration? Us too! But fear not, because we're here to help you unveil your dream home style. Imagine walking into a space that perfectly reflects your personality. A place that feels both stylish and comfortable, a true extension of you. This email is your key to unlocking that dream! Inside you'll find: A visual tour of 7 popular home decor styles: Modern, Scandinavian, Farmhouse, Industrial, Bohemian, Mid-Century Modern, and French Country. Each with stunning visuals to spark your imagination! The hottest trends for 2024: From curved furniture in modern spaces to sustainable touches in farmhouses, discover what's new and exciting in the world of home decor. A quick and fun quiz: Answer a few simple questions and we'll reveal your design DNA! Are you a minimalist Scandinavian at heart, or a bohemian free spirit yearning for vibrant colors? Ready to ditch the overwhelm and embrace your dream home? 

  “All the elements in your home are an opportunity to draw closer to the people you’re going to have in your home.” JoAnn Landon, Founder of Curated by Mavens. Whether it’s the centerpiece at the table, dishware that you serve with or cocktails for a dinner party, it all plays a part. By being intentional with your home, you’re creating a deeper level of entertainment and connection. This month Dwell by CM is highlight home bar essentials to facilitate connection and engagement in your home. For those of you who like to entertain your guests with a special experience, we have the basics in mind for your home bar. Wouldn’t it be fun to try out that TikTok recipe, and wow your guests with a fun new drink concoction? It’s all possible and attainable. It can be intimidating when you see elegant setups in magazines, but it shouldn’t be. For every home bar, it is entirely up to you on what you want to include. You can start small and grow your collection. Just keep in mind that every element should contribute to your guest engagement.   Dwell by CM has an arrangement of items to highlight your home bar.    The Essentials   Total Wine is a great place to shop. Their store layout makes it easy  to follow. They carry all the well known brand and have experienced staff that can help you find new options too. What we love most is the fact the that they have some for every budget!    LIBATIONS   It’s common to have Gin, Vodka, Tequila, Bourbon, and some kind of Whiskey (Rye, Scotch, Tennessee or flavored), and Rum.   Our Picks for Libations: The Crisp Gin - The Teasmith Gin Highly Rated Vodka - Purity Vodka Connoisseur 51 Give them something to talk about - Casa Azul Organic Tequila Blanco The Spicy Ten - Henry McKenna Single Barrel BIB Bourbon   100% Proof Tennessee Whiskey - Uncle Nearest 1856   WINE   As far as wine goes, don’t let it get too complicated. Start out small and build your collection with a blend of red and white wines. Keep your eye out for Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. When it comes to wine, it may be best to start with what food you’ll be cooking.    Different wines enhance different flavors in your food. For example, if you’re looking to host parties with roasted chicken, add a rose or dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noir can also enhance your meal. If you prefer steak, Cabernet or Syrah could be better choices. Begin with the experience you have in mind and go from there. Your collection will naturally grow from there.   Find all the perfect wine pairing suggestions on our favorite search engine: Pinterest!   Our Wine Picks   Clean and Crisp Chardonnay -  Brown Estate House Of Brown Chardonnay The Vibrant Red Blend - Brown Estate Chaos Theory Red   Last but not least, if you’re looking for an alcohol free home bar, we suggest you read our blog from earlier in the year Trending: Non-Alcoholic Drinks all about non-alcoholic beverages and all the options available in that arena.     The Essential Tools:  Dwell by CM has beautiful items to come alongside and add a splash of refinement to your home bar.   Cocktail Shaker | Gold Our gold cocktail shaker is the perfect addition to any home bar! There is nothing better… except the matching Hanging Bar tools!   Hanging Bar Tools | Gold - Marble Base  Accessorize your home bar with STYLE!   Jigger Providing precise and comfortable measurement, so you can craft your perfect cocktail in a jiffy!   Cocktail Muddler | 2 Sizes Give your cocktails a raise and muddle in style.  Infusion Bottle Kit Just add one of our 1pt Infusion Blend packets (Try Pumpkin Spice!) to the infusion filter basket, pour in half a bottle (375ml) of your preferred spirit, and infuse for just 2-6 hours. No measuring, no waiting overnight (or for days). Infuse at lunch and have simple craft cocktails ready to go before dinner. The Most Important Detail Have fun with your home bar! As you see different cocktail recipes add juices, syrups, sodas and garnish. Take it as curiosity prevails and enjoy each venture with your guests. Create the most memorable experiences as you engage in good conversation and meaningful connection. 

In its origins, tea is grown in green, luscious countryside's that are rich in culture and ornate in their history. History and culture that discovered energy and nutrients in the roots of leaves. True tea comes from the tea plant, scientifically known as the Camellia Sinensis. This plant is native to the part of Southeast Asia where China’s Yunnan Province meets India’s Nagaland region as well as the northern areas of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Left alone it will grow into a tree, but cultivated tea gardens prune these trees into bushy rows that make it easier to harvest.  Tea is recognized by six categories: green, yellow, white, oolong, black and dark. The word that differentiates these categories? Polyphenolic oxidation. This process is similar to the way apple slices brown. Rishi Tea & Botanicals share that, “the art of making tea involves skillfully facilitating tea leaf oxidation, and dehydration, through a series of intricate steps to achieve a desired flavor and aroma.”  The beauty of tea is found in the experience it invites us into, the history in which it makes us a part of. We want you to know what to look for so you can have the best experience.  When we think about tea, we support small businesses that provide high quality tea leaves as well as who benefit the environment. We look into if it’s organic, fair-trade and eco-friendly. We also like to make sure it’s all natural. Tea doesn’t need to be jaded by chemicals and additives. We’re spilling the tea about tea so you have the best tea buying experience! So, let’s get into it.  Loose vs. Bagged The truth is, loose tea will always have more flavor because loose tea is made up of full leaves. A lot of times tea that comes in bags is made up of broken down, fine particles of tea leaves. This is what we call tea “dust.” A lot of your store bought tea is going to be made up of this. It isn’t bad, it’s just not going to lead to the rich flavor and full potential of what tea has to offer. We get our tea from small businesses that have both bagged and loose teas. Full leaves being drenched in boiling water have room to breathe and expand enhancing the aroma and taste. Tea bags also tend to be tighter so as you marry the tea with the water, the leaves don't have an opportunity to fully expand.  Vadham is a recognized and revolutionary brand that ships their tea directly from India. Their loose teas are made of “a variety of garden-fresh, superior quality ingredients sourced from their place of origin. Procuring these ingredients during their prime harvest periods means that (they) get the best quality which have an enhanced flavor, character, and freshness.” Research is growing as people are discovering the health benefits different teas have. When you have these fuller leaves, you also have more opportunity to reap the energy and nutrients coming from them. Tea is meant to enhance your life.  Bellocq tea has an artisan approach in the way that they craft their teas. “Even before you take a sip, a cup of tea can transport you. The aroma of leaves opened and unraveled by heat can whisk you into a heady repose, olfactory memory taking you back to the lush, moss-carpeted woods of your childhood. Or perhaps the faint, briny whisper of your first sip swings you forward to a beloved seashore. Another cup, a blend of teas more exotic to you, and you find yourself someplace dizzyingly, delightfully new. It’s this sense of wonder and discovery, and the recognition of exquisite beauty in the ordinary rituals of life, that inspired the creation of Bellocq.” They meticulously select their teas from the finest estates in China, Japan, India, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Malawi. Their focus is on exclusively full leaves sourced from high elevation gardens. Higher elevations ensure the leaves are more responsive to heat. Loose or bagged, full leaves unlock the key. Not all bagged tea is of lesser quality. It’s the quality of the leaves that define the result of the pour. It’s also best to verify the tea bags are biodegradable as well. Companies like Harney & Sons have biodegradable tea bags for both their bagged and loose teas. And their bagged tea is made up of full leaves. You get the best of both worlds!   How is tea sourced? Here’s what we look for in our tea sourcing. First, we make sure our tea is fair trade. Fair trade means that there is a fair price between those buying and selling the product. With tea, it means that ingredients are sourced from fair trade farms. It reassures that compensation is fair and wholly beneficial to everyone. Second, we ensure the tea is organic, that it comes from a good environment. Finally, we identify if it’s ethically sourced. We make sure the relationship from harvest to packaging and selling is in good favor and integrity. An incredible example of fair trade can be seen in Vadham’s approach and support of their tea farmers. As a home-grown brand, they see their farmers as a priority. They make sure that all earnings are retained in the regions they’re bought from and the farmers get a better price. Ultimately they empower their farmers for long term benefits.  Good companies can be found if you take your time to look. We find quality in the grocery store brands as well as with small businesses. Another business we adore is Teaspressa.  Teaspress is female owned and operated, and have been handcrafting their tea since January of 2015 in Phoenix, AZ. Their slogan is “C’est La Tea.” It’s about accepting that setbacks happen, but you can roll with the punches and enjoy the little moments in life. They rally around the idea that “the little moments make it all worth it, so let’s make those little moments special.” They make life special through their quality tea. Drinking tea is about so much more than pouring water over leaves. It’s a history and ritual. It’s a rich invitation for culture, and it’s a way to support those that cherish and share their culture with us. Here are some items to bring you a little closer into the nuance and beauty that tea has to offer. Shop with us: Herbal Tea | Cape Town Cape Town features a full-bodied Rooibos, chosen for its familiar healthful qualities, mild texture, rich aroma, and many-faceted taste. You can add a slice of lemon or a splash of honey to enhance this specially crafted loose-leaf tea blend. Salted Caramel | Luxe Sugar Mini A timeless blend of caramel and delicate fleur de sel, a sparkling sea salt. This sugar mini is  your classic combination of sweet and salty. Hunter Green Porcelain Tea Pot  With a built in infuser, this tea pot is ethically sourced and meets fair trade. They also give a portion of their revenue to tea farmers for their children’s education. 

You’re glowing, obviously, but is your home ready to glow just as bright? Candles are often used to create ambiance, warmth, and a pleasant scent in a room. The scent of a candle can have a significant impact on our mood and emotions, as it can evoke memories, trigger emotions, and affect our well-being. This is why we are obsessed with them! So you’re a candle connoisseur too? Welcome to the club! We’re lighting all the candles and melting all the wax to get you what you need for your next candle purchase. When it comes to the type of wax, wick, sustainability and toxicity, here’s what we’ve discovered. What are the top 3 options for wax?   We did some research and these are the top 3 choices for wax that we found. Soy Wax Coming from soybeans, soy wax has a soot free burn. It is one of the most popular waxes for candles. They have a pure smell naturally so the wax carries fragrance well. Soy wax doesn’t contain anything artificial and is non-toxic.  Our Black Girl Magic and Wood Wick Wordsmith candles are made from a Pure Black Soy wax. These candles burn slower and last longer.  Beeswax This natural option is more expensive, but worth the hype. Beeswax has its own subtle sweet scent to it. Though it can be more difficult to hold a fragrance, they have a natural yellow tint that is unique in their own. “Beeswax has a higher melting point than other waxes, it emits the brightest, most warm-toned flame,” according to Beeswax Co. which makes them burn slower and last longer as well. Coconut Wax This was the final option that we loved. This eco-friendly, vegan option is odorless on its own. Coconut wax is a safe choice for your home. It has a clean burn, has very little soot and it holds fragrance and color well. Like beeswax it is on the more expensive side, but the quality speaks for itself. Our Botanique Candles are a blend of Soy and Coconut Wax. (LINK to Botanique Candle) What about the wick? The wick is what draws the wax to the flame which causes the scent to be released into the air as the wax melts and evaporates. 100% cotton wicks are the way to go for a good clean burn. The other option would be a wooden wick. They are all-natural and burn much cleaner than wicks made up of other materials. The most important safety note is making sure you don’t choose a wick that may have a lead-core. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the import of candles that may have lead in them in the 2000s, but be careful as developing countries may still use lead in their candle wicks. Aside from materials, we also looked into if candles are better with one or more wicks. The results proved that single wick candles tend to burn slower and last longer, but they won’t fill a larger room with its fragrance as quickly as a larger candle will. It all depends on how you want to use your candle. A smaller, single wick candle is better served in a smaller room and can burn for a longer amount of time without running out.  Larger candles with multiple wicks will burn a larger diameter of wax more evenly causing its fragrance to fill a room faster. Candles with multiple wicks are better for larger rooms or big events. They won’t need to burn as long in order to fill the room with fragrance.  Our next order of business was to look into toxicity and sustainability. What makes a good candle toxic? Healthline wrote an article in 2020 that showed evidence was inconclusive about wax causing any toxins that could harm people. The European Candle Association looked at paraffin wax (which is a byproduct of petroleum) along with every major type of wax. They tested for 300 toxic chemicals. Healthline stated, “that the level of chemicals released by each type of candle was well below the amount that would cause human health problems.” If it worries you though natural options such as beeswax or soy wax are a better way to go. Overall, burning candles has the potential to release harmful chemicals in the air, but studies so far show it’s not enough to harm people. It’s best practice to burn your candles in a ventilated space, trim the wick and use candle snuggers or dip the wick in wax when you’re done. Here are five tips for a clean burn: Tip #1: Trim the wick before lighting Before lighting your candle, it's important to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This will help prevent the wick from mushrooming and causing soot to build up on the glass. It will also help your candle burn more evenly and prevent it from tunneling down the center. Tip #2: Burn your candle for the right amount of time It's important to burn your candle for the right amount of time to ensure a clean burn. The general rule of thumb is to burn your candle for one hour for every inch in diameter. So if you have a 3-inch diameter candle, you should burn it for three hours at a time. Tip #3: Keep your candle away from drafts Drafts can cause your candle to burn unevenly and produce soot. Make sure to keep your candle away from windows, doors, and air vents. If you do notice your candle producing soot, try moving it to a different location. Tip #4: Choose the right candle for your space When choosing a candle, it's important to consider the size of your space. A small candle may not provide enough fragrance for a large room, while a large candle may be overpowering in a small space. It's also important to consider the scent and the type of wax used. Tip #5: Clean your candle after each use After each use, it's important to clean your candle to remove any soot or debris. Simply use a damp cloth to wipe down the glass and remove any excess wax from the wick. So, what’s next?  Visit our Olfactory Collective! We’ve curated a wide variety of style candles for your luxury home or gift. Feeling creative or poetic? Sit back and relax with the Wooden Wick Wordsmith Candle Collection. Poetry was created for moments of lyrical genius set and lounge vibes, this is the candle you light in your studio as you write your next song or poem. Looking for a glowing experience? Our Andaluca Botanique Luxe Collection is the perfect candle that candle connoisseurs will LOVE! They are encased in a hand-cut glass beehive-inspired hexagonal matte candle vessel that will glow either a deep red or golden pink depending on the color you choose. Need a reminder that you’re worthy? The Worthy: Black Girl Magic candle is the quiet reminder that she is, you are, we are: WORTHY. Worthy of all the good things life has to give. This  signature fragrance is a sensual, uplifting blend featuring hypnotic notes of red wine married with black cherry and sultry base notes of oak and amber.

All You Need to Know about the Non-Alcoholic Drinks Revolution   Whether it’s trendy or the answer to a healthier lifestyle, it’s no question that nonalcoholic beverages are gaining in popularity. In 2020, there was even an article stating that nonalcoholic drinks were actually the “BEST.” Craft Zero challenged their readers to “be unapologetic about their well-being,” and continued to provide 20 reasons to back up their confident claim. You can look into their reasons here.   What’s available?  SPIRITS: Seedlip offers a Trio of Non-Alcoholic Spirits: Spice 94, Grove 42, and Garden 108. Spice 94 is a flavorful mix of allspice, cardamom, and citrus with a slightly bitter end. Grove plays off citrus flavors combining oranges, lemons, peel, lemongrass, and ginger for a complex flavor profile. Garden 108, made with peas and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and spearmint, is both allergen-free and zero-calorie. This trio is natural and offers high-quality Non-Alcoholic drink options.  Discover more   Ritual is highly rated by the Beverage Tasting Institute, scoring between 88-98 points, and is an excellent choice for any cocktail connoisseurs. It contains no artificial flavors, and is low-calorie and keto-friendly, not to mention hangover-free. The packaging is eco-friendly, embracing #PlasticNeutrality with CleanHub initiatives to sort and recycle plastic, in addition to partnering with Ecocart to offset their carbon footprint. Discover more     WINE: Ariel's Dealcoholized wines are produced using traditional wine-making methods in small oak barrels. Their gentle cold filtration process, which utilizes reverse osmosis, can remove up to 99.5% of the alcohol content. Their Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of black currant, cherry, blueberry, and chocolate, with soft tannins that culminate in a dry finish with less than 0.5% ABV and 52 calories per 8oz serving. Buy Here   BEER: Suntory opts out of many ingredients such as alcohol, sugar, calories, artificial flavor, and sweeteners. Crafting its bold flavor using two-row barley malt and aroma hops combined with Tennensui natural mineral water, ALL-FREE's signature beer taste is notable for its delicate flavor and lasting aftertaste. Buy Here   The market for nonalcoholic beverages is increasing. Bartenders have made space on their menus for nonalcoholic mixed drinks. Major breweries like Budweiser, Guinness, Samuel Adams (just to name a few) are supplying nonalcoholic options in liquor stores. Wineries are even taking note, along with seltzers. You can’t deny, it’s on the rise.    But is it for you? While we fully support this lifestyle choice, we also have an answer for those of you who simply enjoy the flavor of alcohol. It may not even be the burn you miss, but the “maturity in mixed flavors,” that makes you sip rather than chug. Brands are now marrying the flavor of alcohol with herbs and tasteful collaborations. If you’re curious in any way by this nonalcoholic movement, here are some articles for your perusal. 17 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks of 2023 | Reviews by Wirecutter (nytimes.com) Top 30 mocktail ideas | BBC Good Food 77 Nonalcoholic Party Drinks & Punches I Taste of Home   Nonalcoholic vs. Zero Proof Now, we do want to emphasize that there is a difference between nonalcoholic and zero-proof. Sobriety is everything, and even 1% of alcohol can be triggering, so make sure you do your homework. Nonalcoholic doesn’t always mean 0%. Take your precautions if you’re not interested in toting the line, but do enjoy once you’re 100% sure that you’re drinking 0% without trigger or temptation. But can you make craft cocktails?  Um, yeah! via Pinterest via Pinterest   There's even craft non-alcoholic BEER! Checkout this Bravus Oatmeal Stout with less than .5% ABV!    Time to Try? If nonalcoholic is the best way for you, it won’t matter if it’s a trend or here to stay. It’s really just here for you. It isn’t about restricting either way but enhancing who you want to be, and we’re here for it!   Take a look at our Home Bar Collective here. We’ve got exactly what you need to enjoy your favorite cocktails with or WITHOUT alcohol! You can make craft cocktails from the comfort of your own home. We hope you enjoy! 

We’re bringing out all the tips and tricks so you can crush Mother’s Day in 2023. Act now and get everything you need for those special mamas in your life! This year, Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 14th. We want the moms in your life to feel double, triple special this year!

Everyone has someone different on their list, but don't worry we have the Perfect Gifts you need! Just in time for Valentine's Day! FOR WRITER: Imagine writing on 250gsm organic cotton paper bound in a suede shell! This journal is available in two sizes and two colors. Complete this gift with the boxed pen set which includes two pens!  Grab this writing combo for under $50! FOR THE TEA LOVER Your Tea Lover with fall in love with the rich aromas and notes of honey found in the Cape Town herbal Tea. The Salted Caramel Sugar Cubes are the added bonus we all need!  Grab this Woody & Sweet Combo for $35! For the Fragrance Lover This 50 ml Eau de Parfum by Infinite She carries the notes of Violet Leaf + Jasmine. This is for those who love a Gift with a story to tell. Inspired = 05/1946: When the Modern Museum of Art featured its first retrospective devoted to a female artist exploring the career of Georgia O'Keefe. Grab this scent for $30 and check out the Lotion and Shea Butter Soap in this scent as well! For the Craft Cocktail Lover Fall in love with this matching Bar Essentials set! This is an excellent addition to any home bar. This gift set features premium quality bar tools handcrafted to accessorize the home with STYLE! Grab this combo today! Style Icon This combo is perfect for the fashionista we all Love! Show her you've noticed her style with this stylish combo!  Grab this stylish combo for for under $70! Art Collector Show them you've noticed their love of Art with this luxury coffee table book by Assouline. Pablo Picasso is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Picasso: The Impossible Collection is curated by the artist's granddaughter Diana Widmaier Picasso. This volume will take your art lover on a reminiscent journey beyond Cubism, and groundbreaking work like Guernica into the ART created as a whole by Picasso. Picasso: The Impossible Collection includes his sculptures, paintings, photographs, and prints representing his magnum opus. Picasso: The Impossible Collection features 100 unique works that speak to the evolution of Picasso's artistry. Shop Now!

I believe in small businesses which is why every year I make a list of those businesses I want to intentionally support. You can peek at my recommendations on Instagram Guides. Shop crafts, candles and more.   

What are Champagne Dreams made of? A sweet summer brunch, with Champagne flowing, lavish floral arrangements, girl talk, and a little bit of shade Hunny!        A girl can dream, right! Welcome back to our CUPED series where we are discussing Champagne- Let’s get into it!!                                                                       How it started: Well, Champagne's dream was all chemistry. So, it is only right that it would have its own glass! 🥂 Before YouTube and the 'Gram-- Marquise de Pompadour was a well... How do I say this nicely? Marquise de Pompadour or Madame de Pompadour was a very well-known “influencer” of sorts. Okay, she…was Louis XV - mistress, actually one of his many mistresses- okay that didn’t make it any better- on a better note, she took her role very seriously!🥴… The history books detail many reasons ways she had influence, but one, in particular, is worthy of note. Originally, Champagne was a drink associated with the poor and prostitutes. When Madame de Pompadour began serving Champagne at events, this forever changed that association. Champagne, along with its newly elevated association with wealth and power, also changed price as you could imagine. And to think it was a drink made by a double fermentation mistake. This drink is scientifically validated! The double fermentation makes millions of bubbles tickle your nose just right. However, the Champagne experience (among other things) only flourishes in a specific glass. How it's going: There has been an overwhelming shift from the traditional Champagne flute to the Tulip-shaped Champagne glass. A tulip Champagne glass has a broadened bowl that allows suitable space for the bubbles to rise. In contrast, the slender opening enables the drinker to appreciate the lovely aromatic notes.  The shape of the tulip allows the carbonation to ideally rise to the top and tickle your nose with the budding aromas! It's best held from the stem rather than the bowl to avoid warming up our carbonated friend.   So, what to look for in a glass? Well, first, it's all about aesthetics. A glass made of crystal material gives a transparent view of millions of bubbles in your glass. Add a tapering at the lip to this crystal glass, and you've got yourself an aromatic dream! The perfect size glass sits somewhere around 6 to 7 oz. However, the majority of glasses are 8 ounces. Either way, a 4 oz pour or halfway gets you the right blend of bubbles + aromatic sensation! How it's gifted: Let's talk gifting!! Here are our favorite Champagne glasses- and YES, we included traditional Champagne glasses as well! Our Top 5 Most Giftable Champagne Glasses: #1 Mark Thomas Double Bend Champagne Glass This duo is Simple & Chic! You can catch this Set Of 2 for just $120 SHOP NOW #2 Borough Tulip Champagne Glasses by LSA This Set of 4 Champagne glasses is simply perfection! SHOP NOW for just $50! #3 GOLD-RIMMED CRYSTAL CHAMPAGNE FLUTES Toast in style with this pair by Viski for just $27.99 SHOP NOW   #4 Edge Champagne Glass The Edge Champagne Glass is everything we love about Crate and Barrel! Constantly giving us a sleek modern take on glassware. This is priced just right at $12.95 each. SHOP NOW   #5“THE TEA “ PINK FLUTE by SOHome Collective In LOVE with this Black-owned and female-led brand and their glassware is EVERYTHING! Luxury + Utility SHOP NOW this set of 4 for $149.95   #6 The Dom Pérignon Champagne Glass Dom Pérignon for Riedel You know we LOVE Riedel so this pick is no surprise! We love the design of this glass. Each glass is perfectly priced at $35. SHOP NOW *Dom Perignon Brut Rose, 2006 sold separately for $349.99 BONUS!  Sparkling Wine or Champagne?  “First all, I wanna thank my connect!”... the French – not Mr. Carter… Why the French? “Champagne” is only produced in Champagne, France; if not its sparkling wine. Wines that bear the Champagne label are subject to strict regulations and being produced at vineyards located in the French region. Misuse of the label “Champagne” is currently banned in the US. Level up your glassware Gift and include a bottle of Champagne! Not sure which to gift?  No worries! Here are our French fave’s: #1 ARMAND DE BRIGNAC • Brut Gold • Ace of Spades Armand de Brignac is better known as Ace of Spades. You’ll usually find this at any award show Mr. and Mrs. Carter as they are the owners of the brand. Our French friend here comes in at a cool $329 per bottle. Body: Elegant + Medium Bodied Notes & Pairing from the Brand Tasting Notes: Peach, apricot, and red berry aromas are followed by crystalized citrus, orange blossom, and hints of brioche. The palate is rich with cherries, exotic fruits, and a touch of lemon, vanilla, and honey. The mouthfeel is soft and creamy, with a hint of toastiness, from the unique Armand de Brignac dosage which is aged for one year in French oak barrels. Ideal Pairing: Ideal as an aperitif or pairs perfectly with seared scallops, roasted quail, and freshwater fish. Giftable plus this bottle comes ready to gift in a beautiful box. #2 Krug Why Krug? Well, it’s the aged grapes, crisp yet intense taste for us! Although being sold to LMVH in 1999, the business is still run by the family. Any grapes that don’t meet their high standards don’t go in their wines, so you can be confident that you are getting the very best. The Krug Grand Cuvee comes in around $210.   Body: Dry + Full Boided Notes & Pairings from the Brand: Tasting Notes: Light golden colour and fine, vivacious bubbles, holding a promise of pleasure. Aromas of flowers in bloom, ripe, dried, and citrus fruits, as well as marzipan and gingerbread. Flavours of hazelnut, nougat, barley sugar, jellied and citrus fruits, almonds, brioche and honey. Ideal Pairing: Krug Grande Cuvée 168ème Édition lends itself to a wealth of culinary combinations, from the simplest to the most sophisticated, from an aged parmesan to turbot à la truffe. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif with Jabugo ham and mature comté or served to accompany oysters, grilled shrimps, Indian or Moroccan food, as well as desserts such as carrot cake, tarte tatin and cheesecake.   #3 Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose Champagne What’s could make Champagne better? ROSE`! Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose Champagne to be exact. According to the brand, Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose Champagne is the first known Rose Champagne. How did they make this happen? Simply it’s a blend of an aged still red wine and champagne. Catch these fresh red fruit aromas rolling in at just $69.97 Body: Expressive + Full-bodied Notes & Pairing from the Brand: Tasting Notes: Coppery-orange color. Expressive aromas of strawberry and very ripe wild strawberries. A full-bodied, structured, vinous palate that stays fresh. Length and character define this champagne. Ideal Pairings: • Tuna • Beef carpaccio • Duck • Red fruits • Tomatoes Sources: https://www.vinovest.co/blog/champagne-glasses https://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-glass-to-drink-champagne-from-is-not-a-flute-2018-2 https://www.champagne.fr/en/tasting-and-appreciation/art-of-serving-champagne/choose-glasses https://www.mumm.com/en-us/taste-explorer/choosing-the-best-glass-for-serving-champagne/ https://www.champagne.fr/en/comite-champagne/bureaus/bureaus/united-states/pages/protection-of-the-champagne-name Pricing: https://www.totalwine.com/wine/champagne-sparkling-wine/champagne/c/000162   Images: Cover Photo via Adobe Stock https://homestore.zola.com/shop/kit/crate-and-barrel-edge-collection?epik=dj0yJnU9TVpmemEtNGVhek52RVNjY2pPQjEyN05wYm5RelVXaWcmcD0wJm49eXM0YWVsQndJeEplUHp2TXRMTEd5ZyZ0PUFBQUFBR0hWSVNv https://www.modernquests.com/products/borough-tulip-champagne-glasses-set-of-4

Glassware is always a wonderful gift item. In this series we will uncover the Who, What goes in it, Why, and How it started! Here goes something.... So, a Prostitute, a Queen, a Coupe glass walk into a bar….

This just might be the greatest present you Gift this Season! The past two years have been quite stressful and unique. We went through the woes of the pandemic/post-pandemic stressors, social injustice, and life overall. Many people have had to face their fears head-on, find new ways to adjust to our new normal and find balance after these past events. Self-care has been at the forefront lately to improve our all-over well-being. So, we thought it would be a great idea to encourage others to take steps towards Self-Care with a focus on wellness. Gift those you love to speak openly, focus on their inner, add balance to their lives through talk therapy and meditation. We’re gifting inner - P E A C E this season!! In this blog, we will break down our favorite giftable wellness services. *Read our full disclaimer below: We are NOT medical professionals. We're simply here to help you gift well by providing the most up-to-date information on available gift options - we are not liable. First, Let's Talk Therapy! Get it “TALK Therapy about…” Okay nevermind- So, what is therapy? Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or simply "therapy," treats emotional distress and mental health issues. It entails studying and learning about the life choices and issues that individuals, couples, or families experience. It is delivered by a wide range of qualified specialists, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and licensed counselors. (Therapy Today)   Talk Therapy Gifting Options: Talkspace Say what! Talkspace is one of the most popular online therapy services out there, so you might have heard about it. This therapy app is excellent for anyone who needs someone to talk with, whether you're just starting or have had your fair share of difficulties in life! Their mission is to remove the stigma associated with seeking mental health care and make it more accessible to everyone. As a result, they provide their customers with instant texting and live video sessions with a professional therapist. Gifting: There are two options for gifting Talkspace: ● 30-minute live video session with a therapist for $79. This offer provides your loved one with 30 minutes of live interaction with a therapist of their choice to discuss challenges they are facing. ● Your giftee will receive Unlimited texts, videos, and messaging with a therapist (Daily responses; five days per week) per month for $260. This offer provides much more communication with the therapist. Your loved one gets to text, video, and message the therapist without limit for one month.   Betterhelp Say What! If you know Talkspace, you probably have heard about BetterHelp. They are the two top online therapeutic platforms. What Betterhelp does is that they connect their users with professional therapists or counselors from all over the world. You pick what's going on in your life, and they will find someone who specializes in those areas for you! They offer coaching and therapy sessions for stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, eating disorders, sleep disorders, parenting, anger, trauma, etc. Be informed that all BetterHelp subscriptions include unlimited counseling sessions via messaging, phone calls, or live video chat. Gifting: Betterhelp has a single gifting option where you can provide ongoing therapy for $60-90.00* per week. What’s included: All BetterHelp subscriptions include unlimited live messaging, phone calls, and video chat. You will get billed from $60 to $90 per week (billed every 4 weeks) continually as long as the recipient continues therapy or when you stop making payments. *The price depends on the length of time committed to using the service. How to cancel your plan? Go here! What's the difference between the two? How to decide between the two? The first question we would ask is, are you looking for this to be a one-time gift? Or are you comfortable with an ongoing gift? If you are looking for a way to give a one-time gift, talk space is your best option. From there, you can determine whether you believe your giftee would be word find the most value in a one-time 30-minute live session, something like a refresher restart. Or, if you want to give them more flexibility in talking therapy, you can choose the unlimited option from Talkspace. However, suppose you would like to give the gift of talk therapy, and you do not mind this being an ongoing gift. In that case, Betterhelp may be just the option for you! Your giftee will get features similar to the unlimited option on Talkspace. However, this will be a continuous service until you stop it or your giftee decides to end therapy. Also, please note this option will require cancellation. Not sure if Talk Therapy is the right gifting option? We have more! Let's Talk Meditation – No equipment NEEDED!  What is meditation? Meditation is a great way to relieve stress, anxiety, and pain. Depending on your goals, you can engage in various meditation techniques. Meditation has been shown to provide a variety of health advantages, including lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke and improving brain sharpness. It has a long history of increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being. (NCCIH) Meditation Gifting Options: The Calm App Tell me more! Have you always wondered how celebrities stay so relaxed with their ever-busy schedules? Well, some of them use Calm to achieve this feat. Calm is an online meditation and mindfulness app that offers guided meditations for sleep, anxiety, and stress relief - among other things. With this app, your giftee would find several techniques and methods to help them stay balanced throughout their day. Gifting: The Calm App offers two gifting options: One-year $69.99 or a lifetime $399.99 membership. Both give access to: ● "An original Daily Calm every day ● 100+ guided meditations covering anxiety, focus, stress, sleep, relationships, and more ● An entire library of Sleep Stories, with new stories, added every week ● Exclusive music tracks for Focus, Relaxation, and Sleep ● Life-changing Calm Masterclasses taught by world-renowned experts ● Access to all Calm Body programs.   Headspace Tell me more! If you want to give a loved one that needs meditation a gift, Headspace is a great idea. Headspace is an app that helps its users meditate. It does this by walking them through a 10-minute meditation session every time they open the app. It is a platform that offers online guided meditation to deal with mental health affairs. You can get various services from Headspace, including individual counseling sessions, group therapy, and workshops. Gifting: Headspace offers two options for gifting: Choose 1-month for $12.99 or 1-year $95.88 currently on sale for $69.99. Both plans will give you access to: ● Hundreds of guided meditations on everything from stress to focus to relationships. ● Stories, soundscapes, and music to help you sleep soundly. ● A new meditation is delivered to your phone every day. What's the difference between the two? Headspace is for beginners, people who are just starting their meditation journey. It provides the best experience, with good guided courses and terrific short meditations for on-the-go users. If your giftee is a beginner meditator, it will help them start and continue the habit. Calm provides a wealth of resources for both the newbies and the seasoned mediator. The resource bank is lively and features mediations and sleep stories, masterclasses, and music. So, which to gift? It comes down to deciding which features will best suit your giftee. Mediation with Trainer Core – might be the best device made for meditation, breath training, and heart health monitoring, says Mashable.  What is it? Core, in simple terms, is for anyone who wants to meditate right and needs some support in developing a consistent meditation habit. If you want to ensure that your giftee practice meditation the right way, Core is the right gift. So how does Core help improve a person's meditation life? Core developed a handheld meditation trainer with calming vibrations to help users focus and direct their breathing. This device works with its companion app for streaming guided meditations. This trainer is a great on-the-go device- perfect for every time and space. It will help your giftee meditate more effectively in just 10 minutes per day! However, it is essential to note that you will require the trainer to attain the goal of Core, which is to meditate effectively. Meditation with "Trainer by Core" Core x Trainer Meditation Device Say less! Core, in simple terms, is for anyone who wants to meditate right and needs some support in developing a consistent meditation habit. If you want to ensure that your giftee practice meditation the right way, Core is the right gift. So how does Core help improve a person's meditation life? Core developed a handheld meditation trainer. It uses calming vibrations to help users focus and direct their breathing. This device works with its companion app for streaming guided meditations. Users can use it at home or take it with them while traveling to ensure constant improvement in their physical well-being. It will help your giftee meditate more effectively in just 10 minutes per day! However, it is essential to note that you will require the trainer to attain the goal of Core, which is to meditate effectively. Gifting: CORE has a few gifting options available: Memberships & Trainer: ● 1-year premium membership without the trainer - $69.99: Core Premium offers your giftee access to courses taught by Core's expert instructors, which are uploaded daily to the app. It gives your giftee full access to Core's entire collection of guided lessons on topics such as better sleep, stress management, good relationships, and more. Premium customers may also listen to original soundscape compositions by new and notable artists. It is a one-time payment, so you don't have to bother about auto-renewals. Note, it won't come with the trainer. ●  Digital gift card - starting at $10: The gift card is more like giving your giftee a discount to try out Core for themselves! Once you purchase this gift card, you will receive an email with instructions for redeeming it at the time of purchase. ● Core Premium Bundle: Trainer + 1-year unlimited premium content on the app is usually $249; currently $219.00: With this option, your giftee will receive one trainer device and one-year premium content and basic meditations on the CORE app. ● One Core meditation with the trainer x Premium Bundle Pricing -$179: This option comes with the trainer but with limited access to basic meditation content on the CORE app.     Bonus: Here is a wonderful Talk Therapy Resource Black Girl Therapy An excellent resource for those seeking or curious about is Therapy for Black Girls! Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is out here doing the Lord's work!! She is a licensed psychologist in Georgia, and she founded Therapy for Black Girls in 2014. What started out as a blog morphed into a podcast and a Black Therapist directory. Overall, Therapy for Black Girls is a fantastic resource where Black Girls can go "To be seen, to be heard, and to be understood.  All the links Visit their Website, find a therapist using the Directory, Listen on Podcasts: on Apple Podcast: and Google Podcast, Follow them on Instagram, and here’s how to Support.  Shout out to the mission: “Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.” Final Thoughts It's the time of year where we all start to think about what gifts we want to give our friends and family members. Gift-giving can be difficult, but we are here to help you. *Full Disclaimer, the contents of the following blog have not been written by or evaluated by a medical professional. This website is for informational purposes only. We facts based on information available at the time of writing and are believed to be accurate according to the best discernment of the author. This content is not intended to replace, nor should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always visit a physician or other healthcare expert if you have any concerns or questions regarding your health. This blog is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Additionally, suppose you or someone you know have a mental health situation. In that case, we recommend consulting with a licensed, trained professional physician or other medical and mental health providers. The above information does not constitute medical advice. CITATIONS: “Meditation: In-Depth | NCCIH.” NCCIH, Nccih.nih.gov, https://nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation/overview.htm. “About — Therapy For Black Girls.” https://therapyforblackgirls.com/about/ “How To Cancel BetterHelp Efficiently [Pro Hacks].” DoNotPay, https://donotpay.com/learn/cancel-betterhelp Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/therapy. Photo Credit: Cover photo by Jacob Lund Photos and Research Talkspace:https://www.talkspace.com/ Betterhelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/gift/ Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/buy/gift Calm: https://www.calm.com/gift Core: https://hyperice.com/products/core-premium/ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-meditation-apps/