ÁMEZING NEWS #12: ÁMEZING GIFTS & EXPERIENCES
Check our very first holiday gift guide!
ÁMEZING UPDATES
My feelings of gratitude as I write this are in a different place. I am grateful to wake up. I am grateful for my breath, mobility, my brain, and my heart.
Of course, I am grateful for all of you who read this and my ability to thrive as a small, independent business owner. This year had plenty of challenges, but I kept thinking about existence, the human condition and connection, resilience and love.
As a practitioner, I get to interact with so many of you, especially as we finish this year, and I’m sensing the need for all of us to take care of ourselves. That is the reminder I want to send collectively.
The seasons have certainly changed. The weather is cooling and the winter is coming. This is the time for REST.
I like to think of this time as a creativity incubator – do all of the simple things…. Read, write, paint, dance, meditate, walk, sweat, and move. Let imagination and creativity lead you to a different path…destination…maybe even career. Allow retreat and change. Allow yourself space to enjoy your own energy as the world seems to speed up around you.
For strong immunity this winter, cover and protect the neck and feet and avoid leaving the house with wet hair. BE WELL!
My bookings are closed for the rest of the year! The studio will be closed from the 26th to the 19th of January. THANK YOU is simply not enough. SEE YOU IN 2024!
ÁMEZING GIFTS: 2023
With Hanukkah fast approaching and Christmas just around the corner, ‘tis the season for holiday gifting.
First things first! We will not be offering Ámezing gift cards this year. Thank you for your continued patience as we rework our back end to make booking more effective. Ámez Skin will enter a whole new era come 2024. EXPANSION!
For those of you looking for the easiest shopping experience possible, check out THE PERFECT GIFT LIST on my ShopMyShelf. This list of products is available all year long to help you find gifts in an instant – just pop things directly into your cart. From my favorite luxe handwash (Byredo’s Vetyver) and the best body wash at Target (Naturium’s The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash) to my fave hair dryer (Dyson’s Supersonic) and oil diffuser (Vitruvi’s Stone Essential Oil Diffuser), there’s something for everyone…
Below you will find a list of recommendations curated for the holidays, organized by category or kind of gift….from beauty and books to food and clothes!
BEAUTY AND WELLNESS BRANDS
The lines I love and the beauty stuff I always gift! You can never go wrong giving a skincare or makeup person skincare or makeup…right?
KLUR
I consider this a PERFECT line of products. You heard me. PERFECT. Formulated by a fellow esthetician, KLUR’S Stellar Restoration Corrective Complex (a retinol serum) and the Sculpture + A Overnight Enrichment Cream (with retinol, peptides, and 19 anti-inflammatory botanical actives) are amazing. These are confident and effective formulas that feel amazing and yield results. Cannot recommend enough!
Suratt
This brand is all about the eyelash curler for me! I have the straightest lashes in the world… actually. I have done lash lifts (they do okay with that) and lash extensions, tried every mascara on the planet…nothing has been amazing. My world changed when I was like, whatever, let me just try this. Best curler! MY LASHES NOW CURL. Maybe it’s magic, maybe it’s Surratt.
KS&Co
I love these brow products! I have turned so many friends on to them too. I use the tinted brow gel in dark brown. If you want extra hold, I love the clear gel as well. I even have new eyebrow hair growth!
Santa Maria Novella
This is my go-to spot for small, beautiful gifts. The whole range is absolutely beautiful and the branding and packaging is a beauty industry blueprint. It’s so special. I love gifting a Melograno Soap or a Tobacco Toscano Candle. I gave Tierney the Rosa Gardenia wax tablets for her birthday last year. You slip them in your drawer or luggage to beautifully bestow a scent upon your clothes. It’s been almost a year and her clothes still smell amazing! You can visit their store on Melrose Place.
Zizia Botanicals
What can I say about Zizia? Made with love by my friend Abbe! Along with skin and body care, you can find incredible tinctures suited to specific needs. It’s all very intentional and rooted in plant medicine. I love the digest tincture and the VIPER BALM for a natural lip plumper. Wear it with a little liner and that's all you need. I love and will always love the idea of lip plumpers…everyone remembers LIP VENOM, don’t you?!
Saie Beauty
Well, it’s been a year of SAIE for me and well I hope for you too! If you’re looking for a clean beauty product that combines makeup and skincare, look no further. I cannot recommend the Dew Blushes, Glowy Super Gel, and the Slip Tint (which serves as my overall foundation and the best news is that it’s mineral SPF) enough! Also, all of the new Glossybounce lip oils. ENJOY!
Lesse Official
It all started with the ritual serum for me and of course, Lesse made a stand-out mineral-based Spf and a delicious facial hydrator. Check out the full range.
Omayma Skin
I met Omayma at an event at STRIIKE in West Hollywood and felt an immediate connection. Primarily a makeup artist, Omayma pays homage to her Egyptian culture through specific ingredients in her Rejuvenation Oasis Serum. North African botanicals restore the skin and increase its radiance.
Shop at Duchess
For anyone in upstate New York this holiday season, Duchess is a literal gift emporium. Stop by for a beautiful curation of clean makeup, body care, home care, and, of course, skincare. This is where I did my residency in September! I’ll be back in the new year!
LYMA Laser
I’m not taking any more LYMA Laser orders this year, but if you want to gift someone the most powerful at-home laser on the planet, LYMA is for you! Order yours at Duchess or find them at STRIIKE!
SUPERSTAR SERVICE PROVIDERS
Gifting a session with a gifted healer is a great move. Whether we’re talking acupuncture or astrology, just make sure it’s something they already love or have wanted to try!
Day Acupuncture
Friend, colleague, one of my many therapists… you may remember Rachel Day from our interview with her a couple of months ago! I call Rachel my in-house doctor since we share studio space…lucky me! Book a session with her at POKE Acupuncture or my studio. Or buy a Day Acupuncture gift card! Love you, Rachel! Our conversations are ones that I will always cherish.
Tori Lark Acupuncture
I had a freak surgery in peak pandemic in 2020 and Tori was one of the practitioners who brought me back into my body. She is incredibly knowledgeable, and intentional. I consider Tori to be one of my doctors! She has helped me work through many chronic issues successfully. And always reminds me it’s all MIND-BODY CONNECTION. Book an appointment or email Tori here.
Kyle Miller
The only person in the world who has made me feel comfortable in a yoga environment! Because of Kyle’s approach and perfect humor, I have a yoga practice now. She offers $10 drop-in classes on Zoom every Monday. She also teaches virtually on SKYTING TV out of NY, or you can check out her IRL classes in LA (at Silver Springs, Empowered Yoga, and more!)
While we’re here, SKYTING is amazing. Created by Krissy Jones. Kyle and Krissy teach in the Katonah style and lead incredible retreats together – all of which would make a fantastic gift! I attended one in Tuscany, which was incredible. In 2024, they’ll be in Oaxaca, Peru, Morocco, Greece, and Portugal!
Lyssandra Guerra – Holistic Nutritionist
I met Lyssandra a few years ago! She came in for a facial and I was interested in her story and background. Her practice focuses on menstrual and gut health and she has an incredible Substack! Subscribe! Check out her practice here.
RESTAURANTS
Getting together over food and drinks is one of the most enjoyable parts of this season! Whether you’re bringing friends or family out to eat or buying treats, sweets, and restaurant gift cards, edible gifts are always good. Cooking for someone is a gift too!
Grá
For gluten-intolerant or gluten-sensitive people, Gra is the best pizza in LA right now. Nestled right between Echo Park and Filipinotown, Gra guarantees incredible pizza, a beautiful selection of natural wines, and live vinyl DJ sets. I even threw my birthday/studio launch party here! Follow Grá here or stop in Wednesday – Sunday.
Osteria Mozza
This is a special one for Tierney and me! So no biggie that we know the executive chef…shoutout Kirby Shaw! 😝 This is a classic LA restaurant. Everything is great, but I can’t help but think about the Riccota and Egg Raviolo. Drooling as I type this, literally…. Love this as a family spot or a place for the perfect date night, especially this time of year. It’s just the right mix of fancy and cozy. Make reservations today or purchase a gift card here!
Giovanni's Tiramisu
I was so lucky to receive this as a birthday gift from Tierney one year! The best tiramisu in LA…or at least one of the very best. Handmade by Giovanni Bolla, an Italian chef in his seventies, these tiramisus are delivered right to your door throughout Los Angeles (including the San Fernando Valley). You can purchase half or full sheets and the gluten-free variety is just as good as the traditional! Order 48 hours in advance to schedule a delivery. Have one on hand for guests and gatherings or send one straight to a friend’s house for a sweet surprise. Order your tiramisu or purchase a gift card here. You can grab cannolis and other treats, like access to a virtual tiramisu cooking class, too!
Villas Tacos
Where guac is NEVER extra! Now in the corner of a little strip mall in Highland Park, Villas Tacos is a new favorite in my household. Aside from the menu being perfect in my eyes, the cucumber agua fresca is a TOP BEVERAGE. Nixtamalized blue corn tortillas are pressed to order and filled with everything from chicken thighs and skirt steak to black beans and cactus salad). (Nixtamalization is an ancient process that makes the corn softer and more nutritious.) Buy a gift card here.
CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES
Fabulous things to dress yourself and your loved ones in…
Maimoun
On 3rd street! Mina’s eye and curation for new, diverse independent designers is something I admire. The new Maimoun store is on 3rd Street and the storefront speaks for itself. Get your holiday fits and beyond here.
Eòlas
The designer Colin McNair and his clothing are something to be celebrated. Eòlas makes sweaters and scarves for all genders using upcycled and recycled cashmere, cotton, wool, and polyester. He only uses recycled or organic materials to create some of the most stunning and colorful knitwear ever. You may have seen some custom Eòlas sweaters in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla (all of the schoolgirl sweaters Cailee Spaeny wears as Priscilla in the first part of the film). Eolas is a Gaelic word for knowledge or information; I love the brand’s spirit of sustainable luxury. A cozy gift anyone would love.
Small Talk Studios
Known for their custom hand-painted garments, these two made my favorite jacket of the season. Check out their new collection here. Nick and Phil took me to the beach for the first time in New York, making our shoot a stand out of the year for me.
Maggi Simpkins
One-of-a-kind jewelry! Gift someone their new favorite talisman, made of fine precious stones and minerals. Buy a bauble for your significant other or BFF and express your deepest, heartfelt love!
Gil Rodriguez
For the best fits, chicest colors, and most flattering silhouettes, Gil Rodriguez is the one. You can explore the women’s wear, unisex, and children’s collections here. Or visit the gorgeous storefront off Fountain in LA.
Tiana Marie Combes
Jewelry! Tiana’s pieces are strong, intentional, and just as wonderful for every day as they are for special occasions. Think anklets, signets, and gold and silver chains. Uncomplicated but artisan-made. I had the pleasure of working with Tiana earlier this year and was inspired by her creative process. Check it out here.
CULTURE
Books, magazines, etc…Plus experiential gifts that will make a lasting impression! While tickets to specific events can be Ámezing, gifting someone you love a membership or recurring subscription guarantees they can enjoy an amazing experience multiple times.
Everywhere You Go There You Are by Shaniqwa Jarvis – Book
Shanqiwa’s show at Control Gallery was a summer highlight for me. This is the corresponding show catalog. Jarvis shares a body of work filled with nostalgia and self-connection. Order here.
Eyeliner: A Cultural History by Zahra Hankir – Book
Can’t wait to read this! A deeply reported history of eyeliner and its significance across vastly different cultures. Order here. There’s a free excerpt available from the audiobook too!
Skylight Books – Books
My favorite local bookstore! Many of you are probably customers of this Los Feliz staple. Buy a book or send a gift card! They also offer free gift wrapping in-store and online! Read their tips for holiday shopping to learn about ordering out-of-stock books, meeting holiday shipping deadlines, and more.
Academy Museum – Membership
Have you been to the Academy Museum yet? It’s a beautiful space with a cute cafe, restaurant, and gift store. Of course, the exhibitions and screenings are the real reason to come here. Whether it’s Agnès Varda, Pedro Almodóvar, or John Waters, the museum hosts large-scale exhibitions celebrating the best filmmakers in the world. Their “Regeneration” exhibition exploring the history of Black Cinema was a highlight! Members receive complimentary general admission for one year, invitations to special events and screenings, and expedited check-in. You can gift someone an individual or group membership here.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens – Membership
Such a gorgeous oasis. Huge too, so there’s always something new to discover in the gardens! Let alone the permanent art collection, special exhibits, cafe, and tea house. Membership allows for free entry for two people who live in the same household, as well as all of their children and grandchildren, and allows for visits without reservations Monday – Thursday. Gift one here.
The Paper Rabbit – Personalization, Kids
I grew up visiting this cute store in Montrose; Tierney did too! It’s the perfect place to shop for kids in your life (and a great place to bring them too, but that requires more planning!). The Paper Rabbit is a personalization boutique where you pick out items to purchase, then a type of writing and doodling you love, based on the recipient’s favorite colors, hobbies, patterns, etc. Then a Paper Rabbit artist creates your custom item. Think jewelry boxes and pencil cases, ornaments, coffee mugs, and more. The big “caboodles” are perfect for storing art supplies and makeup. Everything is done by hand, with no stencils or stickers.
You can also purchase classes where the artists teach you how to write and draw like them. Tierney still wants a Paper Rabbit birthday party where everyone comes in and customizes items together! Healing inner child vibes! You can book a private party there or have them come to you for a party “to go.”
Disneyland – Annual Pass
These can be pricey and weirdly tricky to snag because it’s Disneyland… but if you happen to be a Southern California resident then it’s a good deal considering how expensive just one day ticket is. It’s the happiest place on earth! And somewhere I love escaping into to decompress every now and then.
That’s all for this year’s list! Tell me what you think of it in the comments. And feel free to share wherever you like posting!
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