Sunday, December 24, 2017

10 Gifts That Give Back

Hello!  I hope everyone is having a wonderful week.  Have you finished your holiday shopping yet?  It's not too late.  Also, I've been thinking a lot about gratitude lately. I can't help but recognize how blessed I am to live the life I lead today.  I haven't experienced hunger this week, I have clean water to drink, and I have an amazing family.  I'm extremely grateful.  However, it's also for these reasons that I feel compelled to give back when I can.  I hope that you will consider shopping from this list this year.



10 Gifts That Give Back 


1. AUrate New York


AUrate New York



This year give the gift of Literacy.  This company makes beautiful modern yellow, white, and rose gold jewelry in New York.  They employ a "Book for Your Look" philosophy when it comes to giving back.  For every piece of jewelry that is purchased, they donate a book to an economically underprivileged child.  It's the ultimate gift that keeps on giving and that's always a good investment. 

2. The Giving Keys


The Giving Keys


This year give the gift of Empowerment.  This company is based in Los Angeles and employs those transitioning out of homelessness in Los Angeles to make their keys.  Did you know that Los Angeles is one of the cities with the largest population of homeless individuals in the United States? You can purchase holiday gift sets with a key and candle for your loved ones here.  If you purchase one for yourself, don't forget to pay it forward.

3. Sweet Cavanagh


Sweet Cavanagh jewelry


This year give the gift of Recovery.  You can purchase gorgeous jewelry designed and handmade in London by women recovering from eating disorders and addictions.  All profits go to Free Me, a registered charity that provides free therapy, group support, career training, and access to a registered dietitian.  These proceeds can help give these women access to resources they desperately need, but may not be able to afford.

4. Bloom and Give


Bloom and Give


This year give the gift of Education.  This company donates 50% of the profits from handmade scarves and bags to support education for girls in India.  This model is based on the premise that education is the most effective way to fight poverty and gender inequality for generations to come.

5. One Hope Wine




This year help Support Our Troops. The Support Our Troops Gift Box contains One Hope Zinfandel, and a special Italian silk David Fin tie with camouflage lining.  With every six gift boxes purchased you will be providing a veteran a chance to continue serving through disaster relief.  Each tie helps a veteran get a job through the Hiring Our Heroes initiative.  It's a great gift for an awesome boss or colleague.

6. Bird and Stone


Bird and Stone

This year give the gift of  Inspiring Women to become Independent Entrepreneurs.  This company helps teach single and widowed women in Kenya about business, agriculture, and accounting to help lift themselves out of poverty and make a living though starting their own businesses.  This dainty jewelry is so pretty, you'll want to give it to all the special people in your circle.

7. Bombas Socks


Bombas Socks



This year give the gift of Warm and Comfortable Feet with Socks built with Innovative Technology.  Did you know that socks are the most requested item in homeless shelters? This company donates one pair of their socks for every pair sold to a homeless person in need.  You can never have too many socks, especially unique ones like these.

8. SoapBox Soaps


SoapBox Soaps


This year give the gift of Hope, Soap, and Clean Water.  Soap=Hope  By purchasing one bar of soap, this swell little gift will give clean water to someone in need and will help teach individuals about hygienic practices through hand washing to help save lives.  We can always use a little more soap our lives.

9. Warby Parker


Warby Parker sunglasses


This year, give the gift of  Seeing Better.  Warby Parker gives one pair of glasses to a person in need for every pair that is sold.  They offer prescription, reading, and sunglasses.  What could be better than helping someone else see the world better!

10. Alex and Ani- Charity By Design Collection



Alex and Ani bracelet

This year give the gift of Empowerment, Love, and Community.  Alex and Ani donates 20% of each bangle purchased to various organizations during the holiday season.  With so many beautiful bangles and charms to choose from, you will have a hard time deciding on just one.


I hope you enjoyed this post.  What are you grateful for this year?












Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Unique Handmade Vintage and Victorian Ornaments By Sparkle Deluxe

Hello and happy Wednesday to you:)  It's that time of year again when many of us are looking forward to our annual Christmas tradition of adding to our unique ornament collection.  To this day, I still remember the first ornament I was given when I was a child, how about you?  Several years ago, I remember starting off my Christopher Radko collection, but every year someone would break one. Now, I use generic ornaments, but I still have a great appreciation for unique handmade pieces like the ornaments I'm showing you today.  

My friend Laurie Horner is the artist behind the Etsy shop Sparkle Deluxe This is one place where you'll find truly unique, quality, handmade ornaments that can be found nowhere else!  She  even creates customized designs for her clients.  One day we met up for lunch and I was able to see these lovely ornaments up close.  I can tell you that each piece is made with immaculate attention to detail.  Her cup of creativity is overflowing as seen in these unique vintage and Victorian ornaments.  

Magical Enchanted Forest Lantern (Blue) Lan3 Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe Etsy

Magical Enchanted Forest Lantern


Magical Enchanted Forest Lantern (Blue) Lan3 Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe Etsy

Magical Enchanted Forest Lantern


Magical Enchanted Forest Lantern (Blue) Lan3 Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe Etsy

Magical Enchanted Forest Lantern


Magical Enchanted Forest Lantern (Blue) Lan3 Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe Etsy

Magical Enchanted Forest Lantern


Magical Enchanted Forest Lantern (Blue) Lan3 Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe Etsy

Magical Enchanted Forest Lantern


Victorian ornaments, Vintage Christmas Ornament, Victorian Angel Ornament, Handmade Christmas Ornament, Unique Ornaments, Hot air balloon Sparkle Deluxe Laurie Horner

Vintage Victorian Hot Air Balloon Ornament


Victorian ornaments, Vintage Christmas Ornament, Victorian Angel Ornament, Handmade Christmas Ornament, Unique Ornaments, Hot air balloon Sparkle Deluxe Laurie Horner

Vintage Victorian Hot Air Balloon Ornament


Mercury Glass Christmas Ornament, Handmade Christmas Ornament, Victorian Style Angel, Hot Air Balloon Ornament,Vintage Christmas Ornament Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe
Mercury Glass Vintage Victorian Christmas Ornament

Handmade Victorian Christmas Tree Ornaments, Victorian Angel Ornaments, Victorian Bell Ornaments,One-of-a-kind Christmas, Glass ornament Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe

Victorian Christmas Angel Tree Bell Ornaments


Mercury Glass Christmas Ornament, Handmade Christmas Ornament, Victorian Style Angel, Hot Air Balloon Ornament,Vintage Christmas Ornament Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe
Mercury Glass Vintage Victorian Christmas Ornament

Sparkle Deluxe Laurie Horner Unique Christmas Gift, One of a kind Christmas Ornament, Victorian Angel Hot Air Balloon Ornament, Victorian Decor, Glass ornaments

Victorian Rose Angel Hot Air Balloon Ornament


Sparkle Deluxe Laurie Horner Unique Christmas Gift, One of a kind Christmas Ornament, Victorian Angel Hot Air Balloon Ornament, Victorian Decor, Glass ornaments

Victorian Rose Angel Hot Air Balloon Ornament


Birthday lamb, Birthday sheep, Baby Gift, Baby Decor, Lamb decor, baby shower lamb, nursery lamb, first birthday, baby gift, newborn gift Sparkle Deluxe Laurie Horner
Lamb Ornament 



Sparkle Deluxe Laurie Horner Birthday lamb, Birthday sheep, Baby Gift, Baby Decor, Lamb decor, baby shower lamb, nursery lamb, first birthday, baby gift, newborn gift
Lamb Ornament 

Handmade Christmas Tree Ornament, Santa in Airplane, Vintage Style Christmas Ornament, Santa Claus Airplane Ornament, One of a kind ornament Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe
Santa Claus Airplane Ornament

Handmade Christmas Tree Ornament, Santa in Airplane, Vintage Style Christmas Ornament, Santa Claus Airplane Ornament, One of a kind ornament Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe
Santa Claus Airplane Ornament

Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe Stunning Boxed Set Mercury Glass Christmas Ornaments Santas in Hot Air Balloons
Vintage Santa Ornaments in Hot Air Balloons

Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe Stunning Boxed Set Mercury Glass Christmas Ornaments Santas in Hot Air Balloons
Vintage Santa Ornaments in Hot Air Balloons

Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe Stunning Boxed Set Mercury Glass Christmas Ornaments Santas in Hot Air Balloons
Vintage Santa Ornaments in Hot Air Balloons

Laurie Horner Sparkle Deluxe Stunning Boxed Set Mercury Glass Christmas Ornaments Santas in Hot Air Balloons
Vintage Santa Ornaments in Hot Air Balloons

I hope you enjoyed these wonderful ornaments and I want to wish you a fantastic holiday season!   

If you'd like to see more handmade ornaments by Laurie, check out her Etsy shop here: Sparkle Deluxe

What type of ornaments do you have hanging on your tree?

What is your favorite piece?  

*This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own and I was not paid for a positive review.




Sunday, December 10, 2017

My Favorite Product From SkinCeuticals

Joanna Joy SkinCeuticals skin care products Runaway The Label Banana Republic faux emerald green suede vest dress A Stylish Love Story fashion blog fashion blogger California fashion blogger style Ralph Lauren rhinestone and satin heels highly embellished jewelry petite blogger


Hair: Drybar
Makeup: Nora Frislie

Hello!  How was your weekend?  I hope you are having a fantastic week:)

Recently, I attended a SkinCeuticals event in Newport Beach, California and I wore one of my new favorite emerald green faux suede vest dresses from Runaway The Label.  I love this dress because you can dress it up or down if you'd like, and it's pretty versatile as a dress or a vest over trousers.  My black satin and rhinestone sparkly heels are from Ralph Lauren.  These heels were not only stunning, but surprising comfortable as well.  They were great heels to mingle in for a few hours at this event.  This highly embellished Natasha headband is from Saks Fifth Avenue, and my 1920's style fringe necklace is from a small boutique called Ribbons in Redondo Beach. Ribbons is a lovely little boutique to shop at if you'd like to support a small business during the holiday season.  The bracelet I'm wearing is from Banana Republic and I believe I remember picking it up around this time a few years ago.  I really enjoyed talking with the SkinCeuticals representative there because she was very friendly and knowledgeable about the products and how they work.


SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum Joanna Joy A Stylish Love Story lifestyle blog fashion blogger California fashion blogger
Why is this one of my favorite products?  CE Ferulic serum from SkinCeuticals is one of my favorite skin care products because I can instantly see the difference in my skin immediately after I use it.  It brightens your skin after you put it on.  It also neutralizes free radicals and improves signs of photodamage.  This is definitely one product I can't live without.

What is your favorite skin care serum? Have you ever tried the CE Ferulic serum from SkinCeuticals?

I'd love to hear your responses in the comments below...


*This is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own.  I was not paid for a positive review.



Sunday, December 3, 2017

Finance and Fall Fashion Interview with Gillian Giorgio

Hello! Today, I want to introduce you to my financially savvy friend Gillian Giorgio.  We attended an event a while back and instantly connected.  She’s the woman I go to when I want to get an opinion on some of my future purchases like handsome handbags, wonderful winter coats, and beautiful boots.  This is why becoming financially literate is so important.  When purchasing these types of items for fall, I prefer to look at things from an investment approach. 



Hi Gillian! Thank you for being a guest on the blog today to speak with me about finance and fashion.

It’s a pleasure to be here with you Joanna! I am grateful to be able to share some time with your fashion forward and loyal readers.

Why is financial literacy an important topic in regards to making purchases?

It is important to make purchases in a smart way with a long-term view of how you will be able to utilize these items now and in the future.  Therefore, thinking about how to wisely use your money will make a difference for you.  You may even find that some vintage or classic pieces could gain value if you take care of them well.  As you exchange your money for pieces that you want to make a statement, the choices you make can affect your financial bottom line now as well as later. 

Photo By: Franz Swantko
How can your understanding of financial literacy affect your future?

That’s a great question!  When you are more financially literate, you understand the principles of saving and how debt is so expensive.  It’s better to save up for what you really want, instead of charging on your credit cards and dealing with lots of interest.  Also, when saving money, you want to look at the interest you are earning, so you can grow more money.  I always joke about how I want to have as many ‘piles’ (of money) as possible in different places.  Financial literacy helps you know where the best places are for you.

Photo By: Franz Swantko
If I wanted to invest in a pricey item for fall, what would you suggest I look for when making a purchase like this?

The items you choose will always be a personal decision, but I can give you some idea of a strategy.  There are certain things each person will want to spend more on and some they are willing to take a less expensive alternative.  It’s important for you to decide which pieces you want high quality and which you can do without; therefore, you can put your money to work for you a little better in line with your fashion philosophy. 

Photo By: Joanna Joy

How would you suggest I budget and prepare for an investment purchase?

Of course, each person’s budget will be different and it’s tough to give an answer appropriate for everyone.  Start by taking an objective look at what you make, what you have saved and the pieces that are absolute ‘must haves.’  Review them and ask yourself, ‘will this purchase I make now make a difference for me in 6 months to 1 year?’ or ‘Is this an item I must have immediately, or can it wait?’ Occasionally, you may find a something that may never come again; those are times when you have to weigh out the pros and cons.

Photo By: Franz Swantko

When you teach your daughters about financial literacy in relation to making purchases, what advice are you going to give them?

My daughters are two of the most amazing little girls who make me so grateful and remind me to have fun in life.  My mindset about money will shape the way they look at it, so I make it a point to discuss basic ideas openly with them (even though they are 3 and 6 years old!).  A good rule of thumb that I use when I’m speaking to older kids and some adults is to separate your income into 5 different buckets: Give (charity/tithing), Wealth (long-term saving for the future), Education (something for learning), Want (fashion items, games, toys), and FUN (Blow it on Whatever You Want!).  These sound like simple ideas, but when we utilize these ideas and an emergency comes up (which they always do), and we must wipe out all our savings, at least we know how to start again. 

Thank You Gillian!  This was such a helpful and informative post.  Thank you for sharing this with me and my readers. 

Please feel free to follow Gillian Giorgio’s show GGInspire on:

Facebook: Gillian Giorgio
Instagram: gginspire
LinkedIn: Gillian Giorgio