It’s that time of the year! While This holiday season may look different from years past, all the more reason to celebrate those near and dear with a carefully chosen gift. If 2020 has proven anything, it’s never take being around those you love for granted. a gift can show the most important people in your life that you’re thinking of them. No matter the size or budget, a simple gift can mean the world — so I’ve curated a special guide to help.

Gift Guide For Her

The best gifts for women—as with the best gifts for most people—are the perfect combination of unique and thoughtful. You want to get the women in your life items that feel personal, but not useless. Each person has their own unique style and taste, and maybe only you may know exactly what she would love. However, if you feel stumped, focus on something she could really use daily. Here are some ideas!

Shop Gifts for Her Below:

Gift Guide For Him

Finding the perfect gift for the men in your life isn't easy, especially if they already buy themselves what they want. Before settling any gift, take some time to really think about what the guy you're shopping for doesn’t know HE NEEDS. This list of gifts, can take care of any guy on your shopping list. You can never go wrong with the classics, but some unique personalized gifts may be fun.

Shop Gifts for Him below:

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Gift Guide For Parents + In-laws

Beyond giving you life, your parents have given you a whole lot over the years. And this year has been a particularly weird one. Maybe you moved back in with them for a portion of the pandemic. Maybe you haven’t seen them in person for far too many months, and this'll be the one week you get to hang out with them outside FaceTime. Maybe you're spending the holidays without them for the first time ever. Either way, your parents deserve an extra special gift this holiday season. And if you’re married or dating, so do your in-laws!

Shop Gifts for Parents below:

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Gift Guide For Your Sister / besties / homeowners / pet parents

Is there anyone harder to shop for than the sister or friends who always seems to have the latest and greatest? Instead of trying to get your hands on a limited edition drop before they do, turn instead to a singular keepsake. Catered to either a gift meant only for a sister, a new addition to your friend’s home, or that one friend who loves their pet like a child!

Shop Gifts for Sisters + Friends below:

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Shop Gifts Under $30 below:

BadGalRiri (aka Rihanna) said it best — “you gon get wrinkles if you think spf is seasonal!” — As temperatures begin to dip and we get closer to that early winter sunset time, my first impulse has always been to put away the spf creams.

Little did I know, protecting my skin against UV damage is a 24/7/365 commitment. While there are less direct UV rays in the winter, there is significant reflection of these rays which can still easily cause sunburn. Even if you don't get burned, the UV rays are still at work causing wrinkles and aging the skin. Whether it’s coming from the office window (or WFH one) or snowy days on the ski slopes, the sun exposure has a cumulative effect on our skin. So, with that said, I’ve always chosen some spf in my daily moisturizer but its limited my preferred moisturizers, then I found an spf spray I now love.

iNTRODUCING YOUR SPF FRIEND

Habit Skin — the spf accessory you need.

The Habit Skin N.41 Mister spray has become a staple in my morning routine. It’s small enough to carry in my purse and take to the beach or apple-picking. Super ideal during quarantine to take on quick errands or for some touch ups — it’s a great new habit. But the best part is no longer having to clean up after apply sunscreen creams, or have a white cast over my face.

The smell is refreshing, it’s a mix of lavender and rosemary scents, making the morning spray a soothing experience.

essentials for good skin: sleep, water, & spf

It’s a beautiful non-greasy texture and sinks into the skin smoothly and easily. It’s a spritz, spritz spray (even over makeup) and I’m ready to go!

USE CODE - NORITAGHARIB4HABIT - for $10 off

Friends Don’t Let Friends Get Wrinkles — Habit Skin

Falling in love with Fall

…Summer 2020 has come and gone, and to be honest I spent most of it indoors.

Of course, COVID has certainly changed, derailed and/or indefinitely paused all of our bucket lists at the moment, but I like to think this summer taught me a few things. First: I needed the opportunity to really slow down. I was burnt out from my pace pre-COVID and didn’t really realize it until I was forced to sit with my own thoughts. And secondly, as I’m sure many of you have realized as well, there’s so much joy to be had right here in our very own backyards. I’ve shifted my perspective greatly this year to really value the time I do spend with close friends, to make those evenings in with my family and ultimately focus on what we can do, as opposed to fixating over what we can’t do at the moment. And it’s made all the difference.

With that said, I would like to be a little more proactive on planning activities for fall! Even just at-home ideas, because personally, I love to check some things off my list!

• Apple picking with the family

• Have a road trip

• Watch an old scary movie

• Weekend cabin getaway with hot cocoa

• Drink apple cider

• An autumn day in Central Park

• Buy fall candles

• Visit a winery/brewery

• Make smores & backyard campfire

• Get a new planner for 2021

What is CBD

A couple years ago when my mom was sick, I looked into alternate solutions for pain. I was no stranger to marijuana but never knew the chemical breakdown of its two main compounds: CBD (which stands for cannabidiod) and THC (the other crucial compound in hemp and marijuana plants). CBD, unlike THC, does not produce the psychoactive effects that make you feel "high"; instead, studies have shown CBD reduces pain and anxiety. While the science behind CBD's effectiveness for treating anxiety, pain, and insomnia is still in its infancy, I saw with my own eyes how it helped my mom’s pain relief.

My First Impression

That was four years ago, CBD is not new to me, butI I’ve never consistently tried CBD products. So when My Qwin reached out, it inspired me to finally test out CBD oil myself. The Soul Hydration drops are three drops: morning / mid-day / night. Knowing that the oil had helped people with sleep issues, I squeezed one full dropper Grandaddy Mango (the night one). Dropped the oil under my tongue, per the instructions, and went to bed — what surprised me was drifting off to sleep and not feeling it kick in. I never felt "high" in any way — there was never a moment of “it's kicking in”. The next morning, no headache (which is how I usually wake up). I figured it could just be a coincidence. Considering it takes time, consistency, and the right dosage to experience the full effect, I continued taking the oil drops each day for the next month (Aug 2020). Here's what went down.

More Focused On Work

I was more focused on the work I needed to do. Some may notice through my Instagram stories, I’m always up to something. I work well under pressure and I keep myself busy, but being extremely busy takes a toll at times. Almost to the point where I can become unproductive — I am easily distracted by the different tasks on my to-do list. To be honest, I was a little worried to take drops in the morning, uncertain how I would react during “work” hours. In reality, it just helped me focused on one task at a time, I think this is partly related to lessened anxiety. I felt calm and clear, reminding myself that I don’t need to tackle everything at once. Sure enough, that first week I’d read “Smile :) Today Is Gonna Be Awesome” on the bottle and tackle the day. Crossing off 90% of my daily to-do list without feeling frazzled.

I'm Falling Asleep Faster

I assume this is also a side effect of feeling less anxious… did I mention how I’m always up to something? (lol) My mind likes to take “bedtime” as time to think of 101 things and ideas. I started taking the granddaddy mango around 20-30 minutes before I planned to sleep, and by the time I get to bed, I’d drift off to sleep. It would normally take me 45 minutes to one hour (or longer) to fall asleep. There were still some nights where my mind wanders into thought, but it never felt stressful.

Clearer Skin

I’ll be honest, I can’t say there’s been ONE cure for my clearer skin — it’s been a whole lifestyle change. There are numerous factors I’ve changed that have helped my skin (and it’s not perfect!). The skincare products I use matter 100% but so does my eating habits, water intake, and natural remedies. Some research shows that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory benefits when applied to skin, not sure if it differs if ingesting, but I have oily skin. This past month I haven’t had issues with my skin, whether it’s the anti-inflammatory properties or the fact that I’m sleeping better or less anxious (could be all of the above!). All I know is it hasn’t hurt and my skin has been happy.

An Alternative Substance

It’s not news to me that CBD, and Cannabis in general, is great for treating pain. I’ve known that for years. According to studies, the human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in regulating a variety of functions including sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response. CBD has natural properties, which impacts the endocannabinoid system by simply inhibiting endocannabinoid signaling (the enzyme that breaks it down), which increases the body’s natural efforts towards wellness. It’s also non-addictive, which makes it the perfect alternative to pharmaceutical drugs — which has a number of side effects (drowsiness, insomnia, headaches) and can lead to possible substance abuse.

Which brings me to anxiety and depression, two very real mental health disorders that impacts so many of our well-beings — usually treated with pharmaceuticals. The same endocannabinoid system also releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates moods.

Final Thoughts

Personally, I don’t like relying on anything to help me (either sleep, de-stress, or energize) but I admit there are times when it really helps. In moments where I feel clarity or relaxation, it’s easier for me to breakdown the causes of my stress and realize they’re not as big as I thought. There is no one single cure, but little by little, it’s possible to have an overall mentality change to better handle anxiety, stress, etc… I may not have needed CBD drops every day, but it’s a great alternative. When it comes to pain or sleep medication, if possible, I’d take CBD over pharmaceuticals any day. If I need energy in the morning, I’d reach for my drops and a cup of water over coffee. I can’t speak on my experience this month, but I remember when my mom would struggle with cancer symptoms, CBD (and THC no lie) helped alleviate her pain, especially her nausea.  Just like most of us may have Tylenol in the cupboard, it’s great to have these drops in your house to reach for when needed.

I love that MyQwin is vegan, cruelty free, has no processed chemicals. Each drop can be purchased separately, but I loved having all three available.

Super Lemon Drops — best to take in the morning

The OG — best for any time of the day

Granddaddy Mango — best for evening