Mother’s Day Themed Subscription Boxes That She’ll Love

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and we’ve picked out our top choices for the special women in your life. Our recommendations are a little different from previous years in that everything on our list is a themed subscription box filled with amazing products. Most of these boxes are delivered at a specific time so they may arrive after Mother’s Day. We recommend gifting some flowers, chocolates, and a card while letting her know that she has another gift arriving soon. Eight or sixteen bags of gourmet coffee and chocolate bars that ships from Seattle’s top-rated coffee makers. The box comes with roaster profiles and tastingRead More →

A List of Essentials That Are Perfect for Helping with Relaxation

Relaxing at home is essential after a long day of work or stress. Treating yourself to a spa night is therapeutic and healing for your mental health. Whether it’s finding new activities to do or using new products, relaxation calls for indulgence. I have leaned on some of my personal necessities when giving myself some me time. Taking a daily walk and yoga have grounded me, while items like rosewater and face masks help me practice self-love. Here are my 15 “me time must-haves” that I can’t live without when I’m taking it easy at home. 1. Binge-watching TV After a stressful day, binge-watching helpsRead More →

Last-minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

For when you can’t see your mother in person, which sadly many of us can’t right now with the quarantine, our gift guide features over 70 last-minute options. To make things even easier we’ve included a variety of price points and broken them down into five themes: kitchen + cooking, beauty + skincare, workout + wellness, staying in + relaxing, and crystals + stones. 1. Bistro tile mon cheri berry basket, $16 2. Set of 6 parlor sundae glasses, $38 3. Flower market canister, $92 4. Mini chocolate fondue set, $94.99, $75.99 5. Spatula, $10 6. Rainbow plaid recipe book, $34.95 7. 5-quart dutch oven,Read More →

25 DIY Crafts That Will Keep You and Your Family Busy

When sheltering in place was announced over a month ago, I told myself I wouldn’t sit around and get nothing accomplished. Aside from writing, spending time with Billy, and working out, I wanted to touch on my creative side—something I rarely have the time to do. I began looking for DIY crafts and discovered 25 that are ideal no matter what your living situation is. From artistic projects and cooking kits to painting and tech, you can do these activities solo, with your significant other or roommates, or with your family. *This article contains some affiliate links. Kristie Woszczyna Envelope Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter SpotifyRead More →

How Los Angeles Plays A Role in Valley Girl Apothecary’s Incredible Candle Scents

Every now and then I find a candle company that I become obsessed with. I’ll go out and purchase an assortment of scents and place them in various spots around my apartment. For me, music and candles go hand in hand—I’ll rotate them depending on what playlist I’m listening to. Currently, my obsession lies with Valley Girl Apothecary. These handmade, 100% soy candles smell absolutely amazinggg, and as I sit here blasting Free Fallin’ I have the Ventura Blvd candle lit. The combination of coffee and vanilla has me mentally chilling somewhere in The Valley. Another one of my favorites is Valley Nights because theRead More →

The Museum of Illusions DTLA Mural

One of the many perks of living in Los Angeles is the opportunity to visit a myriad of unique places. Last weekend Billy and I were invited to explore the Hollywood Museum of Illusions. I’ve visited a number of pop-ups and museums in L.A., but I rate this as one of the best immersive art experiences in Hollywood. It’s divided into two fantasy realms—the 3D Illusions area and the Upside Down House. Both are designed to spark creativity, make you laugh, and give you an escape from everyday reality. Here are our highlights (and favorite optical illusion photographs) from our visit. This illusion reminded meRead More →

Memories of 2019, family photo on the beach

As I sit here on my flight to the East Coast, where I’ll be spending the rest of 2019 and ringing in the New Year, I’m reminiscing on the incredible year I’ve had. At the end of 2018, Nara and I did a “year in review” where we highlighted our favorite moments, trends, and what we wanted to remember. I started this tradition a few years ago and kept my thoughts in a journal, but last December I published them for the first time. A couple of days ago I revisited the questionnaire by filling out the same series of questions that pertain to fashion,Read More →

Gift Recommendations For Your Boss and Co-Workers

Coming up with gift ideas for your boss and co-workers can be a difficult task—especially if you don’t know them well. Our 20 recommendations are ideal for everyone in your workplace: the person whose name you pulled out of a hat for secret Santa (but hardly know), the cute guy you’ve been talking to, the co-workers you enjoy spending time with (outside the office), your work bestie and the boss you want to impress. These gift ideas will show appreciation and there are plenty to choose from that aren’t too personal.  1. Holiday Gifting Bar Soap | George & Viv | $10 2. Office OnRead More →

The Friendship Gift Guide (For Your Ride or Die BFFL)

Our friendship gift guide was curated for your favorite best girlfriend—the woman that knows you like no other! Whether that’s your mom, sister or the girl you met in yoga class years ago, these gifts will leave a memorable mark. Our hand selected items start as low as $20 and include a range of ideas (my favorites are the Fashion in LA Coffee Table Book, or the “Life Isn’t Perfect” Print) but in actuality, I’d love to give (or receive) any of these! 1. Getaway Weekender Bag | $50 + Travel Planner | $30 $22.99 (Ban.do)  2. BFF Necklace Set | Frasier Sterling | $68Read More →

Peep My Holiday Wish List

For the past few weeks I’ve been creating themed holiday gift guides—an annual tradition here at A Girl in LA. As I scour the web, thinking of what others will want to receive, I’ve come across tons of items I would love to unwrap on Christmas morning. Since I was a child, my mom asked my sister and I for ideas on what to get us. That turned into constructing a list of must-haves which has become a ritual I look forward to every year. Here are 15 things on my holiday wish list that I’m hoping to receive come December 25th (plus I’d loveRead More →