Lunar New Year gift ideas 2021

lunar new year gift ideas Chinese new year gifts

Lunar New Year gift idea from top left: red envelopes / red lipstick / ReVive eye cream (I love this!!!) / Estee Lauder advanced night repair (love this product!) / tea gift sets / SK-II treatment (I love this!) /

The year of the Ox is almost here! Lunar New Year, also referred to as Chinese New Year, will happen on February 12, 2021.

This means we have a gift giving opportunity! Red and gold are very lucky colors, so it’s only natural that any gifts given during this time reflect this lucky hues. I hope the new year brings us lots of luck! The world needs it, wouldn’t you agree?

I searched the web for lucky gifts that every beauty fan will love. Of course, there are non-beauty gifts too such as earrings, tea, and macarons! Yummy!!

Without further ado, here are a few fabulous gift ideas for the Lunar Year New!

Shop Lunar New Year gifts online:

What are you hoping to receive this Lunar New Year?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Coach Swinger handbag review

Coach Swinger handbag review: spring 2021 nail polish / Coach Swinger in black leather (under $300) /

This is the year of the IT bag comeback! This cute little handbag by Coach was a hot IT bag roughly twenty years, and it’s back for a second round in the spotlight. The Coach Swinger bag is the affordable IT bag of the year. This cute little leather handbag is priced under $300 and has everything you need in 2021 for fitting right into the hottest handbag trends.

Flashback IT bags are hotter than hot in 2021. The Coach Swinger is exactly that; it is a comeback kid IT bag. In addition to fitting in the second-time-around IT bag trend, the Coach Swinger offer the baguette silhouette which is a hot trend in handbags this year. Plus, it has two straps! Whaaa-aaat? Yes, you read that right. If you don’t like wearing your bag under your armpit, which isn’t convenient when you are at the park chasing your kids, or running to the supermarket to shop for food, you can switch out the short and trendy strap for the long, cross body strap the bag comes with. Yes, it comes with a cross body strap. Love that!

This bag is the ultimate day-into-evening bag for when things start opening up! In fact, it will also be a great bag for travel since you can switch out the strap for sightseeing or enjoying a beautiful dinner at a luxurious restaurant. I am very excited about the return of the Coach Swinger for 2021!

Inside my Coach Swinger bag: handbag / phone case / lipstick /

What fits inside the Coach Swinger? It’s a small bag, so don’t expect to stuff a baggie of crackers inside, or use it as a shopping tote. This little bag fits the bare essentials: wallet, keys, lipstick, and phone. That’s all you really need, and it all fits perfectly inside with space for your fingers to reach and grab something. Don’t worry, it’s not stuffed, and you won’t chip a nail reaching for your keys. This bag has just enough room for you grab what you need from inside.

I’m in love with my new Coach Swinger bag! I am not sure why I didn’t purchase one back in the day when it was hot the first time around. I do remember people carrying it around!

The Coach Swinger comes in several neutral colors, as well as a seasonal hue or two. It is also available in nylon which is priced under $200, and is great for rainy days.

Shop the Coach Swinger handbag online:

What do you think of this cute little IT bag for 2021? Don’t you love the price?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Marin Headlands Kirby Cove Road

One of things I love about the San Francisco Bay Area is all of the history you can find; in almost every corner. While our history is not as deep as other areas, we still have pockets with remnants of our past; and it is important to learn about it as well as share it with the next generation.

The Marin Headlands is rich with history. While exploring the area, you may come across sites from around 1900, WWII forts, and Cold War relics. This is in addition to beautiful views, nature, camping grounds, trails, wildlife, beaches, and more. It’s truly a destination you cannot see all in one day. When we visit, we choose one little spot, and explore it.

We decided to explore the Kirby Cove area of the Marin Headlands. This area is normally overrun by tourists; but during the cold winter months, we are able to park easily and explore stress-free.

PRO TIP: Arrive before 9am during the off-season so you can park where you want to, and avoid crowds.

The points of interest we explored were Battery Spencer, Ridge Battery, and Battery Wagner. We also hiked along the Kirby Cove Road. This road leads to an amazing beach which is less busy than beaches such as Stinson and Muir; as long as you follow my pro tip above.

Kirby Cove Road is wide, which makes it a great trail for hiking right now when social distancing is so important. It’s really easy to keep your distance from others. We enjoyed the unparalled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, beach, ocean, bay, and general nature. It really is a must-see hiking area; especially if you are local to the Bay Area!

The Marin Headlands is really easy to find. If you are coming from the north on 101, take the last exit off the freeway before the bridge, and follow the road into the headlands. If you are coming from the south, take the first Sausalito exit off the bridge and follow the signs; they will take you right into the Headlands.

Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a backpack filled with snacks, water, and lunch. Always bring your trash back out of the trail. There are plenty of trash and recycle cans in the parking areas.

I hope you enjoy exploring the Marin Headlands! Remember, the best time to visit is in the off-season, when tourism is down. Also, arrive before 9am so you can easily park.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy