That Girl At The Party Magazine | December 2019 | The Holiday Issue

That Girl At The Party Magazine

T H E H O L I D AY I S S U E

Vo l . 4 : D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 9

A Lifestyle Magazine by 
 Courtney Henley For advertising, media kit and feature opportunities, contact: courtney@thatgirlattheparty.com

FOLLOW THAT GIRL AT THE PARTY Follow me on social for exclusive deals and giveaways!

instagram/ thatgirlattheparty

twitter/ @tgatp

facebook/ thatgirlattheparty

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Enjoy these 137 pages of the best of the best for Holiday 2019!

You’ll find gifts, recipes, and all the things you need to create a joyful holiday season for you and your friends and family!

Ed i tor ’s L e tte r

CH

Tis The Season

Welcome to the second annual That Girl At The Party Holiday Gift Guide! Having founded TGATP, one of NYC’s first true lifestyle blogs in 2009, I am now proud to present you with a digital magazine version of my content for the holidays.

Like the blog, the digital flip book version will include more of the products, spa services and destinations that I know you will love. Coupled with an entertainment guide, interviews and pieces on spirituality, business, and life in general, TGATP, the magazine, is a primer on all the best that life has to offer.

My motto has always been all the lifestyle it’s fit to print”.

You will only find the very best in beauty, fashion, travel, tech and entertainment in my pages. This issue, is all about the holidays and specially curated from the hundreds of pitches I received this year. I also took off more than 45 lbs of weight on a plant-based diet. So this year, I have included my favorite turkey and beef alternatives. And of course, there is my movie guide for the holiday season.

This year, like last year, you will find everything you need for a happy and blessed holiday season.

y e n t r u o C xoxo

Isiah 9:6 “A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler. He will be called, "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Eternal Father," "Prince of Peace."

A Child Is Born

The Trees I am just mad for Christmas! I usually put my tree up the day after Halloween and often leave it up till Spring! Thus, I need good artificial ones. 
 
 This year, I am featuring five trees that I simply love.

This year, most of my favorite trees came from Balsam Hill and are available from Amazon.

Hayneedle Feel Real Norway Spruce | $342

Balsam Hill Sugarlands Spruce Wide | $999 to $1499

Amazon | Balsam Hill 6.5 Blue Spruce | $219

Amazon | Balsam Hill Berkshire Mountain Fir 7.5 Feet, Unlit | $299

tgatp|holiday decor

I love the idea of having multiple trees in a Christmas formation! These lovely sparse trees from Terrain are a gorgeous modern option.

PURCHASE NOW!

A Trio Of Trees

The Wreaths A wreath on your door is like a holiday smile from nature. I like to adorn my doors year round.

Ballard Designs Citrus Thistle Wreath | $96

Pottery Barn Fresh Winter Solstice | $85

Wreaths Are Also The Perfect Hostess Gift!

Gift these two unique wreath options from 
 Ballard Designs for elegant home adornment.

Script Metal Wreath | $75

Fresh Winter Solstice | $85

tgatp|spirit

T h e

O r n a m e n t s

2019 Ornaments I Can’t Live Without

Anthropologie Nostalgic Mini-Ornaments 20-pk | $38

Etsy x Crazy Crafters Fun Avengers Ornaments | $12.50

Met Store Shoe Ornaments | $140

Met Store Louis C Tiffany Cloissonne Ornaments | $125

MoMA Store Modern Artists Ornaments | $36

De Carlini Lady Shopper Ornaments | $78

Neiman Marcus NM Rose Bottle | $25

Neiman Marcus De Carlini Allison Tulle Gown Ornament | $68

Pottery Barn #1 Pet Engravable 
 Metal Ornament | $89.99

West Elm Glaminal Ornament | $10.50 Pottery Barn Nativity Ornaments
 Set of 8 | $39.99

tgatp|hokday decor

Lenox 2019 Ornament $39.95




How lovely is this classically elegant piece from Lenox? My mother used to gift me one ornament a year. In memory of her passing, I am going to start doing that with my nieces and nephews as a family tradition.

tgatp|holiday decor

Kurt Adler 
 African-American Ornaments (prices vary) I was so happy to find these ornaments to add to my tree this year. They are an adorable addition to every tree and allow us to celebrate our heritage and add some diversity to our trees.

tgatp|hokday decor

Swarovski 2019 Ornament $79 I am living for this lovely star! he beautiful star design has been expertly crafted in clear crystal and features 90 scintillating facets.

Hung on a white satin ribbon, it displays ‘2019’ on a polished metal tag and will only be available this year.

Perfect to hang on your tree or in a window, it would be a lovely gift to mark a special moment in 2019, like the birth of a child, a wedding, or an anniversary. It is never too late to start collecting these timeless ornaments.

tgatp|holiday decor

Bring the classic ballet The Nutcracker to your tree with these adorable ornaments from Ballard Designs. Get them on sale for $21.75 each.

tgatp|spirit

“I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world!�

- Norman Vincent Peale

TGATP Holiday Gift Guide 2019

Gifts For Her

tgatp|gifts for her

Pop Bag
 $149 - $495 The design concept for Pop Bag is so ingenious I wish I had thought of it myself!

It’s the ultimate in luxury customization! You pick your front, your back and your strap then simply snap it all together. With dozens of different designs and textures, you can keep buying separate parts, then mix and match them to create hundreds of styles.

tgatp|gifts for her

Atelier Swarovski (prices vary) These four gorgeous pieces from Swarovski are on all my Christmas wish list!

(Clockwise from top left)

1. Penelope Cruz Moonsun Cluster | $169 2. Louison Drop Pierced Earrings | $129 3.Polar Bestiary Braclet | $549 4. Octea Lux Watch | $379

tgatp|gifts for her

Lo and Sons Seville Prima Tote $495 I was blessed to win this gorgeous bag at this year’s SheLeads conference! In Nappa and Saffiano leather, this is the must-have bag for every entrepreneur and business woman on your holiday list. Go for the 15” for maximum space.

tgatp|gifts for her

Evelyn Bobbie (prices vary) I met the founder of this company this year at Curve. She is awesome and her undies are the most comfortable I have ever worn. I want to toss everything I own and start over with hers! Every woman on your list will appreciate these simple but lovely designs and they come in all sizes.

tgatp|gifts for her

barnes&noble grey acrylic bootie
 


$24 I live for the Barnes and Nobles booties I got last year and am eyeing these this year. Comfy, warm and adorable, they will be a hit with every gal on your list. Pair with a great book for the ultimate gift.

tgatp|gifts for her

echo prices vary Echo is one of my favorite companies for super cute ponchos, sweaters and scarves. Here are a few of my favs from this year.

(Clockwise from top left)

1. Convertible Scarf/Shrug | $59 2. Everyday Core Ruana | $79 3. Faux Fur Vest | $99 4. Braided Turtleneck Topper | $99

tgatp|gifts for her

Pandora

(prices vary) Pandora always offers a great array of sparkly gifts for every female of every age on your list. This year, start her off with a bracelet and a Frozen charm. I love to mix the rose gold and the silver.

tgatp|gifts for her

Happy Cards!

Gift Cards
 (prices vary)
 Gift cards are the perfect gifts and Happy Cards are the very best. I love the idea of offering fun combos of shopping, food, movies and home.

Load at least a $100 on them so the person who receives can have a truly fun shopping day out.

tgatp|gifts for her

Booty Sprout
 


$169 With hard a hard toned booty a;ways in fashion, the Booty Sprout will help the gals on your list get Kim Kardashian-type achieve the look without the implants! I am so excited to start using this amazing exercise machine. Best of all, there is no assembly required! It works straight out of the box!

tgatp|gifts for her

In The Company Of Women

by Grace Bonney
 $18.50 For the female entrepreneurs, artists and makers on your list, this is a musthave. I was so thankful to receive this year as a gift from my neighbor. I try to read a story a day for inspiration.

tgatp|gifts for her

Talis Elements Citrine Ring
 $215 I was honored to meet Natalie Solak, the wonderful Founder of Talis Elements at a recent event. Her jewelry is unique and spiritual with each piece bringing the wearer good fortune, health and protection. My inspiration, Oprah wore this ring on the cover of her September edition and it is stunning. This is my Christmas present to me this year, so you will see me with it on‌a lot!

tgatp|gifts for her

10th Street Hats Ella $49 I am hat obsessed. When I lived in London, I had a private hat maker and I now have a large collection. But my favorite current hat is my Ella from 10th Street Hats. It’s the perfect fedora for me to channel Ingrid Bergman in “Casablanca.”

tgatp|spirit

TGATP Holiday Gift Guide 2019

Gifts For Him

tgatp|for hin

Konmari Shoe Care Box $199 I had a friend that wouldn’t date men wearing trainers! And I have seen many a great outfit ruined by jacked up shoes, While I am including this in the “for him” section, this is a must for women too!

tgatp|for hin

Muse 2 $249




I wrote about the Muse 2 in the last two issues of this magazine and I am mentioning it again. Because in these tumultuous times, no one should be without this wonderful meditation aide. It tracks your brain activity, heart rate, breathing, and body movements to guide your total meditation experience.

And best of all, it tracks and measures your progress with each session. This is one of my very favorite products of all time.

tgatp|for him

GQ best stuff subscription box

prices vary There are dozens of beauty subscription boxes for women. So I love this idea of a special box just for the men in our lives. This is a special and thoughtful gift.

tgatp|for hin

ARC5 5-Blade Electric Shaver $249 The Rolls-Royce of shavers, this is the perfect gift for the busy men in your life.

This wet dry razor has 16-direction flexible head for a close shave and a pop-up trimmer for all-around grooming, plus a charging system that cleans the shaving head while it powers up. Plus, the design is so elegant, it will bring class to his bathroom.

tgatp|for hin

Sperry Cold Day Duck Boot $119 Sperry duck boots are classics!

Both elegant and functional, they are all-in-one, everyday boots with weather-ready technology. It has water resistance, dependable traction and toasty yet lightweight insulation. I love these boots and your man will too!

tgatp|spirit

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.�

- Luke 2:10-11

TGATP Holiday Gift Guide 2019

Holiday
 Beauty Gifts

tgatp|beauty

Foreo 
 Iris
 $399 I love everything Foreo and so do all gals serious about beauty! Last year I included their awesome digital facial machine, this year I am living for my Iris and the Luna 3. The Iris gently massages your eye area, which helps eye serums and creams penetrate more deeply and achieve better results.

tgatp|gifts for her

Foreo Luna 3
 $279 The Foreo Luna 3 is a must-have tool for every woman, who wants great skin.

Say goodbye to germ filled brushes and sponges and use this to get your skin as clean as it can be. It both massages and cleanses! An upgrade from the Luna 2, with 16 different intensities, 650 uses per charge, 30% longer and 25% softer touchpoint, I simply love mine!

tgatp|beauty

Nubody Skin Body Device
 $299 I dropped 45lbs this year, so this product is helping me tighten everything up! It’s the1st FDA-cleared at-home microcurrent body device that helps tone and firm body skin while smoothing away the look of dimples and cellulite. I am using it on my tummy and seeing great results!

tgatp|beauty

Beautiac

(prices vary) Disposable brushes that attach to one core wand, the concept for Beautiac is so clever that this was my fav product at this year’s Indie Beauty Expo.

You can buy brushes separately or get a subscription and have them sent to your house every month! The Dollar Shave Club of makeup brushes, this is sure to be a hit!

tgatp|beauty

Dr Dennis Gross ProFacial Steamer
 $149 A professional device with microsteam technology that infuses skin with moisture, clarifies the complexion, and purifies skin, this is a MUST HAVE for everyone serious about skin health.

tgatp|beauty

DevaCurl Deva Ionic Hairdryer & Diffuser
 $130 As well as, good products, beautiful hair requires proper tools. The DevaCurl 
 Deva Ionic Hairdryer & Diffuser drying kit includes what you need to cut down on drying time, boost volume, and prevent frizz. This hairdryer offers a quick way to give your waves and curls more shape and bounce while reducing frizz.

tgatp|beauty

Dr Dennis Gross DRx FaceWare Pro
 $435 Create a clear and healthy-looking complexion with the 
 Dr Dennis Gross Skincare DRx FaceWare Pro Domestic, a hands-free, wearable device that targets and treats the common signs of aging. Powered by LED light therapy, the facial treatment offers three skincare options: red light to support collagen and elastin production, blue light banishes acne-causing bacteria and red and blue combines the two. The innovative device works to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, balance discoloration and redness and firm the facial contours for a bright and youthful-looking finish. Expect to see visible results within two weeks.

Make sure to lock your door while using this. It might scare your man and kids!

tgatp|beauty

Glo Teeth Whitener
 $149 The Glo was one of the first beauty devices I ever wrote about and I am mad for this newer more compact version.

I glo every chance I get. Buy this for everyone you know!

tgatp|spirit

“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!”

– Psalm 117

tgatp|holiday gift guide

Best In Tech 2019

tgatp|tech

Lenovo Smart Display with Google Assistant

$149 I can’t live without this now. It is literally like having a live-in assistant. Lenovo Smart Display 10 makes everything easier—from watching celebrity chefs to video-calling loved ones, from remembering a birthday to checking the weather. Just say "Hey Google" and the Google Assistant built into the vibrant 10" screen will spring into action. Stylish and simple to use, it's always on hand to help, inform, and entertain you and your family. And it can make your smart home smarter, too.

tgatp|tech

Brain Tap $547 In these fraught times in our country, we all need everything we can get to create a relaxing oasis in our homes. This season, the BrainTap is a must have. It uses unique frequencies of light and sound for brain wave entrainment. In just 22 minutes of deep relaxation, your brain will be guided to: RELAX – Proven Scientific techniques allow your brain the rest and recovery it needs by reaching various states of consciousness.

REBOOT – Clean the slate of the unimportant and reinforce the most valuable information for better memory and brainpower.

REVITALIZE – The meditation sessions are designed to build a resilient mind and fit body for life.

tgatp|tech

Hifiman TWS True Wireless HiFi NoiseIsolated Sports IEM Earphones

$199 These are my go-to headphones right now! They are the most perfect in ear headphones I have ever owned. The handy case allows multiple charges and the sound is flawless. Plus, they drown out outside noises, which make them perfect for noisy subway rides and my daily meditation sessions.

tgatp|tech

Sonos Move Smart Portable $399 I am jonesing for this Sonos speaker.

It’s got everything. The automatic Trueplay™ tuning perfectly balances the sound for where you are and what you're listening to. It has a rechargeable battery and it can be wirelessly connected from a distance.

tgatp|tech

Mirror
 


$1495 Last year was about relearning how to eat and releasing weight for me.

This year is about toning and getting fit. I am mad for this smart mirror that allows you to take live and on demand fitness classes in your home!

It even tracks your heart rate and progress. You can also do personal training sessions for $40 a pop! I am getting this asap.

tgatp|feature

New Year’s Weight Loss Tips from Fred Bollaci Author of “The Restaurant Diet” With the New Year and a new decade upon us, millions of us are taking this time to review our lives—honestly looking at ourselves and evaluating, with the hope of making positive and lasting changes in the months and years ahead.

Unlike other New Years and typical resolutions, which on average go “bust” by Super Bowl Sunday, then let’s not forget Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and any number of celebratory holidays which glamorize excess or unhealthy eating and drinking, combined with the fact that many of the routines we began back on the sobering morning of, say January 2nd, when the hangover may have just worn off from the holidays, our pants won’t button as easily, and between ourselves and our enemy, the scale, we’ve put on some ten pounds since Thanksgiving! “I’ve got to get it under control this year,” so many of us tell ourselves. We vow to join a gym, to exercise daily, and to eat way less. Maybe we try the latest fad diet, we do it for a few weeks and we lose a few pounds. We look in the mirror and we still hate ourselves.

tgatp|feature

Dripping with sweat from an unpleasant early morning workout on a freezing cold January day we guilted ourselves out from our comfy, cozy beds to go try to work some of it off. Some of keep on going, losing a few more pounds, and embracing the new routine. We eat better, eat less, exercise more, and think we are getting it. Perhaps we achieve our goal, we blow right through Super Bowl Sunday, survive Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and get past Cinco de Mayo and any number of pitfalls, temptations, and excuses that come before us, threatening to shake us out of this new tree we are working so diligently to climb.

A small percentage may actually lose 20, 30, or more pounds by Memorial Day and look great for summer, get new clothes, and show off what we’ve accomplished on Instagram, Facebook, and among our friends. Fewer of us will last the summer—one party after another, travel, barbecues, cocktails, #roseallday, then reality begins to set in…the weight is coming back with a vengeance, we’ve strayed from our routines, and we hate ourselves all over again. We are bad and undisciplined failures, we tell ourselves. We are destined to be fat. Many give up—I’ll try again, maybe next year. Of those who started with the noble goal of losing weight back on January 1st, only a very small percentage actually see it through and make lasting changes that go beyond a few months. The reason these best intended efforts don’t typically last isn’t because we are bad, undisciplined people. We are not failures. The reality is we are setting ourselves up for failure

tgatp|feature

because our goals are unrealistic, and the means of achieving them (the diet or weight loss plans) are unrealistic. We may achieve the results, but end up throwing it away, because what we did to get there is not sustainable. We are human beings. We need to live. We want to enjoy life, tasty food, socializing with friends, family, and colleagues. We don’t want to have to get up at five in the morning to get to the gym. No wonder the results don’t last. Then, combine this with our biology.

Many of us are fighting our DNA, we are predisposed to be overweight. For many, being overweight has been a survival mechanism. When people get sick, it is often the additional 10, 20, or 50 pounds that actually sustains them and prolongs their life! Then there is our prehistoric tendency as human beings to “hold onto weight,” meaning our bodies and metabolism fight us when we try to “diet” or lose weight. Our bodies don’t realize that losing weight may be beneficial, we are pre-wired to make the most of the “feast or famine” lifestyle that was indicative of the days of the cavemen who might go on a hunt for days, then return with a feast, whereby the entire social group feasts for a few days, only to then starve, or graze on whatever slim pickings there are until the next successful hunt. To balance this out and to survive, human bodies went into a form of metabolic hibernation after the feast, saving and storing the fat and holding onto the pounds

tgatp|feature

during the lean times. Stop telling yourself you are a failure! Stop blaming yourself for diets that don’t work, and stop beating yourself up about your weight, or a number on the scale, or a pair of pants that won’t button! I have some simple tips and strategies to help you get in touch with your body, to learn to love and respect food, to learn to love, appreciate, understand, and accept ourselves and our human nature, and to get healthier in a wholesome, enjoyable way that will last us the rest of our lives.

I have had the pleasure of working with many clients, and continue to work one-on-one with coaching clients to help them debunk conventional dieting myths and learn to change their perspective and get healthier once and for all! Over the past several years since starting my business and writing my first two books, “The Restaurant Diet, How to Eat Out Every Night and Still Lose Weight” (Mango 2018) and “The Restaurant Diet, A Spiritual Journey of Weight-Loss and Self-Discovery” (Mango 2019), I have helped hundreds of people lose thousands of pounds and have shown folks how to reach a healthy weight range, maintain their healthy weight, love and embrace food, eat healthier, make better choices, eat better in their favorite restaurants, and shop and cook better at home. I have shown folks how to deal with the emotional aspect of overeating, and things like triggers, such as stressful situations or reminders of an unpleasant time, or certain problem foods or people that cause us to overeat, and to learn to distinguish between emotional hunger and actual physical hunger.

tgatp|feature

between emotional hunger and actual physical hunger. The bottom line: you only have one body.

Give it the very best. It’s all about quality, not quantity. Overeating or making unhealthy food choices is like standing at the gas pump and continuing to pump gas after the tank is full, the gas gushing out all over the place, causing a potential hazard. Same with eating poorly. It is like putting low quality gas into a vehicle that requires high test. Our bodies are the vessels that carry our sacred, eternal souls.

They go through a lot of abuse during the years and decades we live on earth. Nurturing ourselves and giving ourselves proper nutrition, exercise, rest, love, and support are crucial to helping these vehicles, our bodies perform better, and last longer, with less health complications as we age.

My Top Ten Tips for Getting Right With Your Body in the New Year (and Beyond) are: 1. Don’t set out to lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date. Instead, acknowledge you have some excess pounds you’d like to deal with.

2. Determine a realistic calorie goal per day, and take some time to determine the foods you will enjoy to help you reach that goal, while providing your body with proper nourishment.

tgatp|feature

3. Get a complete medical evaluation/physical, including blood work, checking things like lipids, blood sugar, and hormones. Make sure you are cleared for exercise by having a stress test and other appropriate tests. It is crucial to have a baseline and to know what you are working with.

Everyone should have an annual physical whether they are overweight or looking to lose weight or not. The more on top of our health we are, the more likely we will be able to detect and treat a problem before it becomes very serious.

4. Establish a reasonable exercise routine, which might include walking outdoors or indoors, joining a gym, enlisting a workout buddy, or hiring a trainer. Consider exercise classes to help motivate you, such as pilates, yoga, spin, aquatics classes, etc. Try to make it fun, be consistent, and when necessary, mix it up, try some new activities and locations to exercise to keep from being bored.

Exercise at least 20 minutes a day outside of things like housework or walking to your car. Do this for two weeks, and keep going. It is said it takes two weeks to make something a habit.

5. Keep a journal of your weight, what you eat, and any other emotional issues or feelings that come up. Also write down your dreams. They are cues from your subconscious. Weigh yourself, and be consistent—the same time of day. You don’t need to do it everyday, as weight can fluctuate for many reasons. Keep track, try to ensure you are headed in the right direction, and don’t beat yourself up. Any issues you write down, you may want to address with a therapist.

tgatp|feature

6. Work with a nutritionist and/or lifestyle coach to help you plan your meals and identify foods and strategies that can help you.

7. Work with a therapist to help you address and pinpoint any underlying emotional issues or baggage that may be tied up in your weight issues. Also consider a support group or groups. Remember, every person and situation is different. What works for one person may not work as well for someone else.

When you are talking and dealing with others, “take what you like and leave the rest,” meaning what works for you. Keep an open mind.

8. Learn to set appropriate boundaries with food and with people and situations that may pose a problem. Remove problem food from your refrigerator or pantry. Donate it if appropriate. Avoid restaurants, situations, and people that have caused you to overeat in the past. Excuse yourself from a situation that is unpleasant. Take a time out. When you are stressed, angry, in a hurry, lonely, sad, anxious, fearful, tired, etc, don’t automatically stuff something into your mouth. Wait five minutes to see if you are “really” hungry.

9. Work on self-care, learning to love, respect, and appreciate yourself and your body! Get appropriate rest. Speak positively to yourself. No negativity! Only say kind things! Be your own best friend! Don’t blame yourself. Forgive yourself. Take time out for you. Get a massage regularly. Enjoy nature. Take up a new hobby, or re-dedicate yourself to an old one. Take a class, be it art, music, sports, language, etc. Clean up your house, apartment, office, car, etc! We want our surroundings to

tgatp|feature

be free from clutter, just as we are working to unburden and lighten our emotional and physical load. Our surroundings should be pleasant, peaceful, and functional. They should not hold us back. Get things right—emotionally, medically, spiritually, financially, and physically. Talk to a therapist, friend, priest, rabbi, or minister. Open up. Deal with health issues. Pay your bills, or make payment plans. Stop avoiding things that are unpleasant. Make up your mind that you are going to improve every area of your life and just get started!

10. Practice gratitude every day! Take time each day to pray and/or meditate. Take time to review the things in your life you are grateful for, rather than dwelling on the things we aren’t happy about. A positive attitude goes a long way! When we are grateful, we are at peace within ourselves and with the universe, and everything we do becomes easier. We aren’t obsessing about our weight, or our looks, or what we don’t have, or what we need to do. We simply are, and we are simply working one day at a time to better ourselves and our lives. Being healthier and better versions of ourselves is the best way we can show our gratitude for the amazing gift of life! When we start to accept life on life’s terms and appreciate who we are and what we have, things like losing weight and improving our lives become easier, almost natural! We will want to feel better, to do better, and be better!

You can reach Fred at: www.fredbollacienterprises.com, e-mail: info@fredbollacienterprises.com, Facebook: Fred Bollaci Enterprises, Instagram: @fredbollacienterprises

tgatp|spirit

“Christmas doesn’t come from a store, Christmas perhaps means a bit more.”

- Dr. Suess


 The holidays are the time to make sure your house is warm and cozy.

Home

This year, I am throwing out almost everything and starting all over again.
 Here are some of the things I just had to get. You’ll also find the best hostess gifts for 2019 in this section.

tgatp|home

Tushy Spa
 $99 I have never understood why American homes don’t have bidets, like European homes.

This is an affordable option that is also easy to install and use. Makes a funny and unforgettable hostess gift.

tgatp|home

Boska Fondue Kit $89 Fondue is back! I can’t wait to have people over and use my fondue set to create some vegan cheese appetizers!

This is the perfect gift for all your foodie friends, newlyweds. It is also a perfect hostess gift. Oh, and make sure to get yourself one too!

tgatp|home

Boska Silicone Chocolate Molds
 (prices vary) I am making my spicy truffles and sugar-free candies with these adorable silicon molds that were gifted to me by the wonderful people at Boska. Gift these to your favorite families and they also make great hostess gifts.

tgatp|home

Kangaroo Home Security $100 Feel a little bit safer in your home with this wonderful affordable home security system from new company, Kangaroo.

tgatp|home

Set of 3 Pearl embellished Cake stands
 


$86 These are wedding stands but I love them for the holidays.The pearls are a fun and elegant addition to your holiday table.

tgatp|home

La Crosse Technology WiFi Protection Alarm Clock With AccuWeather Forecast
 


$99 This smart alarm clock wakes you gently with notifications on both indoor temp and internet outdoor temp.

Download the app to add other enhanced features.

tgatp|home

Wolf Gourmet Countertop Oven Elite $679 Sporting the iconic red knobs of the Wolf range, it's ideal for preparing quick meals, baking, broiling, toasting, reheating and more. With a built-in temperature probe, the compact oven roasts meat to perfection while a convection fan cooks food quickly..

Seven cooking modes: Proof, Warm, Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast and Bagel.

tgatp|home

Philips Premium Airfryer XXL with Fat Removal Technology AirFryer
 $199 Enjoy healthy air-fried foods with Philips largest, most powerful Airfyer ever. Like its smaller siblings, this cleverly designed machine uses patented heat circulation to quickly fry food to crispy, golden brown perfection – using little or no oil. Even better, the TwinTurboStar technology removes fat from food so it contains 90% less fat than conventionally fried food. Designed for family-sized meals, this large-capacity Airfryer features simple-to-use rotary timer and temperature dials. Not just for frying, this machine is great for baking, roasting and grilling too.

tgatp|spirit

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year” - Charles Dickens

tgatp|food

HEALTHY MEALS =A HAPPY BODY This year, I have released over 45 lbs of unwanted weight through 16:8 intermittent fasting daily, eliminating sugar, and calorie counting. I have 15 lbs more to go till I reach my goal weight. So I am not trying to do 19:5 daily intermittent fasting, exercise and Keto to get that last 15 off and tone up.

The Bes t Vega n Tur key and M eat Al terna tives

VEGAN MEATS

I was only eating poultry and fish then I saw a film about how they treat turkeys.

In addition, my body has been acting funny when I eat poultry, so I have cut it out.

This year, I will be going with a plant-based turkey and beef alternatives.

Here is a list of my favorites: 1.Tofurky Plant Based Roast 2.Field Roast Celebration Roast 3.Beyond Meat Plant Based Ground Beef 4.No Evil The Stallion Meatless Sausages 5.No Evil Comrade Cluck 6.Gardein Holiday Roast 7.Tofurky Ham Roast and Marinade 8.Tofurky Pepperoni Slices

tgatp|food

Lazzaroni Amaretti Cookies $28 These are some of my favorite cookies of all time. Since 1718, the Lazzaroni family has crafted amaretti cookies in Saronno, Italy according to their family's traditional recipe. Lazzaroni's legendary amaretti cookies, or Amaretti Di Saronno, are crafted from a mixture of sugar, apricot kernels, and egg whites. The results of Lazzaroni's traditional process are crisp, airy cookies with a distinctive bittersweet flavor. Perfect with espresso, dessert wine, and after-dinner liqueurs.

tgatp|food

Aurora Elixir 
 Holiday Gift Set
 $20 I just discovered this amazing CBD drink at my local City Fresh. Drink it straight or spike it for your holiday soirees. The gift pack makes a perfect hostess gift. The flavors are Lavender Spice, Rosemary Grapefruit, and Cayenne Citrus offerings by purchasing a combo package. This specially priced holiday gift set is available for a limited time only, and includes a custom bottle opener and stainless steel straw. With 15mg CBD per serving, each aromatic, sparkling elixir contains carefully measured levels of cannabinoids from full-spectrum extracts; 6g of sugar, all natural ingredients and is sold in a 6.7 oz (200ml) glass bottle with a pry-off, crown cap closure.

tgatp|food

Fatty Sundays Gourmet Chocolate Covered Pretzels

$3.49 per $14.95 for assorted sets Founded by sisters Ali and Lauren, who I was blessed to meet a couple years ago, Fatty Sunday pretzels are a yummy must-have treat for every holiday.

tgatp|food

Yo Mama Sauces $20 Yo Mama Sauces are made with loving care free of gluten, dairy and sugar.

They are also low-sodium with no gums, no fillers and preservatives. They are also keto-certified. My favorites are the Chianti Wine, the Burgundy Wine and the Sesame. I keep a jar in my cabinets at all times.

tgatp|food

Naomi’s
 Corn Pudding Serves 4 to 6

My beloved late Mom was renowned for her corn pudding. Friends and family asked her to make it for every special occasion. In remembrance of her, here is her secret recipe. I never have a holiday meal without it. I ran this last year but people asked for a repeat, so here it is again!

tgatp|food

INGRIEDIENTS

• 1.

2 cans Del Monte Creamed Corn • 2.

4 eggs • 3.

Stick of Butter • 4.

5 TBSP Evaporated Milk • 5 Optional: Red pepper flakes, brown sugar

tgatp|food

DIRE CTIO NS The secret to success with this recipe is to vigorously whisk the eggs before blending with the creamed corn. My Mama swore by Del Monte but you can use any creamed corn you prefer. She also added sugar. However, I find the corn naturally sweet enough. I sometimes add hot pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

• 1.

Vigorously whisk eggs with the condensed milk.

• 2.

Blend in the creamed corn and place in a butter coated glass pan.

• 3.

Top with dots of butter to ensure browning of the top.

• 4.

Bake for about an hour until firmly set.

tgatp|spirit

“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.”

- Dale Evans

TGATP Holiday Gif t Gu ide

Best Toys and Books for 2019

T G AT P H o l i d a y G i f t G u i d e 2 0 1 9

toys.

Kids never forget their Christmases. In fact, many folks are in therapy now, due to not getting a beloved toy or being badly treated in other ways during the holiday season.

So make sure you listen to your little ones.

Get them what they want and supplement with these great toys too!

tgatp | books for kids

starla and the boogie deluxe $25 This fun story from Austin-based musicians and authors, Amy Edwards and Kevin Green with illustrations from Jillian Tito teaches children the importance of always being authentic.

I can’t wait for book two!

tgatp|toys

What’s in the Box $15 This game is fun for all ages!

Perfect for family game night or a boozy/weed night with friends, the What's In The Box? Game will provide endless rounds of fun.

Find challenging household items to place in the box and each opponent will then have 10 seconds to feel the object and make a guess.

tgatp|toys

Nicklodean Best Ever Slime Creations Kit
 $39.99 Every child loves slime. This is the ultimate kit and includes everything you need to make and store your slime. Mix and make your slime with glitter, confetti, foam beads, colorant, and more! The kit includes super trendy unique components such as: Slime Spinner unit, Slow Risers, Foam Cubes, and Glitter Glue and makes over 50 slimes!

Toys That Teach Check out these recommendations from Toy Insider.

These great toys teach your kids important skills while they are having fun.

Discovery Prehistoric Slimy Goop Dig | $16.99

Magformers Amazing Rescue 50-piece Set | $59

Little Bits K’Nex Dragon Revenge Coaster Building Set | $49

Lego Star Wars Boost Droid Commander | $199

Learning Resources Coding Critters | $39

Tech Will Save Us Music Kits: Electro Guitar And Record & Remix | $149

tgatp|toys

Barbie™ 2019 Holiday Doll $39

My late beloved Mama used to gift me with the holiday Barbie™ every year. It is a lovely gift for all lovers of Barbie. The 2019 Holiday Barbie™ doll shines in an elegant gown with red and white holiday print and silvery sparkle detail. A beautiful bow adorns the gown’s shoulder and complements a dramatic red train. Her brunette curls are styled in a ponytail with a chic side part, and silvery chandelier earrings complete the look. ‘Tis the season to smile wider, hug your loved ones a little tighter and savor that magical holiday spirit. Reflecting the sparkle and jubilation of holiday festivities, 2019 Holiday Barbie™ doll is the definitive celebration of a season full of love. Includes 2019 Holiday Barbie™ doll, doll stand and certificate of authenticity.

tgatp|toys

Barbie® BMR1959™ Doll $29.99 The BMR1959™ collection celebrates the fashion heritage of Barbie® and showcases how current trends influence the brand.

These bold, fully posable dolls capture the diverse looks found in today’s streetwear culture. From high-low fashion mixes, reimagined ‘90s gear to juxtaposed patterns, textures, and silhouettes, this curated ensemble is all about personal expression and style. This BMR1959™ doll makes a statement in a floral hoodie dress, clear vinyl bomber jacket and metallic boots. Micro cat-eye sunglasses, glam logo earrings and a chic ponytail with baby hairs complete the look. This collectible fashion doll is fully articulated, comes in a streetwear-inspired shoebox and includes a BMR1959™ logo doll stand for displaying.

tgatp|toys

Hasbro Furreal Cubby The Curious Bear $99 The perfect teddy bear from Hasbro is a plush will hug kids back, play peek-aboo, dance, and babble back when spoken to. When kids feed him his bottle or treat, he’ll respond with eating sounds. His expressive face features moving eyes, nose, and mouth.

tgatp|toys

American Girl Doll of the Year - Blaire $98 Meet Blaire, the 2019 American Girl Doll of the Year! She’s a chef-in-training, party planner, and chicken wrangler at her family’s farm and restaurant. The 18" Blaire doll has bright green eyes that open and close, and curly red hair. She has a huggable cloth body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. She comes with the Blaire paperback book, plus her signature outfit!

tgatp|toys

Blume $9.99 Super sweet Blume dolls are great for little ones five and up. Use the watering can to water the “seeds” and watch your Blume doll grow right out of her flower pot. Kids can collect 22 dolls, each with a unique hairstyle, outfit, accessories, mini friend, and sticker book.

tgatp|toys

Wicked Cool Toys Blinger Collection $19.99

This is so much fun I would love to play with this myself! Blinger is the new glam styling tool that allows you to load, click, and bling your hair, fashions, and more. With 75 gems included and multiple colors to choose from, glam it up and add sparkle to your daily life.

tgatp|crafts

Lion Brand Loop Yarns
 $5.99 Fun for all ages, these vibrantly colored yarns allow you to knit without needles! They are a great intro to crafting for little ones and a relaxing respite for the whole family.

Barnes and Nobles Kits Are Top Of My Wish List!

My favorite book store Barnes and Noble, has these awesome activity kits that make wonderful gifts for all ages.

Rock Painting Kit | $9.95

Sasquatch Books Incredible Paper Airplane Kit | $11.95

Disney Classic Animated Movies Drawing Set | $129.99

Jenny Doh Learn To Crochet Kit | $14.95

Melissa & Doug Fashion Design Kit | $25

Hinkler Books You Can Play Guitar Kit | $29.95

barnes and noble|toys

Becker & Meyer Handmade Bath Bomb Kit | $9.95 Hinkler Books Complete Drawing Masterclass | $24.95

Mark Setteducati Magic Show Kit | $16.95

Ashley Little Learn To Knit Kit | $14.95

Star Wars Crochet Kit | $23

Hinkler Books Create Your Own Embroidery Kit | $9.95

barnes and noble|toys

Hinkler Books Felt Animal Kit | $9.95 Star Wars Build R2D2 Paper Model Kit | $12.95

Hinkler Books Artmaker: Watercolor Paints | $14.95

Hinkler Books Candle Kit | $9.95

Book Shop Tie Dye Kit | $14.95

PL Staff Teach Your Cat Tricks Kit | $9.95

Gifts That Give Back There is nothing like knowing that our gifting dollars are also supporting great causes.

Here are some lovely gifts that give back.

The 4Ocean Bracelet | $20 Made from recycled plastic supports ocean conservation

World Wildlife Fund Set of Three Socks | $45 Supports global animal conservation

Gifts For Good
 Feed A Child Donation Card | $3 Gives a child a meal.

Ban.do Kindness Necklace | $38 Gives back to the nonprofit Girls Inc., which works to empower and enlighten young girls

Toms

Alpargata Slip-On | $49.95 Buy One They Give One to someone in need on all their products!

tgatp | gifts that give back

Raices Cuff

By Melissa Joy Manning $50 - $600 The fact that we have concentration camps holding innocent people - mostly of color - in need of our help, haunts me 24-7. So this is on my wish list this year.

Available in four sizes in both silver and gold, these simple, elegant cuff bracelets designed by Melissa Joy Manning benefit RAICES (the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) an organization that helps detained and separated families, unaccompanied minors, and other people seeking asylum in the United States. The silver cuff retails for $50 and donates $25 to RAICES, while the gold cuff retails for $600 and donates $250 for each purchase.

tgatp | gifts that give back

Article 22
 $98 Article 22 is on a mission to create world peace. The jewelry line raises funds to support this vital mission. Best of all they are affordable and so elegant you can wear them every day. Your mission, should you decide to take it, is to buy everyone you know one!

tgatp|spirit

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!�

- Burton Hills

Stuff stockings with these tiny stocking stuffing gifts from 
 Uncommon Goods!

Terrarium Candles | $25

Do Something Dice | $12

Four Seasons Mini Snowglobes | S4

Birthmonth Flower Earrings | S40

Skin Renewing Masks | $25

Calming Affirmation Stones | S15

tgatp|spirit

“Peace on Earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day.”

- Helen Steiner Rice

tgatp | beauty

PRIORI Skincare Formulated with a deep understanding of skin biology, as well as inevitable variables like climate, physical well-being, hormones, and skin’s mood swings, Priori features multi-functional, comprehensive ingredient technology that provides skin with exactly what it needs. Skin decides what to take – all day, every day – for its best, most radiant face-first results. Priori packs the industry’s most intensive dose of advanced hydration and antioxidant protection in every single product.

Priori Mineral Skincare Powder SPF 25 Sunscreen | $41

The Recovery Kit | $39

The Complete Priori Line

tgatp | beauty

Fragrances Fragrances are such a great gift for the women in your life.

These are my three favorites for this year.

(Clockwise from top)

1. Otrus Turqquoise 2. Caswell Massey Canyon 3. Lavande

TGATP Favs of Oprah’s Favorite Things

Another year, another Oprah’s favorite things!

On this page are my favs of Oprah’s (and Creative Director Adam Glassman’s!) picks for 2019.

Oprah Picks

Spicewalla Kitchen Essentials Kit | $95

Lulu Dharma Napa Vegan Leather Tote | $95

Spot The Dog VT Reversible Bandanas | $25

Vahdam Tea Tumeric Tea Tales | $25

APL Techloom Trainer. | $250

Buy from oprah.com for special deals!

Sony XB12 Extra Bass Portable Speaker | $60

tgatp|oprah’s picks

Pink Picasso Paint By Numbers Kits
 (prices vary) I loved the coloring book rage and the new paint-by-numbers trend is even more fun!

Pink Picasso makes the most beautiful and elegant kits. They are relaxing for a wintry night in and will make wonderful garden party activities in the spring.

This is definitely on my list.

tgatp|spirit

“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.”

- Dale Evans

tgatp | health and wellness

Give the Gift Of Health and Wellness I was fully focused on health and wellness this year and intend to be for the rest of my Life. I love these awesome gifts.

Walden Meditation Cushion Set | $195

Sakara Subscription Meal Kit | $70 per day

Daily Harvest Total Body Shiatsu Mat | $199

Theragun Massager | $399

Phillips Wake Up Light Alarm I $50

tgatp|health and wellness

Persona Vitamin Subscription (prices vary) Persona is one of the best companies I have ever had the honor to cover. This is an amazing company (shame about their outside PR, but that’s another story!) that offers personalized vitamins based on your individual needs. Take a health test and then they will send you a monthly supply separated in morning, evening and bedtime packets with your name on them.

I love these!

tgatp|health and wellness

Analu Therapy Dough $15 Análú therapy dough is a perfect sensory experience for adults and . children alike. Use it as a tool in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and sensory play. Análú means "to breathe”

in Gaelic and Análú therapy dough comes in three scents, each with its own sensory experience. Each scent is achieved with organic, essential oils.

Sweet Orange is known for uplifting both mood and energy as well as its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Lavender is well-known for its ability to help relieve stress, ease muscle tension, and promote relaxation Peppermint is known to suppress nausea as well as increase energy and awareness.

tgatp|health and wellness

Daily Burn

(prices vary based on exercise choices) My major focus this year is toning and getting fit.

So I am very excited about my Daily Burn membership, which allows me to work out right in my apartment! There are thousands of different workouts and special categories include yoga, barre, kickboxing, running and HIIT. You can do group workouts or 1-1 on demand and a the program tracks your weight and exercise progress.

I plan to start the Daily Burn 365 program in 2020.
 
 You can download onto your computer, tablet or TV app (though some things only available on Apple Apps). Try it for 30 days for free!

tgatp|health and wellness

Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair $15 .This my favorite thing in the world right now! I was 
so

blessed to be gifted one by the wonderful Brain Tap gals at the end of their demo session here in NY and now I will never be without one.

Start your day and end your day with a meditation session in this amazing chair. It is like you are literally floating in air. And it is so lightweight and portable, you can take it anywhere. This is the ultimate relaxation device.

tgatp|health and wellness

Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat $78 I am a newbie to yoga and I love it. This durable premium Eco-friendly Mat/Towel Combination Yoga Mat is my current favorite.
 Designed to be the ultimate yoga companion, it reduce slipping, and injuries and you no longer need to bring a mat AND towel to class anymore. The luxurious and absorbent sueded microfiber (made of recycled plastic bottles!) Is bonded to a natural tree rubber base gives you the sweaty grip of a towel and the cushion of a yoga mat. The mats come in host of cute colors and designs with a carrying strap included.

tgatp|spirit

“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.�

- Agnes M. Pahro

tgatp | films

AT THE MOVIES 
 As usual, the holiday season has ushered in tons of great films, both at the theaters and on streaming networks, that you have to see.

Check out my fav movies for the 2019 holiday season.

TGATP Top Holiday Films 1917

This is the best film of the year and unlike any war movie ever made. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire film. I was also riveted and moved by the beauty of the filming and score. George McKay was a glaring oversight for Best Actor at the SAG Awards. I want Oscar nods for Best Film, Director, Actor and Cinematography for this monumental achievement in film.

Spies In Disquise

With Will Smith as the debonair super spy Lance Sterling, this is one of my top ten favorite animation movies of all time! In these fraught times, the message is great for kids and adults alike.

The Rise Of Skywalker

When I was a kid, my parents took my entire violin class to see the first in the franchise, “Star Wars: The New Hope” on an IMAX screen in DC. So I was highly emotional about this one. I wish they had lived to see the final three. With nonstop action and surprise cameos, it’s a satisfying and fitting end to a life-changing series.

Black Christmas I loved the 80’s version and this one is even goofier. Scary and weird, this is an instant cult classic. Watch the old one then scurry out to see this new take.

Just Mercy

I have known Bryan Stephenson for almost 20 years. He is one of my heroes for his amazing work freeing innocent people from American prisons. This film covers his early career and the case of Walter McMillian, a man wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of a white woman despite obviously not committing the crime.

Bombshell

This was a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, it is a great film.

Learning about the bravery of Gretchen Carlson, who pre the #MeToo movement sued serial sexual abuser Roger Ailes, is vitally important.

And Oscar-worthy performances by Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie and especially Charlize Theron, who literally embodies Kelly, make “Bombshell” a must-see. On the other hand, it was tough for me to feel real empathy for Megan Kelly and to see the film portray her as a hero.

While coming forth for women at FOX was courageous, her racist statements during her tenure at the network will always be a stain on her character.

Knives Out Like “Clue” on steroids, I loved this film. It’s fun and twisty with an allstar cast. Best not to know too much about this going in, just see it!

Two Popes

“The Two Popes” recounts the origins of the ongoing friendship between Pope Benedict and Pope Francis. In addition, through flashbacks, we learn about Pope Francis’ early life. Engaging, moving and funny, this is one of my top films of the year.

Little Women

Greta Gerwig draws out the timeless elements in Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale. While we have certainly come a very long way as women, we still have so far to go that this period piece still resonates today.

Cats

Cats has always been a bit of an oddball musical with very little story and only a couple of great songs. But Jennifer Hudson and Judi Dench make the film version worth seeing.

That Girl At The Party | On the Scene

Liberty Science Extreme Opening Party PopSugar PopSugar Chalet At Bryant Park

WOBI at Lincoln Center

Charleene Closshey Holiday Album Launch

Warren Zanes Q&A at screening of
 The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash at Cosby Hotel

MAC x Moulin Rouge Makeup Demo at Town Hall

10+Free Nail Color Luncheon

The Wedding Salon at Stewart Hotel

Diane Baker, Lee Grant & Dennis at Lee Grant Retrospective at Film Forum

StarChefs Congress 2019 Star Chefs is one of my fav events of the year with tons of great food and seminars.

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.� - George Bernard Shaw

"To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.� - François de la Rochefoucauld

THOUGHTS FOR 
 THE SEASON

With both parents ascended and my nieces and nephews in other states, 
 I will be spending the holidays alone in the City this year. I know for many people the holidays alone are tough times. If you are going to be alone this year, use the time to commit to my 4 Rs:

Reflection:

Use this time to reflect on the past year and decide what changes you want to make in the new one. Are there toxic people you need to gracefully walk away from? Are there bad habits you need to change? Do you need to work on your health? Are there things you need to do to meet your work and financial goals? Start planning the changes you want to make in 2020.

Renewal: Once you have reflected on your current life, do not overthink the things you do not like or need any longer. Think only of the changes you need to make and get rid of everything and everyone holding you back from your best self and the life you want to live.

Relaxation:

Spoil yourself silly! Besides your birthday, this is the only time of year when you can legitimately do whatever you want.

Rejuvenation: Pamper your mind, body and soul. Do daily meditation and take nice long baths. Do not wreck your health by overeating.

Remember, it is possible to have healthy, yummy meals, snacks and desserts, even during the holidays!

UNTIL NEXT TIME.





 I hope you enjoyed this 2nd annual holiday issue of the magazine version of That Girl At The Party.

Have a blessed holiday season and I look forward to providing your with even more great content in 2020.