During the pandemic we all need a little self-care to get us through these days of uncertainty, so surprise your loved one (or buy it for yourself) this Valentine’s Day with a little pick me up to show them they are loved. A small token of appreciation goes a long way – whether it’s a box of homemade scones or a stylish chapeau. Here’s the LaLaScoop on some of our latest favorites.
For the gourmand
Porto’s Bakery – Bake at Home
Eat your way to happiness with Porto’s Bake at Home boxes with 12 pastries in a box – perfect for Valentine’s Day breakfast or a midnight snack. Some of our favorites include Raspberry Almond Heart Cookies, Guava Strudel, and the Chocolate Twists. Pop in the oven and devour your favorite pastry in the comfort of your own home. Check out the meat and veggie options too.
What’s better than a modern take on homemade scones? Their box of deliciousness can be stuffed with over 90 different flavors. The dessert scones are perfect with tea or breakfast in bed with varieties like Blueberry, Chocolate Raspberry, Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese, and Chocolate Raspberry. We adore the Strawberry Champagne and Cranberry Orange with English Clotted Cream. Moist and full of flavor, the scones are made with real butter, cream, and eggs. Warm up the BIG savory scones like Jalepeno, Green Olive, and Cheddar; Garlic Herb; and Bacon Cheddar and Chive. Baked with a 2-day delivery for maximum freshness, you can keep them in the fridge too for up to 4 days.
This fermented pineapple drink is fermented from pineapple rinds and blended with aromatics and spices. Every variety tastes amazing. The Original Ginger Manzana is our favorite but you may love Pineapple Spice, Orange Turmeric, or Mango Chile.
Rich in Vitamin C and D, the hydrating fermented probiotic is great for digestion and gut health. Also, low in sugar and less than 40 calories are an added bonus to this delicious drink brought to you in a can but often sipped out of bags in Mexico. Order the Variety 12 pack online or pick up at your local Southern California Whole Foods. Add this to a foodie care package or special meal for the one you love.
Try takeout or enjoy outdoor dining with your Valentine right on Fairfax at the new Grain Traders. This restaurant will satisfy any healthy eater with seared Citrus Tuna Tataki, fresh salmon, and sides like quinoa, barley risotto, forbidden rice, green apple coleslaw, and lemongrass eggplant. Pick your base, protein/main, veggies, and sides. Vegan can rejoice with a tofu or jackfruit plate plus there are various flavored nuts, unique sauces, and a whole pickled section – which is so important for your gut health. Select from pickled Japanese cucumber, mixed mushrooms, pineapple kimchi, and more. Menus rotate based on the seasonal bounty. Shoot your cupid arrow into his/her heart with a fulfilling meal at Grain Traders. The best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach.
For the curious Angeleno
Secret Los Angeles: A Guide to the Weird Wonderful and Obscure
A guide to the weird, wonderful, and obscure, author Danny Jensen brings you free hidden gems of Los Angeles. From quirky art, dazzling buildings, hidden histories, and inspiring cultural landmarks, Secret Los Angeles: A Guide to the Weird Wonderful and Obscure brings you to lesser-known often overlooked destinations. Explore LA deeply with this intriguing and entertaining read of over 150 places and stories. Even after 13 years of living in LA, almost all of the LA history is new to me.
Use your pandemic time and seek out some of these places with your Valentine. Create your own LA adventure with this book as your resource while gaining a deeper appreciation for the culture, history, and secrets of Los Angeles.
For the fashionista
Designed in LA and made from 100% Australian wool, these gorgeous chapeaus are a perfect way to dress up during the pandemic. Make a fashion statement in the camel-colored Chloe, The Rae (white with beige ribbon), or the black Mick. The best part is you can make your small, medium, or large hit fit perfectly by tightening the strap under the band or by adding the foam sitting tape inside provided with your hat. Impress your Valentine with a special hat that will last forever.
Made from Neoprene aka wet suit material, my tan bag has become my new pandemic purse, and due to the material ,it is perfect for the pool or beach. Tan with bright orange sides, my bag (Grayson Capri) has a pop of bright pink color on the inside and includes an attached smaller zipped purse inside. The bags come in many styles and are beautifully designed. Check out the Greyson Swank, the Grayson Electric, the Drew Showoff, or the Peyton Pop Crossbody – all reasonably priced and a unique purchase for any fashion-forward friend.
For the home lover
Just opening this soy candle of cranberry and balsam is a room mood lifter. Put the candle next to your bed to enhance the mood with the delicious scent. Made from recycled wine bottles, find holiday scents, curated gift sets, and new candle accessories on their Etsy Shop – OakandOliverCandleCo. Set the scene with Oak and Oliver’s linen spray too.
For the wellness seeker
Subtle Energies Ayurveda Aromatherapy Skincare and Oils
Muscle Ease Massage Blend is a scrumptious oil for your stay at home massage – perfect for congestion or anyone experiencing problems in their feet and legs. Use liberally all over your partner with a delightful scent of clove, kunzea, and ashwagandha.
Pioneers in Ayurveda aromatherapy, the skincare line makes a lavish gift for the beauty fiend. Mogra Rejuvenating Gold Cream scent and Facial Blend oil include scents we’ve never smelled before in other product lines. Almost like an aphrodisiac for your face, the mogra ( like a lighter Jasmine) and Indian Rose oils make these anti-aging blends calming. Find the Subtle Energies line at The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills and now available online.
Crystal infused perfume oils by LYFESTYLE CO
You may know Jordana Fortaleza from the first Mobile Boutique in LA and the first to open a Truck and Mortar store at Westfield The Village, but in 2017 she launched an all-natural crystal-infused perfume line using oils customized to your zodiac sign. Besides her array of clean beauty products, the Astro Collection features rare precious aromatics from around the world to create natural perfumes. Handcrafted in LA using an organic almond and coconut oil base, crystals are infused in each bottle under the full moon with the best intentions.
For a unique gift for those who love wellness, check out The Manifestation Box Collections: The Manifestation Kit and The Manifestation Box with manifestation cards, Palo Santo and writing tool, bath salts, their best selling “good vibes” crystal-infused perfume oil, and the first “organic Sage Spray room spray.”
For romance
No better place to sip champagne atop the ocean in your own private suite while the sunset streams across the expansive Pacific Ocean. Dine on your private balcony under the stars or at their Carbon Beach Club terrace. During the day, hold hands while walking Carbon Beach (Billionaire Beach), or canoodle on your own private beachside lounge chairs. Besides in-room gas fireplaces to keep you warm at night, each room has a Toto toilet with a warm seat that opens when you enter. Now, how’s that for romance? Keep the sparks flying at Malibu Beach Inn.
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