The holiday season is right around the corner and everyone is busy Christmas shopping. Most bloggers post their own holiday gift guide this time of the year featuring their favorite products. Personally, I am doing the same exact thing I did last year, instead of featuring companies owned and operated by people that I don’t know, I am featuring my own friends’ business ventures.

Teri Hofmann is an Independent Miche Representative. Have you ever heard of their purses? They are pretty awesome. The genius behind this line of purses is that you put all of your essentials in just one bag and never have to bother with moving it all to a different purse each time you change your outfit. All you have to do is simply change the “shell” of your purse.

Check out Teri’s Miche page, there are some awesome shells to choose from! Teri’s is totally awesome and she will help you find the purse and shells perfect for you!

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Sheila Arkee: the woman behind Painted Ladies. She is a fabulous makeup artist and photographer.

If you need someone to do your make up for any occasion or need a life style photographer in the South Bay or Orange County contact her!! Check out her photography website Akeeology Photography. She is a lot of fun to work with. Giggles guaranteed!

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 Shannon Hammer: the woman behind  

Read all about her weight loss journey and tips on her website Positive Portions. Buy her book for yourself or as a present for someone who could use one!!

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 Dania Katz: the woman that connects the foodies in Maui and the rest of the Hawaiian islands. She introduced me to wonderful people and foodie experiences while in Maui this past summer! I affectionately call her my guru!

Dania works with the Edible Hawaiian Islands, a truly gorgeous magazine that would be the perfect gift for anyone who loves Hawaii!

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Marilyn Jansen Lopes: the woman behind Amaryllis of Hawaii. An artist with many different talents. Take a look around her website for all the great pieces that she creates!

I have done a give away with Marilyn’s books before. They are awesome, and so is she!

If you so happen to visit Maui, then check out Marilyn’s Maui Farm Tours. One of my fondest memories during my stay in Maui was visit the Goat and Lavender farms. Marilyn and her husband will take you on a fantastic guided tour on their tour bus and give you a very informative, and delicious, tour!

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Big Joe Hurt: a truly beautiful person inside and out. Every time I see him perform, he simply moves to me to tears. I love going to see Big Joe perform at clubs around LA. What I love the most though, is when he comes to our house for our yearly wedding anniversary party to play for us!

I love his music and his deep soulful voice. Both his albums While You Were Away and No Pain, No Gain can be purchased on his website Big Joe Hurt and on itunes! If you live in LA he is available for private gigs!

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Aydin Shamshirsaz: the man behind Aydin’s Art. A fellow Iranian who is a very talented painter. Please check his website for a sample of all the beautiful work that he has done: Aydin’s Art

All of Aydin’s pieces are unique and beautiful.  Aydin’s area of expertise covers hand painted murals, special finishes, decorative painting, interior and exterior painting and design, customized fine art for hospitality and for personal collections.