LYRA MAG.

Getaways during travel crunch time-don't have to be crushingly crowded,  expensive or pre-planned to the extreme. For temperate climate, island beaches and laid back eateries-plus a dose of French vibes ( Euros... food ) plus+ -the Caribbean archipelago islands of Guadeloupe delivers. FRENCH FOOD, RUM AND SUN:  Easy To Get To : Inexpensive non-stop flights to/fro Guadeloupe's  Pointe-a-Pitre's airport (PTP) ---Montreal (Air Canada, Air Transat) NYC's JFK,   or Miami airports on Norwegian Air...and other airlines-Jetblue (starting Feb, 2020), American Airlines and Air France. Getting Around :- roads are mostly excellent ...grab a taxi, take high speed ferries + hydrofoils between,  rental cars/motorcycles for self explorations, and private charters-gets one exploring secluded spots (Deshaies-where the BBC's Death in Paradise is filmed, Marie-Galante and Les Saintes)-to tourist friendly locales Saint-François and Le Gosier-to the  two main islands...

There's something magical about the big blue skies of Colorado...and fluffy powder snow.  Good to know-the Rocky Mountain snowfall has been plentiful ...and now through January-multiple resorts offer up winter get away sporty fun...for mountain enthusiasts. via GIPHY Arapahoe Basin Ski Area Arapahoe Basin will host a variety of family-friendly holiday activities, beginning with a visit from Santa and an elf on Monday, Dec. 24. Santa will bring candy and holiday cheer, and the Summit County Choral Society will be caroling in the base area from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. A-Basin will also host New Year’s Eve in the Mountains, a special lift-served Moonlight Dinner at Black Mountain Lodge. This event will offer guests the opportunity to ring in 2020 with a gourmet dinner including oysters, filet mignon and other delicious offerings. A-Basin will celebrate New Year's Eve with New York at 10 p.m. with live music, a glass of champagne, party favors and a balloon drop. For more in...

Inexpensive stocking stuffers for the adored Tic Tok users-or party flair for anyone's outfits- fun style galore from online destinations that won't have any trend over expiration dates. R a in b ow Unicorn Birthday Surprise: Sure-that name is kitschy-made for Influencer/Pinterest set-but any age female will love the glammy super inexpensive earrings-and hair accessories like splashy bows, barrettes, headbands. our pick- ANIA earrings $25. NINA  has polished pearls  (faux but fab) and crystal jewelry pieces- in matchy earring necklace sets-and pretty chokers to wear anywhere. Sugary sweet-or goth leaning gals- DOLLS KILL! has that irreverent " HOLIDAZE "  'tude- and a plethora of mini skirts, frilly to piece frocks, to flats, thigh-high boots + platform kicks and sequin loaded accessories...to attire the female that goes with the mood. LOVE especially-the faux furs and pink glitter cowboy kicks (pictured).

TO  NOW Part One: Venice Open for tourists...Christmas time in romantic-family friendly Venice Italy is ON! The event packed  LE CITTÀ IN FIESTA NATALE -includes multiple holiday events and experiences including real deal outdoor ice skating in those glorious scenic piazzas, festive musical concerts and twinkling bright special Christmas lights...in addition to all the usual amazing Venetian attractions. Give: A special thanks (or donation) to the incredible American based Save Venice non-profit ( savevenice.org/donate  ) -that tirelessly funds/oversees the restoration and conservation of Venitian historical and artistic treasures. AND:  A matching fund drive by Save Venice (up to $100,000)  titled the IMMEDIATE RESPOND FUND is going on now to support urgent relief efforts,  preventative conservation and to forever protect that Italian destination's cultural heritage for future generations. Specifically:   the Immediate Response Fund, a...

There's no bad weather-only bad clothing... Some of the latest multi-tasking items available at online destination Backcountry.com- for the all in outdoors enthusiasts-or casual city strollers...are great gifts to give anyone. Included in the carefully curated assortment we saw at the #BACKCOUNTRYNYC pop-up-is stuff from the top rated brands, including smartly designed-tested/vetted designed apparel-not found elsewhere. Keep Warm: Polar Vortex-or all-day hours outdoors= extra base layers, please! One piece wonders-Ninja Suits (in W, M, kids)-in super soft merino wool  -in fun patterns might hilariously make the fashion police frown (in a good way ha ha)...by Airblaster Mons Royale The Merino Experience one piece is made from the finest New Zealand wool Female made-Norway's Olympic winning  Kari Traa   -serves up tastefully printed super soft merino base layers-that practically have a cult following now. AND COME IN SIZES UP TO 2XL-4XL !!! Figures...

Ditch the alcohol...  gifts that are shelf worthy-shelf stable selections are really so much better useful , better aesthetics ... and better for you . LOVE the entire    Royal Doulton COFFEE STUDIO collection -packaged in  cool sturdy paper bags -cardboard like. CHOICES-  latte or cappechino cup/saucer sets,a handsome  travel mug, or pour over or French Press coffee pot set...in neutral tones that fit right at home i n any home are on sale-$9.99 (Grande Mug)-$59.99 (itchy matchy Rectangular Tray set of 4).  For folks with Nepresso (or Nepresso capable) single serve machines...a collection of Pellini Organic, rich  espresso or smooth elegant 100% Arabica Coffee capsules that will most likely- start disappearing before the party's over.  Trust us on this one...tie a ribbon around a few boxes. No...there is no such thing as enough flattering-soft holiday glow. Illuminations candles comes in giftable frosted glass vess...