LYRA MAG.

Valentine's Day is a chocolate occasion...but so is every other day too when it comes to the good stuff . Women owned and handmade...these chocolates are to be shared with anyone on your sweetheart list... MarieBelle Izak Zanou ganache 16 piece assortment - so chic-so yummy. Rich gourmet treats made from single origin,  artisanal beans-featuring the whimsical (and collectible) artwork of fashion illustrator Izak Zenou Maggie Louise Confections -fab chocolate and  even fab-ber packaging (if that's even a word...) SOLID LIPSTICK=SOLID CHOCOLATE Maggie Louise Confections' display at recent NY NOW tradeshow-fun shapes of 'real' objects in bite sized, solid chocolate via GIPHY Easter Time-Maggie Louise Confections has an admirable  plethora of  special occasion options ...

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).

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...

#GIVINGTUESDAY gifts ... to feel good about this holiday season. Buy from a wide range of goods -and price points from companies that are biz members of 1% For The Planet (earmark 1% of gross sales to non-profits). Two companies we love- Patagonia and it sub snack brand Patagonia Provisions, and stunning housewares and portable bottles designed by SOMA  are both members...and offer up loads of items to please anyone on your list. Tasty treats made by non-profit fav Greyston  Bakeries-that trains/employs really anyone with the desire to learn-no barriers to work... (OpenHiring®-with the winning motto EAT BROWNIES TO CHANGE LIVES )... For coffee lovers-"Fuel Your Day With Purpose" CHAPIN COFFEE 's Organic Fair Trade 100% Arabica coffee- (Signature Gift Set) is packaged in a beautiful reusable hand woven sack -donates  school meals to children living in rural Guatemala via a partnership with NGO Pueblo A Pueblo

Part Three Under the radar brands that make the best ... Yoga mat strap carrier-Thalé Blanc  vegan leather tabs- adjustable strap...w/ a clip to attach keys etc. CHIC! $64 Experienced D1 Crew Team approved...WaterRower is truly superior-pulling  the patented waterfly wheel is the closest experience rowing wise- to actually being on the water outside- really amazing. And a full body workout (pretty much). Bonus...vertically stores instead of being a wet laundry hanging rack (hogging up a lot of floor space). German engineering came up with this-and the water (and container) need only one easily placed chloride tablet every bunch of months to keep it clean. Several models available-including different ethically sourced hardwood frames, stainless steel -pictured-as well as high rise -pictured- and low rise (on the floor) models. FYI: A cherry model  made in the USA is featured in the MOMA DESIGN STORE   Smiles earned- SOULGANI ACTIVEWEAR separates hav...

part 2 Amundsen Sport s' collection of tech performance head to toe apparel separates/shoes/boots-have rightfully earned 'BEST OF..." from outdoors'y media royalty... After all... This Norwegian collection-made in those special European locales with expertise -boasts top of the line performance/protection fabrics (like Schoeller ), and materials ( Vibram's Arctic Grip ) etc. But what really grabbed our eyeballs beyond the multiple hangtags  -is the label's stylish fusion of the best retro looks that ooze city cool (think '90s iconic J Peterman selections)...with high-end functional travel-trek-mountain scaling pieces usually reserved for global jaunts in remote locales. Where your outfits are often key to surviving the elements. Highlights: MOUNTAIN MUCKS ILUJJINIQ Waxed Cotton zip front water-tough gaiters (snap shut top with logo patch)-atop lace-up leather boots.Limited edition-in dark oak/natural. Comes with 2 inner boots (standard ver...

GET Outdoors! part 1 EYE PROTECTION AND GREAT FITTING STYLE DON'T HAVE TO COST MAJOR $. ECO LEANING SUNSKI -DESIGNS THEIR OWN SHADES...HAS FLATTERING CITY-SKI SLOPE SHAPES THAT OFFER FULL UVA-B PROTECTION. POLARIZED LENSES WITH FRAMES MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTIC & PACKAGED IN RECYCLED CARDBOARD. UNDER $50 PER. CUTE+COZY. Warm boots for cold temps don't have to be clunky-or heavy or expensive. These White Mountain  Emory Nubuck Leather Bootie lace-ups  with a hiker vibe-offer weather protection, a grippy functional wedge heel...and fashion-y wedge with cushioning power. Bonus: Padded fleece collar-can be turned up or down. $89 You can walk all day in these Tansley Suede Bootie s-in New Chestnut brown (pictured) or 4 other shades=comfort and function w/ a treaded lug sole-plus stylish faux fur trim + D-ring cord laces. $99 PENDLETON's Rockchuck Range Tall Boot  (pictured in Spider Rock) are constructed of waterproof leather w/ the brand's W...