For my Travel Therapy TV segments, featured on WPIX-TV’s morning news and on the nationally syndicated lifestyle Dr. Steve Show that airs in NYC and across the country, I’m always looking to feature special properties that find a way to give back beyond just a great vacation experience and that’s exactly what I found last night when I went to the Andaz 5th Avenue hotel in New York City.
I attended the Andaz brand’s unveiling of it’s first-ever Andaz Holiday Bazaar featuring beautiful works of art, from home decor, fashion, jewelry and much more, from artists all over the world offering a unique collection of holiday gifts with all the proceeds from the sales going to Women for Women International (WfWI), a non-profit group providing women in war-torn countries with jobs, providing economic opportunities to help create positive change.
Back in 2011, the Andaz started working with a local community of women in Iraq with WfWI to create laundry bags that are used in Andaz guestrooms around the world. At the bazaar I was able to see examples of these special laundry bags as well as the other inspiring and empowering products being made around the world that through the sales are making such a difference by helping women rebuilt their lives in war-torn communities.
Here’s the best part, all the gifts that give back are being featured online this holiday season starting today so you can purchase these special items and know you’re making a difference in helping women around the world. Here’s the website www.joyus.com/giftsthatgiveback
There are so many items I love with some of my favorites being the above cookbook, Share, that’s only $28 and filled with not only recipes from different regions around the world but beautiful photographs and heartfelt quotes, making this cookbook one that’s hard to put down.
At the Andaz Holiday Bazaar I also met Lydia Mondavi, of the famed Mondavi wine family, and learned more about her skin care line 29 that features luxurious products made with grape see extract, straight from Napa Valley vineyards. I can’t wait to try the 29 Preserves Serum Extract that Lydia says is wonderful to keep your skin hydrated while traveling.
Another beauty product I’m excited to try is from the Savannah Bee Company featuring all-natural Beeswax Lip Gloss in yummy flavors like blackberry, mint blossom or tupelo honey.
Another great gift idea from the Andaz Holiday Bazaar was created by Claudia Gold, also known in the graffiti world as Claw Money where she has created an edgy hip Andaz-inspired tote bag featuring her signature claw icon.
Also be sure to check out the gorgeous scarves from New York City based “live-cartoonist” Flash Rosenberg who custom created white and rose scarves featuring drawings celebrating the knowing smiles of women everywhere.
So you’re starting to get the idea about all the beautiful and unique items you can find online as part of the Andaz Holiday Bazaar. Items go on sale today through the holidays and remember all the proceeds go to Women for Women International so be sure to take a moment and click on www.joyus.com/giftsthatgiveback and help make a difference, the most precious gift you can give this holiday season.
For more: www.andaz.com/wfwi
