My favorite hostess gifts

When QVC asked me to develop a lighterliving gift box it didn't take long to decide what should go in it.

Being an essential oil fanatic I decided to use this as the excuse I needed to blend my own bespoke recipe of oils; a fragrance that I could enjoy constantly, no matter the time of year, the time of day, the occasion, the gender or the use.

Till now I do not think there is a more deliciously warm, sensual and delightful blend. I filled it tiny bottles and packaged them with a silver tone heart locket that can function as a key chain, necklace or decorative addition to your purse or car mirror! It is a most beautiful and meaningful gift or stocking stuffer and available in the shop.

The oil is spread onto tiny round felt pads and placed inside the locket to defuse naturally and change the scent of the room, inspiring kind and generous thoughts and invoking beautiful memories.

The second inclusion is my deck of 52 manifestation cards inspired by my daily mindfulness ritual that involves thinking of a word or intention and holding that meaning through out the day.

I absolutely adored making these cards. I took photos in my garden at the Cape and carefully chose 52 images that seemed fitting for the carefully chosen 52 meaningful words.  I then added a positive affirmation for each card and thus the deck was manifest.

Packaged in a beautiful lime green chiffon bag, I love to give these cards to my friends who enjoy sharing in their own daily practice.

written by Marjolein Brugman

Marjolein Brugman is the founder of lighterliving and Aeropilates. “lighterliving is a movement and lifestyle choice we can all make. Let’s make it simple – make one decision a day to be better and watch the small steps lead to big changes. Eat smart, stay active, and you’ll live to feel a lighter life."