I went to Portugal for my honeymoon in August, and discovered I love that country! It was pure magic and I can’t wait to go back. But as in all my travel, shopping is one way I get know a place, it’s culture, and people. Browsing gives me the opportunity to discover their way of life, their crafts, resources, and their stories.  Wandering through Lisbon’s design district, I came across a remarkable store called A Vida Portuguesa. Founded by Catarina Portas in 2007 from “the desire to inventory the surviving brands of time, the intention to revalue the quality of Portuguese manufactured production, and to reveal Portugal in a surprising way.” Needless to say, the store is exquisitely curated with products and brands that touches people’s hearts. Portas wanted brands that kept to the Portuguese culture and didn’t change throughout time. Classicpieces alongside unique items that hopefully be passed down from generation to generation inspiring others to come back to decades later. Like, me.

It was so hard to choose one thing to showcase from this store, I loved everything. BAG NOT BIG ENOUGH. But my chosen item is Tomelo Natura Soap also known as Donkey’s Milk Soap. This soap was suggested to me with the kind of knowing look I often give my clients when they need to listen. I didn’t hesitate and chose one with honey. This 100% natural soap did not disappoint. It creates the most luxurious creamy lather and leaves my skin feeling so smooth and moisturized. Donkey’s milk contains vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids which aid the production of collagen, promotes cell regeneration, and delays aging – Cleopatra was a known devotee. These soaps have even been found to reduce and control dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.

But the best thing about this soap is the milk comes from the company’s mission to help preserve and protect the indigenous breed of Miranda Donkey.  These donkeys from the northeastern corner of Portugal are at risk of extinction, and the money made from the products promote the donkey sanctuary and the region’s ecosystem, people, and heritage. The company seek the animal’s well-being first, is environmentally and human sustainable, eco-conscious, and fair trade. Recently, the donkeys have also put to graze in meadows and marshes – thus helping to clear pastures and creating buffer areas to prevent forest fires.

These donkeys are udderly amazing and so is the soap!

Get Carried Away

I believe the trick to giving a great gift is to give something that you’d also enjoy while considering their style and known needs. This way it ends up being thoughtful and personal, and even if they don’t love it – the simple act of giving it will be a joyous occasion because you’ll be excited about it. My rule of thumb, when in doubt… go functional. Here are some life-simplifying, thoughtful, beautiful gifts you can get your gifting going on the right foot. No sole searching required. Happy happy! Joy joy!

/ 12 / Larsson & Jennings Norse 40mm Watch $285

/ 11 / Cole Haan Washington Grand Attache Case $450

/ 10 / Nordstrom Men’s Shop Poplin Lounge Pants $35

/ 9 / Bambusi Bamboo Bath Caddy Tray $30

/ 8 / Sugarfina Champagne Cocktail Kit $25

/ 7 / Connor Peacock Paperweight $95

/ 6 / SF Moma Georgia O’Keeffe: Living Modern Book $60

/ 5 / Rebecca Minkoff Chain Link Earrings $48

/ 4 / HomCom Wall Mounted Mirrored Jewelry Cabinet $60

/ 3 / Gap Softspun Marled Joggers $50

/ 2 / Twelve NYC Mirrored Jewelry Case $28

/ 1 / Raden A22 Carry $295

A graduate of Parsons The New School for Design, Turkish designer Gül Hürgel’s collection of dresses, jumpsuits and blouses inspired by the Mediterranean’s simple sophistication ends the eternal search for the perfect summer outfit. The easy pieces with clear references to the 50’s epitomize timeless holiday style – breezy, softly colored, and uncomplicated in linen, cotton or a blend of, keep you cool and your look effortless.  Her pieces show details of embroidery, ruffles, mid-lengths and most of them available as custom orders in different fabrics and patterns.