Taylor Franco from Luca + Danni joined GoLocal LIVE’s Chelsea Guay to discuss the launch of the company's Holiday collection as well as the ongoing growth and success they have seen since the company's inception in 2014.
The company, based out of Cranston, specializes in hand-crafted items like bracelets, necklaces, earrings, key chains and rings all manufactured in the Rhode Island home office. The companies signature piece, a “top of the wrist” bracelet, is carried in more than 200 retailers across the U.S. and Canada.
Much of the discussion on GoLocal LIVE - WATCH ABOVE - was about featured holiday items and gifts as well as the companies story, rooted in family history.
Luca + Dani CEO, Fred Magnanimi, left his career on Wall Street to reconnect with his roots at his family’s Rhode Island-based jewelry manufacturing business.
In 2013, Fred’s younger brother, Danny, lost a difficult battle with cancer. Danny’s dream was to create a unique line of handcrafted, American-made jewelry that inspired others through the journey of life.
With Fred at the helm, fueled by Danny’s passion and a burning desire to carry forth his vision, Luca + Danni was born.
Named after Fred’s two oldest children, Luca + Danni believes that through love, inspiration, and passion, we should all boldly embrace the journey of life. Luca + Danni is sold in more than 800 retailers and online.
Mike Stanton's New Book "Unbeaten: Rocky Marciano's Fight for Perfection in a Crooked World"
RI author Mike Stanton has released his new book based on the life of boxer Rocky Marciano.
"Unbeaten is the story of this remarkable champion who overcame injury, doubt, and the schemes of corrupt promoters to win the title in a bloody and epic battle with Jersey Joe Walcott in 1952. Rocky packed a devastating punch with an innocent nickname, “Suzie Q,” against which there was no defense. As the champ, he came to know presidents and movie stars – and the organized crime figures who dominated the sport, much to his growing disgust. He may have “stood out in boxing like a rose in a garbage dump,” as one sportswriter said, but he also fought his own private demons," says Amazon about the book.
Alex & Ani has a series of new products out that would make for a great gift.
The products include a Snow Globe Charm Bangle.
"A snow globe is a festive moment, frozen in time. It evokes nostalgic memories of childhood Christmases past. This Snow Globe expandable wire bangle in RAFAELIAN SILVER Finish is a Black Friday exclusive. It features a glittery snow globe charm with a reindeer and Christmas tree inside, and a dated 2018 tag that commemorates the joy of this particular holiday season," writes Alex & Ani on thier website.
Tickets to True West by Sam Shepard at Gamm Theatre
The New York Times is calling True West Sam Shepard’s best play ever.
About the play, the Game Theatre writes, “estranged brothers Austin and Lee reunite unexpectedly in their mother’s home. Austin, a family man and budding screenwriter, is at work on a new script. Lee, a drifter with a plan to rob the neighborhood of household appliances, drops in and stays. Soon he is pitching his own idea for a trashy Western to Austin’s Hollywood agent . . . and the battle is on. Challenges are issued, drinks are downed, and the seemingly opposite brothers find they are more alike than they want to admit. “
Ann Hood's New Book "Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love and Food"
New York Times best-selling author Ann Hood is set to release her newest book titled, "Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love and Food."
About the book, Amazon writes, "Hood tracks her lifelong journey in the kitchen with twenty-seven heartfelt essays, each accompanied by a recipe (or a few). In “Carbonara Quest,” searching for the perfect spaghetti helped her cope with lonely nights as a flight attendant. In the award-winning essay “The Golden Silver Palate,” she recounts the history of her fail-safe dinner party recipe for Chicken Marbella―and how it did fail her when she was falling in love. Hood’s simple, comforting recipes also include her mother’s famous meatballs, hearty Italian Beef Stew, classic Indiana Fried Chicken, the perfect grilled cheese, and a deliciously summery peach pie."
Is there a chocolate lover among your friends or family?
A gift basket from Sweenor's makes for a great and easy gift for all chocolate lovers.
"Our medium rectangle paperboard basket contains 1/2 lb assorted chocolates, 1/2 lb box of panned cranberries, 9 piece decorated chocolates, 1/2 lb bag of reindeer corn or spice drops and 1/4 lb bag of foiled balls," writes Sweenor's on their website.
Posters from the Warwick Musical Tent to recycled RI high school letterman jackets from Burrillville High School, Carmen and Ginger has an eclectic collection of RI stuff.
Only in RI carries Rhode Island-specific gifts and foods that would make for a great Christmas gift.
From a Rhode Island inspired gift basket (complete with Del’s of course), how cool is that? to artisanal jewelry, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list.
You can't go wrong with the Rhode Island gift basket.
This "Throw Me a Bone" Tie from Kiel James Patrick would make for a great Christmas gift for dog lovers.
About the tie, Kiel James Patrick says, "Featuring 100% silk twill our neckties are the perfect addition to any adventure loving gentleman looking to stand out. Each tie is woven with specialty motifs, which makes the designs stand slightly proud of the surface of the necktie harkening to classic woven club ties of days past and distinguishing them from the digitally printed silk ties that are so common today."
Vicki Stone Corliss and Leigh Brown's “The Pendulum’s Truth”
Rhode Island authors Vicki Stone Corliss and Leigh Brown released their latest book titled "the Pendulum's Truth."
About the book, Amazon writes "Since she was a young girl, Ava Dell has been told that her intuitive sixth sense is a special gift she shares with her mother. It is a gift she never takes seriously until she is forced to make a fresh start after her mother’s death. Real estate agent Charlotte Boyer welcomes Ava to Wicks Falls, South Carolina with a mystical pendulum, and a warning to use it carefully. Ava’s curiosity is piqued. She begins using the pendulum, relying on her intuition to guide her. Soon, customers are flocking to her newly opened coffee shop, The Tea Cozy, for Ava’s scones and her pendulum’s guidance. But when tragedy suddenly strikes, Ava, worried that she’ll be blamed, flees to her family’s cottage at Sully Shores. There she is forced to face the fact that some truths you can’t outrun, and to decide once and for all if her gift is truly worth the price."
Brown and Corliss became co-authors in 2009 — in 2013, they published their first novel, Second Chances.
Their second book, The Pie Sisters, was released in 2015.
Buy someone a membership to Providence Fit Body Boot Camp located at 1284 North Main St., on the Providence/Pawtucket line.
Providence Fit Body Boot Camp writes, "Discover The Providence Fitness Boot Camp That Burns Twice The Fat, Gets You Fit And Challenges Your Body Every Time."
Windsor 14Kt Rose Freshwater Pearl Ring from Imperial Pearl
About the ring, Imperial Pearl writes, "It is not often that a piece of jewelry takes our breath away but this brand new design from our Windsor collection has left us speechless.
The way that the soft blush color of the 14K rose gold compliments the natural pink color of this large 13-14mm pearl is truly a match made in heaven."
Renowned handbag designer and Brown University Grad Kent Stetson has a variety of customized handbags including this one titled "Heels Clutch."
"Paint the town red. Featuring red bottom shoes, this asymmetrical clutch is hand crafted to perfection. All bags come with a removable cross-body chain, logo dust bag, clear vinyl inner pocket and are individually signed. Inside fabric may differ from what is pictured. Price includes shipping," said Stetson on his website.
Stetson also has other handbags that feature cats, dogs, cocktails and much more.
Jon Land's New Book "Guardian: Life in the Crosshairs of the CIA's War on Terror"
Rhode Island best-selling author Jon Land is set to release a new book "Guardian: Life in the Crosshairs of the CIA's War on Terror."
A description of the book on Amazon is as follows "A CIA security officer recounts a twenty-four-year career protecting America’s intelligence personnel and senior USG Officials against a backdrop of the War on Terror."
Get them some new treats, like these pizza bites, from the Rhode Island-based company Buppy Pets.
Buppy Pets creates treats for your furry friend that are gluten-free and made with fresh ingredients inspired by seasonal fruits and veggies, with many various sweet and savory options.
Taylor Wells' New Book "Create The Best Life Ever"
Looking for some new inspiration this holiday season?
Let Taylor Wells new book "Create the Best Life Ever" help you out.
Wells uses real-life examples to inspire in every chapter of her debut book, and her fun, easy, and effective approach makes the book accessible to all.
