Gearing Up for Valentine’s Day!

From what I can tell, Valentine’s Day can be rather polarizing. People either observe it or are repelled by it. I celebrate it!

I get the- “it’s a Hallmark holiday” perspective. But my response to that is- God forbid you tell someone you care about them. In addition to celebrating it in the traditional sense, I love spreading to love to family and friends too. Sometimes February can be a little bleak so I use the holiday as an excuse to send a card or a small care package to hopefully make someone’s day. I’ve started shopping already because I know if will be here before I know it, and I want to be ready! Here are a few of the things I’m thinking about this year:

For the grandparents:

I like sending a small box of chocolates or some cookies along with a festive tea towel to my grandparents. Everyone can use a new tea towel (they are usually less than $20), and Crate and Barrel, Williams and Sonoma, and Paper Source have some good V-day kitchen options.

Best Girlfriends:

How about a funny card and an empowering little trinket? I love the idea of giving someone a little heart shaped ring dish, or a mug with a girl power message. A pretty journal or notepad would also be fun. Paper Source has all of the above, and West Elm has some good options too. And there’s always a little gift set from Sephora, the classic scented candle, or a festive pair of earrings. You will make her week!

Friends with young kids:

I like the idea of sending a little craft or baking mix. You can include a couple festive accessories like fun stickers or cupcake cake liners with hearts.

Mom:

Gotta cover the bases in case Dad is one of those “it’s just a Hallmark holiday” people. Once when I was in college my mom sent me a Valentine’s Day care package. It was my favorite piece of mail, maybe ever. I think I still have most of the contents (minus the candy). One of my favorite pieces was a pink, fluffy bathrobe, so I think it’s only fitting that I give my mom some V-day PJs. Plus, PJs falls into the category of “things she needs but never thinks to pick up for herself”.

Me:

Because, why not?

How are you celebrating this year?

Gift Guide 2015: Part 3

I’ve done a couple posts based on gift genre, but now we’re going to focus on one recipient per post. Let’s start with the women, here we go!

Accessories 

Anthro scarf

Let’s start by shooting fish in a barrel and go with a scarf. A woman can never have too many scarves. You can find scarves anywhere, but one of my favorite scarf places is Anthro because they’re always have a unique and beautiful selection. It’s a great option because you can find something for almost any budget, and any occasion. I love their infinity loops like the one above. I have a couple and I wear them with a jacket in cold weather, or over a plain dress at work to create an outfit. You can also go really cold weather with something like this.

Minkoff Earring

When it comes to jewelry, I usually stick with my strengths and buy earrings for gifts (make sure the recipient has pierced ears!). I try to get something that is somewhere between my style and the recipient’s style so they’ll know it’s from me, but it works within their repertoire. I love ear climbers because they are fashion forward but very easy to wear. It’s somehow statement and subtle at the same time which makes it a versatile gift. I’m loving Rebecca Minkoff earrings right now (like above), and Kate Spade also always has some festive options. Just make sure to explain that you wear them so they follow the curve of your ear rather than a drop.

For the Home

West Elm Jewelry

Now that you got her earrings, she’s going to need something to store them in. A jewelry box is great for the younger crowd, because I feel like the older crowd already has their jewelry storage on point. That said, everyone needs a new ring dish for the dresser or bedside table. West Elm has a lot of great jewelry boxes and trinket dishes in several different patterns and sizes.

Anthro Candles

Candles, like scarves, might seem cliche, but I think they’re always a good option for good friends and new acquaintances alike. Anthro always has some great options that are really beautiful as well (love the Voluspa brand). Scented candles are sold everywhere, but I also love the options at Paper Source, Bath & Body Works, West Elm, and Target.

Beauty and Clothing

Sephora Favorites

Every woman has her favorites when it comes to makeup, but it’s always fun to mix it up from time to time. I love the “Sephora Favorites” samplers that have several good sized designer brand samples at a great price. They have samplers with mascara, eye liner, lip stick, and more. If you know the recipient is partial to one of these items, it’s a home run. On the flip side, if the recipient it partial to a specific brand, you can always get a palette or gift set from that brand. Also consider a perfume sampler.

UA sweatshirt

I often shy away from buying women clothes for presents because I do not like receiving clothes myself. There are too many variables of size, fit, style, etc. That said, there are few pieces that have some wiggle room, like sweatshirts (I can’t get enough). Fashionable sweatshirts are very in right now, and I love the above style from Under Armour. It’s ageless, and sleek but casual. It’s great if your recipient is always running off to yoga class, or if they’re running errands. There’s a very similar option from Zella (Nordstrom’s private label), an even sportier option from Athleta, a girlier option from Banana, a great cowl neck from Bobeau, and an awesome lounge look from Bobeau too.

Technology

Portable Power

Portable cell phone chargers make life convenient when you’re on the run. They seem to be popping up everywhere these days. Shopping around, it’s hard to figure out how much power each option actually has. I know QVC has some solid options like the ones above, but Best Buy has several, and even some big fashion brands are getting in the game.

 Cord Organizer

When it comes to the cords, the more organization, the better. This cool leather case will keep cords untangled and in their place in a sophisticated way. It’s perfect for busy ladies to throw in a handbag or luggage. Mark and Graham also has an earbud case as well.

What are you getting the ladies this year?

Christmas Is All about Giving

IMG_0152Take a look back to the early 90’s.  These were the days when it was exciting to get a toaster oven for Christmas.  We now find ourselves in the 21st century when it is exciting to get the latest version of the iPad.  Thanks to the recession and life, most of us cannot afford to give our friends such lavish gifts.  Instead of searching around TJ Maxx to buy something luxurious for your friend at a bargain basement price that you can afford, give them something that will make a lasting impression.  Nothing says you care like something homemade.  I decided this year that I would make an assortment of cookies and other treats to share with my close friends.  You can make cupcake platterss, cookie trays, gift baskets.  Don’t forget that you can even have small dinner parties for your friends to enjoy your homemade delights.  I can guarantee that they all will appreciate the time you have put into your creations.  My grandmother always told me that the greatest gift you can give is your time.  Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.  Make sure you step back and take time to enjoy it yourself!

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These are lemon cream cheese frosted vanilla cupcakes topped with a ginger molasses cookie.IMG_0214
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This is a picture of my dining room all decked out with Christmas. ‘Tis the season.