Thoughtful Gift Giving

I love giving gifts.

I love seeking out that one thing or things that someone in my life really wants or needs or loves and being the person to give it to them. I think part of this is because I love to receive thoughtful, well-planned gifts. When it comes to giving gifts, I think the more personal the gift, the better. Case and point: two of my absolute favorite things that I wear daily are my tortoise and gold watch that K gave me for our anniversary and the aquamarine band that he gave me for my very first Mother's Day (it's Elliot's birthstone). Knowing that he thought about what I would really like and what I would use on a daily basis and that it was meaningful, that's the best. 

I take notes (mental and literal!) all year long about things that I think the people in my life might enjoy. I have a running list in my phone of items or ideas that my mother, sister, husband and friends mention throughout the year -- everything from tickets to see a show or concert to the compliment they gave me on something I'm wearing or something in my house. Then, when the time comes, I know exactly what to get them and know they will love it. Also, whenever I am out and about, if I see something that screams someone's name, I get it regardless of whether or not a gift-giving opportunity is in the near future.

Here's a good example. My girl Kindredly just moved into her dream home (which is gorgeous, btw), so when our little family went over for Brooks' birthday I took her the following house warming gift:

I saw this print at TJ Maxx and knew that she needed it somewhere in her house. It's just so AG. As for the fiddle leaf fig, she mentioned a while ago on Instagram that she really liked the plant in my bedroom. Which, as you have probably already guessed, is a fiddle leaf fig, Viola! A gift she loved and one that I loved giving her! Not to mention that the fig tree looks amaze next to the super chic white washed brick wall in her living room. Win. win win.

{I also threw in a few samples of essential oils because I'm just so in love!}

Happy Gifting.

xoxo

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Baby Talk // My Newborn Favorites

There is no shortage of lists out there that tell you what all you "need" for your first baby. It is completely overwhelming, in my opinion. Luckily I have an amazing support group of mama friends that not only gave me the low down on what I really may need but were also generous enough to let us borrow some of the more ahem costly items that their babies had outgrown. Coupled with our commitment to registering for only what we thought we'd really use, we were able to keep our 'baby stuff' to a minimum. And while some things really are superfluous, there were items that we originally thought unnecessary that we ended up purchasing and use often. While I know our 'necessities' will change as Elliot ages, here is a list of my current personal essentials, pared down to what we use the most.

Sleep Sheep Sound Machine: gifted to E by his Mimi, this sounds machine works wonders at night. E responds well to the "S's" {side, swaddle, shush, sway, suck}, and I love that it has a timer. Added bonus is the soft material and the fact that my iPhone speakers are no longer working overtime. 

Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets: our favorite light-weight blankets that also make great swaddlers

The Honest Company Body Oil: we use this after bath time to keep little man's skin soft and smooth. I try not to put too many products on him so his skin will stay healthy, and this sweet smelling natural oil is my favorite.

Pee-pee Teepees: filed under 'things I was sure we didn't need,' I use with every diaper change. After being whizzed on and cleaning up the wall behind the changing table at 3am one to many times, I broke down and bought them. Definitely a good investment if you ask me. 

Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm: we use this with every messy diaper because it  is filled with delicious smelling herbs and works so well to prevent diaper rash naturally.

Aden + Anais Stroller Blanket: a slightly heavier blanket that is oh so soft and snug

Summer Infant Organic Cotton Swaddle Wrap: soft organic cotton and so easy to use at 3am when you're just. so. tired.

Bum Genius Flannel Wipes: we wet these with warm water and use them in lieu of pre-moistened wipes to keep little man's bum free from rashes. 

4moms Infant tub: this is something we borrowed from my girl Kindredly. Is it necessary? No. Does it make my life easier and bath time more enjoyable for E? Yes. Is there another less costly tub that would work as well? Probably. Nonetheless, I love this tub. '

Books: because E loves hear our voices and loves to look at the pictures, and I love reading stories to him already. 

What are/were your newborn essentials?

xoxo

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Gift Guide 2011: The Art of Being Feminine

Gift giving for the ladies in my life is very rarely a challenge as most of my female counterparts are pleased with sparkly, feminine or cozy items that I am equally pleased to provide. I generally create a theme among my gifts, and this year I am focusing on the senses. Here are some of my favorite girly items to taste, see, smell, hear and feel.

Miss Dior fragrance

Your favorite champagne --  pair with St. Germain {elderflower liquour}

A mixed tape {always a great gift}

Mukluk slippers   

Leather glovettes

J. Crew Saturday pants

 MK Watch

St. Germain {elderflower liquour}

Kate Spade bow ring

Soap & Glory body wash {my absolute favorite!}

You can find the men's version of this guide here.

Happy gifting.

xoxo

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Gift Guide 2011: The Gift of Manliness

Buying for your man is definitely more of a challenge than buying for your girlfriends, and often times involves purchases that you don't know much about. {Hello ammunition, alternators, power tools and toolboxes.} I've rounded up a collection of gifts for this year, so whether you need stocking stuffers or are starting from scratch, I'm certain that one of these items would please even the manliest of men.

J. Crew Cotton-Cashmere Sweater

Moonshine cologne

Miniot wooden iPhone case

Pendelton Ranier National Park blanket

A mixed tape

Durango Coffee Company Western Blend

Vintage cocktails recipe book

Happy gifting.

xoxo

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Holiday Gift Guide: Homemade Christmas

This year for Christmas, my husband's family decided to sponsor a less fortunate, well-deserving family and buy them gifts instead of giving each other things. I love it. Imagining the faces of the people in that family on Christmas morning just lifts my heart. So on Christmas day, instead of having presents to unwrap from each other, we are doing a homemade/handmade exchange. Last year I did a fair amount of baking and made some hot chocolate mix to accompany the goodies. Here are some of the ideas I am throwing around for this year.

{Click on the descriptions below for the links & tutorials!}

1. Vintage Tin Candles
2. Homemade Pasta
3. Scented Sugars
4. Bottle Stoppers
5. Handmade Headbands
6. Brandy Snaps
7. Placemat Clutch
8. Cowboy Cookie Jars
9. Christmas Cloth Napkins
10. Nutter Butter Truffles
11. Bath Snowballs


I better get a move on. There's lots of work to do!
xoxo

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Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

As I've mentioned previously, giving gifts is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. I love finding something so perfect for someone else and seeing their faces when it's opened. It's nice to know that every time they use or look at your present, they will think of you. Sometimes, however, it's difficult to find something for even those people closest to you, especially when it comes to guys. Here are some of my favorite gift ideas for every personality, from the athlete to the artist.

1. Buck Jr. Wall Trophy - Carboard Safari

2. Holga 35mm Camera - Urban Outfitters

3. Magazine Subscription - Men's Health

4. Thermal Running Tights - Nike

5. Classic Thermos - Stanley

6. Wooden Cocktail Set - West Elm

7. Grey Flannel Classics - TOMS

8. Flannel PJ Bottoms - Gap

9. Leather Day Bag- Wilson's Leather

10. Original Wall Art - Tyson McAdoo

11. Kraft Speakers - West Elm

12. Camper Watch - Timex

13. White Elixir Colognt - C.O. Bigelow

14. Bikila Running Shoes - Vibram Five Fingers

15. Merino Cardigan - Gap

For other gift guides, see this and this.

Happy Gifting.

xoxo

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Holiday Gift Guide: Under $50

Christmas is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons, and among them is gift giving. Whether it's a sparkly trinket or a killer pair of heels, I love giving something special to the people in my life. Here are some of my favorite finds for less than $50. {For gift ideas under $20, see my previous gift guide.}

1. Relief Gold Bud Vases - Jonathan Adler $39.95
2. Ruched Platform Heel - LuLu's $31
3. Sparkling Wine Evening Dress - LuLu's $44
Faux Fur Mittens - Urban Outfitters $28
4. Classic Century Salt & Pepper Shakers - Crate & Barrel $38.95
5. Mini Donut Maker - Urban Outfitters $30
6. Atessa Vase - Crate & Barrel $29.95
7. Top of the Charts Bag - Modcloth $34.99
8. Feather Collar - Twelve by Twelve $22
9. Taupe One Shoulder Dress - LuLu's $47
10. Little Birch Jewelry Stand - Urban Outfitters $32
11. Something About Sophia Fragrance - Benefit $36
12. Enchanted Buck Measuring Cups - Anthropologie $48
13. Capri Blue Mercury Jar Candle - Anthropologie $25
14. Patent Platform Boot - Charlotte Russe $42.50
15. Illuminated Moon - Urban Outfitters $45


Happy Gifting.
xoxo

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Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

With daily temperatures in the mid 70s, it's hard to imagine that next week is Thanksgiving. That means Christmas is barely over a month away. In all honesty, I'm incredibly excited. One of my favorite parts of the season is buying gifts for the people I love. There's something so rewarding about finding that perfect something that you know your recipient will love. To prove that this can be done on a budget, here are some of my favorite picks for adding a bit of glam for under $20.

1. Alice & Cards Plates - Urban Outfitters, set of 4 for $20
2. Retrograde Braid Bracelet - Modcloth, $15.99
3. Sequin Beret - Forever 21, $8.80
4. Rosie Lee Polish - butter London, $14
5. I Ain't Lion Earrings - Modcloth, $17.99
6. Bear Bottle Opener - Urban Outfitters, $10
7. Glamour Pearl Clutch - Forever 21, $14.80
8. River Rapids Necklace - Modcloth, $15.99
9. Lace Gloves - Forever 21, $5.44
10. RSVP shadow - Benefit, $17
11. Cadee Bootie Slippers - Target, $18.99
12. Ribbed Knit Snood Scarf - Forever 21, $8.80
13. Skull Bottle Stopper - Urbran Ooutfitters, $ 12
14. Style Spotted Scarf - Modcloth, $19.99
15. Branch Bit Bottle Stopper - Anthropologie, $14


Happy Gifting.
xoxo


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