Happy Thanksgiving!
Last weekend we prepared a Thanksgiving feast with friends and now we are celebrating with family. Today is a good reminder that we all have so many things to be thankful for.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Gift Guide: For Mom
It is undeniable that the relationship between a mother and daughter is special. As I have gotten older I have been able to appreciate my mom for who she is - a strong woman who strives to make this world a better place. But, sometimes this means that she puts the needs of others before her own. So around the holidays I always want to give her luxurious items that she will enjoy.
Here is my ultimate gift guide for moms. I hope my top ten gifts for mom's gave you a few good ideas for things your mom (or mother-in-law!) might want. I've included links to brand specific items, but most of these things can be substituted with your favorite line. In your opinion, what do you think the best gift for a mom is?
1. Caramel Marshmallows and Beer Gift Set from Vosges Chocolates. Everything Vosges makes is absolutely delicious, but my mom loves marshmallows so I think this would be the perfect box of sweets for her.
2. I love that my mom does yoga because it is something she does for herself! When she decided to get certified to teach yoga I gave her a new mat to show my support.
3. This year, my mom asked me for cashmere socks. Cashmere is so soft and comforting, I don't think you can go wrong with cashmere anything! But, I've got to say - cashmere socks sound so comfy, I might want a pair too. These cozy socks from Old Navy would also make a good stocking stuffer.
4. Every night before bed my mom relaxes and reads and this nonfiction book looks like a good read.
5. Bobbi Brown Lip and Eye Palette. Bobbi Brown is my mom's favorite cosmetic line and I think she would put this makeup palette to good use.
6. A good body scrub is a necessity during the cold Chicago winters and this scrub from Crabtree & Evelyn sounds divine.
7. A plush cashmere scarf just says luxury. Not only does it keep you warm, but its nice to cuddle with too.
8. Perfume is a simple luxury that can be enjoyed every day! I love this Burberry perfume, but its fun to pick whichever scent smells best to you.
9. What woman doesn't love getting jewelry! These earrings from Sundance are a sophisticated take on the hoop earring.
10. I don't think my mom would purchases these Ugg slippers for herself, but I just know she would love them! She hates being cold and is always looking for ways to bundle up. These are sure to keep her tootsies toasty.
Here is my ultimate gift guide for moms. I hope my top ten gifts for mom's gave you a few good ideas for things your mom (or mother-in-law!) might want. I've included links to brand specific items, but most of these things can be substituted with your favorite line. In your opinion, what do you think the best gift for a mom is?
![]() |
| [click the image to enlarge] |
1. Caramel Marshmallows and Beer Gift Set from Vosges Chocolates. Everything Vosges makes is absolutely delicious, but my mom loves marshmallows so I think this would be the perfect box of sweets for her.
2. I love that my mom does yoga because it is something she does for herself! When she decided to get certified to teach yoga I gave her a new mat to show my support.
3. This year, my mom asked me for cashmere socks. Cashmere is so soft and comforting, I don't think you can go wrong with cashmere anything! But, I've got to say - cashmere socks sound so comfy, I might want a pair too. These cozy socks from Old Navy would also make a good stocking stuffer.
4. Every night before bed my mom relaxes and reads and this nonfiction book looks like a good read.
5. Bobbi Brown Lip and Eye Palette. Bobbi Brown is my mom's favorite cosmetic line and I think she would put this makeup palette to good use.
6. A good body scrub is a necessity during the cold Chicago winters and this scrub from Crabtree & Evelyn sounds divine.
7. A plush cashmere scarf just says luxury. Not only does it keep you warm, but its nice to cuddle with too.
8. Perfume is a simple luxury that can be enjoyed every day! I love this Burberry perfume, but its fun to pick whichever scent smells best to you.
9. What woman doesn't love getting jewelry! These earrings from Sundance are a sophisticated take on the hoop earring.
10. I don't think my mom would purchases these Ugg slippers for herself, but I just know she would love them! She hates being cold and is always looking for ways to bundle up. These are sure to keep her tootsies toasty.
Labels:
shopping,
the holidays
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Gift Guide: For the Husband
It is always so difficult to decide what to get Neill for the holidays! I'm not very good at sleuthing out what he wants and I'm usually hesitant to buy him presents that he hasn't asked for. I guess that makes me pretty bad at surprises. But, it is near impossible to surprise a music gear techy who has specific tastes on what he wants and doesn't want! So, we've accepted that in our family we will just ask each other what the other one wants. This way everyone is happy!
I've compiled a list of some of the top gifts I've gotten Neill over the last five years. Some are big and some are small, but they have all been hits. A few of them were even surprises! It is pretty cool to look back and see all of the neat things I've given him. I hope this helps someone out there find the perfect gift for their beer brewing, whiskey drinking, music playing, nerdy special someone.
I've compiled a list of some of the top gifts I've gotten Neill over the last five years. Some are big and some are small, but they have all been hits. A few of them were even surprises! It is pretty cool to look back and see all of the neat things I've given him. I hope this helps someone out there find the perfect gift for their beer brewing, whiskey drinking, music playing, nerdy special someone.
[click on the image to enlarge]
1. Maker's Mark whiskey
2. Whiskey Stones
3. Set of Maker's Mark tumblers
4. Korg H4 recorder
5. Ipod mini
6. Beer brewing start-up kit
7. Valentino cologne
8. Joan Jett Melody Maker guitar
9. Epiphone Sheraton II guitar
10. Got Linux? t-shirt
11. Glenlivit scotch
This year for Chanukkah we're gifting each other some new bedroom furniture, but I still have to find something to give Neill for Christmas! Do you have any suggestions?
Labels:
family,
shopping,
the holidays
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Bedroom Design Inspiration
Now that I've purchased our new nightstand and I've basically decided on what lamp to go with, I was able to crate a final inspiration montage. Even though we live in the heart of the city, I'd like our bedroom to feel more relaxed coastal than urban. We'll be purchasing the furniture as our holiday gift to one another, but attempting to DIY the art.
We've given ourselves about a 450 dollar budget - 225 from each of us. Thankfully, the nightstand and lamps are covered by gift certificates we received as wedding gifts. These items alone would have eaten up our budget!
I'm pretty set on purchasing this chair and I'm thinking about rounding out our reading nook with this 4' X 6' indoor/outdoor rug from Dash and Albert and a floor lamp. I'd love to find a reasonably priced lamp that resembles this one from Crate and Barrel. I've also added a fun knitted poof to the picture! But for 80 dollars, my dreams of poofs may have to wait a while. Poof or no poof, it will be so nice to have a comfy spot to get my hours of school related reading done!
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| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 |
We've given ourselves about a 450 dollar budget - 225 from each of us. Thankfully, the nightstand and lamps are covered by gift certificates we received as wedding gifts. These items alone would have eaten up our budget!
I'm pretty set on purchasing this chair and I'm thinking about rounding out our reading nook with this 4' X 6' indoor/outdoor rug from Dash and Albert and a floor lamp. I'd love to find a reasonably priced lamp that resembles this one from Crate and Barrel. I've also added a fun knitted poof to the picture! But for 80 dollars, my dreams of poofs may have to wait a while. Poof or no poof, it will be so nice to have a comfy spot to get my hours of school related reading done!
Labels:
bedroom,
decorating,
furniture,
home,
shopping
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