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Gift Guide, Product & Gear, Video

2020 Mother’s Day Gifts

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I love the creativity, hilarity and light-heartedness being spawned by the pandemic…and Mother’s Day is not immune! Typically our kids would still be in school and their ever so thoughtful teachers usually assign and create a craft for the kids to bring home to Mom, but not this year.

In all seriousness, I am the type who really isn’t expecting or needing a material gift, but I also won’t lie, it is nice to get a little something (from Baby Daddy *hint hint*) to let me know that I am thought of and appreciated. So, just in case you need some gift ideas for the Mom’s in your life, I did a product roundup for my show, to jump start those thoughtful gift-giving wheels to spoil your Mama with something sweet!

Every time I select items for these roundups, I try to pick things that speak to me personally, or gifts I would love to give. I hope this provides some insight into what may make a good gift, and I wish you the best in gifting the Moms in your life. Happy Mother’s Day!

  • Olive & Cocoa
  • Sea Star Beachwear
  • Aubert & Amandine
  • Balsam Hill
  • Mineral Fusion
  • Sugarwish
  • Freshly
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Here’s the rundown of featured products:

Mommy 101

Farewell to Our Elf…For Now

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This year I caved, I got an Elf…on the Shelf! At ages 2 and 3, this holiday season took on new meaning with my older toddler really understanding the whole “Santa” concept a little better, and well his lil bro is never far behind. So while from the outside looking in I had maintained I wouldn’t be getting one of those “creepy-looking elves,” now that I’m on the inside, we got one!

I prepped my boys prior to Turkey Day telling them we’d be getting a visitor from the North Pole who would be helping Santa out before Christmas. They didn’t really get it…but once he showed up a few days before Thanksgiving, they started to comprehend with a quickness!

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We read the storybook that accompanied our elf several times in the first week, and it’s amazing how captivated and focused they became on our visitor. Our elf took the name “Loepe,” affectionately named by my 3-year old who simply rattled off those 5 letters in that order a few times when I asked for a name, and it stuck! Throughout the month before Christmas we did have to remind the younger of our 2 boys of the “rules,” but I’d say overall it was a success.

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Now, call me an underachiever, but our elf didn’t really do anything exciting besides have a few creative appearances during his stay…maybe in the next couple years as my kids become a little more savvy he’ll become more “adventurous.” However in our inaugural elf year, he just moved around every night. The one room that was off-limits was the boys’ bedroom…we had him in their one night and they freaked out, and were scared to sleep in there, so we kept him in the common areas of our home.

And — for the non-believers/haters out there, this is why I enjoyed our first elf experience:

  • Every morning my boys were excited to get out of bed and find the spot Loepe had landed for the day. There was no moping around and whiny…just excitement to find him and show us where he was situated!
  • In the moments when either child needed a quick calm-down, all I had to do was point to the elf and say…he can see and hear everything you’re doing right now. I mean, incentive is everything.
  • It keeps me accountable. Are there times when I’m snuggled up in my warm bed, only to remember, OH CRAP…I need to move the elf!!! Yes, that happens…BUT at the same time, I am an active participant and I have to stay on my toes and make sure I stay in the spirit of the season. They are only young once.
  • On that note, their father and my sister also assisted in my absence and/or forgetful moments, and helped me with the elf’s daily location changes…plus the fresh perspectives and extra sets of eyeballs were great for new ideas.
  • Overall, it’s a fun, family tradition we can look forward to in the years to come. Now that Christmas has come and gone, they keep asking where he is and when he’ll come back!

All that said, Loepe, we miss you, have a great “off-season” and we’ll see you next year!

Product & Gear

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

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gift guide moms

Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday, May 10, so if you’re still trying to figure out what to get Mom, I put together some great ideas for Mother’s Day gifts for my “day job.” It really is the thought that counts, and I would love nothing more than to give mine a gift that truly makes her smile. So, after searching high and low, here are some of the ideas I came up with for every mother that may be on your list! Feel free to pass this on to anyone who needs “help!”

Here’s the television segment I did with all the products listed below.

Clarisonic Mia 2 in Sunwashed Peach
www.Clarisonic.com

Nails inc by Victoria, Victoria Beckham
www.Nailsinc.com

Birchbox collaboration with babyGap
birchbox.com/babyGap

Ralph Lauren Midnight Romance
www.RalphLauren.com

Sugar Pearls Necklace
http://www.isabellegracejewelry.com

Pillow of Health
www.thepillowofhealth.com

Love Denim
www.loveperemiumdenim.com

Intel ASUS MeMO Pad 7
http://www.asus.com

Sangria LOLEA
http://www.sangrialolea.com

Yuthica Candles
http://www.yuthica.com

Ladelle Cora Kitchen Accessory Collection
www.jcpenney.com

Collegiate Confetti
http://www.collegiateconfetti.com/
Use WAVY25 and receive a 25% discount at check out.

Another gift idea for women, running shoes, click here.

Gift Guide

Gift Guide: What a Mom Wants AND Needs

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Mother’s Day is coming up quick, I can barely believe we’re already in May! Mother’s Day is a great occasion to celebrate and recognize Mom’s…and while that show of appreciation is definitely deserved year round, having a specific day to make a big deal about moms is alright with me. Well, since us females may not be the easiest breed to shop for, I thought I’d compile a list of favorite “Mommy” gifts, after asking my circle of friends. I will say that some of the best gifts for a Mom are items/services that force the Mom to “pamper” herself. So, if you give a gift card, make sure it’s for something she has to use on herself, not end up buying something for the kids. Thoughtful, personalized gifts are also very nice. I know as a Mom, I try to do this for loved ones and sometimes it’s nice to be the recipient of those type of unique presents too! For more gift ideas for women, visit That Sweet Gift.

Here are the results of my informal “survey”…

SpaDay

Massage/Spa Day – This can be given with a gift certificate or by actually setting an appointment and “ordering” the gift-ed Mom to GO! This is a gift that supports Mom taking care of herself!!! I’ve been lucky enough on more than one occasion to be spoiled with massage and spa services, where the appointments had been set and fess taken care of and I was simply told, no ifs ands or but’s …just show up! I also have a membership at Massage Envy, I think this would be a great gift, as it’ll keep giving, with an included rub down month after month!

tinytags-300x300

Nameplate/Initial Necklaces – A very popular item that a Mom can wear, these pieces of jewelry have the child’s name or initials, etc… Again the personalization is what makes this type of gift extra special and being able to wear a symbol of her most precious possession(s)  around her neck is a beautiful thing.

Maid/Cleaning Service – I think this is pretty self explanatory, give Mom a break from the cleaning chores, it’s a win-win for everyone in the house.

Food/Meal Service – We all need to eat and having meals delivered and ready to go is a beautiful thing, believe me, when dinner/food is taken care of, it takes a big load off my back.

 

Photo/Recipe Book – This is a creative gift that you can’t exactly do last minute. One idea is to compile Mom’s favorite photos, or maybe gather photo memories of her with the kids and have it printed in a nice book (I always use Shutterfly), that she can view over and over again, and keep for a lifetime! One of my girl friend’s shared the super cute idea of printing a recipe book with all of Mom’s favorite recipes and pictures added…that way she has them all in one place, no more searching for scraps of papers! I think that is such a cute idea.

No matter what gift you get for a Mom, it is the thought that counts! And, if most Moms are anything like me, it’s the little things that can give way for the biggest smiles. The most precious gift is family, that is priceless! 😉

Gift Guide

How to Make a Diaper Cake

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Diaper cakes are a GREAT gift for new parents whether given at a baby shower or to greet the new arrival. First off, the gift of diapers is practical, they are definitely needed and will be used. Second, you can be really creative and personalize the diaper gift with colors and decorations. Lastly, it’s not that hard to do at home…it may appear to be some huge time consuming project that only the craftiest individuals can put together, but actually, it’s not hard at all! So, in the spirit of diaper cake-ing, here’s an easy how to make a (three layer) diaper cake!

Items Needed:

  • 40 Disposable Diaper – 40 disposable diapers (3 layers require 7, 13 and 20). **Find out and/or ask if the recipient has a diaper brand/style preference**
  • 3 Receiving Blankets – if you use a 3 or 4 pack of coordinating patterned receiving blankets, it works great
  • empty paper towel cardboard roll or extra receiving blanket
  • 1 cake tray or piece of cardboard to serve as the base for the cake
  • Pearl Pins, Rubber Bands, Ribbon, Toy (for cake topper) and any other decor items to personalize the diaper cake – like flowers, string of pearls, feather boa, small bath toys, etc…

IMG_2164 STEP 1:
stack diapers and then slowly “fan” them out into a circular/round shape
Bottom layer >> 20 diapers
Middle layer >> 13 diapers
Top Layer >> 7 diapers
*tip – using a circular cake pan can help you get it into the desired shape

IMG_2165 STEP 2:     IMG_2166
use a rubber band to keep diapers in place and hold shape

 

 

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STEP 3:
fold receiving blanket to be width or diaper layer, leaving some material excess to tuck in to center and cover the layer.
i sort of think of this as applying the “fondant” to the cake”roll diapers in receiving blanket, then secure material in place with a pearl pin

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STEP 4:
tuck excess receiving blanket material into center of diaper layer to cover the top
note: diapers will be exposed at bottom of the layer

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STEP 5:
stack cake layers and insert (either or all) paper towel roll and/or rolled up extra receiving blanket into center of the 3 layers to adjoin them.
in this case (pictured) a security blanket/lovey was used as cake “topper” so blanket portion was also threaded through the center of the layers

STEP 6:
DECORATE! Use ribbon, trimming, flowers (fresh or fake) to really personalize your diaper cake and have fun with it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gift Guide

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

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What to get for the man (or men) in your life. Fortunately, I find it easier to buy gifts for the opposite sex, when it comes to my Dad, brother and other half, there are always sure to make them smile gifts! Maybe get them apparel or merchandise from their favorite sports team, a cool gadget or food always works too. However, if you want to seek out a few more original ideas this holiday season, below I’ve listed my under $100 picks from the 2013 Gilt.com Holiday Gift Guide!

Help him “spiffy up” his “suite and tie” game with a pair of cufflinks! Whether he’s a young man or an established professional, this accessory will give him an added touch of style. These Wall + Walter Stripe Cufflinks are available for $22 at GILT.

Give the gift of socks! Everyone needs several pair of these to keep their toes and feet warm and cozy, so why not give your man socks with lots of personality. I like the fun flair of these Ben Sherman Socks, Oliver Winston (6 pack) and GILT offers the entire set at $24.

Every professional needs a nice case to carry his business cards, so why not this Vertical Card Holder by Jack Spade. I actually have a Jack Spade travel bag and I love it. It’s stylish, very durable and super cool…I get lots of compliments when I tote it around. This slim card holder sports a perforated leather design, giving it a textured look. ON GILT It is just $35.

One thing I have noticed when it comes to “guys,” is that they like candles and they can be very specific about scents and look of them… The DayNa Decker Haute Atelier Candle Set has a manly metal trim with 4 different fragrances and is sure to be much appreciated. Find this designer set at GILT for just $84.

 

Gift Guide

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Kids

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The 2013 holiday season is here and Gilt.com has offered some great ideas in their gift guide, so I thought I’d share some of my picks for under $100! First up, the kids… Sometimes they’re more excited to unwrap the gift, than actually have what’s inside, but with these fun selections, you’re sure to have them grinning from ear to ear!

From Harper Collins, “A Light in the Attic,” by Shel Silverstein. This is a no-brainer, it’s a classic and a book that I have fond memories of from my childhood. Purchase the hardcover edition on GILT, where it’s available for just $14.

From KidKraft it’s the Tasty Treats Chef Access Set in Red. This would work for your budding chef and maybe you can put your feet up and let the little one do the cooking! Get the whole chef set for $16 on GILT.

For a rockin’ good time, it’s Mocha the Monkey Rocker by Rockabye. Perfect for children aged 9 months and older, I love it’s plush design and sturdy wood frame. Find it on GILT for only $68.

Let the creativity flow with a Magnetic Artist Easel from Alex Toys. This gift should keep them busy for hours as they create the next great masterpiece! The floor mat is definitely a bonus to help with clean up. It’s available for $88 on GILT.