Tag: gift guide

Mustard, Ochre, Gold, and Copper
Everything I’m drawn to lately is in these warm yellow tones. Below is a mix of items on my wish list, along with favorites that I already own and would highly recommend. May it be useful for those in your life with the same color preferences! (Though to be fair, almost every single one of these come in other colors too.)

For the Home
1. Real Good Chair, Blu Dot
  Ours is developing a patina so nicely.
2. Classic Velvet Bedding (Fall Leaf), Williams-Sonoma Home
  Velvet bedding is the best for chilly winters.
3. Italian Velvet Pillows (Sunflower), Rejuvenation
  And velvet pillows are the best, just because they’re so dang pretty.
4. Eve Brushed Gold Serving Fork and Spoon Servers, Unisom Home
  Simple and pretty.
5. KitchenAid ® Copper Metallic Series Stand Mixer, Crate & Barrel
  My mixer broke after twelve years’ use (sad face). While I will be attempting to repair it, I dream of the copper version.
For Feeling Cozy
1. Italian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater (Hazelnut), J.Crew
  Perhaps more brown than ochre, but I’m into it nonetheless.
2. Fun Knitted Pinafore Dress, Boden
  Wintry and adorable.
3. Woodside Pullover Sweater, Madewell
  A chunky knit and a boxy but flattering shape. Nice.
4. Bunny Velour Hat & Bootie Set, Nordstrom
  OMG. Baby! Why do you look sad when you are the cutest sweetest little thing ever?
5. Knit Cotton Sweater, H&M
  I’m cheating with the color palette here as there’s just the tiniest bit of color, but sometimes that’s all you need.
December 12, 2016
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Thank you Pier 1 for sponsoring this post. This post is brought to you by CJ Affiliate’s VIP Content Service and while this was a sponsored opportunity from Pier 1, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.

My mom has always loved shopping at Pier 1. I remember going with her when I was a kid and being distracted by sequin embellishments, crocheted vests (remember when they had clothes?), and and enough breakables within reach to hear a steady refrain of “don’t touch” directed toward me and my little sister. To this day, I still like to pop over to Pier 1 to look around, except now I’m the one telling my kids to be careful! The circle of life…

These are some of my favorite finds, inspired by my mom. (And mom? I know you read here, so you may want to skip this post if you like surprises.)
1. Window with Ledge Collage Frame
  I could see this in an entryway filled with photos of the kids or grandkids.
2. Elizabeth Monogram Mugs
  Lovely letters, and the variation in the shape of the mugs make for a nice set if you’re picking up more than one.
3. Ashworth Antique White Jewelry Armoire
  A jewelry armoire is a fun indulgence for someone who loves accessories.
4. Tulip Capiz Pendant Light
  A shimmery finish and the loveliest shape! A pair of these would be perfect over bedside tables.
5. Embossed Flower Garden Stool
  This is my favorite of the bunch. In front of boxwood hedges and blooming peonies? So pretty!
6. Grand Bazaar Fringe Pillow
  Sometimes you need a little texture to complement other colors or patterns. This pillow will work very nicely in that regard.
7. Floral Embroidered Lumbar Pillow
  My mom specifically asked for this one! The flowers and embroidery are particularly pretty.
8. Antique White Bird Wreath Stand
  This stand would be an easy way to display a wreath above a fireplace, and that bird is very sweet.
9. White Scalloped Cake Plates
  These come in two sizes: extra cute, and extra-extra cute. (OK, 9″ or 11.” But both cute, yes?)
10. Faux Peony Wreath
  Peonies all spring!
11. Javanese Collage Frame
  I’m a sucker for carved wood details. Fill the frames with photos before giving as a gift!
12. Boho Embroidered Bird Pillow
  Tweet tweet! Another pillow with embroidered details.
13. Artichoke Planter
  The texture is awesome on this, and it’s a good sized planter too.
14. Hayworth Mirror & Antique White Vanity Set
  A pretty spot to sit and get ready for the day (or night). The mirror, vanity, and stool are all available separately too.
Now here’s where I spoil the surprise for my mom if she didn’t heed my advice and skip this post! I picked up the pillow I knew she wanted, but also a couple of the white ones. We like to talk about decorating, and I’ve been telling her to get a pair of white textured pillows for her leather sofa, but she hadn’t gotten around to it yet. I took a quick photo of them to share before I wrap them up!

Oh, and something else too, but that’s staying a surprise. :)

p.s. My other favorite recent finds were the blue and white vases you saw in Tuesday’s flower post. I was able to find the temple jar online, which along with the ginger jar, was part of a larger collection. They’re selling quickly but it’s worth checking a local store — the one in Oak Park still had several styles when I stopped in a few days ago!
April 28, 2016
Bloggers’ Favorite Things for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is almost here! To offer up a few gift ideas, Stefanie of Brooklyn Limestone and Jen of Rambling Renovators arranged a blogger gift exchange, and have created an accompanying gift guide. The whole exchange was a lot of fun. Jen stopped by while she and her husband were in town this weekend (!), but usually we all don’t get to see each other very often. Instead, we keep up with each other via social media and email, or just by following along with each other’s blogs. Getting a little surprise in the mail from a friend is such a nice way to stay connected.

The exchange was done Secret Santa style between a group of us home/design bloggers who also happen to be moms: Brooklyn Limestone • Rambling Renovators • Centsational Girl • 6th Street Design School • House*Tweaking • Copy Cat Chic • Danielle Oakey • Hi Sugarplum • Freckles Chick • A Thoughtful Place • Just Bella • North Story

If you search #bloggerfavthings on Instagram, you can see everything! Several companies also generously sent us gifts: Wrist Soiree • The Company Store • Delta Faucets • Minted • Schoolhouse Electric • Home Decorators • The NY Times Store

I sent a few of my favorite things to Nya of Freckles Chick, like some decorative spiky goldy urchin ball things (because: shiny), a paintbrush notepad along with the best pens (they come in the prettiest colors), and an awesome card by Ghost Academy. I sent Nya a finger puppet monster too, because I always think those things are funny. Her daughter stole it immediately and claimed it as her own, which really, was to be expected.

Kate of Centsational Girl was my secret match, and I love the thoughtful goodies she sent my way. Chocolate (which was eaten far too quickly), personalized pink pencils and a Kate Spade pencil pouch with a glasses print, plus a makeup primer (because in her words, “who wouldn’t want to look five years younger?”).

If you’re looking for special Mother’s Day gift ideas, take a look at the Bloggers’ Favorite Things Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

April 28, 2014
Fab Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
I’m working with Fab again, this time to share my favorite quirky finds from their Valentine’s Day gift shop. As usual, I spotted some of my favorite independent designers among the offerings.
1. Son Of A Sailor Durango Pink Necklace
  Pink and brass? Thank you for combining my two favorites into something I can wear around my neck.
2. Rococco-LA Flowering Heart Print
  Such a good print.
3. AMINIMAL Central Park Earrings
  This would be a sweet token to remember a New York romance by. Or for architecture nerds and urban planners – whatevs.
4. Core Bamboo Heart Cutting Board
  Is there symbolism in taking a knife to a heart-shaped cutting board? Maybe, but it’s just so cute.
5. The Social Dept Baby Tee
  I carried a watermelon.
6. M.G. BAKER Bow Tie
  I love this. Brandon wore a pink tie to our wedding, but bow ties are having their moment now.
7. ASHKAHN a.bird, b. booty Print
  Hey professor, what’s another word for pirate treasure?
8. 1965 Playboy Pair
  Dirty magazines seem kitschy and campy when they’re vintage.
9. chain chain chained Necklace
  Brandon gave me this necklace for Christmas. It’s really sweet, and I’ve been wearing mine a lot.
10. RIFLE + RADFORD Rafferty Ring
  Aquamarine plays nicely with just about everything.
This post was sponsored by Fab.
January 22, 2013
Fab Holiday Gift Guide
I’ve been a member of Fab for a long time. I’ve bought some awesome things through them, like my Eames bird and my giant botanical print; they’re good at featuring great design and quirky stuff from independent designers. Today, I’m working with them to share my favorites from the Holiday Shop. Usually Fab makes items available for only a short time, but everything in the holiday shop (and below) is available through the end of the year.
1. Forget Me Knot Ring in Neon Green
  Because we can all probably use a neon green reminder every now and then.
2. Luckies Video Notebook Lined
  Things are not always as they seem…
3. (of)matter Arrow Necklace
  Simple, but cool.
4. The Heads Of State Gatsby Print
  So fantastic! Imagined business cards from the guests at Jay Gatsby’s spring party.
5. Areaware Roller Stop Green
  Perfect for derby ladies.
6. Twig Terrarium Zombiarium
  Care instructions: water. And brains, probably.
7. Tattly Illustration Set
  I want to get the Tattly set for the kids, and steal a few for myself.
8. Farrah Sit Porcelain Containers
  I’ve been looking for hanging plant containers and having a hard time finding ones that I like. These, I like.
9. DPCTED Cuddle You Tee Green
  I actually bought one of these in red for Brandon a while back. it makes me giggle.
10. Native Union POP Phone in Orange
  Ahoy-hoy.
This post was sponsored by Fab.
December 12, 2012
Gifts for the Hard to Buy For
I presented a gift guide in partnership with American Express last week, featuring items that could be purchased through their Membership Rewards program. I also asked if you needed help finding gifts for anyone, and today I’m going to follow up and help out with some ideas for the hard to buy for people in your life.
- Brothers
  
  Emily said: “I always struggle with new gift ideas for my brothers in their mid-late twenties. I always go with t-shirts or something boring like undies or socks.” And Valerie said: “I’m trying to figure out what to get my brothers (18 and 19) that isn’t in the video game/dvd/gift card oeuvre. But I’m pretty broke this year, so I have a $40 limit for both of them. Everything I’ve looked at so far that I thought would be good goes way over that!”
  There were a lot of requests for brotherly gifts! This Cards Against Humanity game (4) looks awesome, and you can’t go wrong with a Jon Ronson book (Brandon and I both like him). Lost at Sea (5) is Ronson’s newest. You can pay for these with points through Amazon’s checkout.
- Sisters
- Parents (Yours or Hers/His)
  
  Marie said: “I could use gift ideas for my boyfriend’s parents!! We’ve been dating for 1.5 years and although I’m not very close with them (distance makes it tough), I’d like to give something thoughtful.”
  Give tickets to a show. I cashed in a bunch of my Amex points recently to get tickets to The Book of Mormon (1) (Brandon and I will be going on our anniversary in May). You can pay with points through TicketMaster, so there are tons of options for shows and concerts that they’ll like.
- For Those Who Don’t Need Another Thing
  
  Hillary said: “Would love advice about what to get my dad and stepmom. They are retired, don’t really need any “stuff” and are just plain hard to shop for. I usually default to restaurant gift cards but would like to give something more thoughtful. Help!”
  Give to charity. Donate your points to Hurricane Sandy Relief (6), or to another charity on behalf of your gift recipient.
- The Wild Card
  
  Sarah said: “I’m having a tough time coming up with something for a family gift exchange. It could go to anyone in my family from my 12 year old niece to my 50+ uncles. I seem to only be able to come up with girly or adult ideas.”
  My best bet for one-gift-fits-all is How Music Works by David Byrne (7) (pay with points on Amazon). It will appeal to book-lovers, music-lovers (young and old — doesn’t everyone agree that David Byrne is awesome?), and it has a technology/science bent.
I was selected by American Express to help educate consumers about how to use Membership Rewards points. As such I was paid for my services as an ambassador, but all gift choices selected and opinions about the gifts and American Express are my own.
December 10, 2012