Awesome Mother's Day Gifts (to give AND receive!)

I was randomly walking through Hallmark at the mall the other day and browsing their Mother's Day gifts. Random figurines and cheap looking bracelets, and odd little trinkets. I know that everyone's style is different, but I thought I'd share some cool Mother's Day gifts that I think mamas of all ages would adore.

First up - The Andy bracelet, which is completely customizable, by Kendra Scott. It is on sale for less than forty bucks and you can make it totally unique. You can do both stones your mom's favorite colors, one of your birthstone and your siblings, or the birthstones of your kids. Where else are you going to find something so custom to you, at that price?

Some hand-poured Agape candles. I only just discovered these last week, when I was at House of Cabelo and I instantly fell in love. The scents are all really delicious, and creative. I couldn't resist the "Sonoma" scent, and went home with it that day, but I also think I need the Cayo Coco! YUM! If you're local, go to House of Cabelo in downtown Pleasanton so you can smell them all. If you're not, you can pick them up HERE.

These darling Sam & Libby sandals that are super chic, and look much more expensive than their $24.99 price tag.

This sweet blush clutch in Rifle Paper Co. fabric by Daisy Faye Designs. I own a skinny scarf from DFD and it is so beautifully made, and I get compliments every time I wear it. I love everything in that shop! This clutch looks great with so many outfits, and your mama will love it!

This fun name ring that you could customize with the name of her kids, grandkids or anything special! It would be so pretty to stack a few!

A facial! I love using Groupon to find facials at a great price. Why not treat mom to one?

What are some Mother's Day gifts you'd love to give or receive??

Gift Guide for the 30-something woman on your list

I have been asked by several people to please do my annual gift guides, or at least a personal wishlist. I'm not doing my gift guides this year for a handful of reasons, but decided to do a personal wishlist/something I think would be a perfect gift guide for any woman on your list, especially ages 20 - 50. This year (and really, every year as I'm getting older) it seems I would rather have one or two nice gifts, instead a handful of smaller ones. I'm loving quality over quantity, and I'm *really* loving personalized gifts. Below are some things I would love. Enjoy!

1. A personalized bag from Barrington gifts. I've only recently discovered this company (and don't own anything by them, so can't speak to the quality...) but I adore how you can truly personalize their bags. From the pattern, to the colors, to adding your initials. These are awesome. My favorites are the St. Anne, the Sonoma and the Belmont Cabin Bag (is that not the most chic travel bag ever, or what??)

2. Hanky Panky undies. I was recently given a pair of these at a "favorite things" party and they are kind of amazing. They are incredibly comfortable (seriously!!) and the material is really luxe. I feel fancy when I wear them, lol, and I now want every color!

3. Laura Mercier beauty products. Particularly the Sleek & Chic eye palette and the Petite Soufflés' Body Crème Collection.  I worked for Laura Mercier years ago, and the makeup and body products are absolutely incredible. If you haven't experienced them yet, head to your nearest Laura Mercier counter and check them out for yourselves, and please let me know what you think!

4. Personalized Signet ring by Stella & Dot. I sell Stella & Dot so I might be just a tad biased, but I think our personalized items are amazing. The quality and pricing is just incredible, and the turnaround/shipping time is unparalleled. I am getting this for myself and will wear it proudly!

5. Two-toned petite Kate Spade watch. I know the trend with women's watches over the last few years has been oversized, but I am personally loving a more petite watch that you can wear with a few bracelets. I love the rose gold and silver KS one, but since this is a WISHlist I'm also digging this two-toned classic Movado watch.

6. The Hayden Satchel by Gigi New York (personalized, of course.) I have an Uber clutch by Gigi New York (seen here) and I love it. It is such a beautiful quality, and seriously - there is just something about having your initials on it that makes it extra special!

7. Tieks in any color, but especially Obsidion Black and Rose Gold Glam. These shoes are amazing. I own several pairs and am asked all the time if they're worth the money. YES - worth every penny. 

That's what's on MY wishlist, what is on yours?? Let me know in the comments section, so that I can check it out too! 

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is only a few short weeks away - which means my birthday is right around the corner too ;) - and I thought I'd compile a few things that the mamas in your world might appreciate!

Stella & Dot Indigo Capri wrap. This brand new wrap is stunning! Colors of the ocean mix together to create a one of a kind print. Wear it as a scarf, wrap or sarong. This limited edition beauty is sure to make mom's day!

A gorgeous looking (and smelling!) candle. While there are plenty of great-smelling candle options out there, why not get mom something that is pleasing to the eye too? Voluspa always has tons of great options!

A chic bathrobe. Moms may be moms, we still love luxury! You love those big, family breakfasts we make on the weekend? Get us a gorgeous robe to make those breakfasts in. Everyone's happy. I'm loving THIS robe on the higher budget, and THIS one that's a bit more affordable.

An art print from Rifle Paper Co. You truly cannot go wrong with anything in this shop. Anna Rifle Bond is probably my favorite artist right now, and everything she creates is beautiful. I can't imagine a single mama who wouldn't be thrilled to get something from this shop!

If you really want to wow her, how's about THIS super cute watch?? Every time she checks the time she'll think of you! :)

Now of course mama will appreciate any sweet, little handmade thing too, but why not treat her to a little something from above as well? You know she deserves it!

Gift Guide Week: Stocking Stuffers

Ok, ok. I've had requests from many of you via emails and instagram comments, asking for a stocking stuffers gift guide :) I've heard you, and here you go! This is the last gift guide of the year, and I've combined men, women and children. Enjoy!

1. Personalized nail polishes by Pretty Please Polish. I adore PPP and have a small collection of her custom pretties! How fun would it be to have some custom polishes that are holiday themed? If you do Elf on a Shelf, you could have your Elf leave one behind as a present (I know my girls would flip out if Patches happened to leave one for them called "Love, Patches"!) Other fun holiday themed names - Hot Toddy Tootsies, Tipsy Elf, Rudolph Nose Best, etc. Try to order by 12/11 to ensure Christmas delivery!

2. Smart Cookies by Bitsy's Brain Food. Packaged like traditional animal crackers, these smart cookies are delicious, and filled with nutritious ingredients that kids will love! Pop a treat in their stocking that you'll feel good about them having! Online you can find them on Amazon, but in stores you can find them at Whole Foods!

3. A mini maglite. My husband is forever saying he can't find any flash lights. Here ya go. In this little kit you get the flashlight, batteries and a little case to keep them in. In my mind Maglites will always be the best flash lights you can get. My Uncle Ron got me a big, old maglite to keep in my car when I turned 16, and the thought that they're the best has stuck with me ever since ;)

4. Mini candles from Bath and Body Works. I go absolutely nuts for the candles from BBW!! They have a ton of scents, and come in all different sizes and packaging. The ones I linked to truly are stocking-sized. These candles give an amazing fragrance to your whole house, and burn clean. I love them!

5. Character bandaids. As long as I can remember I've gotten some sort of fun bandaids in my Christmas stocking (I still put them in my own stocking!) and I've carried on the tradition with my girls. They always get SO excited to discover their own set of bandaids, and they're even allowed to keep them in their rooms. Last week I found Frozen bandaids at Target for $2.50 so I grabbed two. They have tons of other character bandaids, all for under $3!

6. A nice toiletry kit. I get my husband a new toiletry kit every few years. He has one for work (he's a firefighter so he takes it back and forth every few days) In the past I've found him some really nice dark leather ones at TJ Maxx, but right now I'm really loving THIS one from Nordstrom.

7. THIS gorgeous little set of buttercream lip glosses from Bare Minerals! This is on my wishlist, and honestly, I want it NOW (that was in my best Veruca Salt voice.) They are all brand new colors, and the difference with these and the other Bare Minerals glosses is that they don't have that tingly minty feel. I personally don't mind that tingly feeling at all, but I know some people are not a fan. What I'm freaking out over in this kit is the range of gorgeous, creamy colors. It literally just came out, and for only $26 it's a total steal!

8. Magazine Subscription. I love giving and receiving magazine subscriptions. The last couple years I've gotten Tony a subscription to different magazines, and will stick the current issue of that magazine in his stocking. It's an inexpensive gift that you get all year!

9. Toms for Target. They make them for men, women, boys and girls, and they're super cute! In typical Tom's fashion fr every pair you buy they will give a pair to a child in need. They have an entire line at Target, all of it does good and all of it is adorable!

10. PENS!! I am *such* a pen junkie! I make sure my stocking is filled with all my favorites, especially THESE and THESE!  My girls always get new crayons, markers and colored pencils too.


For any filler gifts you might need to stick in there, I always find great things in the Target Dollar Spot, the front of Ulta where they have a bunch of tiny gifts (right now they're $5 for 5), and the checkout stand of the grocery store, where I always grab a pack of gum and usually one of those candy canes filled with reece's pieces for each of us.

What do you normally stuff stockings with??

Gift Guide Week: For the Beauty Junkie

This gift guide is the easiest for me to come up with. It's pretty much my Christmas wishlist, and when it comes to beauty products, too much is never enough! ;) In this guide I've included (in my opinion) some of the best gift options out there, most of which are at an incredible, limited time value for the Holiday season. Enjoy!

1. The birthstone collection from Julep. Sigh. How stinking gorgeous, right?? This gorgeous box comes with a dozen glittery polishes. One for each month's birthstone. (And not to be biased because I'm a May birthday, but seriously, how beautiful is Priscilla, inspired by the Emerald??) Gimme!

2. The ((AMAZING)) Tarte Sweet Indulgences set. It's no secret that I LOOOOOVE Tarte! And this set is pretty much as good as it could ever get. Filled to the brim with (everything full-sized) eye shadows, eye liners, blushes, mascaras and lippies, this *might* be the best beauty value I've ever seen. // UPDATE: unfortunately this set is so awesome that it sold out. You can still find some awesome Tarte sets HERE and HERE.

3.The Sephora Perfume Sampler. They do a perfume and cologne sampler every year at this time (I bought Tony the cologne one last year) and it's a great way to find a new fragrance. You get fourteen samples, plus a certificate to come back and redeem it for the full size of your favorite fragrance of the bunch!

4. The Clarisonic Mia 2 + Fresh cleanser set. I love the limited edition prints available here, and the Fresh Soy cleanser is awesome! A Clarisonic is for sure a bit of an investment, but you will notice positive changes with your skin in just a couple weeks. I always think it's best to get a Clarisonic around Christmas or Mother's Day, because that's always when they have new, limited prints, and awesome value sets!

5. The Kat Von D Autograph Liners set. Kat Von D for Sephora makes some awesome makeup! These eye liners are super pigmented, go on creamy and smooth and last forever!!

6. Boots No 7 Lip Treats set. It comes with four super shiny lip glosses, and one lip crayon, has a range of shades for whatever mood you're in,

7. The Sweep Photogenic Palette by Julep. This palette comes with eleven gorgeous, soft eye shadows with colors flattering to all. It has a mix of mattes and shimmers, and comes with a fantastic double-ended brush. This would be perfect for everyday, and also great to take with you when you travel!

8. Juicy Intense in the limited edition bow packaging. This is my new favorite scent! Very sexy, and adult, I love the combination of vanilla and jasmine! This super cute limited edition package with the gorgeous, sculpted pink bow would also look great on your dresser! I think you should make sure to stuff your own stocking with this ;)

9. The Rachel Roy for EOS trio. These three limited edition lip balms smell SO good, and the packaging is adorable! I don't know anyone who doesn't love some EOS lip balms!

10. Last, but most certainly not least, the Bobbi Brown Deluxe Eye & Lip Palette. Bobbi Brown makes some of the most gorgeous, universally flattering makeup. Her packaging is always spot-on, and I'm really loving this palette! It comes with eight of her best selling eye shadows in the top part, and eight of her best selling lip colors on the bottom part. I promise, any beauty junkie in your life will LOVE this!

Gift Guide Week: For Him

Sigh. The gift guide for men. This is always the one I have the hardest time with. I enlist my husband, our guys friends and the guys at his fire station. This is our mutual collaboration. Enjoy!

1. A really nice shaving kit from The Art of Shaving. I personally love a clean shaven man (thank GOD that "Movember" is over!) and this kit is sure to impress. All the things needed to keep your man silky smooth and smelling great!

2. Now on the flipside, I know there are tons of you who prefer facial hair, so this beard oil and balm set will be great! The Etsy shop, Beardology has all sorts of great things in different scents for you facial hair enthusiasts ;)

3. This awesome iPod/iPhone speaker dock. I love the old time look, I've heard nothing but great things about the quality of this brand. I think this is a fun gift (for anyone!) and would personally love to have it in my home!

4.. Straight from my hubby: a Milwaukee drill that plugs in. He said Milwaukee is the best brand for people that actually really use their tools, and to always go for something that plugs in, as opposed to cordless. He said anything with batteries loses it's charge quickly, and it's a huge pain in the butt when you're in the middle of a project to wait 2+ hours for the battery to charge. ;)

5. A luxe, cashmere sweater. The men in my life aren't (for the most part) super fashionable, but I think any man can appreciate a bit of luxury every now and then. A classic, cashmere sweater (or even a nice cashmere scarf) is a great way to help them dip their toes into the big,wonderful world of fashion and luxury ;)

6. Stance socks. These socks come in all sorts of fun colors and patterns, and add a bit of hidden flair to his outfits. Your man might have to wear a suit and tie to the office, but at least his socks will be fun!

7. A mophie juice pack. This thing is the bomb. I have one, and have used it at every conference I've been to in the last two years. It fuels up your phone or tablet quickly, and is pretty lightweight. It has two USB ports so you can charge two things at once, and honestly the mophie is one of my favorite things!

8. Some Beats Wireless Headphones. These are an investment, for sure, but they're a really special gift that he will love for years to come! Beats are amazing quality, and the fact that these are wireless is awesome. He can use them while at the gym, on a run, mowing the lawn, whatever! You will score major points if you give these!

9. Vintage-inspired tees. My favorite brand for these is Junkfood - they have an awesome variety! You can find their stuff at Macy's and Nordstrom, but their website has everything! My personal favorites to gift are vintage-inspired rocker and sports tees!

10. A nice Nixon watch. THIS one is my favorite! There's something about a man wearing a watch that makes him seem.....established. I don't know if that's the right word, but that's what I'm going with. My husband doesn't wear a watch regularly, but whenever he does he instantly seems more put together in my eyes. Treat yo'self and snag one that matches!

11. And when all else fails, gift cards! Of course there's the usual suspects like Nike, Game Stop and iTunes, but think outside the box with somewhere like Bed, Bath and Beyond too! Guys like nice sheets and towels just as much as we do, a BBB gift card might just be the excuse he needs to get some. I always buy my gift cards at the grocery store ;)

Last minute entry: I had to include a May Book, after my husband saw them in my Gift Guide for Her. He said "that would be really cool for projects I'm working on, and ideas for other project" so I added it in. I also may or may not have ordered him one ;) I designed this one with the lumberjack plaid print, but there are TON of options and styles available!

Gift Guide Week: For Kids

1. The beyond adorable North American Bear Company has SO many cute things for the kids in your life!! Truly, you can find something for every child (and maybe even some adults!) I especially love the Cutie Tattooie Shark which comes with a dozen tattly tattoos, not only for your kiddo but for their shark too, and I also adore everything in the  Sophie & Lili Collection - my girls particularly love the Gigi Mermaid flip doll - she's a mermaid by day, and then you flip her fins up, and she's a little dreaming girl in her jammies by night. It's the cutest! You can find the North American Bear Company here: Shop // Instagram // Facebook (Word to the wise - they'll be closed for inventory December 15, so get your orders in NOW!) Bonus: take 20% off your entire order + get free shipping when you spend $25 or more with code GLITTER!!

2. The Kids Fire HD from Amazon is pretty amazing. I love that it's an actual tablet, not just a watered down kids game packaged to look like a tablet. I also love that parents can personalize screen time limits, set educational goals, and more. There are so many educational apps, as well as about a bazillion other apps that kids would love that they can play with, but you can control. Tony and I are seriously considering getting one for our girls this Christmas.

3. Skylanders action game. I was working in Leila's classroom and asked a couple boys what they wanted - ALL of them said Skylander stuff. (I've never heard of Skylanders, so these boys were very helpful!) I thought this game would be a good alternative to the video games that are also a part of Skylander.

4. The Goldie Blox Parade Float kit. I just love Goldie Blox - their idea is that they want to get girls building, and making and creating. You can read more about their mission HERE. 

5. A wooden fire and rescue set. My husband said this should definitely make it into the guide ;) My girls (7 and 4) still love playing with Melissa and Doug toys! This set comes with enough pieces to make it fun for kids little and big(ish)

6. Anything from The Printed Palette! My girls love these clothes - they're comfortable, stylish, and unlike other clothes you can find. 

7. This one is directly from my girls - The Annie for Target collection. They literally have every piece on their Christmas lists! The clothes are inspired by the new movie, and adorable!

8. A Lego Technic race car. This looks so fun! Not only do kids get to build this bad boy, but they get to make it race as well!

9. Unexpected books. I love finding great books for my girls to read, and I also love giving them as gifts. This year Leila is getting THIS one, and Coco's getting THIS one. These books also look adorable - Gaston, The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade and Meanwhile in San Francisco.  (PS - right now you can get 30% off one book from Amazon with code HOLIDAY30 - you can only use it once, believe me, I tried, so make sure to use it on a pricier book!)

Ok, there you have it. My picks on some of the best gifts for kiddos this season. (I know it leans heavily towards girls, and for that I apologize, but honestly, it's all I really know!) What are the kids in your life asking for?? I would love to know!

Gift Guide Week: Gifts for HER!

Ladies - feel free to just forward this blog post on to your man ;)

1. Gorgeous pyrite chunk earrings' from Gussied! These earrings are Handmade with organic pyrite chunks and wire to make a simple, yet stunning statement. What lady wouldn't be thrilled to find these under the tree?? You can find Gussied here:  SHOP // FACEBOOK  // INSTAGRAM. Bonus: you can save 25% at shopgussied.com with code GLITTER25

2. Anything from Em Cosmetics!! I've been using Em (the brainchild of YouTube makeup guru, Michelle Phan) since it came out a year ago, and I really love this line! I use some element of The Life Palette every single day, and lately have been loving their limited edition  Ice Bunny Life Palette and Emerald watercolor eye liner. I also love that you can now buy (legit) Em on Amazon now - hello Prime!!!

3. French Box. Oh, how do I love French Box? Let me count the ways: un, deux, trois.....The French Box is new to me, but I'm a big fan! It's a monthly subscription box filled with goodies from (where else) France, that are hard or impossible to find elsewhere. Did you catch my review in the latest Subscription Box Smackdown? How fun would it be to receive a French Box, or even a subscription to French Box? Très Fabuleux! Bonus: Use code GLITTERANDGLOSSFIRSTBOX to get $5 off of your first French Box!

4. Fiesta Like There's No Mañana pullover by Sasea Decor. This shirt just makes me happy. Katie, the owner and designer behind Sasea Decor makes the most comfortable, unique and fun tees and pullovers! Myself and my girls have several of their design (THIS is my personal favorite, and THIS is the girls favorite.) I love that when you're wearing something by Sasea Decor you're wearing something unique, and you're supporting a small, mama-owned business!

5. A custom May Book from May Designs! I've posted my love for May Books before, and think they would make the absolute perfect gift! They make beautiful notebooks, planners, coloring books, etc. in the best variety of patterns, with beautiful, designer fonts, and tons of different colors to choose from. The possibilities are literally endless! Every once in a while I find myself on that website, creating tons of different May Books that I want. This would make *such* a thoughtful gift, and bonus - use code OPRAH to get 20% off your entire order!

6. An engravable from Stella & Dot. Full disclosure I am a stylist for Stella & Dot, so I love it more than your average person, but OMG!!! Everyone needs an S&D engravable (or two or three or ten) in their life. You can customize completely to you, the turnaround is incredibly quick, and the quality and price point just can't be beat!

7. The Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe Palette by It Cosmetics. This awesome set is only sold on QVC (and have I mentioned my EXTREME love of beauty sets on QVC?? You cannot beat the deals!) It comes with fourteen incredibly gorgeous matte eye shadows, with one extra large pearly shade that can change the color and finish of any of the other shades. Plus it comes with an amazing double-ended eye brush. It Cosmetic brushes are super luxe, and I pretty much want all of them. You get one for FREE with this palette set. Super hot buy, if I had ten thumbs I'd give it ten thumbs up!

8. Ok, while I'm on a roll with my love for QVC sets - the Lemon Custard Trio by Philosophy is also pretty awesome! I love all things Philosophy, and this set is such a steal, and smells so nice! I've loved the body wash/shampoo/conditioners from Philosophy for a long time, and this set includes a full-sized one. Snatch one up!

9. This beautiful crystal and chain headband. Um, peace out bad hair days! On those mornings when you're rushing out the door (of course you've gotten yourself ready last) and all you have time to do is throw your hair in a messy bun, and maybe throw on a swipe of lipstick, how chic and pulled together would this beauty make you look?? I think I need to stuff my own stocking with this bad boy!

10. A set of note cards from River & Bridge. I am a huge fan of snail mail (sending and receiving!) Heather of River & Bridge makes the most beautiful note cards, and they are pretty much all I buy. Her designs are unique, come with beautifully color-coordinated envelopes, and she always has the best style!

11. A sweet and meaningful charm bracelet from Keep Collective. Keep is the baby sister brand of Stella & Dot, and just in it's beta stages, but I'm lucky enough to own several pieces and I just adore them! They're a modern take on a charm bracelet, with lots of colored reversible leather bracelets, gold and silver mesh bracelets (my fave!) and cute necklaces with hundreds of charms that you can add. Email Ashley (ashleyandchadreed@sbcglobal.net) to get your hands on these beauties before anyone else! (How fun to give a gift that's sure to become a classic, way ahead of the curve!?)

Father's Day Gift Guide

1. Bender's Rye whiskey. According to my husband, whiskey is a man's man's drink. Not sure exactly what that means, but for this gift guide I'm suggesting Bender's Rye. Something really cool about this whiskey is aged for seven years in small batches, and in American White Oak Barrels and produced at The Treasure Island Distillery in San Francisco and only 3,348 bottles made. The Treasure Island Distillery infuses its own element of character, having once been a Navy brig (a.k.a. Prison) - the lab is housed in the old guard room and bottling takes place in former maximum security cells.  That is certainly a story my husband would like to tell his friends, while sipping whiskey on the patio. They're also having a Father's Day special - free shipping, and 10% off three or more bottles. You can buy it HERE. 

2. Since dad now has some cool whiskey, how's about some great whiskey rocks? He's not going to want to water his favorite libation down, so make sure to grab him a set!

3. THIS crazy cool set by Proof. Super cool box, wood sunglasses, wood wallet and a wood pocket knife. FUN!

4. A bocce ball set. Ok, I don't know if all dads would like this, but my husband can't stop yammering about having a bocce ball court in the backyard. This could be a fun first step.

5. Cordless reciprocating saw. Real talk - I can't tell you much about this. It's just something Tony told me he neeeeeeeded, so I thought I'd let you all know that apparently this is a good thing for guys.

6. This awesome money clip. No, he may not want to wear a "Best dad ever" shirt around town, but I bet he'd be pretty stoked to carry a money clip with the same sentiment. All made by hand too!

And I have to throw in this fun bag I found at Target:

What are YOU getting for the dads in your life, this Father's Day?

Mother's Day Gifts

I can't believe that it's already May (happy May Day!) and that next weekend it's Mother's Day. Here are a few things I think moms of any age would love this year:

You Are My Sunshine Necklace - this was one of my very first Stella & Dot purchases. I wear it all the time (it's the song I sing to the girls every night) and until May 5 you can get it for $14.99 when you spend $50 or more. (It's $69) Grab one while you can. For yourself, or your mom. You'll love it, I promise!

Dear Mom, Now I Get It spoon by Jessica N Designs. I love everything Jessica N Designs has to offer, especially this great handstamped spoon. Because I don't know of any mom who (once they've become a mom) doesn't suddenly have much more respect and admiration for their own mother.

Everything I Learned About Being Awesome I Learned From You (Don't tell Dad) card. Hilarious, and beautifully hand-illustrated.

A gorgeous, unexpected arrangement of flowers. And by that I mean, not your everyday roses or daisies. Nothing wrong with roses or daisies, but why not show mom that you went out of your way to get her some really special flowers? If you're local to me make sure to head to downtown Pleasanton to The Petal Company, where my friend Jess or one of her team members will make you a bouquet anyone would be thrilled to have!

Omnia Indian Garnet perfume. I'll admit it right now, I am suuuuuper biased with Bulgari perfumes, and their Omnia ones are my favorite. I collect these perfumes (this is the only one I don't yet have) and each smells divine. The Indian Garnet is the newest to launch, and it's a sophisticated fragrance with hints of mandarin and tuberose. If your mom prefers not such a strong fragrance, might I recommend Omnia Amethyst.

Some time at the spa. What mother wouldn't absolutely adore some time alone at the spa? Get her a gift certificate for a Swedish massage, a facial or a pedicure and you'll be her favorite child forever!

What are you planning on getting your mama this year??

Valentine's Gifts for the Active Man, Plus a Giveaway!

This post is sponsored by Kind Bars. All

opinions, as always are my own.

My husband is constantly on the go. When he's not at work (even his work is super active - firefighting) he's out on a bike ride, a run, a hike, playing football, baseball, or when he "wants to take it easy" playing golf.

He's super active pretty much all the time, and knowing that I thought I'd put together a list of some great go-to gifts for Valentine's Day (or really anytime) for the active man in your life:

• A bike repair kit I think is a fantastic gift, because it's small enough to be added onto the bike itself, in case something goes wrong and needs to be repaired immediately.
• KIND bars. My husband has a sweet tooth, but in most instances he'd rather eat a KIND bar with a bit of chocolate in it, than an actual chocolate truffle itself. These satisfy your sweet tooth, while filling you up, thanks to natural protein and fiber. With these you can satisfy your hunger and your sweet tooth, without ruining your healthy eating habits.
• Tickets to his favorite sporting event! My husband is a huge Oakland A's fan, and getting him tickets for a game or two is guaranteed to put a smile on his face!
• A Beer Making Kit. Most guys I know love beer. How fun would it be to make your own?
• A Nike + Sport Watch with GPS. This is pricey but pretty cool! It tracks your time, distance, speed and so much more, but also has a great GPS feature, so if he should run a little too far, he'll still know how to get back home.

KIND bars wants to hook you up with some satisfyingly healthy sweets! They are going to send a selection of Dark Chocolate flavors: Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan, and Dark Chocolate Chili Almond - one box of each for 3 boxes (36 bars total) at a value of approx. $75.00 for the total prize package. YUM!

one lucky winner

Giveaway ends on Valentine's Day. Winner will be notified via email, and announced within the original rafflecopter widget.

To enter, use the rafflecopter below, and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

blogger wishlist: a fabulous fete

Next up is Lauren from one of my favorite blogs: A Fabulous Fete. Lauren shares her beautiful parties, her everyday creative style, and some stunning (free) printables!

hi there! it's lauren from a fabulous fete trying to share just a few of my faves (trust me, this is just the beginning to my holiday wish list). i blog about entertaining, parties, weddings and everything that goes along with that… jewelry, fashion, etc. a girl needs to be dressed to entertain right? well, those things all certainly overflow into "real life", and when i compile lists of things i love, it pretty much all comes back around to things i'd love to entertain with (or maybe just have on me while doing so). enjoy!

camera strap - i'm loving this choice, so much more chic than that plain old one that comes with the camera. and so pretty it looks more like part of your outfit than anything else! // paper cut - i would absolutely love to have different designs set out at place settings for an all girl dinner party // kate spade bow heels - i mean, who doesn't need these for the holidays? // sequin skirt - my favorite style is a little bit of sparkle, and a lot of simple comfiness. i would pair this skirt with either one of the tee's above // app plates - if i could get my calligraphy on a set of dessert/app plates i would! but i'll settle for these now:) // stacking rings - currently obsessed with these, and i'm loving the mixed metals // buy me brunch tee - brunch is one of my favorite meals (hello mimosas), so this tee is perfection // acrylic tray - would totally sub this in for a bar! // oh la la tee - a girl can never have enough white tees, especially ones embellished with fabulous quotes // gold rimmed glass - the ultimate glass for your holiday bar // whistle necklace - i love the simplicity of this necklace, and any long pendants for that matter!

thanks for having me heather!

you can catch me here:

the blog // my shop // instagram // pinterest // facebook // twitter

blogger wishlist: michelle dwight designs

Hi! I'm Andrea, from Michelle Dwight Designs, where you can find fun accessories for you and your home. I was so thrilled when Heather asked me to contribute a gift guide! I love doing stuff like this and it usually only happens when I'm 
forced asked to. I'm a big believer in giving functional gifts! But they can still be fun and fantastic!! Even if you are buying your bestie some socks...they can be super cute and comfy! Above are some of the things I'm eying as gifts for my friends this year. They are all something I know will get used...and they might just think of me when they do. I kinda like that too! Of course, I had to include at least one thing from my shop! Wine is always an easy, and definitely useful, gift. I love the idea of gifting it in a reusable wine tote!

1. Metallic Pink Leather Wrap Bracelet by Sewsephine / 2. J. Crew Cashmere Diamond Scarf / 3. Sorel Tremblant Blanket Slipper Shoe / 4. bkr Glass Water Bottle / 5. Sugar Paper Cabana Stripe Notebook / 6. Truffle No 1 Clarity Pouch / 7. Michelle Dwight Designs Merry Bright Wine Tote & Penfolds Koonuga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon

'Tis the season....for beauty deals!

One of the best parts of the holiday season (in my humble opinion, anyways) are the awesome beauty sets some of my favorite brands put out. YES, there are gift sets available around Mother's Day as well (score for me, since I'm a May baby) but generally speaking, those are perfume sets. Right now, most brands (from drugstore to super high-end) have their gift sets out, filled with their best, and their newest, all on the cheap.

Here are some of the best options out right now, according to moi:

1. The Tarte of Giving Collector's Set & Travel Bag. $490 value, only $59!! Um, hello that value is insane. I want this for so many reasons - that crazy adorable bag, those gorgeous shadows, that beautiful cheek stain....Snag this bad boy up, it will sell out, mark my words!

2. The Holiday Handbook by Philosophy is a trio of hand creams by Philosophy, for only $32. I love most of Philosophy's products, including their super rich, but not greasy hand creams. This would be such a sweet gift, along with a gift certificate for a manicure!

3. Drybar Blowout in a Box kit. $179.80  This one is pretty major, but wowza - who wouldn't loooooove receving it??? Chalk full of Drybar essentials (Buttercup blowdryer, round brush, styling tools and hair products!)

4. Estee Lauder's (purchase with fragrance purchase) Holiday 2013 Kit. $58.50, $375 value. SOOOOOOO much good stuff in there, and again the value is insane!! So many gorgeous colors, all in a sleek croc case. I kinda (really) want this for myself!

5. Clarisonic Mia 2 with Fresh cleanser. I am obsessed with my Clarisonic - I can honestly say that so far this has been the best investment in my skin. It cleanses your skin something like six times as well as just your hands, and it's antibacterial. This cleanser by Fresh is also awesome, and with this QVC set you can choose from tons of cute colors and prints for your Clarisonic that you can't get anywhere else. (I'm jealous!) And speaking of QVC, my husband makes fun of me all. the. time. for loving that channel/website as much as I do, but honestly they have some of the best deals (for beauty and more!)

6. Sephora Lash Stash $45, $145 value.  Perfect for mascara junkies, like yours truly. With this fun kit you get to try eleven different types of mascaras from various brands, and find your absolute favorite one.

7. Fragrance sampler. $75 (value varies) This is pretty brilliant. Fourteen different deluxe sample sizes of perfumes. Wear them, decide what you like best and then redeem a coupon in the kit for a full-size version of your favorite. The last few years I've gotten Tony the men's version. I know first-hand that these make really awesome gifts!

8. Tarte SmolderEYES set. Another Tarte set, shocker! (You guys know how much I love my tarte!!) Well, this set has my favorite eyeliners - five total, all for only $32.47

SO, with this awesome gift sets are you thinking it's better to give, or to receive? ;)