Tag Archives: holidays

Welcome to the fifth Christmas Gift Guide in our series this year - for the working mom!

Just an FYI: I’m not affiliated with any of these companies. As a working mom, I just thought of some cute and useful items…they could pretty much work for any woman, but I kept the whole “working mom” aspect in mind when thinking of items. Some of these items contain affiliate links (mostly Amazon), which do not impact your purchase price/experience. If you are considering making a purchase from Amazon, please consider using one of these links first and thank you for supporting this little blog!

1. Kindle Fire HD: This is on my list this year (well, I’m still debating between this and the iPad mini). The Fire sounds like a very reasonably priced alternative to the iPad. You can connect it to your Amazon account and it offers some great benefits when paired with a Prime membership (which is great on it’s own but even better with a Kindle): 1 free Kindle library book a month, Instant movies and show downloads. You can keep track of all those family dates, photos of loved ones and more.

2. Pretty Calendar/Organizer: Call me somewhat old-fashioned, but even with having a calendar on my phone and on a tablet, I still like having a paper organizer. I like being able to write little notes all over the days, make to-do lists, jot down blog ideas and pretty much anything else. I also keep bills (yuck) and other things I want to be reminded of with me in there.

3. Magazine Subscription: You can get deeply discounted print + digital subscriptions to most major magazines; great for on-the-go reading. This Glamour magazine subscription is just $3.00 for 6 issues.

4. Mug Warmer: This is a budget-friendly, multi-purpose gift - Not only will it keep liquids warm, but you can also place a candle on it to warm up the wax and create the same scent effect as if it was lit…minus the fire hazard! Pair it with a mug and a candle for the perfect little gift basket.

5. Big Purse: Being a working mom means leaving the house prepared, or at least bringing things in your purse to get you prepared on the way there (I didn’t just say that). This purse looks like it could carry a lot without feeling like a gym bag.

6. Foldable Driving Shoes: As soon as 5pm hits, it’s time for those heels to come off! These cute flats can be kept in the car (or that nice purse above) for easy transitions to relieve those feet.

7. Scarf: Scarves are so versatile and give a little oomph to an outfit. This sheer infinity scarf comes in so many colors and designs, there is sure to be one there to love.

 

See our other gift guides:

Christmas 2013 Gift Guide: For Him

Christmas 2013 Gift Guide: Foodie

Christmas 2013 Gift Guide: Photographer

Trent’s Christmas Wish List 2013

 

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Here’s the fourth Christmas Gift Guide in our series this year…for the guys!

Just an FYI: I’m not affiliated with any of these companies (except for the giveaway below), I just picked these products because they seem pretty awesome! Some of these items contain affiliate links (mostly Amazon), which do not impact your purchase price/experience. If you are considering making a purchase from Amazon, please consider using one of these links first and thank you for supporting this little blog!

1. Dollar Shave Club: Brett showed me this commercial last week and I was dying. But then I saw how cheap it was to get razors and was intrigued. Razors are so darn expensive, I HATE buying them, but this looks like a great alternative to buying them in the store. I am still wondering how they price them so low.

2. AMC Gift Card: To go see Thor 2 in IMAX 3D. Convince him to take you, because…well…you want to see Chris Hemsworth like action movies. Duh.

3. Chocolate Spirits: These are always a favorite gift to give. Your boss can’t fire you for eating these at work if they think you are just eating chocolate

4. Star Wars Car Window Decals: This set comes with 50 decals, so you can create multiple combinations to represent your family. Even easier if you already dressed up as those characters for Halloween!

5. Home Beer-Making Kit: At home beer making has become quite popular, so give this to the beer-loving guy you know and perhaps he’ll become a beer making pro!

6. Beer Can Chicken Grill Set: The lazy man’s way of doing beer can chicken. Or the smart man’s? You decide.

7. Bartending Kit: Everything he needs to mix up some delicious cocktails! I love how it comes in a nice carrying case.

8. Battery Tester: If you are like us, there is a random container of batteries in your garage and you have no idea which ones haven’t been used yet. Just us?

 

See our other gift guides:

Christmas 2013 Gift Guide: Foodie

Christmas 2013 Gift Guide: Photographer

Trent’s Christmas Wish List 2013

 

Never miss a post, photo or video…follow us!

Welcome to the third Christmas Gift Guide in our series this year! I hope you’re enjoying these as much as I enjoyed putting them together.

Since Fridays are usually for Photo Friday, here is a list of items perfect for a photographer, no matter what kind of camera they use!

This gift guide for a photographer assumes that the person already has the essentials and includes some fun little additions to help them.

Just an FYI: I’m not affiliated with any of these companies. Most of these items were picked by Brett after asking him “What would be a great all-around gift list for a photographer.” You can’t do any better than from Mr. Photographer himself. Some of these items contain affiliate links (mostly Amazon), which do not impact your purchase price/experience. If you are considering making a purchase from Amazon, please consider using one of these links first and thank you for supporting this little blog!

 

1. Gorillapod Mobile: The new term is “iPhoneography” I suppose. If they like taking photos on their smartphone and want to help improve that, then this would be a great tool to stabilize the camera and get shots that they wouldn’t be able to get by holding the phone.

2. Camera Rainsleeve: This is such a great tool for trips. When we are in Disney World, we don’t let a little rain stop us from doing stuff. However, a little rain can ruin a very expensive camera. This rainsleeve protects the camera and lens, while still letting you be able to take photos.

3. Black Rapid Camera Strap: A comfortable camera strap is essential for anyone that has a DSLR camera. The camera + a lens can get very heavy, so it’s important to have a good cushion on your neck that is reliable to hold the camera, as well.

4. Lenspen Camera Cleaning Kit: These pens help clean those hard to reach places all over the camera and lens.

5. Giottos Rocket Air Blaster: This helps clean out any dust particles in the camera and lenses without having to touch anything and get fingerprints everywhere. It includes a valve that prevents dust being pulled in and blown back onto the camera.

6. Camera Lens Travel Coffee Mug: Live and breathe photography? Well now you can drink out of it too.

7. Easy Off Gloves: These gloves are perfect in cold temperatures…keep the rest of your hand and fingers warm while still being able to control the camera.

8. Joby Gorillapod: We just can’t get enough of the GorillaPod. This thing goes anywhere! Brett has been able to get some amazing shots that he wouldn’t have been able to if he didn’t have this. It wraps around railings, the stroller and hangs from anywhere it can grip onto. You can even attach a GoPro to it!

9. B&H Photo or BorrowLenses Gift Card: Both B&H and BorrowLenses.com have so many cameras, camera lenses and accessories to choose from. A gift card will let Mr. or Ms. Photographer pick out some new gear to either buy or borrow. The possibilities are endless with this one.

 

Stay tuned for another gift guide tomorrow!

See our other gift guides:

Christmas 2013 Gift Guide: Foodie

Trent’s Christmas Wish List 2013

 

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Happy Thanksgiving friends! While I’m waiting for Brett to cook our Thanksgiving breakfast casserole (recipe & giveaway coming next week!), here’s the second Christmas Gift Guide in our series this year…for your food-loving friend or family member.

Just an FYI: I’m not affiliated with any of these companies (except for the giveaway below), I just picked these products because they seem pretty awesome! Some of these items contain affiliate links (mostly Amazon), which do not impact your purchase price/experience. If you are considering making a purchase from Amazon, please consider using one of these links first and thank you for supporting this little blog!

1. French Fry Dipping Cone: Fries and ketchup, hummus and carrots, any combo your heart desires. This is great for a little snack that you can carry around with you and it even fits in a cupholder. Hello snackage in the car!

2. KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment: Brett has a Kitchenaid mixer (if you don’t already have one, get on that asap! It’s the best thing ever for my cookie/cake/brownie/pancake/all-food-in-general loving self). This would be a fun somewhat-cheap attachment (compared to some other ones that are available) to make homemade ice cream. Even better if you have kids.

3. Guy Fieri Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Book: Brett’s aunt and uncle went on a road-trip and brought one of Guy Fieri’s books with them and stopped at a couple of locations along the way. This sounds like fun if you are a fan of this show or want to try somewhere that has been “Seen on TV”!

4. Star Wars Glowing Lightsaber Popsicle Molds: Popsicle lightsaber molds that actually glow! Much better than those plain boring popsicle molds.

5. NatureBox Subscription: Or any other food subscription box. And trust me, there are plenty of options for all price ranges. This NatureBox subscription is $19.99 a month for 5-7 snack samples.

6. Bacon Bandages: Just ‘cuz.

7. The Dipr Ultimate Cookie Spoon: Perfect for any Oreo fan that just has to have it dipped and soaked in milk (like me!). At $2.99, this would be a fun stocking stuffer or pair with some packages of cookies and a mug set for fun gift package.

 

**Giveaway!**

Are you an Oreo fan or know a “dunker” that would love a Dipr?

Win a set of 5 Diprs - 1 in every color by using the Rafflecopter widget below - it’s the easiest entry ever! 2 winners will be chosen! US only please. Contest ends Sunday, December 1st at 11:59pm.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Welcome to the first in a series of gift guides for Christmas for 2013!

I shared Trent’s Christmas list last year, so I figured I’d start things off the same way this year.

This isn’t his entire list and I have since added lots of arts & crafts, learning and clothing items to the list, but hopefully this will give you some ideas for a toddler around his age (17-19 months).

Just an FYI: I’m not affiliated with any of these companies, I just picked these products because they are actually on Trent’s wish list! Some of these items contain affiliate links (mostly Amazon), which do not impact your purchase price/experience. If you are considering making a purchase from Amazon, please consider using one of these links first to go to Amazon. Thank you for supporting this little blog!

1. LeapFrog LeapReader Junior Book Pal: This was on his list last year, but that might have been a little too early and I think this year it will be perfect for his age. It helps toddlers get ready to learn how to read. There are various books, as well as flash cards and other accessories that work with it.

2. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magnetic Numbers and Letters Set: I wish Trent had more Melissa & Doug toys, since they are great at being fun while incorporating learning. On his list, I put a small tabletop magnetic/dry-erase board and several different sets of magnets, including the numbers and letters above, and also animals and trucks.

3. Melissa & Doug Jumbo Multi-Color Stamp Pad: I may be setting myself up for disappointment, but I would like to make Trent his own jumbo stamp collection with letters, numbers, shapes and more. I’ll have to take a trip to Hobby Lobby to see what kind of items to use, but I am excited to try it.

4: Melissa & Doug Latchboard: This is just for the idea of what is available out there, but Brett plans on making one of these for Trent. Perhaps it is his excuse to go wild in Home Depot, but I think Trent will really enjoy it.

5. Little Tikes First Slide: He already has a swing out back and he has gotten more and more interested in the slides at the park (he can do the little ones by himself), so I think this would be a fun little addition to our backyard for most days that we don’t walk to the park.

6. VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels - Fire Station: Brett saw this commercial and made me add it to his list right away (lol - advertising works!). It’s an interactive fire station that has spinning lights and sirens and it recognizes where the vehicles are and responds with sounds and phrases.

7. Dyson Ball Toy Vacuum: Trent LOVES when Brett vacuums. He will either hold the cord behind Brett and follow him, or he will use his ball popper push toy to pretend-vacuum. This Dyson play vacuum has real suction!

8: Footie Jammies: Trent absolutely hates any type of blanket or sheet on top of him, and after talking with some other moms, he definitely is not alone. Footie jammies will keep his feet warm without a blanket…and they’re adorable.

Some other ideas: craft supplies (construction paper, foam sheets, felt, pom poms, buttons, WASHABLE markers, crayons, etc.), pretend fruit/veggies, Play-Doh and accessories.

 

The big item I forgot to add to the list is what Brett and I are getting him as his big gift…a Radiator Springs Cars table! This thing is awesome! It’s like a train set table, but with all the Cars characters set in Radiator Springs. It’s available on Amazon, but we’re getting his at Costco. It’s no longer available on Costco’s website, though, so I’m probably going to head to Costco soon to make sure they still have it! Let the mad rush begin!

 

See our other 2013 Gift Guides:

Christmas 2013 Gift Guide: Foodie

 

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