Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Valentine's day - you either love it or you hate it, but one thing we can all agree on is: it's nice to know someone is thinking about you any day of the year, but even more so on V-day. So, get in the spirit and shower the people you love with love! This holiday really snuck up on me this year, so, if you are like me and feel like you just tossed your Christmas tree out your front window (that's seriously how we got rid of our tree this year) calm down, put down the the homemade coupons for "one free back rub" and check out these fun, easy ways you can show the people you love you are thinking about them without them knowing you waited until the last minute. 

As promised here is your Valentine's Day Gift Guide (I told you I would get it done!) 

In my opinion, it's all about the card - all anyone really wants on Valentine's Day is to be reminded about all the schmoopy stuff you feel about them - so tell them! This one above is adorable, and you can order it ASAP and Just Wink will send it out for you, they have a collection of great cards so you are sure to find one that works for your special someone. 

Here is one more card, that you probably can't get on time - but that doesn't mean you can't buy a few and leave them randomly around or in his/her bag over time - after all every day is Valentine's Day when you're in love right? Riiiiight.

Yes, please USB mix tape -  if you order this right now it can totally get to you by Thursday, and if it doesn't who cares give it to him/her on Friday because it's awesome and everyone deserves one. If you don't want to spend 75$ to ship this USB cassette tape over night, that's OK - I get it. Burn a CD put it in an old CD case (or go buy one at Staples) and handwrite the tracks and why you chose them on some liner notes. You could also keep it super simple and send your crush a spotify playlist, to get them through the work day thinking about you! 

If you are already planning a breakfast in bed (did you buy a heart shaped waffle maker?) then you should print this FREE and adorable little breakfast in bed kit and make your already wonderful breakfast extra special (and adorable)

Do I even need to explain to you how awesome this is? "52 things I love about you" Come on - this would melt even the iciest of hearts. All you need is: two binder rings, a deck of cards, paper, a pen and 52 things you love about another human... NOW GO!

Download these printables for free, email them to Kinkos (or any print shop), ask for poster sized, pay 5$ and be a Valentine's day hero. Come on guys, I am making this so easy for you. 

You can cook a nice dinner with a recipe from Smitten Kitchen they are all relatively easy and don't call for crazy ingredients - if you are going to do this though please go grocery shopping tomorrow night, no one should be kept waiting on Valentine's Day. This pasta dish looks delicious!

You should also watch this short film (nominated for an Oscar) it's so sweet and will get you in the spirit. The Paperman

Order some flowers and have some of your money go to a good cause here. 

Get a fancy candle, because - Valentine's Day is only once a year. You can get this one at a Nordstrom's near you. 

Movie tickets for a month, 3 months, or even a year. 

Tickets to a show (you can print these out and put them in your card these days) you have no excuse. Also download the Timbre app and find out what shows are playing in your area.  (Sorry, i-devices only)

Enjoy celebrating all the love in your lives! 

XO 

A

Holiday Gift Guide - Food and Drink

Gifts for the friend who is happiest in the kitchen, loves telling you about the vineyard the grapes were grown on, and has had you over for a home-cooked dinner five times more than the amount you've had them for take out or ramen. Give them something they can use, that they will love, and that you can reap some benefits from! 

Enjoy this thirst and hunger inducing gift guide...

This recipe box ($135) is the sweetest way to store old family recipes, or new recipes that they are hoping to pass down to the next generation! 

An eco-grill for the griller/tailgater in your life - no need to sacrifice quality for location ($99.95)

Whiskey rocks ($19.50) - they won't dilute your drink and they'll make you look really cool.

The perfect cutting board ($48) for anyone who may be pining for an old home-state (available in all 50 states) 

A sign ($40) for the chef's kitchen (not that anyone will need the reminder!) 

A t- shirt ($20) for the microbrew lover who lives to share a strong pint and some good conversation. If you are feeling really generous you could buy them this assorted beer tasting set ($59.95) as well!

Stylish measuring cups ($24) that you will never want to take off your counter top.

Kitchen towels ($28) with wine and good pairings?! Genius! 

If you know me - chances are you know my affinity for Fox's mustard ($6.99) - there is nothing this powerful mustard can't make extra delicious! Also - pretty much anything from Woodstock Farmer's Market is ridiculously delicious and wonderful. 

This little chalkboard pot ($18) is customizable and adorable!

Beer Lover's Cheese Set ($79.99) speaks for itself...

The most adorable salt and pepper shakers ($48) in history.

A jug of Vermont maple syrup ($68) sure to keep any pancake flipper happy for months. 

Two of the most coveted cook books that will ever exist (in my humble opinion)... The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook ($19.75) & Home Made ($26.40) 

If you are still struggling to meet your gifting needs here's a couple next steps: 

You can't beat a subscription to Cook's Illustrated ($25 for one year) to help supply kitchen inspiration year round.

With flavors like dill pickle and pesto Parmesan any flavor fiend would surely enjoy some "Gourmet Roasted Happiness" from the Peanut Roaster

There is also always Murray's cheese and charcuterie or The Formaggio Kitchen which will both provide you with delicious gifts for everyone you know! 

If you are still feeling lost in a "foodie" world - find them a local cooking class and sign them up! Every chef loves to learn a new skill. 

Happy Shopping! 

XO 

A

Holiday Guide - Gifts for the Menfolk

Here's a few special presents for the man that keeps your feet warm all winter long, the one that knows that sometimes all a girl needs is a cocktail and some good laughs to turn a bad day into a great day, the guy that give the greatest hugs and the biggest smile. Make him feel special this December - because he's tried hard to make you smile all year! 

So whether you are shopping for brother, boyfriend, cousin, or your lifelong bike gang confidant - there is something here for everyone! Enjoy... Here's a love song from one of my favorite men to take you through the guide... Dare you not to sing along.

 

Alright I know it's probably too expensive but it's the most awesome present ever. I wish I could get this for the boyfriend this year.. If only I'd won powerball. The most beautiful record player of all time... ($1,300)

 

This toiletry bag ($170) is not only simple and really nicely made but it's uncomplicated and super manly - men need that to carry around all their shaving creams and face lotions. 

 

For the guy who is working overtime all the time - give him a break this holiday with this beautifully made clever flask ($22) For those of you in Boston - these flasks are for sale at Hudson in the South End.

 

Every sailor (and land dweller) needs a great stylish pocket knife ($45)... right?

 

For the product loving man in your life - a birchbox for the guys! ($20 a month) Genius - keep your hands off my styling lotion

 

The perfect wallet ($95-$120) - your guy will no longer have any Costanza issues - and he'll look cool when he's paying the tab with the guys. 

 

Dude No.1 beard oil ($65)... since it's beard season and nothing is better than a great smelling bearded man. 

 

Art you can agree to display - stained glass surfboard fins ($175) from California. For the surfer who is settling in to domestic life. 

 

Mustache glasses ($32 for four) to help ease his pain after shaving his glorious Movember stache. 

 

For the modern-day music loving gent here is a great collection of music posters ($16-$18) by Jason Munn a renowned graphic artist who really captures the sound of each band in his posters.

For the traveling soul - a print for his office or bedroom ($40) 

Translation: "Oh Darling, let's be adventurers"

If you are still having a tough time finding the right gift - a couple of birthday's ago I bought A an Apple TV it's kind of the coolest thing ever, and dude's love wireless things. There's also this wonderful collection of pocket squares and bow ties for the preppy guy in your life, also J.Crew has a men's gift guide that is excellent.  Last but not least, check out Scotch and Soda for some of the best button downs on that side of the Atlantic. 

Happy Shopping!

XO 

A

Holiday Guide - Gifts for the Ladies

Whether you are shopping for your girlfriend, sister, best friend, or girl you've been on five dates with - buying a gift for the ladies in your life can be daunting - especially when you are of the opposite sex. Here's some help - she probably has a pinterest page - look at it - she's basically telling you what she wants. 

Hint Hint boyfriend - there are a lot of Golden Retriever Puppies on my page.. weird. 

Also, Happy Friday - Here's a song to get you through the day.

I love this print ($24) - just make sure you get a frame for it as well! It would make a perfect addition to any office wall. 

This backpack is awesome - super styling, has a waterproof lining inside to survive a New England winter and is a great price ($60) also Everlane is just awesome in general - but be careful their t-shirts can turn into a full blown addiction. 

Ladies - I am sure you know all about Catbird NYC and their beautiful delicate little rings - fellas, I know that you do not! Your girlfriend will love one of these personalized little rings ($96) The site also has a wonderful gift guide I suggest everyone checks out! 

This perfume smells so amazing - I know it's a little iffy buying perfume for someone else, but I really don't think it's possible to not love the way this smells - so just go for it - plus if she hates it she can return it for any of Fresh's other uh-mazing products. win. win. ($80) They also have really great holiday sets and deals. 

Check out these sparklers ($168) love their natural but still glamorous look. It was hard to chose which piece of Alex Russel jewelry to include on the guide - so look through the whole site if you are in the market for jewelry you won't be disappointed. 

This rose gold watch would look beautiful on any lady's wrist. ($275)

If your friends are as excited about Arrested Development coming back as my friends are - they want this mug ($16) 

This J.Crew Flannel sleep shirt ($68) looks so comfortable, and it is something most women would never buy for themselves but would love to receive as a gift! You could also pair it with these moccasins ($39.50) for the coziest gift combo ever. 

If you are still having a hard time finding just the right thing - most sites have put out pretty killer gift guides. See here, here, here and here. 

Have a great weekend! XO

A

Holiday Guide - Gift Guide - Parents

They are the people who formed all of your wonderful holiday memories - so the least you can do is get them a present they will enjoy, is useful, and one that makes you look like the best child ever. Why is it that Mom and Dad are the hardest to shop for? For me, maybe it's just overwhelming to get a present for the people who hid, wrapped, and snuck presents under the tree for so many years. Who knows - but don't join me in over-thinking it all - I've done the thinking and the leg work and here are the best gift for your folks this year! 

Check out this killer set of turf coasters - no need to even explain this one - total no brainer any Dad would love to have these to add to his office or man space (but keep them off Mom's coffee table) 

Is your Mom addicted to her iPad? If so - she could use this beautiful new iPad case.. and seal her spot as the coolest Mom in the ebook club. 

Holiday Guide - Cards

It's that time of year again! Are you stressed? Or are you a deck-the-halls, card-sending, hot-cocoa-drinking, snow-lover like me? Either way, I'm here to make your next three weeks easier than ever before!

So sit back... put on your favorite ugly sweater and grab some spiked eggnog this is going to be your best year yet! Do you feel it in your fingers...? Feel it in your toes...? 

I wanted to start the Holiday guide with one of my favorite but admittedly the most tedious part of the holiday... Card sending! 

This card may be one of the funniest I've seen... if you buy this please add me to your list.. I'll return the favor. 

I have always been head over heels for Rifle Paper Company  - this husband and wife team out of Florida have the most clever designs, and when I saw their ornament cards my head exploded from sugar plums dancing to dubstep.