On the hunt...

Nothing says romance like a... luggage tag?

You guys want to know a secret?! Since I know he doesn't come around here very often... errr, ever (unless I shove my phone in his face or read a post aloud!) I am gonna just spill the beans that I have NO CLUE what to get Dr. H for our anniversary. Our 3rd anniversary is comin' in hot (next week!) and I'm totally stumped. Each year we try to take a trip together as our official anniversary gift to ourselves (HERE and HERE), but we nevertheless also exchange small "surprise" gifts, often of the sentimental variety. Since small, thoughtful gifts are kinda my specialty, being completely inspiration-less this late in the game really has me panicked!!

For the past 2 years, I've used the traditional anniversary gifts list, giving a custom designed notebook filled with "365 reasons why I love you" for our first "paper" anniversary (oh the time I had back when we were still newlyweds!) and for our second "cotton" anniversary, Dr. H got a t-shirt personalized with our #babeitup slogan on the sleeve (obviously we have our own hashtag #becauseImaddictedtohashtagging). For a third anniversary, the gift is supposed to be leather, and since Dr. H doesn't need a wallet or watch, I don't want to buy him a belt (what am I, his grandmother!?) and leather in the bedroom ain't our thang (#zeroshadesofgrey), I'm completely stumped. I've been literally wandering in and out of stores - clothing, gadgets, leather goods, everything - hoping the right item will find me. It hasn't. So I need your help my creative, merry friends!! Tell me what I should get Dr. H for our third anniversary that incorporates leather (faux is fine!) and I will forever be indebted to you... Because we've got to get through leather before we can get to next year's so-easy-it's-a-joke "Fruit/Flowers" (I've already got SO many ideas!)

For Mom

The moment you're "mom". Beautiful.

Mother's Day is coming up this weekend and even though everyday is Mother's Day in my humble opinion (I mean seriously!!) here is a roundup of inspiration from around the web to make sure your Mama knows just how very much she is loved. (Love you Mom!!)

OhHappyDay is pretty much my favorite resource for holiday related crafts and gifts-piration and Jordan does not disappoint on Mother's Day. Click HERE for links to her gift ideas (the first set of images above), click HERE for the (FREE!) printable template for her seriously sweet banner and party kit and click HERE for 7 crafty cute DIY ideas.

Is there a new mom in your life!? Want to send her something extra sweet and useful!? This "New Mom in a Box" kit from YouAreMyFave is super simple to pull together, but will no doubt be viewed as a special and thoughtful gesture. (Plus, it's important to make sure Mom feels the love while everyone is coo'ing over the baby!)

For those more mature ladies with mature Mama's I think "versatile spring clutch" is a safe and sassy gift go-to. Belle over at CapHillStyle just did THIS post on spring/summer clutches and I love everything she suggests.

I think there is something totally charming about these Atelier Stella planters and vases (website to buy HERE, originally spotted on Honestly WTF HERE). The sort of gift that will make Mom smile and think of  you every time she sees it, place your order today and give Mom a picture of the purchase along with a plant "to be planted" on Sunday to hold her over until the pottery arrives!!

Last Minute goodies!

awwww

Hello my friends and happy "we're almost there" day to my fellow stuck-at-work'ers (yes there are some of us at work today!) In an attempt to spread a little more Christmas cheer before the big day, here are some more (super easy to create at the last minute!) eats and treats (first edition HERE) to ensure that the gifts under your tree aren't the only thing making loved ones smile this holiday!

This easy to execute and adorable to deliver treat is perfect for your host and hostess or as a small gift for exchanges which stick to a lower price-point. Hot cocoa/chocolate milk powder with mini marshmallows inside and a Bailey's treat on the outside, plus, who doesn't love a good mason jar!? Pin it HERE.

Forget reindeer games, these sweet and salty treats are no joke! A glorious combination of pretzels, rolo and sixlets (which I've never heard of, but red m&ms would do just fine!) and you have an unmistakably awesome holiday treat perfect for dessert platter display! Pin it HERE (full instructions HERE).

Still stumped for table decor? This colorful idea requires just a few holiday items and will have guests complimenting your craftiness. Using mixed height candle sticks (painted in a favorite color at the bottom if you have time/don't mind the permanent paint job!) place small colorful ball ornaments (CVS has quite the selection still) and candles at the top. Store bought mini trees are an excellent compliment if you're able to track them down! Pin it HERE (more pictures and info HERE).

How freakin adorable are these tiny Santa snacks!? Perhaps the perfect thing to mix with pretzel/rolo reindeer, these santas are made of just 3 ingredients, marshmallows, strawberries and frosting. You can create your frosting beard with a piping bag if you're fancy or a plain old ziplock with the corner snipped off if you're an amateur like me. Santa's face goes on (pre-beard and berry!!) using edible marker. So simple, SO sweet to see (and eat!) Pin it HERE (full instructions HERE)

Hump Day Distractions

Holiday Cheer. (hehe)

I think the most important thing to tell you right now is that last night I had bread that had bacon baked INTO it. You heard me, bacon embedded within fluffy, perfectly toasted, freshly baked bread. Blue Ribbon Bakery Kitchen, you are a sly little devil... And because maybe you aren't going to be distracted by the idea of bacon bread all day the way I will, here are some goodies from around the web to get you through Hump Day.

* This actually, kind of makes me want a pair of hamburger earmuffs for myself!

* Absolutely horrible and still completely hysterical... gotta love a good pun.

* THIS is the way every "year-in-review" holiday card should be done (ps- MILF/DILF much!?)

* I think I need THESE golden beauties...

* Lego creations by state, because toys aren't just for kids (be sure to click the individual images for the witty captions and a chance to buy each print for only $22!!) (via HonestlyWTF)

* A might tasty winter pasta recipe.

* A fantastic gift for your favorite New Yorker (eghm!!!)

* And speaking of New York... I'd never noticed the little black and white striped signs on subway platforms before, but now I always look.

* I must ride THIS swing.

* And lastly, we've seen some of these before, but they are just SO good. 

Counting Down...

Perfect for the kids' table!

Hello hello and happy Monday my merry friends! I am officially in "it's almost the holidays" mode, thanks to Thanksgivukkah being just 10 days away. Even more exciting though is that I will be departing for the land of loving Grandparents and sun (aka, Florida) in one week from tomorrow. Tick tock is it time to go yet!?

Here to get us into the holiday spirit are some standout Thanksgiving suggestions - everything from tablescape to a hostess gift and dessert, it's time to get our turkey on people!!

Gold & Burlap elegance.

This table decor is so easy to execute and so elegant to look at that I'm actually disappointed to not be hosting a feast of my own to set it up at. Simply pick up some pine cones, gourds, berry branches, leaves and any other seasonal items your yard (or nearest Michaels crafts store) has to offer and head outside with a can of gold spray paint. Lay across the center of your table on a burlap (or other solid color) runner, add some votive candles and voila! The classiest Turkey Day table you ever did see!

Bite sized YUM. 

I love this idea! Since everyone loves the crispy outer edges of the stuffing casserole dish, why not make every bite an edge!? Using a muffin tin to bake your stuffing (whatever recipe you prefer) creates adorable individual portions with lots of crispy edges for everyone to enjoy.

Put a bow(tie) on it!

Looking to one-up all those guests who arrive with a bottle of wine and say "thanks for having me?" How about this idea from Real Simple? Pick up some fresh "Italian for dinner" supplies (pasta, sauce, herbs, olive oil) then box and wrap them with string and (pasta) bows. Adorable, inexpensive and perfect for the Saturday night after when the idea of more leftovers just isn't cutting it!

Candy Corn "bark"

Helllllo lover. Time to put all that leftover candy corn to use before it's out of "season"!! 

Click HERE for the full recipe or HERE to pin it. YUM.

Hump Day Distractions

I think that's fair.

Can I get a HUMP DAYYYY!!?? Man oh man am I excited to be hitting the halfway mark on this week. I'm like a freakin bulldozer right now - get outta my way Thursday and Friday, I'm comin for ya weekend! Here to make the middle a little more enjoyable are some delightful distractions for your buying, reading, eating, laughing pleasure. Enjoy!!

* What a fabulous idea for a lil kiddo's birthday gift or just a delightful surprise in the mail! (plus a coupon code!)

* I find these images hysterical (man I love creative people) (via CupofJo)

* "I want the strongest, happiest, smartest women in my corner, pushing me to negotiate for more money, telling me to drop men who make me feel bad about myself, and responding to my outfit selfies from a place of love and stylishness, not competition and body-snarking."

* (Buttered Spaghetti) x (Awesome) = YUM.

* Because everyone should know how to draw an adorable turtle.

* Did you mean:

* Pa-"jah"-mas or Pa-"jam"-as? Do you say merry/marry/mary differently? Depends on where you live.

* I cannot think of a more thoughtful, adorable, personalized, lovely gift for a lady in your life.

* The pen is mightier than the pigs. Fact.

* Pie charts that will make you smile. (via CupofJo)

Loving goodies.

Filled with love.

Even though Valentine's Day shouldn't be all about gifts, gifts sure are lovely aren't they!? And what better way to show someone you love how much you appreciate them than by sending a surprise goody their way!? Here are some great gift ideas for you and all the Valentines in your life. Happy (last minute!) shopping!

Love in Bloom.

Gentlemen, in my opinion you can do no wrong with flowers. Skip the 1-800-Flowers generic bouquets by searching Google for a local florist and I don't think there's anything wrong with having them arrive tomorrow to avoid the holiday markup and delivery crunch (they'll still be lovely on February 14th!) If you're in NYC, Sprout has a stunning collection of pre-designed bouquets at a very reasonable price point. Pre-order now!!

Dr. H and I received Pablo Neruda's collection of love poems as a wedding gift from a very thoughtful friend (who's also an English teacher!) and I think it would also make a beautiful Valentine's Day gift. Inscribe your own note in the front cover (maybe wrap with these adorable Anthropologie heart earrings!?) and let the woo'ing commence!

Dudes may not be into sentimental gifts the same way the ladies are, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with them! If your guy won't enjoy more standard gifts like nice cuff links, a new golf club or sports team apparel, consider this awesome hot dog roller (with bun warmer!), a box 'o deliciousness from the infamous Peter Luger's or perhaps a set of these hysterical Jack Spade "Stop Talking" cards (Dr. H, would you like to put in a request!?) 

Plan a date night somewhere unexpected.

Never been kissed at the top of the Empire State Building? Always wanted to ride through Central Park in a horse drawn carriage? Dying to see the Knicks in action!? Whatever the activity, think of something you and your Valentine love and do it together. Silence your cell phones and enjoy a few hours of old fashioned quality time for two.

And if you need more inspiration, here are a few great gift lists from around the web:

* Via CupofJo

* Via Anthropologie

* Via Peppermintbliss

* And a few more ideas for the dudes via ThePostGame.

Hump Day Distractions

'staches for everyone!

Today is not Friday, but at least it's not Monday right?! Am I right?! Here to help you navigate the boredom of the day is a whole butt load (that's the technical term of course) of delightful distractions. Happy humping.

* A most unusual classroom. Better or worse than the norm?

* I've already ordered THESE awesome lil guys (Sis I hope you're excited!)

* The fabulous HBO series Girls is returning Sunday (woo hoo!) Click HERE and HERE for cast and costume goodness
* T Swift remixed with Jackson 5... you know you want to (on repeat:)

* Malted Milkball Krispie Treats. 100% happening. Soon.
* Al, this is what we call "TMI".
* What a brilliant gift idea for the cute kiddies in your life.

* These are so wrong... and SO funny.

Hump Day Distractions

Get your game face on, it's HUMP DAY!!

I'm feeling a bit spunky today folks! I have an awesome weekend in my rear view and another fabulous one planned for the days ahead so I'm all "let's DO THIS people!" Ahhhh summer. Anyways.... here are some distractions for your hump day enjoyment.
* These images made the Facebook rounds last week, but if you haven't seen them yet, they will warm your heart.
* I'm pretty sure this is one of the greatest gift ideas ever (especially for fans of The Office) 
* Kristen Bell's love of sloths reaches a level you have to see to believe 
* Being safe doesn't mean you have to sacrifice being stylish
* Took this recipe for a test drive with friends last night. Six thumbs up at my dinner table!
* Just ordered one of these beauties with my married name monogram because I just love being Ms. Dr. H:) (baller version here)
* Some parents just weren't cut out for Facebook...

Daddy's Girl (always).

Do something quintessentially "Dad & me" - time together is an awesome gift.

Dudes and dudettes, Father's Day is THIS SUNDAY!! It feels like we were just standing in the greeting card aisle lamenting the awful selection of Mother's Day cards doesn't it? And for me, there's something about Father's Day that's much more difficult to nail than Mother's Day. Maybe it's because I'm a daughter, or because Dads so often just buy themselves the things they need/want, but to quote one of my girlfriends, "how many polo shirts can I buy him!?" So in preparation for this Father's Day, I thought I would help you think outside the box - find a way to tell your Dad he rocks without falling victim to the Hallmark-i-ness of the holiday. Because if your Dad is anything like my Dad, he is awesome. Luv you D ;)

What could be better than cheese delivered to Dad's doorstep?
Cheese delivered to Dad's doorstep EVERY MONTH!!!

Last year Sis and I got my Dad a cheese-of-the-month club membership and he LOVED it. "Of-the-month" clubs are an awesome way to gift a favorite item (wine, beer, hot sauce, jerky, PIZZA!) and introduce your Dad to a variety you might not have otherwise been brave enough to purchase. I've had great experiences with www.amazingclubs.com and love their fun variety (maybe your Dad needs a "Sirloin of the Month"!?)

Buy your Dad the car of his dreams!

Just because he's a Dad, doesn't mean he won't love a good toy. Most Dad's flip for gadgets, electronics, planes, trains and automobiles, so consider that remote controlled car you know he'll have a blast crashing around the driveway or maybe a classy dart board? The less practical, the better.

Get tickets to the game and wrap them thematically to take
the presentation up a notch from "hey Dad, here's an envelope"!

There's something so "Dad" about going to a game together. Even my Dad who isn't a huge sports fan, seems to love sitting in the stadium with his girls, enjoying hot dogs and a few hours of conversation. Pick an event you know your Dad loves and grab some tickets. Time together and live sports? It's a home run (hehe).

When in doubt, turn to music

What band did your Dad love as a teenager? Who is on that ratty concert t-shirt that he refuses to throw away? Check out who is touring this summer (Jones Beach has an awesome lineup) for a musical take on the gift above, or maybe buy a vinyl? If he doesn't have a record player, that might be a funky gift or consider professionally framing the album cover, turning it into a keepsake/piece of art.