Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts

Last-Minute Gifts // My Real-Life Suggestions

>> Wednesday, December 13, 2017

I am not going to make any huge adult gift list this year. But I will share a few things Stephen and I are actually getting under the tree. (Not TOTALLY done shopping yet!) I headed out to browse at physical stores over the weekend and was overwhelmed with traffic, parking, etc. So, this is all stuff you can find on Amazon if you're doing things last-minute and want to avoid the crowds.

I'd rather bake and decorate cookies.


Ashley

  • Cat Draft Stopper. I shared this idea a few years ago and finally took the plunge this year. It arrived yesterday, and it's AWESOME. I can't wait for the girls to see it. And for it to block that draft by the front door.
  • KOZiKICKS Slippers. I'm a sucker for a good Shark Tank product. I couldn't resist these when I actually saw them in the store. They are really comfortable and seem extremely well made.
  • Spinning Vanity Organizer. Woohoo. Exciting! No, really. My mom got one of these recently, and she said it was life-changing. LOL. I'm hoping it'll help tame the clutter.
  • New Robe. There's a theme here, I guess. Things to be cozy. I haven't decided on exactly which robe, but it has to be really warm and hopefully have sherpa on it.
  • Aromatherapy Necklace. I've wanted one of these for a while. I don't do tons of oils, but I do like the scent on me from time to time, especially lavendar or balsam fir. Yes. I like to smell like a Christmas tree.

Stephen

  • Yaktrax. Stephen is a trooper and runs even when it's super slick outside. We both use our running snowshoes when the powder really accumulates. But I thought these would be helpful if it's icy, which often happens.
  • Fandango Gift Card. Since we don't have family around, Stephen and I often don't go on dates. Well, at least together. We each love going to the movies, so I got Stephen a Fandango gift card. They come in varying amounts, but I just did $25 -- enough for about three movies/matinee.
  • Carharrt Hat. You can never have too many of these hats. We steal them from one another and sometimes can't find them when we need them, so I got a backup to the two we already have. 
  • Guitar Stuff. Stephen actually picked out his own gear, and I have no idea what he chose. I know he got a distortion pedal for his electric. Anyway, gear for their favorite hobby is usually a safe bet!
  • Power Bank. He's wanted one of these external iPhone batteries for a while. Honestly, I sort of want one, too.

Girls


Here are a few things I got for the girls to fill in the gaps, so to speak. Since I did my shopping early, there have been just a few things I've wanted to get since then. Mostly, the girls have both taken to playing with the toy kitchen. Together! It's awesome. But Ada's stash of play food has dwindled over the years.

I got them:



Family


Alright, so this one is something I saw and thought could have gone one of two ways. First, it could have been a really stupid flop. Or, alternatively, it could be AMAZING. I was unable to contain myself, so I gave our family this gift over the weekend. AND IT WAS A HUGE, MASSIVE HIT.

What is it? An Indoor Snowball Fight kit. 

I know, I know. Ridiculous.

But you basically get all these large white pom balls that feel like real snow compacting when you squish them. There's no secret, you just throw them at one another. We have literally played this for hours already (Ada begged to play before school today), and I've recommended it to all my friends. It's a good way to get moving indoors when it's extremely cold (it "feels like" 0 degrees F here today).


More gift lists


And if you'd like to look back at my suggestions from previous years, have at it! I stand by everything I've posted. In fact, I still use those ideas today. Like I said, I finally bought that cat draft stopper, and I couldn't be happier.




PS: Don't forget to check out my Christmas messy house tour.

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Posted by Ashley M. at 10:26 AM
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Christmas 2017 // Kid Gifts

>> Tuesday, November 21, 2017

So, what are we getting the girls for Christmas? I actually have all my shopping done for them already. Say what?! You may know that I'm always a late shopper, and I wanted it off my plate early this year. Here is a list of the things they are actually getting or that we already own -- not just stuff I think would be cool and that I don't intend to buy.


// 1: Play Silks

I bought two of Sarah’s enchanted play silks -- one in rainbow and the other in blossom. I love how they could be used for anything from dress-up to fort-making. Open-ended play items are my favorite because they foster so much creativity . . . and they don’t require batteries!

I had alternatively considered buying the girls a set of these polyester play cloths. They’re a bit less expensive but have good reviews. In the end, I got roped in by the fun blend of colors.


// 2: Hanging Pod

As a joint gift from Santa, the girls are getting a hanging pod swing for the basement. I’ve seen these so many places, but I found one that is a cotton canvas on Amazon for just $23. It got good reviews and can hold up to 170 pounds, so anyone in the house can use it. We’re going to hang it in the basement from a beam.




// 3: Play Tent, etc.

As another joint gift, I purchased a new pop-up play tent in the shape of a castle. I like how it's sort of gender-neutral (a lot of them were pink and purple). It's 53' tall, so even Ada will be able to stand inside of it. The best part is that it folds away easily and can be toted around the house because it's so light.

Oh, and I got them this pack of felt crowns to share on their adventures.



// 4: Mermaid Sensory Board

As yet another joined gift, I bought a yard of sequin mermaid fabric and I'm going to make a large sensory board (by fixing it to either a large cork board we have or maybe using a frame) with it so the girls can draw and play. We saw this at a local children's museum, and I immediately thought it would be an awesome idea!


// 5: Plush Toys

Then Ada's getting a stuffed bear made with alpaca fur that we bought at a festival in my hometown.

Eloise is getting a stuffed llama because llamas are her favorite.



// 6: Girl Gifts To Each Other

The girls got each other gifts as well. Ada got Eloise a set of plush donuts (she has a thing with donuts) for the play kitchen. Eloise "got" Ada the game Pie Face. I'm thinking that one will be fun when the whole family is visiting at Christmas.


// 7: Name Puzzle

I got Eloise a personalized name puzzle for her birthday, but it didn’t arrive on time so I saved it for Christmas. I figure this is a nice, heirloom sort of gift. I also just love her name.


// 8: Art Stuff

I love the idea of giving things that the kids will really use, and they always need art supplies. For Eloise, I picked up some of these beeswax crayons. They’re rectangular, so perfect for little hands. I looked through a variety of brands and these seem to get good marks for quality and price.

I am also getting some watercoloring supplies for both girls. A nice big pad of paper and a huge set of colors.


// 9: Magnet Blocks

While we already own these, I highly recommend magnetic blocks of some kind. We’re a Magformers family. I love how they are perfect for big and little hands. We build things with them but also make pictures on the refrigerator. They may be the toy that’s most often picked out of everything in the box.


// 10: Dolls

I bought a cute cloth doll by HABA for Ada years ago . . . and I never gave it to her. I set it aside as a gift for a future child. So, Eloise is getting the doll this year along with a sleep outfit for her. Or him. The one we have is quite androgynous, which is actually kind of nice.


// 11: More Dolls

What’s Ada’s big gift? Well, it’s something I didn’t expect to buy -- but she really (REALLY) wanted it. So, it’ll end up being a joint gift from me and my grandparents (they always give us money). I tracked down one of those Luvabella dolls this summer. I didn’t pay the crazy prices they’re going for now. It’s got AI and crazy robotics stuff going on. Kind of creepy, but she’s obsessed.

This list is almost complete, but there are a couple other items I got second hand that I intend to write about in the next week or two. I have some stocking stuffers I’ll be sure to share in that post as well. I’ll also be back soon with some gift lists for the men and women in your lives. Stephen and I aren’t getting much this year. Our recent furnace repair took care of that for us.

But I hope to post a bit about our Thanksgiving menu tomorrow. Maybe? My kids have been sick. It’s no fun at all. I’ve mostly been focusing on my freelance work, so I do apologize for neglecting the blog.

Happy Tuesday -- I’m off to Ada’s first choir concert!

Note: These are linked to Amazon, so if you purchase through the link I get a (very) small kickback. 
Thanks for supporting the blog for all these years!

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Posted by Ashley M. at 12:39 PM
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Minimalism // Mother's Day Gifts

>> Friday, May 5, 2017

I see a lot of Mother's Day gift lists popping up across the blogosphere. Seeing as we're trying our best to resist STUFF these days, I thought I'd offer a some alternatives. This is a gift list for mamas who don't want more things cluttering up their spaces. These are somewhat practical or simply sentimental ideas, and I hope you enjoy them!

// 1: Fresh flowers.


They always do the trick. I plucked these guys off the gigantic bushes we have growing in our backyard. Of course, you can always check out your local florist, too.


// 2: Alone time. 


Stephen took the girls to dinner last night while I stayed home and painted. It was a glorious 45 minutes of solitude at home that I realized I hadn't had in months. As an introvert, I'd be totally content spending several days by myself. But I won't exactly get that luxury until Eloise is weaned (working on it) and -- well -- I don't really see it happening anytime soon!

So, I'm hoping to get a bit of a longer stretch for Mother's Day this year. I didn't even need to DO anything to enjoy it either. If I get several hours by myself, I'll spend it exercising, taking a long shower (I'm not a bath person), and probably just basking in the silence.

// 3: Nerd stuff. 


My gift this year is actually the Ancestry DNA test. No joke! This isn't sponsored either. I've wanted it for ages -- you guys know how I feel about genealogy. I should be receiving the test in a week or so. Then I'll provide a saliva sample and get my results back in six to eight weeks. It's definitely not instant gratification, but it will surely be interesting.

I'll be sure to do a review on this test when I get it. Has anyone tried it? What did you think? I have always been brought up to believe I'm very much German and English, maybe some Welsh. Should be interesting to see the breakdown! 


// 4: Family time.


I know I drone on and on about our schedule woes these days. I mean, it's simply draining to wake up Saturday after Saturday and not be able to spend time together. So, getting everyone piled in the van and going to a park or playground or even just staying home for a quiet morning in sounds glorious. To make this one more gift-y, consider making a schedule of events.

Ours might be:
  • Wake up slowly
  • Homemade brunch
  • Take a walk around the neighborhood
  • Visit the story garden
  • Backyard game time while Eloise naps 


// 5: Chocolate. And wine. Etc.


The good stuff. And not a box of chocolate or wine. Go pick up the most delicious, decedent chocolate bar and the most special bottle of wine you can find. If your mom (or you) isn't in to these things, cater the search to whatever she likes.

Heck, I'd love a Starbucks gift card!


// 6. Event tickets.


Send your mom (or yourself) to see Hamilton. J/K. Right? We WISH. But you know. I'd love to see the local philharmonic, but I have trouble dropping the bones it'll take to get me a seat. RENT is coming to town this weekend, and I'd love to see that (again -- saw the original cast on Broadway way back). Even if it's just a ticket to a movie -- it's super fun and something that'll make her feel pampered and special.

PS: How cute is this shirt?



// 7: Fitness/club stuff. 


I'd love to get even a temporary membership to a local yoga studio. A class or three would be pretty cool. So, if your mom is into spinning or Barre or something, consider giving her a few studio classes. If she's not one to head to the gym or studio, maybe get her a few supplies for working out. Like this swanky water bottle or this BarreAmped Workout DVD.

// 8: Or something else.


Or maybe your mom is like me and wants to refinish her dining room table. Buy her the chalk paint and supplies. Maybe she wants a Braverman backyard this summer. Get her some string lights to illuminate it or a sweet patio umbrella. A newer mama might want a ring sling for the upcoming summer months. You know your mom best. Try to keep it somewhat practical, and you'll avoid the whole random-trinket-on-a-shelf situation.


HAPPY FRIDAY!

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Posted by Ashley M. at 7:51 AM
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Want, Need, Wear, Read // Her

>> Thursday, December 8, 2016

Hey, guys! I'm planning to hop on and give you guys an awesome recipe for slow cooker chili -- with delicata squash -- tomorrow. Before that, though, I thought I'd share the last gift list with you today. This one is for the ladies, and it's about as close to my own personal gift list as I can get (hint, hint, real life family + friends!).

There might be a dining room table on this list, but I'm sticking to it. I mean, that's basically my ultimate want right now. And you might see just how obsessed I am with both Hamilton and Fixer Upper if you keep reading.


Pedestal Dining Table (REALLY!)  



NutriBullet (I need to write more about my love for this thing!)








Also check out . . . 

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Posted by Ashley M. at 11:33 AM
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Want, Need, Wear, Read // Baby

>> Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Hope you enjoyed my Gift Guide for Kids yesterday! Today, I'm focusing on all things baby. And most of the things on this list are either what we've bought Eloise for Christmas or what we've requested from others.

We actually already gave Eloise the Rainforest Jumperoo because she needed an activity center like that. Her loot under the tree will be somewhat lean. Funny story: We had purchased another jumper, I assembled it for a good half hour, and then we didn't like how it didn't bounce very much. So, I disassembled, returned it, and we bought this classic one. She lives in it now!

Without further ado, here's the baby gift list:


Plush Rocker (assorted!)




 








Also check out . . . 


 

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Posted by Ashley M. at 3:36 AM
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Want, Need, Wear, Read // Kids

>> Tuesday, November 15, 2016

It's time to start sharing my annual gift lists! This year, I'm going with the whole "something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read" that you have probably seen on almost every blog every written (including my own). The thing is, this gifting philosophy makes sense for so many reasons. It simplifies matters, it resists over-consumption, and it may even help keep your house clutter-free.

Today's list is all for the kids in your life (I'll have another one specifically for baby). So sit back, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy!












Also check out . . . 


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Posted by Ashley M. at 4:05 AM
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Country Store Essentials

>> Monday, October 3, 2016

My mom and I went to the sweetest little farm store over the weekend. It's only 10 minutes from my house, but it was my very first visit! Stephen and I have these grand visions of moving to the country. Someday we will, I just know it. But the timing is off and Ada's loving her new school, etc. Still, I love dreaming about having an acre or two, an old barn, chickens, and the whole shebang.

How perfect is this place?


I thought it'd be fun to replicate my shopping experience for you.

Each and every corner of this place was packed with the most wholesome ingredients (including the farm's produce!), cozy home accents, and other country fare. I filled my canvas bag pretty full with decorative gourds, dry soup mix, apple turnovers, and a block of NY maple cheddar.




 




Hope you enjoyed our little jaunt into the country today. I already need to head back to this place to get more of that maple cheddar. It was absolutely perfect in a batch of cheesy apple cider biscuits I made to go with some slow cooker potato + leek soup for supper last night. Yes. I just typed supper. I'm from the mountains of Pennsylvania, after all. Anyway, those recipes are coming later this week.

So, stay tuned!

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Posted by Ashley M. at 8:50 AM
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JCPenney // Where Giving Begins

>> Thursday, December 10, 2015



When I last featured JCPenney on the blog, I told you guys all about how the store had been a part of my back-to-school routine since I was a kid. Well, the same goes for Christmas! Each and every year about a month or so before the holiday, my grandparents would drop off the big (I mean BIG!) holiday catalog at our house and tell us to circle anything that looked especially exciting to us.

Here’s the thing about that catalog. Where I’m from, there aren’t a lot of toy stores. So, the items I would see in the toy section were out-of-this-world to me. One year, I picked out a huge dollhouse. Another year, my brother and I decided we’d like a kid-sized pool table for the basement playroom. And the year I remember best? My grandparents gave my cousin, my brother, and me ventriloquist dummies! I named mine Harry.

Now that I’m the person doing the holiday shopping, I’m looking for a few things. First, I want unique, quality gifts. I don’t want to have to shop around too much (especially this year with the morning sickness!). And I want good deals. (Who doesn’t?).


SheKnows gave me the opportunity to revisit my holiday history with JCPenney and shop for some of my family’s Christmas gifts this year. A gift toast, if you will. Now, I would have headed to the store (it’s only a few miles away from my front door), but I decided to do it online because they were having some great sales.

Stephen started his career as a cross country coach this year. So, when I saw that JCPenney sells Nike apparel, shoes, and gear, I knew immediately what I wanted to get for my fitness guy. I chose the Nike Club Swoosh Fleece Pullover and the Nike Club Swoosh Fleece Jogger Pants.


Here are more Nike gifts I considered:


For my cuddle buddy Ada? Oh, that was entirely too easy! The store has an amazing selection of Disney toys, so I browsed around and very quickly found exactly what I was looking for: a 9-pack of Disney Princess Dolls.

Talk about the crazy impact this box is going to have on Christmas morning!


Here are more Disney gifts I considered:


And then I decided to gift myself (the cooker and baker of the house) something small. Honestly, I’m pretty sure my gift will keep giving to my family for years to come when I make food for the holidays. JCPenney carries KitchenAid, and I chose this 5-Speed Hand Mixer that I already have some holiday recipes in mind for.



Here are some more great KitchenAid gifts:



JCPenney has gifts for everyone on your list, including stuff from:
  • Nike 
  • Levi’s 
  • Keurig 
  • Kitchen Aid 
  • Nutribullet 
  • Diamond Stud Earrings 
  • Disney 
  • Star Wars 
  • Boots 
  • Team Sports Apparel
If you’re still shopping for all your favorite people, check out JCPenney’s gifts. You can also also follow the store on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Youtube, and Google+! All month long, JCPenney will be playing secret Santa to #GiftToast different celebrities with fun and entertaining gifts. Check out the hashtag and chime in for your own chance to get gifted some cool stuff!


What are some of your favorite gifts you plan to give this year? Tell me for your chance to win a $100 JCPenney gift card!

Entry Instructions:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 12/10/2015 – 12/31/2015

Be sure to visit JCPenney’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

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Posted by Ashley M. at 6:14 AM
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Gifts for Him // 2015 Edition

>> Monday, December 7, 2015

I’m writing my guys list this year as I attempt to shop for Stephen. He’s a hard guy to find gifts for. He’s into a lot of stuff. Running, playing guitar, reading, listening to music, being outdoors, working around the house, etc. So, I find I like to pick a lane and stick with gifts that surround one of his interests. That being said, I can’t choose!

So, here’s a bunch of stuff that would satisfy all his interests.

(PS: Don’t miss the Gifts for Kids list!)







* Links are Amazon affiliate links. Thanks for your continued support of (never)homemaker. And happy shopping!

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

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Posted by Ashley M. at 7:36 AM
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AT&T 2015 Gift Guide + Giveaway

>> Sunday, December 6, 2015

Disclosure: I received product in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Have you ever regifted something? You know what I mean. Like that label maker Dr. Tim Whatley gave to Jerry in Seinfeld? I’m not going to lie. I’m totally guilty. One year for Christmas I was given not one, not two, but THREE fondue pots! (Seriously.) So, if you have received a fondue pot from me, yes. I regifted it to you. Sorry! I hope knowing doesn’t make those melty beer + cheese fondues any less tasty.

I’m writing today in partnership with AT&T to share some presents your friends and family definitely won’t want to regift. Its 12 Days of Giving program is all about the best and brightest way to “mobilize your world for the holidays.”

I’ll be reviewing one of the featured products today, but you can check out AT&T’s 2015 Gift Guide for more ideas! And visit the Holiday Hub for more blog posts, news, and other information.




LG G Pad X 10.1 // Review


I was given the LG G Pad X 10.1 device to review for this post. Talk about a great gift. When I opened the package, I was immediately struck by how wide the screen is in landscape orientation. It’s absolutely perfect for watching movies and television shows (like my favorite: Fixer Upper!). Better yet, it comes with the DIRECTV app that lets you watch shows you DVR, live television, movies, and more.

The system runs all my Google apps, so I’m able to get in a little work on the device on the couch or wherever I find myself. The system is intuitive and easy to use right out of the box. Holds a charge really well, too.



More Specs:
  • 10.1 inch (1920 x 1200 pixels) resolution IPS LCD screen 
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.26 GHz quad-core processor 
  • 2GB of RAM 
  • 32GB of internal storage with microSD expansion card slot 
  • Android 5.1.1 Lollipop operating system 
  • 7400 mAh battery 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS 
  • 2 megapixel front facing camera and rear 8 megapixel camera  
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a gift for your media-crazed loved ones, this one is a winner.


Giveaway + Sweeps


Would you like to win a LG G Pad X 10.1?

Well, here’s your chance: Just leave a comment below telling me something you’ve regifted. Or maybe tell me about something you know you got as a regift. Make sure you leave some way to contact you. This giveaway is only open to US residents.

Want to win other cool stuff? AT&T is hosting the #ATTGiftSweeps Holiday sweepstakes -- 12 days of daily sweepstakes -- running between December 1st and 12th. You'll have a chance to win daily prizes that include fitness wearables, smartphones, tablets, and accessories.

You can learn how to enter at EnterToWin.ATT.com. And don’t forget to follow @ATT on Twitter and join the conversation on Facebook.

Happy Sunday, and good luck!

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

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Posted by Ashley M. at 5:53 AM
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