05.10.2013
The best mother’s day gifts

the best mother's day gifts

Ok, so I’m a big believer that there really isn’t an answer to the “best” mother’s day gift, since the “best” gift really depends on your mother.  But hey, these are gifts that I know MY mom would absolutely love…and that’s good enough for me.

1. Maya Brenner Letter Necklace: What’s not to love about the initials of your children (Jamie and Melissa)?!  I feel like any mother would adore these dainty necklaces.

2. Jouer Cosmetics Deluxe Leather Train Case: I don’t know about you guys but my mom’s makeup case is a complete disaster.  I want to get my mom something classic, simple and chic for her to store her daily makeup products.

3. Flavor Infused Water Bottle: Unlike myself, my mom doesn’t really like drinking water.  From what I hear, infusing water with fruit seems to help the anti-water people get it down in a somewhat enjoyable way.

4. Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer: I don’t think my mom has purchased a new blow dryer since the early 90s, which is exactly why I want to get my mom a super modern, turbo-infused blow dryer that will literally knock her socks off.

5. Pottery Barn Glass Cloche Jewelry Storage: There’s something really elegant and whimsical about this jewelry holder and, funny enough, my mom’s name starts with an “A,” so I can already imagine what my mom’s jewels will look like in this holder.

04.16.2013
The Best Hostess Gifts

the best hostess gifts

It’s kind of a weird feeling when you start to realize that a LOT of your friends are moving in with their significant others, getting engaged and buying houses, which is why I decided to stock up on a few items that everyone will love – here are my top five picks for the best hostess/host gifts.  These gifts are guaranteed to be loved by anyone, I promise.

1. Diptyque votive candle trio: As you already know, I’m obsessed with Diptyque candles and, in fact, I featured this trio in my holiday gift guide as well.  What I love about this trio, as opposed to buying just one candle, is that the hostess can then try three different scents and even burn them in three different rooms.  This is an AMAZING gift, guys.  (hint, hint).

2. Anthropologie DIY friendship bracelet kit: Obviously this gift is best for a woman but let me tell you, it’s a winner.  Even if your friend isn’t super into DIY, this kit is really easy and fun to use.

3. Fortune cookie box: I love this.  It’s chic and quirky and you can even add in your own fortune, custom for the hostess/host.

4. Black Hawaiian sea salt: Fancy salts are very grown up, that’s a fact.  My friend Jen bought me a little jar of black truffle salt for my 30th this year and it was honestly one of my favorite gifts.

5. Tokyo Milk octopus bubble bath: Clearly I always default to giving beauty products as gifts, duh, but when presenting for a hostess, presentation is key.  The octopus bubble bath packaging is not only amazing, but the design is chic and fun.