A Mother's Day Gift Guide

1. Lotions & Potions. 

 Keep your Mom feeling and looking great with a luxurious skincare set. Brands to Try: La Mer, Clarins, Shiseido. 

 2. A Beautiful Book.

Coffee table books are some of my favorite presents to receive but get something she'll appreciate. Even a novel or memoir makes a thoughtful gift. 

 3. Flowers. 

You can never go wrong with a gorgeous floral arrangement. If you'd rather not spring for something that will quickly wilt away, why not plant something or take her to a botanical garden.

 4. Chocolates.

 Because what woman doesn't love sweets?

 5. Something Artistic.

A painting, special photograph or perhaps a camera if she's good behind the lens. Even better? Arrange to have family pictures taken by a friend or someone starting out and looking for experience. A cost effective way to capture a beautiful afternoon. 

6. Jewels. 

Diamonds are a girl's best friend but I always say that crystals make a great acquaintance. 

 7. A New Bathrobe. 

Maybe add some of her favorite bath products or book a day at the spa. A massage is always a nice treat.

 8. Wallet/Handbag.

 If she's anything like me, there's always room in the closet for a new piece of arm candy. 

 9. Slippers.

 Snuggle time! 

 Now Playing: "Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Flashback Friday: Christmas Presents!

My Very First Christmas, 1986.

Over the years, here are some of the gifts I was more than happy to find under my Christmas tree:

The Midge Wedding Party!
When I was little, I lived for Barbie dolls. Of course, as a fellow redhead, I was partial to Midge. When that plastic ginger tied the knot with her sexy groom and Mattel sold the wedding party as a set, I was beyond sold. Having the miniature flower girl and ring bearer dolls gave me endless hours of fun (I later made them the couple's children). FYI: Midge and her man drove away from the wedding in their brand new '91-ish Ferrari... I LOVED that Barbie car!

When I got bored with cruising my dolls around the living room, I took this little beauty around the block for a spin... My red Corvette Power Wheels!

And speaking of spinning, I'll never forget the day I was nearly kidnapped while I was playing with... my Skip-It!

And last but not least, what flashback Christmas gift list would be complete without an old school board game?!

Ladies and gentlemen... NIGHTMARE!!!

When I had sleepover parties with my girlfriends, we'd always break this game out around midnight. I'd pop the VHS tape into the VCR and we'd all play along. All I remember was the man on the tape was creepy, scary and a total jagoff. If I could find this disturbing board game, I would totally play it again but with a few adult beverages!
















Now Playing: "Under the Stars" by Morning Parade

Someone Can't Wait Until Christmas...

My 3-year-old shih-tzu, Ireland, is totally and completely spoiled. My Mom stuck a few dog treats inside her Christmas stocking when she wasn't even in the room but Ireland knows they're in there. She wouldn't stop barking for the goodies, so I caved and let her have some early. If this is any indication of what I might be like as a parent with actual children, it looks like I'll be a softy.











Now Playing: "Ride" by Lana Del Rey
*I guess that makes me a fan.

What To Buy The Woman In Your Life?

1. Cashmere/Wool Scarf

Burberry makes gorgeous styles but if you're not looking for a luxury product, you can always go with something in your own price range. If you take care of your scarfs, they can last a lifetime. It makes a wonderful gift. She'll get lots of wear from it and surely receive plenty of compliments.

2. Crystal/Diamond Stud Earrings

If diamonds aren't in your budget, Swarovski makes stunning crystal earrings that are of high quality. It's a reputable brand that will last for many years to come. I love stud earrings because they can be worn every day or dressed up for the evening. Swarovski catches the light quite beautifully. It's a terrific alternative to diamonds and she won't have to worry about losing them.

3. Artwork

If you're shopping for someone creative, she will appreciate art as a gift. Etsy has plenty of independent artists who can custom make something for you. It's a unique gift that she will have forever.

4. Nail Polish

If the woman in your life likes to do her own manicures, nail polish is an excellent stocking stuffer. Chanel is pricey but every girl likes to have a bit of glam in her life. Quality nail polish brands that are favorites among many ladies include OPI and Essie. Popular colors for 2012/2013 are reds, neutrals and glitters. If your girl prefers to have her nails professionally done, treat her to a gift certificate to go with a polish that you like for her.

5. Tickets

Be it a concert, the ballet, theater, museum, sporting event or movies... whatever the lady in your life enjoys, tickets are always a nice way to share a gift together. If you're both movie fanatics, yearly passes are available at many complexes. The same goes for most cultural centers. If you wanted to kick it up a notch, plane tickets are also a nice surprise. Vacations or weekend getaways make an excellent present. Having something to look forward to in the new year is always fantastic.

6. Wallet/Handbag

Most women appreciate a great leather wallet or handbag. Treat your special someone to their favorite designer. If you're not one for labels, a leather craftsmen can custom make something for her that is one of a kind. 

7. KitchenAid Stand Mixer

This is the item that is always on every woman's wedding gift registry. It's the type of product that most women want but don't wish to spend the money for on themselves. If she likes to bake, this makes a fabulous gift. Just make sure it suits her needs. It comes in many colors, so choose wisely! Sidenote: Unless she is an aspiring Betty Crocker, I would avoid this as your only present. It's expensive and very generous but lacks romance. 

8. First Edition Book

If your lady is a book lover, find a first edition copy of one of her favorite works. If she is a big fan of a certain author, contact their PR person and arrange to have a copy personally autographed. Speaking of books, companies like Shutterfly.com help to make wonderful scrapbook photo keepsakes. Your lady friend will appreciate the time and effort you put towards such a special gift.

Every woman is different but these are just some ideas of  presents I would be more than happy to have under my Christmas tree!

Now Playing: "Last Christmas" by Wham!

25th Birthday Haul!

My yummy cake! I blew all the candles out in one puff (well, with the exception of the 1 for good luck). You know you're getting old when you need 2 boxes of candles!
Yesterday, I had a very nice 25th Birthday! Since it fell on a rainy, Tuesday, I spent the day opening presents and hanging out with my family. At night, my sister and I went to the Cheesecake Factory and to see Black Swan at the movies. Today, my parents are taking me to dinner and this weekend, I'm going out with my friends to celebrate at the bars. Sunday is the Super Bowl, so hopefully my birthday week will cap off with a victory! I was really surprised at how many people wished me a happy birthday! It was so nice to hear from everyone :)

I got a few really nice gifts from my parents and my sister! But since I haven't officially launched my YouTube channel, I thought I'd do a haul blog instead.

My Dad got me the Canon Vixia HF M31 video camera! It's so lightweight and compact! I haven't had a chance to play around with it yet but it has great reviews and I think I'm going to love it! I'm going to use this camera to film my YouTube videos- so, no more excuses! As soon as I get down to my normal weight, I'll start filming! My Dad also got me a laptop case- much needed!


One of the things my Mom got me is something I really wanted. Since I turned 25, I wanted a keepsake that would remind me of this time in my life. My birthstone is amethyst but I didn't want a traditional purple stone. I saw green amethyst online and fell in love. It's also called praseolite. It's a very light green stone. My mom got me a gorgeous pair of earrings from one of the jewelers in downtown Pittsburgh! They are so sophisticated yet simple. I can wear them with just about anything! I LOVE them and will hopefully have them forever!


My sister knows how much I love make-up, so she got me some products and brushes from MAC! I'm really excited to finally have Satin Taupe (eyeshadow). It's the perfect neutral shade! She also got me some of the new, Revlon Colorburst lipsticks and lipglosses! They are one of my favorite products right now! Such a great value! I also got the Urban Decay Naked palette! I thought for sure it would be sold-out (as usual) but my Mom said she scored the last one at Ulta. It's the older set that includes the duo eyeliner not the brush! This made me so happy since I know they changed the packaging!



I also ordered a pair of KORS Michael Kors rain boots that arrived on my birthday! I got them from ShopBop.com on sale! I thought they were super cute and since it was raining on my birthday, I wore them out to dinner. They kind of remind me of Daria Morgendorffer's combat boots but they are still adorable. I think they will be perfect for all of the mud at Bonnaroo in June!

Stow Lace-up Rubber Boots

I'm so grateful for all my gifts and I'm excited to see what this year has in store for me! :)

Love,
Krista


Now Playing: "Fancy" by Drake