Tag Archives: gifts

Step-By-Step Guide On Finding A Gift For Someone Special

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Step-By-Step Guide On Finding A Gift For Someone Special

Buying someone a present is something that is extremely fun, but it can also be very stressful at the same time. This is because new products and goods are released onto the market each and every day. This is obviously great in one sense because it means that with so much choice people are bound to find something perfect for the person that they are looking for. However, it also makes it increasingly difficult to come to a final decision because one cannot make up their mind.

This blog post aims to help people out with that, as it will provide guidance and tips regarding what one should look for when they are buying a gift for someone they are close to in order to help them narrow down their search:

Budget:

The first thing that obviously needs to be considered is how much the individual in question is willing to spend on the present. It can often be tempting to buy a gift that is elaborate, exciting, and impressive but also highly expensive in price. But, buying a present should be fun; it shouldn’t be something that causes damage to one’s bank balance. The first thing that anybody looking to buy a gift should do is sit down and come up with a limit on how much they are going to spend. This is a good idea, because not only does it help people to keep their finances in check but it also helps to narrow down the search for a gift dramatically.

Brainstorm:

Once a budget is set, the best thing to do is to take a piece of paper and brainstorm some facts about the person that they are buying for. There are a whole host of different things that people can write down. The following are just a handful of things which can be considered; the person’s favorite color, where they were born, their favorite alcoholic drink, whether they are a handbag or a shoe person, do they wear a lot of jewelry, what was their most memorable holiday, what is their favorite scent, etc.

This brainstorm is highly useful, because it will allow the person buying the present to open their mind in order to find inspiration for the types of gifts that the person would like. People always say it is the thought that counts and that is certainly the case. The brainstorm is also great, because little things can spark off a plethora of present ideas. For instance, if one’s favorite smell is lavender, then you could buy the person lavender scented candles, a floral based perfume, or a lavender-scented sachet. Or, if the person likes to travel, you could buy a toiletry bag, a guidebook on their new destination, and a new book to keep them occupied on the plane.

Always remember that gifts with some thought behind it are the best way to go, and will always be cherished by your giftee. Happy shopping!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Preparing To Attend A Baby Shower

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Preparing To Attend A Baby Shower

Baby showers are a traditional way to celebrate pregnancy and the introduction of a new life into the family. Family members and friends gather to shower the expecting mother with a variety of cards, gifts, supplies, advice, love, and support. There are usually fun games to be played and delicious refreshments to be served, as well. Below are some tips if you are attending or planning a baby shower soon:

Purchasing the Gift:

At a typical baby shower, the most common gifts include newborn clothing, newborn sized diapers, blankets, and bathing supplies. This is especially true when the gender is kept a secret, because all of these items are gender neutral baby gifts. It’s always a great idea to purchase useful items that other people may not think of, such as larger diaper sizes (2’s or 3’s), diaper pail liners, unique gift baskets, high quality cloth diapers, wipe warmers, matching clothes hampers, car window shades, or adorable “emergency” kits for the new mother’s diaper bag. Check out Kaiby Prime for baby hampers that make great gifts too.

While the mother to be probably has a registry, you might want to go with more unique but equally thoughtful options from stores that people haven’t thought of. Shop around with Nuna, Premium Car Seats, Pushchairs, and Baby Gear AU for all of the things that the soon to be mommy can be gifted with.

Cards & Gift Cards:

When selecting a card, be sure to leave a message for the mother and a message for the baby. This card may be handed down to the child when he or she is older, making these little notes very special. If a gift card is to be inserted into the card, be sure to choose a very popular retail chain where the mother could purchase baby supplies; she might decide to stock up on diapers before the baby arrives.

Be Ready for Games and Food:

Most baby showers feature fun games for the guests. These games may involve guessing the number of candies in a jar for a prize, blindfolded drawing contests, baby food identification, or bingo. It is important to dress comfortably, especially if the shower is held outside during the warmer months. Since most showers also offer food, it is recommended to eat a light snack before attending. Guests are always encouraged to take full advantage of the food, if it is provided!

Baby showers are fun, care-free, and casual parties that are meant to bring friends and family together in a joyous celebration of a new life. When attending one’s first shower as a guest, it is relieving to find that they are quite easy to prepare for!

TJMaxx Beauty Haul

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TJMaxx Beauty Haul

Hey! My gifts from my 24th birthday just keep on giving, because I was finally able to go to TJMaxx and spend some of my birthday gift card from my brother. I ended up with a gorgeous new top, which I’ll discuss tomorrow, but, for now, we will go over my little beauty haul that got me a bunch of my necessities for an amazing price! Check it out:

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The Haul:

  • ArganiCare moisturizer: $5.99
  • Castelbel Watermelon and Mango bar soap: $3.99 each
  • CoverGirl eyeliner: $2.99

Grand Total: $17

I was so happy to have been able to stock up on some products that I definitely am going to need within the next few months. I can always use a new moisturizer, so I’m looking forward to trying ArganiCare for a whole six bucks. My skin type is completely normal, so it’s nice to be able to experiment with different skin care goodies at TJ’s ON THE CHEAP!

Not only was I able to get something new, but I also got to revisit old favorites with my Castelbel soaps and CoverGirl liner. Both the Mango and Watermelon scented bar soaps smell SO. Freaking. Good. They literally smell like Lip Smackers and are super hydrating – totally perfect for my morning showers! And, you can’t go wrong with my usual black eyeliner that normally costs me OVER SEVEN DOLLARS at the drug store for a whole three bucks at TJ’s. This results in over four dollars in savings and I am all about that. #ballinonabudget

I am completely thrilled with this TJMaxx Beauty Haul, because it’s not every day that you can spend less than twenty dollars for four items in skin care, makeup, and bath and body care. I can smell the savings now! 😀

Where do you score the best deals on beauty? How do you cut the costs on your beauty routines? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Over & Over Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush’s Over & Over Edition

Hello! This past weekend, I finally got to enjoy a nice, long soak in the tub with one of the bath bombs from Lush that I received for my birthday. I was feeling so worn out, so I decided to go with the Over & Over bath bomb, because of its bright yellow and orange color to see if it might help energize me. And, after watching it take off in different directions in my tub like a little rocket, it surely did! Take a look:

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This is so bad, but my first thought when this bath bomb hit the water was “great, it’s going to look like a tub full of pee”, because of the initial pale yellow color. But, shortly after, I was proven wrong, because the pink coloring from inside the bomb began fizzing out in full force. So much so, that it literally made the bomb whiz off in the opposite direction of the tub like a shooting star. It. Was. Awesome.

From then on, the bomb began fizzing its vivid yellows, oranges, and hot pinks for a solid ten minutes, all the while it was filling my bathroom with a scent that was like freshly squeezed pink lemonade. The swirling colors left the final shade of the water a really pretty sunset orange and it felt like laying in a bubble of sunshine once I finally got into the tub.

Not only was the bath bomb display gorgeous but, because it’s made with cocoa butter (My favorite!), it left my skin feeling so hydrated and good – especially after shaving the Woolly Mammoth legs! 10/10 would use this bomb Over & Over again!

What is your favorite bath bomb from Lush? What is your favorite non bath bomb product from there? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bite Beauty Lip Crayon Swatch In Glace

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Bite Beauty Lip Crayon Swatch In Glace

Hi! As promised, today we are going to swatch the second gift from my Sephora birthday freebie – their lip crayon in Glace! The swatching experience for this lippie was an unfortunate one, because after I snapped my pictures, I dropped the crayon on my white carpet. :((((( It was a hot mess, but a blogger’s job is never easy, so let’s get on with the show:

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As described in yesterday’s post, this lip crayon by Bite definitely has a minty smell to it, which certainly makes for a different sensation when wearing a lipstick! As disappointed at myself as I am for dropping this on the carpet, I think that Glace is a lovely shade. It doesn’t have as glossy of a look to it as yesterday’s swatch did, which I like a lot, because I am a matte girl at heart.

This lip crayon is especially nice, because the size of it doesn’t feel like a mini one at all, as opposed to the itty bitty lipstick from yesterday. It’s cool that a huge company like Sephora genuinely wants to pamper their costumers on their big day, because this crayon will definitely last for a good long while. But, then again, who am I to talk considering I’ve only finished one tube of lipstick in my entire life! :’D

Do you prefer matte or glossy lip colors? What is your favorite brand that Sephora carries? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bite Beauty Lipstick Swatch In Chai

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Bite Beauty Lipstick Swatch In Chai

Howdy everyone and happy Monday! I am really feeling my birthday treats from Sephora – a lipstick, lip crayon, and lip balm and scrub by Bite Beauty. I finally have gotten a chance to swatch them and am feeling it EVEN MORE! Take a looksee at Chai and then tune in tomorrow to see the swatch of the lip crayon in Glace!

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Aside from my initial first impression on this lipstick being gorgeous, my second one was that it smelled awesome! This lippie had a very minty smell to it, which is great because it looks pretty and freshens your breath. How can you refuse that sales pitch?!

In my initial article about my Sephora birthday gift, I mentioned how both this shade and the color I’m swatching tomorrow will look lovely on literally anyone, and I stand by that statement wholeheartedly. Chai has such a soft, dusty rose undertone to it, which works well with any skin tone, hair, or eye color. I like that Sephora really thinks about what will be the most inclusive shades for their birthday treats and completely knocks it out of the park each time.

This is my second year in a row getting a birthday prezzie from Sephora, and I am equally, if not more, satisfied with the Bite Beauty kit this time around. Chai is a perfect date night shade and can easily transition from work to play while still looking appropriate. This color is also suitable for all four seasons because it truly sits right in the middle of too dark and too light, making it an amazing shade all year round.

What has been your favorite birthday gift from Sephora? Who is a fan of Bite Beauty products? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

24th Birthday Haul

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24th Birthday Haul

Hiiiii! Despite not being thrilled about turning the big 2-4, I did get to ring my birthday in with some super fun outings and beautiful presents from friends and family – like the following:

  1. Tickets to X-Fest from my parents: The best gift I’ve received in years. I got to spend an entire day in Pennsylvania with my sister enjoying the sunshine, drinks, and music of lovelytheband, Sir Sly, AWOLNATION, Cold War Kids, and Jack White. And did I mention that it was all from the view of the front row? It doesn’t get much better than that!

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2. An in theater showing of The Room and dinner with my sister: I have been trying to get Kristen to come see The Room with me at the Cedar Lee theater in Cleveland for literal years. And, for my birthday, she finally agreed to join me. We went to dinner at my favorite restaurant, Barrio, and were in hysterics the entire time at the movies. It was SO fun!

3. A boxed wine hang out and goodies from the BFF: My best friend, Lea, and I have been celebrating our birthdays together for ten years now, so we were definitely due for a hang out! I received wine, coffee grounds, a Starbucks gift card, and a new mug all while enjoying out boxed moscato together. It was all of my favorite things! And, we are going to plan a weekend trip in July to celebrate both of our summer birthdays – I can’t wait! :*)

4. Bath bombs galore from my sister and other BFF: The beautiful Kate of Ankhor You and my sister both treated me to some products from Lush, which was so incredibly kind because I normally don’t buy that type of stuff for myself. It was such a wonderful surprise to receive a package from my Gemini twin, Kate, in the mail and I was so touched by her generosity and how she knows exactly what I am going to like every time. I love you, darling! ❤

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5. Cash flow and gift cards from my brothers: My two older brothers, Peter and Andrew, played it simple and effective with some cash money and a gift card to TJMaxx. Obviously, it was just the right gift for their favorite shopaholic and it fit like a glove! 😉

6. Foley + Corinna purse from my mom: When it gets closer to my birthday, my mom will let me pick out something special for myself during one of our shopping trips together. This year, I chose a beautiful Foley + Corinna purse that I am completely in love with and have already got amazing use out of!

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Thank you so much to all of my amazing friends and family for their generosity and for making 24 start off with a bang! I love you all! ❤

What was your favorite gift that you received this year for your birthday? How do you like to celebrate your big day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sweet Birthday Surprises

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Sweet Birthday Surprises

Hi everyone! My 24th birthday was exactly one week ago as of today. I still have yet to write a birthday haul post because of late arriving gifts from my siblings, but I did receive some really sweet surprises from my parents on my big day. Take a look:

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When I woke up on my big day, I was surprised with a freshly picked bouquet from my dad’s garden. I don’t know what the vibrant purple flowers are, but they sure are pretty! And then, even though I told my mom no birthday cake, she brought home a vanilla torte with a layer of strawberry filling that was to die for. I’m really not a huge fan of any type of cake, but this one with the white chocolate shavings and buttercream frosting was the exception! So delicious!

Flowers and cake might be the norm on one’s birthday, but being treated to such beautiful surprises never gets old! I had a wonderful birthday filled with my favorite people, food, and PRESENTS!! 😀

How do you like to celebrate a loved one’s birthday? What is your favorite thing to gift someone with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sephora Beauty Insider Birthday Gift

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Sephora Beauty Insider Birthday Gift

Hi!! Before I even began shopping at Sephora, and by shopping I mean just buying Better Than Sex mascara, I was sure to sign up for their Beauty Insider rewards program to cash in on free product for my birthday. This year, you could choose between a mini moisturizer and mud treatment by Glamglow or a lip kit by Bite. Of course, I chose the lipsticks to experiment with the gorgeous shades offered in the prezzie. I’ll swatch them later but, for now, check out how nice this freebie is:

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Seen Below:

  • Mini Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Chai
  • Mini Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Glace
  • Agave Lip Treatment Sample Duo (A scrub and balm)

I am completely in love with both the lipstick and lip crayon by Bite. Chai and Glace are shades that would look great on anyone, and it’s always fun to try out new makeup – especially products that you wouldn’t necessarily buy for yourself. And, the scrub and balm sample duo will be great during a spa night to keep my lips pucker perfect!

Check back soon for swatches of each shade! ❤

Which birthday freebie from Sephora would you choose? Which stores and eateries have the best rewards programs? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

X Fest Birthday Bash

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X Fest Birthday Bash

Hello everyone and happy weekend! Exactly one week ago, my sister, Kristen, and I were in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania for X Fest – a music festival featuring Lovelytheband, Sir Sly, AWOLNATION, Cold War Kids, and Jack White. My parents were kind enough to treat me to FRONT PIT tickets to the show for my birthday, which resulted in my sister and I being mere feet in front of the stage for the entire seven hour duration of the festival. It. Was. Amazing. If you don’t believe me, take a look for yourself:

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^^^ Lol at Aaron Bruno’s pelvic thrust pictures and Sir Sly straight GETTIN’ IT with his hands in the air! 😀

What was cool about X Fest, is that it featured such a fantastic lineup. Obviously, I would have gone just to see Jack White, since he’s one of my all time favorites. But, the fact that another one of my favorites, AWOLNATION, and two other bands that I thoroughly enjoy, Sir Sly and Cold War Kids, was there made it so much sweeter. And, then, you add being literally right in front of the stage into the mix, and it turns into being one of the best days of my life.

The nice thing about the set lists for all of the bands that performed, was that they didn’t just strictly play songs from their most recently released albums. It was more of a fan favorite lineup, where crowd pleasers were played, as well as a wide array from a variety of albums. It was so much fun to be able to hear throwback favorites like Sir Sly’s “Gold” during his set or Cold War Kids’ “Miracle Mile” and “Hang Me Up To Dry” live, because it was such a firm reminder of why I enjoy these bands in the first place.

Sir Sly and Cold War Kids were awesome. They were. But, my loyalty will always lie with AWOLNATION and Jack White for what would be considered the highlights of my day. X Fest was actually my second time seeing AWOLNATION live, and they were just as fantastic as I remember them being.

AWOLNATION’s set was filled, as per usual, with Aaron Bruno interpretive dancing, running around the stage like a mad man, and singing his beautiful heart out. Their set was eight songs long, and I sure wish that it could have been longer! Four of the songs were off of AWOLNATION’s latest album, “Here Come The Runts” while the remaining half was from “Run” and “Megalithic Symphony”.

Almost all of the songs were fast paced, hype you up songs, until things slowed down for “Handyman”. During this song, Aaron Bruno acquired a fistful of pink roses and threw the very first and last of the five or six to ME!! I seriously could have cried – I honestly can’t believe that I didn’t. I got TWO ROSES from Aaron Bruno, one of my major man crushes. It doesn’t get much better than that.

The five bands that played before Jack White all probably performed for a half hour to forty-five minutes, respectively. Jack, however, played for an entire hour and a half and it was pure magic from start to finish. Despite his latest album, “Boarding House Reach” being released recently, Jack White played songs from all three of his solo albums and bands, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, and The White Stripes.

Although Jack White’s entire performance was a major highlight, some of my most favorite songs that he played included “My Doorbell”, “Steady As She Goes”, “Lazaretto”, “I Cut Like A Buffalo”, and his opener of “Over And Over And Over”. And, it wouldn’t be a Jack White concert if he didn’t close with “Seven Nation Army”!

It was so insane to be standing directly in front of the man that you’ve had a crush on since grace school. It seriously didn’t even feel real that Jack White was playing within six feet of me. The same goes for every band that performed. I was literally right there. I got to spend the day with my sister enjoying amazing music and seeing some of my favorite bands. I can’t believe how lucky I am, and I wish that I could go back in time and relive the day a million more times.

Who else has attended X Fest before? What concerts are you going to this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah