Tag Archives: presents

Jul3

Sweet Surprises: Beat The Heat Edition

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Sweet Surprises: Beat The Heat Edition

Hi!! Almost every weekend I look forward to a FaceTime chat with my best friend in the whole world, Kate, of Live In The Nautical. Our nonstop gab fests literally give me life and and I am truly the luckiest gal in the world because of Kate. This past weekend we enjoyed a call after Johnny and I returned home from mini golfing and spent three hours talking about any and everything. During our talkathon, we lamented about the upcoming heat wave in both of our necks of the woods and were dreading it. Myself, especially.

Because of the medications I’m on, I do not do well in extreme heat whatsoever. I get incredibly nauseous, lightheaded, and dizzy and it sucks so bad. What makes it even worse is mine and Johnny’s apartment which can only be described as a sweat lodge. During these blazing days, the temperature at chez moi skyrocketed to over ninety degrees and I seriously just wanted to cry. It has basically been a trial run of burning in hell lol. -_-

In the midst of my misery, Kate told me that there was a surprise for me on the way. And, on Tuesday, it arrived minutes before I had to head to my next shift at work. Talk about perfect timing! Check it out:

To help beat the heat, Kate gifted me with a portable neck fan and while my body was already melting, my heart followed suit. This is the textbook definition of a sweet surprise! My best girl knows my limitations in the heat, is well aware of my apartment situation, and presented me with the best thing she could do to help from states away. Like I said, I am the luckiest gal in the world because of Kate. ❤ This was the kindest, most thoughtful gesture and I have felt simply spoiled this past week between my new fan and Peakychu plush!

Once I returned home from work, I got the fan charging while Johnny and I watched Nightmare Next Door and was SO excited to give it a go. This little baby works like a charm and my sweet surprise provided sweet relief. The fan offers the most pleasant breeze around my face which is amazing because I pretty much sweat nonstop as soon as I get home. Not only did it feel good to have on but it felt good on my heart lol. Even in the throws of despair this heat has caused, I had to smile because of my bestie. If that isn’t a cure all solution, then I genuinely don’t know what is!

The blogosphere brought Kate and I together and I’d just like to take a moment to thank the blog gods. This angel has changed my world for the better every day and I am forever thankful! ❤

Does your best friend live nearby? How do you keep in touch if not? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul2

Peakychu, I Choose You!

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Peakychu, I Choose You!

Hi! Johnny got me Pokopia for the Switch 2 for my birthday and I have been playing it nonstop. If you are unfamiliar with this specific game, are you familiar with Animal Crossing? Because it is basically that but Pokemon and it is so much fun. You help rebuild different towns, restore habitats for Pokemon, and complete all kinds of requests like creating electricity or building a railway. Every time I play, I am greeted with something new and I am stoked for the upcoming DLC update! In August, you will be able to create an under the sea environment and meet all kinds of brand new to the game Pokemon. 😀

Johnny has a coworker who loves all things Pokemon and was so excited when he told her how much I was loving Pokopia. So much so that she gifted me with something very special and it was just the sweetest thing! Check it out:

Peakychu, I Choose You! And there’s a very interesting story behind this prezzie… Japan launched exclusive Pokopia plushies and Johnny’s coworker ordered the Peakychu for herself. Shortly after, there was a limited release in America but it was invite only. She happened to be invited and ended up getting one more and had no idea what to do with her extra Peakychu. So she decided to give it to me as a late b-day gift. I was SO blown away by this generosity because I have only met her once before at one of Johnny’s work functions! She made a delightful impression on me and I guess it went both ways. We are so looking forward to hosting her and her husband for a game night so I can thank her IRL. Maybe our Peakychus can even have a play date lol. 😀

Now, back to Pokopia and one more little story: During the Covid-19 pandemic, Johnny was furloughed from work for several months and spent that time doing what everyone else was doing… Playing Animal Crossing all day every day. I was insanely jealous and by the time I got to play on our Animal Crossing village, everything noteworthy had already been done. Johnny was putting in work! I’ve gotta say, Pokopia puts Animal Crossing to shame and this gaming experience has definitely made up for my lack of playing everyone’s favorite Covid past time! ❤

If you have a Switch 2 and are looking for a simply charming game that is jam packed with Pokemon, get Pokopia STAT. You will love it!

How did you pass time during the Covid pandemic? Are you a Pokopia or Animal Crossing fan? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun21

Happy Father’s Day!

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Happy Father’s Day!

Hello everyone and Happy Father’s Day! This is an extra special shout out to all of the dads out there and the best dad in the whole world – mine! My dad is my bestie pal and I so love hanging out with him. Whether we are out in the garden or just chatting away, it is nonstop laughter and the most fun! As a little Father’s Day treat, I couldn’t resist purchasing a silly but sentimental gift for all of the dads in my life that deserve the world. And, yes, Johnny did get one too as a proud bunny dad! 🙂 Lol, check out the prezzie that I can’t wait to see everyone rocking this holiday season:

Johnny and I were watching Daddy’s Home 2 a few weeks ago and were in stitches over the funny family comedy starring Will Ferrell. The movie is set during Christmastime and one of the sweaters that was worn featured the phrase “Feliz Navi Dad”. With Father’s Day right around the corner, I knew what must be done: Put in an order on Amazon ASAP! Although the sweater I bought wasn’t the exact same as the one in the movie, it’s close enough and I just freaking love it. It makes me so happy to think about my dad, Johnny, brother, and brother in law wearing them altogether on Christmas. I am seriously on pins and needles to take their pictures! 😀

In all seriousness, I am in awe of the dads that are in my life. They work so hard, are the apple of their children’s eyes, and are the dictionary definition of family men. Family gatherings and visits are always so special because it’s just nice to see the dads be dads. Goofing off with the kiddos, expertly disposing of piles of discarded wrapping paper, and the pride for their families that simply radiates. It is absolutely beautiful! We have lots of fun summer plans in store and I know the dads in my crew will be dadding out on all of our adventures. We’re going to have a ball! ❤

Here’s to all of the dads out there that do their best every single day – it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Happy Father’s Day!!!

Jun14

Bestie Birthday Gifts

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Bestie Birthday Gifts

Hello! June is a very special month because of mine and Johnny’s birthaversary, yes. But there is also another equally important special occasion to celebrate – My best friend/Gemini Twin, Kate’s, birthday! Kate of Live In The Nautical is my other half and our birthdays are a mere six days apart. June is truly our time to shine and to spoil each other like crazy! I am always so excited to shop for her birthday gifts as well as receiving her gifts to me in the mail. Seriously, I am like a child on Christmas day as soon as her packages arrive in the mail and tear them open like a rabid animal. Or just a very amped up best friend! As always, Kate crushed with my gifts and I think you can all agree that they are perfect for me! Check them out:

It is no secret that I am a reading and Lego enthusiast and these gifts spoke to two of my favorite hobbies. How freaking adorable is that Lazy One sleep sweatshirt?! The sage green color, gorgeous graphic, and sunflowers on the inside of the hood set the stage for the best hoodie to snuggle up in and crack open a good book. It is oh so soft and quite heavy and, as my apartment is like a sauna in the summer, I will have to wait until fall to break it out. However, when that first chilly day of autumn arrives you can trust and believe that it will be the first thing I wear. I can’t wait to get comfy cozy and binge read! 😀

Next up is the Gameboy Lego set and there’s actually a fun story behind that. Johnny got my brother the same set for Christmas and they built it together. We were both incredibly jealous of it because it’s just so freaking cool but never bought it for ourselves. The thing is – Kate didn’t know that (Which is surprising considering I tell her everything!)! My bestie does know that Johnny and I are huge gamers and love building Lego and was able to combine two of our hobbies into one perfect set. Johnny and I plan on building it together ASAP and we have my mind reader bestie to thank for that. Our Gemini Twin telepathy is always going strong and this is a true testament to it! ❤

My best girl is the best gift of all but her prezzies to me definitely come in second place. Thank you, darling! I love you so!!

Have you built Lego recently? Which Lego set do you have your eyes on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun11

It’s In The Bag: Juicy Couture Duffle Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Juicy Couture Duffle Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new edition of It’s In The Bag! For every gift giving occasion, there is a one thousand percent chance that I will receive a TJMaxx gift card from someone and I was blessed with one from Johnny’s parents for my birthday. As my family is going to Italy in the fall, I planned to purchase a carry on bag for myself with these newly acquired funds. I didn’t tell anyone about this idea and was genuinely shocked when my mom beat me to the punch. She gifted me with the most gorgeous Juicy Couture duffle bag and it is the perfect measurements for a carry on!! I am beyond obsessed so let’s take a moment to ogle my new bag altogether:

As soon as my mom presented me with her present, I knew exactly what it was and I still couldn’t quite believe it. It’s like she read my mind! However, she one upped what I had in my head completely. I was going to get a simple suitcase carry on with my gift cards and didn’t even dream about a duffle bag like this! That raspberry color, the collegiate style patches, those adorable puppy and mini purse accessories?! I was swooning. Part of it was the bag itself, of course, but the other part was the brand. I have loved all things Juicy Couture since I was a teenager but never had anything other than their perfume. This duffle bag made my teenage and thirty-two year old self so happy that I can’t even put it into words lol. 😀

Not only is this bag going to be just right for our Italy vacation but it will also come in so handy as an overnight bag in general. The only overnight bag I have was a freebie from Victoria’s Secret that I got for spending X amount of money over fifteen years ago! The zipper is busted and it looks every bit of its age from all of those years of toting it on vacations and sleepovers. This major upgrade of a birthday gift means that I can finally lay my elderly Vicky’s Secret bag to rest. My only wish is that I had an overnight occasion to break it out for because I’ll be on pins and needles until I can finally use it for Italy!

Big ups to my mind reader mom for the most amazing gift. I absolutely love it!! ❤

What is a brand you love but don’t have anything by? Do you go on overnights often? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb12

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts

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Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts

Hi! Love Day is right around the corner! Are you and your significant other ready for it? Johnny and I sure are! For his gift, Johnny requested help paying for a PS5 that his friend sold to him on the way cheap. It was such a great deal and we are having so much fun playing on it! As for my gift, I really didn’t need anything although I had a couple of video games in mind that I would like to try. Then, I saw an ad on Facebook for a Cupid’s Revenge haunted house and decided that I would love that as my gift. It’s a great date that pairs our love of all things horror and haunted attractions with a sentimental twist. I can’t wait to go and tell you all about it! If you are lacking on ideas to spoil your SO with, fear not. Today, we are going to take a look at some last minute gifts that are sure to please. Let’s get to it!

Boo Boxes:

How about gifting a little bit of everything with a Boo Box? Step 1) Find a pretty gift basket or box. Step 2) Fill it with sweet little somethings. It’s as simple as that! You could go the decadent route with boxes of chocolate, hot cocoa mix, and their favorite candies. Perhaps you will go with cozy gifts like new pajamas, a soft blanket, and a pair of slippers. Or, you could go sentimental with framed photos, love notes, and a handmade piece of art of jewelry. No matter what you choose, you cannot lose with a Boo Box and it’s as easy as a trip to TJMaxx!

Date Night:

Now, reservations for your first date night choices might not be doable as we’re getting down to the wire. However, it doesn’t hurt to try or come up with something more unique than a dinner out. A local theater might be doing romance movie screenings. There are sure to be plenty of couples wine and paint nights. You could create your own dinner at a cooking class. Or maybe you will try an activity that’s totally out there like visiting a rage room, going to a glassblowing studio, or taking a road trip to visit different boutiques and cafes that you haven’t been to before. Look for special events at museums, planetariums, restaurants that offer mixology courses, or scentology stores. Even if your date doesn’t fall exactly on Valentine’s Day, you will have a fun plan to look forward to.

Shop Till You Drop:

Sometimes the best gift of all is letting your SO pick out their gift. Johnny and I very much agree to this! Set a shopping budget, fuel up at Starbucks, and visit your partner’s favorite stores. If your selection is a bit picked over from the holiday, improvise. Hit up vintage and antique boutiques, go thrifting, create your own bouquet at a flower shop, or pop into specialty stores for amazing jewelry or bath and body care. If all else fails – online shop till you drop! That is an especially good option if you can’t find the size or color of what you like the best. It will be like a bonus gift when it arrives in the mail. 😀

Pampering, Please:

Spa related gifts are always going to go over well for those who love to pamper! Treat your SO to a new full set at their favorite nail salon. How about some hair treatments and a blowout at their go to hair salon? You could also book massages and facials at your local spa. Remember that even if this isn’t your thing, your partner will love doing it together. A couples massage, pedicures, masks, and wraps are something you can both enjoy and benefit from. Throw caution to the wind and book for two so you can both be primped and pampered for the big day!

Music To My Ears:

If it’s in your budget, why not score some concert tickets if your SO’s favorite is playing nearby? You could also opt for tickets to a play, musical, or orchestra. If not, no biggie! You could purchase some new vinyl records, merch from their favorite musical, or bring the music right to your living room. While their favorite tunes are playing you can cook a delicious meal, make cocktails or chocolate together, or play a new board or video game. Music is definitely one of mine and Johnny’s love languages and there is nothing sweeter than putting on your partner’s favorite song and watching their face light up!

No matter the gift, Valentine’s Day is special because you’re both together. These ideas will only add to the ambiance!

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? What was the best date you have ever been on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan19

Hail Yourself OOTD

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Hail Yourself OOTD

Hi! Johnny took last Friday off which was great! The bunnies got to stay out and play all day and it gave us time to knock out a quick OOTD shoot before I left for work. Normally, we save that for Saturday but it was SO hard going back to work after holiday time off that we had no intention of moving once the day was out. I am pleased to report that we made good on that goal! The look you are about to see is ultra casual as I was bopping around town for work but I still loved it just the same. Check it out:

Who? What? Wear?

Cropped Sweater: Johnny got this for me from the Last Podcast on the Left website

Star Skinny Jeans: Kut From The Kloth, TJMaxx

Wedge Boots: Jennifer Lopez, Kohl’s

The earrings were a Christmas gift from my blogging bestie!

This past Friday was a balmy fifty degree day so I started building this outfit in the sweater department of my wardrobe as that’s all I needed to be comfortable. From there, my eyes landed on the Last Podcast on the Left cropped sweater that my main squeeze got me. Johnny is an avid fan of that podcast and treated himself to a bit of their merch as well as a little something for me too. It was so sweet and this sweater rules! I am all about the sentiment, that oversized neckline, and the pentagram elbow patches. Way cool!

After my top was selected, I moved on down to the jeans department and went with a pair of star patterned skinnies by Kut From The Kloth. I knew I was going to sport an All Black Everything ensemble so that gave the opportunity to have some fun with a bold pattern. Also, the stars on the pants nod to the pentagrams on the sweater which I didn’t even notice until now lol. Hey, that worked out well. 😀

Finally, it was onto shoes and accessories. For my shoes, I picked a pair of hidden wedge boots by Jennifer Lopez as they were relatively plain minus the stud details. These shoes are ten years old, were purchased for four dollars, and I just can’t part with them. They are SO comfy while providing extra height and are just right for trudging around in the lousy winter weather. Last but not least, I popped on a gorgeous pair of sword earrings gifted to me by my bestie. These earrings also feature a dangling burnt orange gem which was a perfect match to the lettering on the sweater. With that, it was off to work!

It is very rare for me to do my makeup or wear something other than skinnies and a hoodie to work. As simple as this look was, it definitely felt like I was spruced up!

What do you usually wear for work? How long does it take you to get ready for work? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan14

Little Christmas Haul

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Little Christmas Haul

Hi! We celebrated with Johnny’s family on Christmas Day and had the most wonderful time. Unfortunately, his aunt couldn’t attend and it just wasn’t the same without her. We were so happy that she was in town this past week and finally got to have our “Little Christmas” get together. It’s basically the same thing as Christmas but we ordered Chinese food lol. It was amazing to be all together again for our bonus celebration and it certainly felt Christmas-y despite it being January eighth! Check out my very last holiday haul:

Johnny and I were so generously gifted with lots of goodies and he received something really cool! My husband is a history buff and his aunt gave him her freshman year of high school American History text book. It was complete with her notes and highlighted sections and he has already enjoyed flipping through the pages of yesteryear. As a gift for both of us, we got the absolutely adorable Rudolph hot cocoa set. Seriously, how cute is that? We just love those mugs and although we are not big hot chocolate drinkers, our nieces can’t get enough of it. We are so excited to have them over for one of their favorite treats but in different mugs lol. I would be so sad if one of them broke because did I mention holy cuteness?! 😀

One gift we all had to laugh at was the Wicked slippers. I have never seen Wicked and I have zero desire to do so. When I opened the box, however, I genuinely thought the Ws were cacti and I could definitely get down with that! It wasn’t until further inspection that I realized what they were but I’m still going with cacti and they look comfy as can be. I am also delighted to have some more cozy pairs of boot socks because ankle socks during the winter is for the birds. I am SO sick of them sliding off so I have a double dose of treats for my feet. 🙂

Last but not least is the pretty as a picture picture frame, candle, and picture keeper. How sweet is that frame? I think it will be the perfect one to house a snapshot of me and my three nieces! ❤ I also adore being gifted with candles because I never buy them for myself. I have been loving burning the one my bestie got me for Christmas so this will be great to have on standby. And, finally, I have no idea what the picture keeper is or how to use it. BUT, if it gives us a space to free up the rapidly dwindling storage on our phones from OOTD shoots then we needed it like yesterday!!

We have been looking forward to Little Christmas since Christmas and now it’s officially a wrap on our holiday season. What a fantastic one it was!

Are you a Wicked fan? What is your favorite kind of cozy clothing? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan8

BFF Holiday Haul

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BFF Holiday Haul

Hello! This past Friday I finally got to celebrate Christmas with my BFF and this hang out was a long time coming. Getting Covid at the beginning of December threw a wrench in our plans and we couldn’t have our annual holiday hang until after the New Year. It was certainly worth the wait though because we had the most wonderful time! We ordered Chinese food, opened gifts, and girl talked the evening away. It was just what the doctor ordered to wrap up a beautiful holiday season. My bestie treated me to so many lovely gifts and I can’t wait for all of you to see the piece de resistance! Check it out:

When it comes to gifts, I absolutely love receiving bath and body care. What can I say, I’m a huge fan of smell goods! My bestie knows this and graced me with some goodies from Bath & Body Works. This included a shower gel of my favorite scent, Champagne Toast, or as Johnny would call it “Champagne & Toast”. I also got a Snickerdoodle candle that makes my apartment smell like a bakery and another of my beloved foaming hand soaps too. I had to laugh when I saw the scent was Pomegranate & Blackberry because this was actually a hand soap that I skipped on when I shopped the Semi-Annual Sale. Not because I didn’t want it but I had too many products in my cart. Lol, I got it after all and she knows me so well!

The next gift I unwrapped was a double gift – a travel jewelry case with the sweetest bunny necklace tucked inside. Perfect for everyone’s favorite bunny mom! I literally clutched my pearls when I saw the little bunny atop a gold moon and I have a feeling I will be wearing it every day. I also know that my travel jewelry case will be getting excellent use too. Johnny and I are going on a BIG trip this year (More on that later) and I now have something to safely store all my bits and baubles. It will be like a hug from my bestie when I take it on our travels. ❤

This post Christmas bash was definitely worth the wait! The best gift, though? My best friend (Of over eighteen years), of course!

How did you celebrate the holidays with your friends? Which of your gifts have you put to use? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan2

Family Holiday Haul

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Family Holiday Haul

Hi hi! Whenever anyone asks me what I want for Christmas, I never know what to say. Literally all I do throughout the year is spoil and pamper myself so I already have everything I could possibly want lol. This year, however, my tune changed because there actually were a few things I would love to be gifted with. A new electric blanket because mine went kaput as well as baking pans which I have none of. I thought it would be fun for when my nieces come over as they enjoy being helpers when their mom is baking. I asked, I received, and I am so beyond happy with these gifts from my mom and dad:

My blogging bestie gifted me with an electric blanket for Christmas a few years ago. I basically lived in it and looked forward to returning home from work every day to snuggle up. Then, out of the blue, it just stopped working. There was no rhyme or reason for it and it was a sad day, indeed. Although I loved that damn heated blanket more than most people, I never bothered replacing it. It fell under my nice to have but not must have category and was the number one thing I asked for for Christmas. I was absolutely delighted when I opened it!

As for the baking pans, I never bothered getting them because Johnny and I really don’t have a sweet tooth. We might indulge in chocolate or ice cream from time to time but that is about it. I also have always preferred cooking to baking so cake pans and cupcake tins were unnecessary. My nieces just love to help with the ingredients, taste test, and decorate sweet treats, though, and I wanted to have the equipment so they could do the same at my place. Whenever we’re watching our nieces I like to have activities for the day planned and this is one of their favorites. Who knows, maybe I’ll even bake some of the recipes that I have saved and neglected on Facebook lol.

I knew exactly what I wanted this Christmas and was thrilled when my requests were waiting for me under the tree. I can’t wait to break them out!

What is your favorite thing to bake? Did you get everything you wanted this Christmas? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah