Tag Archives: presents

Dec12

Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

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Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

Hello! I may be a Halloween girl through and through but there is something about Christmas that just hits different. My suspicion? Because I love to shop even when it’s not for myself lol. I pride myself on being an excellent gift giver and revel in the process of finding that perfect something for everyone on my list. The hard part is waiting for months on end to give it to them! As you wrap up your own holiday shopping, let’s take a look at some small prezzies to put in your stockings and hang above the mantel with care:

Tiny Lego Kits:

If you have a family of brick enthusiasts, why not add a small Lego kit to the stocking? Lego has a ton of tiny holiday themed sets to choose from including Santa, snowmen, Mini Fig Advent calendars and more. Once your gifts are unwrapped, you can assemble them together and make your own holiday scene. For extra creative fun, you could give a bag of assorted Lego bricks and have everyone do a brainstorm build with the pieces they have. You can create categories like best ornament or best decorated snowman and give prizes or just bragging rights!

Old School Candy:

Candy is such a classic stocking stuffer but let’s kick it old school. 😀 Current candy? Been there done that. Retro candy? Always fun to taste test! We’re talking candy buttons, Zott’s, candy necklaces, Pop Rocks, and all of that sweet sugary goodness. This blast from the past approach will delight kiddos and adults alike and gives a twist on the same old. Bonus points if you have a local candy shop in your neck of the woods to support.

Care Packages:

While a care package for your adult children might not necessarily fit in a stocking, the sentiment remains. I have always loved the idea of the adult Easter baskets filled with cleaning supplies and that can easily translate to Christmas. A few rolls of toilet paper, paper towel, bathroom and kitchen cleaner, and Magic Erasers are all great options. Although this is not the most exciting gift, it sure is practical and one that I would love to receive. Toilet paper is low on my list of things I like to shop for for myself lolol.

Cheers!

Everyone needs a bevvie to sip on during gift exchanges. Cue the stocking stuffer! You can provide specialty sodas or juice for the kiddos and airplane bottles of booze, mini wine bottles, or mocktail cans for the adults. Add in a bag of popcorn, trail mix, or mixed nuts to nosh on and you have a perfect snack to tide everyone over until dinnertime.

Small But Mighty:

Countless stores have a section specifically for travel size beauty and basic care items so hit it up! Bath & Body Works is an excellent place to start with as they offer both men and women’s travel size items and are always on promotion. A hand sanitizer, body wash, and lotion in a compact size is just right for filling those stockings and keeping everyone smelling and feeling fresh to death. 😀

Stocking stuffers are the opportunity to have some fun with add on gifts. Hope the ideas above can help! ❤

Do you hang stockings at home? What are some of your stocking stuffer ideas? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec9

Food & Drink Holiday Gifts

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Food & Drink Holiday Gifts

Howdy! The countdown to the holidays is SO on – are you ready for it? I know I am! Family, friends, and sweet sweet time off. What could be better? The answer is literally nothing! If you still have holiday shopping to get done, you’re in the right place. Today’s gift guide will feature ideas for a very popular gifting option: Food and drink. Everyone needs to nosh and sip on something delicious so you know your gift is going to be used and enjoyed. Let’s discuss:

Countertop Appliances:

Do you have a coffee or soda fiend in your life? You kind of do, because I am both lol. Countertop appliances like a single serve Keurig or a Soda Stream is sure to delight your giftee who always errs on the side of caffeinated. Johnny actually got me a single serve Keurig for Valentine’s Day a few years back and it was the best gift ever! These appliances don’t take up a ton of counter space and feel like such a treat with each use. If your giftee already has one, that’s okay. You can give them a stockpile of K-cups or soda mixes to keep the go go juice flowing.

Gift Cards:

DoorDash, restaurants, fast food, or grocery store gift cards are a no brainer if you are looking to make your holiday shopping quick and easy. Johnny and I usually get a DoorDash gift card from his parents and it is SO appreciated. To be able to hit up your favorite eatery with gift card in hand is awesome because it’s literally guilt free. How many times have you bypassed a craving because there’s food at home? Throw that preconceived notion of gift cards being thoughtless out the window. They are as thoughtful as it gets because it gives you the opportunity to treat yourself whenever you want!

Cookie Kits:

Local bakeries often offer cookie decorating kits which is a total win/win. You are supporting local as well as giving a fun gift for a family to enjoy together. These kits usually come with the cookies pre-made and the supplies like frosting and sprinkles to decorate with. It’s a perfect activity for a snowy afternoon and kiddos will revel in creating their own sugary masterpieces. My little nieces LOVE cookie and cupcake decorating and would have a blast with a cookie kit. 😀

Gift Baskets:

Seriously, who doesn’t love a gift basket? I am an avid fan of both receiving and gifting them! Of course you can buy pre-made baskets in store but you could also create them yourself. Hit up your local craft store and get your baskets, then head to the grocery store and get to work! You could fill the basket with something sweet like chocolate and candy or go the savory route with popcorn, peanuts, or pretzels. How about a basket that creates a meal like soup or pasta? Perhaps you could include a muffin tin, mixes, and jams to top them with. No matter what you choose, it’s going to be yummy!

Homemade Meal:

If you have a passion for cooking, share it! One year for Valentine’s Day, Johnny hired our friend who works as a chef to make dinner for us. It was absolutely amazing and one of my favorite gifts ever! You can create menus specific to your giftee’s tastes, purchase the ingredients, and serve a fantastic meal. While it’s nice to go out to eat, there is nothing better than a home cooked meal. This is a bonus gift because it also gives your giftee the night off from cooking which is such a blessing lol.

I hope your giftee’s all brought their appetite with these ideas – can you say YUM?!

Do you like to cook? What is your favorite thing to make? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec5

Fashion Holiday Gifts

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Fashion Holiday Gifts

Howdy! I am pleased to report that my holiday shopping is donezo! I made excellent use of Black Friday sales for my remaining giftees and I am so excited to pop on one of my comfort shows and wrap everything up. For those who still have some holiday shopping to get done, fear not! We’ll be having gift guides leading up to the big days to give you some inspiration. Let’s venture into the world of fashion. Whether you have a giftee who is a full fledged fashionista or keeps their style simple, these gifts will always go over well:

Pajamas:

New PJs are an excellent option for wearing to bed or just lounging about the house. In the cold winter months, people want to feel cozy and curling up in some soft pajamas is the best way to do it! Regardless of if a set of PJs are your giftee’s thing, they are certainly going to use it and can break up the pieces as they choose. 5 Below has an amazing selection of pajamas for fifteen dollars and you can often find sets at TJMaxx for around twenty. Jammies are something people rarely buy for themselves as sweatpants and old T’s make an equally viable option so this gift would feel like a real treat. I know I would love it because thanks to 5 Below I have become pajama obsessed!

Cold Weather Accessories:

Let me say something controversial but so brave: Winter is cold lol. How many times have you not bundled up and instantly regretted it after two minutes? Too many to count on my end! Lovely hats, scarves, and gloves can not only provide an added boost of warmth but gives the opportunity to shake up outfits too. If you’re unsure of which colors to choose, opt for something neutral like cream, tan, or black. That way the accessory can be paired with anything and will still work beautifully.

Bejeweled:

Who doesn’t love a touch of bling? For the fellas you could go for cuff links, tie clips, watches, or chains. Delicate, meaningful jewelry always makes a great gift for the ladies. I am especially partial to best friends bracelets as well as mother related jewelry for my mom, sister, and mother-in-law. When you put some genuine thought into a jewelry gift, it will turn into not just an accessory but a treasure. Find pieces that speak to your giftee’s style and your own relationship and I just know they will love it!

Cozy Up:

Did I mention that winter is cold?! Plush throw blankets, fuzzy socks, slippers, mug and drink koozies, or even weighted stuffed animals are all fabulous options to curl up on the couch with and watch your favorite holiday flick. For items like blankets or koozies you could go the customized route with a local vendor. There is also never a shortage of fuzzy socks or slippers in store to choose from. Cozy gifts are fun because they often fall under someone’s “nice to have” but not necessary category when they are making purchases. Even if your giftee is a blanket fiend like me, they will simply say the more the merrier. 😀

Organized Fashion:

Do you know someone whose wardrobe constantly runneth over? Anyone with jewelry and earrings scattered around like breadcrumbs (Me!)? Or perhaps a giftee who could use some extra help organizing? Come in with the assist! Jewelry boxes, shelves or hanging organizers, and plastic bins to keep seasonal clothes safe are practical and can transform a cluttered room. You can double gift by lending a hand during the installation and organizing the space so their clothes and accessories get the treatment they deserve.

The options above are a practical look at fashion gifts. You know your giftee best and when you find that perfect item that speaks to their style, you will definitely know!

What is your favorite type of present to gift? What is a fashion gift you would love to receive? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec2

Crafty Holiday Gifts

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Crafty Holiday Gifts

Hi!! Crafty gifts for the holidays are a great idea for kiddos and adults alike. It is perfect for the crafting enthusiast, someone who is interested in starting the hobby, or simply offering a pleasant way to kill time. There are also countless places that offer wine and paint classes, pottery lessons, or flower arranging tutorials that can turn a crafty gift into an experience one too. Let’s explore some different options to get everyone on your list fully utilizing their creative side:

Craft kits for kids:

I am extremely partial to gifting crafty presents to my nieces and nephew because they absolutely love it. Their favorites are the paint your own pottery figurines and I have to concur. They are so proud of their creations and I am so happy when I am lucky enough to receive one of their masterpieces. From jewelry and slime making to mini pottery wheels and coloring books, there is surely a crafting kit to fit your little giftee’s interests. It will also be a bonus gift to the parents while their kids are focused on creating museum worthy art!

Experience crafts:

If there is a style of art that your giftee would like to learn, sign them up for a class! Community centers, libraries, and even community colleges all offer crafting classes to provide both the gift of knowledge and creativity. You could take the class too for some fabulous quality time! Studios that offer candle making, glass blowing, or crafting scents could also be a fun way to spend a day together. Top it off with a dinner or happy hour out – craft cocktails, anyone? *See what I did there!*

Diamond art:

I don’t know about all of you, but I am amazed by diamond art! If you have a giftee with a steady hand and laser focus (Both of which I have not!), a diamond art kit could be a great way to go. These crafts create an image out of tiny rhinestones and the end results are simply brag worthy. Such a cool hobby and your giftee will have a work of art made by them proudly displayed in their home.

Beauty crafts:

There is nothing better than homemade skin and bath and body care. How about setting up a crafting workshop to make them? Invite your friends over, have the supplies like essential oils, coconut oil, and beeswax ready, and make your new favorite products. Once everyone has their creations ready, you could have a pseudo spa experience with candles, mint tea, and calming music. Take a vote on whose product you like the best for a prize and have a blast with your besties!

Craft gifts are engaging, unique, and just pure fun. Even if you’re a far cry from an artist, it’s always nice to try something new!

What is your favorite craft? What is on your holiday gift wish list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov22

Substitute Pet Gifts

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Substitute Pet Gifts

Hello! The holiday season is right around the corner and for some reason, pets are a popular gifting option. Post holidays? Local shelters are packed to capacity with unwanted animals that were gifted. Like the trend of pet bunnies for Easter, animals are not something that should just be given with the potential of giving them away. They are part of the family and should be treated as such through extensive research and evaluating of if you have the time or resources to care for a pet, or if your children are capable and responsible enough to care for it. With that in mind, let’s explore some pseudo pet gifts that are an excellent compromise until you are all ready for the real deal:

Pocket Pets:

Handheld devices, apps, and video games can make an amazing substitute pet gifting option. You could consider a retro Tamagotchi, a subscription for an app like Finch, or a game like Animal Crossing. These gifting ideas are interactive, fun, and offers a level of care to build up responsibility skills to have a pet. I personally would LOVE a Mr. Rengoku Tamagotchi from Demon Slayer! I also adore my daily use of Finch and occasional use of Animal Crossing. Speaking of Animal Crossing, there is going to be a HUGE update coming in January which makes this game all the better. The beauty of it? Once you’re done playing, you’re done for the day – no more care is required!

Plushies:

Honestly, what kiddo (or adult) doesn’t want a new plushie?! Of course, nothing is better than snuggling up with a pet but snuggling up with a plushie is fabulous too. I do so every night! 😀 Squishmallows are a forever popular option or how about a trip to Build A Bear to create your new best friend? Little Live Pets sets are also a really fun option as these plushies have three babies to dress up, groom, and feed. There is a set for dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs too which is perfect if your kiddo is craving a small animal. I got the rabbit set last year for my niece as she wanted pet bunnies just like me. ❤

Volunteer Date:

Prior to getting a pet, it is so important to understand their level of care, wants, and needs. To develop those skills, you could present your kiddo with a volunteer date. You could grab some lunch and spend time at a local shelter. Shelters offer training sessions for volunteers to learn about care taking. Once these classes are complete, you will be able to walk, socialize, feed, and clean up after the pets that need to be adopted. What’s more, your family might be able to develop a bond with a specific pet after putting in the work first and foremost. Whether you end up with a pet or not after this process, it’s still a win/win as the shelter will have some extra help.

Robot Pets:

Robot pets are super cool and can move and groove along with your kiddo. They can bark, wag, walk, eat, and some can even go to the bathroom! These toy pets can let you know when they are ready for a snack or need to be groomed. Bird pets can perch on your shoulder, monkey ones can grasp your finger, but no matter what you choose can be cuddled, played with, and treasured. This is a great stepping stone in the responsibility department!

Pets are not a gift but the options above totally are!! 🙂

Did you have a toy pet growing up? What are other pet substitute ideas? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov21

Last Minute Holiday Gifts

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Last Minute Holiday Gifts

Howdy! As you all know, I am an early bird Christmas shopper. As someone who had an extensive tenure working retail from my teens to early twenties, the last thing I want is to be caught in the midst of holiday shopping anarchy. I experienced it first hand for so long that even now I can’t be bothered with it! I still have a handful of gifts to purchase and I feel like time is running out despite Christmas being over a month away lol. In my head it is down to the wire! Waiting till the true last minute, however, can be unavoidable so let’s explore some gift options that are sure to please when it gets down to the nitty gritty:

Hit up a vendor fair:

In the weeks leading up to the holidays, there are sure to be countless vendor fairs happening in your neck of the woods. This is a win/win situation to purchase from. You will be supporting local makers while checking off everyone on your list. From homemade crafts and body care to jewelry and sweet treats, you could consider an outing to a vendor fair as a one stop shop. If you are not sure where to find a vendor fair, take a look at your local talk of the town pages. You can also explore the calendars at churches, banquet halls, or community centers which are often popular places to host a vendor fair.

Food/Drinks:

The beauty of food and drink gifts are that they can truly be purchased at the last minute! Your local grocery store might carry options like gift sets for chocolate, booze with a glass or two included, or a festive tin of mixed nuts or popcorn. If not, good thing you’re in a grocery store! Food and drink sets can easily be made on your own. All you need are some baskets and an idea. Perhaps you will opt for all of the fixings for soup or a pasta dish. Maybe you will put together a basket with cake mixes and a cupcake tin. How about a basket filled with movie theater candy for those with a sweet tooth? A gift like this can be perfectly customized to the recipient and will definitely be used.

A night out on you:

There is this common fear that gift cards feel impersonal and not thoughtful enough. I think that can’t be farther from the truth! If you feel this way about gift cards, you can still personalize it to make it feel more special. You could treat a couple on your list to a gift card to the movie theater or a restaurant for a date night on you. Maybe you will get a gift card for your mom to get her nails done and you can get a mani or pedi together. What about a gift card to Home Depot or a craft store for those with a project in mind? Gift cards specific for what a person wants or needs to get done is extremely thoughtful!

Experience gifts:

Gifts of experience are always a fabulous way to go as it’s a clutter free gift and a way to have fun altogether. You could take the kiddos on your list to an afternoon at a trampoline park or an arcade. The adults could be treated to a few rounds of drinks at a favorite bar or a dinner out. If a play or musical is showing nearby, snag some tickets! Other great options include a craft workshop or paint class, bowling, a cooking class, or a coffee or wine tasting. Whether you try something new or visit a family favorite location, a day with family is the best gift ever.

Game night:

A game gift is perfect for those who love to host game nights or enjoy a rousing board game with their partner or kiddos. Like food and drink gifts, game gifts are an extremely safe bet for last minute prezzies. Any store like Walmart is bound to have shelves full! Local gaming stores also will carry classic games as well as more unique ones that you might not find elsewhere. Board games, card shufflers, or video games can be used again and again to provide hours of amusement. You can also opt for a gift card for the Nintendo Switch or a subscription for PlayStation. Then, tie it in with a gift of experience like the first family game night taking place at your house!

Regardless of waiting until the last minute, these ideas above are always going to be available and ready to put under the tree!

Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper? When do you want to have your holiday shopping done by? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct19

Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

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Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

Hello! Johnny and I are the fun aunt and uncle to five amazing kiddos and it’s always so exciting to celebrate the holiday season together. I am pleased to report that I have put a decent dent in my Christmas shopping and like to think of myself as an excellent gift giver. However, with several holidays as an aunt under my belt, even I admit that I need some inspiration now and then for children’s gifts. There are seemingly endless options of adorable things and it can be hard to narrow it down! Let’s explore a few ideas to get that gift inspo flowing for the littles in your life:

First and Foremost:

Honestly, one of the best things you can do is simply ask the parents lol. This might sound lazy but it’s so true and you can be sure that you are getting exactly what is needed and wanted. It could be clothing in a certain size, a particular toy they have their eye on, or a couple packs of supplies like diapers and wipes. The last thing parents need is more clutter like yet another package of play food or making trips to return or exchange presents. If you are unsure – just ask!

Gifts of Experience:

Speaking of clutter, the resounding theme I have heard this year from my parent friends is wanting gifts of experience for their children. This is a fabulous way to make memories and have cherished quality time. It could be a trip to the zoo or aquarium, purchasing lessons for swimming or theater, or tickets to a movie or live show. Several beloved children’s programs like Paw Patrol, The Wiggles, and Gabby’s Dollhouse have theater performances that super fan kiddos will love. Lots of local theaters also have performances of The Grinch, Elf, and Rudolph which could be tons of fun too to get into the holiday spirit.

Craft Supplies:

If your littles are anything like mine, they love to get artsy! Arts and crafts gifts are great and can give parents a welcome reprieve while their kids work on their own projects. It could be big coloring or sticker books, figurines to paint, packs of model clay or kinetic sand, jewelry making kits, or retro fuzzy posters to spend an afternoon coloring. If you want to combine art with a gift of experience, how about a trip to a pottery studio like Color Me Mine or All Fired Up? Then you can enjoy creating together and eagerly await to pick up your masterpieces after they have been glazed.

Building Kits:

Of course, Lego is an incredibly popular toy but it is also incredibly expensive! There are some loopholes though. 😀 If you have a 5 Below near you, check it out. The one that I shop at has several Lego Creator and even Technic sets on the cheap. I was really surprised to find them and got a handful of kits for a song as one of my gifts for my nephew. 5 Below also has pseudo Lego kits for Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty, and candy like Hershey’s and Reese’s. This can give a taste for building without breaking the bank.

And, finally, there is a store in my neck of the woods called The Exchange. It is a buy/sell/trade shop for video games, movies, records, and memorabilia and oftentimes they have used Lego sets there. If you have a similar store in your vicinity, it doesn’t hurt to stop by. Mine currently has a lot of the Wicked sets there for close to half off. Why pay more when you can pay less?!

“Pet” Gifts:

If your little has been longing for a pet of their own and it isn’t possible, there are SO many cute animal care toys on the market. My eldest niece, for example, would love pet bunnies because of my Melvin and Penelope. Who can blame her? They’re the cutest! Last year for Christmas, I got her a Little Live Pets set for bunnies and she absolutely loved it. These toys come with a mama animal and babies to birth. It also includes clothes to dress them up in, play food to feed them, and bedding to make their hutch cozy. These toys make noises and are super interactive. It could be the perfect introduction to caring for a pet of their own some day! *Note: PLEASE don’t gift real animals for the holidays. They are family, not a present to be returned.*

It feels like October is flying by and the holidays are just around the corner. Stay tuned for more inspo guides from your girl all holiday season long!

Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper? Who is the most difficult person to shop for on your list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug17

Bluey Paint Kit

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Bluey Paint Kit

Hello!! One of my nieces is almost a birthday girl and I can’t wait to celebrate! Last year, she was all about Gabby’s Dollhouse (And still is!) but this past year, she has turned into Bluey’s number one fan. TJMaxx always has beaucoup Bluey in the children’s department so I knew just where to go to pick up her prezzies. I got her new Bluey duds, an interactive Bluey toy, and a light up Bluey figurine to paint. Upon further inspection of the figurine, I thought that it might be too involved for her to do so I decided to paint it really nicely myself. I worked on it all of this past weekend and thought it turned out so good minus when the light is turned on. It looks like garbage then, which is kind of a bummer! Check it out:

^^^ UGH -_-

Painting this figurine was truly a labor of love and I mean that very seriously because it took for freaking ever lol. When I first started applying the acrylic paint, it was going on really thin and chunky. I also learned that it would be necessary to paint it in parts so there was always a place with dried paint to hold onto. Once the first layer was fully on, it was obvious that I would need to repaint it again… and again… and again. I ended up repainting this statue of Bluey’s loving mom and dad FOUR times in total and it definitely needed it. The areas that specifically had darker colors like the deep blues on Bluey’s dad didn’t even come close to being how it should look until the fourth attempt.

I was so happy I was satisfied with the end result by the time my fourth go around was complete because there was literally nothing else I could do. All of the paint was long gone at that point! I hate to toot my own horn, but I think that my weekend painting project turned out fabulously. Even Johnny was impressed and I was just pleased as punch. The real kicker, though, was when the batteries were in and the green and red lights began to alternate. Because WTF?! You can see Every. Single. Paint stroke and then some. It’s sort of creepy actually lol. On the bright side, sans light it looks just right and that’s good enough for me! 😀

As time consuming and sometimes frustrating as this project was, it warmed my cold bitter heart to make something special for my niece. I hope she loves it!

What was your favorite show growing up? Do you have any diehard Bluey kiddos? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul1

Stanley Surprise

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Stanley Surprise

Hello and holy wow! Johnny and I have had an extremely busy month celebrating our birthaversary and we spent another weekend living it up. My bestie, Lea, came over last Friday for dinner and my birthday hangout and Johnny and I went to Outlaw Fest on Saturday! Lea and I both share summer birthdays and this is our seventeenth year having a special get together for our big days. That alone is such a beautiful gift and I treasure the time with my best girl so much! When it comes to gift giving, Lea and I are very similar. We get our ideas from simply listening when people are talking and store them away for later use. That is exactly what she did for my prezzie and I can pinpoint the precise moment when she decided on my perfect gift. Take a look and let’s discuss:

The last time Lea was over a month or so ago, she came walking in with a gorgeous lavender Stanley mug. I complimented the color immediately and showed off my Halloween tumbler I was using after Johnny threw out my beloved sea green Stanley because he didn’t wash it and there was mold in it. SMH. I told Lea that my main qualm with my current mug was that I was refilling it constantly and wanted to replace it with something bigger, perhaps with some birthday cash. Looking back on that moment after Lea gifted me with my pastel pink Stanley, I just know she was like “noted” in her head! ❤ I felt so special and loved that she remembered this and it made receiving the cup even more special.

The funny thing is, the Tuesday before our hang out, I actually did end up replacing my old Halloween tumbler with a forty ounce beast by Manna from TJMaxx. When Lea walked into the apartment this time, she clocked the mug and realized she was gifting me with something I already had. The thing is, what she gave me was infinitely better. There were Stanley cups at TJs that I was going to get, but the one I purchased was cheaper and I didn’t want to go overboard as I was buying new clothes too. She gave me exactly what I wanted and would have bought for myself and there was also the BFF sentiment behind it, which makes it the absolute best. I am now the proud owner of a mom and baby tumbler lol:

Shout out to my darling Lea for helping me stay hydrated all summer long with the replacement of my fallen Stanley. I love it and I love YOU so much, my sweet angel! ❤

Have you had to replace anything recently? How do you like to celebrate your birthday? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun22

Garlic Gift

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Garlic Gift

Hello! For mine and Johnny’s birthaversary gift, we decided that we wanted to celebrate with a big family lunch at Olive Garden. We went this past weekend and had the best time eating like kings and enjoying all of us (Sans my big bro and family who live out of state) being at the same place together. It really was the perfect gift! Not only did we have a simply wonderful outing, but my dad presented me with one final prezzie before we parted ways: A total blast from the past product from our family vacations to Asheville, North Carolina. Check it out:

My family vacationed in Asheville in 2016 and 2019, respectively. One of our favorite things to do on family vacations is visit farmers markets and local shopping centers and we would go to the same gigantic market every time we were in the area. There were countless booths peddling their wares but we were primarily interested in one lone vendor: Joy’s Gourmet. Joy’s Gourmet features all kinds of delicious canned goods like salsa, pasta sauce, and salad dressing. Their piece de resistance, however, is their garlic spread. All it took was one taste of the samples at the booth and we were hooked! My favorite is the Chipotle and Sundried Tomato spread and we would stock up on them to bring back to Ohio.

These garlic spreads are absolutely divine and I would put them on everything – sandwiches, pasta, as a dip with crackers, etc. My family would savor every bite once we returned home after vacation and the last time I had this spread was after our last trip in 2019. Until this past weekend, that is! A few weeks ago, my dad called me out of the blue to ask if I remembered Joy’s Gourmet and I said did I ever lol. He still gets emails from the shop and informed me that they were offering free shipping, he was going to place an order, and wanted to get me a few jars for my birthday. This was the last thing I was expecting him to say and I was blown away by how thoughtful it was. He remembered that these garlic spreads were my favorite thing on the planet, saw an opportunity, and went for it! ❤

After our lunch, my dad delivered the goods and it was the cherry on top to an already amazing day. This has been the best birthaversary ever!!

What is your favorite thing to do on vacations? Are you going anywhere exciting this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah