Practical Valentine's Gifts

While the sentiment of flowers are a thoughtful gesture, I'd much prefer something that lasts longer than 2 weeks. It doesn't have to be expensive. It can even be a gag gift but still something useful for everyday life.

Elephants For Strength: Gift Guide

I recently read an article about ancient lore and the symbolism of different animals. It said that the elephant came to Earth to teach us about true strength and loyalty. They are extremely strong animals but gentle nature, never using their power to harm others.

Favorite Bridal Shower Gift Ideas

When it comes to Bridal showers, I usually buy something from their wedding registry and then put together a nice basket of fun goodies for the bride. This time around I chose gifts that are sentimental and/or useful on her wedding day and on their honeymoon.

Gifts for the Bride on Her Wedding Day

I have a few weddings coming up this year so I've been shopping for the Brides-to-be and used some inspiration from my own wedding like this beautiful wedding dress hanger I found on Amazon.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Father's Day

It's pretty tricky coming up with a Father's Day Gift Guide that is relevant for all the Dads out there because they're not clones of each other....thankfully! They have different interests, hobbies, clothing likes, and an overall lifestyle which makes them unique.

Pineapple Delight: Cute Home Decor

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How sweet it is to be Friday!

Just like I have this fascination with starfish which represents serenity/peace, I think pineapples represent hospitality/friendship because of the sweetness it brings.

Valentine's Thoughts & Gift Ideas for Him

 

K and I don't usually buy gifts for each other on Valentine's Day. Often the money is well spent on a nice dinner date right before or after February 14th. We never venture out for dinner on actual Valentine's Day because of the mad rush and long wait lines at restaurants.

Gift Ideas for The Ladies

It's crazy we're approaching the end of October which means the holidays are just around the corner. I've started browsing for gifts and already purchased some things for my mom and sister. The three of us share December birthdays so lots of gift giving happens then.

Intersting Finds: Father's Day Gifts

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Since Mother's Day is next weekend I figured I'd get the ball rolling with some gift ideas for the Mom's in our life. K and I celebrated a little early with my MIL last weekend when my in-laws came into town to visit. My mom lives too far away to give her a physical gift in person but we will celebrate ALL the occasions when my parents visit us in November.

Valentine's Gift Ideas for Him

Last week I shared a Valentine's Gift Guide for Her so today let's talk about some unique and thoughtful gifts for the guys in your life whether it's for your husband, boyfriend, or father.

Not to sound stereotypical but some men (especially my husband) are infamous for misplacing things like their wallets and keys so this bluetooth-powered rosewood tag and companion app seems like a great solution to that problem.


For the tech guys, these USB drive silver cufflinks are definitely a unique and handy gift.

For the men that like to cook, this Himalayan pink salt plank is a great addition to the kitchen (and for the women to enjoy too).

This water bottle holds your iPhone 5, 6 or 7 and other essentials and is perfect for the gym or traveling.

For the businessman, this revolutionary tie marries the Founding Fathers with style which honors America's history.

For the golf lovers, these stainless steel BBQ tools have handles that look just like golf grips definitely handy for grilling season.

This wooden watch is a fashionable blend of modern technology and the great outdoors.

For the bourbon or beer lovers, this handcrafted mug brings joy by the barrel.

For the handy guy, this streamlined pen keeps five necessary tools together in one place.

All of these items are sold by UncommonGoods which operates out of the historic Brooklyn Army Terminal. Their mission is to support and provide a platform for artists and designers; giving great respect for the integrity of the creative individual and offering products that impact the world in a positive way.

Valentine's Gift Ideas for Her

I said it the other day but didn't we just ring in the new year? I don't have a whole lot of fun stuff lined up for February but I do always look forward to Valentine's day even though we don't celebrate extravagantly. Usually a nice dinner and a sentimental gift or card. I've told K almost a million times I'm not a huge fan of flowers, but he buys them anyways.

I wanted to share some unique and sentimental gift ideas for Valentine's Day so here's a gift guide for the ladies in your life.

I adore this cute tumbler perfect for a girly cocktail.

A sweet tribute to motherhood, this necklace features a silver elephant holding each of her little peanuts. 

An easy-to-use instant photo printer that lets you create awesome analog Polaroid-style photo prints from your smartphone or tablet.

A classic French dessert transformed into decadent macaron soaps.

Brew Kombucha with this crock designed for the tangy, nutrient-dense tea.

The Handcrafted Golden Bangle reminds you to live with intention and let joy flow freely.

Mimosa ready champagne flutes perfect for brunch.

This birch speaker for your phone amplifies sound through an acoustic cone.

This artwork marries a couple's names and anniversary date with a portrait of the city they love.

This Valentine's Day Gift Guide is made up of products sold by UncommonGoods which offers really unique jewelry, cute home décor, and many other handcrafted gifts created in harmony with the environment without harm to animals or people. I really loved browsing their website and finding so many unique and "uncommon" products as the Company's name rightfully implies.

Girl Friend Gift Ideas

Rose Gold Drusy Gift Set
I love the Drusy collection from Kendra Scott. I own a silvery drusy bracelet but the rose gold pieces are gorgeous.

Orca Chasertini
Who said adults can’t have a sippy cup and one that keeps your cocktail cold for hours so you don't feel the need to chug down the drink. Perfect for a holiday gift or stocking stuffer.

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LuLaRoe Leggings

So incredibly soft and comfortable for working out, wearing out & about, or just lounging. I can't get enough of these leggings.

e.l.f. Illuminating Kit

e.l.f. Contouring Kit

CHI Blow Dryer, Flat Iron, and Styling Set
I initially saw this set on Groupon for only about $100 but it was sold out before I decided to purchase it for my sister. Sephora and Ulta have similar gift sets that are perfect for gift-giving.

The set includes:

1” Hello Beautiful Hairstyling Iron
Chi Silk Infusion

Pink thermal mat 

Pearlized White Rocket Hair Dryer
Chi 44 Pink Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
Hello Beautiful carry all bag with sequin trim


Naomi Double Ring in Rose Gold Drusy
Gorgeous ring to pair with the Kendra Scott necklace above. I've always wanted to try one of these double rings.

Thank you for all the birthday love yesterday and even a few amazing surprises in the mail! I couldn't be more thankful for meeting such amazing ladies. I feel blessed to have crossed paths in your lives via blogging and form true friendship! xo

Birthday & Holiday Gifts for Her

Tonight is the start of a long weekend for me with my work holiday party this evening and the day off tomorrow. It also happens to be my birthday on Sunday so there will be lots of celebrating going on which means I'll be MIA until next week.

I put together this wishlist/gift guide a few weeks ago but didn't get around to posting it. This year I want to keep it simple and wish for a spa day for Christmas, specifically a facial and massage. It's been a hectic year and I feel some pampering is in order to refresh for 2016 but I do have my eye on this Marc Jacobs Decadence perfume and this Kate Spade Champagne at Midnight watch for my birthday. Everything on the list I think would be perfect gifts for the ladies in your life whether it may be your sister, girl friend or mom. Ulta and Sephora have some amazing gift sets this year so I'm planning to purchase a few different ones for Christmas gifts.

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What's on your holiday wish or gift list? 

Swim Lover's Holiday Gift Guide

Luckily Florida doesn't stay cold for very long so beach/pool weather is usually in our favor. As you can probably tell from the name of my blog, I'm a big fan of swimsuits and beachwear in general. The holidays is the perfect time to stock up on some new suits for the year ahead and I usually pick up a thing or two for the husband and my girl friends as gifts.



SwimOutlet.com contacted me to review their online store and merchandise and of course I agreed. I purchased the Volcom Wild Marks Bikini top and matching Brazilian cut bikini bottom for myself and the Rusty Men's Boardshorts for K with the gift card they provided. I have to say the material of the bikini is so incredibly soft you can tell it's great quality. Actually same goes for the shorts. I also love that they kind of (not on purpose) match each other.



From growing up in the Caribbean I've always been a fan of good quality swimsuits and beach clothing that will withstand the salt and sun. Luckily SwimOutlet.com carries most of my favorite brands including Vix, Betsey Johnson, Volcom, Roxy and Kate Spade just to name a few. I picked some faves for Him and Her that would be perfect for gifts or just to gift yourself.

Gypsy Road Kimono / Wrap Bikini Top , Bikini Bottom / Pineapple Kaftan Cover Up
Free Spirit Dress / Jaime Bikini Top, Bikini Bottom / Pineapple Paradise Tank

Desert Fringe Crochet Shorts

Pineapple Paradise Beach Bag

One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six

Garmin VIRB X Action Camera

They offer a whole lot more than just fashion swimwear like for competitive swimmers, techies, kids, and water sports such as surfing and water polo. The fashionista in me naturally drifted to the beach clothing and bikini sections of their online shop.

If you're looking for gift ideas, SwimOutlet.com's Holiday Gift Guide is a good place to start as they offer some great ideas for different types of swimwear and equipment. I also like that they offer free shipping on purchases over $49, which always helps to cut the cost of shopping online.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

When you think about it, who are the mothers out there? My mom fits one demographic while there are also so many mothers out there around my age (give or take 10+ years). My point is that finding a gift for "Mom" is not a one-size-fits-all deal. This guide is probably more geared toward younger mothers but I know my mom would love a few things on the list so I guess it really depends on her interests. Everything is under $100 and I've also included a few more fun activities and ideas to make your mom feel special. 

Fitbit Flex Wristband // Personalized Expandable Wire Bangle // Philosophy Melon Daiquiri 3-in-1 Shampoo, Bubble Bath and Shower Gel // Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum by Jimmy Choo // Tervis Mommy's Sippy Cup Wine Goblet // Kindle Fire HD 6 // Women's Satin Wrap Robe (similar Very Sexy Silk Kimono)

Other Fun Ideas for Mother's Day:

~ Shopping/walking around your local Farmer's Market
~ A group painting or cooking class

~ Girls day out for manis & pedis

~ Brunch with the immediate family

~ Gift card for a massage or full day at the spa

~ 1-year subscription to something she loves (Amazon Prime, her favorite magazine, a beauty box)

~ Helping out with a home project while she relaxes

~ Going out for lunch and then a movie of her choice 

~ A box of macaroons or chocolate covered strawberries

Here's to all the fabulous Moms out there and hoping you enjoy your day this coming Sunday!