Holiday Party Hostess Gifts

This time of year everyone is having house parties. I don't know about you, but I hate going to a shin-dig empty handed. I like to have something for the hostess but not something she'll be obligated to share with the party.

I overcome this in a few ways.

1. Something inedible but homemade (with store bought touches) and
2. WRAP IT!
3. Something edible but..
4. WRAP IT!

Most hostesses will hate to stand there in the entry way as guests are pouring in opening a gift, at the least it leaves her hands full unable to greet and at the worst it makes her seem greedy for the gift.

A few things that make good gifts that are unsharable?

1. Bath & body products - I'm not talking about those horrid gift sets that you get for $10 at the store (though if you must, it is better than nothing). I have started making my own all natural bath scrubs, rubs, and soaks. I love it and I have not heard one word of complaint! (Ability to purchase coming soon! EEeek!)

2. Decadent baked/kitchen goods that are too yummy to share.. but in small amounts so they don;t feel like you're trying to make them fat! 3-4 nicely wrapped pieces of fudge, brownies, cookies, etc. If it is a couple hosting, do a multi-treat gift with 2 pieces of each goodie.

3. If you don't have time for any of that, try a gift cards to a local spa. They normally start in low denominations. You don't have to foot the whole bill. Most people would rather pay half than not be able to go at all. If you don;t have a local spa or think it is too much, how about a pedicure gift card at a shop near her home?

4. Don;t have money to spend? A simple thank you card (try hand-making one?) is enough to show that they are appreciated.

After all, isn't that better than all the riches in the world?

Loverdoodles: Pocket Mirrors and Wedding Favors

Have you ever been out and desperately needed a mirror to check your lipstick... only to find the ladies room bursting with people and you can't get to one? Have a teen that complains she doesn't wear her elastics for her bracelets because she never has time to get to the bathroom mirror?  Do you like to check your makeup before going into an appointment? Do you just like cute, adorable, handmade things that support today's at home working woman?

If you answered yes to any of these questions I have some news for you!

click to go to her etsy shop

Emily over on Etsy at Loverdoodles is just one of those women making wonderful things for our enjoyment. I am a repeat customer, having sent these out to friends and family any time I needed a little gift in the past 3-4 months since I found her.

They are excellent quality with a clear mirror- no distorted noses or tiny imperfections looking like it takes over your face. She will also do her best to accommodate any customization you need, like initials and small coloring changes. These made excellent stocking stuffers for Christmas and I can't wait to see the reaction when the girls see them!

How would you like to win a set of
her mirrors and  gift tins??

Yes, you heard me correctly!
I'm purchasing a set just for you!

Why?

Because I know you will love it so much that you'll will be back to see her when you need that little something special!

What do you have to do to enter?

It's simple! Each of the below "things to do" is one entry.

Unlink most Blogs, I don't require all separate entries 

See my How to enter my giveaways! page for details.

#1 is required to enter, the rest are extra entries.

1) Which mirror and tin would you choose if you won?
(They don't have to match!)

2) Add Loverdoodles to your Etsy favorites 

3) "Like" Loverdoodles on Facebook

4) "Like" my new Did you hear about that? Facebook page

5) Follow my blog (follow button is in right column)


Contest will end December 27 (1 week) and item will be shipped directly from Loverdoodles the first week in January when she returns to the "shop" from her move.
Good luck on the move, Em! I did it recently and I do not envy you!!


If we haven't "met" yet be sure to leave me an email to contact you if you win and/or be sure come back to check if you won!

Last Minute "Santa" Ideas

I'm pulling my hair out here and here are some deals I have found around town that shoudl be pretty similar where ever you are!


Girls Ages 4 & up

• Easy Bake Oven & accessories, including kiddy size hot mitts & aprons ($28 + accessories at Walmart)
• Poseable doll & horse ($40 at Sam's Club)
• Disney Baby Cinderella Princess Nursery ($24 at Sam's Club)
• 4ft Tall doll house with basic furniture ($99 Sam's Club)
• Dress up Box, 3 outfits with accessories, Sizes 3-6  ($34 at Sam's Club)

Teens 

• Nook w/ Wi-fi Capablities ($149 at Barnes & Noble)
• DSi ($189 Game stop)
• BOOKS!!! (Any denomination gift cards for your closest book store!)
• Clothes (Let them pick! Giftcards for Gap, Old Navy, Justice and more!)

Mom & Dad

• Nook w/ Wi-fi Capablities ($149 at Barnes & Noble) Can you tell I want this thing in my house somehow???) LOL!
• Massage/Spa Packages (Check locally for Holiday Specials)

Best Friends:

• STARBUCKS!!! (My BFF added to my SB card.. she rocks!!!!!!)
• Handmade jewelry/accessories (Check Etsy! Most sellers will ship directly to the recipient, just convo them!!)

Publish Post

Sweet Dreams Baby Gear

I'm excited about the review I am doing today because I know the beautiful young woman that created them!  Sweet Dreams Baby Gear was started by a young newly wed aiming to perfect baby products before her own arrived. I say she's hitting the mark! 

I purchased a set of  her baby wipes for my pre-schooler because she has always had troubles going potty and gets a sore bottom wiping with regular toilet paper - and I'm tired of buying baby wipes! Can you imagine a 4 year old saying "Mommy I like these wipees!" when you clean them?? I swear! It's happened!

After dipping them in a solution of water with a splash of her favorite liquid baby soap, I fold or roll them -depends on what mood the princess is in, then I store them in a wipes box (just an old Disney Princess box that the little one liked, though you couls use a wipe warmer, especially with younger babies) on the back of the bathroom sink for easy access when needed. SDBG's wipes are only slightly larger than a store bought wipe, but I can clean her with ONE WIPE per bowel movement. Try that with a store bought wipe! We seperated some, at Kaelyn's suggestion, to use as wash cloths and they work great for that as well.

A small bucket with a gallon of water and a 1/2 cup of baking soda keeps them from staining or smelling before laundry day. The set of 18 (I think..) that I have lasts us the week even if she uses them to bathe her babies or clean chocolate off her finger or wipe the oven door ( a new habit she is developing)...whatever she's using them for, we have plenty. I wash them with our regular bathroom laundry (towels, etc) and they have not stained and there is no lingering smells. The ones we use for wipes (and oven door cleaners), I don't bother throwing in the dryer, I just redip them and put back in the box.

Made with one side of colorful patterned fnannel and one side of bright coordinating microfiber, these wipes are cute as well as functional. AND SO SOFT!! Even the tenderest of bottoms will appreciate this wipe. Perfect for newborns (CAN'T WAIT!) and they'll still be gentle enough for the tenderness of those pesky red bottoms babies get. I can't think of one bad thing to say about these wipes! You have got to try them for yourself.

All in all, Sweet Dreams Baby Gear has a great product for the price and has frequent sales so you can stock up on these wipes!!  Check her out on Etsy at SweetDreamsBabyGear.etsy.com or on FaceBook at Sweet Dreams Baby Gear! Tell her I sent you!