my favorite things {2012} -- for her

I hesitated writing this post in lieu of the tragedy that happened last week in our nation. I mean why post silly, material stuff when lives were taken and families are experiencing such despair and grief?

So even now as I post this, my heart is heavy. I can't imagine the pain mommies (and daddies and brothers and sisters...) are experiencing even now. My prayers are with those families.

But because I am a little on the OCD side... I can't leave off where I started.

Go to these links to catch the other favorite things for him and kids.

1. Sonoma ankle boots. If you've been debating whether you can follow the trend with this "booties"... I say, "Go for it!". These booties have a suede upper and contrasting wrapped buckle accent that are super stylish and comfy. Price $29.

2. Maybelline Baby Lips. No more basic lip balm. This formula renews, protects and moisturizes for a full 8 hours. After 1 week, lips are visibly renewed. Comes in 6 shades. I love this stuff and will never be without it! Price $3.

3. American Eagle touchpoint gloves. So in love with these. If you have a smartphone these are necessary in the cold. Made of soft-knit yarn with ribbed cuffs. Super cute and soft. $16.

4. Solid buckle hip belt. Every girl needs something pink. I love this thin belt especially if it's being worn with jeans and a cardigan. Price only $5.
  5. Pandora silver ring. This beautiful ring has it all, in my opinion. Silver, a little 14-karat gold and mother of pearl. So delicate, yet stands out. Price $180.    6. OPI Avojuice skin quenchers lotion. These silken lotions are filled with smooth, rich moisturizers plus nourishing avocado and healing aloe extracts. Your skin will drink up the goodness. I'm loving the mango scent! Price $7.  7. Grace and Lace leg warmers. My favorite style/color is the Lacey Lou graphite open-work leg warmers with ivory knit lace trim and buttons. So adorable to peek out from under your boots. Love! Price $34.    8. Natural Life "Go with the flow" iphone case. I love this squishy iphone case. Mine has been dropped several times and it's all good with this thick case. Such a sweet little whale on front too and a quote that fits my life as a very busy mom. I purchased mine at Francesca's for $18.   9. Tippy Thai linen tote/purse. This gorgeous bag is made from 100% linen. I love it's unique and beautiful texture, giving you a different feeling from other fabrics. This everyday bag is sturdy and big enough to hold lots of your essentials. Price $47.   10. Aveda comforting tea bags. Steep yourself in comfort - wherever or whenever - with our soothing herbal infusion of licorice root and peppermint, in convenient tea bags. Calm your senses, promoting a sense of well-being. Price $17.
11. American Eagle sequin cropped cardigan. Add a little flash with this super cute and trendy cardigan. This can be dressed up or down. And I am loving this pink. Perfect for a holiday party. Price $70.
12. Nine West Love Fury perfume. This scent is soft, fresh and fruity. Definitely not overpowering or harsh. Hoping it's under the tree for me! Price -- incredibly cheap at Wal-Mart -- $20!!
13. Anthropologie Homegrown monogram mug. These mugs are perfection. Whimsical and monogrammed just for you! Perfect for anyone and comes in a variety of prints for each letter. Price $8.

my favorite things {twenty-twelve} :: for him

It's that time of year. Many of you have your Christmas shopping about covered. But I'm here for those of you who still need to purchase gifts OR just want to grab something really cool for yourself! I have enjoyed jotting down my favorite things over the year. I hope you think they're great too.

Now to clarify, these items may not be brand new in 2012, but items I have discovered and think are wonderful gift choices. This also doesn't necessarily mean I have all of them in my possession... I'm not that rich!

This will be the first of three posts... Men/Miscellaneous, Kids and Women. 

So without further adieu...

My Favorite Things of 2012

{for him}

1. Olloclip iPhone camera lens. Compatible with the iPhone 4, 4S, 5, and the 4th generation iPod touch. The Olloclip is a quick-connect lens system that includes fisheye, wide-angle, and macro lenses in a tiny and convenient package. Price $70

2. Ugg Brockman. A classic lace-up sneaker saunters, casually, towards the upscale. Price $130

3. The Bag of Holding messenger bag. This is a large canvas messenger bag that is so much bigger inside than you think. The main compartment is padded and big enough for a 17" laptop. Price $42

4. Kindle Paperwhite. The world's most advanced e-reader. Unlike a backlit tablet display, Kindle Paperwhite guides light towards the surface of the e-ink display from above so that the light never shines directly towards your eyes, allowing you to read comfortably without eye strain. Also has a an 8-week battery life. Price $119

5. Cuisinart Griddler. The Cuisinart Griddler brings the art of grilling indoors, ensuring that meal prep can be manly even in cold, inclement weather. It also doubles as a griddle and panini press. Price $80

6. Bacon floss. What guy wouldn't love some of this in his stocking?

7. Old Navy men's regular fit chambray shirt. Trendy with the button-flap chest pockets and a color that any man would look great in!

8. Men's Admiral blazer from Gap. This is a sharp and sleek wool blazer that has a hip slim fit. For the best look, dress it down with jeans.

9. Krave Jerkey. Krave Jerky is a healthy, anytime snack. For athletes, outdoor recreationalists or anyone on-the-go. It presents all the benefits of meat, at its healthiest. Jerky is naturally loaded with protein, while the drying process both removes most of the fat and results in fewer carbohydrates.

10. ImagineNations map wall art. Add some beauty and serenity to your world with these vintage-themed world maps. They are eco-friendly maps printed on heavyweight 100% recycled stock with all water-based inks.

11. {My super-hip hubby's recommendation for the men's list...} The Black Keys El Camino CD.  The Black Keys is a two-man duo comprising singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, both of whom were in their early twenties when the band debuted. Hailing from Akron, OH, they harnessed a close-to-the-bone, raw blues-rock sound on the album, whole sole instruments were Auerbach's guitar, Carney's drums, and the occasional organ.

My Favorite Things (2011 Gift Ideas - Part 1)

All through the year I have mentally and physically kept track of my all-time favorite things. Whether they are for the kitchen, kids or for him or her, it's here. So if you're in a bind and need to purchase those last minute gifts, I personally think the following will please almost anyone!

For the Home::


Cuisinart Immersion Blender - Puree soups, emulsify homemade salad dressings, blend drinks and mix pancake or crepe batters in a zip with this immersion blender. Comes in stainless steal and other fun colors. Price $30.





Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler - I can't tell you how long I've had my eye on this. It works as a full grill, panini press, and griddle. It has a drip tray for healthier eating and all the cooking plates can be removed and are dishwasher safe. Who can resist this thing of beauty? Price $80.





Reisenthel Market Basket - This innovative and collapsible bag is used all over Europe and is known as the essential basket. Can be used in place of the cart at the grocery store to cut down on germ exposure or to throw last-minute items in before heading out for errands. Great eco-friendly alternative to paper or plastic shopping bags. Throw in some favorite food items from Trader Joe's and you have a perfect gift in a gift! Price $40.



Yonana's Maker - I'm really not into a lot of convenience-type appliances, but this one may have to be an exception. It seems like an amazing invention if you ask me. You freeze the bananas or other fruits and voila', out comes frozen fruit yogurt. Great way to pack in vitamins and minerals in a little bowl of frozen fruit! Price $60.





Produce Calendar - This unique gift would make a great stocking stuffer for the health conscious person looking to see what produce to plant, harvest and eat according to each season. Features beautiful illustrations and is tailored to your particular region. Price $26.




For the Man in Your Life::

Black Walnut Cologne from Banana Republic - I love to smell my man. Nothing overpowering, but just enough to grab my attention. This scent has nice, subtle notes of cognac, tobacco leaves and cedarwood. Yum! Price $55.




Timex Weekender Watch - I know everyone has phones today to help with telling time, but there's something manly about a watch. This watch has a striped, nylon strap and is fashionable and affordable. These are available at Target, JCPenney, Walmart and REI. Just go buy one. Price $35.


Something Leather... Colsen Keane - The husband of a college friend of mine makes a variety of handmade leather goods... from ipad and kindle covers to belts and wallets. These items would make such a classic and timeless gift for any man. Prices $45 and up.



Bulldog Original Moisturizer - Even men need a good moisturizer. This all natural one is packed with 8 essential oils, green tea, green algae, konjac mannan and vitamin E to help rehydrate the skin. Does not contain harmful parabens, artificial ingredients or laureth sulfate. My hubby's gonna find this one in his stocking... shh! Price $14.




For the Fitness-Minded::

Bob Harper: Yoga for the Warrior - We actually just rented this from our local library and let me say, it is extreme. As the video states, "Temperatures and heart rates will soar as you push your body to the limit, triggering both physical and metabolic responses that work to deliver your most streamlined physique possible". A must-have to get you geared up for those New Year's resolutions! Price $10.


Hula Hoop - Believe it or not, the hula hoop is now one of the hottest fitness crazes. It's an exercise that provides low impact movement on your joints while burning 400-600 calories an hour. These weighted hoops you will strengthen your abs, shape your waist, burn fat and speed weight loss while building core strength. Price $35.



Bobble Water Bottles - Enjoy filtered water on the go with these sleek water bottles. When water passes through the carbon filter it removes chlorine and other contaminants. This is a stylish alternative to plastic bottles plus each filter equates to 300 single-serve bottles. Bobble is free of BPA, phthalates and PVC. Prices $9 and up.



There you have it, part one of my favorite things this year. Stay tuned for the remaining list of gifts for women, kids, food gifts and books/dvd's.

What favorite thing are you gifting this Christmas?