gifts for him

VALENTINE’S DAY WINE GUMMIES

Happy Valentine’s Day sweethearts! ❤  A day full of flowers, chocolates, love…and wine gummies? I think YES. I made these awhile back and actually posted this recipe for another blog, and it was a huge hit so I decided I will share here as well :). Tell the chocolates to stay on the shelves this year, because these are bound to be all the rage – especially if you’re a wine lover.

Seriously the quickest recipe ever – just three ingredients! Since you can use red or white wine, you can cater to whatever you prefer, or if these are for someone else, whatever they prefer. These def can be made for any occasion, whichever cookie cutters you want to use! Easter? Jesus has risen – let’s celebrate with wine gummies! Columbus Day? He was Italian, they make wine, let’s celebrate with wine gummies! Labor Day? What is a little winding down the concept of work without a little wine? Let’s celebrate with wine gummies! You get the gist – and hey if you want to make them just because, I totally get that 😉

 

Ingredients:

1 cup of wine of your choice

4 Tbsp. gelatin

2 Tbsp. maple syrup* (To make sweeter, you can add more maple syrup. I wanted to keep the wine flavor, so I only used 2 Tbsp.)

Directions:

  • Pour wine into a saucepan over low heat. Let heat up for about 3-5 minutes at this low heat, you do not want the wine to boil.
  • Add 1 Tbsp. of gelatin at a time, whisking after each addition to make sure it is combined thoroughly.
  • Add maple syrup to the sweetness you desire. Whisk it all together and remove from heat.
  • Pour into long pan and let chill/set in fridge for 1-2 hours.

You can cut them out in any shape you desire or use cookie cutters, I chose hearts since Valentine’s Day is today 🙂

Note: Once chilled some parts may look bubbly, simply just cut out your shape and flip it over for the smooth side.

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Ricky’s Cult Crushes Review

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Hello beauts! So I know we can all spend our paychecks in Ricky’s or Sephora or Ulta, or anywhere that sells makeup. There always seems to be a new product to try or a new beauty trend. I also feel like there a ton of beauty boxes out there that offer monthly subscriptions. I have tried Birchbox before since it was a gift from my sister, but I just felt like the samples were so tiny. What caught my eye about Ricky’s version of the monthly subscription beauty box is that it typically comes with one full size product. I also love that you get 25% off of all online purchases and free shipping on purchases of $50 or more. YASSSS. For only $11 getting ALL of that (retail value up to $50) seems like a steal in my eyes! For that price, it doesn’t even matter what is in the box, but it seems to always be something awesome 🙂 Check it more here.

This is the review September – I plan on updating this post each month with what I receive!

Opened it up to a little motivation! #CameToCrush everyday!

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HSI Mini Straightener

Umm ok a mini straightener?! This is actually perfection. Tiny yet so powerful! I can throw this right in my purse for days I am running late and can just plug it in at work, and viola my hair is set! The plates are ceramic which helps leave your hair shiny, annnnd even more importantly, they heat up in seconds! Love love love!

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HSI Argan Oil Shampoo, Conditioner + Leave In Treatment

Alright so after summer sun and salty hair, this came in at the perfect time. I felt like my hair was looking so dull and dry and brittle. Not after using these bad boys. I seriously am going to have to get the full size versions. I also love that they are sulfate free and full of vitamins.

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Z-Palette Large

Say what?! This is so unbelievably convenient – I remember my old company did some work with Z Palette and I kept saying I wish they would send us some so we can try, and now my dreams came true lol! This seemed to be a custom one for Ricky’s and I love it. It is so urban and hip. I love that I can customize my own palette with everything that I use – it is so helpful if I am doing my makeup on the go. Instead of lugging around my makeup bag, I can just throw it on my palette and shove it in my purse. Total win with this.

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Wella Root Shoot Mousse

I am a big advocate of Wella products – I used to work in a salon and everyone swore by it and since I got to test out the products first hand, I came to swear by them too! Sometimes my hair can get sooo flat, and since I typically straighten it, it doesn’t make for the best mix. I can’t seem to nail down that middle part with my hair pasted down like the Kardashian’s can haha. Sometimes I throw in a little volumizing powder but it makes my hair feel stiff and weird and doesn’t seem to work. I tried this once and my Jersey girl came out. Total life saver.

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Masque Bar Luminizing Charcoal Mask

I cannot seem to escape masks lol I recently just got a facial so I am trying to leave my skin alone for a bit so I have not yet tried this. But when I do, I will update 🙂

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After just one box, my final verdict is YES – totally worth it! For $11 the value is unbeatable.

The Perfect Valentine’s Day Guide

I can’t believe how fast time is flying, one of my most favorite holidays are rapidly approaching! I know that when I tell some people that, I get a major eye roll in response, guess I’m just a romantic what can I say?! Valentine’s Day is supposed to revolve around love, so to me it doesn’t matter if you’re single or in a relationship, there is still plenty ways to enjoy the day. If you’re in a relationship, you’ll celebrate with your significant other and if you’re single you’ll spend it with the ladies (Galentine’s Day!) – either way it’s supposed to be a time of love and celebrations with the ones you love and who love you.

The concept of Valentine’s Day has actually been around since the Middle Ages but wasn’t made popular in the USA until about the 1700s, and then massively popular in the 1840s.I feel like in recent years, Valentine’s Day has gained more and more momentum, like there are some really unique ways people have begun to celebrate it. Of course I like to be wined and dined, but I am not one to turn down a nice night in. Check out some ideas for plans, gifts, and celebrations!

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Making the Plans

  • Couples
    • A Night Out
      • Make reservations ahead of time! Having roses when you pick her up may help too – hint hint to my BF is he’s reading this 😉
      • I love surprises, so when she starts asking about V-Day plans (she will), try to keep it vague, maybe just a “put on that red dress and I’ll pick you up at 8”. Hot damn.
      • I would definitely choose a restaurant that is intimate and romantic. Your gal def does not want to be taken to Applebee’s on V-Day! Perhaps one of your favorite restaurants, where you had your first date, her favorite cuisine, a place with a view, etc.
      • V-Day seems to be a day where we go a little bit more above and beyond. Treating her to a nice dinner doesn’t mean fancy, but perhaps a step above of what you two usually do.
      • Since it falls on a Tuesday this year, celebrations typically take place the weekend prior. After dinner nightcaps are always a safe bet, or if you’re at a place with a view, take a romantic stroll.File_000 (6).jpeg
        • A Night In
          • Homemade dinner + romantic playlist.
          • This may seem really easy, but making it the perfect, candlelit dinner is actually pretty hard – from the set-up, the mood, the food, it’s a bit nerve wracking!
          • If you’re not a chef, I’d say give it the ol’ college try. She will def appreciate the effort moreso than the taste (or at least she should lol). But, if you’re really just a hazard in the kitchen, maybe order some take-out from her favorite restaurant, or her favorite dish and plate it nicely. Don’t forget the candles, and spreading some rose petals is a beautiful touch!
          • Have the vino poured and the playlist in the background and the mood is set. For the playlist, Spotify has some great playlists you can choose from, or you can make your own and fill it with your favorite songs.
          • Here are some Pinterest ideas for recipes and table settings!

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  • Galentine’s Day Brunch
    • Yasssss! So the hardest part about this is going to be gathering all the girls. Once that is done, it is an absolute breeze.
    • Stock up on some wine, some bubbly, cute decorations, tapas, and get a super upbeat playlist. No sad movies and ice cream! Also a Polaroid camera can make for some great instant pictures!
    • There are little quizzes you can do, little favors like nail polish you can hand out.
    • Check out some ideas below!

Gift Guide – this is basically the most important part of the article haha!

  • For Her
    • Roses + chocolate are basically a must, oh and so is a beautiful card. I am such a mush when it comes to a card and a hand written note ❤
    • To me, V-Day gifts are supposed to reflect on the love you share and is something that is sentimental. It doesn’t have to be some lavish thing. I would suggest something like a piece of jewelry, a LoveBook, something personalized, something that means a lot to her. A gift to both you and her would be lingerie hahah!
    • Some examples below:
  • For Him
    • Well usually Valentine’s Day is a holiday for the ladies, but the guy should get some credit too!
    • Guys are pretty simple to please I have to say, and they honestly may not be expecting anything. See some ideas below:
      • Cologne – this smells so sexual and doesn’t break the bank like Creed does.
      • Watch
      • Wallet
      • 52 Reasons Why I Love You (take a deck of cards and write a reason on each one, instructions here!)
      • Open When Letters…
      • Scrapbook
      • A date of something HE wants – maybe going to a racetrack, seeing a movie he likes, a restaurant he likes, etc.

The ULTIMATE Holiday Gift Guide

It is officially that time of year again! Bring on the Christmas music, the snow, the holiday cheer, and the shopping lines! Wait, what? Since this is the busiest time of year for everyone, especially retailers, isn’t it best to get a head start on all shopping? I absolutely love buying gifts for people, especially sentimental ones that they are going to actually use and love. However, I’ve learned waiting until last minute usually leaves me with zero options and more disappointment than the person actually receiving the gift. I also always find myself in a rut of what the perfect gift may be for them. I mean, I’ve only had 364 days to really listen and see what they want or need. So I hope this list is as helpful to you as it will be to me for years to come!

 

A lot of these gifts are interchangeable, so if they are under a certain section, but you know of someone else who may love it, then certainly go for it!

The Parents & In-Laws:

  • The 2-for-1
    • Dinner + show!
      • You can easily get two tickets to a Broadway show, a comedy show, a band/group they like, or any kind of show they may like and pair it with a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant!
  • I’m all about those monthly clubs! I’ve used this site many times for many different people, it is great because you can really mix and match!
  • I also love putting together baskets. Fill it up with useful items that you know they will use and it is a home-run! For example I made a basket this year with a Le Crueset dish, and filled it with dish-towels, olive oil from Italy, specialty pasta, Italian spices, and a bottle of wine.
  • If they collect anything, then add to their collection! My BF’s father collects vintage cognac, so that was an easy one.
  • Tile Tracker – no more “where are my keys?!” *I know my mother needs this.*

 

The Best Friend:

 

For the Fellas (dad, brother, boyfriend, etc.):

 

For the Ladies (mom, sister, girlfriend, etc.):

  • Spa package
  • Tickets to a musical or play that they like
  • Wristlet/clutch
  • Jewelry (we all love a little Tiffany blue box 😉 )
  • Watch
  • Hollywood Vanity Mirror
  • A weekend getaway
  • Shoes, shoes, shoes!

 

The Host: