The Reinvented "Of-The-Month" Box

Well, Hello! Its been quite a summer. Gone too quickly as usual. I'll be catching you up on all the goings-on over the next week or so, but today I wanted to share a great idea for long distance gift giving or especially for the college back to school-er. Its not a new concept to sign a loved one up for a monthly delivery of fruit, meat, etc but there are several companies that have refreshed the concept with some really interesting, socially conscious and healthy incarnations.

Umba Box - Umba provides the recipient with their specially selected handmade gift or gift(s) each month. They concentrate on jewelry, stationary, accessories and bath items with several options for length of subscription. "We are passionate about handmade products and the connections that can be forged between consumers and artists. We shine a light on handmade products by including a story about the artist in each Umba Box. Ultimately, Umba Box is special because of the insight each subscriber gains into the lives of artisans." 

ManPacks - The name speaks for itself. This is a great option for college fellas, a guy just starting out or the too busy to think about it type. You can send ManPacks every 3 months. The packs come in several options including, "Gym Rat" and "The Natural" or "CEO" to suit every guys style. They include socks, undies, shaving items and if you so choose, for the progressive parent/gift-giver...cover your ears children...condoms (said with a whisper). Another convenience is you do not need to know the recipients sizes or address. They will contact them directly to collect the info. 

Hammock Pack - A super idea for someone who really needs a little me time but just won't take the time. Hammock Pack offers a solution that arrives on their doorstep and they never have to leave home. "Whether it’s as simple as a movie night or mementos from that exotic vacation you can’t find the time to take. So relax and let a little “me time” come to you." They offer three affordable subscription options and unique themes each month. What a great mid-term treat or for Mom after a busy summer with the kiddos.

Birch Box - If you have someone who is really into the latest and greatest in beauty products and accessories this is the box for them. They have boxes for men and women. Birch Box sources high-end beauty products from established to up and coming companies. "The women’s subscription includes everything from skincare to makeup, as well as fun non-beauty extras. The men’s subscription delivers top-tier grooming products in addition to lifestyle accessories ranging from hip socks to tech accessories."

Blissmo Box - These boxes are filled with eco-friendly and non-toxic products and offered with a 3 month gift subscription of either their beauty or snack packs. They search out new brands as well as established product names. "We want to use products that are better & safer for our bodies, our families, our communities and our planet, but realized it difficult to know where to find these products or if they were truly safer...We figured others had the same frustration so set out to help health-minded and earth-minded shoppers discover what's better."

The Honest Company - Made famous by its founder, actress Jessica Alba, The Honest Company specializes in safe, earth friendly cleaning and baby self branded products. Their gift packs come in 1, 3 and 6 month options of either the family home essentials or the diaper and wipes option. This is a fabulous idea for a new mom, but the cleaning products would be a creative and useful gift for a new grad with a new apartment and a college loan to pay off. Either option is practical and thoughtful.

There are lots of companies that are hoping on the gift box wagon. Whichever you choose, its a convenient and useful gift that is still personal and creative. The joy in these gifts is the anticipation of knowing you have surprise to look forward to each month. Who doesn't want to stretch out a birthday, holiday or special occasion as long as possible. I'll be checking the stoop for some goodies...Happy Giving! Ta.

Gifts for Dad Made in the U.S.A.

Well, May was all about Mom and next up is Dear Ole Dad. This year get him something unexpected and forego another necktie. It's kinda like giving a kid school supplies for their birthday...bummer.  We searched out to find some really cool stuff that Dad's would love to get. I decide to see what items I could find that were all Made in the U.S. A. Here are just a few, but there are hundreds of ideas out there!

Cycling Dads will love this specialty cleaning and care kit.  "Keep wheels (and legs) thriving with this portable set of travel-sized stainless Steel, chrome and tin polish, wash and wax, sprocket and gear oil and natural insect and bug repellent made to help you blaze your own trail. A thoughtful gift for the roadie and off-roader alike, this handy kit keeps your ride in top condition without slowing you down--now that's the perfect road partner. Set of four 2 oz. bottles. Made in Atlanta."

Cycle Care Kit - uncommongoods.com

For the Thinker Dad, this beautiful hand crafted leather sketchbook/iPhone case: "theGOODbook™ 5 is a leather wallet, iPhone 5 case and sketchbook all in one. Designed to consolidate the many items we carry in our pockets everyday. Comes with one replacement sketchbooks. Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon USA."

Wallet/Sketchbook/iPhone Case - redcloudscollective.com

For the Backyard Dad, this tournament horseshoe set:  "Approved for professional and tournament play by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association, this American Presidential edition includes everything needed for 2-4 person play: two 24" solid steel stakes; a rulebook with court layout, a handsome mahogany-finished pine carrying case with built-in handle, and 4 forged-steel American horseshoes with longer, weighted tips, tapered leading edges, ringer breakers and finger holds—all designed to enhance success. This Tournament Horseshoes Set ensures backyard fun for generations to come. Made in the U.S.A."

Tournament Horseshoe Set: - smithsonianstore.com 

For the Fishing Dad, The Lure Locker: "Use this innovative product to safely secure your lure to your fishing pole and leaving no exposed sharp hooks! Simply fold it over your rod and lure. Easily conceals your lure from getting snagged!"

Lure Locker - duluthpack.com

For the Biker Dad: Gatorz Kegger Sunglasses: "The wrap around will define your sunglass and how you will be holding the toilet after the ladies continue to refill your red cup all night. Keep em’ close, so you can shield the blinding sun as you stumble into the morning light. Specially designed to provide the sharpest, clearest vision possible, Gatorz Eyewear are a must for riders, racers, or extreme sports enthusiasts who demand the best."

Gatorz Kegger Sunglasses - bikersden.com

For the Fix-it Dad, Personalized Hammer: "Short hammer (or other tool) with a custom designed, hand engraved personalization of your choice."

Personalized Hammer - etsy.com

For the Outdoor Dad: The American Classic Coleman Cooler: "The Coleman Steel Belted® cooler has the same great performance as the original from 1954. Large 54 qt. capacity holds up to 85 cans; thick insulation keeps items cool for hours. Solid steel latch secures the lid; stainless-steel hinges and screws resist rusting and breakage. Large, sturdy stainless-steel handles with rubber grips are easy on the hands and make transporting simple. Rustproof, leak-resistant channel drain lets you empty water without having to tilt the cooler.  Base, lid and liner of the Coleman Steel Belted cooler are easy to clean"

Coleman Cooler - REI.com

For the Nautical Dad: Repourposed Sail Cloth Duffel Bag: 'This duffel has the weekend get-a-way in mind. It's perfect for that weekend regatta or a weekend in the city. It's also airline carry-on regulation size. Easy to spot on the turnstile. Ocean durable.'

Sailcloth Duffel - ellavickers.com 

For the BBQ Dad: Knox Rub Gift Basket: "All 4 Knox's Spice Co's regional seasonings and our Knox Bro's. Middle Eastern Market Style Kabob seasoning and South American Fruit Spice. The 4 original dry rubs; Chipotle BBQ, Jamaican Jark, Cracked Pepper and Yummy Chicken. Great for a BBQ or grilling enthusiast. A unique gift for the foodie who thinks they have everything. Carefully arranged in a towel lined basket and filled with hickory chips, shrink wrapped and tied with a red cord. Personalized card and recipes supplied."

Knox Bro's Rubs - knoxspice.com

For the Rocker Dad: El Dorado Guitar Strap: 'Our “Vintage Plain” model guitar straps are designed for the guitarist looking for all the quality, durability, and comfort of our hand-tooled straps, but in a “dressed down” version. These straps are fashioned from sturdy top-grade stitched saddle leather. The shoulderpads are backed in plush sheepskin shearling, providing unsurpassed comfort even with the heaviest instrument. The bucklework is chromed solid cast zinc."

Original Guitar Strap - eldoradostraps.com

Happy Father's Day!

Mothers Day Gift Giving For Every Style

Mommy and Me Set etsy

Mothers day is a special time of year when we get to spoil moms and mom-like figures in our lives.  We found some unique ideas for her that she will actually use and enjoy!

For the Casual Mom a simple conversation tee that sums it all up:

Queen Bee Tee  waxingkara

For the Dress Up Mom the perfect spring garden party clutch:

Flower Beaded Clutch anthropologie

For the Sentimental Mom a nest necklace with all her chicks on it:

Nesting Bird Necklace uncommongoods

For the Bookworm Mom something personal to keep her reader cozy:

Needlepoint Monogram Nook Cover landsend

For the Garden Mom a little project to do together and grow for seasons to come:

Hen and Chick Growing Kit redenvelope 

For the Active Mom the perfect go anywhere handle anything skort:

Denim Bettona Classic Skort Athleta

For the Sporty Mom a wristband to track all your data for her busy life:

UP Wristband Jawbone

For the Traveling Mom a tote and cosmetic bag made to last:

South Cosmetic and Tote Bags
with Monogram
markandgraham

For the Teacher Mom a wall hanging to remind everyone of her favorite lessons:

Family Rules Wall Canvas wisteria

For the Baker Mom the ultimate kitchen mixer that looks gorg too:

Kitchen Aid 5qt Stand Mixer Target

For the Foodie Mom a collection of unique inde sweets and treats:

The Mother Load Gift Assortment newyorkmouth

Finally, for the DIY Mom a project that you can make for her:

Easy Child Silhouettes DIY cottagehill

Remember, whether you break the bank or glue together a macaroni embelished trinket box, the biggest gift you can give Mom is hug, kiss and a really big thank you. Now go call your mother! Happy Mothers Day!

Newly Wed-nesday: Something for the Bachelorette

The big day is coming and it's time to treat the bride-to-be to some girl time with her maids and friends. Although the typical gag gift is likely, it seems a waste to give the bachelorette a lot of novelty shop junk. There are other ways to show her with playful and romantic goodies that won't make everyone in the room cringe with awkwardness.

zoeschochocolate.com

Chocolate has long been considered an aphrodisiac. Zoë's Chocolates, which is the exclusive chocolatier of the 2013 Academy Awards, is a company based on love and chocolate. They have creative flavors like, Dionysus Baklava, Black Daphne Chocolate, and Pinot Noir Infused Fleur de Sel Milk Chocolate Caramel, made from natural and locally sourced ingredients. 

tokyo-milk.com

Objects to desire, that's what TokyoMilk calls their unexpected blends. With lip balms like, Dead Sexy, Cherry Bourban and Clove Cigarette, you understand why this collection is called Femme Fatale. "Not for the faint of heart: An unexpected mixture of fragrance & flavor. A remarkable lip elixir for a remarkably uncommon experience."

Sephora.com

For the bride and her honey bee, dip into some of Laura Mercier's Ambre Vanillé Bath & Body Collection featuring the Honey Bath. "The finish is soft, intimate, and absolutely addictive."

boldloft.com

Adorable! His and hers pillow cases featuring stick people in love. They are also available in t-shirt form and in black. Definitely no going to bed mad with these happy reminders.

Etsy.com

Eliminate the old debate of what to do on date night. These handmade dating dice are hand drawn, laser imprinted and burned with suggestions for the newlyweds day or night out. 

Hey, it's usually not a bachelorette party unless someone gets a little crazy. These gifts will be thoughtful reminders to the new bride of her last big single hoo-rah and maybe the only thing anyone ever speaks of again. (My stars!) Ta!

Gifts For Guys: Get Personal With Books

Valentine's Day is around the corner. Let's be honest, there are hundreds of ideas and marketing campaigns targeting women, but finding a unique present for your guy may find you kinda stuck. I think the most impact a gift of any kind has on its receiver is making it truly personal. Valentine's Day is a time to show your fella that you have been paying attention. Ask yourself, what is important or interesting to him? Now, how do you translate that into a gift? The answer is a book. The possibilities are endless. Even better there are gazillion beautiful collectible or "coffee table" books. Not only are they wonderful to explore, they can actually be displayed in your home, in the man cave, or in his office. I checked out a family owned book shop, The Morris Book Shop in Lexington, KY and here are a few suggestions:

The Fender Telecaster: The Life & Times of the Electric Guitar That Changed the World

Star Wars Art: Illustration

Whiskey Opus

The Art of Video Games: From Pac-Man to Mass Effect

Cycling's Golden Age: Heroes of the Postwar Era, 1946-1967

Car: The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile

Brought to Light: Photography and the Invisible, 1840-1900

Motorcycle: The Definitive Visual History

The Great American Cereal Book: How Breakfast Got Its Crunch

Thats just the tip of the book stack. No matter the topic, I am certain there is a fabulous book out there that is a perfect token of your affection. Shop local, if possible, you will enjoy the experience and they will be happy to help you find exactly what fits. Finally, whenever I give a book I always write a message inside. For years to come, your Valentine will read the inscription and appreciate that you took the time to get-him.  “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ― Winston Churchill. May the love of those closest to you be the biggest gift you receive this Valentine's Day. Ta! THM

Kitchen Couture

I am known for my collection of aprons. Its a nice pick me up to put on a fun and flirty apron after a long day when you may not be feeling quite so fashionable. Aprons now come in so many beautiful fabrics and with as much detail as a piece from your wardrobe. They are truly a little bit of Kitchen Couture. Some of my favorite patterns such as, Scarlett Blossom and Pink Chocolate are now available for you to purchase in my Happy Home Maker Shop. This one featured in the photo above, is an adorable cant-go-wrong basic in Sassy Black. Yes, it has a cell phone or ipod pocket! Make sure to grab yours or it makes a great Hostess gift.