Category "Mother’s Day"

Photoshoot for the “Young at Heart”

A person can be young at heart no matter their age. It’s a feeling, an attitude, and a mindset, and it’s golden when it’s caught on camera!

photoshoot-young-at-heart-elderly-senior-citizen

The sparkle in their eyes and their fun and youthful personality should be celebrated and remembered.

You can do both by giving a photoshoot to someone in their golden years that really lets them shine! It’s an experience they won’t forget because they’ll have print and digital photos to remind them.

Once you’ve gifted them the photoshoot, help the person brainstorm ideas for the theme, location, outfits to wear (or have fun with costumes!), and props to use. Planning it can be as fun as the photoshoot itself!

Just IMAGINE photos of great-grandpa, great-grandma, grandpa or grandma, etc. getting their photos taken and…

MasterClass.com | Online Classes From Famous Celebrities

I’m sure at some point everyone has probably dreamed of getting the inside scoop from a famous celebrity to learn what makes them so good at what they do.

We all want to know the secret to their success!

What can Helen Mirren teach us about how to be an award-winning actor? Or Serena Williams on how to become a tennis superstar?

Wouldn’t it be great to have the opportunity to learn first-hand from some of the world’s greatest minds?

Well, you CAN! MasterClass.com gives you that type of ACCESS and knowledge.

Online Classes From the Best Minds & Talent in the World

Learn how to become a better writer from James Patterson, Bob Woodward, R.L. Stine and Judy Blume.

Learn how to become a better cook from Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck.

Continue Reading

Buddha Board Enso Infinite Art

It’s rare to come across something that you’ve never seen before or experienced anything like it. The Buddha Board Enso definitely caught my eye!

Imagine drawing, painting and writing on a board with a water brush and creating images with a rich, inky Japanese look. As the water slowly evaporates, your art will magically disappear allowing you to create a whole new masterpiece.

My BFF, Linda, and I met in 1976 and are complete opposites. She is quiet. I’m loud. She loves to read. I love to dance. She enjoys museums. I enjoy snow skiing. Get the picture?

Continue Reading

Grandparents & Grandchildren Photo Session

There’s nothing like going to visit Mimi and Papi!

When I tell my kids I’m taking them to their grandparents house, they whoop and jump around as if I’ve just told them I’m taking them to Disney World.

Grandchildren have a special bond with grandparents that is unique from the parent/child relationship.

My two young boys are lucky to be growing up with their Mimi and Papi living only two miles away. Since the day each of my sons were born, their grandparents have been a huge part of their lives.

They are there for the big moments–holidays, birthday parties, and soccer games. As well as the small moments–learning a new game, trying a new food, or kissing a boo boo to make it feel better.

I know one day my sons will look back on their childhood and realize how much their grandparents influenced the men they became.

Capturing Precious Memories of Grandparents With Grandchildren

As uncomfortable as it is to say… grandparents won’t be around forever. Before time slips away from us, I wanted to capture this moment in their lives so my husband and I gave his parents the gift of a Grandparents & Grandchildren Photo Session.

Mimi, Papi, and my two sons had a photo shoot just for them!

Look at these precious moments so artfully captured! We will treasure these keepsakes forever.

Continue Reading

Macarons Gift Boxes & Bouquets

Is it macarons or macaroons?

macarons-gift-box-edible-cookieI found out recently there IS a difference between the two besides the spelling. A macaroon is coconut based.

For this gift idea, I’m referring to macarons, which are meringue based and come in a wide range of colors and flavors.

There are SO many colors and flavors to choose from which makes it fun to give someone a variety!

If you’ve never had a macaron, it’s a delicate cookie with two thin crusts and a filling made of either ganache, buttercream or fruit jam.

It’s also full of contrasts. A macaron packs huge flavor into a tiny baked goodie, and it’s somehow both rich and light at the same time.

They come in delicious flavors such as mint chocolate, cookies and cream, mojito, honey lavender, lemon tart, and piña colada. Is your mouth watering yet? Because I’m just scratching the surface on the different types of macaron flavors out there.

Continue Reading

“You Are a Gem” Air Plant Gift

We all know people who are gems because they brighten our lives like a sparkling diamond.

you-are-a-gem-air-plant-gift

Have you let them know lately how much they mean to you?

This Air Plant Gift tells them “You Are a Gem” with words and a gift.

Air plants get the majority of their nutrients from the air. That means they are extremely low-maintenance and easy to keep alive! They will last for years.

Air plants are also attractive and come in interesting shapes and textures.

A Gift That Makes a Statement

For my mother’s birthday, I gave her a beautiful Amethyst Crystal Air Plant Gift. It came with a gift box and a card that reads “You Are a Gem.”

Continue Reading

Reinvent the Box of Chocolates

Maggie Louise Confections has reinvented the box of chocolates with color, personality and unique customization.

maggielouiseconfections-reinvent-box-of-chocolates-lipstick-thoughtful-gift-ideaEach box has fun bite-size chocolates to celebrate everyday indulgence.

The gourmet chocolate gift boxes and luxury confections are chocolate look-a-like creations of lipsticks, lips, jewels, precious stones, coffee cups, snowmen, mittens and the list goes on and on.

Before attending a conference, I researched “things to do” in Austin and discovered Maggie Louise Confections, an Austin-based company. Continue Reading

Lightweight & Portable Nylon Hammock

When I think of a hammock, three things come to mind–rest, relaxation and sleep. With a portable hammock, you can enjoy those three things wherever you go!

lightweight-portable-nylon-hammock-giftDid you know the best hammocks are no longer made of rope?

They’re made of parachute nylon which makes them extremely soft and comfortable. It’s like sleeping in a cloud because the hammock stretches and conforms to your body.

The nylon material is also what makes them lightweight and portable, allowing them to pack down to a very compact size. A person doesn’t even have to roll or fold–simply shove the hammock back into the attached, small stuff sack.

In the stuff sack, a two-person hammock packs down to 6 inches X 9 inches. So small!

Continue Reading

Butterfly Fairy Hair Clips

I love handmade gifts. I remember watching my mother create beautiful gifts from vintage jewelry.

monarch-butterfly-fairy-hair-clips-thoughtful-gift-ideaMy mother and I would also help each other handcraft unique gift ideas waaay before Etsy ever came along. Mom would have loved Etsy.com where you can shop for anything made by creative people everywhere and where she could have shared her gifts too!

When an Etsy email pops up, I’m always curious to see who created what. Oh my… what a find this time. Butterflies! They are exquisite!

Wild and Free Jewelry created by Corina Alulquoy Brown are inspired by the ocean, wildlife, and Native American culture. You have to look at her website!

Handmade Butterfly Hair Clips

My favorites are the beautifully handcrafted butterfly hair clips by Corina.

Continue Reading