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Mouthwatering Truffle Oil

Princess Diana - September 19, 2017 - Food & Drinks

The aroma of truffle oil seriously makes my mouth water. I’m in love with it!

The rich, decadent flavor of the golden oil on my tongue takes me to heaven every time.

A drizzle of truffle oil takes a dish from good to gourmet!

It recently gave my homemade pizza that “Wow!” factor. After it came out of the oven, I drizzled the top with white truffle oil and strawberry fig balsamic reduction.

You should have seen my husband’s face after his first bite. His eyes actually got bigger! The dish really impressed him.

All-in-One Membership to Multiple Fitness Gyms & Studios

Princess Diana - September 12, 2017 - Birthday, Christmas, Experiences, Gifts for Him

Do you know someone who likes or wants variety in their fitness routines or workouts?

I have the perfect gift! Get them a ClassPass or StudioHop all-in-one membership.

With this type of membership, someone can attend a variety of fitness classes at different gyms and studios in their area.

Never Get Bored With Your Fitness Routine

They could pick Yoga on Monday, Cycling on Tuesday, Barre on Wednesday, Boot Camp on Thursday, Pilates on Friday, Rock Climbing on Saturday, and Rowing on Sunday.

Choices and more choices! Many people find it easier to stick to their fitness goals when they have variety in their workouts.

Thanks A Million

Princess Diana - September 5, 2017 - Thank You

What can you give someone who goes above and beyond to show your deep appreciation?

My oldest son started Pre-K this year, so I’ve started paying a lot more attention to what is going on in our educational system.

I recently watched a video of the Oklahoma City Public Schools superintendent, Aurora Lora, giving her State of the Schools speech to the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

I was amazed. Despite a bare bones budget, a teacher shortage, and numerous other barriers she faces on a day to day basis, she discussed the many improvements she and her staff have made to provide a better educational experience to students.

She faces an uphill battle, yet she gives it her all because she knows our children deserve better. And I’m so grateful to her.

Novelty Million Dollar Bill

I wrote Aurora a thank you card expressing my gratitude for her leadership and telling her how lucky we are to have her. I ended with “Thanks a million!”

Inside the thank you card, I inserted a million dollar bill. Of course it’s fake, but it looks very real!

Funny Books for Parents With a Sense of Humor

Princess Diana - August 29, 2017 - $20 or Less, Baby Shower, Father's Day, Mother's Day

I’m a parent with a twisted sense of humor, and I’m not the only one.

I think it’s actually healthy because I’m able to laugh at things that normally would drive someone crazy!

A sense of humor (twisted or not) will get you through the highlights and pitfalls of parenthood. For example, I have a child in diapers so every day is full of shits and giggles. Literally.

My friend Beth and I bond over our twisted sense of humor. I’m so excited she’s pregnant with her first baby!

When it came time to pick out her baby shower gifts, I knew what book I just had to give her!

Hilarious Books for Parents

It’s called Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach and Ricardo Cortés.

Sleep deprivation was one of the hardest things I dealt with as a new mom. When your baby just won’t go to bed, you do start to think, “For the love of God, go the f**k to sleep!”

Gratitude Journal | Record Life’s Blessings

Princess Diana - August 25, 2017 - $20 or Less, Birthday, Christmas, Gifts for Me, Graduation, Thank You

They say an attitude of gratitude can change your life. Now research backs that up.

Positive psychology research has found a link between gratitude and greater happiness.

According to Harvard Health Publications, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

Couldn’t we all benefit from more of those things?

Although our lives may not be perfect, we all have blessings we can count. Now, take it one step further because writing down our blessings can increase our level of happiness!

Gratitude Journal

Gratitude Journals make it easy for people to reflect upon and record what they are thankful for every day.

They help people focus on what they have instead of what they don’t have, which leads to a daily attitude of gratitude.
Continue Reading

Cozy Fleece Photo Blanket

Princess Diana - August 15, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Family, Father's Day, Get Well, Going Away, Graduation, Housewarming, Kids, Mother's Day, Retirement, Teacher Gifts, Valentine's Day, Wedding

Years ago, my sister, Julia, and her family moved to the East coast away from her parents and siblings.

It’s tough living far apart from family, but especially hard when someone has young children. Finding child care is harder, and holidays can be a bit more lonely.

My sister though experienced tremendous luck! She found an older woman in her neighborhood who ran a small in-home day care. “Miss Pat” has cared for my sister’s three daughters for 14 years now, and they have a very special bond with her.

She loves those girls like her own granddaughters, and they love her like a grandmother.

“Miss Pat” and her husband “Mister Pete” have become family.

Custom Photo Blanket

For Miss Pat’s birthday this year, my sister gave her a custom fleece photo blanket with a beautiful collage of her three daughters and Miss Pat.

The photos printed really well and show how much the girls have grown up since Miss Pat has known them. So many cherished memories gathered all in one place!

Miss Pat can literally wrap the girls around her any time, day or night! Continue Reading

Best Back to School Teacher Gift

Princess Diana - August 9, 2017 - Teacher Gifts

It’s a very nice gesture to give a teacher a small gift at the beginning of the year. This gift idea is my favorite because it includes a thoughtful twist!

Edible gifts always make a great gift because they can be consumed and shared with others. With that said, this gift comes with a food item.

More importantly, it’s paired with a note in the form of an offer… an offer to help. Teachers always have so many things on their plate so they love it when parents help in the classroom.

With this teacher gift, your child’s teacher will be so excited to know he or she can call on you for help when needed.

It’s a win-win! The more help they receive, the more time teachers can focus on their students, including your child.

Best Teacher Gift Ever

Bake or purchase some chocolate chip cookies and place them in a pretty container. Or buy a bag of chips. Attach a note that reads:

Let me know when you need me to “chip” in and help!

School Lunchbox Love Notes for Kids

Princess Diana - August 1, 2017 - Kids

It’s back to school – meaning kids will once again spend the majority of their time at school. Although you’ll be apart, I have a simple and thoughtful way to connect with your child every day during the school week!

Use lunchbox love notes to put a smile on their face while they’re at school because you’ve let them know you’re thinking of them.

Lunchbox Love Notes

What are lunch box love notes?
They are small cards or slips of paper that share a positive, uplifting message.

Here are some examples but the possibilities are endless!

I’m your #1 fan
You are sooo AWESOME
I love you more than ________. (fill in the blank cards)
Have lots of fun today!
I can’t wait to hear about your day! XOXO
Good luck on your test today.
An extra special treat for an extra special kid. Love you!
Why fit in when you can stand out?

Inflatable Solar Powered Lanterns

Princess Diana - July 25, 2017 - $20 or Less, Family, Gifts for Him

My inflatable solar powered lanterns give better light than my battery operated ones. And they’re not even expensive.

A friend brought hers on a camping canoe trip, and I wanted my own immediately. I now own two!

Eco-Friendly Design

During the day, my friend carried it on the outside of her pack to let it absorb solar energy, and at night she used it to light up our entire tent. When fully charged, it shines for up to 12 hours.

I also like to go backpacking, and all of my gear needs to be lightweight. These are perfect!

These inflatable solar powered lanterns weigh 4 oz. and don’t take up any room because they have a collapsible design.

Canoe Camping Wilderness Adventure

Princess Diana - July 19, 2017 - Birthday, Christmas, Experiences, Gifts for Him, Gifts for Me, Graduation

There are places in the United States known as canoe country. It’s where water and wilderness combine for a canoe trip of a lifetime.

Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), or Boundary Waters for short, is one of those places. The area is a million acres of pristine wilderness containing more than 1,000 lakes that borders Canada, hence the name Boundary Waters.

I recently returned from a Girl Scouts travel camp where 11 of us drove north from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Ely, Minnesota for everyone’s first camping canoe experience. There were seven girls ages 12-17, and four adult volunteers.

Into the Wilderness

Separated into two groups with two guides each, we unplugged from civilization and headed out with only our canoes, paddles, camping gear, food, and a thirst for adventure.

For five days, we experienced breath-taking views of a wilderness paradise as we paddled across crystal-clear waters. I can’t believe I spotted more than 10 bald eagles on my trip!