Category "Christmas"

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.

Vintage Golf Throw Blanket & More

Queen Darlene - August 31, 2017 - Birthday, Business, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, Retirement

When my friend Jeff invited me to his birthday/retirement party, I knew immediately what gift to give–anything golf related! He loves the game!

Other friends were giving him golf shirts and golf balls, but I was on a mission to find something a little different.

Cool Golf Gifts

If you Google golf accessories, endless items will pop up. I have saved you some time by putting together a curated list of some pretty unique and cool gift ideas.

My favorite is a Vintage Golf Tapestry Throw Blanket Made in the USA. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know I favor Made in the USA products! Continue Reading

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

Massage Gift Package

Queen Darlene - August 11, 2017 - Birthday, Business, Christmas

What is better than a massage? A package of two or more massages!

I recently received a massage gift package, and for people like me who truly enjoy them, it’s a perfect gift idea.

It’s soooo relaxing!

Massages relieve stress, pains and muscle tension, and who doesn’t want to get rid of that yucky stuff?

Many massage clinics offer specials in packs of two, five, ten or more. Continue Reading

Thoughtful Second Marriage Wedding Gift

Queen Darlene - July 27, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Uncategorized, Wedding

When my friend announced she would be saying “I do” for the second time, I wanted to give her a special wedding gift.

Traditional gifts such as dishes, towels and kitchen appliances are usually not needed in a second marriage.

I had the perfect opportunity to give a creative and thoughtful wedding gift!

Mike and Teresa were getting married on a beach in Florida and hosting a reception later for family and friends. This gave me time to do a little research…

Teresa posted on Facebook pictures of their beach wedding, and it sparked a gift idea.

I had seen custom couple silhouette portraits on Etsy.com, and thought I would create my own using one of Teresa’s wedding photos. I picked one of them in a unique pose.

Easy to Read Oversized Watch

Queen Darlene - July 20, 2017 - Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Retirement

I haven’t worn a watch in years. One reason, I can check my cell phone for the time. The other reason, my age!

When I got older, I always required my reading glasses to see the time. The thought of purchasing an oversized watch just never crossed my mind.

Oversized Watch Face

My friend, Susan, gave me a beautiful rhinestone Betsey Johnson oversized watch for my birthday. She knows I love bling!

I cannot believe how much I enjoy wearing a watch again.

I love the HUGE NUMBERS because I can see them so clearly!

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!

Genetic DNA Testing & Analysis Kit

Princess Diana - June 6, 2017 - Birthday, Christmas, Family, Father's Day, Gifts for Me, Mother's Day

Imagine collecting a wealth of information about yourself, your relatives, and your ancestors based on your DNA.

Do you have to give a blood sample? Nope. Needles not necessary.

With the commercial genetic DNA testing and analysis services available, all you need to do is provide a sample of your saliva. Mail it in, and in several weeks receive a detailed genetics report based on your unique DNA.

DNA testing is very helpful in genealogy and ethnicity research. It essentially allows you to find your genetic family! If you choose, you can connect with the people in 23andMe’s database who share your DNA with you and message them.

DNA Testing Kits

I purchased for my father-in-law, Greg, a 23andMe DNA Testing Kit for Father’s Day. 23andMe based its name on the 23 pairs of chromosomes found in a human cell. Another popular kit is AncestryDNA.

Let Kids Camp Out Inside With Indoor Tent

Queen Darlene - May 25, 2017 - $20 or Less, Birthday, Christmas, Kids

Kids love camping outdoors but sometimes the weather or temperature just doesn’t cooperate. An indoor tent designed for kids will do the trick!

My son needed a birthday gift for a four-year old boy. He knew little boys never have enough cars, super heroes and Legos, but he wanted to give something a little more imaginative.

Kids Indoor Tent

Dustin found the cutest indoor tent that would fit perfectly anywhere in the house. It’s perfect for play dates and sleepovers!

The Ozark Trail Kids Camping Tent is designed with pictures of the moon, stars, trees, a camp fire and a sign that says “Let’s Go Camping”.

The 5 ft. x 3 ft. tent also comes in a drawstring bag for easy storage. Continue Reading