5 Gift Ideas for New Moms (or Any Mom!) // Mother's Day

Moms are the best! With Mother's Day just around the corner, I wanted to share a few gift ideas for new moms, or any mom!

These ideas are prefect for Mother's Day, when the baby's born, or for any holiday there after.

Because these moms work so hard, devote tons of time to their kiddos, it's important to show how thankful we are, and to remember that they are still their own people, and need time for themselves! Give them the gift of self care and a bit of indulgence! :)

1) At Home Pampering 

My sister asked for a home foot spa for her birthday, so KC and I got it for her and added in a few new colors of nail polish. If you saw this post, you'll know that I like to get my Essie and OPI at TJMaxx at cheaper prices. Overall this gift is fun but practical, and a great way for moms to make time for themselves, even when they are not able to leave the house! Overall this gift is pretty inexpensive! The foot spa we got at Target was just over $25 after tax, etc. Our store didn't have it in stock, but I was able to order it online and pick it up in-store less than a week later!

2) Out and About Pampering

It's great to help moms pamper themselves outside of the home too! When my sister was pregnant she started getting regular massages, which is what gave me this idea. Many women don't make the time (or money available) to take care of themselves via services. Whether it's getting manicures, massages, facials, or purchasing a gym membership, etc. This is one time that a gift card makes a great and thoughtful gift!

3) Subscription Service for Something They Love (or Need)

You guys know that I am a big fan of my Honest Bundles, I also do the A Beautiful Mess Messy Box every month. Crates, boxes, etc. are becoming so popular and so handy for things that we need and love. If the mom in your life has an interest or need that could be filled nicely with a subscription box, why not gift her a trial month, several months, or a whole year?! Talk to her husband, etc. to get a good idea of something even more practical. Maybe they want to start a diaper subscription, grocery, or something similar! There is literally a box for everything, just check out this site.

4) Personalized Family Portrait

I love personalized family portraits! They are so cute and unique! I have made a few for friends, but there are a ton online to choose from! :) This is something that the mom in your life may not purchase for herself, but would enjoy! The personalization adds a nice, thoughtful touch to your gift!

5) Mama Necklace

I'm planning to post about my wardrobe essentials and what I like to call #lazygirlfashion soon, but this bar necklace is a staple for me! I love it, and I wear it nearly every day. I have since ordered a different one (same site) for my mom, and one that says "Mama Bear" for my sister when she had Darrick. :) I won't lie, I will buy these for pretty much any occasion because they are so fun, and easy to wear with everything! Arlyne does beautiful work, and I always get my orders super quickly! She has a ton of great pre-made options, but you can also customize either gold or silver jewelry! If you are looking for something a little different, I also like this one from 31 Bits.

Don't Forget!

Of course, there is always the gift of your quality time and service! Don't forget that spending time with your mom or new parents can be the greatest gift of all! Whether it's inviting them out to a low key dinner so they can get out of the house, offering to watch the baby or their kiddos so they can get out alone, making them meals, or helping them around the house - it's always appreciated! :)

Books, Books, Books 

Ok, this is certainly more than 5 gift ideas... but this post I did a few years ago has some great book suggestions for moms! :)

Be creative with your material and immaterial gifts throughout the year! :) 

What are your plans for Mother's Day?

What type of gift do you like to give? Material? Immaterial? 

XO,

Alexandra

These options are all my own and based on gifts that I have given/would like to give. I am not being compensated for this post. Even if I was, I always share all of my thoughts with you all!

The Wanderluster // Books for Every Lady on Your List // Holiday Gift Guide // 2014

The Wanderluster

This is your friend who is either gone, or talking about her next trip. She might be willing to do things that sound awful to you, just to travel. From 'short' 8 hour road trips, to forgoing dinners out to put every dollar possible into her travel plans, she's determined. When you talk to her about her future travel plans she might mention obscure destinations like Slovenia or backpacking in Patagonia. Her home is decorated in souvenirs, maps, globes, and photos from her travels. She's probably the one suggesting Tapas or Ethiopian for a dinner out. She knows about miles, travel hacking, and public transportation around the globe. She's probably plotting out three or more trips just right now. Her Instagram is filled with inspirational travel quotes, snapshot from her trips, and maps of where she's been.

1) I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded

This travel guided travel journal is great for the list maker in all of us. It begins with emergency information and packing guides, things to make sure you see etc. It guides you through your trip having you collect memories big and small, reviews of food you liked, tips from locals, what the weather was like, random prompts and activities to complete and ponder. It is a very creative way to record your trips.

2) Better Than Fiction: True Travel Tales from Great Fiction Writers

A reader and a traveler? This is the book for you. Read essays written by fiction writers about their own travels. With their fiction skills, you will feel like you are there with them. 

3) The World's Best Street Food: Where to Find it & How to Make it

Street food is often the best food. Things from a cart, or a truck, or a stand tend to be authentic, delicious, and inexpensive. Some of the most interesting people that you will meet on a trip are the ones who work in places like this. Their passion for food shows in the creativity of the recipe, and always makes for an unforgettable meal. This is another collection of these recipes, this time from around the world. -This ebook is only $2.99 RIGHT NOW (on Amazon!). Also a great gift idea for the Foodie!

4) Make Map Art: Creatively Illustrate Your World

I purchased this book in Seattle and I LOVE it! It is a creative way to document your trips, or even your hometown. Included in the kit are many decent sized pages to create your maps on (one large world map!), stickers of compass roses, banners, arrows, etc. and an idea/inspiration booklet to give you ideas for creating your own map. This is a really fun project to do solo, with your significant other, or as a family. I would recommend this for the DIY-er and the Momma too!

5) Home Style by City: Ideas and Inspiration from Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Copenhagen

Being more of a Wanderluster than a Homebody... I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! - just a bit excited. This book is basically a physical Pinterest of design in these cities. There are beautiful pages of design inspiration, tips, and projects by location, as well as a list of books, movies, music that will inspire you by city. There is even a section about flea markets in each place! This is much less of a how-to, as it is a book of majorly swoony travel and home photos, but it is very well done. There were pieces from each city that appealed to me, and just as many books I now want to read, movies I now want to watch etc. Beautiful, Beautiful book! Also on the Homebody's list!

6) A Guidebook for Her Next Adventure

Why not get her a guidebook for her next adventure? It wouldn't be hard to figure out where she wants to go next, just ask! Not sure where she is going next? A guidebook for anywhere she wants to go someday would be great! I may not be going to Ireland next year, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't love reading up on it! There are many brands to choose from, I personally like Fodor's... but Lonely Planet, and Frommer's are great too. -remember that Rick Steve's are for luxury travelers!

7) Lonely Planet's Best Ever Photography Tips

Every traveler's guide to photography. This book is full of tips on how to shoot incredible photos on your travels. With focuses on everything from wildlife photography to night time photos, there is something for everyone to learn about photography in this book.

8) How to Be the World's Smartest Traveler (and Save Time, Money, and Hassle)

This book is an excellent guide to easing your travel woes. I picked it up at SEATAC on the way home in October and devoured much of it on the plane. It contains information on saving money, staying healthy, getting good customer service, and real life complaints made by travelers resolved by the author, travel guru Christopher Elliot. He gives you a step by step breakdown of what went wrong in the case, how to prevent it, and how to resolve it after the fact. Tons of valuable information in this book!

9) The Book of Everything: A Visual Guide to Travel and the World

A treasure trove of visually appealing travel infographics on locations and destinations around the globe. This makes a great coffee table book, but also contains great information! For instance it includes maps and information about specific locations, but it also shares fun facts about other travel-related things, like what the air traffic controllers mean when they wave those glow sticks around. Just a few other topics include: encountering wild animals, predicting weather, counting in other languages, manners in other countries... etc. Reviewers have raved about how fun it is, saying that their older children were also very interested in it.

10) Anywhere Travel Guide: 75 Cards for Discovering the Unexpected, Wherever Your Journey Leads

One of the worst things for travelers, is that severe wanderlust that hits.... when you can't travel. I like the idea of these cards, because you could use them both on your travels, but also to make a day at home (or nearby) an adventure. The cards have prompts on them that get you thinking about your environment differently. Some examples include: 'ask the next person you see what his/her favorite street is. GO THERE.' and 'Find or make a souvenir that represents your experience on this day.' - just a fun way to approach your day whether you are in Thailand or Indiana.

I hope that this list has given you some book ideas for your traveling friend!

Interested in more?  Check out this post to view my book recommendations for other 'types'.

Happy Gifting!

Alexandra

The Vintage Vixen // Books for Every Lady on Your List // Holiday Gift Guide // 2014

The Vintage Vixen

She's the one with an iTunes library filled with more music from before 1970 than after 1970. She probably enjoys antique malls and thrift shopping. Her hair is might be pinned up in a vintage 'do, and her lips are often bright red. She might enjoy vintage recipes and some of the 'domestic arts' of days-gone-by. She might be handy with a sewing machine or in the garden. She probably owns a record player and sends letters. Black and white movies, hand knit blankets, and dinner at a diner are among her favorite things in life. She probably went as her favorite movie star for Halloween. Her grandmother might be her biggest hero. Don't be surprised to find her in horn rimmed glasses or an apron. Her Instagram is a collection of her vintage finds, retro hair styles, swoony old song lyrics, and her own handicrafts.

1) How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew

This is one of my favorite books of ALL TIME. (read my thoughts on it here!) Erin Bried interviews grandmothers who grew up during the great depression, they give her colorful stories and quotes, and teach her how to do all sorts of essential things. The writing is funny and sweet, the grandmothers are lovely, the how-to's are both fun and applicable to everyday life. I would buy this book for every woman I know, if I could afford it! :) The book includes: How to Roast a Whole Chicken, How to Repel Furry Friends from Your Garden, How to Handwash Delicates,  How to Make an Apron, How to Make a Centerpiece, How to Wear Red Lipstick, How to Make the Most of a Night In, How to Shop Without Credit, How to Start a Bookclub, How to Host a Potluck Dinner Party, How to Play Charades - just to list some! There is also a men's version: How to Build a Fire: And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew, which KC has read and enjoyed, as well as one geared toward moms, which you can find on the Momma list.

2) Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book

The 1950, ring-bound classic! All of the vintage and homestyle recipes that you love are in this book. Restored to it's original black and white and vintage illustrated images this cookbook is an all-around delight. It also includes information essential to cooking, and the tools to do it right. This classic has a place in everyone's kitchen, especially the Foodie's!

3) Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun

This book is where DIY, vintage inspiration, cooking, style, advice, and sewing come together in one brilliant volume. I don't own this book yet... but I intend to soon! This beautifully designed book is divided by month and contains a wide selection of information in each section. Articles from vintage magazines, newspapers, and books are included to inspire you during each month. Vintage fashion tips, sketches, advice, and advertisements are tucked into each section as well. Along with those include long lost recipes, advice from the past, sewing patterns, embroidery stitches and tutorials, as well as decorating ideas. I cannot wait to finally get my hands on this one! Also good for the DIY-er!

4) Vintage Wedding Style: More than 25 Simple Projects and Endless Inspiration for Designing Your Big Day

Perfect for the vintage vixen on her way to the altar, this beautiful book contains 25+ DIY projects for her wedding day. With inspiring glossy photos this book is a treat to look at, and the projects are simple! The book is divided into different vintage styles from Farmhouse to Gatsby this book has it all. Also a good choice for the Hostess, DIY-er, or Girly Girl!

5) Easy As Pie

As a pie-lover this is one of my favorite little cookbooks! It is a sweet collection of vintage advertisements that contain recipes for pies. It contains 76 recipes, tips and tricks for crusts and pie-baking, as well as charming vintage illustrations, and snippets. From fruit pies to cream pies, ice cream pies to tarts, this book has it all. The old fashioned banana cream pie recipe was fantastic!! Also great for the Foodie!

6) Vintage Cakes: Timeless Recipes for Cupcakes, Flips, Rolls, Layer, Angel, Bundt, Chiffon, and Icebox Cakes for Today's Sweet Tooth

Perhaps you don't like pie... why not? This collection of vintage cake recipes is for you. The photography in this book flawless and the recipes sound fantastic! Classics like Texas Sheet Cake, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, and Cherry Chip Cake. Yum... Great for the baker in your life, the Foodie would also love this gift!

7) Style Me Vintage: Hair: Easy Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Classic Hairstyles

Your complete guide to vintage hairstyling from the '30's to the '60's. This book includes step-by-step instructions on how to complete the different hairstyles, equipment that is needed, make up to go with the looks, and fun vintage images. Also by in the Style Me Vintage series: Makeup, Clothes, and a Compilation of Clothes, Hair, and Makeup, Tea Parties, Accessories, and Weddings. Could also be great for the DIYer and the Girly Girl. 

8) Vintage Fashion Sourcebook: Key Looks and Labels and Where to Find Them

A beginner's look into the world of vintage fashion. Including, popular vintage labels, styles, and trends, how and where to buy, and how to care for your vintage clothing. This book is not the bible of vintage fashion, but it is a good starting place and reference point for someone looking to get started.

9) The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping: Insider Tips, Helpful Hints, Hip Shops

A more comprehensive guide to buying and shopping vintage clothing. Author Melody Fortier gives you the inside information on how to spot the clothing, what to look for in quality, how much to pay, alterations, and how to care for your vintage clothing. She also gives you tips on flattering fits in vintage clothing and specific stores to shop at. -A really fun and comprehensive guide. Another good choice for the Girly Girl as well!

10) The Vintage Pattern Selector with CD-ROM: The Sewer's Guide to Choosing & Using Retro Styles

Perfect for the girl who loves vintage fashion and loves to sew. This book has patterns from the '30's through the '60's made to fit your wardrobe today. Each decade is explained in terms of popular fashions, and the specific types of clothing represented in the pattern are also explained historically. This book comes with a CD rom making the patterns more accessible. Also great for the DIYer and the Girly Girl.

I hope that this list has given you some book ideas for your retro loving friend!

Interested in more?  Check out this post to view my book recommendations for other 'types'.

Happy Gifting!

Alexandra

The Momma // Books for Every Lady on Your List // Holiday Gift Guide // 2014

The Momma

Anyone woman with a child can be a mom, but she is so much more than that! Her kids are her world and there is no way she would rather have it. She enjoys creating family and solo activities for her kids. She might like animated movies and children's books just as much as (if note more than!) their adult counterparts. She strives to interact with her children in a way that helps them learn and grow. When you see her she probably has a funny story to tell you about one of her kiddos, she might have finger paints on her jeans, or glue on her sleeve... but she wouldn't have it any other way! She might also be a school teacher. Her Instagram is made up of pictures of her kids and details of their lives. From soccer practice to creative sandwich cuts, and board games, and snow angels -these are her favorite parts of her day.

1) Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media-For Budding Artists

These books are an amazing resource for creative mommas, or any parent that wants to be more creative, and encourage creativity in their child's life. Written by an experienced art teacher and mom it explores many different media in art. It is organized by media type (water color, pastels etc.) and gives detailed instructions on materials and methods within the different 'labs' (projects). Very, very cool book! :) There are more books as well, including this one Art Lab for Little Kids. This would also be a great book for the DIY-er!

2) The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your Family's Life with Art and Creativity--Includes over 60 Art Projects for Children Ages 1 to 8

This book is also good for the creative parent. It includes 60 projects for kids, but is more heavily based upon the parent's part in the process. It includes things like how to set up art spaces, how to talk to your kids about their art, how to reuse, which materials are best to use, etc. It is very great for intentional teaching about art, imagination, and creativity. Another good choice for DIY-ers.

3) How to Rock Your Baby: And Other Timeless Tips for Modern Moms

This will be the first book I purchase when the time comes to start a family. I cannot express how much I love Erin Bried's 'How-to' books! If you haven't heard about them, here is the deal: Erin Bried (funny, adorable writer) interviews grandmothers and grandfathers who have depression era know-how about how to do all sorts of important things. The books are charming, funny, sweet, and applicable to life today. This book follows the same sort of pattern, but is all about raising kiddos. :) Also great for the Vintage Vixen Momma!

4) Unbored: The Essential Field Guide to Serious Fun

Unbored is a great resource for parents and for kids! It is filled with activities, explorations, and lessons that get your kids moving and thinking. It is great to give to a parent to use with their kiddos, or to just give to an older kid. Ideas range from clapping games to cigar box tutorials, how to conduct an interview to birch bark house designs and everything in between. This book is incredibly well rounded! Now there is a new book in the same vein called UNBORED Games: Serious Fun for Everyone, focusing on games of all kinds! - These books would be especially great for cold weather months, and breaks from school! 

5) 150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids: The Very Best and Easiest Playtime Activities

Another book for the momma who is looking for creative, imaginative and fun activities for her kiddos. This book is not all art-based either. There are plenty of games, sensory, and science based projects here too. Out of 72 Amazon ratings 71 are 5's, and the other 1 is a 4! Awesome!

6) Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors

With a few chapters on set up and parent information, and then a slew of chapters with activities for young experimenters (ages 6 and below).  These ideas will get your kids thinking mechanically, creatively, and work on their problem solving skills. Some activities including: gumdrop structures, DIY robots, straw rockets, glittery egg geodes, lemon invisible ink, and DIY lava lamps - just to name a few! This is a great option for The DIY-er too!

7) The Cardboard Box Book

Kids love a good cardboard box. It's just a fact of life. This book contains many activities to help you and your kiddos get creative and use your imagination to turn cardboard boxes into playthings and works of art. From a cardboard city to a train, a theater to a gingerbread house... there are tons of fun ideas here. I especially love the layout of the book, the step by step instructions are easy to read and to look at. A really creative book!

8) Let's Get This Party Started

Great for the Hostess / Momma combo! This book contains ideas, instructions, and inspiration for 15 fun, easy, and frugal parties for your littles! Author Soleil Moon Frye (Roxie from Sabrina the Teenage Witch - anyone? Or Punky Brewster!), organizes this book by party theme, each of which includes a party game, an activity, and a craft. - all of which are kid friendly! From movie nights to slumber parties, picnics to safari themes... there is something for everyone in here. 

9) Your Birthday Book: A Keepsake Journal

For the mom who loves to document the years. This book is nothing like traditional baby journals or baby books! It is set up like a fun scrapbook, with places for pictures, quotes, and prompts to help you document specific years in your child's life. This fun journal is very accessible, easy, and ranges from ages 1-18. A fun gift for any parent!

10) My Quotable Kid: A Parent's Journal of Unforgettable Quotes

Kids say the Darndest Things right? With my youngest sister being just 7, I have wished I could remember the funny things she has said. Even when I worked at preschool, I would try to remember what I would hear at school... but it's difficult! This book is a good way to organize those quotes before you forget! Simply set up pages feature callouts (quote bubbles) with lines, and a spot that says, 'who, when, age, where'. Simple, right? Keeping it in the kitchen or living room would give a parent pretty easy access to write these things down, and then look back on them later and laugh. :) There is also a version called, My Quotable Grandkid too!

I hope that this list has given you some book ideas for the family oriented mommas in your life!

Interested in more?  Check out this post to view my book recommendations for other 'types'.

Happy Gifting!

Alexandra

The Lit-Lover // Books for Every Lady on Your List // Holiday Gift Guide // 2014

The Lit Lover

This is the girl who's nose is always in a book. Not just any book, but often times classics and books that you've heard about for their intimidating reputations. She probably has a favorite, whether it's Pride & Prejudice or Frankenstein. - find out what it is! The depth of her love for books goes beyond the book itself, but into the movies, the authors, the time periods, the quotes, the fan fiction... it's a never ending love affair. It's quite possible she has always yearned for a life in the past. She may not be your most social friend, but she is a very good one! She's a wonderful listener, and full of sage advice. Her Instagram (if she's keeping one!) is filled with quotes from her favorite books and authors, snapshots of what she's been reading, and screenshots of destinations she's fallen in love with through books.

1 &2) Childhood Favorites

Many of our favorite childhood novels have been turned into lovely designed new editions. I am enamored with these Rifle Paper Co. designed covers for Anne of Green Gables, Heidi, A Little Princess, and Little Women. I don't know about you guys, but I can never have too many copies of my favorite books! - especially if they are this cute!

3) Well-Read Women: Portraits of Fiction's Most Beloved Heroines

I have been swooning over this book since it came out in September (of 2013)... It is a beautiful coffee table / artsy book that pairs gorgeous illustrations of heriones in literary fiction with their quotes. It is mostly decorative, but goodness it is beautiful. Being an art lover and a lit lover this is right up my alley!

4) Dinner with Mr. Darcy: Recipes Inspired by the Novels of Jane Austen

What better gift for the Austen lover? This fun book is filled with tips, historical facts, quotes from Austen, and contemporary recipes to match classic culinary situations in Austen's novels. It also includes some of Austen's letters to her sister Cassandra! This is a fun look into the world of Austen, and a romantic little book of ideas for Darcy lover in all of us. (swoon). This would also be great for the Girly Girl or the Hostess if they happen to be Lit Lovers too!

5) The Jane Austen Handbook

This fun little book contains valuable information about life in Jane Austen's time. With advice about things you may never need to know for example, 'How to Throw a Ball... (like the dance, not the sports equipment) to more relate-able advice like 'How to Avoid Dancing With an Undesirable Partner'. There are plenty of pieces to get you laughing, get you thinking, and give you a glimpse into Austen's world.

Beautiful Copies of Favorite Classics like:

6) Tales of the Jazz Age (and other Fitzgerald Novels)

A collection of beautifully patterned versions of Fitzgerald's novels has been released in the past few years. I just love the ornate gold and silver metallic covers, don't you? They certainly remind me of the Jazz Age! -Sadly, Gatsby seems to be hiked up to just under $90! Yikes! but the rest are reasonably priced between and $15 and $20. The Beautiful and Damned, This Side of Paradise, Flappers and Philosophers (Collected Short Stories), The Last Tycoon.

7) Cranford (and other beloved classics)

These lovely brightly patterned editions of classic novels have been around for a while now, but I still can't get over how pretty and fun they are. I specifically like this bright green one. Along with Cranford you can find Vanity Fair, The Odyssey, The Picture of Dorian Gray .. just to name a few! Her favorite book with this bright modern cover would be a lovely addition to her collection!

8) Fashion in the Time of the Great Gatsby

When the Girly Girl and the lit-lover meet there are few books more exciting than the ones that analyze the fashion of a particular character or novel! This beautiful book explores the fashions of the 1920's with gorgeous glossy photos, fun vintage advertisements, and history about the time period. Also great for the Girly Girl!

9) Texts from Jane Eyre: And Other Conversations with Your Favorite Literary Characters

This book is exactly how it sounds; a book written as text messages from one literary character to another. It is getting good reviews from the critics. It is divided by book and is pretty funny. Who wouldn't want to read imagined texts from Emma and Daisy Miller? This is a fun one!

10) My Ideal Bookshelf

This book is a visual tour of people's favorite books. The ones that have influenced them and shaped who they are. I always enjoy hearing about other people's favorite books, it helps me know them better and expands the horizons of what I am reading. This book is illustrated in water colors, which I pretty clearly love. :) This would be great for someone who is always looking for a new recommendation, and would look lovely on someone's coffee table. A similar option: My Bookstore: Writers Celebrate Their Favorite Places to Browse, Read, and Shop.

I hope that this list has given you some book ideas for the book lover in your life!

Interested in more?  Check out this post to view my book recommendations for other 'types'.

Happy Gifting!

Alexandra

The Homebody // Books for Every Lady on Your List // Holiday Gift Guide // 2014

The Homebody

When you walk into her home, you feel like you've walked into a magazine, or Pinterest. Every time you visit, her furniture is in a completely different configuration. She's the one who is always changing her wall art with the seasons, dreaming of paint colors, and DIYing thrifted furniture. She probably has an affinity for throw pillows, rugs, and lampshades. HGTV is her jam. Her Instagram is made up of snapshots of wreaths on front doors, paint color swatches, holiday decorations, and bookcase designs. - this is definitely my momma!

1) Create the Style You Crave on a Budget You Can Afford: The Sweet Spot Guide to Home Decor

This is the ultimate inspiration guide for a bohemian home decorator. It is filled with quirky interiors, vintage pieces, DIYs, and great planning resources. The focus of the book is on creating 'sweet spots' in your home, so it is also for your friend who wants to have a meaning behind the things in her life. This is a really fun creative home decor resource! Also a good choice for the DIYer or maybe the bohemian Green Queen.

2) Design*Sponge at Home

This book is an all-inclusive guide to decorating your home. By the blog of the same name, the book includes before & afters, basic decorating skill tutorials, home tours, 50 DIYs, inspiration, and ideas for your home. Because this book is such a great compilation of styles, it is a great gift idea for anyone who enjoys home decor.

3) Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update & Show Your Home Some Love

Another from the blog of the same name. Young House Love is a treasure trove of home DIYs from now season experts Sherry & John Petersik. Cleverly organized and including cost and work levels as well as time commitment make this book a new home owner's BFF. Though it is just as useful for the apartment dweller! Also a great choice for the DIYer!

4) A Beautiful Mess Happy Handmade Home: Painting, Crafting, and Decorating a Cheerful, More Inspiring Space

A Beautiful Mess's second book is specifically based around decorating and DIY projects for your home. From styling tips and tricks to DIY projects to complete the look, this book is full of inspiring ideas! I own this one... and ABM does not disappoint! While this book would be great for anyone, many of the ideas are achievable in an apartment. :) Also a great choice for the DIYer!

5) Furniture Makeovers: Simple Techniques for Transforming Furniture with Paint, Stains, Paper, Stencils, and More

Dumpster divers & thrifted furniture enthusiasts alike will love this book. Detailed how-to's on various methods of furniture painting, restoring, and decorating. Also including a visual glossary, this book is perfect for beginners and seasoned furniture DIYers alike! Another great choice for the DIYer!

6) The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate and Live Well

A number one bestseller from the editor at Domino magazine. This book is similar to the Design*Sponge one above, a great resource on everything you need to know about in your home. From choosing quality furniture, to shopping at thriftstores for your home, a whole chapter on lighting and a section on 'Tissues, remotes and other useful things.' I also love the artistic layout of the book, and the pretty water color illustrations. This one is on my wishlist! This book would be great for anyone, but especially the Girly Girl.

7) Domino: The Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home That Makes You Happy

This book, also by Deborah Needleman, the editor at Domino, this is a much  more interior design-y approach to decorating your home. It has a similar feel to the Perfectly Imperfect Home, but is laid out in swatches, floor plans, and budget lists. The focus is also on different configurations within the same room. So I suppose you could decide which type of layout and art appeals most to you. Regardless, either book would be a fantastic design resource for someone interested in home decor!

8) The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful

This book based on the blog The Nester, is about embracing a functional, and imperfect home spaces. This book is geared toward design for 'real people' - people who want to have a beautiful home, but not one that looks overly designed or that lacks utility. After living in 13 different homes Myquillyn Smith has learned a thing or two about purposes of rooms and how to be creative on a budget. Her interiors are beautiful, but lived in, and functional for a mom of three. This might be good for the person who is trying to keep organized, or incorporate storage in her space.

9) Home Style by City: Ideas and Inspiration from Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Copenhagen

Being more of a Wanderluster than a Homebody... I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! - just a bit excited. This book is basically a physical Pinterest of design in these cities. There are beautiful pages of design inspiration, tips, and projects by location, as well as a list of books, movies, music that will inspire you by city. There is even a section about flea markets in each place! This is much less of a how-to, as it is a book of majorly swoony travel and home photos, but it is very well done. There were pieces from each city that appealed to me, and just as many books I now want to read, movies I now want to watch etc. Beautiful, Beautiful book! Also on the Wanderluster's list!

10) Bright Bazaar: Embracing Color for Make-You-Smile Style

This book is going to be your color-loving-friend;s new favorite inspiration. It goes through steps of how to choose colors, where to use them, and how to be confident in using color. There is then a lovely section of inspirational designs followed by colorful pallettes put together for inspiration and your home use. The author, blogger Will Taylor, again from a blog of the same name, has a brilliant eye and is followed by over 2 million people on Pinterest! -He knows his stuff!

I hope that this list has given you some book ideas for the redecorator in your life!

Interested in more?  Check out this post to view my book recommendations for other 'types'.

Happy Gifting!

Alexandra

The Foodie // Books for Every Lady on Your List // Holiday Gift Guide // 2014

The Foodie

This is the woman who is always in her kitchen. If she isn't baking, she's probably cooking. And if she isn't cooking she's probably baking. If her fridge is stocked then she's probably cooking or baking for someone else. This is also the girl who is always trying new restaurants. You might think she's an over-achiever for making her own vanilla, canning her own pie filling, garnishing her dinner plates, and spinning her own cotton candy... but this is what she lives for. Her sink is always full of dishes, and there is usually a delicious smell coming from the oven. Her Instagram is almost completely filled with pictures of food, food she's made, her dinner at a restaurant, a beautiful cup of coffee... you get the idea!

About the Books: Left to Right, Top to Bottom.

1) The Little Paris Kitchen: 120 Simple But Classic French Recipes

Written by Rachel Khoo a culinary jack-of-all-trades who moved to Paris to study the art of making pastry. (what a dream right?!) After school she stayed in France becoming a TV star, author, and restaurateur. This book is a collection of classic french recipes. It contains everything from decadent desserts to summer picnic fare. I don't own this yet, but I think it would be a nice addition to my collection of cookbooks! Another by Khoo, My Little French Kitchen: More than 100 Recipes from the Mountains, Market Squares, and Shores of France. - Ooh La La! 

2) Laduree Macarons

For the woman who is adventurous and up to a challenge in the kitchen... the Laduree Macaron book! These almond cookies are both beautiful and popular. The famous bakery in Paris brings you a collection of macaron recipes both sweet and savory. While these cookies are time consuming and challenging to make, the reward is worth the effort. (this book is a little pricey but there are many macaron cookbooks that would be a great resource for your foodie friend!)

3) The Flavor Thesaurus: A Compendium of Pairings, Recipes and Ideas for the Creative Cook

I cannot give you the name of a book that I would like more to add to my cookbook collection! This is an excellent resource guide for both beginner and seasoned cooks. The idea is simple: it is a guide to pairing flavors in cooking. From more intuitive combinations to exotic and outrageous ones this book has what you need to get creative in the kitchen. This book also includes recipes. I'm not surprised to see that it has a 4.4 rating on Amazon!

4) Saving the Season: A Cook's Guide to Home Canning, Pickling, and Preserving

This is great for the green queen / foodie combo.... She gardens, shops the farmer's market, and wishes she could do so year-round. Canning and preserving is a little bit of a 'lost art,' but it can be really enjoyable, and save you money. This canning guide explains the basics as well as showcases preserving recipes and traditions from around the US. It is one of my goals to learn how to can and preserve in the near future.

5) Cooking with Flowers: Sweet and Savory Recipes with Rose Petals, Lilacs, Lavender, and Other Edible Flowers 

This book is a treat for the senses for any creative foodie. It contains over 100 recipes that utilize edible flowers. Not only do the recipes sound scrumptious, (daylily cheesecake! rosemary flower margaritas!), they are equally beautiful. This book is sure to excite gardeners, entertainers, and creative foodies alike. I think it's fair to say that this, and really all of these cookbooks are on my own personal wishlist! Also great for the Hostess!

6) Keep it Vegan: 100 Simple, Healthy & Delicious Dishes

This book is relatively new, but quickly climbing in popularity among vegan cookbooks. The author Áine Carlin is a blogger who approaches vegan cooking in an attainable, yet creative way. This book won't leave you combing specialty markets for obscure ingredients or have you feeling like you are eating cardboard. This collection of 100 recipes includes cocoa and almond butter overnight oats, Hole Mole Black Bean Chili, Thick Crust Mushroom Pizza, No-bake Strawberry Cheesecake & Rosemary and Pear Stuffed French Toast. (YUM!) Not to mention, Carlin is the cutest blogger with such a sweet and relateable writing style, and GORGEOUS photos (link here). Fun fact: Áine Carlin's sister is the lovely Mairead Carlin, the newest member of Celtic Woman. :) 

7) The Forest Feast: Simple Vegetarian Recipes from My Cabin in the Woods

This sweet cookbook is a testament to the author, Erin Gleeson's love of nature. She moved from the city to the forest to pursue a new lifestyle. The recipes in this book are based around seasonal and wholesome ingredients, many of which are very simple! Along with the recipe you get Gleeson's signature illustrations, beautiful water color designs! This book is a lovely addition to any foodie's collection!

8) The Truck Food Cookbook: 150 Recipes and Ramblings from America's Best Restaurants on Wheels

A book that I have just added to my shelves, is a brilliant collection of recipes from food trucks around the US. From Korean to desserts, tacos to Caribbean food... this book has it all! From coast to coast and everywhere in between, this book is an essential compilation of some of the best food found in America, and the people who create it. Great for the Foodie / Wanderluster combo!

9) The Lodge Cast Iron Cookbook: A Treasury of Timeless, Delicious Recipes

The cast iron cooking bible. Filled with 200 staple recipes to be cooked, fried, grilled, and even enjoyed outdoors. The hearty recipes in this book are perfect for the homestyle cook and people who love to spend time outdoors! You can make just about anything in a cast-iron skillet... which makes it an essential for any cook!

10) The New Midwestern Table: 200 Heartland Recipes

I picked up this beautiful book in Minneapolis and instantly fell in love with it. It is a priceless treasury of Midwestern family recipes, that were learned, taught, and treasured by home cooks just like you, your mom, and your grandmother. The photographs are beautiful, the recipes are abundant, and the reviewers love it. I can tell that this book is full of heart, and I can't wait to add it to my collection too!

11) Relish: An Adventure in Food, Style, and Everyday Fun

You might remember my review of this book... you might not... but I love everything about Daphne Oz's love letter to life. The recipes are inventive, exotic, and fun - but also extremely approachable! In addition to the many recipes shared here, there is a wealth of advice and knowledge shared about entertaining, traveling, fashion, decor.... you name it. Oz feels like an old friend when you read this, and I benefited greatly from her wisdom, and have loved EVERY recipe that I have tried so far! Also great for the Hostess!

I hope that this list has given you some book ideas for your foodie friend!

Interested in more?  Check out this post to view my book recommendations for other 'types'.

Happy Gifting!

Alexandra

The Green Queen // Books for Every Lady on Your List // Holiday Gift Guide // 2014

The Green Queen

This is your healthiest, activist type of friend. She's probably a vegan, if she isn't she's a vegetarian. If she isn't any of those things she might have a homestead (or want to start one). She's the one who shops at the farmer's market, makes her own cleaners, and reads product labels (and knows what she's reading!). She might even drive a hybrid or enjoy camping. Her windowsills are filled with plants, she often has a yummy soy candle burning, her sheets are organic cotton. Her Instagram is filled with nature shots, her pet, environmental statistics, and healthy breakfasts.

1) Eat Pretty: Nutrition for Beauty, Inside and Out

Many believe that the start of beauty is what you put inside your body. This book explores the relationships between nutrition and beauty, and gives tips for practical application. Including an explanation of buzzwords, 20 recipes, charts, lists, a guide of what benefits different foods have. This book is beautiful, and would be greatly appreciated by the green queen as well as the Girly Girl, and the Foodie!

2) No More Dirty Looks: The Truth about Your Beauty Products--and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics

What you put on your body is also important to your health! The ingredients in your products are soaked into your skin and ultimately enter your bloodstream. This book is the ultimate guide to beauty products that work and are entirely non-toxic and healthy! There is no reason to sacrifice beauty while going greener! Also great for the Girly Girl!

3) Keep it Vegan: 100 Simple, Healthy & Delicious Dishes

Eating vegan or vegetarian even just once a week relieves a lot of stress on the environment and on your body! This book is relatively new, but quickly climbing in popularity among vegan cookbooks. The author Áine Carlin is a blogger who approaches vegan cooking in an attainable, yet creative way. This book won't leave you combing specialty markets for obscure ingredients or have you feeling like you are eating cardboard. This collection of 100 recipes includes cocoa and almond butter overnight oats, Hole Mole Black Bean Chili, Thick Crust Mushroom Pizza, No-bake Strawberry Cheesecake & Rosemary and Pear Stuffed French Toast. (YUM!) Not to mention, Carlin is the cutest blogger with such a sweet and relateable writing style, and GORGEOUS photos (link here). Fun fact: Áine Carlin's sister is the lovely Mairead Carlin, the newest member of Celtic Woman. :) - Also great for the Foodie!

4) Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills

Raleigh Briggs is an expert on home cleaners, how to make them, how to grow the ingredients, and how to keep yourself, your family, and pets safe from harm! This book is a highly rated guide to altering your lifestyle to be greener at home, without hassle, and confusion! Also great for the Homebody and the Momma!

5) The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You  (Enhanced Edition)

You might remember my love letter of a post about this book... well now Jessica Alba's first book has an enhanced edition! This book is an all around resource for having a cleaner, greener, healthier life. As a mom she approaches a lot of the topics from the standpoint of keeping them safe and healthy! This is not just a whim of a book, Alba knows her statistics! I found this book extremely clear, inspiring, helpful and eye-opening. I am so glad to have read it before starting a family! This book would be excellent for anyone, but especially good for The Momma! 

6) The Working Class Foodies Cookbook: 100 Delicious Seasonal and Organic Recipes for Under $8 perPerson 

This book has everything you need to know about eating greener on a budget. It is a seasonal guide to eating and cooking with organic foods. This is better for the earth, better for your health, and now explained and executed in a budget friendly way! This book would also be great for the Foodie!

7) Joyous Health: Eat and Live Well Without Dieting

This book is for the health nut or the health nut to be. Joy McCarthy, a holistic nutritionist created this book to help people live a healthier and more joyful life. This book's ratings are off the chart! Check out her blog of the same name!

8) The Forest Feast: Simple Vegetarian Recipes from My Cabin in the Woods

This sweet cookbook is a testament to the author, Erin Gleeson's love of nature. She moved from the city to the forest to pursue a new lifestyle. The recipes in this book are based around seasonal and wholesome ingredients, many of which are very simple! Along with the recipe you get Gleeson's signature illustrations, beautiful water color designs! This book would also be a lovely addition to any Foodie's collection!

9 & 10) Gorgeously Green & Do it Green

Sophie Uliano's highly rated, extremely inclusive guides to greening your entire life. From beauty to home fitness, and food to shopping, she leaves nothing out. But if she wanted to expand you could find that information in her other book Do it Green. Do it green is all about making your own cleaners and products. I will add that these books are not small! They really do contain so much information! She has also released The Gorgeously Green Diet! - Three great resources for anyone!

11) The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre!

For your friend who has been talking about starting a homestead, this is a great guide to beekeeping, gardening, farming, raising animals, tending to fruit trees etc. For even more details you can also look into these related books, The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals and The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects.

I hope that this list has given you some book ideas for the greenest lady in your life!

Interested in more?  Check out this post to view my book recommendations for other 'types'.

Happy Gifting!

Alexandra