tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28265075903827549662024-02-07T22:47:18.563-05:00The Gift Cowthe fun & fabulous art of gift givingAll About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-79572850912837398542011-07-20T09:00:00.001-04:002011-07-20T09:00:26.612-04:00The Lollipop ClubNational Lollipop Day July 20, 2011 <br />
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http://www.lollipopbookclub.com/item_3280/Baby-Book-A-Month-Gifts.htmAll About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-46700060184375797492011-07-18T09:00:00.001-04:002011-07-18T09:00:11.661-04:00Hug Your Kids TODAY!http://www.hugyourkidstoday.com/All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-15268612139217962382011-06-06T17:53:00.001-04:002011-06-06T17:55:09.490-04:00Mixed Up In LoveIf you're looking for a fun way to spice up a traditional engagement, bridal shower, or wedding gift, you have to check this out. I saw something like this at a bridal shower some years back and thought it was FANTABULOUS! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvyfS388M1onHPYIcC2atibVHJNKI4xI4Pu7p21Lpi913_W4ee7WYP82t8Bd9bIIZERLgMzgnnYGY_DjmVZAWtOe8uutNFUHn_NViiBcEn8lyFCsZ6n1x55tGxQUIivUzf03qZzC42LM/s1600/Gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvyfS388M1onHPYIcC2atibVHJNKI4xI4Pu7p21Lpi913_W4ee7WYP82t8Bd9bIIZERLgMzgnnYGY_DjmVZAWtOe8uutNFUHn_NViiBcEn8lyFCsZ6n1x55tGxQUIivUzf03qZzC42LM/s400/Gifts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I call the gift, "Mixed Up In Love!" Combine something off the registry such as margarita glasses, blender, Kitchen Aide Mixer, with sexy lingerie and some of your favorite drink or dessert recipes!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sexy and practical all in one! </div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-12014727466927871152011-05-02T09:00:00.104-04:002011-05-02T23:53:22.505-04:00Dear Teachers, Thank You!!!<span style="font-size: small;">I </span>will <b>NEVER</b> forget Mrs. Schwam, my 4th and 5th grade teacher. She surrounded us with fun, let us "be kids," and knew exactly how to make EVERYONE feel important in her classroom. She hosted mummy contests for Halloween; she encouraged us to bring our boots and snowsuits into school for snowman building contests; every student got a chance to be "The Citizen of the Week" and assist her for an ENTIRE week, while sitting at an extra special desk; the top performing teams (we sat in groups of 4) got to go out to lunch with Mrs. Schwam AND we got to drive in her super cool gray sports car no less (now I am showing my age!); to top the year off, Mrs. Schwam threw us an end-of-the-year pool party at her house! In between all of this fun, we learned a ton; I still have some of my investigation reports from 23 years ago. Who wouldn't be inspired to be an active learner in such a fun-loving, supportive environment? <br />
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So in honor of all of the Mrs. Schwams out there and <a href="http://www.teacher-appreciation.info/">National Teacher Appreciation Week</a>, here are some of my top picks for the extra-special teachers in your lives...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-xwKJOZGcTmLIvUIW_v7bnHbvQMsUOsRbMDgQUVeqJp3D6n5FsoAZkNfG8MO81f283-MD-uJkBHJtbhZtpuYFlzf81H8RYvp242IxcF2aJP_zU-xPAOfuB4tLoPglQYLFnblNcPyjK0/s1600/Penguin-Postcards-Swirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-xwKJOZGcTmLIvUIW_v7bnHbvQMsUOsRbMDgQUVeqJp3D6n5FsoAZkNfG8MO81f283-MD-uJkBHJtbhZtpuYFlzf81H8RYvp242IxcF2aJP_zU-xPAOfuB4tLoPglQYLFnblNcPyjK0/s320/Penguin-Postcards-Swirl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://aprettybook.com/2011/04/14/penguin-books-postcards/">A Pretty Book</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For your Favorite English Teacher (Thank you, Mrs. Ball & Mrs. Geddis!), how about these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Postcards-Penguin-Hundred-Book-Covers/dp/0141044667/ref=pd_ts_zgc_b_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&pf_rd_p=1277211302&pf_rd_s=right-3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=1&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0QBP1AZAZWB5XVBRK9YK">Postcards from Penguin</a>! An awesome collection of postcards highlighting a variety of the much-celebrated Penguin Book covers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukURz6BEnh3ddQlhCASyYGiUiS738imofZRafyyfwBgBbIWLqSig3PObP4LhLrjQqicREXcTuEKIAvV5SnL50aiJiDRmna_3DbNd0PNGAMKW30OcTon_Jv-h8qkRBiCOBwct5xkpDUT0/s1600/pi+pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukURz6BEnh3ddQlhCASyYGiUiS738imofZRafyyfwBgBbIWLqSig3PObP4LhLrjQqicREXcTuEKIAvV5SnL50aiJiDRmna_3DbNd0PNGAMKW30OcTon_Jv-h8qkRBiCOBwct5xkpDUT0/s320/pi+pizza.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=49311">Spoon Sisters</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For your Favorite Math Teacher (Thank you, Mr. Gelfand & Mr. Kapner!), how about this <a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=49311">pi pizza cutter</a>! Isn't this product genius? It's sure to make EVERY math teacher smile :-)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCqB6jarQDL6ggmfOMNn6bPynmwQgxoEVu3ky9754EjUtApyUCre5LxY7lkcayUjAsGtQR-ATpSzOKqrO4bELlRWYo6uIO4U6JQfgNqbmgVnojKAbFkEwLq2pdQnRkMkWYrFp5Bo3PyM/s1600/May+2%252C+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCqB6jarQDL6ggmfOMNn6bPynmwQgxoEVu3ky9754EjUtApyUCre5LxY7lkcayUjAsGtQR-ATpSzOKqrO4bELlRWYo6uIO4U6JQfgNqbmgVnojKAbFkEwLq2pdQnRkMkWYrFp5Bo3PyM/s320/May+2%252C+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For your Favorite Science Teacher (Thank you, Mrs. Squillace & Mrs. Pastir!), how about one of these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">wonderful books</a> with a special inscription from you. These are definitely some of my favorites in my own home library!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMI52df8VZy8STJvu0LKrNupgqL7tbeGSETnYHmjtLtxo2pgIseCKweFoDMKroz1Kh-jnUKhHxUyBZ8Lp9htCtUox4t8o71aGiCQLZSbT7mskyLUyEWVJKho3YMBbIVKubgMxooAc3lY/s1600/history+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMI52df8VZy8STJvu0LKrNupgqL7tbeGSETnYHmjtLtxo2pgIseCKweFoDMKroz1Kh-jnUKhHxUyBZ8Lp9htCtUox4t8o71aGiCQLZSbT7mskyLUyEWVJKho3YMBbIVKubgMxooAc3lY/s1600/history+cards.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happened-Events-American-History-Knowledge/dp/0764907719">Amazon</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For your Favorite History Teacher (Thank you, Dr. Butt!), how about these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happened-Events-American-History-Knowledge/dp/0764907719">history trivia cards</a>. Perfect for any history buff!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstopeKALb_Kh6Vr3yTUpnowJUd9h8YxibC8apmxM3Q9ueT8oEPtfLPqWTq6lGci4HMMSSGCx_khrTQTm30sDvIR0hneEBY_DCjbZaLLyjR_qxmN4BEt-3Dvse4H32pswU4JCLwcL9Vnc/s1600/Music+Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstopeKALb_Kh6Vr3yTUpnowJUd9h8YxibC8apmxM3Q9ueT8oEPtfLPqWTq6lGci4HMMSSGCx_khrTQTm30sDvIR0hneEBY_DCjbZaLLyjR_qxmN4BEt-3Dvse4H32pswU4JCLwcL9Vnc/s320/Music+Box.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=16924-1">Spoon Sisters</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For your Favorite Music Teacher (Thank you, Mr. Mathews & Mrs. Reynolds!), how about this <a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=16924-1">DIY music box</a>! It just looks fun. Not sure I would create anything too wonderful, but I know the Mr. Mathews and Ms. Reynolds of the world certainly would!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Thank you to all the teachers out there! </div><div style="text-align: center;">You make each day better! </div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-12912262903251197422011-04-22T09:00:00.003-04:002011-04-22T17:56:30.051-04:00Guess What?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKG4CYM7DRXtThccwkg5hSpGb3noC6udBS-4e9vkNzuPdXzQ462t1dLKA0nfHmhwqIBsdRMnGOmgTHkg_0LfGUEbMecHldonFwSS2mA4ge58wYJXU6uicfWBl1te3SmpxHKege6syC7bI/s1600/Apr+8%252C+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKG4CYM7DRXtThccwkg5hSpGb3noC6udBS-4e9vkNzuPdXzQ462t1dLKA0nfHmhwqIBsdRMnGOmgTHkg_0LfGUEbMecHldonFwSS2mA4ge58wYJXU6uicfWBl1te3SmpxHKege6syC7bI/s320/Apr+8%252C+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/?">Old Navy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="http://www.terracycle.net/">TerraCycle</a> and <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/?">Old Navy</a> have teamed up together in <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198407723529298">The Flip Flop Replay</a>, an upcycle project to create playgrounds from old flip flops, and it starts <b><span style="font-size: small;">TODAY</span></b>! Bring all of your old flip flops to the Old Navy store closest to you between April 22nd (<a href="http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011">Earth Day</a>) and May 21st to help build four new playgrounds out of the recycled flip flops throughout the country. How creative! I can't wait to check out these playgrounds with my daughter :-)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Donating!!! </div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-59032263426258052112011-04-15T15:49:00.001-04:002011-04-15T15:51:20.359-04:00Hippity Hop-To-It!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxW8jl-jBST-fRHi4ReqeKtZQyLGXFCPjLzlvAEj0FYy1Hktq9LKAffAmgNxnY87M45Ea8tahvvloRwf7rm7wlEqE9Cy4wSFIaO6S6SEfT5w44ewCq95nj5cNVPyVszOlzYuC0rKOh-k/s1600/Apr+15%252C+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxW8jl-jBST-fRHi4ReqeKtZQyLGXFCPjLzlvAEj0FYy1Hktq9LKAffAmgNxnY87M45Ea8tahvvloRwf7rm7wlEqE9Cy4wSFIaO6S6SEfT5w44ewCq95nj5cNVPyVszOlzYuC0rKOh-k/s400/Apr+15%252C+2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <i><a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/">Chasing Fireflies</a></i></td></tr>
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Hello, My Fellow Easter Bunnies! I just found out that <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/"><i>Chasing Fireflies</i></a>, one of my FAVORITE online children's boutiques, is offering <b>free 3-day shipping</b> until <b>2 p.m. (PST) on Monday, April 18th</b>, so I simply had to share. Just enter <b><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: black;">HOPTOIT</span> </b>at checkout on orders of $50 or more.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">I highly recommend their seasonal personalized pajamas. We have a family set of their Christmas ones, and I can't help but smile every time the three of us wear them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Basket Filling :-) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-92033926144863225012011-04-12T18:00:00.001-04:002011-04-12T22:02:37.092-04:00Say it with Stationary<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnuiRUOEQ5gI5APsToaJSFrcQSNFIHX_65IjkWveCmCxyohhzjvSO6EXCEUHpBB3EloRDfLWCFyywLWh0i0oI42D4Xo5uFqAc2VW0Nzgvde6WAZAmaeRFnoCxgnD3ScVJ0QuhC2StDkw/s1600/you%2527re+the+best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnuiRUOEQ5gI5APsToaJSFrcQSNFIHX_65IjkWveCmCxyohhzjvSO6EXCEUHpBB3EloRDfLWCFyywLWh0i0oI42D4Xo5uFqAc2VW0Nzgvde6WAZAmaeRFnoCxgnD3ScVJ0QuhC2StDkw/s320/you%2527re+the+best.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.papyrusonline.com/stationery/you-re-the-best-thank-you.html">Papyrus</a></td></tr>
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I just received a thank you note from my sister-in-law on the <a href="http://www.crane.com/thank-you-notes/thank-you-notes-2/CasualThankYouNotes/Fashion%20&%20Casual%20Thank%20You%20Notes/CasualThankYouNotes/YouretheBestPearlWhiteThankYouNotes?PID=CT1073&pcat=CasualThankYouNotes">Crane & Co.</a> stationary pictured above, and I fell in love. These were the exact words my dad said to me right before he walked me down the aisle almost eight years ago! I will never forget that moment :-)<br />
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Stationary is by far one of my favorite gifts to give and to receive. My brother-in-law got me hooked years ago when he started getting me beautiful stationary sets every year for my birthday. There's just something extra special about receiving a hand-written note in today's technology driven world.<br />
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Go ahead. Treat yourself. I just did! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Happy writing!!!</div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-53112242061486403212011-03-30T15:30:00.002-04:002011-03-30T15:42:01.143-04:00It's Time to Celebrate...My mom, sister, and I recently hosted a baby shower for my sister-in-law. We had SO much fun planning it and my sister-in-law loved it! <br />
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It all started with the <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/jungle-friends-crib-sheeting-girl/?pkey=e%7Cjungle%2Bfriends%2Bcrib%2Bsheeting%7C1%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">baby's sheets from PB Kids</a>. The elephants and giraffes inspired us to do a safari themed baby shower for our new Mommy-to-be!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXtYnivrJv0aRu7FXvaW6I1fxii-uNnw198R1kswnYIYTMRVGDXmFSVf-akm9Glpkw3jmYBI6_Ae7DpbPlXSE4AiipW8z4Ym2_N4PZgn_8pyyRfzioTq42ejr3UU9rmP3ZegBWNDH5HA/s1600/P1040707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXtYnivrJv0aRu7FXvaW6I1fxii-uNnw198R1kswnYIYTMRVGDXmFSVf-akm9Glpkw3jmYBI6_Ae7DpbPlXSE4AiipW8z4Ym2_N4PZgn_8pyyRfzioTq42ejr3UU9rmP3ZegBWNDH5HA/s320/P1040707.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invitations from <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/product/12297/baby_shower_invitations_safari_bunch.html">Tiny Prints</a></td></tr>
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For the wishing well, we asked guests to bring one of their favorite children's books to fill a beautifully painted <a href="http://www.kidfurnitureworld.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=GC-G83200">bookshelf</a> decorated with giraffes and elephants for our new little man.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-ojQwOIhES2H8K1V3vtNVMYu38_QNXj0jLTJdNIKfX-iSyPYSIemawPfwPfcY15B5bE3p5cL6CtC0jbl_FjBCvivRu33xvI3ie7PdnY0YY3DGmfBgYCFlBqWhyphenhyphencTqpG1lD0RmEspJcE/s1600/Mar+29%252C+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-ojQwOIhES2H8K1V3vtNVMYu38_QNXj0jLTJdNIKfX-iSyPYSIemawPfwPfcY15B5bE3p5cL6CtC0jbl_FjBCvivRu33xvI3ie7PdnY0YY3DGmfBgYCFlBqWhyphenhyphencTqpG1lD0RmEspJcE/s320/Mar+29%252C+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Instead of table numbers, we used a different safari animal to distinguish between each table. The children's book at the center of each table doubled as guest books. We asked each guest to inscribe a special message to the baby in the front of their table's book!<br />
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We had cookie favors made for each table too! Each "giraffe" received a giraffe cookie to take home, and so on...<br />
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And for dessert, we enjoyed <a href="http://www.diapers.com/product/productdetail.aspx?productid=41230">cupcakes</a> & sundaes. YUM!!!<br />
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To top things off, some of the guests even carried the safari theme into their gifts. Check out this <a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=61501-4">ADORABLE shirt</a> from Spoon Sisters. The elephant ears double as drool clothes...too cute!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj230MnMeHxaJYGQtozxpOB_W6Qx2dNkHMq2wD8eQgNF9X4HpEi-XCIu0eKAcphP8YBA-_F0WfDdX2YqKMcaJk5kxemj8upwzXHK93p9ZymA1CjAwVAWL8qy8nQwfixU1vcbFpF3_SXi8o/s1600/P1040732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj230MnMeHxaJYGQtozxpOB_W6Qx2dNkHMq2wD8eQgNF9X4HpEi-XCIu0eKAcphP8YBA-_F0WfDdX2YqKMcaJk5kxemj8upwzXHK93p9ZymA1CjAwVAWL8qy8nQwfixU1vcbFpF3_SXi8o/s320/P1040732.JPG" width="290" /></a></div><br />
What a fantastical day! We can't wait to welcome our new baby boy into the world. Thank you to all the guests for making this day simply wonderful for our parents-to-be & our little bambino :-)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">LOVEYAS! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0HsB-e7KXc9_817i7xcL4WxmeVs2ctI91UmXEYiWnC64Prl5EPE66qpniRPAhyphenhyphenNQkOgN12BfWc81ngfMQBNBjZ3owdwJsspQZhVSDkYOCkHhSAIHPvrmZDguXJcG8EHm7gQV053l6iY/s1600/P1040711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHwy23Sp5zM7F15oUiKADPo4BBkW-PCHbnyzbu9Tu353__TfgOT7PonjKLbyCJpm3G1hXOpMvp97N7lmkExubBjJ3TqmfVvo19_rngoEu3RqtzA13O43BXspvdQdWUpgob88VWETQrmM/s1600/P1040709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeTCXNpBjGlHK0zLn8oaqPfHXMClB-bmw8WDWZIgk4wJXhGuCjJpwvUz7WkvHENwJXMQVdhyphenhyphen0NwZozczCfdkK9lhPhxsQ-GRXSmDKitt6JdCFptx_ntkRKP6P08JClTOb_4WSZlf5S4g/s1600/P1040713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU9ePMXvbxS80yxfYpxh7E54Bc9NljZt8RSk_EypP8af4xRko7LzcQ-rPjZPHtvvk71bX1cdOxdzLlw9gtixRkE8ihgBM38F21hn9q9G1qSmBnkwEnwjNM5k_p-M-EXiVLJF1FP9MhcE/s1600/P1040711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRtKzo6s6S4OdUWXc3maYhlPdw154mP8sXvFe63lMAJeFKIW_HnngYkz0hCqXM28ZHpNFao3L7HravH5ZZ5dFifaH5asLijDrcmsxxM0A1T6ZKR-O926Rk9eEwRiKa0TQf1e7JQXr7_E/s1600/P1040709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</a>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-14133967052093402142011-03-22T18:01:00.000-04:002011-03-22T18:01:11.248-04:00Can you pass the sauce, please?With grilling season quickly approaching and in honor of March being National Sauce Month, I thought I'd share my ALL TIME FAVORITE sauce...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmo3kXu49visYU2YnRNyDJ6ucdyfqwxU2tCojrtLHvDziTQj1XDO855RxMDy32kXBZzGKBShiPzFMTDzIK8wgglxbhyXcyLujYwIWSayTjpcHlcA0BkTYB5yxtD_xziE0lfkQpnx6XSaw/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmo3kXu49visYU2YnRNyDJ6ucdyfqwxU2tCojrtLHvDziTQj1XDO855RxMDy32kXBZzGKBShiPzFMTDzIK8wgglxbhyXcyLujYwIWSayTjpcHlcA0BkTYB5yxtD_xziE0lfkQpnx6XSaw/s320/IMG_0070.JPG" width="227" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.gatesbbq.com/">Gates Original Bar-B-Q Sauce</a> straight from Kansas City! </span></div><br />
One of our friends introduced my husband and I to this sauce about 4 years ago and we have been hooked ever since. In fact, my husband just recently surprised me with a case of it, and I literally did a dance when the box arrived at our doorstep and I saw that it was from Gates.<br />
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Chicken + Gates BBQ Sauce = Delicious<br />
Pork + Gates Spice Rub = Simply Divine<br />
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The perfect gift for grill lovers EVERYWHERE!All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-85556991218843076142011-03-15T13:35:00.001-04:002011-03-15T13:36:15.730-04:00Wishing you LuCkY<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZSFwlxblTKWQBUjdGoTQv8dVrlEP_uSosAmWJZjHRMdhGJ3fQTH_K0YEKkpDHGgG5A9J8g7L2cWgTWJn4E4YD7dYmQkoJOe9bjhPLkP0MSCE53GYQBm3vrUyBYhW1R-kNxS2hBZkT4k/s1600/good+luck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZSFwlxblTKWQBUjdGoTQv8dVrlEP_uSosAmWJZjHRMdhGJ3fQTH_K0YEKkpDHGgG5A9J8g7L2cWgTWJn4E4YD7dYmQkoJOe9bjhPLkP0MSCE53GYQBm3vrUyBYhW1R-kNxS2hBZkT4k/s1600/good+luck.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/good-luck-garden-in-a-bag/productinfo/25614/">Chasing Fireflies</a></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love simple, classic gifts. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Patty's Day!</div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-13980668427349069602011-03-02T09:00:00.020-05:002011-03-02T09:00:24.790-05:00Happily Ever After<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr align="center"><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP2Ft6bq8vUihOticynJjdmzsEBV5fZ_yVBFTKaeUAiGqBAcHztf53TzBbMv6k97G-5wp5QuABrrmqetQmv59TURZoB3XNx52ecbuYzRysG4g8FKyz7sN4vPSi2OkMzGx8fR_ZQXs_E4/s1600/Engaged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP2Ft6bq8vUihOticynJjdmzsEBV5fZ_yVBFTKaeUAiGqBAcHztf53TzBbMv6k97G-5wp5QuABrrmqetQmv59TURZoB3XNx52ecbuYzRysG4g8FKyz7sN4vPSi2OkMzGx8fR_ZQXs_E4/s400/Engaged.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">via <a href="http://www.deandeluca.com/wine/cabernet-sauvignon/poem-cellars-engaged-cabernet-sauvignon-2008.aspx">Dean & Deluca</a></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">What better way to say "congratulations to the happy couple," then with this classic bottle of wine! Just imagine snuggling by a crackling fire while enjoying a glass of this red with your sweetie. Simply divine. Haven't tasted it. Just LOVE the concept and the marketing. Simple and to the point. Classic look. Only downfall...little pricey. </div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-26385858160082067362011-02-25T09:00:00.001-05:002011-02-25T09:53:22.381-05:00Sprinkles...YUM!After the couple of spring-like days last week, I am definitely ready for the warm weather and all that comes with it...going to the park, long bike-rides, barbeques, and of course, ICE CREAM!<br />
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One of my favorite parts of going for a soft ice cream is getting the rainbow sprinkles to go with it. Yes, I am one of those people who purchases an extra cup of sprinkles to dip my cone into once I've licked all the original ones away. Needless to say, I LOVE sprinkles!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkp2XPnYoRtMx08ct_h6zRXtxE67Oq0lSVUpOYeLOlSqimLwnZS7NCDA8Ww2TPl8EDDeR5DFqQ32oiTQ-knUvBS_2N8xjzOWnKzkYQDWEhOXTCkzmgl7Zv8VV0GAq-RruglYew38bLao/s1600/sprinkles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkp2XPnYoRtMx08ct_h6zRXtxE67Oq0lSVUpOYeLOlSqimLwnZS7NCDA8Ww2TPl8EDDeR5DFqQ32oiTQ-knUvBS_2N8xjzOWnKzkYQDWEhOXTCkzmgl7Zv8VV0GAq-RruglYew38bLao/s320/sprinkles.jpg" width="251" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJf083XBPd7FxQYMl1sMzNMOzsjP_BPQ1vfmZszzYEOymEa31yq6kB2-GnNo2ZT6WYeDsu2_mixenvuCPVSlSDJN7HnCZDep_CSHCDKJU2qs0HFY8b0ei3-Fea8exuvMt9SUg7Q56KK7E/s1600/sprinkles_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJf083XBPd7FxQYMl1sMzNMOzsjP_BPQ1vfmZszzYEOymEa31yq6kB2-GnNo2ZT6WYeDsu2_mixenvuCPVSlSDJN7HnCZDep_CSHCDKJU2qs0HFY8b0ei3-Fea8exuvMt9SUg7Q56KK7E/s320/sprinkles_0001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
That's why I earmarked this article in the <a href="http://www.highlightshighfive.com/audio/high_five_audio_december_2010.html">December issue</a> of my daughter's <a href="https://www.highlights.com/high-five-magazine-for-kids?productId=hhfmag">High Five</a> magazine by Highlights to share with all of you. What a great way for toddlers to practice sorting colors and to develop their independence, while creating a fun gift for someone special. With any luck, it will only be a few more weeks til we hear the ice cream trucks singing through our neighborhoods and we can enjoy these delicious sprinkles! YUM!All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-42893456497740209212011-02-22T17:07:00.003-05:002011-02-23T23:27:43.959-05:00Have A Kickin' Good Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU_omUfAaXXg-ozaDcXAWFGUgxDQMsask1kzIB52KkKIkFqVBnw4QSYtdEz1DbUjTDDFI4u4UwJODUwNt0168PZEFdubjiLlbAa8cTlsxvov8l3D58TEaP-L41G_gJY1tCp3EjeNH-2w/s1600/P1000323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdU_omUfAaXXg-ozaDcXAWFGUgxDQMsask1kzIB52KkKIkFqVBnw4QSYtdEz1DbUjTDDFI4u4UwJODUwNt0168PZEFdubjiLlbAa8cTlsxvov8l3D58TEaP-L41G_gJY1tCp3EjeNH-2w/s320/P1000323.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F1KTMm-5Afx4hyphenhyphent9xLCmEcdAhdRCKcnswZqm94bvV1f61BXrcZVFcBwvxocJDFqprhRzVZFGYRD9bCSDlf7zQSdENiheFhGo7y_R-1AZtQ-j4LI44SDX260TYUk3E5_-ESVwuAkAo3s/s1600/P1000319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F1KTMm-5Afx4hyphenhyphent9xLCmEcdAhdRCKcnswZqm94bvV1f61BXrcZVFcBwvxocJDFqprhRzVZFGYRD9bCSDlf7zQSdENiheFhGo7y_R-1AZtQ-j4LI44SDX260TYUk3E5_-ESVwuAkAo3s/s320/P1000319.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.soccerpost.com/Kaskey_Kids_Soccer_Guys_P8815C456.cfm">Soccer Guys</a> or <a href="http://www.soccerpost.com/Kaskey_Kids_Soccer_Girls_P8816C456.cfm">Soccer Girls</a> is my new favorite gift for 2-3 year olds. It's basically Foosball without the sticks. Two year olds enjoy laying out the pretend field, setting up the goals, and passing the ball between two players while occasionally making a goal. SCORE! While three to five year olds can setup ALL the players and begin to learn the rules of the game through interactive pretend play.<br />
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Pair it with a <a href="http://www.soccerpost.com/Adidas_Finale_10_Mini_P8905C380.cfm">mini soccer ball</a> and/or a soccer themed picture book and it makes the PERFECT gift! Some of my favorite books include <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kick-Soccer-Alphabet-Books/dp/1585363391/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298411781&sr=8-1"><u>K is for Kick</u></a> by <a href="http://www.bradherzog.com/index.htm">Brad Herzog</a> (includes fun soccer trivia/history for the adult reader) and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Soccer-Pel%C3%A9/dp/B0046LUTQO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1298411844&sr=1-1"><u>For the Love of Soccer</u></a> by Pele.<br />
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To top it off, our friends at <a href="http://www.soccerpost.com/">Soccer Post</a> are offering all Gift Cow Readers a special discount. Use the coupon code <b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">giftcow</span></b> to get 15% off at checkout!<br />
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Happy Kicking!All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-60196658005770726272010-11-29T09:00:00.005-05:002010-11-29T09:00:02.390-05:00The Art of Stuffing a Stocking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWL3doDyhBbN550IEFFDzkXtnA8wuSVQAKRKrG9CsSuN28g3sfy4pfgec15W7ueF56fjzJEUw2RLqNChBVCIpvLVpge1sZQZsWENGa9Xhx80GqVnemkgj9OZrjpI9TBxFSuxknvz_g1T4/s1600/IMG_4611_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538029383752075378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWL3doDyhBbN550IEFFDzkXtnA8wuSVQAKRKrG9CsSuN28g3sfy4pfgec15W7ueF56fjzJEUw2RLqNChBVCIpvLVpge1sZQZsWENGa9Xhx80GqVnemkgj9OZrjpI9TBxFSuxknvz_g1T4/s320/IMG_4611_2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Years ago, my husband and I decided to only exchange stocking stuffers at Christmas. I really enjoy this because it requires a little extra thought and creativity. Not only does the gift need to be sentimental and/or useful, but it must be small too...a little extra challenge!<br />
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Here are some of my favorite stocking stuffers...<br />
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For the baby in your life, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=doidy+cup&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=1100896241&ref=pd_sl_7md26wobfz_b">Doidy Cup</a> is an amazing product that eases the transition from bottle to cup without major spills!<br />
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For the organizer in your life, <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10018282&N=&Ntt=magnutz">Magnutz</a> are super small magnets with UNBELIEVABLE strength.<br />
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For the love of your life, the <a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=33606">"I'm nuts about you!"</a> key ring says it all. The packaging is simply adorable, and the key ring itself is the perfect size-small enough to be unobtrusive, but big enough to remind your honey how lucky he or she is!<br />
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For the cook in your life, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mario-Batali-Silicone-Basting-Persimmon/dp/B000AOD12A/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1">silicon basting brush</a> is a MUST-have!<br />
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For the men in your life, try these <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Pairs-Cotton-Freshfeet-Silver-Technology/dp/B002V5PVXS">easy to match dress socks</a>. Once he tries them, he will never go back to traditional gold-toes. Not only are they thin and soft, but they make matching socks fun and SIMPLE!<br />
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For the child in your life, include these adorable <a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=121265">mini lunch notes</a>. Nothing is better than finding a fun-loving note in your lunch from someone you love...a guaranteed smile every day of the week!<br />
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Please share some of your favorites too! With a little help from each other, we can all have ROCKIN' full stockings this year.All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-86879673510282774002010-11-24T16:03:00.000-05:002010-11-24T16:03:09.892-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{via <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-craft-decorations/thanksgiving-table-decorations/button-indian-corn-napkin-rings-669427/">Family Fun</a>}</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">My daughter and I have been preparing for Thanksgiving all week. One of my favorite parts of the week was when we made the napkin holders for our Thanksgiving table with my sister and her son. We made a simplified version of the napkin holders pictured above and they turned out GREAT! We just cut small pieces of felt, made 3 to 4 slits in the felt, weaved a ribbon through the holes, and then glued a variety of buttons over the slits/ribbon. The kids LOVED picking out the buttons and gluing them down on the felt, and they look wonderful on the table too. Check them out below; they would make an adorable hostess gift from a child! </span><br />
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</tbody></table>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-45756996325762456492010-11-19T21:28:00.009-05:002010-11-20T07:16:12.888-05:00Brrrr! It's cold out there...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZr9DTxlXWAtP0UiUBDLBK76gMRrgWbcsTHEopYgZKOr_5woVZxnWr4tg4ZYyI5PbfP5FSqiPBCaGBB_3FWC9FxjKlitj3PoL1ok7hLfphOJsnwcBDIwYPLHJJMJw3CNvjMnp1KuJyiY/s1600/rhblanket2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZr9DTxlXWAtP0UiUBDLBK76gMRrgWbcsTHEopYgZKOr_5woVZxnWr4tg4ZYyI5PbfP5FSqiPBCaGBB_3FWC9FxjKlitj3PoL1ok7hLfphOJsnwcBDIwYPLHJJMJw3CNvjMnp1KuJyiY/s320/rhblanket2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541465507561218242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">{via <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod260009&navAction=jump&navCount=1&searchId=1290220149582">Restoration Hardware</a>}</span><br /><br /></div>I don't know about you, but all I want to do on these brisk November days is curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket and a cup of tea. This blanket from Restoration Hardware is one of my absolute favorites. It is ridiculously soft and snuggly, and surprisingly reasonable in price. It makes the perfect winter birthday, Christmas, or housewarming gift. The best part is that you can personalize the blanket with all sorts of complementary gifts depending on the recipient.<br /><br />For the tea lover, spice it up with specialty teas like those by <a href="http://www.teaforte.com/">Tea Forte</a>.<br /><br />For the bookworm, inscribe a special book to go with the blanket.<br /><br />For the chocolate lover, include a bunch of Trader Joe specialty chocolate candies.<br /><br /> For the child-at-heart, wrap up one of the plush teddy bears from <a href="http://www.rhbabyandchild.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=rhbc_prod213217&navAction=jump&navCount=3&searchId=1290222129359">RH Baby & Child</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Happy Snuggling!!!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-7430148334648249312010-11-15T09:00:00.000-05:002010-11-15T09:00:10.697-05:00Give the Gift of Togetherness<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3e4RLCHTtOlD2NtfZ5fyGR6Hs8OLCAfNU4m5Rf5K95G6p2ZqytvqsapqZBDcxS0A5vMT4sc8qnQNd-FK2aVp1YRyUWBCS4JrREDkY_ODhEn2bdpGfDIDJR2CYYtWvRwlJz_mhzeExBA/s1600/advent+calendar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3e4RLCHTtOlD2NtfZ5fyGR6Hs8OLCAfNU4m5Rf5K95G6p2ZqytvqsapqZBDcxS0A5vMT4sc8qnQNd-FK2aVp1YRyUWBCS4JrREDkY_ODhEn2bdpGfDIDJR2CYYtWvRwlJz_mhzeExBA/s320/advent+calendar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539513894737292338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">{via <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/house-advent-calendar-new/?pkey=e%7Cadvent%2Bcalendar%7C3%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C3&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">Pottery Barn Kids</a>}</span><br /></div><br />Last year, my husband's aunt gave us the most wonderful housewarming gift...an advent calendar! But it wasn't just any old advent calendar, it is in the shape of a home, made out of wood, and has a little drawer for each day of advent. It came with a bunch of trinkets and candies to put in each drawer, BUT his aunt asked that I throw those away and to do as her family does, which is to fill each drawer with a little piece of paper that encourages the family to do something together. I was so honored that his aunt decided to share this family tradition with us and look forward to taking our advent calendar out this year and starting the tradition in our home. I know my daughter is going to LOVE it!<br /><br />I am in the midst of putting together all the family activities for our calendar now. Please share any that you might think of. Here's what I've got so far...<br /><br /><ul><li>Pull out the Christmas cds and sing some Christmas songs together<br /></li><li>Bake Christmas cookies<br /></li><li>Set up our nativity<br /></li><li>Read a Christmas story together<br /></li><li>Watch Frosty the Snowman together<br /></li><li>Cut down a tree<br /></li><li>Decorate the tree<br /></li><li>Make a special ornament for our tree </li><li>Cut paper snowflakes to hang on the windows</li><li>Go ice-skating or sledding together<br /></li></ul>Any more suggestions???All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-15027944672573952892010-11-12T15:18:00.010-05:002011-02-25T00:06:53.992-05:00Cookies & Milk?...Yes, Please!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgzZLbvdqW2rueXXuqYnBjveir73cqzxdKYJBULF8CfP1_3NJ_ATbxFw3eUYsCoSKa3JpRcACRYhDTbvHQP7KWKA8YghWJBHgp2rxgPE5lih48o_OagAbSM0sPw2vnt3jxsYZNE2EWbM/s1600/milkcookies017.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539508019272808850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgzZLbvdqW2rueXXuqYnBjveir73cqzxdKYJBULF8CfP1_3NJ_ATbxFw3eUYsCoSKa3JpRcACRYhDTbvHQP7KWKA8YghWJBHgp2rxgPE5lih48o_OagAbSM0sPw2vnt3jxsYZNE2EWbM/s320/milkcookies017.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 214px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio03ZvmEhbDSI70QLZMP3QpRLtQGCHNWLmgueReyrbKr1LyQ7LkVCu-NbQ7YmuE876i9_T3jR1kJxUjo9W5aks4gJId1SexxJGwgcqDNb6n2828P0RRWpuqUGGGKVYEunm23SCdZsKdGI/s1600/milkcookies009.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539508107809437138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio03ZvmEhbDSI70QLZMP3QpRLtQGCHNWLmgueReyrbKr1LyQ7LkVCu-NbQ7YmuE876i9_T3jR1kJxUjo9W5aks4gJId1SexxJGwgcqDNb6n2828P0RRWpuqUGGGKVYEunm23SCdZsKdGI/s320/milkcookies009.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 214px;" /></a></div>{via <a href="http://www.loveandlavender.com/2010/11/milk-and-cookies-styled-shoot-part-1/">Love & Lavender</a>}<br />
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I absolutely LOVE cookies and milk. In fact, my husband refers to me as "his cookie monster," so when I saw this idea for a Cookies & Milk wedding shower on <a href="http://karaspartyideas.blogspot.com/2010/11/milk-and-cookies-shower-party.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KarasPartyIdeas+%28kara%27s+party+ideas%29">Kara's Party Ideas</a>, I immediately started brainstorming complementary gift ideas. Here's what I came up with so far...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.target.com/Silicone-Solutions-Baking-Sheet-Pink/dp/B000JM74BM">Pink silicon baking sheet</a> from Target+<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XTe-oZF2x8ZEsJEtX9jgPWJUbXTRzHGwvCgkwkUs21mWKhcK70OJyIqvaj0E2DaeK9TTE67N5V1e5I16hTE9U2Cu6yygqprK25VaAPXyPWnHForcElqwUT4ikBgwJXQCXl6FvDjvEg4/s1600/Pink+Bake+Sheet.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538761896566016194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XTe-oZF2x8ZEsJEtX9jgPWJUbXTRzHGwvCgkwkUs21mWKhcK70OJyIqvaj0E2DaeK9TTE67N5V1e5I16hTE9U2Cu6yygqprK25VaAPXyPWnHForcElqwUT4ikBgwJXQCXl6FvDjvEg4/s320/Pink+Bake+Sheet.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 172px; width: 172px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=100&Product_Code=50102">Love Dish Towel</a> from Spoon Sisters+</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkvB8iGBeRlZZCEVA9p4SriHwhvagGa8rq7pZXTgI3clOGWktXe9mFHso-qmP_czWntC7monF4zmuN5XLCBL8ouD-3Qx_sqkC33FtJVoGOiLlwglZ5SmFFvLNWOnP12fG1AQxctRe_bM/s1600/Dish+Towel.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538762761441342626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkvB8iGBeRlZZCEVA9p4SriHwhvagGa8rq7pZXTgI3clOGWktXe9mFHso-qmP_czWntC7monF4zmuN5XLCBL8ouD-3Qx_sqkC33FtJVoGOiLlwglZ5SmFFvLNWOnP12fG1AQxctRe_bM/s320/Dish+Towel.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 193px; width: 174px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Cookies-Sweet-Little-Lessons/dp/0061740721/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289592276&sr=1-3">Sugar Cookies Book </a>from Amazon+<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmEfWvSXseaSoZz37Z9GYKqy7p9zkkIR94o_bVm6ykxN2HimvXZ7D3jIdBCTkNL2DjwimHVQSXP8gq_dh3_SD1luMhqRBbsekrR_kJo3LXmbIoLz-SLrPgk-p7IIXpsIuQHWSwY5GJMc/s1600/Sugar+Cookies.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538763006416137282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmEfWvSXseaSoZz37Z9GYKqy7p9zkkIR94o_bVm6ykxN2HimvXZ7D3jIdBCTkNL2DjwimHVQSXP8gq_dh3_SD1luMhqRBbsekrR_kJo3LXmbIoLz-SLrPgk-p7IIXpsIuQHWSwY5GJMc/s320/Sugar+Cookies.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 170px; width: 170px;" /></a><br />
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Wrapped together in clear cello and LOTS and LOTS of ribbon with these<br />
<a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=100&Product_Code=48404">heart-shaped measuring spoons</a> from Spoon Sisters hanging down from the ribbons!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZGJiVkxsxf51nnNV8UtwNxF0OqnFsrAdNp9jnUCJdPIwyAAlNnPBIvEKeWbtrJTKs7O9VJSq_cLiKSVxXD-OML_4AA4zXNq2wjg1Hh-C6P_sg4RHjYXlR3ic0UitzjXHYidfjpvqK2c/s1600/heart+measuring.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538763856549017170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZGJiVkxsxf51nnNV8UtwNxF0OqnFsrAdNp9jnUCJdPIwyAAlNnPBIvEKeWbtrJTKs7O9VJSq_cLiKSVxXD-OML_4AA4zXNq2wjg1Hh-C6P_sg4RHjYXlR3ic0UitzjXHYidfjpvqK2c/s320/heart+measuring.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 180px; width: 194px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">And if you are looking for a less traditional gift, then you might consider surprising this lovely couple with a plate of freshly baked cookies and fresh milk one night on their honeymoon. Who doesn't like a little midnight snack???</div></div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-11762770312080789302010-11-11T09:00:00.002-05:002010-11-11T15:28:13.643-05:00Calling All Bakers, Big and SmallWith Thanksgiving right around the corner, why not include your children in the preparation process with some of these FABULOUS baking kits from <a href="http://www.bitesizechef.com/funbakingkits.html">www.bitesizechef.com</a>? Your guests are sure to love ALL of these tasty, fun treats, and your children will undoubtedly be more engaged in the special day because they know that they contributed something extra special.<br /><br />Even better, the owner of bitesizechef has offered a special coupon to all Gift Cow readers. Be sure to enter the coupon code: BSC10OFF50 for $10 off any purchase of $50 or more.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpbEm67UtDvM_4iQKVEiPh6kKryT3BFfhfYHuqVNtYmA2n4rZmg2Z9JU_J_u1rW-nVPdM68MmNNlj-7q_NIfARxWpREWTjeLuE8ylSE0W8NS-IA7rOGjcBpS_9q4Yq0MNnle3NuSgTu4/s1600/bitesize.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpbEm67UtDvM_4iQKVEiPh6kKryT3BFfhfYHuqVNtYmA2n4rZmg2Z9JU_J_u1rW-nVPdM68MmNNlj-7q_NIfARxWpREWTjeLuE8ylSE0W8NS-IA7rOGjcBpS_9q4Yq0MNnle3NuSgTu4/s320/bitesize.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538017114371367266" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Shopping!!!<br /></div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-71372052362452561572010-11-08T14:00:00.001-05:002011-02-25T00:08:03.291-05:00Pulled Pork, Anyone?My husband's birthday was yesterday. As usual, thinking of an extra-special gift was a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, though, he happen to mention last weekend how much he enjoyed one of our friend's pulled pork sandwiches and that's when I had my AH-HA moment...<br />
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There is NOTHING my husband enjoys more than watching football on Sunday with his closest friends and family, while chowing down on some tasty snacks. So, I got him a <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=16313017">slow-cooker</a>, emailed our friend for her pulled pork recipe (see below), and invited a bunch of our friends over to enjoy pulled pork sandwiches and the games. The whole night was a HUGE HIT!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Pulled Pork Birthday Sandwiches</span><br />
(serves 14 adults)<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">8 lb. pork roast on the bone (assume 1/2 lb./person)<br />
1.5 (18 oz.) bottles of your favorite BBQ sauce<br />
2 medium sized onions, sliced thin<br />
4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced<br />
1.5 tablespoons of brown sugar<br />
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Cover the bottom of the slow cooker with one sliced onion and garlic. Wash and pat dry the meat. Lay the roast in the slow-cooker on top of the onions and garlic. Mix the brown sugar and bbq sauce together in separate bowl, then pour mixture over the roast in the slow-cooker. Cover top of roast with second, thinly sliced onion. Cover cooker and program to cook for 6 hours ON HIGH. Then, take roast out. Remove some of the fat from the roast, then use a fork to pull meat off bone. Return to cooker for another 2 hours ON HIGH. Enjoy!</div><br />
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</div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-65666784672464867992010-11-05T09:00:00.004-04:002011-04-06T22:03:59.985-04:00Nothing's Better than Barefoot<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxdOYN5OCXec32l9ZQo-Ibchy2lxSTT_LODQpxvspNO31v-QbM8aL79TJy59BunFaoKwPpNJXE6MQ2oXZMGNUEGGBF4r9t9MUOBzjCk-GnFIFHLC4cT5j5GP1Sj6ehWiQwT-91S63yKY/s1600/P1000156.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536055192232395970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxdOYN5OCXec32l9ZQo-Ibchy2lxSTT_LODQpxvspNO31v-QbM8aL79TJy59BunFaoKwPpNJXE6MQ2oXZMGNUEGGBF4r9t9MUOBzjCk-GnFIFHLC4cT5j5GP1Sj6ehWiQwT-91S63yKY/s320/P1000156.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span>I simply LOVE Barefoot Contessa. I discovered her years ago when my husband's aunt gave me one of her cookbooks for Christmas. It didn't take me long to realize that literally EVERY recipe in her cookbooks is a sure guarantee. Needless to say, I now own almost all of <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/books/index.shtml">Barefoot's cookbooks</a> (with the exception of <span style="font-style: italic;">Barefoot In Paris</span>) including her newest addition, <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/books/bcheit_inside.shtml"><span style="font-style: italic;">how easy is that?</span></a><br />
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Because I enjoy her books and recipes so much, I often like to incorporate her books into my gifts. They work for any occasion if the recipient enjoying entertaining, cooking, and/or baking. To top it off, Barefoot is currently on <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/book_tour.shtml">tour</a>, so you could even add a little extra spunk to your gift with an autographed copy!<br />
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One of my favorite Barefoot Contessa's gifts is...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftI2GEkLnEZXvudFK5sdXFdsaYwRtfEx_hsbHaEdLIxAYCAZ3pfMs6NhwnHmgxbyMz1UZmGs4n1P6335WLKTW5tMFU7pJ4wBFne_QIxZ2S4rlO5q4hD2Dlt0b7Ky2F1_CORX85iVuJWY/s1600/P1000158.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536055616661063266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftI2GEkLnEZXvudFK5sdXFdsaYwRtfEx_hsbHaEdLIxAYCAZ3pfMs6NhwnHmgxbyMz1UZmGs4n1P6335WLKTW5tMFU7pJ4wBFne_QIxZ2S4rlO5q4hD2Dlt0b7Ky2F1_CORX85iVuJWY/s320/P1000158.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
</div><span style="font-weight: bold;">PIZZA PARTY:</span> Parties Cookbook (see page 43) and a pizza stone wrapped in clear cello with lots of colorful ribbon, a tag that says "Pizza Party, p. 43," and an ice cream scoop hanging down from the ribbons.<br />
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Any other gift ideas from fellow Barefoot fans???All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-39088338057589474242010-08-24T18:00:00.000-04:002010-08-24T14:21:06.907-04:00Back To School<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQvrqZ7Hgs9ndSm2JdRnaoe-xI21X9jr90vqGQ_-eFNPZdNIP3w08fgWfxLjF-pUpM_UqQHIDK14IRc-HNp1Ag8_wyZzaATc0w7x4E2ZC_5YiZvfZz7AkJ5thHf3-2L4aOdFNHX049uM/s1600/Pajamas.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQvrqZ7Hgs9ndSm2JdRnaoe-xI21X9jr90vqGQ_-eFNPZdNIP3w08fgWfxLjF-pUpM_UqQHIDK14IRc-HNp1Ag8_wyZzaATc0w7x4E2ZC_5YiZvfZz7AkJ5thHf3-2L4aOdFNHX049uM/s320/Pajamas.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509038445691314162" /></a><div>Going back to school can be exciting and anxiety inducing all at the same time. Why not capture some of that energy and surprise the students in your life with these ADORABLE <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/personalized-school-years-eve-pjs/productinfo/31854/">pajamas</a> from <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/">Chasing Fireflies</a> for the evening before their first day of school?</div><div><div><blockquote></blockquote><br /></div></div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-47568625315202086982010-08-04T12:00:00.000-04:002010-08-04T19:18:23.548-04:00Hugs, Kisses, and Get Well Wishes!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7tPs-hrZt3AKEaEdlMHeg6yP2-UYts80lcHuys3aPqRac1TlMRdyD681hWZFiVS3dKFvZ7Cl4TmhG1DCBzxjW_5HzI7S4jtnMPs_BgFaTyPYLb_uL3wI_EgcRMtoGv6gRanDbeZ-da4/s1600/Sunflower+Patch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7tPs-hrZt3AKEaEdlMHeg6yP2-UYts80lcHuys3aPqRac1TlMRdyD681hWZFiVS3dKFvZ7Cl4TmhG1DCBzxjW_5HzI7S4jtnMPs_BgFaTyPYLb_uL3wI_EgcRMtoGv6gRanDbeZ-da4/s320/Sunflower+Patch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501243388557911874" border="0" /></a><br />Picking the perfect "get well" gift can be tricky because it really must be customized to the recipient's exact situation. Are they in the hospital or home? In bed or mobile? In the mood to eat? Can they focus on a book or TV show?<br /><br />Balloons, framed family pics, and flowers usually work well, unless the recipient has allergies. My personal favorite is a bouquet of Sunflowers...simple, bright, and smiley!<br /><br />If the person is home OR if the family is spending most of their time as caregivers, then how about the gift of home-cooked meals? I always try to send freezable meals just in case the family is inundated with food or simply isn't hungry the night you drop off the meal. One of our family favorites is <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/chicken-chili-recipe/index.html">Barefoot Contessa's Chicken Chili</a>. Somewhat time consuming, but definitely worth it!All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-58577989725829473052010-07-26T17:11:00.001-04:002010-11-14T15:45:29.062-05:00forever young<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRjNKUw01EJFV7CIQG29xnJ8qRgrgsJT2tuVkCW-y75G5UjVWqzs0cAf5c85mDzdufRPO5KMVMnKpY-oUDQBx9Le6qHGbUXi7oIS_btb7v_dRPAkuik9cGZqbPjuSr7fCJAv_73-9TRs/s1600/IMG00364.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRjNKUw01EJFV7CIQG29xnJ8qRgrgsJT2tuVkCW-y75G5UjVWqzs0cAf5c85mDzdufRPO5KMVMnKpY-oUDQBx9Le6qHGbUXi7oIS_btb7v_dRPAkuik9cGZqbPjuSr7fCJAv_73-9TRs/s320/IMG00364.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498278128754659810" border="0" /></a>Thanks to my daughter, I have rediscovered the beauty of children's books. There are so many stories out there with wonderful illustrations and messages that both adults and children can appreciate, which is why giving a special children's book on certain occasions has become my new favorite gift, especially when the gift is from my daughter.<br /><br />Here's some of our favorites...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLTD5_7Pl6Y"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Hug Time</span></a> by Patrick McDonnell for the recently engaged or married couple.<br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.lindaashman.com/creaky_old_house__a_topsy_turvy_tale_of_a_real_fixer_upper_87129.htm">Creaky Old House</a> </span>by Linda Ashman for the new homeowner.<br /><a href="http://www.jamieleecurtisbooks.com/humanrace.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Is There Really A Human Race</span></a> by Jamie Lee Curtis for the graduate.All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2826507590382754966.post-75221713796423870772010-07-14T14:03:00.001-04:002010-07-14T16:22:55.430-04:00Midnight Snack Attack!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc6t8Ku6IplVKQGSyjZlsEO003lWkLTRC9hC1QVE72HMprpRBY1cjXdtPMsl8tozwkU5rR6mAWuu4bfmEELzgsDDmc1vWpM-d9XcvSiGD5rhrRecAHj8cbttpCHKchyphenhyphenwakPrLw5A-GlE/s1600/Desra+024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; float: left; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493833099101693106" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc6t8Ku6IplVKQGSyjZlsEO003lWkLTRC9hC1QVE72HMprpRBY1cjXdtPMsl8tozwkU5rR6mAWuu4bfmEELzgsDDmc1vWpM-d9XcvSiGD5rhrRecAHj8cbttpCHKchyphenhyphenwakPrLw5A-GlE/s320/Desra+024.jpg" border="0" /></a>Between this past March and this upcoming November, we will welcome a total of 7 new babies among all my girlfriends. So very exciting! <div></div><div></div><div><br />The arrival of all of these babies has started me thinking about the perfect "welcome home baby" gifts...<br /><br />I vividly remember the beginning months of parenthood being full of tiresome days and wakeful nights. Its unavoidable. Every transition takes time. Mommy, Daddy, and Baby need time to get to know one another and to settle into a schedule that works for the family.<br /><br />For one couple, I created a personalized "Snack Attack" basket to add a little fun to those tiresome days and wakeful nights. I filled a basket with some of our friends' favorite snacks. I included a <a href="http://www.babybunch.com/products/cupcakes/">box of cupcake onesies</a>...fun & food themed, yet practical! As a final touch, I burned a cd of fun children songs related to eating that my daughter and I enjoy singing together. I entitled the cd "Snack Attack!"<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Both parents very much appreciated the snacks and their baby girl LOVES the cd. A perfect gift for mommy, daddy, and baby! </div><br /><div>If you don't have time to make it, <a href="http://www.deandeluca.com/gifts/snacks-on-the-run.aspx?PageIndex=0&PageSize=9">Dean & Deluca </a>offer great snack gift options (although, beware, they can be quite pricey!). </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>All About The Gift Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05590313432556817009noreply@blogger.com2