Hey Guys (and Kiddos)...Do THIS Not THAT For Mother's Day...

Okay, okay, okay.......

I know what y'all are thinking.

You're telling yourself "It's the thought that counts."

or "My wife/mom isn't like that." 

or "She doesn't like us to fuss/spend/make stuff."

But the best one is "She already knows we love her."

Ummmm.......yeah. RIGHT.  Let's go with that.

Or not.  DEFINITELY not! :)

But we can have a little fun with this, so let's get started.

Anyway, I'm gonna help you navigate the tricky waters known as Mother's Day.

Ready for this???

  Okay, in no particular order, we will look at traditional (#old and #boring) ideas,

 and then we'll tweak them a bit to make mama happy.  

Ready?  Let's DO this.......

1.  Breakfast in Bed.

Who doesn't like Breakfast in Bed?  Just remember this.......

NO mom will enjoy breakfast in bed if Junior sticks his hand in the toaster, 

and the dog pees on the floor cause no one took him out.  And if she walks out to 

a kitchen wth syrup dripping from the ceiling and sticky juice on the floor, it's pretty much worthless.  Save yourself the trouble. 

SOLUTION:   If you are gonna do breakfast in bed, do it RIGHT! 

Keep it simple.......some fruit cut up and placed in a pretty bowl, coffee just the way she likes it,

and some sort of toast/pastry/scone.  (*Hint:  buy this the night before;)  

* *Bonus points for a simple flower in a vase on the tray.  And it's a perfect time for a few handmade cards for her to read while sipping java.

You can do more...but clean it up!  And no screaming and fighting in the kitchen.

This makes mom nervous.

2.  Gift Certificates/Gift Cards

These are great gifts.  A relaxing spa gift card. Shopping at her favorite store.

But your job does not end at buying the gift card boys.

Yes, you are telling her to splurge.  Treat herself.  Have fun. Enjoy!

But you have to BABYSIT!!!!!  Or arrange for a sitter.  And make sure sanity reigns at home.

(Meaning she doesn't get all chilled out and happy, only to come home to a house thats been destroyed, babies crying for mama, and a sitter or daddy who is ready to blow.

Not cool.  Give her the whole package.  Please do this.  I can't tell you how many times my husband gave me a spa day to go with my best friend (who was also my baby sitter at the time), only to be too busy to babysit.  And a note about gift cards.  Tell her to buy whatever she wants with one condition.  Show and Tell when she gets home.  Because I promise you,

there are MANY moms who will end up buying for you, the kids or the house. 

I still do that sometimes.  THEY need the treat, okay?

3.  Mom's Day Off

Let's see how this works.

If you give her this ON Mother's Day, she'll be happy but really, this won't work.

Why?  Think about it.  Here is what her day will be like.......

(and I'm assuming Mom goes to church, but even if she doesn't, it may be similar).

You: "Honey, you are not to do a THING toady"

Her:  Well alrighty then.  I can do that!  Think I'll hop in the shower.

And when she comes out, all fresh and pretty, ready to go........

The kiddos still aren't dressed.  NO WORRIES.......she wants to help her babies, right?

You finally get to church and when you get home, YIKES!  Did anyone take the dogs out before we left?  GUESS NOT!  

Her: Hahahaha it's okay.  I love you anyway!!!

As the day goes on, little things remain undone.  Dinnertime?  Clean up again!

And don't forget if the kids have homework, git r done!!! And pack those backpacks for Monday:)  See my point?  If you are gonna give mom a day off, then do it right!  

Cover all the bases OR better yet, let her get away with a friend for the day and maybe night.

Girl time, Relaxing time........and home comes a HAPPY Mommy who missed her family and can't wait to jump in there and take care of her family.  Hopefully!

Give her a day off:)

4.  Chocolates and Flowers

Hey.......you really took the easy way out.  

If the kids did this, okay.  But Dad.......come on.

IF you are giving sweets, please make sure she likes them and/or even WANTS them.  If she's trying to get in shape, then what the heck are you thinking?

UNLESS.......you give her a box of THESE chocolates:)

Adorable!!!

And flowers.......as a mom I used to hate if my husband ordered expensive flowers at a florist.

Get them at Costco or something.  Beautiful and not so pricey.  And give her the rest of the $$$$$ if you FEEL cheap.  But that isn't necessary, since it's not about how much money in the end.

Even worse though is giving her a bouquet of super thorny roses, so she can sit and trim them all morning.  Please, buy trimmed flowers or do it yourself. Or buy flowers she can plant outside if she likes gardening.  There are many ways to make mom feel special.  One time (and I believe ONLY one time LOL) my husband taped messages of love all over the house and pics the girls drew for me.  (They were young)  

* * * * * BEST gift ever!

5.  You know those commercials for a pricey necklace to celebrate "MOM"?

Save yourself the trouble, dude.

Chances are she won't like/want that generic piece of jewelry.

If you want to splurge, go for it. IF as a family you can afford it, and only if !

But seriously, ask her what she might like, or buy her something awesome that celebrates HER as a MOM and HER family and is something more to her taste.  Personalize it!  Etsy has great gifts for this.

6.  Perfume

When you go shopping and the salesperson wants to show you their new fragrance but you really came for her all-time favorite, BE FIRM.  Buy her favorite and ask for a sample of the new one.  No surprises.......it's her fav for a reason, okay?  

Here's my favorite.........Michael by Michael Kors;)

7.  Lingerie

Here is my tip from most of the moms I have ever know.  

SKIP THE LINGERIE!

Chances are, what you think she wants isn't what she wants.  If you have young children, she needs something she can hop out of bed at 3 in the morning to soothe a nightmare or doctor a sick child.  

Now, what you CAN do is get her a super comfy yet super cute pair of PJ'S.  

(Notice I now call them PJ'S.  THIS is what a mommy wears, so deal with it;)

Just check her size before you go and make sure there is a good return policy, just in case.

Remember......CUTE/PRETTY/COMFY are the key words here.

8.  A Clean House

You and the kids can do this yourselves OR you can hire a maid service to come in and deep clean the house for her. Personally, I would love this.  

But I have this weird habit when on the rare occasion someone is coming to clean my house.

I nearly kill myself the night or morning before they arrive cleaning the house.

YES, the house you paid them to clean.

Because I don't want some stranger to think I am a gross hoarding slob.

Or I didn't raise my girls to clean up after themselves.

I'm serious.  AND,  I am not alone here.

So as part of the package, YOU go around and make sure the things that SHOULD be put away are.  I'm not saying you have to clean.......just pick up.  Straighten things.  

Fluff and Buff a little.  She's gonna LOVE you for this gift if you do it right:)

9.  Family Photo Book

Chances are, she's your family photographer and/or photo organizer/scrapbooker/photo book maker.  This one is MUCH easier than you think.  Shuuterfly, Apple, Snapfish, Mixbook.......

even your local Target or Walgreens. 

You or the kiddos could gather your favorite photos (or drawings), no rhyme or reason necessary, and make a photo book for mom.  This is always a hit.

10.  Family Fun Day

This is always FUN!  A day at the beach, on the boat, at the park, at a ballgame........

just remember that if everyone pitches in 

(and I bet mom will too if everyone is on their best behavior)

it'll be an AWESOME day for everyone and nothing will make Mama happier:)

Tips and Tricks:

~when in doubt, ask her friends, her mom (yes, she may know her little girl better than you think) even your children.  

Hey........when it comes to things like favorite color, favorite music/movies, stuff like that............

my girls have always known me WAY better than my husband:)  Just sayin.......

~if you are determined to give her "gifts" to open, but you are not a shopper........

do what my nephew did this past Christmas.  He let my girls and I shop for his wife.

I think even she appreciated it.  But even if it wasn't perfect, he/we tried. 

All that counts:)

~Just because you golf. Or play tennis.  Or throw horseshoes........

don't assume she wants to.  And in fact, just because you don't get her love of knitting, or refinishing furniture, or anything crafty/diy..........let her do HER thing sometimes while YOU watch the kids.  Kind of like she does when you pursue your hobbies.

Support her.........like our friend from The Notebook!

Bottom line here is this;

If your're buying her a gift, make it something she will LOVE.

If you are giving her a gift that involves just "mommy time", give her the whole package.

And remember, MOST moms don't care what you spend.

And they TRULY LOVE handmade gifts from their babies.  

And they really don't ask for much.

Just go out of your way to make her feel special and appreciated on Mother's day.

Do your BEST!

Next time I have a few COOL and unique gift ideas:)

XOXO

Michael Kors is Pretty in Pink, Tan and White, just in time for Valentine's Day...and SPRING!

Can you believe it's already Valentine's Day?
Me either!!!
Today, I thought I'd share my favorite picks for a truly
SWEET Treat........for yourself or for your Valentine to give you,
straight from Michael Kors.
(HINT: just send him this blog post and direct him to the
nearest MK lifestyle store;)

Michael Kors Pretty in Pink

I suppose I should say that my daughter works for
 Michael Kors in Naples, Fl.
In fact, she just got a promotion!!!!
Happy, Happy, HAPPY!
She even had a few other offers at the time but when
she got the offer from MK, that sealed it.
She loves working there and she loves the product. (Me too:)

Actually, I liked MK well before she started working there.

She just helps feed my habit;)

Funny thing is, I'm not a "designer" person.

I will shop at MK and then stop at a thrift shop on the way home.

Walmart carries my favorite leggings.

I really like the sundresses at the beach store.

And I'm a regular at Target.
See.....I spread the love and help out a variety of stores!

But I do LOVE Michael Kors.

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, (YIKES..........need cards!)

I thought I'd share my favorite goodies from the new line.

According to Taylorina, they are flying out of the store so act fast.

And if you're near Naples Waterside Shops, 

pop in and see Taylor.

Check out this GORGEOUS line of "Pink".
Complimented by the camel color, it's so fresh!

Are you a fan of Rose Gold?

It's my absolute favorite.

Well before I knew about MK, just sayin:)

In fact, back in the day, I had a ROSE GOLD fingernail on my pinky.

For real.

No kidding.

(although maybe I wish I were;)

And nobody does it better.....see for yourself..........

I just feel that unless you have the skin that is made for silver,

rose gold is such a warm, attractive metal.

Maybe now I should mention two of the things I love about the MK line.

1.  Michael uses a lot of Rose Gold, which I love. (as we already know, right:)

2.  He believes in mixing metal.  Layer it on.  

You don't have to have ALL silver or all gold or rose gold. 

 Thank you!  (This is especially great for us indecisive types:)

Fun fact...........Michael Kors calls his camel color "luggage". 

 It's a best seller, goes with everything and is his own personal favorite color.

And if you don't have anything in that shade, get it:)

And with spring coming, mix it with WHITE!

I also included my first ever, favorite grown up perfume.........

Michael Kors Signature.

It has scents of gardenia, vanilla and more but he had me at gardenia.

Seriously, I wore my daughters perfumes...sweet, surfer girl perfumes:)

Now we all love this.

It's pretty and light enough for life in Florida.......or wherever.

Well, see anything you like?

I know you did;)

Like I said, find a store or shop online at Michael Kors.

If not, I have one more tip!

Someone sent us Shari's Berries for Christmas.

I'd seen and heard the ads but thought.........ewww!

They''ll be rotten before they get to Florida.

Was I WRONG!

We fought over these berries and devoured them in record time.

And these are some seriously big berries!

I just sent some to my Mom for hearts day and her reaction was the same as mine.

Oh My Heck these are good!!! :)

They ship quick so if you need em, there's still time.

Although shipping may be $$$ at this point.)

But keep Shari's Berries in mind!

See ya!

Suzanne

What do Scotty McCreery, Tootsie Rolls, Victoria's Secret, Twitter and Flat Stanley Have in Common?

hmmmmmmm........
give up?

they're all great gift ideas this year!

i know, it isn't even halloween yet,

but you have to admit time is FLYING by.......

before you know it, halloween is past, the turkey is stuffed:)

and the Christmas Holiday is upon us.

don't believe me?

i try to hold off.
really!!!
but just as some don't like talking
 or even THINKING about it,
i happen to LOVE thinking about it.
"keep Christmas in your heart all year, ya know???:)
gotcha!
and no, it is NOT all about shopping.
far from it.
it's the whole "package, so to speak;)
now, in my defense, Taylorina is in full NUTCRACKER mode

and on Saturday, we are doing a Holiday Boutique for
Vintage Charm.
soooooooo.......
be warned.......
cause here on my lil 'ol blog,
 the Christmas season is OFFICIALLY on :)


now, the one thing i know how to do is SHOP!
and these are just a FEW little ideas to get you started.
no doubt i'll have MANY more in the days to come, okay?

on to gift idea #1.....
Christmas Music
my first gift idea is actually a Pre-Holiday gift.
remember Scotty McCreery,
who WON American Idol a few years back?
if not, here's the low-down.
Scotty is one of the Good Guys.
~~~17 years old when he won.
~~~a sweet, shy, southern boy who sings country music
 with his beautiful deep baritone voice.
~~~a Christian.....who at 17 was not afraid to share his
Faith at every opportunity on national TV.....
and still isn't.
~~~a very grounded, all american, baseball loving kid who
is doing it the "right" way.
~~~the kind of young man you hope and PRAY your
daughters bring home some day.

 Scotty released a Christmas CD this week,
and when i listened to it,
i just knew it had to be my number one pre-holiday gift idea this year.
songs include the traditional
Let it Snow,  First Noel,  Jingle Bells,   Holly Jolly Christmas,
Winter Wonderland,   Christmas in Heaven (one of my favorites)
Christmas Comin Round Again,  O Holy Night,
The Christmas Song,  Elvis's  version of Santa Claus is Back in Town,
and the most beautiful, pure version of "Mary Did You Know" I've ever heard.
trust me, at $11.99, it's a GREAT gift!

and being the GINORMOUS fan of Michael Buble that i am,
i MUST tell you he also has a Christmas cd coming out.

(something tells me i'm gonna be adding a few new albums this year)


gift idea #2.
PINK Clothes from VS.
ummm.....what's so new about this?
well, they finally added a REALLY pretty
SOFT pastel pink to their line.
and it's flying out of the stores.
these photos don't do justice.

once again, trust me.....
they will be a HUGE hit for someone on your list.
i also love this hooded, raglan sleeve top.
talk about COMFY!
and these Sparkly boots are super cute:)
all from VS.
and selling out fast!



gift idea #3. 
Books!
 of my favorite authors is John Grisham,
and he has a new book out,
The Racketeer.

actually, he has a lot of books, and if you haven't read them,
now might be a good time to start.
they're clean.....and gripping from the very start.
this would be a very welcome gift around here!


any TEENS on your list?
this is an AWESOME book that i have given
 as gifts for a few years now.

5......

Where Will You Be FIVE Years from Today?

actually, it is a great book for anyone, of any age.

here's what it's about;

The next five years can be the most exciting and satisfying years of your life---or just another five years. Whether you are just graduating from college, newly married, considering a new career, setting goals for retirement, or just looking to inspire a special friend, employee or family member, here's the most inspiring and compelling gift you can find.

sounds good, huh?


know anyone who's a fan of Christian fiction?
Tricia Goyer is a really good writer,
and her brand new book is on MY wish list:)
The Memory Jar.

Click here to read about it on amazon.

and the last book for today is actually a BOOK SET,
and it's for the kiddos out there.
the adventures of FLAT STANLEY!!!

i wish we'd known about Flat Stanley when i was a kid.
fortunately, Stanley comes to stay with us once in awhile,
 and we get to have fun that way:)
i bet the little ones on your list would love having this books set!


gift idea #4.
a TWITTER necklace.
like facebook and other social networking sites,
twitter is HUGE.
and if you know someone who LOVES to TWEET
 (kinda sounds silly, i know;)
here is the perfect accessory for them.....

a twitter id necklace, from various sellers on ETSY
these are a few examples.
mine would read @shabbychicksmom.
hey...it's just an idea:)

gift idea #5.......
a Tootsie Roll scarf!!!

look, if you have to go through winter,
why not have a sense of humor about it?
even better if you love tootsie rolls (like i do!:)
you laugh, but these are selling out fast.
i found this on amazon,
but if they sell out,
try searching other stores online.
good luck...it's realllllly CUTE!
gosh, i need to stop!

but a few more things.......
like, where is this place?

i want to shop there!
shoot, i want to LIVE there!!! :)

and most importantly,
 whether it's October, November or December,
remember the REAL reason for it all.

xoxo,
Suzanne

How NOT to make crappy cupcakes and other super COOL tips:)

hahaha..."crappy cupcakes" .

somehow i think those two words should NEVER be together:)

however, according to one pinner on Pinterest,

she no longer makes "crappy" flat cupcakes thanks to a great tip.

so today, i'm sharing her tip plus some other COOL tips
 you may or may not have heard of yet,

from Pinterest, of course:)
***i have not tried every single tip.......they just sound good.
but every one got RAVE reviews from those who have tried them,
 so you decide:)

photo source

and here is something from food network to help make
the cupcakes pretty.......custom frosting colors!

(hmmm...sure is worth a try if you ask me.  no more CRAPPY cupcakes:)

now here's a tip for a great smelling home.

it seems i've also heard of this in the microwave but maybe not.........
Put two caps of vanilla extract in an oven safe mug or pan,
place it in a 300 degree oven for one hour and before you know it, the whole house
will smell AMAZING!
This is actually a common realtor trick:)

okay, you know how you want to give a plate of cookies to a neighbor
or you need to take a plate to a potluck/picnic...........
but don't want to lose the plate?
check this out.......

....take a white paper plate (sturdy, not flimsy)
and with a paper punch, put a few holes around the rim
and thread a piece of ribbon through it.
very CUTE!

now for a cute gift idea.......

when giving a cookbook as a gift,
wrap it in a new, pretty dish towel and add a few cooking tools
as embellishment:)

GOSH...aren't these great tips?
wish i had thought of them (ha:)
but there's more.......

kids at home?
here are a few cool tips.........
how about painting their homework table with chalkboard paint,
for notes or working problems instead of kraft paper!

another cool thing to do with an old globe.........
write this quote on it~~~~~~

hmmmmmmm......this one is really clever.

when you get those photo Christmas cards,

which everyone sends these days,

take a pic of the card to use as caller ID

for that person on your cell phone.

LOVE, love love this idea:)

and here's what someone says is a surefire recipe for the

cleanest, prettiest, sparkliest jewelry ever........

 1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon dish detergent

1 cup water

1 piece aluminum foil

Directions:

Heat water in the microwave for 1 or 2 minutes.

Cut a piece of aluminum foil that roughly covers the bottom of a small bowl (like a cereal bowl).

Pour hot water into bowl. Place salt, soda, and dishwashing liquid into bowl. Place jewelry on top of foil and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse jewelry in cool water and dry jewelry completely with soft cloth. Discard solution after use and make a new batch next time.

According to wire-sculpture.com, "this works well for gold-filled, brass, german (nickel) silver, and sterling silver. I have even cleaned jewelry with freshwater pearls, shell cameos and mother of pearl with no problem.".

last but DEFINITELY not least,
did you know all the things you can use DAWN dishwashing detergent for?

i mean, people swear by these things!
i found most of these tips at JILLEE's place.
i'll list some ideas but visit her to get more!
1. homemade bubbles:
Here is the Giant Bubble Recipe used in bubble makers at many children’s museums: 1/2 cup Ultra Dawn 1/2 gallon warm water 1 tablespoon White Karo syrup
2.  degreaser:
use to remove greasy hair and product buildup

3.  Clean Greasy Tools

4.  PETS AND PESTS

Use it to bathe the dogs.

It kills fleas on contact and is much cheaper than expensive dog shampoos.  

5.  CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS 

Try this recipe from Merry Maids: mix 3 drops Dawn in 1 gallon water and fill a spray bottle with the solution. Spritz and wipe as you would with any window cleaner.  

6.  TUB AND SHOWER CLEANER

Take a spray bottle and fill it halfway with white vinegar. Heat in the microwave. Fill the rest of the way with blue Dawn. Put lid on and shake to mix well. Spray on your tub and shower walls. Allow to sit for a few minutes and rinse away. It will totally melt all the gunk, slime, sludge and other stuff that builds up including a bathtub ring.  

7.  SIDEWALK DE-ICER

For icy steps and sidewalks in freezing temperatures, mix 1 teaspoon of Dawn dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, and 1/2 gallon hot/warm water and pour over walkways. They won’t refreeze. No more salt eating at the concrete in your sidewalks  

8.  ICE PACK

Partially fill a strong zip-type sandwich bag with Dawn dishwashing liquid, close and freeze. The liquid soap stays cold much longer and it can be re-frozen many times. It will conform to the place you need an ice pack.  

9.  REPEL ANTS

Spray counter-tops, cupboards and any other area where you see ants with a solution of Dawn and water. Wipe dry. The slight residue of Dawn that remains will not be a problem at all for kids or pets, but ants hate it. Should you see a trail of ants, go ahead and hit them with the Dawn spray.  

10.  Fight Stains

"I love blue Dawn dish detergent. I’ve been using it as a stain pretreater/laundry booster, hair shampoo, face/body wash for a long time now (and for my dishes). "

11.  pretty hands/manicures

Soak fingers in full-strength blue Dawn. It makes the cuticles soft and easy to work with. And it removes the natural oil from the fingernails, which allows the polish to adhere very well.
*******Update:  My mom just told me my dad knew about
this years ago and used Dawn to get rid of Box Elder bugs and wasps/hornets.
one spray and they dropped like flies:)

WHEW!

did ya get all that?:)

hope so!

if you would like to follow me on pinterest to see more cool stuff, click on the red link:)

and i hope you have a wonderful weekend my friends!

XOXO

Suzanne

P.S.  and no CRAPPY cupcakes!
 heehee