Mother's Day Gift Guide

For all the last minute shoppers out there, I am often in this bunch, here are some great ideas for Mom. If you are like me, it's always tough to buy something for someone, that you think might have everything, you can't buy clothes for, she lives far away, you feel like you always give her a scarf, etc.! These ideas work from anywhere and for anyone. Of course, always add a personal touch, that can come with an endearing card and beautiful gift wrap. Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there! Click images below to shop online and check inventory in stores near you. Now, hurry, you only have a few days! xo RCN

Books are great gifts, especially if you know what your Mom may be interested in. Does she like history? gossip? beach reads? tear jerkers? biographies? Barnes & Noble, and any book store, for that matter, has more than a enough options to pick from. That's the problem, there are so many!  So, I narrowed it down for you. Here are a few of my favorites that are great for all the kinds of Moms. 

If Mom likes to cook, but also may be a super busy lady, then a gift of food and recipe delivery is right up her alley. Every once in a while, everyone likes a break from something - like grocery shopping and food prepping. A gift card to Hello Fresh or Blue Apron is an easy way for Mom to pick out some tasty recipes, without having to shop the grocery aisles for all the ingredients. The recipe, instructions, and prepped ingredients are all delivered right to her front door. Mom can enjoy easy cooking and tasting a new menu on the family table. Each week, new dishes are offered for selection by the one and only, Mom. Bon appetite!

Sometimes it's not so easy shopping for clothes for your mom, but accessories- yes! How about shoes? Whether your Mom likes to dress up or down, Soludos come in soooo many styles, patterns, embroideries, and colors. They take only a couple wears to break in, which is pretty good for shoes. Search for a quirky pair with flamingos or lemons, something that fits your Mom's character, or go for a chic chambray, stripe, or natural linen. Soludos are sold online and carried in store at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks, Dillards, Urban Outfitters, and other boutiques. Head to your nearest mall and you'll likely find a perfect fit.

A lot of florists are beginning to fill up for deliveries on Mother's Day, but they may still have some glorious blooms available for purchase in store. Give the florist, closest to Mom's house, a call and order...right now! If delivery isn't an option because the Florist is already too busy, then hopefully you have the opportunity to visit Mom on Mother's Day and hand deliver. You can even stop at a farmers market, Whole Foods, or artisan grocery store to select from the best of bunches for a better bargain. The flowers do not have to be formal, a nice bunch wrapped in brown paper and bakers twine, makes for a beautiful bouquet. A great place to get inspiration is Bouqs.com. Unfortunately, they are booked through Mother's Day this year, so you can't order direct for a timely delivery. However, the website has some great inspiration for "farm to table" floral bouquets that you can pull together yourself, if you can get your hands on paper and string. Keep Bouqs in mind for your next holiday or floral order.

Wrap up a nice bottle of Mom's favorite Chardonay and include a gift card to Painting With A Twist (if there is one near your location). I'm sure you have heard of these wine and paint nights, if you haven't already attended one yourself. Even if Mom isn't an "artist", this could be really fun. Does she like wine? It's a nice way to do something together with Mom. If there isn't a Painting With A Twist near you, there is likely another wine and paint group or studio nearby, just google!

Having nice manicured nails is a dream. Some women often have them done, but it's still a dream. Every time you look at your well manicured finger nails and pedicure, it gives you a sense of cleanliness and beauty that is desired by a lot of ladies, myself included. Mom may get them done every week, or hardly ever. Either way, she would enjoy going to the salon with you, or if you live across the globe, send her to her favorite place nearby. Maybe order her a few polishes in advance and she can bring them along to the nail salon when she goes. You can pick up a few Essie bottles at almost every drugstore. Shop one of the latest Spring collections, below.

Let them eat cake, but Mom first! Bake Mom a pretty cake, as pretty as you can make it. Grandkids can help decorate, or just do it yourself and then place it on the prettiest of cake stands that you know Mom will just heart. It is a wonderful leave behind that Mom can use for future gatherings. Cake stands are wonderful for not only cakes, but serving appetizers, other desserts, and setting a tablescape for a party. If Mom has the kitchen to store it or loves to entertain, then she will be happy to have a pretty piece like this. Homegoods, Target, Walmart, Crate and Barrel, Sur La Table - they all have cake stands! Oh, and if you don't have time to make the cake, pick it up at a bakery. If Mom likes Carrot, then that's what you bring to Mother's Day brunch.

The cool thing about an outdoor blanket, is it can be used for multiple things. Beach, camping, picnic, soccer game, just sitting on the deck or balcony at night. There are many stylish finds out there right now, my favorites are linked below. If you need to find one quick, try Target or your local department store! It's a great combo gift with some of the other mentions - espadrilles or a book!

Mini gardens are just divine. If you are going to be able to spend some time with Mom on Mother's Day, this is the perfect giftivity to do with Mom! Wrap up some glass jars, bowls, or whatever cool item you can stumble upon at Homegoods, Marshalls, Michaels, Target, (or Terrain if you are lucky enough to live nearby). Also, include some sand (good for cacti/succulents), potting soil, pebbles, maybe some moss or a few shells, and of course, the plants. Home Depot or a local nursery will have great options to select from. Depending upon the plants chosen to inhabit your jar, pot, or terrarium, the garden can thrive rather easily with the perfect mixture of water and sunlight. For succulents and cacti, they only need a couple TBSP of water a week and lots of sun. Small leafy plants need only an extra TBSP or 2 of water and a little less time in direct sunlight. Have fun planting and making your very own unique plant home with Mom. For advise on planting and directions, click HERE.

Domino is one of my most favorite editorials. It covers mainly home and interiors, but also highlights fabulous products for the home, fashion, and lifestyle. Not only is the magazine a quarterly subscription I look forward to, but the website also has an online retail store to purchase some great goods that have been featured and selected by the editors. Product ranges from handbags to pillows. Mom would love to get the mag in the mail and/or receive a GC, where she can shop some Domino style! 

 

This Is 30 Gift Guide

My outlook on turning 30 is simple and good. 30 is the same as being 20, but maybe even better, right!? And after all, if it is just as good as my 20s, then I think I will be in pretty good shape.

I lived a full life in my 20s and had a wonderful time. Yet, there are a few things I did or dealt with then, that I am glad I no longer have to conquer or do in life, ever again. Nothing terrible, just things that I am happy to have accomplished, signed and sealed. College, for example, it was a blast, but at the end of the day I don't want to study for midterms or worry about getting my first "real" job, ever again. Zach and I were married at 25. It was the most beautiful day of my entire life and I wouldn't change a thing. That being said, I am so happy I am married and don't ever have to worry about finding the man of my dreams, ever again. I am blessed we nailed the forever thing down in our 20s.

Then, there are the things that I am glad will stay the same from my 20s to 30s. At 21, I was legal to drink champagne, mojitos, and all my favorite libations. The same will happen in my 30s, as I am glad there is not a law to revoke drinking at 31. I traveled around the world in my 20s and I for sure hope that fortune continues. I plan on it. I worked really hard at my career over the last decade, and I plan on doing the same for the next ten years, no matter what I end up doing each day. 

So, 30 for me is about continuing to live and love life and build dreams. I want to grow a bigger family with my husband, explore new places, and find a forever home that I can put as much wallpaper and hang as many plants from the ceiling as I desire. With all those additions to the things that continue from my 20s, I am projecting my 30s to be the best years yet. Cheers to 30! Here is my birthday gift guide for anyone that is turning 30, 20, or older! All are based on the thoughtful presents my loved ones gifted me this year. xo RCN

 

Gifts For Him

If you don't normally shop a stocking for the guy in your life, maybe this year is the year to do it. I find shopping for stockings to be the most fun. It's a great way to search and discover the perfect little things that remind you of everything about your guy, and likely things about him you love. This year I got a head start by picking things up along my travels throughout the year. Hmmm, now I have to remember where I hid all the little gems. I'll find them, but in the mean time I will shop for some additional stocking stuffers and bigger gifts. Hopefully, this list gives you some ideas for your special someone, whether you need $10 ideas for the stocking or a bigger, slightly pricier present. Guys can be the toughest, so here goes it! xo RCN

Suit Supply cotton pocket square, $29

At some point in a man's life he needs to dress up. Some do every day, others maybe once in a year. Regardless, a pocket square completes the suiting look. Don't go overboard with this, especially if this is for a first time pocket square wearer. White and cotton is all he needs to look on point.

J.Crew Factory boxer shorts, Mallard ducks, $6.50

Always include underwear in the stocking. J.Crew outlet has great options, online and in store. Pick up a fun novelty pair each year. Z got Labradors last year and is likely getting Mallards this year. Hope he isn't reading...

WindPouch inflatable hammock, windpouch.com, $79.95

The Windpouch is one of my new fascinations. You may have seen youtube videos about how to blow these up. Click HERE if you have not. These rather large, couch-like, blow up seats, weather well on sand, concrete, water or carpet. These are great for any guy that beaches, tailgates, floats in a pool, or has a friend crash at their studio apartment, last minute.

Billions: The First Season (DVD), Target, $22.99

Looking for a new favorite television show obsession? Look no farther. Both Z and I love this showtime series. It is a thrilling story line involving a big time hedge fund manager battling against federal prosecutions from the US Attorney for the Southern District of NY. New season starts on Feb. 19th, so you will have a good two months to file through season one before the start of season 2.

 

Masterbuilt Sportsman Elite 30" Propane Smoker, Cabela's, $89.99

Smokers vary in price range, so you can definitely spend more than just the $89.99 ticket on this one, but either way it's a thoughtful gift for the griller-barbequer you know. My Dad and Father in Law both use theirs on a relatively normal, (and surprising) basis. I have never had such great tasting ribs. Do your entire family a favor with this one.

The Wall Street Journal, 6 month print and digital subscription, $99

Subscriptions are always great ideas. The Wall Street Journal covers all the finance and stock he could care to read about. The $99 is well worth all the news and information he will fill his brain with, in just 6 months time.

Rainbow leather sandals, $52

I am all for the summer gifts in winter. I mean, we all go on vacation at some point. Two months from now or six months from now, your guy can use a nice pair. Rainbows are the best (both for men and women). They wear wonderfully over time and never hurt your feet. Really, never. Go for the leather option. They come in a few different neutral shades as well. 

Vineyard Vines cotton jersey 1/4 zip pullover, Vineyard Vines, $98.50

Guys look handsome in 1/4 zip pullovers. They dress up and down, so they are a great outfit pieces for day to night and office to dinner. Vineyard Vines offers great seasonal colors. They fit well on multiple body types, bigger and broad chested or thin and wide shouldered. 

Yeti Rambler Colster, Beverage holder, $29.99

The Yeti tumbler was recommended in my girl's wish list, so for the guy I will suggest the Rambler Colster. This keeps a beer can or a Coke, cold as can be. Buy two, and keep one for you.

Bonobos made to order dress shirts, $98

Bonobos digital gift card, $25+

Bonobos is a wonderful menswear brand. Their dress shirts are good quality and better yet, they are custom made to fill your desire for collar size, color, fit, etc. If you know what your man wants, select for him, if not...give him a gift card!

Patagonia Fisherman's rolled beanie, $29

Stocking caps and beanies are just one of those things all guys wear and need. Patagonia is probably one of the coolest brands out there right now, so go with a simple cap and shop Patagonia. All guys can pull off this look.

Weber Smokey Joe Gold Portable Charcoal Grill, Home Depot, $39.99

Grills come to mind when I think of guys. And it's quite possible your man may not have a portable one for camping, picnicking, tailgating, or just chilling on a small patio. Weber portable grills are great for the outdoor guy or one that is on the go and always wanting food. At the next football pre-game, he can cook the burgers.

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Scotch, 750ml bottle, grandwinecellar.com (or most liquor stores), $79.99

For all the Scotch drinkers, Lagavulin is a great choice. The 16 year is a bit' peaty. If he likes that, then this is a highly recommended scotch from those that drink it.

Crate and Barrel Direction 9oz Double Old Fashion glasses, sold individually, $9.95

I adore beautiful glasses for cocktails so why shouldn't your handsome be sipping from class as well. If you are in love with a gin drinker, Manhattan maker, straight on the rocks kind of guy, then chances are he will like these Crate and Barrel glasses. Not only do they have a masculine, rich look, but they have a heavy feel which is nice to hold in your hand.

Saturdays Surf NYC T-shirt, saturdaysnyc.com, $40

In my opinion, Saturday Surf is one of the coolest menswear brands!! If you live in NYC or even shop Nordstrom, you may be familiar. Saturdays Surf is a surf brand based out of the city. The shop in Manhattan has a coffee shop inside and you can shop boards, wax or clothing - a pretty unique shop for NYC.   The T-shirts are comfy and simple, something most guys like in a tee. If he doesn't know the brand, I guarantee he will grow to love.

yurbud Hybrid Wireless earphones, $79.99

Yurbuds are the best earphones. I use my pair everyday. They come in a small pouch, great for travel, and also come with multiple size coverings for all ear sizes. If he is tech savvy, or has the new iphone, your beau will appreciate the wireless and bluetooth functionality.

Nike Free RN running sneakers, Nike, $100, $140 for customized coloring

Sneakers are usually the guy "go-to" shoe. If your man is anything like Zach, he likely wears them whether he is running in the gym, or walking to the store. I am a Nike loyalist, so no surprise this is my pick. The Nike Free RN shoe comes in loads of colors, bright or understated. If you feel like splurging a bit' and want to get personal, Nike offers customization for $140.

Weathertech cargo truck liner for cars and trucks, ex. $109.95 for a Jeep Grand Cherokee (behind second row seating) trunk liner

I couldn't make a list without something car related. This is the more pricey gift on the list, but so, so great. The plastic shell liners fit accustom to each car. All you have to do is go to the Weathertech website and select the year, make, and model of the car. The site will have what you need for a trunk liner, or floor liners for both front and back seats. They remove easily and keep the car spot clean. He will love this!

Rochester Shoe Tree Company for J.Crew suede and nubuck cleaner, $8

He probably has a shoe shine kit, but maybe not a shoe care cleaner for nubuck or suede. Nubuck and suede are materials that also need care, like leather. Gift a cleaner that will help his entire shoe assortment last through the year - or longer.

Sushi For Dummies, play.google.com (or any bookstore), $9.99

Books are a must in the stocking. I gave Zach this one a few years ago, but we never put it to use until this past Thanksgiving weekend. The entire Nord family hung in one night and we all made sushi together. The book helped with planning, and we had the BEST time. Buy this book, and plan a date to do it. I promise, you will enjoy it!

Zirh skincare starter kit, Bloomingdales, $59

Skincare can be a tough purchase for guys. Ultimately, it is a personal purchase. However, I took a guess with ZIRH, for Z, a few years ago and he has been using it ever since. If your guy is a little more rugged, shaves often, or has tougher skin that he wants to keep soft, try this starting kit. Invest in larger quantities of specifics later, once he knows if he likes it and it works on him.

Shinola medium leather journal, Shinola, $48

For the writer, or business professional. How about a nice leather journal? Shinola is an awesome brand, all made in the USA. Their leather goods are classic and beautiful in craft. The notebook is one of the lower priced items in the collection, yet equally as artful as the wallets and watches. Surely. this is a great addition to his briefcase or bedside table.

GoFit cold roller massager, REI, $29.95

For anyone that works out or just gets stressed out, this may help. This small massage roller fits great in the stocking and comes from a great source, REI. After a lift workout, run, or long day at the office, your man will appreciate this one.

Fireside Panini Press, Terrain, $42

Mix fire and sandwiches together and I think you have a perfect pair. Dudes love a hot sandwich. So... for your camper, pyro, or foodie, this is a fun idea!

La Colombe Bleu Organic coffee beans, 12oz, $15 (all 12oz coffee ranges from $12-$15)

La Colombe started in Philly, and has spread to the burbs, NYC, Boston, Chicago and is still expanding. There is a reason for that, because it is SOOO good. For any and all coffee drinkers, there are a variety of roasts and flavors. I put a bag in Zach's stocking each year and think I will try out the Bleu Organic this Xmas.

Leatherman Wingman 14 pc multi-tool, $39.85

You can never have enough tools. Multi tools are great for the tool belt, keeping in the garage, and also in the car. This 14pc tool grouping has more than what he needs to fix or make whatever it may be.