Cutest Cutting Board Ever!

What an awesome housewarming or wedding gift for friends/family members!  This AHeirloom Etsy Shop creates custom made state cutting boards with your preference of city location; all USA states are available to order.  The city location will be cut out in either a Heart vs. Star vs. House, depending on your selection at the time of ordering.

Too stinkin' cute if you ask me! And what a way to 'wow' your guests when hosting and using it as a cheese cutting tray.

Darling custom new-parent gift

As I've entered my late-20's it seems that more of my friends are deciding to start their families & have little ones.  Who's up next on-deck? This is such an exciting time (for them & for me)! Gosh, I just gush when holding ittie-bittie little ones... which makes my job as a Newborn Photographer so enjoyable & fulfilling. 

With that being said, I always try to find practical, but thoughtful gifts for close family & friends.  I've found a new favorite product that I'm certain some of the soon-to-be parents in my life will be receiving from The Lawson's as a baby gift! 

It's just too cute & every nursery would look darling with a customized birth print. Contact the artist here & send them the babies birth info & then purchase a frame for the new parents to hang in the nursery :)  

xx,

Colleen 

Everlasting flower.

I love the thought of an everlasting handcrafted flower that will never lose it's beauty over the course of time. Flowers will always remain one of the most romantic gestures, so why not have one that can be passed down through family generations?  This delicate, dainty, authentic beauty would be perfect for any lady paired with a poem or love letter for Valentines Day, a Birthday, or Anniversary gift. 

xx,

Colleen 

Valentines Day Gift Guide

Happy February to all my readers! I'm sure it's a similar feeling for you & I both that this year has been passing too quickly.  With that being said, today officially marks 2 weeks until a Valentines Day celebration with your special someone. Here is a fun gift guide I've created with some of my favorite items right now that range from thoughtful, fun, luxurious, to adventurous for your Mr. Special this Valentines Day! xx

1. Tickets { To his favorite band in concert, NBA or NHL game, or a Broadway show.  You can also plan a surprise date by making it an all-day thing.  Tell him you're picking him up and that he should bundle up. You could take him ice-skating, get spiked hot chocolates after, and finish up with dinner at a cozy restaurant. }

2. Craft Beer Home Brew Kit { Does your guy enjoy an ice cold beer while watching weekend sports? If so, this gift will be perfect for him & it'll surely impress.  He'll get to create his own brew at home & enjoy it with you. }

3. A Couples Massage { Who doesn't love massages?  If you can't justify splurging any other time of the year on a massage, this is the one holiday that you & he deserve to relax and take your stress away from your daily work schedule.  Do your research and find a spa or massage studio that provides an all around soothing atmosphere.  SpaFinder.com OR check your local Living Social/Groupon Deals }

4. Luxe Faux Fur RH Throw { In the middle of winter, what a better gift than a luxurious faux fur blanket to cuddle with nightly on the couch.  Pair this with his favorite DVD and a basket full of candy, then top it off by cooking him a nice dinner.  It'll be a perfect winter night spent together at home. }

5. J. Cook Leather Weekender Bag { Every guy needs a nice weekender bag & if he doesn't have one, this is a nice leather, good quality bag that's currently on-sale (savings $50).

6. Excitations.com { After a number of birthdays and holidays spent together, it really starts becoming hard to get a gift that truly 'surprises' your significant other.  Well, Excitations.com is a hidden gem that you & he will be able to try something new together and be adventurous.  Book him a flying lesson, hang gliding, a cooking class for the two of you, a picnic at a vineyard, a hot air balloon ride, or simply book a romantic weekend getaway a charming hotel in a nearby town where you can spend lots and lots of time in bed relaxing. }

7. Personalized Family Story Wall Art { A piece of art to put in your home that's completely customizable to your family story.  Who wouldn't love something like this in their home? This gift is definitely sentimental and thoughtful. }

My two favorite top picks this Valentines Day would be #2 & #6.  

Happy Valentines Day shopping xx

A well-groomed gentleman

Time has been flying so far in 2013! It's almost mid-January, which means we only have one month until Valentines Day.  I always like to start brainstorming what to get as a gift for my husband in mid- January, that way I'm not a stressed last minute shopper. Shopping for men can be so stressful.... what do they 'need vs. want'?

I recently read an article stating the majority of American men polled for a Valentines Day survey prefer 'grooming items', as a top 3 category choice of what to get them, so below you can find a Grooming Gift Guide of items I think every guy would love this year.    

Next week, I'll be making another V-day gift guide including a few electronics, luxury items, & simple-thoughtful items that every guy needs. I hope you find these suggestions helpful! 

1) The Art of Shaving Gift Set (Art of Shaving: $60.00)

2) Armani Code Cologne (Sephora or Department Stores: $60.00)

3) Sterling Silver Shaver & Badgers Hair Brush (One Kings Lane: $90.00 $51.00)

4) Andrew Marc Lindburgh Traveling Kit (One Kings Lane: $95.00 $45.00)

5) Royce Leather Aristo Mini-Manicure Set (Brookstone: $29.50)