Holiday Gift Guide: Dining Details

While I know I don’t necessarily need anything more in the kitchen, I feel like I’m always on the prowl for cute flatware, glassware and accessories to amplify my home dining experience. Judging by Dan’s reaction to when I’m shopping, it may be something that only us ladies appreciate as part of the ‘experience‘. In my world I just get the eye-roll and the ‘oh, I’m sorry – this is for the blog isn’t it?’

Yes. Everything is for the blog.

Take a look at what I recommend for those who love the finer details of their dining experience:

1. Monogrammed Mug, $6.00

This is an excellent gift for anyone! I once got this as a gift for Christmas and loved it to pieces…until it smashed into pieces. I may be getting this for myself this year.

2. Ikat Zigzag Placemat, $14.00 (set of 2)

I’ve noticed myself pin this graphic several times here and here, and of course I instantly fell in love with the placemat. When I consider re-doing my home decor this is the first place I’ll look.

3. Square Lacquer Serving Tray, $24.00

Breakfast in bed? Put-together bar tray? Odds and Ends? There’s countless ways to use this tray and plenty of lovely vibrant color options.

4. Salad Hands, $15.81

I’ve never seen these before but think that they would be an awesome gift! So unique and much different than your typical salad tongs.

5. Birch Straws, $8.00 (set of 144) 

These are adorable and perfect for a rustic feel. I like sipping drinks in the summer with straws and can see these fitting nicely into my home soon.

6. Wooden Chopsticks, $5.25 (set of 2)

How fancy are these? I received a gift a few years ago of special chopsticks and have kept them in perfect condition and can see these as a great gift for anyone (who knows how to use them of course!)

7. Whale Measuring Cups, $34.00 (set of 4)

Whales may not be your thing, but there are many cute measuring cup sets out there to fit anyone’s taste. I personally love these and think someone in your life would too!

Are you almost done with your shopping? How about gift wrapping?

❤ JE

Holiday Gift Guide: The NFL Guy (or Girl!)

As you know, Dan the Man is a Bears fan and he couldn’t be more thrilled that Nike has the NFL contract.

I’ll be focusing on Da’ Bears, but this gift guide could apply to any team in the NFL! You probably know someone like him and will be able to find similar ideas using the product links below, just trade out the Bears for [your team].

1. Nike Bears Tee, $28.00

2. Da Bears iPhone 5 Case, $35.00

3. 23oz Frosted Pilsner Glass Set, $23.25

4. NFL Toaster, $29.99

5. Ladies Tailgater Fleece, $55.00

6. Aluminum Beer Bucket, $11.00

7. Divot Tool & Markers (for your golfer), $16.18

Happy gifting!

❤ JE

Holiday Gift Guide: Camera Owner

Chances are you know someone who has a spendy DSLR camera and would love to receive gifts to elevate both their style and their photography.

Since buying my Canon T3i in July, I’ve acquired a few special accessories as well as have a few things on my wish list. Take a look at what I’d recommend for that budding photographer in your life!

1. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4, $99.99

The ultimate editing tool that gives every pixel in your image the highest possible quality – even if shot with an iPhone

2. 50mm f/1.8 Lens, $110.00 (Canon)

Often called a ‘nifty fifty’ lens, the fixed 50mm f/1.8 will amplify photography with crisp foreground and lots of lovely blur in the background

3. Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloths, $12.99 for 6

Clean any type of screen with these safe and durable micro-fiber cloths.

4. 72″ Tripod, $18.95

Long shutter speeds and low lit areas require the use of a tripod to prevent camera shake. Start them out with a tripod that extends up to 72″ and has a carrying bag included.

5. Couch Hand-made Camera Strap, $34.95

Hoping Santa gets me this one this year. Love the design and will wear it proudly.

6. Patent Neon Boston Bag, $26.80

Camera bags can be SPENDY – so I was thrilled when I found this one while shopping last week and am in love with the neon accents.

7. 5-in-1 42″ Reflector Pro, $26.33

Use reflectors in different colors to transform your light in different settings.

Best of luck making your photographer happy!

❤ JE

Holiday Gift Guide: Portland Edition

Looking for the perfect gift for your Portland friends? Whether you’re looking for something you can do together, something to update their style or something for the home – these ideas will get your brain on the right path for the perfect PDX gift. 

Below I’ve compiled a list of a few things you’ll love and your Portland friends will too! 

1. Portland’s 100 Best Places to Stuff your Faces, $14.95

Jen from Under the Table with Jen compiled an insiders guide for where to nom in PDX.

2. Trail Blazers Tickets, Price varies

A Blazers game is always the place to be. Take the max, enjoy dinner and the roar of the Rose Garden!

3. Timbers Fanwear, $17.50

Support our MLS team with a spirited and cozy scarf for the upcoming winter chill.

4. Powell’s Books Gift Card, Price Varies

Powell’s City of Books downtown covers an entire city block and is filled with millions of books (old and new!). Try to not get lost in its walls.

5. Bicycle Glasses – Set of 8, $75.00

Who wouldn’t love this quirky set? What a great gift that symbolizes our city.

6. Stay Visible Umbrella, $26.99

The rain won’t stop anytime soon – get your friends equipped with the ultimate rainy day accessory.

7. Local Portland Art, $32

This Hawthorne Bridge painting is just one of the many beautiful pieces done by local artists. For an unique adventure, visit the Portland Saturday Market (Sundays too) and browse the work of local artisans who are passionate about their work.

Happy gifting!

❤ JE