Style Lush

Bed Rest Care Package

By Lauren

A good friend of mine is expecting her first baby in a little over a month, and she has been put on bed rest for the duration of her pregnancy. I'd like to put together a care package of sorts for her (or a "ward off boredom and anxiety package," more accurately), and I'm wondering what sorts of goodies to include.

Here are a few of the items I'm considering:

• Chocolate (OBVIOUSLY)
• Some chick flicks/chick lit books from my own collection, to be returned whenever (I would consider buying, but it feels like I can include more by lending)
• A nice scented candle in a jar or tin
• Hand/foot lotion
• A cute water bottle or big Tervis tumbler (also handy post-birth for those neverending nursing sessions)
• Baked goods
• Pretty note cards

Now, I've never been on bed rest, so I'm just guessing at the kinds of things she might enjoy. I'm sure some of our readers, though, have been on bed rest or are close to someone who was.

What sorts of items do you think someone on bed rest might enjoy? Any to steer clear of?

{Image credit: countryliving.com}

Bachelorette Gifts...For Your Sister

By Tara

My sister is getting married in March, and to celebrate the big occasion, some friends of hers are hosting a bachelorette party for her in February. Because the party is being held in Indiana, and I am stuck down here in Georgia, I had no part in planning the event. Which is really too bad, because if I had helped plan it at all?

I would have definitely tried to veto the lingerie party theme they decided to use.

Because, really, who wants to wear lingerie that their big sister picked out for them? And even if there are some people out there that wouldn't mind it, I know for a fact that my sister definitely isn't one of those people.

Plus, my mom is going to the party. So that just adds an entire other level of weirdness, I think.

However, in the spirit of playing along, I think I've found a few options that might work:

{Honeydew Lace Trim Pajamas - photo credit: nordstrom.com}

{La Fee Short Pajama Set - photo credit: nordstrom.com}

{Betsey Johnson - photo credit: dillards.com}

{Satin Boxer Pajama Set - photo credit: victoriassecret.com}

{Henley Boxer Pajama - photo credit: victoriassecret.com}

{Betsey Johnson Terry Wrap Robe - photo credit: dillards.com}

I can totally get away with going the cute route, instead, right?

Now, if I can just find a way to get my mom to skip this part of the evening entirely, everything should be fine...

Adorable Kid Gift: Boogie Monster Dance Kit

by Lawyerish    

For Christmas, my mom sent our daughter the Boogie Monster Dance Kit, and we have had such fun with it!

 

The kit contains a book, a music CD and a set of Boogie Monster legs:

Yes, they are shaggy orange leg warmers.  And my kid says, "Put on my Boogie Legs!" whenever she sees them.

The book is a fun read with a nice rhythm to it, and the text suggests different moves for the child (and parent, if you're so inclined) to try as you read along.  The CD is a fun, non-grating set of songs to help you and your little one get your groove on.

It's a great way to spend some time with your favorite small person doing something active without even having to leave your living room.  I think kids age 18 months to 4 years are especially well suited to the Boogie Monster's ways.  Give it a whirl!

(Photo credit: bn.com) (and my own)

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For the Ladies

By Jennie

Jonna knocked it out of the park with her "for the men" gift guide on Monday, and I hope we're all buzzing with good ideas for the men in our lives. But, hey, we need something this Valentine's too, don't you think?

Here are some of my (and hopefully soon-to-be your) favorites:

1. Beau & Stella Interlocking Links Necklace

Beau & Stella are long-time sponsors of Style Lush, and because of that, I've seen their (incredible) jewelry pop up on friends and family. Every time I see this necklace, I ooh and ahh over it. It's even prettier and more perfect in person. 

2. Personalized Paper Notebook

It might be just me, but I love keeping notebooks in my purse and on my desk and all around my house. This personalized, photo notebook would be the only one I'd want to use if/when I got it. 

3. Sweet print

(I Love the Shit Out of You)

(Or, a custom poster with a personal/inside saying.)

4. Fancy iPhone Case

I've only had my iPhone for five seconds, but I've already figured out that fancy cases are not something I can indulge in often. But I can always indulge in getting iPhone cases as gifts. Oh yes.

5. Fun Writing Utensils

If you're a writer (or just someone who appreciates a good doodle), how fantastic would it be to get a pencil holder and cute set of pencils on your desk? Pretty fantastic, yes.

6. Cupcakes Make Everything Better t-shirt

This shirt speaks truth. Enough said.

7. The Fault in Our Stars

I've heard such incredible things about this book. I also happen to love John Green. That's a winning gift combination right there. 

8. Morse Code Bracelet

You can get these sweet bracelets (or necklaces) with a variety of meanings: love, lucky, mom, "all of me," "wild horses," etc. 

9. A Night Off

If you're looking for a great gift for your wife or partner who also happens to be a busy mom, try this: show up a few days before Valentine's, with a fancy bottle of wine and the good kind of take-out and send her to her room for the night. Tackle all the "house and family" stuff solo, and let her have the night completely off. I love the idea that this doesn't have to be on Valentine's to be for Valentine's, and is there a better gift than sheer relaxation?

10. Give Me Some Lip Gift Set

So many fun girly things in this set. I would like it right now, please.

***

What would you add to the list, my favorite readers? 

Crown Birthday Cards

By Jen

Want to be the cool aunt?  Send one of these birthday cards for the next birthday. The outside looks like a regular birthday card, but when you open it up, there is a crown with perforated edges.  You tear it out and insert a few tabs and then the birthday girl has a shiny crown to wear for her birthday. 

I cannot find them online anywhere, but I did find one in my local Walmart, so I took pictures for you. 

Also, they were a huge hit. 

{Images by Me}

She wore them all day.  Definitely a cool aunt gift.  It's a nice way to send a little something extra with your birthday card. 

 

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For the Men

By Jonniker

Who said Valentine's Day had to be a chick holiday? Dudes need love, too! But, as any girlfriend (or boyfriend) knows, they are impossible to shop for. Hopefully, we've gathered a few ideas to make things a little easier. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

iPad joystick

Save the finger!

 {Photo credit: Thinkgeek.com}

 

My Robot Nation

For the man who, like my husband, believes the robots will eventually take over, a miniature talisman you can personalize to ward off evil machines. ("Like Wall-E!" I said. "Not really . . . " was his reply.)

 {Photo credit: My Robot Nation}

 

RFID-blocking wallet

For the paranoid type. Blocks magnetic waves emanating from your credit cards so that the government can't track your covert missions to Whole Foods. 

{Photo credit: Thinkgeek.com}

Ka-bar military blade

Military-grade ultimate man knife for the Bear Grylls inside every man. (We have one. It's a hit.)

 {Photo credit: Kabar.com}

Personalized beer holster

You know, for those times when he needs both hands AND a beer. 

 {Photo credit: Red Envelope}

Sports propaganda print

We have a few of these in our house, and while artist Chris Speakman's specialty is baseball (and yes, he's a hometown Boston fan), he does all sorts of gorgeous prints for all sports and all teams. I can honestly say that we have these displayed in our living room, and people comment on them constantly. Beautiful, original sporty artwork with a modern pop-art feel. Big fan. 

{Photo credit: Sports Propaganda.com}

 

Star Wars Old Republic

It's like World of Warcraft, but for Star Wars fans. Only downside: It's PC-only. 

{Photo credit: Swtor.com}

Grass-fed steaks 

Get a couple of extra and stash 'em away for Steak and BJ Day while you're at it.

{Photo credit Lacense Beef}

Homebrewing starter kit

For the at-home boozer.

{Photo credit: Mr Beer.com}

Bose noise canceling headphones

Pricey, yes, but my husband uses his every day. Every day! 

{Photo credit: Bose.com}

Wicked Good moccasins

They really are awesome. Plus? LIFETIME GUARANTEE.

{Photo credit: LL Bean}

And finally, get the guy a gift certificate to your favorite sex shop and tell him to pick out a toy for the two of you. We like Eden Fantasys (our sponsor in general, but not a sponsor in this context), but really, anywhere will make him smile. Guaranteed. 

(You can expect to see the "For the Women" guide on Wednesday!)

Valentine's Day for pre-schoolers

by Christina

I am so super excited about Valentine's Day for my 4 year-old, it's kind of silly. I was in the valentine section of Target this past week and was wondering -- do they make the tiny cards like they used to? I didn't see any. I looked around and really didn't see anything I'd love to send to school with him for his party that wasn't candy as he goes to a  lame candy-free school. Then I remembered something I'd pinned ages ago! I know the day is a good three weeks out but since these will be cut and sewn by hand, I figured I should share them with you now.

I mean, couldn't you just die? These images are from pinterest via Katie Did- I am so glad I found this, I can't wait to send him to school with these.

The Push Present

By Hillary

Look, I know the term is a bit gauche but I like the idea. Not in a "buy me a ridiculously expensive diamond for bestowing upon you an heir" sort of way but in a "wow, these last 40 weeks* and in particular, these last few hours** have really sucked for you. Have something pretty!" kind of way. 

* plus five days in my case

** eighteen for me!

My push present was given to me by my lovely older sister (who is currently carrying my first nephew and can expect her own non-diamond push present from me.) My husband is awesome and generous and kind and ... totally not into push presents. Something about the baby being the gift at the end blah blah blah talk to me when you've birthed an 8lb 6.5oz baby out of your lady bits without an epidural, sir. 

My sister had local artist Trudy Chalmers make a beautiful silver necklace stamped with my son's name and I honestly don't think I've ever treasured a material object so much. 

Did you receive a push present? Did it come from your partner or from someone else? 

{Photo credit: aforementioned (blog-less, Twitter-less) lovely older sister, Tara}

Recordable Books

By Jen

We live far from all of our family (we move a lot), so we try to find ways for our three year old to keep in touch with her relatives.  Now, this is particularly tricky since she often refuses to talk on the phone.  And by refuses, I mean runs screaming out of the room. 

So this year for Christmas and her birthday, we asked for recordable books as gifts.  Have you seen these?  You can record the story and then it plays back as you turn the pages. 

{Image from Amazon.com}

There are light sensors on each page so that the book knows which page to play.  Some versions include music that plays before or after each page. 

We have several of these from various relatives and my daughter asks for them by which person reads them.  I'm trying to get one from each of our immediate relatives so that we have a complete set.  (Ahem, Grandma and Auntie Ashley.)  We've also recorded one and sent one as a gift to my godson for his second birthday.  I let my three year old help with the recording and I am told that he adores hearing her "talk" to him, especially the part at the end where she tells him that she "yuvs" him. I also think they are great because they are a gift that cannot be duplicated.  Even if you get the same book from two different people, the recording is going to be different and make the story unique.  Most of the books have a dedication page where you can talk to the recepient, but even if it doesn't have an official one, you can record a personal message on the first or last page. 

These are perfect for faraway relatives and also great for children who cannot read yet themselves.  The stack we have has bought me some precious making dinner time.  They are also a wonderful gift that doesn't clutter up the house.

Do you have any of these for your own family or have you given any as gifts? 

How Style Lush & Food Lush Gift Guides made my Christmas

By Elisabeth

I'd like to thank the Style Lush and Food Lush Gift Guide for Christmas once again this year. The following are the lovely things I found wrapped underneath my tree.

The Woman's Feather Weight Gauze Wrap from Land's End in Turquoise.

My color is no longer available, but the Deep Clover Green is on sale for $20.99. SO PRETTY. The grey one is discounted to $12.99!

(Edited to add that the Clover Green literally went unavailable in my shopping basket!! BUGGER. But, I did find an adorable teal polka dotted one here for $19.99 and a wild cherry wool wrinkle scarf for $24.99!)

*****

Stila Lip Glaze Set

I've already used three colors and combined two of them for the perfect shade! Still available for $25.

*****

Fish Spatula

YES. It's a fish spatula. I know. Exciting, but hey, this thing works great and can be used for many different items.

*****

Anthropologie Coffee Mugs

Besides getting a letter E for myself, I bought my husband his initial and another one with our last name. They are so cute and larger than my regular mugs. WIN.

 

Do tell, did either of the gift guides make their way to your house this year?

 

{photo credits: Landsend.com, Sephora.com, amazon.com, anthropologie.com}