Guest Blogger: Gifts from Aryn V. this Valentine’s Day

For today’s post I thought I’d have my friend Aryn write something for the blog. She’s definitely a cool-girl, (and not the Amy Dunne definition of one…Gone Girl fans? Anyone?). I mean, come on, her blog is called More Bourbon, Please! I am obsessed with her sense of fashion and decor and thought she would bring some unique ideas to what is a misinterpreted holiday, and definitely a time to step up your chocolate and teddy bear game. Scroll to peep her picks!

 

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Hi! My name is Aryn, a friend of Jenna’s, and am so excited that she was so gracious to ask me to post about Valentine’s Day goodies today.
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A lot of people seem to think that Valentine’s Day is just a mushy commercial holiday. But I tend to think of it as a red and pink opportunity to show your appreciation for your special someone, girlfriends, and the ladies in your family. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just chocolates and flowers – though I do adore a good bouquet of roses and lilies. If anything V-day is the perfect excuse to buy those concert tickets you both really wanted (last year we went skiing in Tahoe! ) or to enable an expensive candle addiction.
Here are a few of my more tangible picks for Valentine’s Day.

 

Like what you see here? Come check out my blog atMore Bourbon, Please!
Cheers,
Aryn

5 Last Minute Gifts for Mother’s Day

Newsflash! Mother’s Day is this Sunday! Sometimes, flowers and a card just aren’t enough. But, if you waited until the last minute to do your shopping, it can be hard to narrow down the perfect gift! I’m here to help!

1. Candles are a woman’s best friend.

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I’m obsessed with Archipelago candles! There are so many different scents, and I even found my mom’s favorite, Tuberose! They are most likely carried at a retail store near you, and make for a great additional gift to a card and flowers.

2. Show your mom she is one in a million!

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Kate Spade has the cutest initial necklaces in silver and gold! You can get your mom’s initial or ‘M’ for Mom! It’s simple for the mom that isn’t a jewelry fanatic, and perfect for stacking for the mom that already has her set of necklaces.

3.  You can never go wrong with wine.

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Modern House Wines are the best thing to come to Target since sliced bread. In addition to being one of Oprah’s Favorite Things, these wines are affordable, smooth, and come with the best phrases on each bottle.

4. Mom’s Day Out

Instead of just one gift, give her the gift of an entire day full of fun plans! It doesn’t have to be crazy, but sometimes, a crowded brunch and a generic card isn’t very personable.

Ideas: explore local coffee shops, shop at local boutiques and support the small businesses around you, stroll around a farmers market, or go see a chick-flick together.

5. Dog Moms are Moms Too!

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This t-shirt probably won’t make it in time for Mother’s Day, but it is too cute to not include on this list! First of all, I am obsessed with Kelley DiGioia’s Instagram because her two dogs are the definition of adorable, especially the ween! Seriously, follow her adorable family right now. When she announced that she would be helping out her local Humane Society by selling THE cutest ‘Dog Mom’ t-shirts, I knew I had to have one! It is so freaking comfy and it makes me feel like treating my dog like my child is a totally valid lifestyle.

Holiday Gift Guide AND Giveaway!

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I am planning to do a revamp of my blog at the beginning of the new year! I want to include giveaways, favorites lists, and more! To kick things off a bit early, I wanted to create a Holiday Gift Guide! Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday! My wish list is quite long, but so is my gift list! I wanted to share some of my favorite things including great gift ideas for your loved ones! The best part of it all is that I am hosting a giveaway featuring some of the items from this post!

You can enter by going to my Instagram account, following me, liking the Holiday Giveaway post, and tagging a friend! I will pick a winner on December 6th, and I will send you 7 of my favorite gifts this holiday season (p.s. everything pictured above)!

P.S. Since you were so nice and visited my blog, if you comment on this post, you will also be entered to win!

 

FOR HER:

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I have always thought Kate Spade gift items were “cute,” but as of late, I have a completely different appreciation for all things Kate Spade. The notebooks are perfect for your sister’s office, the tumblers are perfect for your friend that always has a coffee in hand, and the stationary is perfect for your mom or mother-in-law. I will be giving away the striped ‘live it’ notebook you see above!

 

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I have been obsessed with this bag for so long. It is the first thing on my wish-list this year…in every color. Guys, listen up! Rebecca Minkoff handbags are always a safe gift for the woman in your life, whether that’s a sister, girlfriend, mother, or mother-in-law. You’re welcome.

 

 

 

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I’m obsessed with Ashley Brooke Designs! Her mugs are everything! There is a phrase for everyone! My personal favorites are ‘I Woke Up Like This’, ‘Everyday I’m Hustling’, and ‘Hello Sunshine’! The mugs are perfect for your favorite tea or coffee lover and the tumblers are great for the office!

 

 

 

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Heartbreak Coffee is the brainchild of two lovely ladies from Long Beach, CA. They are opening their first coffee shop early next year, but have been conquering the coffee world for the past year via Instagram! Their beautiful vision along with their great tasting brews, make their coffee beans the PERFECT stocking stuffer for the coffee fiend in your life! One of their special roasts will be featured in the giveaway!

 

 

 

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Are there cuter tote bags in existence? No Way Jose! This tote bag is the perfect hostess gift! Better yet, fill it with your favorite rose for a personal touch! Enter the giveaway for a chance to win this tote!

 

 

 

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Do you love crumpets like I love crumpets? The strawberry jam and fig jam from M. Greenwood Jams are the best toppings for toast, crumpets, or an empty spoon! Even better, the mother and daughter duo are local artisans in Los Angeles. Not only are you supporting a wonderful small business, you are getting the freshest, most delicious jams filled with seasonal ingredients! Enter my giveaway for a chance to win a jar of their jam!

 

 

 

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Julie Ann Art has a card for every occasion: Birthdays, Christmas, Congratulations, anything you can think of! The one thing they have in common? They are all hilarious, some, even a bit cheeky! You will have a chance to win some Christmas cards in my giveaway!

 

 

 

 

FOR HIM:

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Nixon watches are my go-to gift for the boyfriend. It’s not from Target, and it’s not a Rolex, but just right! The one pictured above is my favorite of all that I have given him, but they have gold, silver, matte black, and much more!

 

 

 

 

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For whatever weather you’re in, this is the best flannel for your dad, uncle, grandpa, boyfriend, best guy friend, anyone! Pendleton flannels are amazing! They come in so many different colors and will last FOREVER!

 

 

 

Tipping-Point

 

For the voracious reader in your life, The Tipping Point is an amazing book! My dad read through it in days, and I am about to pass it on to the boyfriend very soon. In addition, the author, Malcolm Gladwell, is a brilliant man who has written several other amazing books. My suggestion? Buy a copy of each of his books and use them as stocking stuffers!

 

 

 

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If you know one thing about me, you know I love food. If you know two things about me, you know I love food, but hate jerky. That is, until now. Three Jerks Jerky is filet mignon beef jerky. That’s right, jerky fit for a king! It is my boyfriend’s favorite! I will be giving away 2 flavors!

 

 

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Forever21 has some awesome stocking stuffers for anyone and everyone on your list! Among them is the gentlemen’s ice tray. Win it in my giveaway!