Gift Guide For Guys

Guys are tough... it seems that they usually buy what they want or need on their own or it's really expensive, especially if your shopping for a guy like my husband. So, any time he gives me a little nugget, I'm writing it down so I can build a Christmas list for him. 

Now, you should know that I grew up in a family of girls.  Boys didn't really come along until we were married so what I've learned about gifting to guys I've learned from my husband and brother-in-laws.

Hitch Pin. No matter if it's 1 or 5, they'll be appreciated.  Go for multiple sizes.  I gift these to my farmer customers sometimes and since my husband knows that I have them in my truck, he's always looking for one.

Underwear.  Not just any underwear but Duluth Training Company Buck Naked underwear.  They're spending and guys are picking about underwear.  They also talk about underwear more than girls.  Weird.

Electric Fly Swatter.  This is just for fun.  My husband is going to get one of these.  He's always killing flies because we live on a farm and one of the boys at any given time will leave the door open.

Wallet.  Guys need a new wallet or an upgrade from time-to-time.  This one is great for carrying in their front pocket.

Tie Down Straps.  Someone asks for these every year in our family.  They are a necessity.

The Great American Burger Book. I've gifted this a few times for birthdays.  It's just a fun, out-of-the-ordinary gift.

Stocking Hat. No guy will turn down a stocking hat.  Not to mention, we're likely the one that will be wearing it.

Jack Daniels Beef Rub.  My husband and I discovered this in our cupboard one day and it is DELICIOUS, especially on ribeye steaks.  They also make a pork rub and poultry rub.

Gift Guide for Kids

Kids...they are the fun part of Christmas and since having my own kids my love for this holiday (besides Jesus of course) has been rekindled! I love how they find excitement in EVERY part of Christmas and gifts are the BEST surprises.  

Here is my round up of gifts for kids.  Primarily geared toward ages 3-6 since that's the age range of my two oldest boys.  Most of these gift ideas can work for boys or girls and are very hands-on to spark creativity, use up their energy and keep them busy long enough for us mama's to get stuff done...dishes, laundry, go to the bathroom alone... 

Not to mention we don't need any more toy tractors!

Classic Legos. I love the classic legos, actually I love the sets too but I'm only up for putting them together once and not having to go through the 50 page instruction book every time a piece falls off. At least with classic legos kids can build whatever they want without specialized pieces.

Kinetic Sand. My boys LOVE this sand. Just get a big, deep roasting pan to contain the sand and add a few construction toys and all of a sudden you've got an hour to yourself.

Sensory Kit.  These look so fun! (I secretly want one for myself)  They have play-doh and a whole host of little toys for their little imaginations to create with!  They have both boy and girl kits and mini kits.

Bouncy Bull.  If you've followed me for any amount of time on Instagram you've seen my boys ride these bouncy bulls.  They are a perfect winter toy that burns up energy.  They also have a bouncy horse and Lil' Buckers for kids under 3. 

LCD writing tablet.  These are really inexpensive and perfect for the car and church, or really anywhere that you need a quiet activity for your kids. 

Sequence for kids.  A friend recommend this game to me and it's so fun to play with the boys.  It's easy enough for Hank (he's 3) and still fun for Colton (he's 5). 

Spot It Jr. Another game.  It's pretty fun -- easy enough for kids and challenging enough for me to play with them.  Plus there are a lot of different versions of the game you can play.

Walkie Talkies.  They work inside, outside and fit so many "pretend" scenarios from hunting to policeman to hide and seek. 

Gift Guide For Gals

It snowed last night so now it feels appropriate to talk about Christmas gift guides.  I'll kick off the week with ideas for gals (we're the easiest to shop for, right?!) and then I'll post a gift guide for guys and kids this week too!

As I was putting together this gift guide the people that went through my mind were friends, sisters, teachers.  I opted for reasonably-priced gifts because a great gift doesn't have to cost a lot of money!! Plus, I'd put all of these things on my Christmas list (wink, wink sisters... husband - if he read my blog...kids - if they could read...)

All of the items are linked below!!

Jewelry Box. My favorite interior design rule is hide your clutter inside pretty things. I think this cute, functional jewelry box could do the trick!

Pajamas. These look so comfy.

Makeup Bag. I found this bag from Southern Farm Co. and fell in love with it.  Pack a lip gloss or nail polish in there and you've got the perfect teacher or bff gift!  Plus the saying cracks me up because it's so true.

Personalized Bracelets. These are from my Etsy shop - 'Apple Avenue Artifacts.' They are an easy, personalized gift for moms, teachers, sisters, friends... you name it! And, you don't have to go with names, you can pick any word you want.

FARM Tee. Graphic tees are totally in style now.  Think of your farm-girl (or non farm-girl) friends!

Daily Devotional. I need to start (and commit) to a daily devotional.  I think there is some power behind it and this one has been recommended a few times.

Earrings. Nickle and Suede earrings are my FAVORITE! They are light-weight leather earrings that make you feel glam and go with anything! They have a few different styles and each month they have a new earring of the month for a discounted price.

Solid Perfume + Lip Conditioner.  Give this pair a try.  Perfume can be a personal, yet fun gift and no one is going to turn down a tinted lip balm.  There are four perfume scents to pick from and two lip conditioners.  They are ideal for any gals in your life that are travelers.

TGIF: November 1

Happy Friday everyone! 

Even though it's a little rainy going into the weekend, I always welcome Friday's because it's time to just chill. I need it this week, it's been a good, scary and fun week all wrapped into one if you can believe that.

I used to write an every Friday blog post titled High 5 for Friday, it was pretty popular so I thought I'd bring it back but maybe call it Thank Goodness For Friday?? I haven't decided yet, that's just what today feels like.  

Anyhoo... here's the first installment of a (hopefully) regular Friday post that will likely be full of random things from the week.  Give me feedback, we'll see where it goes. :)

one || part of my job in the fall is to hop in combines with customers - I start out with a two-round rule because some guys like having people ride, other's don't and I try to be respectful of that.  Monday I rode with a pretty fun customer - good laughs, good information, good feedback.  They are the kind of guys who make me really enjoy my job. 

two || not quite as cool as number one but took over the majority of my week was a (hopefully) minor health scare with Gabe.  I'm not good at openly sharing tough stuff that happens, it never seems to fit in a conversation well but, he had a febral seizure on Tuesday evening at daycare.  It was scary - probably more scary for our daycare provider.  I sped to daycare, prayed the whole way there, rode in an ambulance with my 8 1/2 month old baby and spent a couple of hours in the ER.  We have some questions yet, and a follow up appointment, but if it was what the doctors say it was we are alright. We will just have to watch fevers VERY closely. 

What I learned is that moms, we can handle tough stuff in the moment for our babies, for our families and for our friends but it's ok to cry your eyes out the next day. 

No need to feel like you need to reach out by leaving a comment or sending a message, just do me a favor and say an extra prayer for the little guy that he doesn't have to experience this again. 

three || I refocused and didn't feel the need to explain it to anyone.  I usually feel that if I change course, I have to explain why to everyone but after Tuesday night in the ER with Gabe, I just did it.  I took the time with my baby and didn't feel the need to answer to anyone. Family is always first.

four || The older my boys get, the more fun Halloween is. They love to dress up - especially Hank! He ran between houses shouting "SUPER CAT SPEED" and had no hesitation saying "trick or treat!" Colton asked me to dress up so, despite my hating to wear costumes, I gave it and found a mask and called myself "Super Mom!"  The boys loved it!

five || I'm doing it - I'm giving one of my entrepreneurial ideas a go!  I signed up to be a Maskcara Artist!  I love the makeup and I love skin care so I decided to take on this business venture.  Hopefully your willing to like my Facebook page and follow along for some skincare and makeup tips.  Click here for my website and here to like my Facebook page.

Have a super weekend... thanks for reading! 

Baby Things

My little Gabe is growing like a weed.  For example, we only spent about a month in 9-month clothes, he's now in 12-month clothes.  The kid is only 8 1/2 months old!!  Of the 3 boys, he's my fastest growing baby in both height and weight.  He also seems to be my quickest learner when it comes to sitting, crawling, standing and all of a sudden starting to take steps along the furniture.  Oh - and Adam caught him crawling up a step last night.

But... he's my baby and perhaps my last chance at having a family member that appreciates my "style" (until he can talk of course) so I have no problem getting him some new stuff here and there.

Here are my favorite baby things (and a couple of things I have continued to love) that I've found online recently.  Yes, online because I live in the middle of nowhere, go nowhere, and Amazon can get here quick!  #momlife #farmlife

SWEAT SUIT. Now that baby Gabe is stretching out I'm loving 2-piece outfits.  I do still throw a onsie under this since it's cold out.

HEADBANDS AND BOWS. I know these are for baby girls.  I've had them in my cart since I was pregnant with Gabe, waiting to see if I was going to have a girl. No shame in being prepared.  Fortunately, I've also had 3 new nieces born this year so I had cute baby girls to gift these to.

WINTER HAT.  Is it just me or are hats the first thing that gets lost?  This one is so cute.

HATCH REST. If you don't have one, add this sound machine to your baby's room or if you're expecting add it to your registry. The easy-listening white noise drowns out so much noise and keeps Gabe sleeping when the big boys are awake.  Plus its a night-light that can be run from your phone.

WINTER JACKET. Remember how I said Gabe is growing.  Well, wouldn't ya know I have all kinds of baby boy jackets but non that are the right size.  I don't put it on him in the car seat but if we need to be outside for something it does the trick.  And, best be prepared here in the upper midwest.

PAJAMAS. You can never have enough of these.

KNEE HIGH SOCKS. Aren't these the cutest! I got them for my sister's little girls. I hope she does pictures.

BABY BOOTIES. Shoes + babies don't play well together, they never seem to stay on. But these are awesome!

BANDANNA BIBS. I love bandanna bibs on babies and these ones are water proof.  I'm telling you from experience (my baby is a soggy one) these ones keep your baby dry!  I haven't tried other brands but I do know that these Parker Baby Bandanna Drool Bibs are the bomb.