20 Books that Make the Ultimate Christmas Gift

Christmas is the perfect time to share your favorite stories with friends and family.  Maybe it’s the former language arts teacher in me talking, but I think there’s nothing better than getting lost in a good book.   Looking for a good book for someone this Christmas?  These books are full of characters you wish you could meet, lives you’re thankful you didn’t live, and endings that you wish would never come.  Pick some up as gifts or as a treat for yourself that you can enjoy after the craziness of this holiday season.

Enjoy!  Happy shopping!!

20 Books that Make the Ultimate Christmas Gift

The Silent Patient

By: Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient: Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.

Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London.

Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations―a search for the truth that threatens to consume him….

The Henna Artist

By: Alka Joshi

The Henna Artist:  Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own…

Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow—a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those that surround her as she does.

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25 Outdoor Toys for Teens

As important as it is for kids to get outside, it’s also important to get your teens out there! I’ve had so many friends complaining that their teens are constantly on their phone…especially since we are stranded at home during this pandemic. I know that YouTube and Tic Tok can take over  my house if we’re not careful.  I swear…it can be an obsession. However, if my girls get outside and have some fun, they don’t feel the need to jump on their phones.  The key is to help them find things to do outside that they love.

Here are 25 Outdoor Toys for Teens:

GlowCity Light Up Basketball

Kan Jam Portable Disc Slam 

Spikeball Standard 3 Ball Kit

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Outdoor Toys for Kids

It is so important for kids to get outside…especially when we are stranded at home during this pandemic.  It’s so easy to let kids play on electronics, but it is so bad for them and it sucks up all their time if you let it.  I spent my childhood making memories outside and I want my kids to experience the same.  The key is to help them find things to do outside that they love.

Here are 25 ideas of outdoor toys for kids:

Little Tikes Sandy Lagoon Sand & Water Table

Intex Unicorn Inflatable Ride-On Pool Float

Golf Girl Junior Golf Club Set with Stand Bag

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Bullymake Dog Subscription Box

One of the things I’ve enjoyed about being in social isolation is that my two golden retrievers are always at my feet.  They follow me around everywhere like two shadows.  They are 2 and 3 years old so they play hard and are extremely rough on their toys.  I often have trouble finding toys for them because they ruin them so quickly.  Bullymake may be my solution since they are a dog subscription box that specifically caters to extreme chewers, tuggers, fetchers, or players.

What do I love about this box?

We’ve tested dog boxes before and their toys could never hold up to my rough dogs.  When you subscribe to Bullymake, they ask for information about your dog’s  weight, breed, and allergies, so they can customize the toys and treats for your dog.  I love that they have a 14-day satisfaction and chew-proof guarantee.

What comes in each box?

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Review of Merkaela Wellness Box

The world can be a scary time right now, and I have to admit that I’ve been feeling quite anxious.  I’ve noticed that while in social isolation, it has been helpful to practice meditation and self-care.  Getting my mind in a peaceful place helps with my outlook on the world.  I was thrilled to work with Merkaela, an all-natural health and wellness quarterly subscription box and could not wait to get a peek at their box.

What do I love about this box?

I love that all of Merkaela’s products are hand-made in Orlando, Florida and they use ingredients you can actually pronounce. Their botanical products are made using toxic-free, nutrient-rich essential oils, butter, natural herbs, and other healthy ingredients.  These products provide you with everything you need to be on your way to a holistic approach to a clear mind, body, and spirit.

What comes in each Merkaela box?

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Review of Well Told Etched Barware

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM:

I love when an item in my home tells a story, sparks a memory, or makes me nostalgic of a place I’ve visited.  I was thrilled when Well Told reached out to me asking if I wanted to receive some of their etched glassware, and was so impressed when I opened the box up and saw how gorgeous they were.

WHAT IS WELL TOLD?

Well Told offers glassware and other items etched with maps from popular places around the world. They have lots of different options so there is something meaningful to everyone.

WHAT KIND OF PRODUCTS DO THEY OFFER?

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Finding the Fun in Winter

Finding the Fun in Winter

 

Before I had kids, winter meant long months of counting down the days until spring.  Then these two little winter-loving girls were born.   All of the sudden winter turned into months of being…dare I say it…outside!  Yeah…outside…in cold, wet snow for hours at a time.  All of these new items appeared in my house like hand warmers and sleds.  Snow pants somehow crept their way into my wardrobe.  So that’s when I decided to give in and try to find out what the heck people like about winter.  After all, I live in New England so I may as well join these snow-lovers! No one was as shocked as myself to discover I actually have fun outside.  My husband says the key to enjoying winter is to make sure you’re warm, and he’s right. (Don’t tell him that! Lol) With the right clothes and toys, I found so many things I loved to do out there.   Here are some of my favorites:

 

SNOW SHOEING

Talk about a no-skill-needed activity!  If you can walk, then you can snow shoe…it’s that easy! After a fresh snowfall there’s nothing more peaceful than walking through the woods or along the side of a frozen lake.  Snow shoes are pretty inexpensive and they will last you a long time.  They make great snowshoes for kids as well. It’s also good to have a nice warm hat for both adults and kids!

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Ultimate Stocking Stuffers for Men that Love Travel

Stocking stuffers are the best!  It can be tricky to buy small things to put in them, so here are 15 stocking gifts that he will love!

Ultimate Stocking Stuffers for Men that Love Travel

OVERNIGHT KIT

LEATHER LUGGAGE TAGS

HEADPHONE SPLITTER

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20 Ultimate Gifts for Men that Love Travel

Time to start shopping for those sweet men in your life that love to travel.  Guys can be hard to buy for because the gift needs to be fun, yet still practical.  Here are some Ultimate Gifts for Men that Love Travel.

Happy shopping!

DUFFEL BAG:

This beautiful leather duffel bag is perfect for packing for a weekend away.  It is well-made and sturdy, with a reinforced zipper and a thick cloth lining.  It looks like a vintage leather bag and has lots of room.  It can be used with or without the shoulder strap and can be used as a carry-on.

YETI COLSTER:

Take their koozie up a notch with this double-wall vacuum insulated holder.  It will keep their beverage cold for longer and can be used with cans and bottles. It comes in over a dozen colors.  It’s great for a BBQ, the beach, or a day out on the boat.

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Ultimate Gifts for Women that Love Travel

Christmas is the time for giving, so let me help you cross some items off your list!  The holiday season can be hectic, so I’ve come to love the ease of online shopping! I can put on my favorite PJ’s, pour a glass of wine, sit by the fire, and avoid the mobs of people at the mall. So, what do you get for that woman on your list that loves travel? Here are Ultimate Gifts for Women that Love Travel:

Jewelry Organizer

JEWELRY ORGANIZER: There’s nothing more aggravating than getting to your destination and having your jewelry all tangled up.  This case is a stylish way to organize your jewelry.  It has 7 ring rolls, 4 compartments, and 3 necklace hooks with pockets.  I love the classic combination of cream and tan, but they also have it in black.

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