Gift Guides

Gifts for Women: 19 Finds for the Zen Seeker

November 28, 2014

Getting a daily dose of relaxation can be difficult when we’re surrounded by a hectic world, but some women are so passionate about finding balance that they seem to make the most of every moment. These zen seekers can teach us a lot about doing what’s best for our bodies and minds if we would just listen to them as well as they listen to their Chakras. This collection of 19 gifts celebrate self-awareness, meditation, and the yoga lifestyle. So, while we may not all be as in-touch with the universe as these wise women are, we can still let them know that we appreciate the lessons they’ve taught us about connecting with our surroundings and our inner selves.

1.Yoga can take a load off the body and the mind, but lugging a mat isn’t always relaxing. This Upcycled Sari Yoga Bag makes the commute to class as peaceful as Lotus pose.

2. Even those who seem the most calm may need to take a moment to reflect every now and then. This low-tech “tablet” is the perfect place to write down thoughts and watch them fade into the sands of time. | Meditation Box

3. Whether she’s just starting her practice or is a long-time yogi, she’ll love this artful collection of illustrated Asanas. | Yoga Pose Poster

4. Zenguin Mugs— Because the quest for zen doesn’t have to be without humor.

5. The Yoga Tote carries everything she needs before she lets go of the days extra baggage in Shavasana.

6. She may not be able to break into Bow pose in the middle of an important business meeting, but she can wear a Yoga Pose Pendant as a comforting reminder to stay calm even when things get stressful.

7. The Chakra Flags Chime is a handmade reminder to stay in touch with the 7 Chakras, or “windows to the soul.” The pretty sounds made by its rustling bells are reminders that beautiful art goes beyond what the eye can see.

8. If vertical art fits more easily into her personal space, she’ll love the Ganesh Chain Chime.
9. A long, hot bath can be one of the best ways to de-stress, and this Chakra Bath Salts Set makes soaking even more serene.

10. If bath salts aren’t her cup of tea, she might enjoy a soak enhanced with herbs. | Teabag Tub Soaks

11. Give her springtime in the middle of winter with this tranquil scene. | Cherry Blossom Snow Globe

12. She may already have a soundtrack for her daily yoga routine, but eucalyptus and lemon or lavender will add a lovely scent-track. | Recycled Wine Bottle Candles

13. She may be the earthy type, but she’ll be over the moon when she opens this gift. | Many Moons Screenprint

14. Those who seek zen must find a connection with the present; this Silk Wrapped Soul Bracelet – Consciousness symbolizes awareness of the moment.

15. Enjoying a cup of tea is a great way to loosen up after a long day, and this loose-leaf collection with make that cup even more enjoyable. | Chai Tea Kit

16. Of course, that moment of zen doesn’t have to end when the first cup is empty. | Glass Teapot with Stand

17. Add yet another level to that soothing tea-time experience with a handmade Healing Stone Mug.

18. Whether she prefers to meditate in an outdoor garden or in a corner of the den, these calm kitties will fit right into her quiet space. | Zen Cat Garden Sculptures

19. The busier her lifestyle gets, the more amazed you are that she always manages to find balance. Show her how much you appreciate this special quality with charming necklace says it perfectly. | Balance and Harmony Necklace

Gift Guides

Gift Lab: A Grand Adventure

November 28, 2014

Product: A Grand Adventure Activity Set

Research:

Can this Grand Adventure Game be really fun for a 5 year old? I chose to do this activity with my grandaughter on a Saturday afternoon. We did many activities indoors and outdoors, which was a lot of fun. This gave us the opportunity to enjoy activities together and build beautiful joyful memories filled with smiles and laughter. This set of twenty activities will become a treasured keepsake for the both of us.

Hypothesis:

I went in hoping that this set will be a fun learning experience that my granddaughter Jailah would enjoy. I was happy to see many learning activities provided in the deck. I was also looking for activities that could keep her entertained, rather than buying a new toy knowing that she wouldn’t play with again.

Experiment:

First we spread out the 20 activity cards that were designated for “Little G”–AKA Jailah. Then we took turns completing the activities that were provided for “Big G”–ME! We Started with one activity and continued moving on to the next.

Conclusion:

Being a Mother and Grandmother you are always looking for a way to entertain your children. This Grand Adventure activity was filled with hours of fun and bonding. Her favorite activities were Buggin’ out, Thumbs up, and Have you heard the one about the funny Grandkid?. I enjoyed all the activies that were included in this game and would definitely recommend this as a gift for all grandparents to share the experience with their grandchildren.

Gift Guides

Gifts for Women: 16 Designs She’ll Show Off in Her Home

November 27, 2014

We’ve all heard the expression “home is where the heart is.” Initially, this expression can be interpreted to mean that “home” is wherever you are surrounded by the people you love. That is a very true sentiment, whether “home” describes the place where you grew up, or the new dwelling that you’re building with your growing family. But we think that this expression can be interpreted even further. Some people pour their hearts and souls into their homes. For true home decor lovers, walls aren’t just infrastructure that hold a roof, but a canvas for daily inspiration. Shelves display timeless pieces, not dusty picture frames. Clocks don’t just tell time, they also tell a story. Chances are, the mothers, grandmothers and other special ladies on your wish list share heartwarming pride for the decorative details that make up their homes. We’ve picked out 16 pieces that will add even more love and personality to her home, and give her another reason to show off her digs this holiday season.

1. Clap-on lights are so 1980s. Introduce a gorgeous natural touch to your lady’s living room with a lamp that blends fine craftsmanship with modern design | Wooden Wrap Lamp

2. Can’t keep up with her idea of feng shui? Gift her positive vibes with this flock of sparrows, which are said to be harbingers of good news and good luck. | Handmade Sparrow Pillow

3. In ancient times, agate was thought to bring pleasant dreams and protection to its owners. Time to ditch that raggedy dream catcher! | Agate Desk Clock

4. One woman’s wine bottle is another woman’s treasure (or bowl, in this case). | Golden Leaf Upcycled Bowl

5. Give a kit that will display the beautiful perks of being a wallflower. | Succulent Living Wall Planter Kit

6. Next time she’s exchanging stories around the coffee table, she’ll jump at the chance to describe the juice-to-table origins of these coasters. | Orange Peel Spiral Coaster Set

7. When your favorite hostess stands-in as the house party bartender, these vibrant cuts of agate will provide a breathtaking backdrop to any muddled cocktail. | Lumino Gilded Multicolored Coasters

8. Show the girls in your life the creative side of STEM with these colorful stacking cups, which combine science with sophisticated design to display the planet’s geographical and marine layers. | Earth Science Stacking Cups

9. Spark inspiration at her next book club gathering with this elegant portrait of one of literature’s beloved star-crossed lovers. | Well Read Women: Juliet Capulet

10. Any interior designer in the making knows that lighting makes a room. | Upcycled Bottle Pendant Lamp

11. Your globetrotting gal might long for her backpacking days, but she certainly doesn’t miss those hostel showers! This worldly shower curtain will remind her of exotic destinations in the comforts of her home base. | Kantha Shower Curtain

12. Setting the perfect mood is about getting the little details just right, all the way down to scent, lighting and aesthetics. | Recycled Wine Bottle Candles

13. Help her make a statement in her home with this coiled planter. | Inspiration Bent Wood Planter

14. Even if you’ve already left the nest, these Perching Bird Bookends will remind your crafty Mom that home is always just a flight away.

15. For an added touch of home decor magic, this sculpture can also remind your empty nest-er that your flock will always stick together. | Birds of a Feather Sculpture

16. For the nights when your favorite decorator sits on her furnished porch and marvels at the natural sparkle surrounding her home. | Moon Phase Pillow

Gift Guides

12 Grand Presents for Grandparents

November 20, 2014

Have you ever heard your grandmother or grandfather say, “I’ve seen a lot in my day!”? The wisdom that grandparents gain over the years is certainly something they can be proud of (and pass down to you, if you listen), but seeing it all can also mean that they seem to have everything they need. So, we rounded up 12 gifts we’re pretty sure they haven’t come across before to help you find something they’ll absolutely love.

1. Stock the Family Vintage Wine Box with your grandparents’ favorite vino as a reminder of the way things tend to keep getting better with age.

2. Help Gram and Gramps show off the whole happy family this holiday season, with this personalized print. | Personalized Holiday Family Print

3. Or, help them celebrate family togetherness in a different winter setting, with Personalized Family Ski Art.

4. Grandparents always have great stories. This cloth-bound, hardcover journal is the perfect place to write them all down. | My Life Story-So Far

5. “A garden of love grows in a grandmother’s heart” and yours will certainly love the Grandmother’s Garden Necklace. 6. Whether you live close to your grandfolks or are sending warm holiday wishes from across the country, state your love with Birds and Blooms Individual State Pillows.

7. Your grandparents don’t have to be world travelers to enjoy this collection of tasty teas. | Tea from Around the World

8. And tea time with with Grandma and Grandpa can last a little longer, thanks to this Glass Teapot with Stand that keeps the freshly brewed beverage warm.

9. There’s nothing quite like Grandma’s (or Grandpa’s) cooking, so get those recipes in writing! | Heirloom Recipe Journal

10. Even if you’re all grown up, there was a time when you were their sweet little grandbaby. Remind them how sweet you still are with a Varietal Honey Flight.

11. If Mema and Granddad call a place on the lake home, vacation in a summer cabin, or have fond memories of family outings on a special shore, this custom art is sure to make them smile. | Lake Topography Art

12. Even if your grandparents don’t have a lake they love, you can still give them a gift based on a special location. | Custom Satellite Map Puzzle

Gift Guides

16 Parent-Pleasing Presents

November 19, 2014

How do you celebrate the people who will do anything for you? It’s a complex question, but the holiday season is an amazing time to reflect on the unconditional gratitude that you feel for your parents. Whether you’re gifting to new parents, or showing love to your step-parents, in-laws, or your own lovely folks, we’ve got you covered. These 16 memorable gifts from UncommonGoods will be sure to express how much you care for the most special people in your life.

1. Gift a portrait that honors the captains of your crew, who will always help you brave the rough waters. | Personalized Family Canoe Art

2. If your family prefers to stay above sea level, this personalized portrait will celebrate your land-bound cast of characters in seasonal fashion. | Personalized Holiday Family Print

3. A vase that doubles as a stylish wine cooler is guaranteed not to end up in the cabinet over the refrigerator. | Personalized Songbird Vase

4. A memento to your family’s beginnings, this handcrafted piece is sure to become a staple of Sunday night dinners and holiday gatherings. | Personalized Lazy Susan

5. Indeed, it’s true that mother knows best. But that doesn’t mean your parents wouldn’t appreciate extra words of wisdom. Featuring nostalgic typewriter-inspired print, these decorative napkins are printed with words of love, advice, and charm from some of literature’s greatest voices. | Parent Letter Napkins

6. It’s your turn to answer that age-old question- “what’s for dinner?” | Outdoor Fondue Pot

7. Remind your parents that they are “a cut above the rest” with this Personalized Cutting Board.

8. A snack spread isn’t complete without cheese & crackers, just as life isn’t complete without Mom & Dad. | Cheese & Crackers Serving Board

9. When you’re not around, this server will say “Olive You.” | Olive Server

10. Your folks may hold down the fort, but don’t forget that you’re also their anchor. | Children Are The Anchors Necklace

11. Whether Mom enjoys Merlot, or Dad prefers dirty martinis, wish your parents a resounding “Cheers!” with this innovative bar accessory. | Vinotini Flip Glass

12. Because a hand-written letter should never go out of style. | Custom Address Stamps

13. You may have already left the nest, but you’ll never forget where you got your wings. Celebrate the beauty of your clan with the Parent Nestling Necklace.

14. Perfect for parents who always have their hands full, these handmade tumblers will spin and swirl wine with a light push. Say hello to sipping made easy. | Classic Blue Tumbler Set

15. An enchanting platter that looks like it floated straight out of one of your favorite bedtime stories. | Birch Pedestal Platter

16. Through a unique printing method, your favorite photo can be “tattooed” to mirror the rings and contours of a custom wooden canvas. Finally, a “tattoo” that is guaranteed to earn Mom and Dad’s approval! | Custom Wooden Photo Wall Art

Gift Guides

Gifts for Kids: 15 Educational (and Fun!) Toys and Games

November 13, 2014

Did you ever dream of growing up to become an astronaut, world-renowned artist, or president? Chances are, the kids on your holiday list are filled with the same big ambitions and want to absorb all of the knowledge they can along the way to adulthood. Keep those young, audacious spirits excited about learning the wonders of the world with these gifts that encourage creativity and make education fun.

1. It’s true that A is for apple and B is for boy, but your kid probably already knows that. Teach them the ABCs from “Absolute Zero” to “Zoological Oddity” with Super Nerdy ABC Blocks. (Or let them show off all of the cool things their first initial stands for with this matching art.)

2. This update to the classic game of memory won’t soon be forgotten. | Fresh Architecture Memory Game

3. Whether you use the cards to tell a brand new bedtime story or listen intently as your kiddo writes an original fairytale, the Storymatic Kids Game is designed to help children of all ages think outside the book. 4. Sure, banging on pots and pans is fun, but your little percussionist can make beautiful music AND learn the C major scale with these Musical Pat Bells. 5. It’s not a whatchamacallit, it’s Whatchamadrawit–a super fun way to encourage kids to get creative through guided doodling. 6. Tryouts for a TV game show might still be a few years away, but it’s never too soon to start filling a young mind with fun facts. | Kwizniac Trivia Game for Kids 7. Whether the giftee is already a world traveler or dreams of visiting far away lands in the future, they can uncover adventures with the Scratch Map Deluxe. 8. If your future explorer isn’t quite ready to have the whole world at his or her hands, the United States is a good place to start. | USA Scratch Map 9. Grandparents: This is your chance to win extra spoil points. A Grand Adventure lets you give grandkids hours of fun with 20 activities for Big G (grandparent) and Little G (grandkid) to do together. 10. Recalling old memories can be just as fun as creating new ones, especially when those two things are happing at the same time! | Rememory Game 11. Many kids grow up to learn that cooking can come down to a science. In the meantime, the Kid’s Edible Chemistry Kit teaches the basics on acids and bases, pigments and polymers, and more. 12. Not every kid (or adult, for that matter) knows what bismuth or boron looks like, but this colorful card collection lets science lovers picture the periodic table in a new way. | Elements Photo Card Deck 13. Your little guy or gal might still be too young for civics class, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be interested in the building blocks of our nation. | United States of America Block Set 14. Want to be elected “best gift-giver ever”? Vote yes to the President Block Set. 15. Tiny tinkerers will get an introduction to kinetics, practice puzzle solving, and hours of imaginative play with the Hanz-Genius Kit.

Gift Guides

Gifts For Babies: 15 “Awww-Worthy” Presents

November 12, 2014

We know that whether you’re a parent-to-be, a cool aunt, or a favorite grandma — you want your #1 baby to feel every ounce of love you have for them this holiday season. We created a list of 15 of our favorite baby gift items from UncommonGoods that are baby-safe, unique, and most certainly awww-worthy. Warning: After reading this gift guide you will feel a sudden need to squeeze the nearest baby.

1. Boo-boos be gone! Let your adventurous baby run free with these protective, adorable Crawling Knee Pads.

2. Gnome-one is as cute as your tiny tot. Gnome-one. | Gnome Babysuit & Hat

3. From A to Z, let the world know which letters are your favorite. | Personalized Baby Stroller Blanket

4. Gift this charming coat of arms to your little prince or princess. Caution: They may demand that you to hang it above their throne. | Coat of Arms – Personalized Birth Announcement

5. Eeeeek, watch out! These Baby Shark Slippers are on their way to pull on your heart strings!

6. A new year equals new memories. Get inspired and start saving those sweet, little moments with our 2015 Birth Year Box!

7. Silver spoons are a thing of the past. Introduce this fancy rattle for the fanciest baby you know! | Silver Baby Rattle

8. Yes, you’ll always certainly be their hero. But that doesn’t mean you can’t let them be their very own hero with this legendary storybook cover! | Personalized Storybook Art

9. Are you constantly guessing whether your family, friends, or restaurants will have a highchair available? With this harness, you can keep your bundle of joy snug as bug on any chair, any time! | Portachair Harness

10. Save those precious memories that make your baby, your baby, with this adorable Custom Petit Collage Baby Book!

Gifts for Babies: 15 "Awww" Worthy Gifts

11. All wrapped up, and no where to go. #NomNomNom | Tortilla Baby

12. Treasure those little items you know you’ll never want to let go inside this urban inspired Personalized Townhouse Baby Keepsake Box!

13. Because your baby deserves panda hugs when you’re not around. | Bear Hug Baby Set

14. Shake, rattle, and roll out the sweet fun! Introduce ice cream to your baby without the sticky mess (or unwanted cravings). | Ice Cream Rattles

15. Gift good fortune for every step your baby takes, literally. Take-out never looked so cute! | Baby Fortune Cookie Booties

Gift Guides

Gift Lab: DIY Brunch Ideas (& Recipes!)

November 11, 2014

Product: Itty Bitty Mixer, DIY Butter Kit, Egg Separator

Research:
Brunch on the weekends in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has plenty of great options. But, there are also really long lines for omelets or pancakes or waffles. My boyfriend and I love brunch at home where we can relax in PJs and sip our coffee without food-deprived crowd of folks waiting for breakfast. Only snag is that we usually want different things. He’s not big on the pumpkin craze, and I’m a fan. He prefers waffles and I like light little pancakes. Will we have a happy brunch despite our differences?

Experiment:
The two-different-items-brunch menu also gives me the excuse to use the Itty Bitty Mixer! I’m not a huge fan of kitchen gadgets, but this one is pretty great. I love the handcrafted ceramic design. It’s also very practical for making two different pancake flavors, omelets, and dressings. (Seriously, I could do a whole separate blog on small-batch dressings.)

PJ Brunch for Two Menu:

Apple Sauce Waffles for Him
Pumpkin Pancakes for Her
Coffee Required

The night before my planned PJ Brunch I made some fresh butter and roasted pumpkin. I started off with the roasted pumpkin. I cut a sugar pumpkin in half. Sprayed a foil-lined cookie sheet with oil, and roasted them for 40 minutes at 425 degrees. While the pumpkin was in the oven I opened up the DIY Butter Kit so I could have fresh cinnamon-sugar butter for my waffles and pancakes.

The butter kit is really nice to look at, but not the fastest butter to make. Even though I was starting the night before, I didn’t give myself quite enough time. The kit’s butter recipe requires 3 ingredients and 120 minutes (60 of those minutes is just running a mixer). Dilemma: fresh butter is unbelievably good. It’s especially good using it as a spread rather than baking it into something. My waffles and pancakes deserve the best!

I have to confess here, I’ve used a simpler butter kit in the past that required less than 45 minutes, heavy cream, and a jar. I took this route with the butter kit so I still got the awesome fresh butter despite my poor planning.

I had already bought my favorite heavy cream, poured it into the kit’s jar and shook it for about 25 minutes. It’s fun to watch the cream turn into whipped cream then morph into a happy golden blob of fresh butter. The butter then gets rinsed in cold water. That leftover milk in the jar is buttermilk. It’s great to save for pancakes or waffles. (More on that later…)

I divided up my butter so I could make the cinnamon-sugar butter and use the kit to make tomato basil butter, and still have plain butter left over.

Butter’s done. Pumpkin’s done. Time for bed. Happy brunch in my PJs in the very near future!

Saturday morning- PJ Brunch part one! I want pumpkin waffles with the freshly roasted pumpkin. My guy wants apple sauce waffles with some of the apple sauce I made the previous weekend. I set up shop in the kitchen so I could easily get started. I first made a large batch of batter that I could split for the pancakes and waffles. I put about half the batch into my Itty Bitty Mixer (did I mention I love this thing?!). I then added about a quarter cup of my fresh pumpkin puree. The Itty Bitty Mixer allows the ingredients to blend together quickly and smoothly. It’s also easy to pour the batter out onto my pan.

While my pancakes were cooking I put the remaining pancake batter in the Itty Bitty Mixer along with the homemade apple sauce.

The fresh cinnamon-butter was the perfect addition to the pumpkin pancakes and apple sauce waffle.

Sunday morning-I was on my own for brunch. Not a glum morning, though. I had just enough eggs in the fridge for one omelet!

PJ Brunch for One Menu:

Heirloom Cherry Tomato & Basil Egg White Omelet
Tomato Basil Butter Crostini
Coffee Required

The night before, I was again making butter. This time it was just blending the fresh butter with the DIY Butter Kit’s tomato basil seasoning. I measured out a teaspoon of the seasoning mix and let it soak in ½ teaspoon of warm water as the instructions noted. Then I blended about two tablespoons of the butter using the kit’s spreader. Result: tasty and pretty butter blend.

Sunday morning and I’m ready for an omelet! I have my Itty Bitty Mixer ready to go along with the Egg Separator also made by Karen & Stephen Steininger.

Ok, so again, I’m not big on the gadgets. When I typically separate egg yolks from whites I just use the egg’s shells, pouring them back and forth until I’m only left with the yolk. Honestly, I usually ruin a fair portion of the eggs when I try this trick. The Egg Separator is ideal, however. The yolk willing hung back while the white slipped right through the gap in the cup. Also, the lip on both the Egg Separator and Itty Bitty Mixer are well-designed for cracking an egg.

I whipped up airy egg whites in the Itty Bitty mixer and poured them straight into my hot, non-stick skillet. I then added slices of heirloom cherry tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. While my eggs cooked on medium low heat I toasted my French bread.

I folded the omelet just to finish it up. Next I put the tomato butter spread on my bread, then plated it all together. Such a happy plate of goodness!

Conclusion:
The tools I used did make for two pretty great brunches. My boyfriend and I got to share brunch, get what we each wanted, and managed to stay away from crowded brunch hot spots. Plus, I had a happy brunch for one the next day. The DIY Butter Kit could be complicated, but does help make some pretty wonderful butter and butter blends. The Itty Bitty Mixer is currently my favorite thing in my kitchen. In fact the design of the mixer and Egg Separator are so nice they’ve both earned a permanent home displayed on my counter.

Recipes:
Apple Sauce Waffles
(Serves 2)
1 ½ cups pancake mix
¾ cup skim milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup chunky apple sauce
½ tablespoon oil (olive oil, vegetable, etc)

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mix, skim milk, egg, vanilla and oil. Air is your friend. Whisk so mix is smooth without chunks of pancake mix. Whisk in the apple sauce. (You may want to add more milk if the apple sauce does not make the mix into a smooth-pouring batter.)

Turn on your waffle iron to the desired temperature. I crank mine all the way to the “dark” setting for a crispy-on-the-outside waffle. While the waffle iron heats up, your batter needs to rest for a couple of minutes.

Once the waffle iron is at temperature, spray your iron with non-stick spray and slowly pour in your batter. Don’t leave it unattended—the mix might expand. Just open the waffle maker for a second if need be.

Once your waffle is browned and cooked through, pop it out on a plate. Top with happy cinnamon butter and enjoy!

Pumpkin Pancakes
(Serves 2)
1 ½ cups pancake mix
¾ cup skim milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
(You can most certainly use pumpkin spice instead of mixing your own spices.)

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mix, skim milk, egg, vanilla and spices. Air is your friend. Whisk so mix is smooth without chunks of pancake mix. Whisk in the pumpkin. (You may want to add more milk if the pumpkin does not make the mix into a smooth-pouring batter.)

While your batter rests for a moment, heat a non-stick pan on medium heat. Just before you pour out your pancakes spray the pan with non-stick spray. When the pancakes begin to bubble and they’re golden brown on the bottom flip them over. Once that side is golden brown remove the pancake. As you plate them top with happy cinnamon butter and enjoy!

Egg White Omelet with Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
(Serves 1)
3 egg whites
Olive oil or butter
Heirloom cherry tomatoes (or any tomatoes) thinly sliced
Basil chopped
Salt & Pepper

Heat a non-stick pan over medium low heat. Whisk the eggs whites—air is an omelet’s friend! Don’t let the eggs rest. Go straight from whisking to pouring the eggs into the pan. Season the eggs. As the eggs set gently drag a fork through them so the whites cook. As the omelet is setting, add the tomatoes and basil. Once the omelet has set, with the top still a bit wet, but not runny, fold your omelet. Once heated through plate and serve.

If you have good French bread, toast this up before you start your omelet and use the Butter Kit’s tomato basil butter. Enjoy!

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