Gain "Best Boyfriend or Husband Ever" Status this Christmas (Part two)

It's never been a secret that shopping for the opposite gender can be difficult at times, especially for those men who may not be experts in the shopping department. But like we discussed in the first part of this two-part series, as long as you go to the mall with some ideas, fresh perspective, and knowledge of her sizes- it's not as bad as it seems (even if the mall is a zoo!). The hardest part of christmas shopping for your significant other isn't just getting organized and getting to the mall, its getting the creative ideas in the first place. 

And that is where we come in! For someone who struggles with coming up with unique and creative ideas or someone who has been buying for the same person for a long time, coming up with an awesome gift can seem like the ultimate challenge. But we have gathered together a list of ideas that will guarantee you'll be giving yourself a pat on the back this Christmas morning. So hands off the lingerie, step away from Victoria's Secret, and listen up!

1. Ipad Mini Retina

The original Ipad Mini was pretty awesome, but now loaded with a jaw-dropping retina display  and high end A7 and M7 processors, the updated one is even cooler. So if you have a tech-lover for a wife or girlfriend, you might want to head over to your local Apple store for this Christmas.

2. Joseph Joseph Mezzaluna 

For anyone hitched to a chef or someone who loves to cook, look no further! This unique knife is definitely the next trendy item to have in the kitchen. The strong, curved blade slices through herbs and vegetables with speed, accuracy, and efficiency and will have them whipping up delicious dishes in no time (so this is a gift you'll love too!). 

3. Pantone Coffee Maker 

Now this is a present I would love to have under my tree! And if the woman in your life loves coffee as much as I do- this would be the perfect gift for her as well. The small coffee maker isn't just stylish, but also comes with a variety of cup-size options, ranging from a three-cup version to a nine-cup version. 

4. Apple iPhone 5S

Not much has to be said about this suggestion! All of the buzz on the Internet and from your friends speaks for itself. Next to the upcoming updated Samsung Galaxy, this is the most talked about phone of 2013. Equip with metallic casings and other ridiculously cool features, the new version of the iPhone 5 is flying of the shelves this Christmas, so if you want one in your wife's stocking this year you'd better get to the nearest Verizon ASAP. 

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5. Housecleaning services

Wait, a maid for Christmas? This is definitely one of the more unique gift ideas I came across but when I gave it some thought this is actually an excellent idea for a present. If your wife hates cleaning as much as I do, buying her a package for a housecleaning service will allow her to relax and put her feet up on her days off from work instead of catching up on household chores. Who wouldn't want their Christmas present to be to come home to a sparkly clean house every week! 

6. A Bath set

One of many women's favorite ways to unwind is with a nice, hot bath. If the woman in your life likes to have a soak after a stressful day, help her to completely unwind with a fancy bath set- something you can find at countless boutiques, department stores, your mall's Bath and Body Works, and so on. And complete the experience by adding a comfy robe and fuzzy slippers! 

7. Drybar Blowout Box

Treat her hair this Christmas with the ultimate hair-drying experience. The Drybar Blowout in a Box is an ultra-sleek and stylish blow dryer set complete with three different attachments, a brush, and three styling products. 

8. The Misfit Shine

Now this would be something my mom would love! If your wife or girlfriend is crazy about fitness, this gift has to be your next purchase. The Misfit Shine is a small and sleek

fitness tracker, that measures everything from steps taken to calories burned even while you're asleep! The best part? It wirelessly connects to your iPhone or Android, keeping you up to date on your stats at all times! 

While lingerie and jewelry can be nice, give her something different this year that will really surprise her and make it the best Christmas morning possible- for both of you! 

Gain "Best Boyfriend or Husband Ever" Status This Christmas (Part 1 of 2)

This 2-part blog is for the fathers, husbands, and boyfriends out there! It's no secret that shopping for the opposite gender can be a bit on the difficult side sometimes, whether you are new to the game or have been in it for a while. It can feel like the ultimate challenge to try and find a gift that wraps up unique, romantic, functional, thoughtful, and personal all into one without making your wallet cry. 

But through observation, research, and just being- you know- a female, I'm here to rescue all you confused men and tell you how you can be the guy patting himself on the back this Christmas morning.

First off- know her specific sizes/measurements- and if you don't: ask her for them.

If you are planning on purchasing any type of clothes, shoes, intimates, ect then this is crucial! 

A few years ago, I accompanied my father while he went Christmas shopping for my mom. We were in White House Black Market looking at dresses and the sales lady presented my dad with a question most women would find obvious- well, what size is she? My dad hesitated for a moment before looking at the woman and answering with a response most men would deem reasonable; "Umm, probably about your size. You know, similar height and build." 

And my dad is not alone. During my time as a retail sales associate, I had countless interactions with lost husbands wandering the store blindly looking for something that seemed like the right fit for their significant other. And I  would help them as best as I could, but it's tough when they don't have any knowledge or numbers at all. And the guy who would walk in knowing all of his wife's sizes and measurements never failed to impress us sales associates- so be that guy. How can you be that guy? By just asking her! If you don't want to give anything away, ask far in advance and ask for all her measurements- even if you only need to know her dress or bra size- so she can't make any guesses (which she will try to!).

Second, don't be afraid to ask for help.

If at any point you are roaming the store and a sales associate asks you if you need any help, unless you are completely 110% sure of what you are going to get, don't hesitate to take her up on her offer- that is what she is there for! She is familiar with the store's products and can contribute some female perspective. 

Again, when I was a sales associate, I loved interacting with the customers and helping them out, especially when it was a boyfriend or husband trying to pick out something special for their girlfriend or wife. And reaching out for help isn't just limited to sales associates- if you need some fresh opinions or creative ideas there are no better people to ask then her girlfriends, sisters, mother, or even your teenage daughter! 

And lastly, newcomers keep in mind that "stereotypical" gifts aren't always a bad thing, and for returning players- don't be afraid to change it up. 

For any men in a brand new relationship, there is nothing wrong with falling back on some of the classics- jewelry, chocolate, flowers, lingerie, and so on. Just because these ideas have been done many times before doesn't mean there aren't still ways to get creative and it doesn't mean she wouldn't still love them. Switch out the diamond studs for a pair or gold hoops, trade the gold bracelet for a trendy new Alex and Ani bangle, ect. 

And for our men in longterm relationships, try switching it up this year and doing something really different! I know you've been getting her favorite Chanel perfume for the last 10 Christmases and she has come to expect it- but this year how about surprising her with something unexpected! And don't worry about her being disappointed when she doesn't get her usual perfume (just make sure the new gift is better, kidding!...Sort of) because trust me, she will most likely love the change! I know I'm not a husband, but when I was little I knew my mom loved candles, so I bought her a different scented Yankee Christmas candle for about ten years, and that Christmas morning finally came where she opened up something from me other than a candle, disappointment probably wasn't the word that came to her mind! 

Pick out the Christmas gift that will win you Husband of the Year based off of these unique and creative suggestions in the upcoming "How to Gain Best Boyfriend or Husband Ever Status This Christmas" Part Two!

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10 Breakthrough Gadgets for This Year's Christmas Present (Part 2 of 3)

This year has been revolutionary regarding the creation and advancement of technology, from huge advancements like within the medical field, to smaller ones that are just for our own entertainment. And those ones make for the best christmas presents!

So if you have any tech-wiz kids or husbands, these items will make for the perfect additions to this year's shopping list!

4. The Bladepad

This is definitely the present for all your gamers. The trendy Apple accessory makes gaming easy- and portable. The Bladepad is a gaming controller complete with light-up joysticks and buttons, that attaches to your iPhone 5, so they can play anytime, anywhere (until you say otherwise of course!). It even comes with a power cable, eliminating the fear of a draining battery!
Learn more about this awesome gaming device at their website: http://www.bladepad.com/about/

5. Breffo Adventure Camera Kit

This camera accessory will end your frustrations with trying to capture the perfect angle, and prevent the need to choose between asking a stranger for a group picture or the "having Mom/Dad disappear from family photos for 10 years" routine. The interesting looking but efficient new device is an "Octopod" that can grip on to anything while holding your camera secure at the same time. Satisfy your loved one's  inner photographer (or your own if we are talking about a little christmas shopping for Mom!) by having this portable device on hand for any important occasion. Twist and manipulate the rubber-covered, spider-like legs in any fashion while a screw holds your camera in place and you've got yourself a perfect picture- that you can all actually be included in! 

To learn more about this product visit their website at:
http://usa.breffo.com/products/adventure-camera-kit-white

6. Pocketstrings

I included this one on the list because it was one of the more simple yet unique creations I saw. If you have a musician in your family, this is something you definitely are going to want to look into! "Pocketstrings", is a portable set of strings that allows quick and easy practicing- while keeping the volume down (something the rest of the family might appreciate!). 
Learn more about the "Musician's best friend", visit:
https://www.pocketstrings.com/models

To See More Cool Gadgets Ideas for Your Tech-Lovers Keep A Look Out for Part Three Coming Soon! 

10 Breakthrough Gadgets for This Year's Christmas Present (Part 1 of 3)

With the passing of Thanksgiving, most people have one thing on their mind: Christmas shopping. The start of December welcomes the holiday season and with it comes lights, Christmas trees, holiday music, baking, and some serious shopping. And for those Moms doing Christmas shopping for techn-savvy teenagers and husbands- this is your lucky year. 

The last decade has seen some incredible technological advancements, but 2013 introduced some jaw-droppingly cool gadgets that you're definitely going to want to put on your list. 

1. Samsung Galaxy S4

Everyone's always buzzing about Apple's Iphones, but you may be surprised to know that in 2012's global smartphone market share Samsung's Galaxy S3 actually beat out the iPhone 5! Experts predict the updated version, the Galaxy S4 is going to give Apple a run for its money when it hits stores in April. Reading this as a die-hard Apple user myself, I wasn't entirely convinced but when I read about the new features it offers- I have no problem believing this will be the next big phone. Not even taking the 5-inch 1080 display and 13.0 megapixel camera into account, the phone offers touch-screen features including "Smart pause" which pauses video by the user simply turning their head away from the screen, as well as "Smart scroll", where users can browse through their emails by simply tilting the phone. How is this possible? All through facial recognition. 

2. 3Doodler

Reading about this recent invention truly blew me away. The 3Doodler has been dubbed "the world's first 3D printing pen". So how does it work? Well, the pen releases hot plastic which cools and then quickly solidifies. The creators believe that this pen will be responsible for huge advances in limited edition art as well as templates. They add that it is not only for projects and designing, but can be used for smaller, fun things too like decorating iPhone cases or jewelry. This makes for the perfect gift for any artists or architects-to-be!

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3. Pebble

This next invention combines a smartphone with a watch, in the coolest way possible. Nicknamed the "First Watch of the 21st Century", the Pebble connects to iPhone or Android smartphones and enables you to receive text messages, emails, or incoming calls at the touch of a button. But the reason why it truly stands out as the watch of the 21st century is because now in addition to viewing your texts, you can load it up with apps, with an increasing number available each day!

Delicious and Creative Ways to Use Up All That Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving is over and all the guests have left with full stomachs and smiles on their faces (hopefully!)- but now you have a fridge filled with leftovers- pie, stuffing, cranberry sauce, the works. And probably what you'll have the most to finish up? All of that turkey. And the catch? You have a limited time to eat it before it goes bad! It would be a shame to waste, but honestly there are only so many turkey sandwiches one can eat. So that raises the question many hosts face each year, what to do with all that extra food?

Luckily for us, a lot of chefs have also considered this dilemma. So I've put together a delicious list of ways you can use up those leftovers without throwing them away (or getting sick of turkey!). I've also included links to easy and reliable recipes below each suggestion to help you get started on your turkey-eating-marathon! 

1. Turkey Soup

This is number one on my list because I've actually done this before and if you haven't, trust me, you're missing out! Turkey soup is both delicious and a perfect opener to the winter/holiday season. And you can use more than just your leftover turkey for this recipe; throw in your leftover potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, and more to top off a perfect, hearty lunch or dinnertime treat!

Click here to see a recipe for homemade turkey soup:

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/homemade-turkey-soup/4fdb9be4-b375-4d3e-960a-f83c46a160ce

2. Turkey Chili

Another yummy wintertime meal! When it's cold outside, there is nothing like a nice bowl of hot chili. There are tons of chili recipes out there featuring turkey, so I'm confident you'll be able to find one that appeals to you. Chili is both easy to make and popular, so you should have no problem finding people to share it with!

Click here to see a Turkey Chili Recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-specials/turkey-chili-recipe/index.html

3. Turkey Pot Pie

This recipe can combine multiple of our frequent Thanksgiving leftovers- almost all of them really! If cooked your dessert pies from scratch, then you can use your left over pie crust

to start- and if baking is not your style and you were one of many of us who chose a nice, store-bought pie- that's okay too! It's easy enough to find pre-made pie crust to use. Then the rest is easy! FIll it up with all your Thanksgiving favorites- turkey, peas, corn, gravy, carrots, celery, and more. Heat up some mashed potatoes for your side and you've got yourself an amazing meal that won't remind you that you're still working on those leftovers. 

Click here to see an easy-to-make Turkey Pot Pie recipe: http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/classic-turkey-pot-pie/222c3cef-31cc-4936-abfd-cc72611c16c4

4. The Thanksgiving Sandwich

There are all different names for this food item depending on where you go, but I just

refer to it as the Thanksgiving Sandwich. It is one of my personal favorites- and not just during the Thanksgiving season! This idea is definitely the easiest one to make, but trust me it is just as delicious as the rest. Just take a piece of bread, and after toasting it, put on your desired amount of turkey. Then here comes the good part, load it up with as many leftovers as you want! Starting with the basics; stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy, then top it off with whatever else you like (cranberry sauce, peas, corn, ect). But like many southern treats, this is not a meal for our low calorie lovers! But hey, it's the holidays- so whose really counting calories anyway? 


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