Mother’s Day is May 12th. Yes, that’s in two days. Because we’re all procrastinators (just hold my hand, it’s OK), here are some suggestions of gifts you can get your lovely mama:

Sonia Kashuk Native Beauty Brush Set, $17

I always say makeup brushes are the best gifts. It’s one of those things we don’t think to invest in, but trust me, everyone needs a good set. Your brushes make all the difference in how your makeup looks. I love these bright brushes from Sonia Kashuk that come in a chic raffia tribal case. Plus it’s a travel set, that easily fits in a bag or clutch. Perfect for moms who are constantly on-the-go. The set includes a Synthetic Domed Powder Brush, Eye Shadow Brush, Angled Fluffy Eye Shadow Brush and Synthetic Pointed Eyeliner/Lip Brush with full size brush heads.

Lancôme Trésor In Love Hearts Set, $61

A gorgeous scent, Tresor in Love, packaged with a mascara that will give your mama Kim Kardashian-lashes — no really, her makeup artist used Lancome Doll Lashes Mascara on Kardashian for her wedding day.


Vitamix 5200 blender, $450

I know. It’s $450, but it’s the Rolls-Royce of blenders. This blends everything and anything, and has a 7-year warranty. When my mom discovered this, she would call me every single day to tell me to get the same thing just based on how many healthy drinks she can make from this one alone. This 5200 is the standard, but they have a bunch more options on their website. If you guys read my post earlier today, this green smoothie is ONE of them. Bonus: You will easily secure your spot as ‘favorite child’ after this one.

DDF Revolve 400X, $99 for the kit

She probably doesn’t have time to get facials, much less setting up a microderm appointment. Here’s a much less intimidating option: DDF’s Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System. It’s dubbed to be just as good as professional treatments and at a fraction of the cost. It’s a spa day at home, ya’ll!

Sonia Kashuk Beauty organizers in Floral and Yarn, $25 each

Another great find at Target: these organizers are beautiful on it’s own or filled with Mom’s favorite beauty goodies!

Laura Mercier La Petite Patisserie Eau Gourmande Fragrance Coffret, $45


These gorgeous scents from Laura Mercier are limited edition and includes includes three travel-friendly scents in Vanille, Fresh Fig and Almond Coconut Milk. Scents to compliment any type, and can even be layered for a lovely unique scent that your mother can claim for her own. Gift wrap optional — did you check out the pretty box it comes in??

French’s Flavor Infusers, $1 each

One of the many great things Robert Verdi has taught me is that it’s really the sentiment that matters most in the gift, and it’s also very easy to package affordable, useful items in a pretty way. I’d take items, like these $1 Flavor Infusers from French’s, and package them in a pretty basket along with other items (tissues, scented hand soap, homemade cookies, etc). These are 10-minute flavor marinades that doesn’t require refrigeration, and because it has a pointy tip, you can infuse it right into your meat and let it sit for only 10 minutes before it’s ready to be cooked. Saving mom time? Isn’t that the greatest gift of all?

What gift are you getting your mom this year?

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Hello! It’s December 18th. Which means for those of you who are celebratin’, you have like one week til Christmas. But don’t feel bad, fellow procrastinators. Because I too am a procrastinator. And that’s why I waited until December 18th to post a gift guide for you all. This is sort of an addendum of my Holiday Picks video with even more beautifully delicious ideas. So without further ado, my awesome gift guide:

1) BLOOMING GARDEN TEA GIFT SET FOR 2, $40

This just reminds me of my very first apartment in New York when I lived with two fellow tea-lovers, Eugenia and Jess, and every so often, we’d have a jasmine tea with these blooming teaposies. This Blooming Garden Tea Set includes a heat-resistant glass teapot (with a removable filter for loose tea) and two matching cups and saucers. The best part? It comes with 6 blooming teas that expand when immersed in hot water. It’s kinda magical really.

2) TARTE LIMITED EDITION COLOR COLLECTION + CLUTCH, $48 (worth $406)

This would definitely be top on my list as far as makeup gifts — Tarte’s holiday gift set puts the glam in full gear with this silver clutch that comes with three interchangeable palettes that can be easily snapped inside. The clutch even has space for your essentials (a mirror plus pockets for your credit cards and money) and has a gold chain strap to wear over your shoulder or as a cross body. Also, it comes with their maracuja-infused lip gloss in a universally-flattering shade. And the price (under $50) for all you get is insane.

3) KISS MY FACE PEACE SOAPS, $13

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So remember when I posted Robert Verdi’s amazing holiday picks recently? I mentioned I had some of my own too, and with the help of P&G Beauty, I compiled some of my favorites in a short video! When I arrived at Verdi’s Luxe Lab, there was a whole table full of products for me to edit through and come up with a final assortment of gifts for my segment. I picked the ones that stood out to me both for practicality and style. I was able to come up with some pretty nifty ideas for the foodies, moms, jet-setters, fashionista, and a stocking stuffer of my own personal CoverGirl favorites! Take a look:

Whew, it is NOT easy being on camera let me tell ya. And since it wasn’t scripted (clearly), I had just moments to come up with what I wanted to say about each product. I tried my best! And I just loved that the set was all BATF-ed out (did you see my logo in the back? I was like a proud mother). I’ll be posting yet another gift guide tomorrow for anyone I might have missed in this short segment — hope this helps!! What’s on your wishlist this year?

DETAILS:
1. P&G Beauty COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion + Smoky ShadowBlast Value Pack; $10 at drugstores
2. Illuminating 10x Satin Nickel Table Mirror; $100 at Bed, Bath & Beyond
3. Hannah Jewelry Tree Stand; $20 at Bed, Bath & Beyond
4. Coach 3-Turnlock gloves in Iris, $158 (similar ones: Charter Club Cashmere-Lined Gloves; $43 at Macy’s)
5. Culinary Three Herb Wreath; $44 at Organic Bouquet (PS, I was sent this wreath after taping this segment and I love! Nothing like easy access to a little extra rosemary or thyme in my pasta!)
6. Passport Holder; $14 at ASOS
7. Envelope Laptop Case; $36 at ASOS
8. Slot Through Portfolio Clutch; $36 at ASOS

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If you guys follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed I was in kind of a tweeting frenzy last Wednesday over several holiday giveaways from celebrity stylist Robert Verdi.

With the help of P&G Beauty, Verdi showcased his top 15 holiday gifts, and a select number of bloggers were there at his Tweet This live-stream event to help him give it away (if you remember, he did something similar for Mother’s Day!). Not that he would need a whole lot of help to really give them away — I’m pretty sure anyone would jump at the chance to have one of his fab picks for themselves. If you missed it, check out his tips for everyone on your list:

1) THE BUBBLY BABYSITTER – CoverGirl Lipstick in Hot Passion, $6.50

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Mother’s Day is creeping up out of nowhere! Good thing I had the pleasure of attending TV personality and celeb stylist, Robert Verdi’s Mother’s Day event a couple days ago at his Luxe Laboratory (translation: A DREAM entertaining pad he created complete with a 130″ TV…for reals). If there’s anyone who’s an authority on the best gifts, it’s the personable Verdi himself. Here are his trendy suggestions for every type of mom:

FOR THE TASTEFUL MOM: A Blooming Daisies Edible Arrangement, $58, ediblearrangements.com.

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By Melissa Stephans

If you are particularly strapped for cash this season or simply want to give something that warms the heart (and tummy), I suggest firing up your oven and start baking!  Presentation is key, as is flavor.  My choice was to make (Non-Pumpkin) Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream for loved ones this year.  I took a recipe from my favorite database, Tastespotting.com, and tweaked it to my liking. (Basically, I dumped the pumpkin part of this recipe because using it in baked goods grosses me out).

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