Gave That

Host — Whirl & Chill

2013-05-15T17:54:00.001-04:00

Our search for the perfect hostess gift to stockpile is never ending but thankfully there is HOST Studios and a few of their new releases... behold the Whirl and the Chill:

THE REVIEW

Every time I browse Host's site I'm reminded of what a gift giving smorgasbord it is. Innovative plays on classically useful wine related gift ideas at every corner. Recently they released a series of very ingenious new products including the Whirl and the Chill. Both of which are, in my opinion, give as is thanks so HOST's chic packaging.

The Whirl is a stemless wine glass with swirling fluting on the sides. When one swirls their wine in these glasses it aerates it mixing in the perfect amount of oxygen and improving flavor. It makes a unique sound when you do this too but best of all it works. Our wine was really, really good. These glasses are actually shatterproof plastic so that's another major plus for guests not to have to worry about.

The Chill is really, really interesting. It's this long test tube looking rod filled with gel attached to a spout and stopper (these come in a rainbow of colors BTW). Popped into the freezer the cooling rod freezes up and slips inside your wine bottle. Perfectly chilled wine pouring from the leak proof spout. It comes with a cool sliding rule for the perfect wine serving temperatures as well built into the box.

Find both the Whirl and Chill here .

Whirl and Chill c/o HOST (love them!)

Image: mam for Gave That

DIY Stained Glass Gift Wrap

2013-05-14T18:20:00.000-04:00

Wax paper has to be one of my all time favorite in a pinch gift wrap, as can be seen by how many appearances it has made here at the blog. Just in time for spring here is an easy to recreate stained glass look using our waxy, transparent friend and a few markers:

THE HOW-TO

What You Will Need:
- Markers (magic markers are perfect, anything permanent)
- Rubber stamps or stain glass illustrations
- Wax paper
- White, plain gift box

If using a rubber stamp, wrapping the gift first to get the placement of your stained glass window just right works great. If tracing, it's as easy as laying the paper on top and drawing the design. Spraying a little hair spray, gently, over top the finished design and further prevent transfer and keep it looking crisp.

For more gift wrap ideas be sure to see the gift design inspiration area of the blog here.

Image: mam for Gave That

Larken Bags — Packing It Up

2013-05-13T15:22:00.003-04:00

For the longest time the search has been on to find a bag organizer. One that would make it easy to keep things in place, add pockets and make it quicker to change bags but they always seemed too big. Too structured. Almost a handbag in themselves. That's why I was so happy to find something perfect recently in the form of a lightweight drawstring bag by Larken Bags and had to share it here.

Created by Lauren Wilson and Kendra Dousette in Los Angeles, I love the way Larken's are made here in the US and are perfect for my bike panniers which can be bottomless pits. The same can be said for many of my totes which only have one —if that much— pocket inside. For anyone who loves taking bottles of perfume, water, ink pens, makeup, a Larken is a great saver for the inside of ones bag as well. Plus these would make lovely reusable gift bags and favors that you know would be instantly put to good use.

Order your's here.

Larken Bag in brown c/o Larken (thank you Lauren and Kendra!)
Tote: Rebecca Minkoff
Handbag: Glass Handbag
Bike panniers: Basil Jada double bags

Image: Magda & mam for Gave That

Soap & Guests

2013-05-09T15:24:00.002-04:00

We've thrown open the windows and started to do some major spring cleaning around here which always leads to freshening up the scents as well. Something clean and slightly dewy sweet. One simple way is by filling baskets with guest soaps. Here are a few steadfast favorites:

THE LIST

(clockwise from the top) MOR Australia hands down makes some of the prettiest packaging around. With that being said it's somewhat surprising that the majority of their scents are actually rather masculine and fresh. Giving the best of both worlds. My personal favorite pick is their Marshmallow scent and their petite soaps that come in tins... see more on those here. The large oval soap is also by MOR. Next is a lovely soap by Red Flower who creates beautiful potpourri topped candles as well in all sorts of delicate scents. Then the classic too pretty to unwrap sort, this time by Gianna Rose Atelier. These piled high in an old style glass jar look amazing near the sink.

While this strays slightly from these theme, this Clean Lather perfume had to be included because it literally smells of soapy cleanliness and since it's unisex, ended up perfect to leave for guests in the powder room.

A nice hunk of rustic handmade soap always seems to beg for use and in this case, this one by Merryweather's also has the benefit of calming skin with its oatmeal and perfuming hands beautifully. This has to be one of the best smelling soaps I have ever come across to date. They also make an awesome Gin & Tonic scented one as well. For more on those and the gift set they came in from Topricin see here. Lastly, Yardley of London had to be included because they're less than Dove but come in an oatmeal flecked, honey version which smells and feels so good. It totally belies its price.

Image: mam for Gave That

Spring Flower Shopping

2013-05-07T18:55:00.000-04:00

It's been a tradition for a little while, around this time of year, to pick out some new flowers to add a bit of color to the garden. Magda took these cheery shoots on her recent trip to the greenhouses and I couldn't help but share them here. She also put together the planter arrangement above... definitely a sweet Mother's Day gift idea.
For a DIY Hanging Flower Basket gift idea see my previous post here and for more about picking out gift plants see this.

Image: Magda for Gave That

Candy Violet Lip Scrub — DIY Gift!

2013-05-03T16:41:00.002-04:00

The wild purple violets are in full bloom and Mother's Day is around the corner which means only one thing. A DIY beauty gift idea! This time violets (or organic rose petals) are used for a yummy candy violet lip scrub that smooths and moisturizes naturally. It also tastes absolutely delicious and can be licked off. Making it great to pop in my tote for a day at the beach.

Keep Reading For The Recipe + How-To Video

Recipe:
- 1/4 Cup white or raw sugar
- 2 Tab. coconut oil (mine used here is organic extra virgin by Nature's Approved)
- 1/4 Cup fresh violet flowers or rose petals (organically grown or wildcrafted in an area where no cars or exhaust has been present)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- A clean jar / container to store it in

How-To:

Watch the step by step video below:

Image: mam for Gave That

Stolen Makeup Bags

2013-04-30T15:57:00.003-04:00

A little while go, looking to replace a favorite drugstore mascara, I happened to strike up a conversation with a lady gingerly picking out makeup. She said, do you know what happened to my granddaughter?, and even before she could finish I though to myself hmmmm... bet this is another case of a stolen makeup bag and sure enough, that was the case. She went on to tell me her granddaughter brought her Tory Burch makeup bag filled with Nars, MAC, Chanel to school and it was stolen out of her locker. It was pretty obvious Grandma was the one who gave her all of this and was now, thoroughly disgusted as she put it, venturing down another route. A much cheaper one.

Sadly this is far from rare, which has always been a bit perplexing to me because who really wants someone's used cosmetics? With large bags having to go into mandatory, yet unsecured, baggage checks in many public places such as museums things are going missing a lot lately. This is happening in offices and I even know those who've had their makeup stolen right out of their evening clutch. So the idea came, what about making up a bag that if it did go missing, would feel relatively painless. Even a little, got you! Plus there is some rather good finds in the drugstore right now. Some surprising doppelgängers too. Take a gander, pick and choose, make these up as little favor gift bags or a starter makeup set someone will not be crushed to loose:

THE LIST

Starting at the base and the need for a good SPF a real favorite is L'Oreal's Sublime Sun moisturizer with SPF 15 and a light sunless tanner built in. It's very light and gives a nice glow. Not as good as a BB Cream but great for under one to double up the SPF. Next a few new things from Revlon, along with the BB Cream they recently released, something even better is their Nearly Naked liquid foundation and matching pressed powder. The foundation is clearly inspired by Urban Decay, which I have but never use because a) it kept breaking me out and b) looked way too mat and dry. Revlon has always been good to my skin and their new Nearly Naked line is no exception. It really does look natural and has a SPF 20 to boot (my color is 160 Fresh Beige). The powder, which seems to run a little on the dark side (the color of mine is Light 020) is lovely, creamy, smooth and almost doubles, for me, as a powder foundation.

A lot of times BB Cream or the L'Oreal Sublime Sun is enough, especially in the summer, but it's amazing how much a little concealer here and there can make. That's why I have 3 picks for you, although I was surprised at how much the Revlon Nearly Naked conceals as well. From Revlon is their PhotoReady concealer which has been around for a while. It's very creamy, conceals well, creases little and best of all it seems golden based which is great for people with Olive/yellowish undertones such as me. The drugstore can be a very pink place. They have a nice range of shades in this stick concealer although many are sold out most of the time, obviously there are a lot of follow lovers of this one. Two others that are amazing but come in limited shade choices include Hard Candy's Glamoflauge (mine is in Medium 313 which is still on the light side) and Conceal RX by Physicians Formula (in Natural Light which is the darkest shade but very light). Both of these heavy duty concealers are very similar although the Glamoflauge is slightly thicker and really does cover, even tattoos. I know someone who recently returned Kat Von D's Tattoo Concealer because the Hard Candy Glamoflauge did a better job.

A few other bits for the base is this bronzing powder by NYC in Sunny which is so cheap but is one of the loveliest mat bronzers that I've ever owned. Go figure. It lasts for ever too. For a highlighter and to give a little color to the cheeks E.L.F. (eyes lips face) makes these little tubes of Shimmering Facial Whips with a favorite color being Lilac Petal. It also comes in a Multiples type stick but the shade is called Persimmon. Both are reminiscent of NARS but I prefer the E.L.F. because they're more natural whereas the NARS looks very glittery and obvious, especially in summer.

Five more things with a few dupes. Starting with the new Almay Intense i-color liquid shadow + color primer. The one pictured here is 054 for green eyes. Are my eyes green? No! What drew me to this particular product is a) I needed a new eye shadow primer and b) as soon as I saw this particular shade my thoughts were Urban Decay Primer Potion In Sin! This Almay i-color turned out to look almost identical, went on the same and best of all lives up to its claims of not creasing and lasting all day. It looks pretty as is on the lids too. If you adore primer potions, definitely give these Almay liquid shadows a try. Especially since they have colors that Urban Decay does not make in their primer line. Then for the lashes you might have already heard about Jordana's Best Lash Extreme. Its turned into one of those cult phenomenons and I can say, I love this... even more than my Benefit They're Real which seemed awesome. Yes, this is incredible stuff that never went raccoon or flaked, unlike so many of my Dior, Chanel, Anastasia, and other drugstore ones sitting in that box. For only $2.99 it's worth a try. Lastly for the eyes or eye brows really is Maybelline's Define A Brow which does not budge and is very precise with a self sharpening tip. Best brow pencil I've ever used.

We're down to the last two things to pop in a makeup bag, one being C.O. Bigelow's Rose Salve. The taste is not too good but it plumps and hydrates so good. Plus it's great other places including the hands and for bruises and scrapes. It actually reminds me a lot of the 8 - Hour Cream by Elizabeth Arden which is also a save, but this is much cheaper and more portable. Last doppelgängers is this little Sally Hansen Hard As Nails nail polish in Time to Shine which is a dead ringer to my OPI Designer De Better from the Ltd., Muppets Collection of past. The Sally Hansen has actually been getting a lot more use.

Most everything here can be found in US drugstores such as CVS with the exception of Jordana which I've only been able to find in Duane Reade / Wallgreens. E.L.F can be found online here and Hard Candy here.

Makeup bag: Contents by Allegro

Image: mam for Gave That

The Fast Metabolism Diet — Eating Clean

2013-04-24T16:23:00.001-04:00

Can we take a moment to mention how wedding season, concerts and the beach are really on our minds. That and the gift good health really is prompted reading and sharing the new book above by Haylie Pomroy, nutritionist to the stars, The Fast Metabolism Diet. Is it good and does it work? The quick answer is yes!

THE REVIEW

Pomroy's book is more than a diet, it can be an eating and lifestyle overhaul — a spring cleaning — or it can be good step by step guidance to anyone already following a clean &/or low carb diet. Someone experienced with Atkins or any low carb meal plan will notice many similarities with Haylie Pomroy's, Fast Metabolism Diet with one exception. Haylie has broken her diet plan into phases and the first phase allows for carbing up. That's a phase I personally skipped but for anyone transitioning, it's great not having to go cold turkey or, cold potato, really.

Right on the books cover it states eat more food & lose more weight which is very true but the food that will be consumed is unprocessed for the most part (i.e. clean, leaning towards organic), low on carbohydrates, devoid of refined sugars and forget about alcohol. Despite eating a lot more food I remember feeling a tad grumbly late at night when starting out. For anyone presently in an environment of daily cake, cookie, cupcake, chocolate covered macaroon filled birthday parties &/or events replete with cocktails or glass after glass of wine this can really smack of a restrictive diet.

The good part is with the 3 phases and a few weeks to adjust this new way of eating can start to really take hold and feel natural. Along with the smoothies and herbs Pomroy also suggests, and being sure to nosh on little snacks, the increased energy keeps you moving forward and wanting to change for good.

Pick up your copy here

Review copy provided / sponsored by SheSpeaks/The Fast Metabolism Diet

Image: mam for Gave That

ECOknapsack Furoshiki Style!

2013-04-22T15:38:00.001-04:00

Making everyday Earth Day with another bright piece by the lovely folks at EcoLunchBox. This time their Furoshiki ECOknapsack, a larger version of their Furoshiki totes last seen here and done, as their others, in fair trade Indian textile prints (this particular one is bold Butternut & Navy Dots). Some of the things recently tucked inside included my yoga mat and a reusable bottle of water, fruit from the farmers market and on another bike trip, my helmet while shopping. Love it to bits as an easy, welcome just because gift to give.
Find the entire collection here. + use our exclusive code for 15% off your order, " gavethat15"

Bag: Furoshiki ECOknapsack c/o ECOLunchBox, Thank you so much!
Image: mam for Gave That

DIY Egg Planters

2013-03-29T15:04:00.001-04:00

- DIY Gift Idea -

This is something being mulled over for this years Home & Garden show and just had to be shared here too. Super simple to make, these eggshell planters have an amazing way of holding just the right amount of water to make seedlings grow pretty quick. Writing someones name on the front turns them into instant take home keepsake place settings and favors too!

Keep Reading for What You Will Need

Materials Needed:

- Egg shells (jumbo eggs work best)
- Soil
- Tiny saucers (Terracotta ones are perfect and can be found in craft or garden centers)
- Small plants or seeds

The most important part is the plant or seeds themselves. (see a previous post on gift plants). Miniature African violets are perfect because they always stay the tiniest of sizes to live inside the eggshell pot you've created. The only caveat is to really mound the soil up high so none of their leaves or stems touch the jagged edges of the eggshell. Tiny ferns or succulents such as the Hens & Chicks above are cute too but might need replanting after a while. As for seeds, herbs along with catnip, wheat grass and cat grass have a really good chance of germinating quickly and actually growing.

Putting It Together:

Taking a knife gently take off the the pointed end cap of the eggshell. If the hole needs to be larger, kitchen scissors work great to snip around the edges. Clean the inside well with running water and pat the outside of the eggshell dry.

Fill with moist potting soil and gently tap the the eggshell on a hard surface to flatten the bottom to make it stand upright on the catch dish. Using a glue dot can also really help it stay in place. Then add seeds following directions on the packet or add a tiny plant, spritz with water and that's it! Allowing the outside of the shell to dry and using a sharpie is all that's needed to add names for use as place settings. For a step-by-step look see the video below:

Garden tool set by Liberty of London (old): find a similar floral set here

Image: mam for Gave That

Hip Hop Furoshiki

2013-03-28T18:04:00.000-04:00

Inspired by Lush and their little reusable fox Furoshiki gift wrap, here is an easy to recreate rabbit version for spring. All that was needed was a white napkin and some permanent markers (I found it's easier to draw on after wrapping the box with the napkin). For the how-to including a step-by-step video see here, with one modification for the bunny above. Instead of tucking the edge (flap) under the gift, leave it out to form the face.

For many more gift wrapping ideas see our Gift Design Inspiration area here.

Image: mam for Gave That

Wanting MOR

2013-03-27T16:12:00.002-04:00

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

MOR's Marshmallow perfume oil still remains an absolute favorite so it's good to find everything in their line smells just as rosy (sweet, candied rose petals). Right down to this pink little soy candle edged in gold, light, but the exact same Marshmallow scent. Find the petite candle here, the soap in a tin and body butter here and here.What bridal party member wouldn't want to be gifted with all 3!

Image: mam for Gave That

DIY Monogrammed Golf Balls

2013-03-17T16:01:00.000-04:00

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

Keeping on the theme of green or greens really and in honor of today here's a really simple gift idea... monogrammed golf balls. When in doubt, monogram! These were super quick to make using a self inking stamp from the Golf Ball Stamp site. After choosing how the stamp will look it's quickly shipped with an extra little bottle of ink and you're good to go. The best part is after knocking it around a bit, the monogram was still crisp on the ball.

Order your own here.

Image: mam for Gave That

Kale Shakes

2013-03-13T17:09:00.003-04:00

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

We've been sipping these green drinks since the great holiday detox and never really stopped because there is such a marked difference in our energy. Our latest favorite is dark green kale but even with the VitaMix blender it can be a little labor intensive so instead it's been this kale based powder by Re Body Greens. It has lots of other chlorophyll-rich greens in it as well including spirulina and chlorella but the flavor is what is most addictive. Slightly sweet, fresh and fruity, especially when mixed with almond milk and a little lime.

Find this particular powder here at the myReBody site.

Image: mam for Gave That

Picking Gift Plants

2013-03-04T15:12:00.001-05:00

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

Today has been a real reminder that spring is on its way! So are the flowers and wedding season and many lovely things which brings us to something I've been meaning mention here for a while. The curious world of gift plants.

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

Previously there have been posts here on giving plants as hostess gifts and making a mini Wardian case for Mothers day... a plant terrarium too but its been the one on keeping a gifted orchid alive which has been the most popular. Orchids are indeed a traditional gift plant and there are a number of others as well (for the list keep reading below).

When people tell me they have a brown thumb, 95% of the time they also have said the plant they killed was an African violet, orchid, or one of the other traditional gift plants someone gave them. As it turns out, these are plants that were specifically cultivated as something showy yet temporary. Something that lasts a few weeks longer than a cut floral bouquet, yet suffers the same fate, by being meant to be thrown away. Really, it's not you... it's them! (at least that's what I told myself a Christmas ago after killing the Poinsettia yet again )

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

Over the years it seems as if many gift plants have tried to merge with house plants and while there is some overlapping, as mentioned above, gift plants can vex because their nature is to die after blooming or require such demanding, exotic growing conditions that most homes are not equip to handle. Even the trip from the florist can send them into a slow decline they never recover from. Seen in their true light, those who already enjoy fresh cut bouquets or even a single bud would probably welcome a longer lasting gift plant.

Here's a traditional list of gift plants gleaned from a few vintage books:

The List

Poinsettias

Norfolk Island Pine

Orange Tree

Dwarf Banana Tree

African Violets

Orchid

Christmas Cactus

Cyclamen

Easter Lily

Fuchsia

Geranium

Gloxinia

Hydrangea

Hyacinth

Kalanchoe

Ornamental pepper

Miniature roses

Begonias

Chrysanthemums

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

Coaxing gift plants to stick around longer can be done with many of the same tricks in my previous post on the wedding orchids (see here). Another favorite way is to replant them outside in the garden. This has worked with the miniature roses, chrysanthemums, hydrangea and Easter lilies despite the bitter cold here and will work with many of the other plants above for those living in the tropics.

Looking for something a little longer lasting? While a lot less colorful there are so many pretty house plants that also make lovely gifts. Some favorites include the almost indestructible Lucky Bamboo which really isn't bamboo at all but gives off the look of it without the need for dirt or much light. I love them! Spider plants, hoya's, Cacti, my Grandmum's personal favorite Aloe vera plants are very hearty too. The main thing is to make sure the plants are not potentially toxic to pets or little ones (see a list here).

Handmade cedarwood bench (for deep watering plants in the bath tub): see here

Silver plant mister - vintage: see similar here

Image: mam for Gave That

Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes

2013-02-14T15:43:00.001-05:00

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

If I could, I would give each and every one of you a smile, hug, kiss and one of these strawberry Champagne cupcakes. Sadly there seems to be some glass between us but know that I adore each and everyone of you and have whipped up a recipe to follow here.

XOX,

Marie

Image: mam for Gave That

Secret Language of Wax Seals

2013-02-12T15:31:00.001-05:00

Source: GaveThat.com via Marie Anakee

A few days ago, while sprucing up a bit, a little slip of paper fell out of a book. Picking it up to put it back it turned out to be notes jotted down years ago about the meaning behind wax seals. Or their respective colors really. It turns out they, along with flowers, also had their own secret language. Does red really mean love? What was the color for wedding or dinner invitations? With wedding season now here, I thought these, all gleaned from antique books, would be of real interest right now, so on with the meanings...

Keep Reading for the Secret Meanings

White - Marriages but also surprisingly enough death, funerals and melancholy

Black & Violet - Condolences and for black, notice of death

Light Red - Denotes a happy lover and for Valentines

Brown - Displeasure

Chestnut brown - Dinner invitations

Yellow - Spurned adorers

Green - Hope

Pale green - Reproaches

Sky blue - Constancy

Rose colored & Pink - Appropriate for girls writing one another

Gray - Friendship

Flaming Vermilion - The most common color of wax seals today was used on business letters needing a quick reply

Another type of wax seal with meaning were those with a feather through them, for those meanings see my previous post on Fjäderbrev wax seals here.

The little presents above are wax paper over fabric wrapped gifts with hemp twine and wax seals. For how to create both traditional wax seals (see here), seals created out of glue sticks (see here) and for chocolate versions atop red velvet love letter cupcakes click here.

Image: mam for Gave That

Sun Blocking

2013-02-09T14:21:00.001-05:00

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

This could be filed under, the gift of not getting burned. So many things for the skin have debuted this past month, especially at the drugstore, but dawning on me today was how many of these favorites have turned out to be sun blocking. In particular BB Creams, first from Asia and now many from here in the US. These have made some of the biggest difference, no more dehydrated, burned skin (nose!) and lips from the slopes, that I wanted to gather them all up and share.

The Review

Revlon for some unknown reason never caused breakouts with any of their foundations so when they're Photoready BB Cream came out it was a must try. It has a 30 SPF broad spectrum sunblock and a typical tinted moisturizer feel. I'll definitely always keep some on hand as it hasn't caused any reactions or problems. Next is L'Oreal's Rivitalift Miracle Blur which is clear and similar to the paste we used as children. It too is 30 SPF, broad spectrum, and works best slathered on clear or better yet under makeup. Unlike Revlon's Photoready Color Correcting Primer in 002 it does not blur well on it's own but as a sunblock I really find it works, especially on the nose. Similar is this Bobbi Brown SPF 50 UV Protective Face Base which is a very good sunblock, more so than a primer. Then my current all time favorite, which was surprising, Physicians Formula Super BB Cream with SPF 30. This is the closest yet to my Asian BB Creams and feels really good. So far no sunburns and it lasts a decent amount of time. Then for the lips, Mission Skincare's Ultra-Hydrating Lip Protector SPF 20. It's a really light gel that does exactly what it says which is refreshing!

Have a really good weekend everyone!

Glass Handbag part II

2013-02-03T19:06:00.001-05:00

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

Someone famous once said something to the effect of, it's easy to gift shop for women, all we really want are handbags and jewelry. How hard it is not to agree, just the slightest deep down. In addition to this silver jewel of a clutch, last seen NYE, designer Tamara Leuty of Glass Handbag thoroughly spoiled me by also personally picking out and sending over her Classic handbag to show you all (!!). Magda was kind enough to take these pictures as we were out and about today on the chilly streets window shopping, new favorite treasure bag in tow.

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

Inside is a flexible light strip that glows when the bag is opened! Pretty fantastic!

Wearing: Classic bag in black c/o Glass Handbag (Thank you so very much Tamara!!), beanie hat by BMC Handmade, Coat: Lerario Beatriz, Gloves: c/o Cire by Grandoe Shoes: Vintage

Image: c/o Magda and mam for Gave That

Personalized Flasks

2013-02-02T17:48:00.002-05:00

A kind soul at Personalized Flasks recently reached out to offer the chance to personalize and design a flask. This is the gift set that I choose above, a really unique matte black with a gray monogram. It was a hard choice between trying to be clever with a saying (Sinner | Saint, The Saint, etc.) and this but I really like the way it turned out. The entire process was really easy using their site and everything was delivered beautifully gift boxed, rather fast though the mail.

Make your own here.

Image: mam for Gave That

Demeter

2013-02-02T17:01:00.002-05:00

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

These colognes are always so fun to match to a persons passions, cravings or obsessions (Jelly Belly's, espresso coffee, a brownie, Play Dough), even if they are always very fleeting. I guess that's why they're called a Pick-Me-Up but some smell so realistic and lovely I wished they would last all day. Their Gardenia immediately comes to mind. Still it's worth finding a replacement bottle or sniffing around for something new from them.

Fragrances: Demeter, Sugar Cookie, Brownie, Graham Cracker, and Grass

Image: mam for Gave That

Warming Up — Hot Mulled Wine

2013-01-30T20:46:00.001-05:00

Source: gavethat.com via Marie Anakee

Hello again from the land of advanced darkness! Something that has been warming us up and marking the end of this months great detox has been this mulled wine from an antique recipe. Hopefully you'll love it too and, if not in the spirit for spirits, will try its cousin which is equally as good... Buttered Mulled Apple Cider from my previous recipe over here.

- Hot Mulled Wine Recipe -

Image: mam for Gave That

Zoya Dream Box

2013-01-18T16:26:00.003-05:00

Something really lovely came today... the Zoya Dream Box that I ordered a few days ago. Inside are 3 new absolute favorites, Rekha, Shay and Sooki. Rekha, from the Bibhu Mohapatra fashion show, is just a tad darker than the jelly candy apple Sooki and Shay is a mannequin hand nude that does not streak. Finally! The nice thing about Zoya's dream gift boxes is they either come already filled with new release polishes or you can create your own, as I did, and the shipping is currently free.

Image: mam for Gave That

Handy Little Gifts

2013-01-15T15:55:00.002-05:00

With the bitter cold we've been experiencing in the mid Atlantic and, looking down while tapping, still a ton of left over paper cuts, now seemed a good time to lay out all the hand creams that have been in heavy rotation. Bite sized luxuries, they've all been really well received and well loved.

Keep reading for some creamy ♥'s

(left to right)

-This one, the classic Norwegian Formula hand cream by Neutrogena (in unscented) is probably the easiest to find here, sold in most drug stores, and also the most universally giveable. Especially for guys. Despite being very simple in ingredients (mostly glycerin) and not a creamy texture, this stuff works wonders to seal in moisture and help heal. The scented is very perfumed, definitely smell it first!

- L'Occitane's hand creams have been featured here countless times because they're so good and many have the benefit of helping Shea butter growers. The tubes themselves are often times quite pretty too. Definitely try the lavender one pictured here.

- From the UK comes this little bottle of 100% natural and vegan hand cream called iRejuvenate by Forest Secrets Skincare. A light pink fluid it sinks in immediately and plumps the skin up, plus a little goes a long way. See more cooing about it here.

- Another drugstore find that was a pleasant surprise because it actually works (so many hand creams do nothing sadly) was this one by Essence of Beauty which might be an exclusive to CVS. It's thick, rich and keeps my hands hydrated even after washing and this particular scent, the Japanese Garden, smells really good.

- Then there is Crabtree & Evelyn's Gardeners Hand Therapy which comes in these rustic large tubes and smells really earthy. This is probably the most heavy duty of the lot but it also seems the last the longest, so little is needed.

Image: mam for Gave That

Better Skin - Resolution # 4

2013-01-13T15:19:00.000-05:00

Gift of Good Skin We'll be forever trying new things in the skincare department and sharing little luxuries here but a few major developments have revealed themselves. Helena knew her stuff, following her regimen along with another tip of her's, applying face cream prior to a steamy bath or sauna, has made such a huge change in my skin. Other things that, no matter what, will always be a constant include 2% Salicylic Acid, rosewater toners, Retinol's, oxygen facials (addictive!), my Clarisonic, and plenty of sunblock (see current favorites here).

THE LIST

- derma e Pycnogenol Redness Reducing Serum
- Homemade rosewater toner
- Tatcha Radiant Deep Brightening Serum
- Garnier Moisture Rescue Gel-Cream for dry skin (pink one)
- L'Oreal Revitalift Eye Cream
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle cream (Retinol)

Image: mam for Gave That