Happy Eve of 2013!
These next two days are a time to reflect on the year that was and the year ahead.
Today, I took some time to look back on my blog numbers for the year and all I can say is WOW. This year, I released Shot of Brandi* to search engines and welcomed A LOT of new readers (see below). For those of you that stumbled upon this site and continue to read, I look forward to e-meeting you in 2013 and hearing more about what brings you back and what type of content you would like to see here!
I hope you all have a wonderful, sparkling, glitterfied, boozey New Year's Eve and Day!
Cheers to lucky 2013!
Thank you SO MUCH for reading my little blog! I really appreciate all of your feedback and kind words! Here's to more glitter, crafts, shoes, confetti and sequins in 2013!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Gift A Day #24: Brandi's Favorite Things
Happy Christmas Eve!
Maybe you aren’t exchanging gifts with your family this
weekend – maybe you still have time to shop. If that’s you, I wanted to shamelessly
share with you some gifts that I asked for and received this year! Obvi I was
on Santa’s nice list ; )
·
Celebrate by Pippa
·
Pajama’s
·
B Charm
·
Wine Sippy Cup (no spills!)
·
Bed Head “After Party”
·
“Best Party Ever” Undies
·
Cute card from J Bo (inside tells me that a DVD
of seasons 1+2 of Downton Abby is coming my way! Whoo hoo!
·
WVU socks
Thanks, Mom + Dad + Jillian! (Don’t be offended if your gift wasn’t mentioned. I love them all
equally lol)
Since it’s Sunday and that means Sunday with Sue, here
are a few DIY items from Shot of Mom!
·
“We Wisk You a Merry Christmas” – Hershey Kisses
inside of a Wisk!
·
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas and so much S’more”
– S’more kits with holiday Peeps
·
Bow dazzled bubbly
I’ve warned you to avoid the stores, so for the next two
days, I’m going to share with you some DIY gifts. Today’s subject is crafts,
but unless you have a craft closet like yours truly, you may need to go to a
craft store.
Here are some easy things that you can make at home!
·
Stockings:
$1 stockings + glue + glitter, you’ve made personalized stockings!
·
Ornaments:
There are so many things you can do with inexpensive clear ornaments. I like
this photo ornament from the House
of Smiths blog (no relation!). I’ve also seen clear ornaments with a
variety of things inside like pearls, sequins, glitter and candy! Get creative!
·
Tote
Bag: I made this tote for my bridesmaids! It’s super easy – buy a
canvas tote, outline an initial and then bedazzle the crap out of it. Whola!
If you aren’t done shopping yet…boy, do I feel bad for
you! I was out last night and it’s a zoo everywhere. And we are about to get
hit with the first snowstorm of the year (coming from Chicago – thanks friends!).
So this weekend, you are likely going to head to the
grocery store at some point. What can you buy someone there?
·
Gift
cards. Enough said.
·
Ingredients
for a recipe: Pick a dinner or dessert recipe and give someone all the ingredients
to make the dish.
·
Flowers:
For the hostess or the person that says that they don’t want anything!
·
Cheeses:
Make a cheese, cracker and olive tray.
·
Magazine
+ Subscription: Pick up a magazine and include a year subscription
inside!
Keeping it
real with the gifts you can buy locally, this Thirsty Thursday, I’d like to
feature some liquors to keep your gift recipient’s “spirits” bright!\
·
Great
Lakes Christmas Ale: A favorite of the Smithkowski’s! In fact, we visited
the brewery this past Monday!
·
When in doubt, go with a liquor store gift card!
·
Crown Royal Maple: While
Crown is sometimes considered a man’s drink (except for Reader Lauren), this
maple flavor is rather tasty on the rocks!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Gift A Day #19: Fuel For The New Year
Given that Christmas is less than a
week away, I’m going to feature gifts that you can buy locally vs. ordering
online.
Today, let me share one that is on my
list – the Nike Fit Band. This band tracks almost all of your daily activity -
running, walking, dancing, etc. So at $150, this bracelet costs more than your
average pedometer, but it does SO MUCH MORE. It’s like a daily work out game. The
more you move, the more points you earn You can set daily movement goals and
then track against your family and friends – who doesn’t like a friendly
competition! This is all done via a handy virtual app. Now you can’t complain
about not having a workout “buddy” because you can “compete” against complete
strangers!
Check the Nike website, but the band is available at sporting goods stores!
This holiday season,
if you don’t have a price point in mind, I threw together a few gifts for guys,
girls and kids. I didn't want to go too crazy on these so that they couldn't inspire a gift idea, but I also didn't want to list some obvious things like a house, vacation or car.
·
Nixon Watch: First it was Timex, now it’s Nixon. I’m seeing more and more guys and
gals rock these watches! I like this all-black version for a dude. If you won that Powerball, I'd say go for the Rolex, but I wanted to throw something in for my average freinds!
·
Bottle
of Dom: Tis the season for sparkle…why not buy some sparkly champagne to
toast a successful 2012 and an even better 2013!
·
Taste
of Greatness: In researching this post, I consulted the Neiman Marcus
annual fantasy gift list. This was an item on that list. For $250,000, you can
receive dinner for 10 from some of today’s greatest chefs! This would be truly
a memorable meal for you and your foodie friends!
·
Valentino Shoes: If I had an unlimited amount of money to spend on
my wardrobe monthly, I’d buy both pairs of these Valentino shoes. Studs + Bows = Shoegasam.
·
Canvas Play Tent: Remember how cool
it was to use blankets to build a tent when you were younger? Well, times have
changed and so have the products. Now you can buy a real tent for your
house…and get it personalized! This is one tent that you can keep up all year
round because it’s super stylish!
Shits starting to get
real friends. We’ve hit the one week until Christmas time! So this means
ordering things online is almost impossible….HOWEVER, there are some gift cards
you can print at home – including monthly subscriptions. I covered this earlier
this year, but here are some additional “of the month” clubs ones that you may
want to buy!
·
After some crazy traveling over the last five days, I’m back
at the price-themed gifts. Today it’s all about the Benjamin’s baby. These
gifts are all under $100. I think some of my selections will surprise you –
they are everyday items, but just a bit more expensive than you would normally
pay. It’s the holidays – go big or stay home.
·
Jo Malone Candle Set:
When I see people spending a lot of money for something, I become intrigued.
Like Lululemon – are those pants really worth $100? One overpriced item I
decided to test out for myself was a Jo Malone Candle. Uh huh, I get it now.
These things ARE worth the $50. The scents are more unique than the ones you
would find in a Yankee Candle.
·
Piano: Throwback
Shot of Brandi* had one of these as a tyke. It’s where I learned how to play
NKOTB Hanging Tough. This will annoy parents, but it’s just oh so cute!
·
Dart Board: I always
select a game to make it on my list. This year, I’m unaware of what the hottest
board game is, so I decided to include a game typically found in a bar – a dart
board. For those friends that are getting too old to go out to the bars, bring
the bar games to your house!
·
Cooking Class: As I’ve said in previous years, this
gift isn’t meant to insult someone by saying they can’t cook – it’s more about
taking a class to learn new recipes and tricks! It’s also an opportunity to
chat with a chef about questions you may have in the kitchen. In Pittsburgh, I
recommend Chop, Wok, Talk. They have a great class topics for $65.
·
Deep
Fryer: I previously wrote that frying parties are the new rage…you bring
food to the hosts house and then fry it! So why not be unhealthy and buy a
fryer! Funnel cakes for all!
I saw this on a blog today and it was too cute not to share!
Under $10, this Lush Magic Wand will add some cotton-candy scented bubbly to
your bath. This is perfect stocking
stuffer or item for co-workers!
Chevron has been the “IT”
pattern for about the last two years. This awesome clutch combines chevron with
a monogram in black and gold. I don’t need to go on.
If you entertain like
my family, you often have a number of bottles of wine open…and those bottles
are being consumed rather quickly. So it doesn't make sense to keep putting
them into the fridge, SO this wine chiller from Sur La Table is perfect! Easy
access to your vino while the bottles chill!
Reader Brian requested
more gifts for guys.
Sometimes I think,
talk and drink like a guy, but sometimes things that I think guys would like…they
wouldn’t. Anyways, I’m going to try to incorporate some more guy gifts.
Back in my single
days, when I was scoping out a guy, I’d start by checking out his shoes and
teeth. Ironically, I married someone who’s shoes I hated at first glance (and
still somewhat do! Love ya, B!).
If I was going to
pick out some shoes for my man, I’d go to J. Crew. I love their boots, but also
the vintage sneaker collection. My current pick is these vintage Nikes!
I’m seriously a
sucker for a pack of Crayolas and a coloring book. There is something so therapeutic
about coloring.
If you are too embarrassed
to buy yourself a Hello Kitty coloring book, let me suggest that you buy one of
these books for a tween family member. Gift your little cousin with one of
these grown up-ish coloring books and then ask her to “share”
Did you know if you
go to the Wikipedia page for the $50 bill, it says that Bill Murray’s
face is on the cash? Yes, like Bill Murray the actor! Today’s lesson is
that you can’t believe everything you read on Wikipedia!
Anyways, the true
answer is Ulysses S. Grant! Another truth? Everything below is $50 or under!
·
Grid-It iPad Case from Flight 001: I spotted this awesome invention in People mag.
Perfect for someone that travels a lot, this iPad case holds all of your cords
in one place!
·
iPod Shuffle: Awesomely priced under $50, this is a great addition to a regular iPod
specifically for working out.
·
Hello Kitty Chia Pet: This is one of my fav HK items that I’ve seen
this year. I’d put it on my own list, but I kill plants.
·
Gap PJ’s: So I had some major coupon last month and bought these. Let me tell
you that I want them in every color. They are the softest, most amazing pair of
PJ’s ever!
·
Owl Speaker: We have an iPod dock alarm clock and computers, but sometimes I want
to jam out to my tunes while I’m cooking. That’s why I put one of these hooters
on my list! Part décor + part functional = rock ‘n roll
Tech gloves were a
hot item last year and it looks like they continue to be on poplar gift lists
for 2012. Now only if the weather would get colder to wear them! Oh global
warming…
Here’s a pair for him
+ her. North
Face for him, Kate
Spade for her!
Gifts under $25
are a bit easier than $10, but not as easy as under $50. I feel like $25 is a
good price point for hostesses and friends, so I tried to include items for
those people!
·
Syrup Sampler: Super cute for a hostess gift. Pair it with
some pancake mix that the hostess can cook up while nursing that party
hangover!
·
Map:
I LOVE the idea of placing this map on a corkboard and then adding pushpins for
places that you’ve traveled!
·
Customized Paper Doll: You know how I kind of have a thing for
paper dolls? Well how cute are these personalized ones! I spotted this find in
Real Simple!
·
Tiffany
Wine Tumblers: That blue box will thrill any recipient and also surprise people
that you can get a gift from Tiffany & Co. under $25!
Gingerbread houses are like way cool.
But making a gingerbread house requires a lot of talent. I like to leave that
job for others, so I love this personalized house from Mark + Graham. This site
is full of personalized goodies, so hurry up and order to ensure your items
make it on time!
Today marks the start
of the official Shot of Brandi Gift Guide. This year’s theme is “Money” (said
in a Honey Boo Boo voice). I’m breaking down gifts under $10, $25, $50 and $100
and for the straight up ballers out there, I’m including some “money is no
object” items.
Let me say, finding
ideas under $10 was a bit tricky, but I think I pulled some goodies. Also see
the post I wrote for Reader Lauren last week for co-worker gifts. All of the
items were under $10!
·
Mistletoe:
For someone that could use some smooches, $5.99 gets you a spring of Mistletoe.
Note that Mistletoe.com also does fundraisers and wedding favors!
·
Popcorn:
2012 is my personal year of popcorn. I’m obsessed. This perfectly packaged
popcorn from Dylan’s is perfectly priced at $8.00.
·
Seed
Bombs: Fresh herb gardens are becoming more and more popular. For $8.00,
you will get nine seed bombs – three of each Basil, Chives and Oregano
·
Facebook Wall Sticker:
For the social media obsessed, Facebook-inspired Post-It notes
Bar
Bingo: Make your weekly bar trip more exciting with some bar bingo! 
When you are in the kitchen cooking
up a masterpiece, do you ever feel like you are a superhero? Well now, you can
look the part with this Wonder Woman apron! Bonus – this item is under $25!
Given that it’s Sunday, today’s gift
pick is from Shot of Mom. According to Sue, the hot item of the year that is apparently
sold out of everywhere is the iPad Wireless Mini.
So if you are lucky to snag one of
these, you will surely make someone happy!
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer…and
engagements! Not only does this time of year bring out sparkly decorations, but
it’s the season for sparkly hand accessories!
For the recently engaged gal, I love these cute
necklaces from Etsy seller Meadowbelle Market. Pair the couples initials with a
heart that includes can mark the year of their engagement or nuptials.
Like a small child, I like to touch
everything at the register when shopping. Magazines, gum, candy, etc. I get
distracted and start looking for something else that I may *need.*
Recently I spotted City
Dining Cards. If you enjoy trying new places, I recommend these cards.
Right now they are sold in Pittsburgh, Philly and some places in NY. Here in
the ‘burgh, a deck of cards is $20 and it gets you $10 off your $30 food bill
at Smithkowski favorites like Lot 17, Shiloh Grill, Square Café, Industry
Public House, Harris Grill, The Porch and many more! Additionally, 5% is
donated to local food banks.
For the thug on your list that has everything, let me
suggest the Grand
Taxonomy of Rap Names poster. Perfect for the home or office, visitors will
be amazed at the names on this list. Everyone from Trick Daddy to Coolio,
don't be surprised if your friends breakout in song. Another bonus? It’s under $30!
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Gift A Day #5: 'Tis The Season to Sparkle
Do you ever see something in the kids
section of the store and immediately want the item in your size? Maybe it’s
just me. The other day browsing the J. Crew catalogue, I wanted one of
everything in the Crew Cuts
Glitter on the Go page. How cute are these bags!? And the bonus is that they
are a kid prices! Score!
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Talk To Me Tuesday: Give Your Co-Workers' 5
When
my readers ask, I respond. The most recent reader mailbag question comes from
Reader Lauren.
Lauren
writes….
“You
should consider writing about gifts to give co-workers. Specifically if you are
participating in a 12 days of Christmas exchange where you need to give a small
gift each day. It’s hard to think of many $1-$4 gifts per day.
Like I said – readers ask, I respond. Here are a few ideas all under $5.
·
A
Tree:
The Arbor Day Foundation sells gift trees for $3. Choose between Redwoods,
Pines or Spruces!
·
A Lottery ticket! That could turn
into one big gift (and may cause you to look for a new employee if they hit it
big)
·
Obvi gift cards for things like
coffee, bagels, iTunes can work under $5.
·
Mini
Laser Guns: Why? Why not? Haven't you ever wanted to "shoot" your co-worker? These guns make it safe. And there are two. You can duel.
·
Don’t underestimate the power of the
Dollar Store. They have some cute wine glasses, kitchen goods, etc.
·
Cozy Socks from
Old Navy: These are seriously my go-two ALL WINTER LONG. And maybe in the
summer. And maybe during car rides. Whatever. They are awesome and only $2.50!
·
Nail Polish!
·
Tea
or Hot
Chocolate: Check out Crate & Barrel for cutesy-wrapped items under $5.
Do you have a drinking photo of your
friends that you love? My friends and I do. What better way to immortalize that
image than on a flask! This customizable flask is priced under $30 and after
you fill this up and hit the town, I guarantee you’ll have some new images to for future flasks ; )
I know there are a ton of baked goods flying
around during the holidays, but if you are looking to send a friend a sweet
treat, let me recommend maccaron from Dana’s Bakery. While I can’t say that I’ve
personally tasted these spectacular sweets, they are rather adorable and much
easier to gift than cupcakes! And honesty – this is one cookie that people tend
to avoid making, so they will totally brighten up someone’s holiday cookie
spread!
Dana’s also has a Macaron
of the Month Club!
Nothing
makes you officially feel old than your friends having kids. You go from buying
bottles of alcohol to buying plastic baby bottles (and the alcohol). So this
year I’m incorporating some kiddie gifts for my mom readers.
I
LOVE this personalized bowling set from Etsy.
So affordable too! If you like this one, hurry up and order to ensure it makes
it under the tree.
Welcome
to the 2012 Shot of Brandi* Holiday Gift Guide! My Bachelor of Science in
Shopping, helps me spot some creative ideas for friends and family.
Last
year I started featuring a gift every day and I’ll do that again this year. I
love a good theme, so each year for a few days I theme things up.
One
of my favorite songs of 2012 was “Rack City,” in which I learned that “racks”
are stacks of money. Inspired by this future classic song, this year’s theme is
gifts by different racks – aka by price. I’ll have a bundle of gifts under $10,
$25, $50, $100 and then a post of “price is no object” items. Whoot Whoot!
So
let’s kick things off with today’s item. This is a personal favorite of mine. For
that lucky lady on your list, give her the gift of a little blue Tiffany’s box –
seriously, you can’t go wrong with something from T&Co.
I
recommend the Tiffany charm bracelet and a charm. Tiffany’s then has a large
selection of adorable charms in the $100 - $150 range that you can add for
birthdays and special milestones when you are stumped for a gift.
One tip - if you are buying charms for a link bracelet, you need to buy a little hook thing to put the charm on the bracelet. Don't forget to ask for it. They are an extra $15. T&Co will also permanently put the charms on your bracelet if you want.
And yes, two of my favorite charms are featured in my blog header ; ) Thanks Shot of Mom!
(Photo Credits: Wire Charm Bracelet, Ring Charm, Four Leaf Clover, Crown, High Heel)
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