Gift-a-Day: Shop the Gas Station

Your time is up bitches! But you know I wouldn’t leave you hanging without another gift suggestion! Today’s advice – shop the GAS STATION! It’s always open and can be an amazing gift resource! ·         Like I mentioned yesterday, go for the gift cards! ·         Lottery tickets and scratch off tickets ·         Our...

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Gift-a-Day: What's Left?

Still have someone on your list to buy for? Well shit. At this point, I almost don’t even know what to tell you. I mean I’ve been trying to help you for 23 days now! Here’s all I got left for ya: ·         Gift Cards: Everyone sells them and a lot of places are open through tomorrow. ·         Malls are...

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Gift-a-Day: Holiday Spirits

When in doubt, buy liquor. That’s one of my go-to’s. I always feel like one can’t have too many bottles on hand for an impromptu celebration or party. Here are some fun suggestions! ·         Original Gangster Brandy: I mean, this one is a must for any Shot of Brandi* fan! While Brandy isn’t for the faint at heart (lol), I just love the name...

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Gift-a-Day: Handmade Arcade

(source) We are in red (and green) alert! 3ish days left to shop!                                     Today I want to highlight some DIY gifts that you can whip up if you are just sick of the stores. ·         CD...

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Gift-a-Day: 4 for 4 days left!

(source) Four shopping days left! Here’s my best advice. Don’t go to the mall without having something in mind before your trip. It’s a waste of your time and a waste of parking spot for others if you are just going to “hang out.” (that means you 14 year-old-girls at the mall on Sunday). So what does that leave left to buy if you didn’t benefit on one of those last minute online delivery...

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Gift-a-Day: D-Day for E-Shopping

So here we are. You have five shopping days left until it’s officially Christmas Eve. Or if you live in Pittsburgh, you basically have four days because the Steelers are on at 1:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. There are still some sites that are offering guaranteed arrival by the 23rd, so here are some gifting options from who’s still shippin’! ·         FTD...

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Gift-a-Day: Babybook

I’m at that age where Facebook has become Babybook. One thing that I’ve seen in a number of nurseries is this adorable, personalizable chair form Pottery Barn Kids. It comes in a number of colors to match your favorite tot’s room. While it may be a little late to get one of these made in time for the holidays, it’s good inspiration for baby showers, births and birthdays. Oh and...

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Gift-a-Day: Come Fly With Me

I’m doing a bit of traveling today, so I was thinking – what are some things that I use while traveling that could be good gift options. ·         Luggage Tag: I remember when I went on a hunt for a luggage tag and ended up disgruntled that they all cost like $15-20. So I printed my address on hot pink paper and took it to Office Max and got it...

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Gift-a-Day: Posh Pages

While the name Laurence King Publishing may not mean much to you right now, after you read this post you will realize that this London-based publisher produces some of the most stylish books on the shelf. If you are looking for a gift for your fashionable friend, look no further to the books produced by Laurence King. Here are some of the popular titles that make great coffee table books (p.s....

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Gift-a-Day: Shaken N Stirred

For that cocktail-ista on your list, how cute is this Lilly Pulitzer Shaken N Stirred necklace? The 36 inch chain features three charms, including a lime and martini glass. This is also another option under $50! ...

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Gift-a-Day: Sweet & Savory

Last year a colleague gifted our staff with a box of salted caramels. I don’t discriminate when it comes to sweets, but let me just say that I was skeptical about the combination of salt, caramel and chocolate; however, I became an addict at first bite. Salted caramel is totally my flavor of 2011. Thank you to Starbucks to furthering my addiction. Today’s gift is the candy that started it...

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Gift-a-Day: Eye Do

I swear. Every time you log onto Facebook this time of year, someone new is engaged. It’s like November starts engagement season! If you are looking for a gift for that newly bling wearing friend, may I suggest the Going All The Way Romantic pallet from Too Faced. This collection features pretty eye shadows with cute names like “I do,” “cut the cake,” “honeymoon” and “ever after.” ...

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Gift-a-Day: Hello, Hello Baby, You Called?

I remember one of my favorite Christmas gifts growing up. It was my own phone line. You see, I thought this was the coolest thing ever. If that phone in my room rang, I knew it was for me – and not my parents. I had my own answering machine. My friends wouldn’t need to worry about how early or late to call. It was like getting a mobile phone before they existed. I miss those days of talking...

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Gift-a-day: Goldwear

Did you ever think about the fact that almost all silverwear is silver? I mean I guess that is where the name came from, but it’s a simple item that has really never changed from its basic design. Yeah, there are some new handles and the spork, but the knife, spoon and fork are the same. (I’m talking the real deal here and not plastic). Well via the Sweet Thing Blog, I discovered GOLD silverwear, or...

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Sundays with Sue: Caketail

As you can imagine, Sue has been hitting the holiday party circuit. While dining with some colleagues at The Cheesecake Factory, the group decided that a red velvet cheesecake cocktail would be delicious. So after some web searching, Shot of Mom realized that someone beat her to the bar with this recipe. Red Velvet Cake Martini ·         1 1/2 oz...

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Gift-a-Day: Games, Games, Games

One of my favorite gifts to give is that of a board game! I feel like you can never have enough. They are the perfect way to pass the night with a group of friend. The games keep the conversations going and the alcohol flowing! I haven’t really seen any new games out, so I thought today I would go with three of my favs. Scattergories ·         This...

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The Nutcracker: Act Eight – Spanish Hot Chocolate, Chinese Tea, Russian Candy Canes

Oh now we’ve come…to the end of the road…haha. This the last day in the annual Shot of Brandi* gift guide. However, I’ll still be blogging a gift a day until the 25th. Today is a three in one option -– Spanish Hot Chocolate, Chinese Tea, Russian Candy Canes. SPOILER ALERT! So in the play, Clara becomes a heroine. She saves the prince from that bastard Mouse King. That calls for a celebration,...

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Gift-a-Day: Crushing on Chevron

Earlier this year, Missoni made their popular chevron designs very desirable and attainable for us average Janes with their Target partnership. (FYI – there are a few home items back on sale here). Clutch bags are a fashion staple and I LOVE this option from Hammocks and High Tea because it is reversible! Its kinda like a mullet - business on the front, party inside! If you are wearing a basic...

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The Nutcracker: Act Seven - Sugar Plum Fairy

I like all of the characters in The Nutcracker, but this one may be my fav - the Sugar Plum Fairy! It’s one of, if not THE most popular song from the play. ·         Reader Amy is a big fan of Baked by Melissa cupcakes. Well, Melissa has really stepped things up with her chocolate-covered cupcakes. Yes, you read that right. And they are deliverable! Order....

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The Nutcracker: Act Six - Angels

Okay seriously. This angel stuff was totally more difficult than I anticipated. Let’s just say after my searches for this post, I can’t get images of freaky angels made from yarn and ceramic out of my head. Creepy. ·         Sadly, when I think of angels, I think Victoria’s Secret. Buying bras and undies for the women (i.e. friends and lovers) can be...

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Gift-a-Day: Pitter Patter of Little Feet

Don’t get too excited out there – it’s clearly not any feet of a Smithkowski kid. After last weekend the only thing I’m birthing is like three bottles of wine (maybe more like four or five). BUT if there was ever some patter around our pad (via the stork), I’d hope that kid was wearing these awesome Trumpette shoes. Trumpette, the maker of those adorable kid socks does it again with...

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The Nutcracker: Act Five – The Mouse King

Of course today’s gift options are going to revolve around one thing – a pet mouse. HA! Just kidding. Did you know the play was originally called “The Nutcracker and The Mouse King?” Yeppers, it was! That’s because the Nutcracker and the Mouse King battle in the play. I won’t tell you what happens in this fight of food and kitchen utensils ; ) It’s around a mouse’s favorite food (and mine)...

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