Shot of Brandi Gift Guide: Barnes & Noble

I love giving books as gifts. Like hard copy books. Snuggling on the couch or in bed or at the beach reading a book to me is the ultimate way to relax.

If you are still looking for some last minute gifts, may I suggest these books!

1. The Cuckoo’s Calling – J.K. Rowling (Editor’s Note: This book is AMAZING! I read it last month and couldn’t put it down!) - $15.90
2. The Day The Crayons Quit - $14.93
3. The Pioneer Woman Cooks – A Year of Holidays - $20.99
4. Lean In - $14.01
5. It’s All Good - $22.42
6. Steve Jobs - $12.90
7. What Does The Fox Say - $11.99
8. The Can’t Cook Book - $19.59

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Shot of Brandi* Gift Guide: Sephora

Hands down, Sephora has the best beauty gift sets. The options are seriously endless. Check out these amazing beauty buys!

1. Dior Backstage Hero - $49.00 (editor’s note – this is my favorite mascara brand. Worth the splurge on the full-size tube).
2. Drybar Blowout in a Bow - $199.99
3. Drybar The Morning After Kit - $35.00
4. Sugar Rose Royalty Set - $32.00 (this lip gloss came in a Birchbox and it’s amazing!)
5. YSL Love and Lacquer Reds Set - $58.00
6. Deborah Lippmann Best of Both World Pop Rock Mini - $19.00

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Shot of Brandi* Gift Guide: Target

Last weekend at Target, the lady behind me in line asked if they were having some sort of sale that she didn’t know about because the LINES WERE THAT LONG! And we were more than three weeks away from Christmas. I can’t wait to go there this weekend (eye roll).

If you are hitting up Target and still have some people to shop for, here’s my suggestions.

1. Cabbage Patch Kid - $34.99
2. Pajamas - $24.99
3. Black Swirl Glasses (set of 4) - $22.99
4. Beats by Dre - $139.99
5. Chi Flat Iron with mini iron - $99.99
6. Record Player - $59.99
7. Heated Blanket - $47.99
8. Apples to Apples - $14.79

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Shot of Brandi* Gift Guide: Wine & Spirits

Maybe my friends and family members are just alcoholics, but I can always find a gift at the liquor store! Oh and if you are wondering - a lot of my local strip malls have liquor stores here in Pittsburgh. I specifically like the ones in Robinson and McKnight Road. Each are next to a JoAnne's and Michael's respectively! 

Here’s some ideas for the boozer on your list!

1. Veuve Clicquot Champagne - $49.00 (this is typically cheaper in the liquor store)
2. Downton Abbey Wine - $29.99 for the pair!
3. Arnold Palmer - $14.99 – sometimes this is on Chairman’s Special in Pittsburgh for $11.99. That’s when I stock up!
4. The Dreaming Tree Crushed Red Blend - $15.00 – this is Dave Matthews wine!
5. Barrymore Pinot Grigio - $16.99 – Drew Barrymore’s winery!
6. Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select - $15.99
7. Crown Royal XR Extra Rare Canadian Whisky - $179.99
8. Whistle Pig Whiskey – The internets told me that this wine scored the highest ever score by Wine Enthusiast for a Whiskey! Must be good!
9. Wigle Bitters - $18.00

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I'm Retiring From Card Making.

After 10 years of glitter, feathers, gems and other  miscellaneous craft items, I've decided to retire at making my own Christmas cards.

At first my list was about 40 people. Then, after adding in Brady's list and making new friends along the way, the list has more than doubled. While this is a good problem to have, it makes crafting a large amount of cards quite the task. 

So for my readers that received the 10 year anniversary card this week, I wanted to call out its meaning.

You may recall the ribbon tree from 2004. I recreated that card (it was one of my favs!) with ornaments that are a tribute to cards of Christmas past! The snowflake (2005), Santa hat (2009), ornament (2006), gingerbread man (the first! 2003), and finally the stocking (2011).

Missing from above are the snowman (2011) and stockings (2012).

Like Michael Jordan, Jay-Z, Brett Favre, Rocky, and maybe Amanda Bynes...all greats have retired and made a comeback. So in the words of Justin Beiber I'll "never say never," but it's see you later for now!

Oh and just for reader clarification, I'm not boycotting Christmas cards! I'll still send those! 

Peace, love and glitter,

Brandi

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Shot of Brandi Gift Guide: Nordstrom

Today, I’m shopping Nordstrom for gift ideas. And, I’m shopping Nordstrom from my couch. If you live in Pittsburgh, I suggest you do the same because the Ross Park Nordstrom doesn’t have the best selection! It’s not totally awful – I’ve scored some sweet deals there, but as far as Nordstroms go, I’ve seen better ; )

1. Confetti Throw - $49.00
2. Jouer Sparkle & Shine Holiday Party Favors - $58.00
3. Pillow - $29.00
4. Oak Whiskey Barrel - $78.00
5. Burberry Gold Nail Polish - $21.00
6. Jo Malone Candle Set - $100.00
7. Kate Spade iPhone Case - $45.00
8. Water Bottles - $90.00

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Shot of Brandi* Gift Guide: Williams-Sonoma

True story: We have a Williams-Sonoma on our street. I personally think this story gets a bad wrap for being pricey - which for some items it certainly is. However, you can totally walk into a Williams-Sonoma and find a gift for a number of people on your list at a variety of price points. Go ahead! I dare you to walk in and find something!

1. Farmers Market Herb Wreath
2. Salted Caramel Sauce
3. Pancake Gift Set
4. Bride & Groom Cookbook
5. Champagne Cork Catcher – Shot of Mom Approved!
6. Gingerbread House
7. Copper Mugs
8. Veggie Chopper & Measure (Your editor needs this – wink, wink)

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