Wedding Gift Suggestions

If your friends are looking for a few solid wedding gift ideas for you, and you don't have a registry to work off of or need anything in particular, here are some suggestions for gifts:

• Money – Cash gifts may seem impersonal to some, but for couples that are not registered the gift of cash can be put towards anything they’d like whether it’s a down payment on a vehicle, a house or just fun splurge money for their honeymoon vacation – it’s a gift that let’s them get what they want.
• Reservations – You may not think this is such a big deal, but covering their expenses for a night in a luxurious honeymoon suite before they continue on to their honeymoon can be a real kick for many newlyweds. They can savor the room service, the Jacuzzi tubs and the opulent privacy that every newlywed couple deserves
• Gift Certificates – Whether you give them a gift certificate to a wonderful place at their honeymoon destination or to favored restaurants at home; gift certificates are great wedding gift ideas because it allows them to enjoy fine food and a romantic dinner
• Bottle of Wine or Champagne – This is a good wedding gift idea for the right couple. Give them a bottle of wine or champagne with a note to not be opened until their 1st wedding anniversary.
• A donation in the couples name.

Spiked Hot Chocolate for Valentine's Day- "YUM-O"

Ahhhhhh, February 14th will be here before you know it. So now the dilemma. What to buy, what to buy for your better half. Well, I found what I think is the perfect thing. It's a gift from the heart, for the tummy ... not too personal, not too non-personal, sweet and is full of sentiment and chocolate : )

Instead of the typical box of chocolates that you just can't stop eating, how about a great Hot Chocolate drink spiked with a shot of Kailua and whipped crème? You can even spice it up with a great movie, a fireplace (if you have one) or whatever else you can think of. Just remember it's all about the presentation; which means, real whip cream, real cups (not Styrofoam) and cook it ... don't microwave it : ) Without further adieu, here is the recipe:

SPIKED HOT CHOCOLATE

• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream
• 1/4 Cup Whole Coffee Beans
• 2 Oz. Semisweet Chocolate chopped
• 2 TB Kahlua
• 1 Tsp Confectioners' Sugar
• 1 TB Dark Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans Chopped

Directions:

• In a saucepan (of course), over medium heat, combine milk, 1/2 cup cream and whole bag of coffee beans. Bring to a simmer, turn off heat, cover and steep beans for 1 hour.
• Strain liquid and return to saucepan, discard beans.
• Bring milk and cream mixture back to a simmer, add chocolate and whisk until mixed.
• Remove from heat; whisk in Kahlua.
• Whip remaining 1/2 cup cream and the confectioner's sugar until soft peaks form.
• Divide hot chocolate between two cups and garnish each portion with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped chocolate covered coffee beans.
• Serves 2
• 
  Oh and I forgot, what would really seal the deal is if you are wearing our adorable Marilyn Bandeau Apron set.... believe me, you will see the population rise in about 9 months after wearting this adorable outfit : ) And below, some unique cups you could use to serve this delectible drink....
  
  
  

Porcelain Espresso Cup

Use this over-the-counter pill cup set to cure all your ailments. Whether you need an espresso fix, a cure for your sweet tooth and hunger pangs, or just want to relax with a cocktail, this ceramic pill cup is just what the doctor ordered. The red and white cups with male and female symbols can be stacked for storing and pulled apart when in use. Perfect for coffee, tea, cocktails, desserts, soups or souffle. Includes two miniature ceramic spoons for stirring and eating. Made in France. Sold as a set of one red cup, one white cup, one rubber attachment ring, two spoons.

kate spade Larabee Road Demitasse Cups & Saucers, 8-piece set

The road less-traveled is paved with polka-dots. Breathe new life into your entertaining style with the Larabee Road Demitasse set. Packaged in a hat box. Includes 4 demitasse cups and 4 saucers in assorted colors.

Lover's Knot ... Why not?

Lovers Knot Ring.... Why not?

Declare your true love with the timeless beauty of this exclusive personalized Valentine's Day jewelry gift from The Bradford Exchange. An original fine jewelry design, this engraved ring gift for a Valentine features an elegant knotted form as a classic symbol of constancy between two lovers. A band of 10K white gold, shimmering with pave-set diamonds, branches into two 14K gold-plated curves that wind sinuously together, wrapping around a sparkling genuine
brilliant-cut diamond. What a romantic Valentine's Day jewelry gift!

The crowning touch on this extraordinary personalized diamond ring is the sentiment inside the band. You provide two names, which are then engraved in graceful script letters, joining both your names together forever. Don't wait to celebrate the loving bond you share with this dazzling Valentine's Day heart-shaped ring gift for her. Strong demand is expected for
this exquisite and very romantic jewelry gift, so order now!


This exclusive Valentine's Day personalized diamond ring from The Bradford
Exchange features:

• A romantic, personalized Valentine's Day jewelry gift in a fine jewelry design that symbolizes the love you share, available only from The Bradford Exchange

• Order now! Hurry to receive this special Valentine's Day gift in time - quantities are limited!

• Personalize it! Provide two names to be engraved in elegant script letters on the inside of the ring band, creating a truly unique symbol of your love

• This exquisite engraved ring gift for Valentine features a classic, interwoven lover's knot design that showcases a sparkling genuine brilliant cut diamond
  The ring setting is expertly crafted of 10K white gold

• with 14K yellow gold accents; shimmering diamond pave adorns the band of
  this elegant personalized diamond ring

• Arrives in a gift box, the perfect finishing touch for such a romantic Valentine's Day jewelry gift

• Certificate of Authenticity and Valuation Available in sizes 5 - 10 (includes half sizes)

Gifts to Tease This Season

Gifts to Tease the Season at Frederick's Need I say more? : )

The Hello Kitty Exhaust Pipe..... A cat with more than 9 lives!

Okay gotta say it. A normal cat has nine lives ... if this is (which I am sure it is) made out of stainless....this cat's got forever! The Hello Ktty exhaust pipe . . . someone's making money on this really cool idea : ) And boy does she purr.... (especially if you have a mustang (sorry -- one of my fav cars)) and roar she does at times.

(Source BoingBoing) (photos from fickr)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Give a Gift of Charity

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Plain and Simple. And, if you know someone who has been through any type of Cancer, you know how devastating it is. If you are planning a wedding and want to purchase a meaningful gift for your wedding party, mothers of the groom and bride or even yourself... this is the perfect gift. It's $125.00, beautiful and unique and a real steal from Baily Banks and Biddle. Plus, the jewelry store will give free Fed Ex shipment on this. In a way you are giving 2 gifts -- one to your friends and one to Cancer research. More importantly it will make you feel good. : )

Affordable & Beautiful

Laura Gibson Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet

Exclusive to Bailey Banks & Biddle, this stunning sterling
silver piece by Laura Gibson is aglow with freshwater cultured
pearls, rose quartz, pink tourmaline, white crystal and a pink
breast cancer charm. 10% from the purchase of each bracelet goes
directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Only $125.00 with
complimentary Fed Ex Shipping.