Its a Hero

gift

Gift Giving Ideas for Teachers (and more!)

by 34 Comments

This post has been sponsored by Big Lots. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Think you’re set for the holidays? But did you forget anyone? Perhaps THE MOST important person (or people) of all time?? Whatever you do, do not forget your childrens’ teachers, babysitters, and daycare workers!

It wasn’t until my son started kindergarten last year that I realized just how selfless these teachers are. They take care of our babies, day in and day out. They’re underpaid and under appreciated. So I have made it a point to show my outpouring of love and gratitude at any chance I get.

But what do you buy for the person who has likely gotten every apple-themed, pencil-holding, knick knack under the sun?

Big Lots has us covered.

Teacher and Administration Gift Ideas

Yes, the teachers! But don’t forget about the administration and other necessary school staff!

Gift Ideas for the Foodies

Everyone gets cookies, right? But what about the foodie-teachers? I’m sure they’re cookied-out by Christmas break. Big Lots has a large selection of foodie items that will be perfect for your teachers.

Some notable favorites of ours (and our teachers) are the meat and cheese sets, lobster spread, smoked salmon, and spicy jalapeno hot sauce.

Christmas gifts

If you know the teacher is a drinkie (like a foodie, but with adult beverages!), you can also buy fun mixers and glasses!

Gift Ideas for the Caffeine-Obsessed

Like I said before, teachers are cookied-out. But is there really a limit on caffeine? I think not!

Big Lots has a large variety of coffee, tea, and even cocoa gifts for your favorite caffeine-obsessed teacher. There’s the 12-cocoa’s of Christmas, exotic teas from around the world, and more!

Kid in big lots

Practical Gifts with Fun Flare

Everyone loves a plush blanket for those cold winter nights, so pick one up from Big Lots! I can tell you from experience that the cozy blankets pair perfectly with the Dearfoam slippers!

bath products

Or perhaps an oil diffuser and some relaxing bath bombs to give your teacher an opportunity to treat herself (or himself!). Regardless of the type of practical gift you choose, I’m certain that the teacher will be forever grateful.

Other Hard-to-Shop-For People in Your Life

School staff aren’t the only ones who are difficult to shop for. Stop by Big Lots for all of your gifting needs!

Stocking Stuffers

I’m completely ready for Christmas morning thanks to the stocking stuffers I picked up at Big Lots. My kids are obsessed with lip gloss and bath stuff, so I grabbed a few character themed sets for them.

kid shopping in big lots

White Elephant Gifts

My extended family hosts an annual Christmas party two weeks before the holiday. This year I’m bringing my A-Game for our white elephant exchange thanks to the super fun gifts I picked up at Big Lots.

Someone in my family is going to end up with a huge gummy bear and someone else is definitely going home with a beer bottle belt (you’re welcome, family).

hatchimal toy

Spreading holiday cheer

Regardless of who you are shopping for, be sure to pick up all of the things you need for spreading holiday cheer at Big Lots!

Tell me — what are you going to pick up for the teachers this year?

cocktail mixers at christmas

Holiday Gift Guide // The Uncommon, But Awesome

by 9 Comments

We are less than 10 days away from Christmas Eve! If you’re like me, you still have a bit of holiday shopping left to do. Specifically I struggle with stocking stuffer ideas for everyone. Oh – and what to get The Most Difficult Person In The World To Shop For (aka, my husband).

But thanks to the folks over at UncommonGoods.com, my work is nearly done! Not only do they make sustainability part of their goal and mission, but their products are unlike anything I’ve been able to find elsewhere.

Between their handmade items and a collection of geeky kitchen finds, I’m in love. Wanna learn to brew your own beer? There’s a kit for that.

Wanna get your baby an avocado or kale teether? You can find it at UncommonGoods.

Someone you know have a taste for hot sauce? Get them a make-your-own-hot sauce kit! 

Have zero clue what to get your significant other? Just take advantage of Sunny, UncommonGoods virtual expert gift finder! How cool is that??

I love their collections of Gifts for Kids and Personalized Gifts (hellooooo, grandparent gifts!). And if you order now you’ll still have time for Christmas delivery! So hurry!

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post in credit to UncommonGoods.com, but, as always, all opinions herein are my own.

Northeast Ohio Holiday Gift Guide //

by 20 Comments

Hi. My name is Rachel and I LOVE Ohio. Like, I really, truly, have a passion for my home state. We produce amazing people, products, and industry. I always try to buy as local as possible, but it’s especially important for me at this time of year. There are just so many local options from amazing creators right here in Northeast Ohio.

Not sure where to start knocking off your holiday gifts? I’ve rounded up my favorite local ideas below!

 

Pope’s Kitchen Bloody Mary Mix. 

I am a recent convert to the Bloody Mary. The spicy aroma has always been something that has reminded me of my grandmother. But Pope’s Kitchen puts a fresh, local, and extra spicy spin on the traditional bloody mary. When I was pregnant with Remy I used to just drink the mix straight up (I had a craving for spicy!).

Find it in any local Market District or order online here ($12/32 oz.).

Coffee from Akron Coffee Roasters.

Want fresh, locally-roasted coffee? Look no further than S. High Street in Akron! Their love for their coffee and the roasting process is evident in each pour over they serve.

Their coffees are available online for purchase to ship directly to your loved ones, or you can go right into their store on South High Street (and then head over to The Nightlight to catch a flick!). (from $12/10 oz.)

Middlebury Butter from Akron Honey Company. 

Akron Honey is a family operated, artisan honey company, and they have recently opened up a brick and mortar store at the Northside Marketplace in Downtown Akron. I’ve personally tasted all of their honey, but the Middlebury Butter remains my favorite. I put it on everything — bread, apples, you name it!

It can currently be found at a variety of pop up markets (like the Cleveland Flea, Crafty Mart, etc) and their store in Northside Marketplace.

The Vitamix Ascent Series A3500. 

Vitamix is the leader in culinary blenders and food processors — and they are also a local Ohio company, with their headquarters located in Olmsted Falls!

Their products are produced, manufactured, and distributed here locally — and for those of us in Northeast Ohio, that means we’re lucky enough to get the first peak at new products! This past year I received the A3500 and was able to get rid of my old Vitamix. Let me tell you, this new version is incredible and so easy to use!

You can pick one up in their local store in Solon or online here (A3500 $549.99).

A Family Membership to the Akron Zoo.

With the slogan “You’ve never been this close,” the folks at the Akron Zoo truly mean it! The zoo itself is the perfect size to take children of all ages for a few hours or an all day excursion. The recently renovated exhibits are absolutely stunning! And members are able to get discount admission on events ranging from Brew at the Zoo to Wild Lights!

Order a family membership online here or pick one up on-location in Akron (Family Membership, $80/year).

Tickets for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

The CVSR, operated wholly by volunteers, leaves either the Rockside Station in Independence or the Northside Station in Akron. You can hop on with a round-trip ticket or bike one way and take it one way back! Besides just regular train rides, the CVSR offers a variety of special events, such as The Polar Express and Ales On Rails!

Not sure when your recipient would like to go? The CVSR offers gift certificates in denominations ranging from $15 – $150 and can be purchased by calling 800-468-4070 x 1.

Shirts from The Social Dept.

We have a lot of options when it comes to local t-shirts here in Northeast Ohio. My favorites, by far, come from the Social Department. Located in my town of Cuyahoga Falls, they offer an eclectic variety of Midwest apparel.

Their sizes range from kids to adults, so no one will be left out! My personal faves are this Cleveland Indians shirt (which I bought for my husband last year) and this Go Local Sports Team shirt (which I should totally have because, sports!).

You can visit them in store at their Front Street location in Cuyahoga Falls, Tuesday through Sunday, or you can order online here  with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve if you order by December 18th (Prices range from $22+ but gift certificates available in $10+).

Growler of the Month Club at HiHo Brewing Co. 

Located right next door to The Social Department, HiHo Brewing Company is a welcomed addition to Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls this last year. And their beers are incredible, too! Former teachers turned craft brewers, Ali and Jon, have turned this spot into one of Northeast Ohio’s most popular breweries!

They offer a range of beer, from blond ales to stouts, and tapas style food options. Don’t know what you want? Try a flight!

Open Wednesday through Sunday, you can purchase the gift of their Growler A Month Club or just a plain old gift card! (Growler of the month: $180 – includes growler and punch card for 12 fills; gift cards available in all denominations).

The Gift of Play from Café O’Play in Stow.

Café O’Play, located in Stow right off of Route 8, is a safe and fun indoor play place for kids ages crawlers through tweens! They offer climbing activities for young and old, as well as a special toddler-only zone for a safe-space for those who are just past the crawling stage, 7-days a week.

In addition to being a safe place to play, owners John and Carolyn make sure that parents feel like they have a partner in this parenting journey. Sure, it’s not all fun and games, but they make it easy for the kids to have fun while the adults can (kind of) sit back and relax a bit on the café side!

You can purchase gift cards in person or online here (gift cards available in denominations of $25, $50, and $100).

There are so many more options that I could go into — soap from Saint Augustine and Suds; tickets to Playhouse Square; hot sauce from Not Yo’ Daddy’s; just to name a few!

Not from Northeast Ohio and still not sure what all of the fuss is about?!? Well how about this for a reason — Cleveland was recently ranked #14 in the 21 places you need to visit by none other than National Geographic! So get your butt to Northeast Ohio and see exactly why I’m freaking out about where I live all of the time!

 

Holiday Gift Guide // For Her

by 26 Comments

I can’t believe it’s nearly here! You know what I’m talking about — the most wonderful time of the year! Ya know, Christmas hasn’t always been my favorite holiday (I’m more of a Thanksgiving gal), but having kids has changed me in that way. I absolutely love Christmas because they love it so much.

And I have to say, because of them, I’ve gotten much better at gift-giving! And even though this holiday is all about the kids, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite items — FOR HER!

The Instant Pot.

My husband bought me an Instant Pot, which is an electric pressure cooker and slow cooker, two Christmases ago. It was an effort to make me more comfortable at cooking — and doing so quickly since we’re such a busy family.

And I absolutely LOVE it. Some of my favorite recipes are made in the Instant Pot and I’ve discovered even more through the huge IP community online.

Book of the Month Subscription.

I discovered Book of the Month last year and I haven’t turned back. I’ve had this continuous goal, year after year, to read more. But things come up; I never make it to the library; and I definitely haven’t seen the inside of a bookstore in years. BOTM makes it easy. You sign up as a member by entering your shipping information and choosing your favorite genres. The membership costs are $14.99 a month for one hardcover book, and you can add on additional books for $9.99 each.

The best part is that BOTM uses ‘judges’ who suggest books to you based on your preferences. The books I’ve received were items I probably would have passed over at the store, but I have enjoyed them so much!

You can give the gift of a subscription on their website.

Day Designer Planner.

It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE my Day Designer daily planner — I talk about it all of the time! And what a better gift right before the New Year, right?!

The full 2018 line is out now and available in full-size and mini! I always get the full size (because my purse is basically a diaper bag these days), but the mini is the perfect size for smaller bags!

I wish I could have one in every design and style for 2018!

Essential Oil Diffuser.

We use essential oils in a multitude of ways, but my personal favorite is diffusing them. Different oils work in different ways, but we use them in the kids rooms and in our bedroom. For the kids we diffuse ‘sniffle stopper’ blends or, our personal favorite ‘calm the child‘ blend, whenever they need it. Which, let’s face it, is every night.

This diffuser also acts as a night light in several different shades (Ari’s favorite is the ‘white blue,’ which is his way of saying ‘light blue.’). But this particular diffuser is super inexpensive and works amazing! Perfect for the Mama or Wife in your life (Hello, relaxation!).

A Netflix Gift Card.

Netflix is LIFE! I mean it. Between zoning out in front of the TV for an hour after the kids go to bed, to playing the Magic School Bus for the kids for just 30 minutes of peace and quiet(ish), Netflix is seriously a sanity saver.

You don’t need to buy a subscription for the lady in your life, just buy her a Netflix gift card! You’re basically buying her sanity. Remember that.

A Meal Subscription Box.

When all else fails, make dinnertime easy for her. I’ve tried quite a few of the meal subscription boxes and I have to say that I’ve loved them all!

It takes the guesswork out of meals. The ingredients are all right there, the directions are clear, and they literally bring it to your doorstep. Sign. me. UP. There are so many different options to choose from — Blue Apron, Plated, Home Chef, Hello Fresh, Sun Basket, and more. All of them offer something that she can’t afford to lose — time!

More than anything, if she’s anything like me, she’ll appreciate some time to herself, some peace and quiet, and a nice meal with a glass of wine. Honestly. But if you want to go above and beyond, try one of these — for sure!

What item would you like to receive this holiday season?! 

P.S. I Love JORD (and my husband) // GIVEAWAY

by 27 Comments

In keeping with my commitment to be as open and honest as possible here on my blog, I have to say that I had no idea how having children would change my relationship with my husband.

See, Chad and I had dated for four years before we decided to get hitched! So we certainly didn’t jump into anything. Naively I assumed that our relationship weathered enough in those four years to survive babies.

Guys. I am here to tell you. Having children. changes. EVERYTHING. Sure, they are wonderful little mini humans with unique and awesome personalities; but there is no storm like children. Not even close.

We haven’t had an easy road with either child. Honestly, as soon as we got the hang of Ari, we decided to have another. Remy Bea has been extra difficult from the very start. Especially over the last year — with two children, both difficult in their own ways, we’ve lost sight of what truly matters most — being present with each other.

Shortly after this Valentine’s Day, Chad and I will celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. It honestly baffles me that the last 5 years have flown by this quickly; but somehow we’ve weathered this storm together. And our time together, especially our time spent together without kids, is so incredibly precious.

As corny as it sounds, the most precious gift I can give my husband is the gift of time. And to celebrate our upcoming anniversary a tad bit early, I gave him the gift of a beautiful and unique wood watch from JORD! There’s no time like the present, am I right?!

This man. This men’s watch. This struggle. They don’t even begin to show my love, affection, and appreciation for our journey.

And, believe it or not, this cool watch isn’t just a way for him to monitor how many minutes are left in a timeout! Ha! This watch symbolizes the days, the months, and the years that we have put into each other and into our relationship.

This beautiful and unique wood watch comes in a variety of styles and designs. I chose a classic round-faced men’s watch — the Frankie — with Koa wood! It’s sized accurately for the most perfect fit on my husband’s wrist!

This Valentine’s Day, reconnect with your partner by giving them a beautiful wood timepiece! Thanks to the wonderful people at JORD, one lucky reader will win a $100 gift code to use over on the JORD site!

To enter, head HERE.

Bonus? Everyone who enters will receive a $25 gift code to use at JORD at the close of the contest! It’s a win-win!

Contest is open through 11:59 on 2/5/17. Winner will be chosen at random and contacted by JORD directly with gift code. I received product for my honest thoughts and review of JORD. As always, all opinions are my own!

Luxury Wooden Watch

Life Lately + A Last Minute Gift Guide //

by Leave a Comment

I’ve had grand plans of all of these amazing things I want to share with you before the holidays. But, realistically, my time management has not been great lately. Combine that with a sleep regression (thanks, Remy Bea) and the stomach bug? Well, that’s a recipe for dirty dishes and takeout every night.

So many-a posts have gone neglected.

That being said, there are a few things I want to share with you before we all get completely overwhelmed with the holidays.

  • Ari had his first Christmas program at school and it was every bit as adorable as you might imagine. He knew we were taking video and photos, so instead of singing, he was saying “cheese!”
    Melt my cold as stone heart!

fullsizerender-23
 

  • If you’re frantically looking for last-minute gift ideas, I leave you with these:
  • We were given a #JustBecauseCard at Chick-fil-A the other day. It was an awesome experience. And I still have butterflies from the whole experience! It turns out the movement was started by a local church. Even though we are not church people (at all), I’ve already had mega respect for this church. And this just elevated them even more.

 

  • For those of you trying to find the perfect wine to bring to your upcoming holiday party, run — fast — to Aldi. You heard me right. Aldi. Grab a bottle of their Flirty Bird Red Blend. It is incredible. No joke. And it’s less than $6 a bottle. Yep. You read that right. Less than $6 a bottle and an amazing wine!
    flirtybird

 

  • I’m still totally okay with cancelling Christmas obligations. Right now the only thing on my radar is getting through the next two work days, shopping for last minute gifts, and taking Ari to the movies Saturday morning. From there? We’re staying in. That’s it. Nothing else. Nada.