Gift Guides

My Favorite Gift – a Becomb Bracelet

June 12, 2013 by Sharon Garofalow 10 Comments

My birthday was a few months ago but I wanted to share one of the presents my husband got me. It looks like a watch, right? It is actually a bracelet and here is the story behind it. He first handed me a card and told me to read it. I quickly scanned it, as you do when there is a wrapped present waiting to be opened. Kind, sweet words filled the card. I opened up the gift and just looked at it. Like, what? So he summed up what the card had said, had I paid attention. He told me that he could tell that I was really enjoying my blog right now and all the things that go along with it. And when you are doing something that you love, time shouldn’t matter. Hence, it is not a watch but rather a piece of jewelry to remind me to keep going on the track that I am passionate about. The time it takes to get there should not matter and it shouldn’t feel like work to get there. Remember the journey. How rad is that?

This bracelet, by Becomb WARNING THERE WILL BE A PRETTY SEXY PIC WHEN YOU CLICK OVER. NOT GROSS BUT IF YOU HAVE A 13 YEAR OLD SON BY YOU, THEY WILL PROBABLY LOVE IT (pronounced be – comb), is rose gold with a stingray band. It is gorgeous in person and I absolutely love wearing it. I hadn’t heard about this brand before but love their philosophy. Watch this quick video for more of their story.

It comes in a few different colors but I am in LOVE with the rose gold. I am truly lucky to have a husband who supports what I do 100 percent. This bracelet is a symbol of that love and the journey that my life is on to live fully and passionately. What are you most passionate about?

Images take by Lauren

Filed Under: Family Life, Fashion, Gift Guides, Oh you fancy huh, Things I Love Tagged With: bracelet, Gift Guide, gift idea, Jewelry, rose gold, watch

Cool Kids Book: When Miles Got Mad

May 24, 2013 by Sharon Garofalow 1 Comment

I have a son named Miles who gets mad. About EVERYTHING. He clenches his fists, growls and scowls when we go to school, run errands, mention we are going to the zoo, talk about taking a bath. His first reaction is always anger. Of course, he always ends up enjoying the activity. I mean, what little kid wouldn’t have fun at the zoo? But it is exhausting. When I saw this book, When Miles Got Mad, I HAD to have it. I would have bought it if it was a Matt that got mad but the fact that it was his actual name made it too perfect to pass up. And I love anything from Ruby’s Studio. We have Sally Simon Simmons’ Super Frustrating Day in bedtime story rotation so I knew this new book was going to be great too.

I love how they used photography and illustrations together in this book. Not only is the book a great story about managing your anger, but it is done in a very aesthetically pleasing way too. The story is about two brothers who are playing together and something gets broken.

The book explains that when you are angry, you turn in to a monster (although I think this monster could have been drawn a bit scarier – he’s still quite cute). The only way to make that monster go away is to calm down and use your words. In the end, Miles sees that his reaction was bad and he understands how to handle the situation with his brother better.

Such a cute book! If you haven’t checked out the Ruby’s Studio books or videos you really need to. My family loves them!

*NOT a sponsored post. We love these books and I want you to love them too.

Filed Under: Family Life, Gift Guides, Things I Love, Toys, Videos Tagged With: Books, family, kid's book, toys

Land of Nod is coming to Orange County!

May 17, 2013 by Sharon Garofalow 6 Comments

Are you as excited as I am about the Grand Opening of the Land of Nod store at South Coast Plaza?!! The store opens on Friday, May 31, 2013 and is located in the Crystal Court section of the mall near the Crate and Barrel store. Remember how I fell in love with them after Alt Summit? I can’t wait to see all the items in person. And it couldn’t be a better time considering we have only been in our new house a week. I’m totally in the market for rad home decor. Land of Nod will be holding giveaways all opening day and has free goodies for those who arrive early to shop. Will I see you there? Here are a few of the things that I will be checking out:

These wall clips pictured above, are awesome! My kid’s create a lot of art work in school and these would be such an easy way to display it. We are also talking about doing a gallery wall in our front room and these would be such a cool way to be able to change out a few pieces, from time to time, to keep things fresh.

I am in need of a cool, simple desk for my bedroom. I am a big fan of this teak desk. It would fit perfectly where our existing desk sits but I probably would totally bring this out when we entertain…I love the wood and metal together. It has great lines and I want it. (I’m stopping just short of stomping my feet with my hands in fists…). I’m excited to check out all of their other furniture as well!

This kid’s indoor bocce ball set is such a great gift idea! I love how bright the colors are. My husband’s grand father was a great bocce player. It would be cool for our kids to learn the game too.

The buyers for Land of Nod have impeccable taste. Their eye for great graphic design is evident in everything from their bedding to their custom art prints to their curated selection of books. This Doug Unplugged book is adorable and the perfect message for today’s kids. Get off your devices and get outside. My oldest son NEEDS this book!

My oldest son’s room is pretty small and I’m keeping his bedding really simple. These robot pillows would be perfect for adding a little pizzaz. And what kid doesn’t love a robot?

Currently, we do not have a light in our living room. We get by with the light from the television and entry way light. It is not ideal but until we find a light my husband and I can both agree upon, that will have to do. I can’t wait to show him this green lamp! It is such a fun pop of color and I love the industrial look of it.

Not in Orange County? You can still shop the store online. And don’t forget to follow them on Pinterest and Instagram. This is one company that really knows how to work their social media. I find their Pinterest and Instagram feeds SO inspiring!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the store after you visit!
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

Filed Under: Family Life, Gift Guides, Home Decor, Things I Love, Toys Tagged With: art, bedding, design, furniture, home decor, kids rooms, orange county, shopping, storage, toys

Shwings for your Kid’s Shoes

May 13, 2013 by Sharon Garofalow 2 Comments

How cool are those Shwings, wings for your shoes?! I have to be honest, I have seen these on the cool kids on Instagram and wasn’t sold. They were certainly not something that I had to run out and buy for my boys. How lucky then, that Shwings were included in our goody bag from the Rockin Boys Club launch party (btw, have you checked out Rockin Boys Club yet? LOVE that site!)?! Because I am now in love with these.

My oldest son is currently very in to mustaches. I hope he has no plans on growing one of his own (he is 7 but his dad still has trouble growing facial hair and he is well over 7…). His head exploded when I showed these to him. And then we were late for school lacing them on to his shoes. But it was well worth it. His feet were the talk of the class. And I got a huge laugh as I was walking away from dropping him off that morning after hearing him say to the teacher, “looks like my shoes could use a shave.” The side we have facing outward is flat black with a hint of shine. The opposite side is this really fun black glitter finish. I love that these would be right at home on girls or boys. It’s the details, people. And that touch of fluorescent green around the edges is super awesome.

I had no idea I loved neon as much as I do. And this BRIGHT coral orange made me, and my youngest son, SO happy. I worried that he might think he could actually fly with these wings. He has not yet tried, to my knowledge. Or else he really can fly. Shwings would make a great gift for every kid. Check out their site to see all their varieties. For about $8 you can’t go wrong.

*This is not a sponsored post. While I was given these for free as part of a gift bag, I was under no obligation to share with my readers. I truly think Swings are awesome and wanted you to know about them.

Filed Under: Family Life, Fashion, Gift Guides, Kid's Fashion, Orange County Resources, Things I Love, Toys Tagged With: accessories, boys fashion, gift, Kids Fashion, mustaches, Shwings, wings

Cube Figures Gigo Blocks

April 19, 2013 by Sharon Garofalow Leave a Comment

My son’s and I are in love with these Cube Figures by Gigo Blocks. I picked these up for them as souvenirs from my trip to Salt Lake City in January.

The sets come in a small bag and the pieces pop together. The characters are totally creative and they come with a hook so you can hang it from your backpack if you want.