SHOP EASTER NOW

As a child, Easter was almost as exciting as Christmas. Mystical beings who bring gifts to good little children are always good in my book. And there was always lots of chocolate and candy involved on both holidays. Presents and chocolate. All good.

Except for the fact that the Easter Bunny left his presents out on the cold porch by the door and the wrapping paper was always see-through (cellophane leaves very little to the imagination), Easter was and is always a happy, springtime celebration. Dying, hunting, and eating hardboiled eggs is a pretty sweet tradition too. Yum. (Just don’t get me started on the Easter bonnets with elastic chin straps and the white ruffle socks we had to wear for church in the morning. Cute, looking back. Horrible at the time.)

Clockwise from top right: Ceramic Egg Hanging Planters, Egg Lanterns, Nyokki Egg Plant Pet, Sidewalk Chalk Eggs, NEW Godiva Easter Carrot, and Stripes the Long Eared Bunny.

To help you celebrate Easter this year, which is right around the corner by the way (April 12th), I shopped around for some cute gifts your friends and family might enjoy. I also found some festive holiday decor for your home, should you be hosting this year’s get-together. Check out my Easter Gifts and Decor shopper’s guide for more cute Easter ideas.

Happy Easter!

As I said in my Valentine’s Day Outfits shopping guide on Kazowie, though I’m not one to discourage it, there is no need to wear pink hearts from head-to-toe in order to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day. I, however, am actually considering going all out this year — pink top, red pants, bows, hearts, the whole nine — to celebrate NOT being in love. (Getting dumped in Februrary makes you bitter like that). I’ve picked out three outfits that incorporate pieces which, for the most part, can be mixed-and-matched, and that can be worn any day of the year, not just on Cupid Day. Each ‘fit incorporates only one or two “Valentine” pieces. Check ‘em out and tell me what you think!!

I think I’d wear option #1 out to dinner (with my Valentine or, more realistically, a group of my closest my girl friends), option #2 is fit for a night of dancing at the club (aka finding a cute boy to be my Valentine for a few hours), and option #3 works for day or night, with anyone, anywhere, to a casual dinner or the movies. Whatever you’re doing this Februrary 14th, I hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day!!

The only thing I love more than attending a theme party is hosting one. I don’t think it’s ever too soon to begin planning your shin-dig and a garden theme lends itself perfectly to any season, so get on it! Whether your party will be held indoors or out, during winter or summer, it’s important not to stray from the theme and season in your party details, from the invitations down to the napkin rings. Not to say that every plate, fork, and candle has to come from the same set at the same store. In fact, I would even go so far as to advise against this, especially if the vibe you’re going for is a relaxed and comfortable gathering amongst friends. As long as the colors, style, and vibe are consistent, get creative, “branch out,” if you will. There’s more to a garden than just flowers.

A garden party can be very elegant with the use of simple, solid colors, crystally accents, and delicate place-settings. My personal garden party preference, however, is a colorful, homey, slightly cluttered, springtime gathering at confettied picnic table. Personal touches, such as monogram nametags (for napkins, favors, or wine glass stems) and pink hand-stitched felt birdies (that you can make or purchase) add so much character to a garden themed tablescape. Take a look at my Kazowie Summer Garden Party guide to see what I mean.

A close friend of mine and I were discussing the upcoming holiday together this morning; the infamous February 14th. Valentine’s Day. This holiday could be easily named the most insufferable holiday of the calendar year. On the other hand, if you’re lucky enough to have snatched up a keeper, your Valentine’s outlook might be a bit different. (Of course, Valentine’s Day isn’t just a celebration of “romantic” love. It’s a perfect excuse for a girls’ or guys’ night out!) By the end of our conversation, we had come to the conclusions that:

1. Valentine’s Day can be fun regardless of whether you’re hooked up or flying solo, and that
2. It’s not difficult to make an effort to show your loved one(s) that you care!

My friend suggested cooking your partner a meal based on a family recipe that you love or, if the relationship is on the serious side, passing down a family heirloom to your Valentine. There’s no need to spend big bucks either. In fact, the best gifts usually cost little or nothing at all. Start thinking now about what your intended Valentine(s) likes and appreciates; be resourceful and original, be funny, be yourself. I’ve added some cool V-Day gifts to Kazowie that might help jumpstart your creativity. Check them out for ideas: Pamper Her for Valentine’s Day and Valentine’s Gifts for Him, and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!