November 30, 2017

Gift Guide for Cooks and Bakers

November 30, 2017/ Ashley

'Tis the season for cooking family meals and baking for friends and co-workers (or for yourself!)

I've rounded up some of my favorite things in my kitchen that make great gifts for the pro chef or those just learning to boil water.

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Spiralizer: There are spiffy electric spiralizers out there, but this simple one is super efficient and easy to use. We use it quite often to make zucchini into noodles so we can fool ourselves into eating healthier. I also like that it's dishwasher safe and BPA free. UPDATE: I like this spiralizer and slicer combo set!

Serving and Cutting Board: I feel like one can never have too many cutting boards or serving boards.

Vintage Crock Utensil Holder: Just because it's utilitarian doesn't mean it can't be pretty. Help your friend stow their utensils in a shiny copper container. If they are in need of spatulas and spoons, you could plop them all inside and use the holder as the gift bag!

No-Spill Ice Cube Tray: This may look like your average ice cube tray but it's so much better! It has a silicone cover that seals each of the cavities so you can store it sideways without anything spilling out. You can use it for water, but I use mine for freezing lemon juice. I then use the lemon cubes for cooking or for my lemon meringue pies. Plus, it's BPA free and dishwasher safe.

Clean Slate: For your friend that is trying to be healthy despite the temptations of holiday sweets.

Herb Scissors: Once you go herb scissors, you never go back. These things make chopping fine herbs so much easier!

Salt Set: Salt can go on anything - veggies, meats, chocolate, cocktails - so this is a perfect gift for any type of cook or baker in your life.

Pizza Camp: I don't know that I've met anyone that doesn't like pizza. Give the pizza lover in your life the gift of custom making their own pies.

Ice Cream Maker: Some may say winter is no time to enjoy ice cream, but I completely disagree! This easy-to-use maker has helped me whip up my favorite dessert and I will not stop just because it's cold out! My favorite recipe I've made so far is this one.

Infrared Thermometer: Just point the laser at whatever you're cooking and the thermometer instantly displays the temperature. It's also fun to walk around the house and take temperature measurements of everything. Just 'cuz.

Stoneware Set: You may not want to gift a whole set of tableware, but this brunch set is a nice collection of ethically sourced and handmade ceramics from North Africa. I just ordered these in matte black, but it comes in so many other pretty finishes.

Stainless Steel Baking Sheet: These baking sheets are 100% stainless steel (as in no Teflon nor aluminum), which I've found to be the most healthy way to bake. Non-toxic and dishwasher safe - win-win.

Feed the Resistance: For your activist that also likes cooking!

Apple Corer/Slicer/Peeler: This thing is amazing. It cores, slices, and peels each apple in seconds. It’s the secret to my famous apple pies.

Tea Kettle: I use this tea kettle with my french press coffee, for kombucha brewing, and for heating up small batches of water for cooking recipes. It has a thermometer on top and a removable loose leaf tea strainer.

Pasta Attachment: For the cook that already has everything, KitchenAid has oodles of attachments for stand mixers. I bet the person that has it all doesn't have each and every one of them.

For a bonus, I shared a few of my favorite pie-making tools in this post. I have one last gift guide scheduled for tomorrow, but if you're itching for any gift themes in particular, let me know - I just might do more!

Check out all of my

Gift Guide for Anyone with a Coffee Table
Gift Guide for Makers
Gift Guide for Old House Lovers
Gift Guide for Those Going Zero Waste
Gift Guide of My Personal Wish List
Gift Guide for Organizers and Tidiers
Gift Guide for Cooks and Bakers
Gift guide for Homebodies
Gift Guide for Techies and Smart Homes

November 28, 2017

Gift Guide for Homebodies

November 28, 2017/ Ashley

I'm the ultimate homebody - so much so that there's worry among friends that I may become a recluse one day. But hey, I love being at home.

I own each and every one of these items and sing their praises frequently. Even if you're buying for someone that isn't a near-recluse, there's much to be enjoyed.

Old Home Love: Literally one of my favorite coffee table books!

Handmade Quilt: This Etsy seller custom-made our quilt that we use on our bed and could certainly design a cozy blanket for your special someone in their favorite colors.

Ceramic Feelings Art: Mitsy creates beautiful ceramic art objects as a part of the ‘99 feelings’ project. You can pick a feeling like pure, wise, love, sleepy, organized, and so many more. I have empty and it's one of my favorite little pieces in the house. View the whole collection here. Psst, she's going on hiatus on 12/1, so order today!

Planter: Homebody or not, houseplants are great for adding life and cleaning the air. A pretty handmade planter makes a great gift that you can even fill with soil and your favorite foliage. Or, use the pot in lieu of a gift bag and put smaller gifts inside.

Custom Framed Family Photo: Maybe you captured a sweet moment of your friend on your phone, but never shared the photo. Or, you got profesh photos taken of your family that you want to share with grandparents. Nothing dresses us a photo like a custom frame.

Sonos Play:1: We keep music and podcasts playing all day every day when we're home. Everyone loves tunes! When you gift multiples, the recipient gets surround sound throughout the house by putting one in each room.

Roomba: I can't imagine life without our Roomba, and I think many other homebodies would adore the cleaning ease. iRobot extended their holiday sales through the week, so you can get $100 off a robot vacuum!

Sheet Set: You can never have too many sheets. They are great for the gift recipient or the gift recipient's holiday guests. Tip: your local animal rescue center is always in need of sheets and towels, so there's never a reason not to get rid of worn bedding.

Block Print Pillow: This homebody likes comfort and style.

Soy Candle: This is among the best scents ever. I buy candles based on smell, but you could also gift one in a pretty vessel so the recipient can pot a plant inside when the candle is used up.

Electric Candle Lighter: No need for a bunch of matches, this candle lighter is rechargeable. Include it in the stocking of someone that got a box of candles from you.

French Press: Why leave the house for coffee when you can make it at home? This is my favorite press because it isn't plasticky, it's dishwasher safe, and it's the perfect size for single-serve pours.

Remodelista: The Organized Home: This book is hot off the press and most definitely on my holiday wish list.

Artwork: Homes are so much more personal when meaningful art adorns the walls. If you know the recipient super well, you could get them a print that has significance, or a gift card to Minted will let them pick what catches their eye! My favorite online art shops are all listed here.

Bath Tray: For the homebodies that like a nice bath, this bamboo tray is a simple and classy way to store bath needs.

Simplisafe Home Security: Homebodies do indeed leave the house, and when we do, it's nice to know that a security system is keeping an eye on things. This one is great for renters and owners alike because it doesn't get hardwired in. It's a win-win gift when it gives you peace of mind as the gift-giver. Learn more and check sales here.

Keep coming back as I share more gift guides every day this week!

Check out all of the gift guides

November 27, 2017

Gift Guide for Techies and Smart Homes

November 27, 2017/ Ashley

This post comes to you, in part, from Ross, our home's Chief Technology Officer. He's been a tech nerd for nearly two decades and has helped me round up today's gift guide for those that like gadgets - but it's really for anyone living in the 21st century!

You also know I’m big on organizing our cables and techy gear, so this is also inspired by someone that loves form and function.

Ross likes his gadgets streamlined and not gimmicky, so if you're looking for a thumb drive in the shape of a human thumb, this isn't the gift guide for you.

iPad Stand: I'm a sucker for wooden stands for our electronics. This sleek one is perfectly understated, yet a showstopper. Plus, it's handmade!

eero Home WiFi System: We've gone through several routers in the past couple of years. We did Apple's Airport Extreme as well as those hideous ones with the giant antennas. The eero has been the most reliable wifi, and it comes with boosters to sprinkle throughout the house, covering all of our rooms.

Sonos Playbase: We just ordered one of these for an early holiday gift to each other. This Sonos will amplify our TV for higher quality audio. Plus, when the TV isn't on, it pairs with our Sonos Play:1 speakers we have throughout the house so we can listen to music/podcasts in each room.

B&O Headphones: These are such dreamy headphones. They used to be Ross' but I took them earlier this year and now they are my go-tos. I wear them at work every day and I can't get on a plane without them.

Personalized Ergonomic Mousepad: I'm just getting settled into our new home office and wondering if I should get a mousepad. This pretty handmade one is a contender.

Velcro Cable Ties: These aren't the sexiest tech gadget, but they are life changers - and a great stocking stuffer. These velcro ties are the easiest and most streamlined way to keep cables organized. They work well for the cords behind the TV that you don't need to fuss with at all, and they are great for coiling the extension cord you get out of the garage every day/week.

Cable Management Grid: I installed one of these under our new desk (which isn't the intended use of it) and it works so swimmingly!

Camera Strap: This handmade strap is such an improvement from the stock straps that come with camera bodies. I actually prefer wrist straps over neck straps, so I have this one.

Apple TV Remote Holder: Losing the Apple TV remote is no good when all you want to do is sit down after dinner for some Stranger Things viewing. We have a holder that props the remote upright, but I actually like the lower profile of this one. Plus, it's handmade!

WD 1TB Portable External Hard Drive: Whether you're taking your digital files out of the house or not, a portable drive for backing up files is an absolute must for everyone - techie or not.

Flash Drive: The perfect stocking stuffer. This is a nice portable flash drive that isn't plasticky or chunky.

Backblaze: For serious backup storage, we use Backblaze which ensures all of our photos, music, movies, files, etc. are safely stored in the event that our hard drives are damaged. Psst, that link gets you - I mean your gift recipient - a free trial!

Record Holder: Who said tech lovers need to adore only the new stuff? Get your vinyl record lover a sleek stand to keep their tunes. This pretty walnut holder is hand crafted.

Nest Dropcam Security Camera: This security camera provides piece of mind, and it's fun to check in on the house while you're away.

Flat Plug Braided Extension Cord: We all have wires in our homes. I try my hardest to hide them (see my two other cable management gift ideas), but when you're going to see one, why not make it attractive?

ElevationDock 4: We were early adaptors and bought the first ElevationDock when it was on Kickstarter. It was the one and only charger at the time that stayed on the table when you picked up your phone. They've continued to refine it year after year, and this is their latest.

And there you have it! Do you have any techie items to recommend? I could use them, because Ross is so tough to gift shop for.

Check out all of my gift guides

June 13, 2017

Father's Day Gift Guide

June 13, 2017/ Ashley

Still looking for gifts for the dads in your life? Here are some options that are sure to please!

The Gold Hive Father's Day Gift Guide 2017

1. For the dad that has it all and the dad that likes to give back, IRC has lots of gift options that support those in need.

2. Let dad play his favorite tunes around the house on a Sonos speaker. Here's to hoping his music taste is loved by all. If not see gift option #11.

3. Ross recently switched to this wired beard trimmer and raves about how he prefers the wired option over battery operated. I like that it keeps him looking trim - pun intended.

4. If dad likes card games or magic, this gaming set is a nice collection of spiffy cards. I'm a bit partial because they're designed by my brother-in-law.

5. Get him a $95 gift card which will cover the cost of a free home try-on as well as some prescription shades or opticals. He can also get frames without corrective lenses if he has superb vision.

6. Do you have any sweet photos on your phone that dad would like to admire all the time? Chose expedited shipping today and get a custom framed photo in time for the big day.

7. A sander is always a helpful tool to have around for big or little projects.

8. Who doesn't love getting a vacuum as a gift??

9. This baseball hat is my personal favorite - I have it in this '80s dad jeans color. I like that it's not branded, it's slim fitting, and exudes cool dad vibes.

10. For the kids who don't want to get dragged to dad's favorite museum, an individual membership lets him enjoy his science/art/music/history/architecture/magic/train museum solo. Or, gift a family membership for a year of fun together at everyone's local favorite.

11. When dad loves his tunes but nobody else does, gift him some quality headphones. Ross, an audiophile, has these and I stole them from him to use during our recent travels. He doesn't yet know that I'm not giving them back.

12. Funny, sentimental, graphic, and simple - there are so many greeting cards by artists and makers. This dad card is too cute.

Happy Father's Day!