The Perfect Gift For The Earth Mother In Your Life – Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Kit

July 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Reviewer:  Katie

Price: $16.85

Description:  An edible gift that, if sprayed with water every so often and left in a darkish, cool place, sprouts forth delicious mushrooms.  You can eventually put in your garden to decompose completely.

Is this relatively unique or does every woman have it? This gift is…unique (OK, it’s sorta weird), but it has a wide appeal. I mean, who doesn’t love a good mushroom?

What kind of woman would like this?   A DIY (Do It Yourself) type – or possibly a mycologist chef – looking to finesse her compost pile.  Or anyone fascinated with the science/cuisine of mushrooms.

Are there any additional expenses I should think of? Supply her with a spray bottle filled with water.

How can I personalize this for her? Offer to make her a meal with the first mushroom crop.

Any other information I should know about:  make sure to read and follow the instructions for optimal results.

Filed Under: 1 to 25, Food, Gardening, Katie Tagged With: , ,

An Easy Way To Warm Her Hands And Her Heart – Fox River Socks Mid-Weight Fingerless Glove

June 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Reviewer: Ashley

Price: Anywhere from $8-$20 depending on the style and seller.

Description: It’s so easy to look frumpy and feel “unattractive” in heavy warm clothing which is why I always try to find ways to bundle up in style. These super stylish, extremely cute knit fingerless gloves are the perfect way to accessorize in the chilly spring mornings. What’s great about this brand is that the material they use isn’t scratchy like other knit gloves and they are thin enough to wear throughout the year whenever it’s a bit nippy out. Plus! The “fingerless” aspect allows you to use your touch screen phone without having to take your gloves off! This is a great gift idea for a “just because” or you’re planning for your upcoming camping or coastal getaway.

Is this relatively unique or does every woman have it? Of course fingerless gloves are not a new fad; however, this brand in particular makes the fingerless gloves in really gorgeous neutral prints/colors that can go with any outfit. There’s also an option of buying the style with the flap over “mittens” for extra warmth. This is a great gift if your lady needs an upgrade to her current pair of gloves, or maybe just wants more variety.

What kind of woman would like this?  I consider this accessory to be perfect for almost any woman, any age, with any sort of style. I say this because the colors and styles of these gloves are extremely inoffensive and can be worn with just about any outfit. It’s great for your outdoorsy and camping-type woman but also if she would never be caught dead camping…at least she looks cute!

What else would she need? Since the price is so right, you might want to consider buying her a couple pairs…options are never a bad thing!

Any other information I should know about: You can feel good about your purchase because they are made entirely in the U.S.A. out of Iowa. Boosting our economy and your chances of snuggling!

Filed Under: 1 to 25, Ashley, Gloves Tagged With: , , ,

A Gift Idea For The Romero Fan At Home – The Walking Dead TV Series

June 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Reviewer:  Katie

Price:  $25

Description:  Season 1 & 2 of The Walking Dead

Very few TV shows get me hooked like this one.  You gotta watch it from the very beginning. If you ever find yourself wondering what you’d do in a zombie apocalypse, you can always compare your (fantasy) self to Rick and his group.

Is this relatively unique or does every woman have it?  The show is relatively unique. Go AMC for making anther show that doesn’t suck!

What kind of woman would like this? Any respectable lover of zombie-flicks would love this show.

Editor’s Note – This one isn’t just for women obviously.  We’re all hooked on The Walking Dead here at DoD headquarters. It’s a bit gory at times but it’s also a fascinating look at what people will do in the name of survival.

What else would she need? A buddy, a couch, some popcorn, and a beer.  Oh, and a shotgun, in case one of those pesky walkers gets through your barricade.

Are there any additional expenses I should think of? Hmmm…if you know anyone who can get you a pirated copy of Season 3, you’ll be her hero forever. (Editor’s note – just kidding Amazon, we would never advocate piracy!)

How can I personalize this for her? Spice up a Monday night with a pizza in.  Start the conversation with, “So, you mentioned that you want to start watching that Walking Dead show…”

Any other information I should know about: Warning: you may actually find yourself stockpiling food and taking shooting lessons.

Filed Under: 1 to 25, Katie, TV Show Tagged With: , , ,

A Tasty Gift With A Side Order Of Saving The World – The Art Of Simple Food

May 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Reviewer:  Katie

Price: $20

Description:  The Art of Simple Food: Notes, Lessons, and Recipes of a Delicious Revolution.  By Alice Waters.

This book is a classic for anyone who loves cooking, shopping at the farmer’s market and getting satisfaction from knowing where her food comes from.  If you happen to live near Berkeley, CA, odds are that you or your special lady know what all the fuss is about! The recipes are straightforward and easy to follow, and I loooove the illustrations!

Is this relatively unique or does every woman have it? Again, a classic for anyone who loves cooking.

What kind of woman would like this? An earth-mother who shops the farmer’s market religiously.  She loves cooking and choses local, organic produce whenever possible.

What else would she need? A month’s subscription to a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box and a copy of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollen

Are there any additional expenses I should think of? The cost of a CSA box varies from region to region, but $35 for a large size is not un-heard of for the SF Bay Area.

How can I personalize this for her?  Does your lady have a birthday or anniversary coming up?  A picnic lunch for two packed with something yummy from the book (she will be touched that you took it to another level, believe me and a bottle of wine would complete the package. I’m getting teary-eyed just imagining my husband doing all this for me.

Any other information I should know about: CSA boxes can usually be picked up at a location near you or delivered to your door on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis.

Filed Under: 1 to 25, Cook Book, Katie Tagged With: , , ,

This Great Gift Idea Will Turn Old Fashioned Meals Into Healthy Banquets!

April 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Price: $24.95

Description: I am all about eating healthy but with one “big” caveat . . . it must taste good! This Cooking Light cookbook lightens up all of my favorite comfort foods. The often fattening original recipes are made over into healthier versions that fulfill all my childhood memories without the guilt.

Comfort Food contains over 200 classic comfort food recipes that fit into a balanced diet. When you serve them to family and friends no one will know that they are light unless you tell them. The men in your life will finally stop complaining that you are feeding them rabbit food.  Some of my favorite recipes include the oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and lasagna and all of the recipes that I have tried are great, simple, and fairly quick to make.

Comfort Food is also full of helpful ideas on ways to lighten up your own recipes. The recipes call for real ingredients used in sensible amounts that preserve the taste. This cookbook has something for everyone!

Is this relatively unique or does every woman have it? Most of my girlfriends are unfamiliar with the joy of using the Cooking Light cookbooks. Once I shared how these cookbooks are different and why it will make life healthy and easier, it’s been easy to bring them over to the healthy side.

What kind of gal would like this? Any woman, like me, who is all about keeping fit, being healthier and not having to sacrifice flavor in order to accomplish these goals.

When is ok to buy cookbooks for the woman in your life? Any time you want to help her meet her fitness goals and make sure that you get to benefit from it also.

What else would she need? Maybe one of the flirty aprons?

Filed Under: 1 to 25, Cook Book, Nancy Tagged With: , , , ,

This Present Will Teach Her To Make The Perfect Pie – The Art and Soul of Baking

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Price: $23.89

Description: I’ve been gifted a lot of books on cooking and baking, and very few have been as complete as The Art and Soul of Baking. Just within the first few pages, I had about 4 “ah-ha” moments. In addition to containing over 250 oh-my-gosh-how-have-I-lived-this-long-without-baking/eating-this recipes, the book is chock-full of helpful tips on how to stock your pantry, organize your workspace, and bake like a professional.

And don’t even get me started on the charts! Did you know that a 9×2 Emile Henry fluted pie pan has a 6-cup capacity? While you may not have any use for that little tidbit, the baker in your life may find it mighty handy when she finds herself without one and needs to find a substitute. The handy chart of baking pan volumes can help her find the right pan for the job, even if the suggested one isn’t available.

And the best part about this book? It gives back to the giver. Just think of all of the test pies and pastries you’ll get to try!

Is this relatively unique or does every woman have it? I don’t think this is a book you’ll find in every kitchen, but it should be!

What kind of woman would like this? This book is the perfect secret weapon for any woman that enjoys bringing people to their knees with her amazing baking skills. It will appeal to both beginner and experienced bakers; the detailed instructions and gorgeous photographs are enough to make any baker feel empowered and motivated to try these recipes!

How can I personalize this for her?  Sur La Table, co-creator of the book, offers baking and cooking classes, so why not sign up for one and hide the confirmation of the class just inside the cover? The book is pretty awesome on its own, but if you want to make it a full learning experience, the class would be a perfect complement.

Are there any additional expenses I should think of? It wouldn’t be fair to say no to this one. You see, this book has an amazing section that describes common and less common baking equipment, which may lead to some additional purchases. And then there’s all the butter she’s going to need…

Filed Under: 1 to 25, Cook Book, Kalena Tagged With: , , , ,