Pebble & Rae

A lifestyle blog with lighthearted posts about recipes, design and DIY tips.

The BEST Father’s Day Gift for Every Guy

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Can we all agree that guys are the hardest and most annoying people to shop for?? They won’t like the clothes you pick out, and they seem to not like much of anything when it comes to gifts. Or, like my hubby, they’ll insist they “don’t want anything at all.” So sweet and selfless, and so annoying because that doesn’t help me since I’m still going to buy him a gift and he won’t give me any ideas!!

But I have found the ultimate gift for ANY guy, that is sure to be a hit.

For the most part, guys don’t like gift baskets, or themey gifts, or any of that cute crap that us girls would actually care about. But there’s a manly makeover to the gift basket, and I have to admit it’s really pretty cool. It’s called “Man Crates.” They have a ton of different options to choose from… beer, whiskey, bacon, pizza, tools, camping, sports, gaming, etc. Then they ship the gifts in an actual wooden crate, that your guy has to be all manly-man-like and physically pry it open with a crow bar (that’s also included.) It’s totally unique and kinda funny too. Joe received one from some coworkers a few months ago and he absolutely loved it. Not only did he think the stuff inside was cool, but he had fun trying to bust open the crate!

They also have stuff sent in ammo cans as well. Hopefully Joe’s not reading this because I maaay be getting him one of those for Father’s Day.

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This is what the crate looks like shipped:
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And here are just a couple examples of what’s inside:pw_sophisticated_whiskey_gifts_for_claseey_guys__93998.1448062180.702.702pg-cool-gift-for-guys-who-love-pizza-and-grilling__24325.1461948961.702.702Isn’t it cute?! I’m pretty positive that the Man Crate company did not have that word in mind when they developed this product. But it’s still cute.

They have plenty of rush shipping options too so you can order it now and get it in time for Father’s Day! 

My 7 Ultimate Pregnancy Must-Haves

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7 pregnancy must-haves

Now that I’m well into my pregnancy, I thought I’d put a little list together of some of my favorite products to use during (and sometimes after!) pregnancy. Since this is my 2nd time around, I’ve figured out what stuff isn’t necessary and what are my absolutely must-haves. Everyone is different and some things are just personal preference, but I’d love to know what your favorites were/are during pregnancy too. Please share below!

1. Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow:   $57.95. This is my hands-down, can’t-live-without pregnancy MUST-HAVE. Sleeping is difficult enough when you’re pregnant, but this body pillow makes it sooo much more comfy! It gives you support for your back as well as a pillow between your knees. We recently stayed in a hotel over the weekend and I didn’t think I’d need to pack it. BIG mistake! Despite the super-comfy hotel bed, I slept horribly without my precious Snoogle. I might just keep it around after the baby too! (Do yourself a favor and order an extra pillow case for it, too. The one it comes with is kinda cheap and frays easily.)

2. Coobie Bras: $20. To be honest, I started wearing these before I was pregnant, and they are seriously the most comfortable bra I have ever worn! They are soft and stretchy and seriously fit almost all sizes! Perfect for your ever-changing chesty area before, during and after pregnancy : )

3. Bitburger 0% alcohol beer and lime: $3.69. Ok I know this is a random one, and you will most likely not order this online but get it in a liquor store (or if you’re lucky and live in the South, you can buy your beer at the grocery store… I’m jealous!) But I included the link anyway. I don’t want to feel totally left out when I’m pregnant, so it’s nice to have a non-alcoholic beer sometimes. This one is completely alcohol-free… and I discovered a little secret: add a lime and it tastes even better! Plus you’ll feel like you’re drinking a Corona or my favorite, Bud Light Lime.

4. Gap maternity underwear: $10.95.  Yup, I’m talking about bras and undies today. But I have to share! These are SO soft and comfy! I may or may not wear them when I’m not pregnant too.

5. Basq Milk & Honey Stretch Mark Oil:  $15.00. Everyone is different, some will get stretch marks and some will not. It mostly has to do with heredity, unfortunately. But, it definitely helps to have a good, moisturizing lotion for your skin. I’ve tried a TON of stretch mark creams, and this one is my favorite so far. It’s an oil, so it’s super moisturizing, and it relieves all the itchies you get with your ever-expanding belly.

6. Rainbow One Prenatal Multivitamin:  $17.99. This is just personal preference, but I’ve used regular prenatal vitamins that you can find at any drug or grocery store with both pregnancies, and I swear they made my morning sickness worse. I switched to Rainbow, which I found at Whole Foods, and I felt so much better now that I take these.

7. Gap Supersoft Leggings:  ON SALE $11.99! You MUST order these leggings. They are sooo soft and stretchy, and they don’t even look like maternity leggings so you can wear them when you’re not pregnant too!

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8 Mother’s Day Gifts For Under $34

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If you’re stuck on what to get your Mom for Mother’s Day, I’ve created this simple, inexpensive list that is filled with things that she’ll actually like.

Both my Mom and my MIL ask for gift cards, and I can’t blame them. Sometimes it’s nice to get a gift card that gives you permission to go spend money somewhere, where normally you might feel guilty spending money on yourself. But if the gift cards are getting old, then throw a little surprise into your gift-giving mix! (But I still included a unique gift card option below for those of you that want to stick with that.)

There’s still some time left to get one, or a combination of these sweet gifts below!

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1. Mandarin & Guava Blossom Natural Soy Tin Candle: Francesca’s, $10: Candles are always a good gift, and this one smells so sweet and summery.

2. Francesca’s What I Love About Mom Book: Francesca’s, $12: This is a great gift for the sentimental. I always remember when I was little my Mom would ask me to make her something. Making a craft isn’t very realistic once you’re an adult, but this sweet little book is heart felt and personalized, so it’s almost “home-made.”

3. South Moon Under: Personalized Charm Necklace: South Moon Under, $28: This is one of my favorite, classic necklace charms. You can get the letter of her kid’s or Grandkid’s initial and it still looks stylish without looking like a tacky “Mom” necklace.

4. Gift Rocket gift card: Any amount: If you’re Mom still wants a gift card, this is the perfect one if you live long-distance like I do from my Mom. You simply go to the website, pick any amount and any place, and they will send the gift card to the recipient. The best part, the place you provide is only a suggestion, so the recipient can change where they use the gift card if they want to.

5. Philosophy “Amazing Grace” Whipped Body Crème: Nordstrom, $33: The body cream is not only rich and luxurious, it smells so incredible without being overpowering.

6. Tory Burch Eau de Parfum Rollerball: Nordstrom, $28: The scent is a popular favorite with great reviews, plus I love the rollerball bottle so it’s convenient to carry in her purse.

7. Small Brass Trinket bowl: Francesca’s, $10: I love these little trinket bowls to use for my “daily” jewelry. My weddings rings, favorite earrings and charm necklace go in a little bowl like this one at the end of the day. The “Mom” engraved on the inside bottom is also subtle, so it doesn’t scream “MOM GIFT” on the outside.

8. Philosophy “Hands of Hope” Hand & Cuticle Cream: Nordstrom, $10: This is another fan favorite with great reviews. Every woman appreciates good hand cream that they can pop in their purse!

What are you getting your Mom this year? Any creative suggestions? Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms!!

New Springtime Print on Etsy!

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spring-plum-600pxI love prints. Especially prints with pretty typography. They’re so easy to frame and change out seasonally to instantly and inexpensively change up your decor.

This Fall and Winter DIY project I made was hanging on our wall, and since I am sooo over Winter I realized it was past time for a change. So I designed something fresh and Springy to brighten the place up.

It’s now selling on my Etsy shop in for only $5 in 3 different color combinations, green & gold, plum & gold and pink & gray. spring-framed-print_600

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7 Last Minute Gift Ideas for Guys under $30

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Why only 7? Because guys are so frustratingly hard to shop for! Almost impossible…almost. But luckily I put together this easy list of no-fail gifts that they are sure to love! A few of these my husband already has and loves, so they’re definitely guy-approved.

7 Gift for Guys under $30

1. NFL Beer Glasses, Pottery Barn. $18-$24, free monogramming. I’m pretty sure guys don’t care about getting their name monogrammed on stuff as much as girls do, but they’ll love drinking beer out of a nice beer glass with their favorite team’s logo!

2. Spin Chill, Quick Beverage Chiller, thegrommet.com. $29.95. This thing is so cool! Attach it to any can, bottle, or even wine bottle, spin it in ice and your drink is cold in less than a minute! And you know how guys love gadgets, this is a cool one!

3. Golf Cigar Holder Divot Tool, 13thGreen.com. $15.99. My hubby and his friends love to have the occasional cigar while they’re golfing, but where to put your cigar when it’s your turn to swing? This simple little tool will hold your cigar and fix a divot. Plus it’s small so it’s easy to carry.

4. Grilling Smoke in a Cup Set, Cigars International, $8.99. Most guys I know love anything smoked-flavored. This simple little Smoke in a Cup is easily placed under the grate of your grill to instantly add a smoked flavor to the meat. Comes in 3 flavors.

5. Smart Shake, GNC, $10.99. If your hubby/brother/cousin is into taking protein powder after a workout, he will love this cup. We used to love our Blender Bottles, but had to carry our protein powder separately in a little ziploc bag. This is so much simpler and less messy! The bottom of the cup has 2 hidden compartments for any type of powder mix, and another one for supplements. Genius!

6. The Whiskey Wedge, WineEnthusiast.com. $14.95. This clever little invention comes with a whiskey glass and an ice mold. Freeze water in the ice mold and it freezes into a glacier shape. Because of the small surface area the ice melts slower, so it won’t dilute his drink!

7. Marina Beer Flight Set, DotAndBo, $29.99 (23% off.) Isn’t it so fun to try those sample beer flights at restaurants? Well now you can set up your very own little taste-testing date night at home with his very own beer flight.