A Moment for Mom - Luxe Link Purse Hooks - Brains and Beauty

I'm one to always give gadgets a thorough think through before purchase.  Most times I  find something already in my drawer or cupboard at home capable of the same trick without an extra purchase.  Frugality is important in life -- no matter our wealth.  I'm not a fan of excess--and my children know they have to be down to the last few drops of shampoo and conditioner before I'll purchase refills--because mom hates excessive toiletries strewn about the bathroom.

But every now and then, you find a simple luxury, that just makes sense.  The Luxe Link Purse Hook is quite an impressive little treasure.  1)  It's small and compact.  You can carry it around the handle of your purse, and 'There it its" right when you need it.  2)  It's attractive, tasteful and even personal.  Luxe Link offers designs from monograms, swarovski crystals, The Beatles and even Hello Kitty.  3)  It's practical and clever.  Using the weight of your purse, the hook stays in place.  You no longer have to worry about kicking your favorite bag under the table while it sits on the ground of who knows what. 

The Luxe Link not only makes a great gift for moms, daughters, teachers and business partners--but it also gives back.  Luxe Link CEO and Founder, Kalika Nacion Yap, (a Honolulu native)  sponsors several charities in many communities.   I hope you'll Like Luxe Link on Facebook and tell them Just for Jack sent you.  If you'd like to see a video on how it works, click here.

Bus Driver Box of Goodies

We decided to go the 'Baked Goods' route for our end of the year gift.  Our driver is such a kind man, and so good with the children.  There is order and seat assignments on his bus.  No one messes with 'Mr. Ron'.  When there is rain or snow or any kind of inclement weather -- our driver drops each child in front of their home.  

I purchased a small, round box from a local craft store and painted it.  I downloaded a school bus template (from play2learnprintables.com), reduced it on our copier, then made stencils to sponge onto the box. A simple octagon was created from my power-point shapes for a stop sign.  My son assisted (but mostly told me what to paint, as he was being lazy). 

If you didn't want to paint, there is a color version of the bus template.  We filled our Bus Driver Box with my little boy's favorite frosted banana cookies.  We haven't met anyone who doesn't like them.  Wrap it up with some decorative ribbon and you're set.  There are other printables available too.

P.S.  We lined our box with foil and put parchment in-between the layers of cookies.  

I can't believe a whole year of kindergarten is ending :-(  (they grow so fast..)

End of School Teacher Gifts - Personal and Thoughtful

Personalized Teacher Gifts from Amy Adele

I shall miss her smile, her sense of humor and especially her mind reading skills.  Our son has been blessed with the most energetic teacher this year.  She has that talent of being tough but fair, and loving - but stern when necessary.  Her perception is commendable and her gaze never misses a chance to compliment a pair of new shoes or an addition in hair accessories.

5 x 3.5 folded note

When I came across personalized teacher stationary from Amy Adele, I knew I found my 'eureka'.  Something that shows you've taken the time to have their cherished name in print, makes me feel I'm recognizing her adequately.  I know she'd appreciate anything -- but that's why I want to get something special for this remarkable woman.

100% personalized.  100% recycled paper.

Bus Driver Gifts

Personalized Bus Driver Card from Etsy Shop Serendipitees

As I waved goodbye this morning to our 5 year old I stopped to think how grateful I was for his humble and patient bus driver.  One of the neighbors started to wonder what to get him for Christmas and I realized I hadn't even thought about it.


So, of course, I went online and started to peek around at the various gifts and related posts and discovered a couple of things you should know:

T-Shirt from CafePress

1)  Many drivers have too many "Bus Driver" themed gifts and although they are appreciated, they have grown somewhat tired of them and would really appreciate something else.  However, I have posted a themed gift here because I felt it was hilarious and maybe you have a new bus driver this year...or just want to give your old one a good laugh.

2)  After reading a post here and there, Bus Drivers themselves always find gift cards a lovely show of appreciation.  Gift Cards to fast food places was also recommended as they are always on the go and usually get their lunches from such places.


3)  A personalized card is always welcome with homemade treats.  You could have your child make the card or purchase  as unique find on Etsy.


I like all three ideas, and as the same bus driver comes once at 6:45am for our high school-ers, and then at 7:45 for our Kindergartner, I almost feel like I should do all 3!


Hope these ideas help.

Gianna's Handmade Baked Goods

I found  these exquisite delights in one of my favorite whole food shops.  The glistening drops of colorful sugars and smell of pure butter swirling in the air, lured me over with shameless glee.  Starfish, strawberries, bees, ladybugs, frogs and  ice cream cone shapes were all glorified in glamorous works of art. I knew I was a goner.

Think of homemade Scottish shortbread, topped with a light layer of frosting and dusted with sparkling adoration.  I felt I needed to try a second, (purely for the sake of blogging you understand).  I must say I didn't know art would taste so good.

Gianna's Handmade Baked Goods, started in 1996.  This talented bake-tist makes all her masterpieces by hand, which she feels ensures the quality and flavor.  She uses all natural and organic ingredients.  Gianna's is based in Castroville, California, where the popularity of her pastries increase continually throughout the greater west.  I'm so glad I found them here in the southeast, but never fear -- Gianna's has an online site where you too can order.  I find these great for small gatherings or gifts.  Gianna's is also renowned for her pies, which was actually the way she started her business.

click to see detail

Website:  Gianna's Handmade Baked Goods
Products:  Specialty cookies, pies, cakes, scones, loaf breads, mixes and cookie cutters
Costs:  Varies by item 
Location:  Castroville, California
International Shipping:  Not at this time
Locate Store Near You