Kelly Ashworth » gift guides

American Spoon

kelly — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:00:51 +0000

I just returned from a trip to Northern Michigan and already the Arizona heat is driving me batty. I miss the green grass, the tall trees and the gorgeous lakes that abound. And I know it’s silly, but I already miss American Spoon.

American Spoon is a small chain that specializes in preserves made from Michigan fruit. Simple concept, amazing brand. Every inch of their shop space has been thoughtfully arranged, so much so that you won’t think twice about spending eight dollars on a jar of jam. They offer an amazing sampling bar, as well as a few Michigan-inspired tchotchkes.

When you check out, your purchases are wrapped in American Spoon tissue paper. There are stickers and cotton ribbon and a cute bag to carry around. The Petoskey location also features a full-service cafe, and I was lucky enough to share a delicious breakfast with my family…and all the sour cherry preserves my heart desired.

Check out their website and you’ll get a sense of the care they took to develop this beloved Michigan brand. It’s not just about a pretty logo, it’s about an experience. You don’t have to be “big” to provide your clients with a fond memory.

I work with many small business owners who consider themselves to be “high-end” or “luxury”. But the experience they provide is unmistakably low-end. If you’re charging a premium, your end user is going to expect a premium experience. Period.

What are you doing to leave a lasting impression? Think about that while I go into debt ordering more jam…

Fun New Books for the Interior Design Obsessed

kelly — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:00:06 +0000

Two books popped up on my radar the other day, and they were instantly added to my wish list. Ironically, it appears as though we have a décor war brewing. Observe:

The titles are a bit bossy, right? DECORATE! NO, UNDECORATE!

Decorate comes to us from Holly Becker of Decor8 fame. Anthropologie has the exclusive on this book until it’s officially launched April 20. After that, you can find it at your favorite bookstore or ginormous online mecca of everything.

Undecorate is the work of Dwell Studio genius-at large, Christiane Lemieux.

I can hardly wait to get my hands on these beauties. They’d make a great Mother’s Day gift. HUSBAND, ARE YOU LISTENING?

Go broke for a good cause

kelly — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:00:55 +0000

Oh dear. I’m not sure how I stumbled upon the Mar Y Sol site, but would you look at this craziness? If you’re a bride, buy one of these clutches for your bridesmaids. Your girls will love you and you can feel good about supporting a good cause. These goodies are handmade in Kenya and the island of Madagascar, and your purchase enables families to gain economic independence and generates funding for community development projects. Clutches go for $79 and this fab handbag can be yours for $89.

Pretty Floral Gifts

kelly — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Have you heard of Olive and Cocoa? I received their catalog the other day, and now want everything they sell. This is what I want the most:

Snow arrangement, $108 right here.

In addition to some lovely floral prettiness, they also offer an amazing array of gift ideas. I’m somewhat averse to the idea of sending food (it seems a bit overdone, no?) but their packaging is so pretty and if you’re a business owner you can have it customized with your logo. Swoon.

PS – Olive and Cocoa has not paid me for this post. They just put out a lovely catalog and I felt the need to share.

Sequin Love

kelly — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

There is no better time than the Holidays to break out the sequins, am I right? Check out these fabulous sequined finds; perfect for weddings, parties and other holiday revelry:

Scarf, $12.95 at H&M, Dress, $225 at Bluefly, Ornament, $5.95 at Crate and Barrel, Cardigan, $68 at Urban Outfitters, Shoes, $395 at Kate Spade, Clutch, $49.50 at JCrew

I saw the Scarf pictured above at our brand new H&M about a week ago. I gazed at it lovingly. The price tag was even lovelier. But I had no idea how to wear it. Any ideas?

Jewelry Storage That I Want

kelly — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:00:00 +0000

I have been on the hunt for a spectacular jewelry receptacle for more than a year. A year. Why the reluctance to commit, you ask? Three words. Too many options. Just when I think I’ve found it, I happen upon a new stylish find that makes me second guess myself. Take a look at some of the contenders:

Option #1 is actually a cake stand. A rather fabulous cake stand. But it would work perfectly as jewelry storage. It’s modern and white and shiny. And cheap. $20 right here.

Option #2 is also not necessarily intended for jewelry, but is also fabulous. Also shiny, modern and white. And even cheaper at $12.50 right here.

Option #3 is a jewelry holder! It’s the exact opposite of what I’d imagine I’d like — girly, vintage and dainty. But I like it nonetheless. Actually, I like it a lot. $59 right here.

Option #4 appealed to me because it’s very similar in style to my own bedroom furniture. I thought it would be cool to have a miniature dresser sitting on my dresser. But my dresser is from IKEA and this jewelry box costs almost as much as the big girl dresser. I don’t think I can justify this expense. $139 right here.

What would you do? Do you have some fabulous jewelry storage I should know about? My Target earring collection will thank you for sharing.

Great gifts for Honeymooners

kelly — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Having just returned from vacation myself, I have decided to devote this week to all things travel related. Today let’s focus on the bride and groom, shall we?

The honeymoon is often overlooked with all of the hullabaloo that goes into the wedding itself, but a carefully planned gift for the honeymooners will definitely win you brownie points. You can stick with a few basic items if you’re footing the bill, or go all out if you have a group contributing. Here’s what I’d do:

Start here: a stylish, sturdy beach tote. This one if from LL Bean and also comes in a crab motif. Starts at $30 right here. (*Note – I believe LL Bean has discontinued the Lobster and Crab totes — you can find a great selection of other totes right here.)

Then move on to beach towels. These coordinate perfectly with the tote! Even if the bride and groom are not traveling to a beach locale, beach towels can be used to plump up wimpy hotel pillows when folded. And who doesn’t need beach towels, I ask? These are on special at Pottery Barn for $29 each right h ere.

Adapters are easily the most important accessory for overseas travel, and often the most forgotten. You can buy them in your vacation destination, however they are often overpriced because the locals know how desperate you’ll be to use your hair dryer or plug in your laptop. I found these at Amazon for $12.88 right here.

Luggage tags need not be boring. Supply the bride and groom with these cheeky tags from Pamela Barsky, $14 right here.

In addition to the staples above, you can finish the bag with a selection of magazines and DVD’s. iTunes gift cards are also great so the couple can download their favorite music or movies before they leave. If the bride and groom are traveling internationally, an international calling card is also a super thoughtful gift. You can find these at Costco for around $30.

Resist the temptation to include sunscreen or any other liquids. But aspirin or antacid medicine are both inspired choices. To complete the gift, you might offer to drop off and pick up the couple from the airport. (Parking costs have skyrocketed at most airports.)

I collaborated with a few other couples a few years back to supply a similar honeymoon gift for my sister-in-law and her new husband, and they absolutely loved it.

What items are you lost without on vacation? Consider these things when putting together your own “honeymooner kit.”

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas, Pt. 3

kelly — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:00:00 +0000

You can do chocolate for Mother’s Day or you can do Vosges Chocolate. This is not sickeningly sweet maraschino cherries wrapped in pseudo chocolate, folks. This is gourmet. Exotic. Deeelish. Here’s a taste:

Platanos y Orchidus: Sweet platanos, or bananas, are puréed, caramelized and joined by Jamaican rum, dipped in a pool of deep milk chocolate and crowned with a purple orchid bloom.

I would show you more, but my whole mouth just filled with saliva. So go find your own. Right here.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas, Pt.2

kelly — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:00:00 +0000

More fun ideas for mom, this time focusing on jewelry. Specifically jewelry that can be worn after Mother’s Day (secret code for jewelry that does not contain hearts or cheesy “I love Mom” messages). Take a look at these three beauties. Your mom will thank you. And then you can thank me.

{Forget Me Not Ring, $50 – $720, right here. }

{Nesting Necklace, $70 -$79, right here. }

{Stacking Birthstone Rings, $39.95 – $239.85, right here.}

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

kelly — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Have you heard? Mother’s Day is this Sunday. Today I have the perfect gift suggestion for new moms. Behold:

{Porn for New Moms, $10.15 right here. }

And no, it’s not real porn. As I’ve said before, this is a family site, folks. Inside you’ll find “full color photographs of hunky dads doing what new mothers really want them to – getting up for 3 a.m. feedings, skipping golf to bond with the wee one, stocking the freezer with homemade baby food”, etc. Every new mom’s fantasy, right?