Q and A: Anniversary Present

If there's one thing that gets me pumped up for the day, it's the chance to answer a reader question!  It's one of my favorite parts of this gig.  Here's one I got just the other day:


I am in a dilemma and could use some creative words of advice. I am approaching my one year wedding anniversary in October, my dilemma being I want to give my husband something special and I’m stuck as to what to get him. We are going to FL and will be doing a special dinner but I wanted to add a little something else. He is not a jewelry guy, very laid back. So my selections I feel are narrowed down a lot. Do you have any recommendations or can you suggest anything else I could do to make it special?

Well first of all, Happy Anniversary!  While I don't have a lot of experience in anniversary present shopping, I want to say you've come to the right place.  What I lack in relationship history I make up for in sheer present-giving enthusiasm...giving people gifts they love is one of my great joys in life. :)

I definitely get your dilemma- whereas we're easily pacified by a sweet card and anything sparkly, boys are tricky to buy for...especially when it comes to sentimental holidays.  I think anniversary presents in particular are always sweeter when they're something you both enjoy or can do together...that way they're not just a celebration of your husband, they're a celebration of your relationship.  Think about your common interests but since the present is for him, try and steer clear of things he tolerates for your sake and lean towards things he's enthusiastic about (that goes without saying, of course, but if he's the sweet husband I suspect he is this might require a little intuition).  Here are a few options to consider.

1. For the Connoisseur - I love this idea...give your husband three bottles of wine- one to open for this year's anniversary, one for your five year anniversary and one for when you hit the big 1-0.  Make sure the five and ten year bottles are known for aging well- check out this guide if you need some help picking them out.

2. For the Academic - Oh to find a guy that loves museums.  Be still my heart.  If you were lucky enough to snag one, consider buying a one year membership.  If you live near a big city, you'll have lot of options...art, natural history (yay dinosaurs!), science- pick an area that interests him and you'll always have a fun activity or date night on deck.

3. For the Sports Fanatic - Treat him to tickets to go see his favorite team.  Even if sports aren't your favorite, be enthusiastic!  It'll be fun!

4. For the Candy Lover - Admit it, we're not the only ones with a sweet tooth.  At the end of the day, you just want to give him something he'll enjoy and if what he enjoys is chocolate...well...I say more power to him.  The mushy message might be a bit much but hey- why not?  It's sweet on many levels. :)

5. For the...well...I'm just going to say it...Nerd - This custom-made comic book cover (your faces and names) is perfect for the husband who loves superheroes, Star Wars or has expressed any interest in one day attending Comic Con.  From the Big Bang Theory candidate to the ironic Urban Outfitters wearing nerd, this one is a gem.

6. For the Board Gamer - If your beau is always up for game night, try this customize-able Monopoly-esque board game.  It lets you use your own photos and captions to make the game totally personalized.  Cool concept, right?

7. For the Movie Critic - Two word: Netflix subscription.

8. For the Coffee Addict - These custom made mugs are sweet and surprisingly guy-friendly to behold.  Sure, they're a bit sappy (see what I did there?), but they're a one of a kind piece and a really special gesture.  

Good luck on your hunt!  Anyone else have a question?  Shoot me an e-mail here and I'll try my darndest to help!

Q and A: Bridal Shower Inspiration

I love love love reader questions.  Love them.  I especially love this particular question because 1) It's pretty darn relevant & 2) It gives me an excuse to talk about parties.  And I love parties almost as much as I love reader questions.  So here we go!

I am throwing a wedding shower for a friend who's wedding I'm in this summer. The shower is in July and will have approx 15 people, but I'm kinda stumped as to what to do different from the other 5 wedding showers I've planned. I mean, you can only do so many Purse Check Lists, and eat so many chicken salad sandwiches. ANY ideas Design-Muse can offer would be great (games, decor, food, etc)!!!

As any woman can tell you, bridal showers are tricky business...I want to say they're awkward for everyone involved.  My cousin, Nikki (whose celebrating a big birthday today!  More on that later tonight), has a genius idea for what she likes to call a "drive-through" shower.  You hand her your present, she gives you a cupcake and you go on with your day.  Brilliant as it may be I think it may still be ahead of it's time, so I put together a few style boards for you, sweet reader.  Remember, it's not at all necessary to use the bride's wedding color palate- and since it's summertime, you can get away with some really fun combos!  Here are a few snapshots I came across and loved.

I think part of the reason we all secretly resent bridal showers is because we're forced to go to the same one over and over- good for you for looking to break the mold!  Here's a few fun alternatives to the deviled egg/toilet paper dress rut the whole world appears to be stuck in.

1. Candy, candy and more candy.  Yes, everyone I know is on a diet too but who cares.  Someone's getting married and celebration trumps diet every time.  Pass around candy necklaces and ring pops, have guests come up with a story about the wedding/bride using as many candy bar names as possible, and best of all- let everyone make their own favor at the candy "bar" (let me just tell you, I put together a candy bar for our very first Table for Twelve and it was a big 'ol hit).

2. A little pampering goes a long way.  Contact your local salon & spa and see if they offer any party packages- many will send a certified masseuse right to your door to do neck and hand massages for your guests (now that's a party you won't hear people complaining about).  Buy a small variety of epsom salts and other fun ingredients like lavender, rose petals, and lemon verbena and let your guests mix their own bath tea- it'll double as a favor and an activity.  

3. Mix it up and do a straight up breakfast theme.  I'm talking omelette station, doughnut towers, french toast bites and no shortage of bacon.  You can go a couple different ways...fancy a la Breakfast at Tiffany's or- if it's a really close group of friends- even uber casual with more of a sleep over party vibe.  Either way, who doesn't love breakfast?!

4. Go glam and gorgeous- have everyone dress to the nines and keep it classy from start to finish.  Stay away from paper or plastic anything- we're talking real napkins, real glass...the fancier the better.  Organize a wine tasting, call your veggie plate "crudités" and your selection of small bites "amuse-bouche".  Live it up for the night!  And for the favor to top all favors, set up an "aroma bar" where your guests can customize their own perfume.    

Anyone else have a question?  I sure would love to answer it!  Shoot me an e-mail here.  Hope this helped! :)

Photo Credits: Butterfly table, Paper lanterns, Flower hurricane, Yellow & Blue table, 

Pink Flowers, Peacocks, Oranges, Candy Bar, Bath Tea, Breakfast, Aroma Bar

April Showers

I've got a few reader questions on deck but this one just so happened to fit in nicely with a post I was already working on...I figured I'd give the 'ol two birds, one stone thing a whirl.  If you sent me a question recently then be on the lookout...your answer is on it's way.  If you haven't sent me a question but have one you'd like to ask, there's no time like the present :).  Click here, or e-mail me at gabrielle.beretta@gmail.com and ask away!  Today's question reads:

I have been on the search for a cute hooded spring rain coat and have been unsucessful.  Need your help for ideas :)

Well, I'll do you one better...how about a few adorable spring rain coat ensembles?!  

1. Futai Pumpkin Shape Umbrella, Target $24.99  2. Red Pac-ApParka, Topshop $55  3. Calvin Klein Ava Rain Boots, Macy's $83.30  4. Futai Clear Bubble Umbrella, Target $19.99  5. Yellow Shiny Hooded Plastic Mac, Topshop $92  6. Cole Haan Air Tali Rain Flats, Macy's $138  7. Black and White Pinwheel, Bella Pagoda $129  8. Priorities Grass Cotton 'Phoebe' Hooded Raincoat, Bluefly $138  9. Houndstooth Boots, Amazon $35

Q and A

I found a little treat in my inbox this morning that totally made my day!  It was a question from a wonderful Design-Muse reader about a topic near and dear to my heart...flats.  She asked:

Hello Gabrielle,

Maybe you could help with this dilemma!  I am dating someone that is the same height as me, so the shoe situation is always a problem for me.  I am always looking for cute flats or super low heels more on the cheaper side, unless they are so cute they are worth it!!!

Considering I'm barely over 5', one would think I'd take advantage of any opportunity to supplement my height.  But one would be wrong.  Although I own my fair share of 4" heels, when it comes to shoes I'm more of a flats addict than anything else.  I raided my closet and consulted my wish list to come up with a few recommendations for stylish, inexpensive flats.  With the exception of the Steve Maddens (1.), all the selections below are less than $50.  In terms of stores that give the most bang for your buck, your best bet is to stick with places like the great equalizers: Forever 21, Target, and DSW.  Now...I want to add one more place to that list, but you have to promise not to make fun first.  Believe it or not, if I had a secret weapon in terms of shoes it would be Burlington Coat Factory.  Shocking but true.  Their shoes are baller (and yes, I did just say baller).  I hope this was helpful!  Anyone else have a question?  Shoot me an e-mail here!

1. KOOOL Blush Patent Leather Round Toe Flats, Steve Madden $69.95  2. Venessa Ribbon Flat, Christian Sirano for Payless $24.99  3. Cheetah Ballet Flats, Target $12.99  4. Gold Flat, Corso Como via Piperlime $39.99  5. Marled Sweater Skimmer Shoe, Urban Outfitters $28  6. Sweet Caroline, Chinese Laundry $39  7. Kilty Suede Moccasins, Minnetonka via Zappos $45  8. Silver Cutout, Corso Como via Piperlime $49.99  9. Grey Stone-Washed Twill Classics, Toms $48