20 Picks for Valentines Day

Are you in LOVE??  I know I am. I'm so grateful to have a wonderful & loving husband.  I'm looking forward to being with him this February 14th sharing a special dinner & exchanging gifts.  I'm very much into romance & all things 'LOVE', in fact it's one of my favorite words, can you tell?? 

By the way, when I was single..... I used to get buy myself a Valentine's Day gift - I know, it may be a little odd, but it was my way of letting myself know, that I loved me! But NOT in a vain way....

With that said, here are 20 cool picks for Valentine's day. Which ones do you like best??

1. diptyque candles
2. coin purse - paper source
3. je t'aime gold lips - MadeByGirl
4. lingerie - anthropologie
5. mast brothers chocolate
6. shakespeare 
7. mini mon amour by Louis Vuitton
8. gold feather pilow- Jayson Home & Garden 
9.  macaron lip gloss - paper source
10. the perfectly imperfect house book
11. valentino
12. sugar free recipies by babycakes
13. your/mine glasses
14. nutella cupcake - billy's bakery nyc 
15. v-day cards paper source  
16. gold heart earrings via cwonder
17. Jcrew Darling cashmere sweater 
18. what i love about - via paper source
19. mast brothers chocolate
20. heart sticky notepads via paper source 

 

Read More

Gift Ideas: For Your MR.

Hey everyone! Have you ladies thought about what you're getting your husbands or boyfriends for Christmas??? 

I admit, I just got my guy his gift - haven't shown it to him yet. But today, I thought I'd put together a few gift ideas for those ladies who are going to be shopping this weekend.

I'd love to hear which gift you think your guy would LOVE.

1. bois 1920
2. ben sherman
3. 'here comes the groomed' - zappos
4. nespresso Citiz Machine
5. marc jacobs credit card case
6. alexander mcqueen skull tie
7. william sonoma steak knives
8. UGG slippers
9. jcrew wool sweater
10. marc jacobs iphone case
11. michael kors boxer briefs
12. blomingdales cashmere scarf
13. ben sherman flight bag
14. ralph lauren academy wool pea coat
15. ralph lauren pencil cup

Read More

Happy Friday and a fantastic giveaway from eclectic decor boutique Zengerine!

I was lucky enough to be recently introduced to a very cool online shop called Zengerine. It combines two of my great loves: home decorating, and travel. While traveling I come across so many amazing objects, but expensive baggage costs and the desire to keep my bags light prevent me from snatching up all the amazing cultural décor I come across.

 Luckily, shops like Zengerine have collected little treasures from across the globe so you don’t have to carry them over great expanses of land and sea!

The folks at Zengerine are also awesome enough to give one lucky reader a gift of $75.00! All you have to do to enter is answer some questions in the widget below! (Each question you answer counts as 1 entry).

 Currently most of their product focus is on Asia, but they will be featuring products from all over the globe very shortly, so stayed tuned! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are some of my favorite products from Zengerine

I cook a lot of Asian food, and this Chinese steamer set would be so beautiful for entertaining!

How adorable and unique is this tea set from JIA Inc. in Taiwan?! I love the little feet.

This is one of those cups that you just want to display as opposed to using…I think I would use it for a muffin and coffee breakfast on a beautiful Saturday morning out on the balcony though… This porcelain comes from Shanghai.

Drooling over this Jim Thompson Thai silk cosmetic bag!

These adorable salt and peppershakers are from Hong Kong Designer Loveramics.

I have a SERIOUS crush on this Japanese and tattoo inspired floral dishware by Paul Timman for Ink Dish. The first item in my cart was the set of mugs that match this set!

 Don't forget to enter this great giveaway by answering the questions in the widget above. The contest closes on September 9, at 6PM EST. I will announce the winner on September 10. Good luck, and have a great holiday weekend!

Read More

What I missed at NY International Gift Fair 2012

I was all set to go to this summer's NYIGF when a last minute obligation came up.  I was a bit bummed as I haven't been to one yet, and I have been wanting to go for years now.  I will shoot again for 2013, and in the meantime, live vicariously from those lucky enough to attend.

Here is some of my favorite coverage and products.

Unsurprisingly, COCOCOZY's booth is a breath of beautiful fresh air...

Love the combo of luxe and rugged on this throw...by PEHUEN

3 images above via OD360 Designs

Adorable ceramics by Kahler

and Pantone bowls by Room Copenhagen

via 3 rings

All the finials a girl could want....by Hillary Thomas Designs...

via Habitually Chic

How gorgeous is this dresser upholstered in Indian embroidered textiles from Manglam Arts?
via StyleBeat

See anything you like?

Read More

Gift Ideas for Dashing Dad's

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

All my life I have struggled with buying gifts for men. This Father's Day I did myself proud though. So proud, I'm going to share my idea with you. I should probably point out at this point that it was my friend Marie's idea, but seeing as she lives on the other side of the world in America, I don't think she'll squeal on me any time soon! 

 (I have editted the flower over Baby Glitter's chest because naturally I don't want her topless on the internet. In real life, that's not there! Matt was THRILLED with his gift and can't wait to hang it in his study.)

How to make this Dashing Dad's Gift

1. Think about the word you want to use and buy the correct frame. I wanted 'D.A.D', so I only needed a tripple window frame (mine was from Ikea). 

2. Buy the letters you need to make the word and paint them the colour your choose. I used some paint I had in a little B&Q tester pot, so you really don't need to be Mrs Fancy here. 

3. Get snap happy! I dressed Baby Glitter in a little tutu and pink bloomers, sat her on a blanket which I held up behind her, whilst Zoe clicked away. You may have to take a fair few shots (especially with young children and babies) but hang in there and be patient. If possible, ask a friend to help because it makes life so much easier! Thank You Zoe! 

4. Take your snaps to the developer and frame. Simples. 

: TIPS :

Try this for the Christmas season but with 'J.O.Y' or 'N.O.E.L' and a festive outfit. You don't need a baby/child for this, I made one for my Dad with these photographs. Don't I look spiffing?! Haha.

Buy a double windowed frame and hold numbers to make a unique birthday gift. 

Use a four windowed frame for words like 'LOVE', 'LIVE', 'LUCK', 'BABY, 'HOME'.

To make photographs look extra swish, consider using a free photo editting site like picmonkey. You don't need a professional camera to make brilliant images, just a bit of creativity.

If this was a gift from children, buy a simple frame and allow them to embellish it with gems, paints, buttons or sparkles.

HAVE FUN!

Is this an idea you like and might try? Do you have any great DIY ideas for the menfolk in your life? Share the love. 

Toodlepip!

xx

PS- I am now on Pinterest and you are welcome to come and snoop through my boards/follow me. Go on, you know you want to ;)

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Dashing Divas. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!

Read More

Mother's Day is just around the corner - make sure you give her some glamour and beauty (especially now that it's on sale)

Not only am I running a necklace giveaway at Stella & Dot (read about it here), but they were also awesome enough to let me host a trunk show. I've never done anything like this before, and it's been a lot of fun so far.

They have a lot of gorgeous jewelry pieces that would make a great gift for mom - but there are only 5 standard shipping days left, so you have to act quick. To shop my trunk show, CLICK HERE, and at checkout *please* enter "Ashley White" as the hostess at the end of the order - you'll see a button that says "My Trunk Show Hostess is...". When you enter Ashley White as the hostess, it helps me gain reward points toward my Stella & Dot purchases! Shipping is $5.95 for all orders, and will arrive in about 5 days, in very cute packaging.

Here's what I'm thinking of getting for my mom - her style is simple and classic

I LOVE these bangles...I'd be borrowing them a lot...

These silver pearl earrings fit my mom to a T!

Of course - they have styles to fit every mom...

Happy Shopping - and thanks!

Read More

Molton Brown...

I never tried Molton Brown until recently....& now I'm wanting everything in their shop! I'm now keeping my eye out for their scented candles - so next time I'm shopping, I'll try & pick one up! 


They seem to have a wide variety of products on their site, like soaps, shampoos, men's fragrances, lotions & lots more. I thought the women's travel size toiletry kit was perfect for you women who are always on the go!

Have you tried their products? If so, what?

Here's my set below. I got the NEW Rok Mint soothing hand lotion & the Rok Mint liquid hand wash. They both smell really great! You can get Molton Brown here or any high end shop for that matter.   


They're a little pricey, but definitely good quality + you can impress your guests by having these in your guest bedroom! That's what I'd do if I had a guest room here in the city...

However, for me, this luxurious lotion & wash will be kept in our kitchen!

-bottom image by jen ramos

Read More

A super easy DIY that makes a great Mother's Day gift

The new home networking site - Link My Home, was awesome enough to publish my post today on turning a Mason jar into a soap pump. Link My Home connects home owners globally to chat, share inspiration, and buy/sell - check it out.

Below is my post and DIY

Decorology DIY: Turn a Mason jar into a charming soap pump – A great Mother’s Day gift too!

via Country Living

I’m far from the first one to present this idea, but it’s really great and perhaps some of you out there have yet to discover it. All you need is a soap dispenser pump (reuse one from your last soap bottle or purchase one from a supplier like onedreamdesign.com), a mason jar, and the jar’s lid. It is also helpful to have a drill, as you will need to create a hole about half and inch wide to accommodate the soap pump. Other supplies you may want to have on hand include scissors, a marker to mark where you will drill the hole, and some 2 part epoxy to seal the cap of the soap pump to the jar of the lid.

(via Apartment Therapy)

Directions:

1. Use marker to measure and mark a circle in the lid of the mason jar the width of you soap dispenser pump
2. Drill hole where you marked in lid of mason jar
3. Mix epoxy and apply to the lower rim of the soap dispenser pump
4. Insert the pump dispenser through the jar lid (if the tube is too long for the jar, just snip it to size with some scissors)

5. Let the epoxy dry according to the instructions
7. Fill with your favorite liquid soap – and enjoy!

Here are some examples of what you can create:

(via Apartment Therapy)

If you don’t have a Mason jar they are pretty easy to find at thrift stores.

via Décor Chick

So cute right? I think I’ll be making a couple for my mom for Mother’s Day!

Read More

Just Because....

In my last post, I described how Lu's hectic schedule encouraged us to have a frank discussion about balancing the stress of work with the importance of our marriage. While I noted that the tables would turn in my direction at some point in the near future, I had no idea how near the future would be!

As much as I enjoy the life of a graduate student, I've realized that academia doesn't give me the structure and variety that I need to be personally-fulfilled. I decided to apply for a summer internship in the field of consulting with a top firm. This firm is known for its rigorous selection process, which includes four rounds: an application screening, a problem solving test and initial evaluation, a regional interview, and an office interview.

However, with me being on "academic time," I didn't realize how quickly this process happens. I submitted my application just over two weeks ago, I found out that I was moved to the next round last week, and I have to prepare for the test... in two days!

On top of that, this test is seemingly impossible to pass -- 26 questions in 60 minutes, many of them involving math and reasoning skills, plus reading charts, graphs, and case backgrounds. To add another piece to the puzzle, if I pass this part, then the next round of interviews involves business cases. I haven't even thought about cases in seven years!!

Okay, deep breath. The great news is that I have a ton of resources to help me out. The firm gives us a practice test and a coaching guide, Lu's best man also used to work at this firm, and I have friends in the business school who are familiar with doing cases and have great jobs lined up for them in consulting.

The not-so-great news is that this has been semi-overwhelming. I don't know where to start first and trying to do a little bit of everything is making my head spin, but in a good way -- if that makes sense. :-)

Well, yesterday morning Lu decided to go to school a bit later. We went to the gym, showered, had a nice breakfast together, and then I received a package in the mail... a surprise from Lu.

Lu has always been big on just because gifts -- flowers, candy, cards, etc. However, this gift blew everything out of the water. Lu literally gave me inspiration.

Each day, I can select one of 99 engraved bamboo sticks with quotes that are encouraging and inspirational.

Daily Inspiration

Today's quote?

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Ouch, but oh-so appropriate. This process might be hectic, but I believe in myself. If this the path God wants me to take, then I am not inferior. I will succeed.

Read More

Really fun and pretty gifts for everyone on your list - all on one site!

These are just a handful of the really cute and unique gifts you'll find on Swirl, a discount shopping site brought to you by the folks who run Daily Candy. If you aren't a member of Swirl, which is required to shop, this link will take you directly to the sign up page. Membership is free. Once you're signed up, click on the "Holiday Shop" tap on the top of the site next to the "Sale Events" tab. Happy Shopping!



This "bowl" and "pitcher " are so clever!

These cookie cutters are too cute.
chalkboard candle
Perfume in clever packaging
The sale features lots of pretty soap and bath stuff.
The above is felted soap. Has anyone tried this before? I'd like to know how it is.
Lots of boys' toys too.

This totem is actually a stack of little bowls!




Gifts for your cutie too
Lots of cool dishware and kitchen gadgets


Adornments for you and your loved ones beautiful selves.

Like what you see? There's lots more!

Here's the membership link for ya one more time - click here.

Read More