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For my holiday gift guide, I'm sharing my passion for everything green and in bloom. Here are some lovely items I've been eyeing that would make great gift for aspiring and seasoned gardeners alike.

1) For that person who has a cutting garden or stands for a good hour in front of the flower section at Whole Foods (you know who you are!), this gorgeous book will open the world of decorating possibilities.

2) I love this high contrast poster by Leah Duncan—a show stopper in any room.

3) Smudge Ink's floral mini calendar will help pass the cold winter months until spring. And did I mention succulents are in it?

4) Durable and water proof, not to mention very comfortable, Muck Boot Co. gardening shoes are my all-time favorite. 

5) Not only does this tall planter look good, its height also allows for maximum sunlight for all those sun-hungry plants out there (when you don't have a ledge or table near a window).

6) Spoil someone with luxurious hand cream. This one has a mild scent, and its moisturizing capabilities do the trick for me every winter.

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What? Holiday gift guides, already? Yes, because if you're like me, you do not want to relive the frantic last-minute search for gifts and stocking stuffers and the bad decisions that resulted. Knowing what to get is half the battle! So we're kicking off our Holiday Gift Guides series with my top picks for the dude in your life!

1) Gone are the days of the giant flip wallet that merely collects forgotten receipts, credit cards, and coupons. This slender and utilitarian wallet is basically the iPhone of the wallet world.

2) Celebrate the briskness of the season with a pair of semi-luxury sweatpants—perfect for general lounging, early morning front porch newspaper runs, and Sunday football watching.

3) And for all of your gift wrapping needs this holiday, please use Smudge Ink's both handsome and cozy plaid wrap.

4) Whether one grows a five o'clock shadow or full on beard, maintenance is still necessary. What better dude gift than a shaving set for the busy and/or lazy man in your life. Or better yet, how about one of these shave subscription plans?

5) Make sure your guy stays in style wherever he is headed with this waxed canvas dopp kit from Ball and Buck. Built to last many business trips, camping weekends, or gym sessions. 

6) Finally, dudes smell. And no dude wants a frilly candle. ILLUME's candles with warm gender neutral/masculine scents such as Wood Fire and Balsam and Cedar are the perfect balance between refined and rustic. 

And there you go—happy shopping!

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Have you ever been Boo-ed before? None of us had even heard about this until last October when Deb and her girls (who had just moved to a new hood) found an unexpected bundle of fun Halloween treats on their doorstep.

The tradition of Boo-ing is sort of like having a Secret Santa (or Secret Ghoul?). You surprise your neighbors and friends with a goody bag or basket that is anonymous and they in turn keep it going. Seeing how much the kids enjoy guessing who Boo-ed them and continuing the game, we designed free printable signs and tags that you’ll want to be sure to include in your secret delivery.

Download and print “You’ve Been Boo-ed” tags. These provide instructions on what to do now that it’s your turn to Boo.

Download and print “We’ve Been Boo-ed” sign. You’ll also want to include a “We’ve Been Boo-ed” sign that the family can put up on their window or door. This way people only deliver treats to those homes that haven't been surprised yet.

So what are you waiting for? BOO it forward!

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Summer is all about hanging out with friends as you enjoy good food and thirst-quenching drinks. An ice cold beer comes to mind as a nice way to beat the heat. It so happens that this Friday is International Beer Day (first Friday of every August), and I thought we would raise our glasses to everyone's favorite brews! One of us was even inspired to write a poem ...

MARGARET. Guinness. Tried and true. They even say it's good for you. Dark, bitter, creamy and sweet. Serve with an ice cream float for a special treat! 

SARAH. I'm a sucker for Sam Adams Cherry Wheat, which includes cherries and honey for a sweet and fruity taste. I was so struck by the flavor that I still remember the first time I tried it, while watching pre-season football in August 2003. After Bud Light Lime won a Bad Beer Tasting Party I attended, it has been a sentimental favorite, best when paired with enchiladas. But my favorite beer to pair with spicy food, or any food for that matter, is Negra Modelo, a Munich Dunkel Lager that my friends Claudia and Skip introduced me to one summer.

EMILY. Notch brews out of several different locations in New England, including Ipswich Ale Brewery. Their Session Pils is a czech style lager that is crisp and tasty. I like it because it is less bitter than some pilsners and more flavorful than your standard light, summer beer. Tastes good, isn't a snobby IPA, and sold across the street from my house. Hows that for some educated beer critique?! (Emily crushes it with the photo above.)

CLAYTON. A Session with Doctor Nandu by Aeronaut Brewery includes grapefruit notes and more than your average amount of hops for a typical American Pale Ale (closer to a mild IPA I might say). I also have to give a shout out Dust Bowl Brewing Company, a brewery close to my hometown. Therapist is an IPA that boasts extra hops, citrus flavors, and a hint of pine. The kicker: 10.4% alcohol! "Another beverage sir?" Response: "No, I think I'm all set for the next two hours. Thanks." Not sure what my top two favorite beers say about me really ... "A Session with Doctor Nandu" and "Therapist." Mildly concerning? 

KATE. I'm always open to trying new gluten free beers, but after 15 years of consistent exploration, Bard's is my overall favorite (shown above). It's tasty, goes well with pretty much anything, and let's be honest: I'm a sucker for good branding.

ZOÁRD. Okay, beer. One of my favorite beers for a long time now has been Berkshire Brewing Company's Steel Rail Pale Ale. It's best super fresh (I recommend a growler) and tastes like black iced tea. This PA's my summertime go-to.

SABRINA. Friends will attest that I am quite the lightweight when it comes to alcoholic beverages of all types. But I do enjoy beer. I'm just not a connoisseur by any means. My favorites are TsingTao, Sapporo and Kirin Ichiban mainly because of how often I go out for Chinese and Japanese food! I also eat tacos a lot which I quite enjoy with a Corona and lime.

DEB. My go-to is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. The other beer I like—probably because I used to live right around the corner—is pretty much anything that comes out of Trillium Brewery. The Fort Point and Congress Street Ales are my favorites. Some of their beer is bottled now, but I think most people still get their growlers filled right there. It’s very guy-wanting-to-talk-with-the-brewers-about-beer heavy, which usually means a long line. To top it off, I’ve found that one particular 6-year old girl doesn’t like the smell. So, leave yourself a little time and don’t bring a 6-year old with you to the brew house!

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On the 4th of July, is there anything more delicious (or American, really) than blueberry crisp? Add a “dollop” (love that word) of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and you’re in fruity-crispy heaven. I thought I would share a simple recipe that would be perfect for the upcoming holiday or any summer gathering really. I especially like this recipe because there are no fancy ingredients and you come out with a delicious crowd-pleaser with just 15 minutes of prep time (followed by 30 minutes of baking time). I love to bake but who wants to toil away in a hot kitchen while everyone else is kicking back and enjoying the day?

Download and print out the blueberry crisp recipe here. I’ve also included a blank printable recipe card for your own recipe keeping. Have a happy 4th of July, and GOOOO USA Women’s Soccer!

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