Mother’s Day is this weekend. Are you ready? Do you have something for your Mom that she will love? No worries if you don’t. I have put together a list of ideas that any cool Mom would love to get. Best of all, all of these items are available on Amazon and with Prime 2-day shipping you will have a day or two to spare.

If your Mom loves to ready but hasn’t pulled the trigger on an eReader yet get her the Kindle Paperwhite AND show her how to download ebooks from the library. Rock star status guaranteed.

This Stylish Tote is perfect for the Mom has to haul all her stuff around all the time.

A Lap desk is a necessity for Mom’s who write, edit, or love to spend time surfing.

A pretty notebook is ideal for the Mom who has great ideas bursting from her brain all the time. Help her upgrade from sticky notes and the back of receipts to a pretty place where all her thoughts can be captured in one place.

Unbreakable Insulated Wine Glasses. Duh, this is a no-brainer. You probably ought to order an extra set for yourself too.

Unicorn Pool Float is the ideal Mother’s Day gift. You know she would never splurge on this for herself but she is secretly hoping someone will gift it to her.

Facial sheet masks are all the rage right now. Have you tried them? No only do they leave your skin feeling incredible smooth and hydrated but they also have the added benefit of looking creepy enough on that everyone will leave Mom alone while she has one of these on. Win-win!

What have I missed? Let me know if you have other ideas for Mother’s Day gifts for hip Mom’s. I will add them to the list. If you are making brunch for Mom this weekend, here are a few recipes that you might want to consider.

• Bloody Marys for a Crowd
• Veggie Frittata
• Dutch Baby Pancake

This post contains affiliate links

I love giving the gift of books. Curling up with a books has always been my happy place. This is one trait that I am happy to have passed on to my daughter. Now, she is a librarian at New York Public Library (NYPL for those in the know).

I asked her to put together a list of recommended books for kids of all ages. Not only are books a gift that keeps on giving but they are also super easy to wrap. Ha! So, check out this list of NYPL librarian recommended books for kids of all ages on your list.

Ages 0-5

Edible Colors: See, Learn, Eat by Jennifer Vogel Bass
Sometimes broccoli is purple! Sometimes cherries are yellow! Learn about food and colors in this board book with gorgeous pictures of unusually colored foods.

Cozy Classics: Pride and Prejudice by Jack and Holman Wang
It’s never too early to start reading classics, according to the folks at Cozy Classics. These board books drill the plot of famous works like Pride and Prejudice down to one word per page next to adorable felt characters.

Round is a Tortilla by Roseanne Thong
Learn about the delicious ingredients found in Mexican cuisine while also reviewing shapes!

I Want To Be in a Scary Story
Little Monster wants this picture book to be a scary story…but not too scary of course.

Ages 5-13

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsberg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy
Learn about the importance of standing up for what you believe in while also learning about the childhood of RBG.

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Simi
A little unicorn raised by narwhals discovers that there are more creatures just like him on land. Is he a sea unicorn or a land narwhal?

Lumberjanes Vol 1-5 by Noelle Stevenson
It’s friendship to the max and girl power in this series about a freaky summer camp where things are just a bit odd: three-eyed foxes, yetis, and other mystical creatures roam the woods.

Booked by Kwame Alexander
The soccer enthusiast in your life will love this novel-in-verse about school and family struggles while trying to be the best out on the field.

Ages 13-19+

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This gritty drama has been at the top of the New York Time’s Best Seller list for months for a reason: timely and gut-wrenching it holds nothing back as Starr Carter explores questions about race relations in America today.

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus
The Breakfast Club meets murder in a thrilling novel of lies and secrets. Five students enter detention, only four are alive by the end. As they take turns telling the aftermath of the murder, it’s clear that each one has a secret to hide. But don’t forget, someone is lying.

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
A dark and twisted tale: each generation queen triplets are born, separated, and raised apart to hone their abilities. The queens will re-meet when they are 16: the last one alive gets the throne.

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
An unexpected romance blossoms when an Indian family traditional values collide with two teens’ aspirations.

Be sure to check out the Hello Fun Seekers Holiday Gift Guides for:

• Gifts for Coffee Snobs
• Gifts for Cooks

Hello friends! This post was written by my friend, Chris Millar, who is a coffee lover and was willing to share his expertise to assist us with holiday gift ideas for those hard to buy for coffee snobs. Enjoy!

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If you’re considering a coffee gift for someone, they likely fall into one of two categories; coffee appreciator or coffee snob. In each case, the trick is to learn about the recipient and their coffee habits. Why do they like coffee? Is it the caffeine? Is it the taste? Is it the ritual? How do they drink coffee? Keurig? Starbucks? Third wave café?

The coffee appreciator could benefit from almost everything on this list, while the coffee snob can be a much more challenging recipient of coffee-related gifts. The clearest path to success is to help augment their existing brewing process at home with good gear that works everywhere… at the office, traveling, camping, etc.

The Brewer

Everyone knows a French press will brew a better cup than Mr. Coffee. That’s fine, but most French presses are prone to breakage (I’m looking at you Bodum) and awful to clean up. Vacuum sealed water containers are all the rage these days, but this concept hasn’t filtered down to most coffee gadgets.

French Press

Thermos Vacuum Insulated Coffee Press

The best pure French press money can buy. It stays warm and won’t break due to its vacuum sealed construction.

Ideal recipient: Anyone with a glass French press, no press, or want an amazing secondary / travel brewer.
Size: 34oz
Price: $32

Press Plus

Espro Press

All the advantages of French press, and none of the dis-advantages. This will produce a cleaner cup than French press. It has a smaller serving size and upgraded looks.

Ideal recipient: The person who likes the idea of French press, but doesn’t like the downsides.
Size: 18oz
Price: $100

Quirky Press

AeroPress

The AeroPress is a little quirky, but can produce an incredible cup of coffee. It excels at making bad coffee taste decent due to its low brewing temperature.

Note: This advertises itself as an espresso maker. Without getting into the science, it is not.
Ideal recipient: Someone who wants a no-frills great cup of coffee and despises the clean-up of French press.
Size: 8oz
Price: $30

Siphon

Hario Technica 5-Cup Coffee Syphon

The absolute fussiest way to make coffee. This will bring out the very best from a coffee.

Ideal recipient: The snob who has everything (but not this).
Size: 20oz
Price: $70

The Grinder

Grinding just before brewing is a critical step in great coffee making. This can be compared to buying pre-ground black pepper vs fresh ground black pepper. Most grinders are actually choppers, and they pulverize coffee to create a bitter cup. A good ceramic burr grinder produces an even grind and can be found at shockingly affordable prices.

Manual

Manual Ceramic Burr Grinder

If it plugs into a wall, it won’t be better than this until you get into the $150 range. This is not only one of the best grinders around, but it’s also hand powered so it’s amazing for camping. I love the idea of getting this for someone who may have a lesser electric grinder at home, but may want that really good cup on the weekend with just a little bit more work.

Ideal recipient: Someone who never wants to compromise even while on the go. Someone who needs a second good grinder. Someone who loves the ritual of making coffee.

Price: $14.99

Plug In

Baratza Encore

The Encore is consistently ranked the best value in high-end grinders. It’s got everything one would need, and nothing they don’t; ceramic burrs, timer, and proven longevity.

Ideal recipient: Someone who’s starting to flirt with the idea of coffee better than bulk Costco coffee.

Price: $140.00

Espresso

Baratza Vario

The Vario is the gold standard of home grinders. Even the Encore above will struggle with producing a grind fine enough for espresso. This can do it all.

Ideal recipient: Someone who plans on going off the deep end into the high end coffee world.

Price: $480.00

The Coffee

Buying coffee for a coffee snob should be done with extreme caution. It’s like trying to pick out knives for a cook. It’s well-intentioned, but can end up being thrown away or never used. If you’re thinking of grinding before giving, skip this section completely. No one wants (or should want) pre-ground coffee.

Entry Level

Winco Single Origin Organic Light Roast

If you’re lucky enough to live in the Pacific Northwest, you can get it locally. You can order online if you’re not. Make your own container (think Mason jar + label), and throw this stuff out like candy to your closest friends and family.

Ideal recipient: The Costco bulk coffee lover. The caffeine lover. Someone who could use a change of pace from their normal coffee routine.

Price: $6 / LB

Next Level

Blue Bottle Coffee Subscription

It’s a small investment, but a 3 month coffee subscription shows someone you love them.

Ideal recipient: Someone who will appreciate nice coffee, but isn’t too snobby.

Price: $15 / LB per month

Ultimate

Heart Roaster Coffee Subscription

The pinnacle of coffee subscriptions. Even the most discerning coffee drinker will appreciate this coffee coming into their house regularly.

Ideal recipient: Someone you want to make love to.

Price: $23.50 / LB per month

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Thanks so much, Chris! I have added a few of these items to my holiday wish list this year. Coffee lovers, what are your favorite coffee related gifts to give or receive?

Note: This post contains affiliate links. 

Happy holidays! I don’t know about you but I am most definitely not a get up early, fight the crowds, Black Friday kind of shopper. For me, I prefer to sit on my comfy couch, with a cup of coffee and my laptop to make a dent in my holiday shopping list. For more on how I keep track of my shopping list, check out this post.

You know who these people are on your list. They always know the best places to eat, they subscribe to multiple food magazines, and would rather be in the kitchen than pretty much anywhere. Food is love for these folks. Food is love, people.

Here are few gift ideas than any foodie would love to find under the tree. Or, maybe you are like me (not much of a shopper) and you tend to buy things for yourself during the holidays when you are shopping for others. Whether you are buying for someone on your list or yourself, here are few of my favorite kitchen essentials.

Instant Pot

The gift that is on everyone’s wish list. If you have one you know how fanatical devotees are, if you don’t have one, take it from me, the Instant Pot is a game-changer.

Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer

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OXO Good Grips Mandoline

The tool that makes slicing pretty much anything a breeze. I love to slice veggies paper thin. You can take credit for your incredible knife work, no one will be the wiser.

OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer

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Enameled Dutch Oven

If the fancy French brand is out of your budget, this enameled cast iron Dutch oven by Lodge is a great alternative. I have one of these and use it several times a week.

Lodge EC6D43 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Island Spice Red

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Cast Iron Skillet

I was SO hesitant about investing in a cast iron pan, I held out for years because I was intimidated by the care and upkeep. But, once I got one and started using it, there was no looking back. I love my cast iron pan and with a little bit of tender loving care it keeps getting better with age.

Lodge L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet

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Immersion blender

The ultimate soup-maker! I use this immersion blender every single weekend while making a pot of soup. It does a great job blending and it so much easier to clean than a blender.

Cuisinart CSB-75BC Smart Stick 200 Watt 2 Speed Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome

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Baking Sheets

Every cook needs at least a few of these baking sheets. These heavy-duty baking sheets help ensure even cooking whether you are roasting veggies or baking cookies.

Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet

Are there any kitchen tools that you are hoping to find under the tree this holiday season? If so, let me know in the comments below.

Note: This post contains affiliate links

My friend Courtney is back with another rump-shaking Spotify playlist. Court is a University of Utah football fan through and through. One of the many things that I love about her is that saw a need in her tailgating group and took action which she explains below.

If anyone can rise to the challenge of creating a Spotify playlist that meets the musical needs for a multi-generational crowd, Courtney is the one. So, get your tailgating food packed up and bring along a portable speaker so you and your tailgating crew can enjoy the pre-party before the big game.

 

I’ve been tailgating and attending football games with the same group since 2008 (Sugar Bowl Championship year!) They were tailgating together for years before I joined them. Up until a couple of seasons ago, it was a pretty dialed in operation, with the exception of one thing: the music.

Our group ranges from Baby Boomers to Gen Zers. Every time someone tried to play music, someone else would be complaining, “what is this?? It’s terrible!” And it usually was. I knew I had to do something, but was I up to the challenge? Putting together a playlist that all of these people with varying musical tastes could enjoy for hours?

I wasn’t sure, but Coach Whitt gave me a great pep talk (in my mind) “EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT! LEAVE NOTHING IN THE TANK! IT’S RIGHT THERE FOR THE TAKING! GO TAKE IT!”

OK, coach!

The Music in the Tailgating Playlist

What I came up with includes gems for the Baby Boomers by Paul Simon, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, and Elton John. For the Gen Xers we’ve got stuff by Modest Mouse, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Beastie Boys. For the Millennials I added The Black Keys, The White Stripes, Amy Winehouse, and Beyoncé. And for our Gen Zers, we’ve got songs by Lorde, Imagine Dragons, Alabama Shakes, and Alt-J. On top of those, I added songs sure to pump you up for the big game like Spoon’s “The Underdog” and DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win.”

Now instead of complaining, we bop our heads up and down while we pile up our plates, shake our hips while we play holy board, dance while we top off our drinks, and tap our feet while we discuss our team’s #throwgame, and whether or not this year, our new offensive coordinator can improve our production.

VICTORY!

It is a true crowd-pleaser with songs sure to get you ready for the big game. I hope you and your tailgating group enjoy! Go Utes!!

Be sure to check out Courtney’s other playlists

• Summer in the Country (A Gardening Playlist)
• Brand New Day Playlist
• Road Trip Playlist

Isn’t summer a glorious thing? A friend brought me a grocery sack full of apricots from her Grandmother’s tree today. I adore summer for many reasons but one of the things that I love most is that food is growing all around. From this bounty, you barely have to cook a thing. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a treat right off the tree, vine, or plant. I haven’t decided what I will do with those apricots besides eat them right out of the bowl but you will be the first know when I decide.

For the second year in a row, my herb garden is a splendid thing of basil-making beauty. I am about to go on a pesto-making binge. Last summer I made tons of pesto. I froze it in ice cube trays and we enjoyed that summer fresh taste of basil all year long. I think I only have one or two cubes left in the freezer.

Summer in the Country Spotify Playlist

Whether you consider gardening a pleasure or a chore, or maybe you just need some fresh tunes to listen to while you mow your lawn, my friend Courtney is back with another fabulous Spotify playlist called ‘Summer in the Country’.

Making playlists on Spotify is something I love to do. I have playlists for different seasons, moods, and activities. I’ll spotlight some of them here on Hello Fun Seekers playlist series. I hope you enjoy!

Last night we had pork for supper

Today’ll be chicken consomme

And a fruit jar full of iced tea

On a long hot summer day

For every day I work on the Illinois River

Get a half a day off with pay

On a tow boat pickin up barges

On a long hot summer day

-Sara Watkins

This playlist is perfect for those long hot days working outside in your garden or yard. I love this playlist so much that I look forward to mowing the lawn and weeding the garden just so I can spend some time with these tunes on my headphones.

It starts out with Sara Watkins’ beautiful voice and fiddle playing “Long Hot Summer Days.” Her voice just sounds like summer to me. Next we have Valerie June singing “Workin’ Woman Blues”, then Brown Bird’s “Fingers to the Bone.” There are a few songs from Old Crow Medicine Show’s album Remedy, as well as songs by Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and of course, Willie Nelson.

I’ve also put in a couple of fiddle solos by Sara Watkins and the song “Be My Husband” by her group called I’m With Her. There are a lot of pistols, criminals, and vigilante justice in this country playlist and it ends violently with Ruby Friedman Orchestra’s “I’m Not Your Friend” which is just so good.

Get your gardening gloves, a fruit jar full of iced tea, and get to work! Hope you enjoy!

Be sure to check out some of Courtney’s other Spotify playlists:

• Brand New Day
• Spring Break
• Road Trip