Tag: gift

Small Things (tech, fashion, beauty, accessories and more!)

Published on by BriAlys

I am not a fan of large things: from pieces of meat (i.e. steak) to handbags to jewelry, large (desktop) computers, bottles of lotion, you name it. Yes, I know that in most some cases you get a better “value” by purchasing things in the larger size or in bulk as we like to call it – I just tend to not do that. Particularly when it comes to beauty, my Small Things approach allows me to “cycle trough” products faster and try new things more frequently (fun!) without becoming a hoarder! When you purchase the big/value size you are locked in for what feels like forever!!!! 😩 The smaller version also makes for easier travel – you don’t have to spend time figuring out “what fits” in this bag or what fits in that bag, you can just take everything! One other factor that has recently become a bigger influence in my purchasing decision is packaging. For example, beauty products with no pump, spray or that doesn’t come in a tube? Count me out!

This post features a few of my favorite Small Things in tech, fashion, beauty, accessories and more! Some items I own and a few are on my *wish list. Most are also great ideas for Mother’s Day. 🌸 Enjoy!

 

Compact mirror – Yes, darling! A super cute item to splurge on. Keep it in your purse or give it as a gift!

 

 

 

 

 

Key pouch – This is my wallet… really! Why carry around 10 or 20 cards everyday?? On a typical day I only need 3 cards (ID, credit card, insurance card) and they all fit comfortably in this pouch with room to spare. Hook this to my keys and I’m out the door! Need to add cash? Also no problem. (I do own one regular-size wallet but I rarely use it!) #downsize

 

 

 

 

 

Hand cream and hand sanitizer in the smallest sizes available. OK, this one is really a twofer; but, they go hand in hand (get it? ha!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TSA Approved Quart Size Bag. Great for short weekend trips home or take it with you to the beach!

 

 

 

 

 

Bluetooth Speaker – Compact,  cute and the sound is good enough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyday Handbag: LOVE! Do I have larger handbags? Yes (a couple)! BUT if I’m not traveling or going to work this beauty will likely be at my side.

 

 

 

 

*Jewelry case. How much jewelry do you own? (I’ll wait…….) How many pieces do you consider to be staples, meaning pieces you wear regularly…. 🤔 For me, it’s 2-3 rings, a couple of bracelets, 2 pairs of earring studs (pearl, *diamond) and 1-2 necklaces, that’s it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laptop – Small, portable, gorgeous! Get rid of your dinosaur and DOWNSIZE!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Moisturizing cream (night time only) – This is 1 of 2 of my pot-type exceptions for packaging; but, I do always buy the 0.5 ounce size for maximum freshness. This is one of very few exceptions for me when it comes to packaging, thanks to these mini disposable spatulas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch box. The perfect size, easy to clean and also includes a fork, knife and spoon. Plus it looks cooler than the typical tupperware 😬

Bri’s Favorite Things 2016

Published on by BriAlys

So, beautiful people… it’s time for Bri’s Favorite Things 2016! Looking over my list, I can truly say that ACCESSORIES definitely stole the year! If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you already know the deal:

  1. Shopping is easy when you buy the things you love for the people you love
  2. I only recommend things I’ve actually purchased for myself ❤️❤️❤️

There are more than twenty-five items this year!!! 😳 All super fabulous, of course. ☺️ If you’re a guy and need ideas for your gal, this list is for you! If you’re a girl shopping for your mom, sister, neice, cousin, BFF (or for yourself 😉), this list is also for you!

Enjoy!!!

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Louis Vuitton Large Ring Agenda Cover, Michael Kors Jeweled Keaton Slip-On Sneaker,   J. Crew Tippi Sweater, Pandora Shimmering Rose Earrings, Louis Vuitton Pochette Felicie, Philosophy Just Release Me Makeup Remover, The New Jim Crow, Kenneth Cole Nap Pillow, Cole Haan Tali Bow Flat, Gucci Soho Discho Handbag, Chanel No 5 Eau de Toilette Spray, Ralph Lauren Slipper Bootie, EllandEmm Vogue Sweatshirt, Louis Vuitton Key Pouch, Pandora Alluring Brilliant Ring, Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Pouch, Sticky Notes (Fancy, Marble), Banana Republic Moonless Night Long-Sleeve Cozy Top, Neutral T-Shirt, Nike Free RN Running Shoe, Nike Featherlight Baseball Cap, 50 for Your Future, Solange A Seat At The Table

See Also: Bri’s Favorite Things 2015, 2014, 2013

Mixtape for Netflix

Published on by BriAlys

It’s July and I already have the perfect low-cost, tech-savvy gift idea for teens, adults and everyone in between! The gift idea comes courtesy of Netflix.

Flixtape is a short playlist of Netflix titles based around a theme, a mood, or message. It’s like a mixtape, but for Netflix! If you’re a fan of a few shows you think your pal would like, create a Flixtape and share it with your bestie! No shipping is required AND you can gift the SAME Flixtape to multiple people. How cool is that? If you need some inspiration for what to include, use Bri’s Commandments and Google “best netflix series”. Here’s what my search results turned up:

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I can tell you straight away that I’m all over the first two series shown above: Orange is the New Black and House of Cards. In fact, I only spend $20 on Netflix per year. That gets me 2 months of viewing (the subscription costs $9.99 per month). When new seasons of OITB or HOC come out, I simply buy a month, binge watch the episodes and use the remaining time to catch up on anything else that has caught my eye. #dontjudgeme You can also view new Titles on Netflix here.

NOW, BACK TO MY FABULOUS GIFT IDEA. All that is required is a Netflix subscription and a little elbow finger grease to set up the playlist flixtape. If you purchase a $30 subscription your pal will get 3 months free. It’s the gift that keeps on giving long after the holidays! You can also EMAIL the subscription the day of! This is absolutely perfect for me because I’m thinking about taking a Christmas vacation this year. Oh, and while we’re on the subject of gifting via email you can also apply the same concept to music with Spotify (my fav) and Apple Music.

#giftcardsgonewild #everybodygetsgiftcardsthisyear #happyegifting

BONUS: For tips on how to find the best Spotify playlists, click here

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Favorite Things 2015

Published on by BriAlys

It’s time! For the 3rd year in a row, I’m sharing my favorite gift ideas for 2015 – all of which are things I have purchased for myself this year (why give someone something you wouldn’t want??!) Whether it’s your mom, girlfriend, sister or maybe a special treat for yourself, these gifts will certainly make a splash!! Enjoy and Happy shopping!!! See also 2014, 2013

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Pandora Ring, Gucci Nail Polish in absolute purple, Fossil Watch, Sole Society Duffel/Weekend Bag, Converse, MCM Reversible Tote, Gucci Bree Wallet, Kate Spade Ring Dish, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Parfum, Astrology Cosmetic Pouch, Tom Ford Concealing Pen, Cara Beanie, Burberry Merino Scarf

Smart Watch: Top Tech Gift 2013

Published on by BriAlys

imwatchChristmas is next month and I’m declaring Smart Watches as THE best Gift for Techies in 2013. People who are ready to embark on this journey, are what Marketers like to call Early Adopters. Because the product is so new, you should expect some glitches. You should also know that these watches will be expensive but let’s face it, (just like the first flat screen TV’s that hit the market) many of us have easily spent $250+ for a fancy new watch, like this popular one by Michael Kors.

Other than being a trendsetter or being addicted to gadgets, this list from Lifehacker shares some common reasons why someone may want to get one of these watches: 1) You want notifications but you don’t want to spend tons of time on your phone, 2) You want a timepiece that actually does something without paying much more for it and 3) You want a watch you can upgrade and customize.

Surprisingly, I was not able to find a comparison of features on a site such as Mashable, so I created my own using reviews from sites such as ReadWrite, Independent.co.uk and CNET as a cross-reference to see which watches were common. The top 5 were, in no particular order: Samsung, Pebble,  Sony, Meta and I’m Watch.

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To make a long story short: color display, USB charging and compatibility are my CTQs. Why? (Despite the face that it’s 2013 and nothing should be in B&W) I travel a lot and can not imagine bringing along another cable or battery, no matter how small. And technology is all about connectivity – having a smart watch that does not work with my #1 gadget, Samsung Galaxy S3, is just not an option. That knocks out all the competition except I’m Watch. To be honest, at first glance, this is the watch I would have chosen because of it’s “cool factor”.  But now, after comparing the specs and aligning them with my needs, I can, with a little more confidence, say this the one for more to try. Plus, the watch is made in Italy and I just left Rome 2 weeks ago! (That’s a reason, right?!) So just in time for my birthday and the holidays, I’m Watch is the #1 tech gadget I’m excite about this year. (somebody cue my husband). This watch is very stylish and I’m already pondering color choices!

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