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If you want to be the favorite around the family, at least in the eyes of the children, below are the list of extravagant gifts that will ensure that you and your wallet will hold a dear spot for the child in your life. While mostly electronic gifts there are some good pieces of inspiration in the list below. If you are looking for less tech-forward gifts, feel free to check out my other lists that are more about giving experiences, rather than items (even if they are really, really cool).

As a mom who has watched her kids flourish in a Montessori environment, I have curated this list of the best games, toys and kits to help your kiddo learn and grow while having the most fun. This list is specific for 2-5 year olds, and they don't need to have any previous knowledge or understanding of Montessori. To them, this is just play, to us, as caregivers, its helping them build resiliency, creativity, and problem solving.

This is going to be a doozy, but its worth it. So I have been able to achieve and maintain my glass skin by using the following products - but i use them in a specific order! If you are wanting to try new things, or take the plunge to follow my routine - buckle up baby! Skin Cycling - I use different products on different nights to make sure that my skin can be exfoliated, treated and protected. AM routine with skin cycling will always be the same - a gentle cleanser, toner, serum, vitamin C, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Night 1 will be treating your skin. I do this using a tretinoin product, but slow and steady is the way to go. You do not want to go heavy with this - you may go through a ‘purge’ or get dry flakey patches, if you rush this step. Your night one care will be a make up removal, oil cleanser, toner, serum, TREATMENT, moisturizer. Night 2 will focus on exfoliation. You will use an exfoliating cleanser - either a chemical exfoliator or a manual one, depending upon where you are in experience. Your order of operations will be: make up remover, exfoliating treatment (if you are ready for it) - either a lactic acid or AHA/BHA peel, oil cleanse, toner, serum, moisturizers. Night 3 will be recovery and protection. You have wiped the slate clean, as it were with treating and exfoliating, now its time to protect your skin barrier. Make up removal, oil cleanse, serum, moisturizers and lastly - diaper cream. Yup, you read that correctly - diaper cream. It is thick, great on delicate skin and the zinc oxide will help form a barrier on your skin to lock all your products in, while helping calm any irritations. Feel free to drop me a line or find me on socials if you start using any of my favorites - I love making new friends who are also into self-care and skin care!

I am a huge proponent in gifting children, teens especially experiences instead of one-time things. People need less “stuff” and more memories. The list below is how to accomplish that and look like a hero, and even the most judgmental teen won't roll their eyes at these ideas.

Gifting experiences rather than physical toys is a way to get kids to keep memories and is always perfect for the minimalist family in your life. Whether its a membership to a local favorite spot, or a subscription box there are so many options out there for Tweens to not just get gift cards and videos games.

Whether looking to up your tea game, impress a British date, or get a gift for a connoisseur this list has everything could you imagine, and more for that American Tea lover (or Brit away from home).

I have been on this planet for 40+ years, and in that time I have found that there are 3 camps for those who are interested in Fall activities - Apple people, and Pumpkin people, and then there are SPOOKY SEASON IS EVERYTHING people. Where do you fall? (get it? fall? … autumn? nvm…) Here is my list for activities for everyone in the Twin Cities for fall!

As a former fat kid from the East Coast, I feel uniquely qualified to offer my favorite restaurants around the Twin Cities. Please comment and let me know if I missed a genre or restaurant! I am always looking to try new spots! Check out my descriptions to see my vibe checks of the places and my favorite things on the menus. Enjoy and thank you for visiting the Twin Cities, I hope we have been able to share just how special this area is.

As a Spoonie myself, sometimes there are things that could make my lift better and that would love to receive as gifts. Also, sometimes gifting things to Chronically Ill folks can be tough - you don't want to make them feel less-than, or that your gift is insensitive. With that, some of these gifts can come across as fairly intimate, so be sure to know your audience when proceeding. That being said, I would love to receive any of these!

If you have a kiddo with sensory issues, neuro-atypical, or on the spectrum it gets so easy to get them another game or device when looking for gifts. Here is a list of gifts that aren't just another screen; however, reminder that gifts of experiences are always valid and appreciated. Maybe there is a play, aquarium or museum pass that would the child or teen would love. As always, please check with parents first when gifting things to kiddos on the spectrum for safety tips, and have fun!!

When building out a Coffee bar for your home it can be somewhat challenging and finding a starting part is sometimes the hardest part. This list will assist in ensuring that you have everything you need to get started making cafe-quality lattes from your home.