Favorite 5 Gifts: Bestie Edition

You will notice I don't do a lot of gift guides here because I'm generally just as confused as to what to give as anyone.  I really aim to find the perfect gift - something the recipient desperately would want but would not buy themselves because they have no idea it exists.  Yep, pretty impossible and I often end up spinning my wheels.  So I've taken a different tact this year by noting some great gifts all year long that I can drawn on come Christmas shopping.




This is my top 5 gifts for your best girlfriends at all different price points.  I either have given these as gifts (more than once) or given them to myself so I can be sure they are scores.

Retro Rolling Suitcase: Looks like its straight out of the golden age of travel but has the modern convenience of being a spinner suitcase (The best for rolling through airports as far as I'm concerned. Fight me!). This is definitely a generous gift but the kind of thing that is a real treat for your bestie with the wanderlust.

Washi Tape + Bullet Journal: For your stationery loving friend, a rainbow of tape and fresh journal is sure to delight them for a grand total of $20. You can't go wrong.  The tape is also wonderful for your super organized friends that love to label everything!

Sorel Winter Boots:  Okay I've wandered back into expensive territory again but I promise you that this is something every women in cold weather climates need to own.  I waited years to invest in a decent pair of snow boots and I honestly could kick myself for wasting all those years with frozen wet feet.  Do your friend or yourself a favor and get these boots before you freeze your toes off again.

Statement Necklace: Need a fun inexpensive gift for your friend that enjoys extra bling or something for the white elephant exchange? This $10 cutie is just the thing. It has a nice heavy weight to it and makes a great addition to even the most plain tshirt and jeans.

Reversible Tote Bag: What woman doesn't need a simple but quality bag to cart around stylishly?  This tote bag comes in a variety of colors to suit and is a steal at $23.  I've given several of these out and often carry one myself. Don't tell anyone but my secret santa is getting one of these too.

That's it.  Five of my favorite gifts for your girlfriends.  I hope I've sparked some gift giving inspiration just in time to get your post holiday shopping gear into mode.  If you get any of these or have your own favorite finds to add, please let me know.

Ten pillows for under $10

While I'm all for investing in quality pieces, sometimes you just need a fun little splurge that won't break the bank.  I keep a running list of all of my favorites and I realized I might have a thing for pillows. Since there are only so many pillows I can reasonably fit on my couch, might as well share.

With that in mind, here are 10 pillow covers for $10 (or less!).

From top left to bottom right:  

Linen Triangles | Swiss cross | LO VE | Watercolor chevron | Faux Fur | Retro camera | World Map | Always Be Yourself | Canvas Boho 

Aren't these fun? Most get great reviews and the prices can't be beat. Let me know if you grabbed one!




Disclosure: The links above are affiliate ads.  I will receive a small commission from the seller if you purchase.  Thanks for supporting Brooklyn Limestone.

10 Things Every Homeowner Needs Now

This post has been running through my head for a while now...every since I shared my go to housewarming toolbox gift.  It seemed to me that it took me quite a while to learn just exactly what type of practical items were truly useful for me as a homeowner so it seemed something worth discussing.  So here is my list of top 10 practical items I think are must haves.  What do you think? What items would you add to the pile? take away?

1. A long tape measure - even if your house isn't that large, you will need one of these eventually. Obviously you can use it for smaller projects too.  While you are at it, get 10 more cheapo tape measures in all sizes. Like socks, these things have a tendency to grow legs and run away.
2. Cup Hooks - This one might seem like an odd must have but I will tell you that I bought a 100 pack ages ago and I have used them so often I had to buy more. They are cheap and super easy to install with a twist, you can't go wrong having them around.  Eye hooks are pretty awesome too.
3. Cheapo paintbrushes - even if you don't have big painting plans in store, having a little cache of these babies is always a smart idea. You'll need better paint brushes for larger DIY projects but I never seem to have enough throw away brushes to find one when I need one.
4. Toolbox - Having something bright and stored in the same place everyday will save you endless hours of hunting.  Trust me. You'll be thanking me for this one.  If you want something a bit fancier, this one is pretty cool.
5. Ratchet Convertible Screwdriver - I'm a bit embarrassed to say I only learned about this tool's existence a few years ago.  If you ever have to put together Ikea furniture, this thing is worth it's weight in gold. You're welcome!
6. Metal Bucket - This one is probably a surprise but stick with me.  Aside from it's very utilitarian uses (mopping, catching leaks, etc) you can also use these in more fun ways like serving crabs, a quick and dirty beverage cooler and a flower vase.  Get a few in different sizes.  So worth it.
7. Small Hammer/Screwdriver Kit - This pretty little set can sit in a kitchen drawer and save you from pulling out the big guns when you have a small job like replacing batteries or hanging a nail for a photo.  I live by the motto that I can never have enough screwdrivers and it seems to work for me.
8. Magic Erasers - I don't use the term "magic" losely but these are the real deal.  They have saved me many a paint touch up, cleaned rust stains from marble and wiped crayon from a painted surface. Get em.
9. Kraft Paper - You already know I love this stuff. Aside from using it as paper for crafting, it makes a great table runner, covers floors and windows if you need to protect them, and makes a great space for coloring and beautiful gift wrap.  I have several roles in a variety of widths. Check out my hanging kraft paper hanging roll as an example.
10. Canvas Drop Cloths - Ok so the plastic ones are cheaper - I'll give you that.  But you can reuse the canvas ones over and over.  Plus they don't flap up as easily in the wind (if you're an outdoor painter like me, thats a big plus!).  Added bonus - you can even make whimsical window treatments with them!

So there you have it.  My top 10 list that took me far longer to make than any normal person should spend on a blog list.  What do you think?

Favorite Things Gift Guide: Mother's Day Edition

If you take a peek at your calendars, you'll notice Mother's Day is just around the corner.  So what better time for a gift guide inspired by some of the most stylish bloggers out there?  Simply choose your mom's favorite room of the house and you'll find several wonderful gift ideas! The Blogger's Favorite Edition - Mother's Day edition is now ready for your viewing pleasure.

Click here to download and click onto any item to learn more about each selection.


The gifts inside were hand selected as part of the Bloggers' Favorite Things exchange that has been keeping my mailbox extra exciting these last few weeks. In addition to these wonderful blogger participants...

Rambling Renovators  /  Making it Lovely

Centsational Girl  / 6th Street Design School   /  House*Tweaking

Copy Cat Chic  / Danielle Oakey  /  Hi Sugarplum  / Freckles Chick

A Thoughtful Place  /  Just Bella   /  North Story

... we also asked a few of our favorite brands to share their favorite things with all of us.  Let's just say all of us mothers have been celebrating our day early!

Wrist Soiree / The Company Store 
Delta Faucets  / Minted / Schoolhouse Electric 
Home Decorators / The NY Times Store

A big thanks to everyone for playing along!

So what are you waiting for? Start flipping through -  its chock full of inspiration for Mother's Day or just shopping in general.  Enjoy!