Gift Guide for Girlfriends

You'd think that women are easy to shop for, with an abundance of pretty trinkets, jewelry, clothing and the like available in stores. Sometimes coming up with a well thought out gift is not so easy, though. I've put together a little gift guide for girlfriends -- your closest friends who each have their own amazing personality and style.

Why the gift guide? This week, Chicago bloggers Danielle of Breakfast at Toast and Sarah of Walking Around Where the Sidewalk Begins have been celebrating their birthdays in style with a series of fun, sparkly, and festive birthday themed posts. Today, a couple of other bloggers are also posting gift guides to add to the fun. Be sure to visit Danielle's blog and Sarah's blog to say Happy Birthday and to find links to other great gift guides. Enjoy the celebration!

1. For the girly-girl:  a pretty bow-accented bracelet from Kate Spade

2. For the friend that likes to be pampered:  lavender sea salt soak and milk & honey soap from Terrain

3. For the girl who likes to lounge:  comfy striped lounge pants from J.Crew

4. For the foodie friend:  a recipe journal to record favorite finds and tastings from Anthropologie

5. For the friend with the best wardrobe:  a lovely bow belt from Zara

6. For the ever-friendly hostess:  lacquered serving tray from West Elm

7. For the jet-setter:  a pretty wrap to keep warm & chic while traveling from Anthropologie

Currently Loving... U & Me Pillow

This darling pillow immediately caught my eye when I spotted it on Etsy’s homepage. What a sweet Valentine’s Day or anniversary or “just because I love you” gift!

2011 Calendars from Etsy

These 2011 calendars, all from Etsy, make my heart flutter. They would make lovely holiday gifts, too!

Via Etsy seller michelle smith

Via Etsy seller EDUBARBA collages & prints

Via Etsy seller salix studio

Stately Gifts

These state-inspired gifts are perfect for loved ones that have moved, or just have a lot of hometown pride. I'm totally crushing on the pillows (especially Michigan)!

DE pendant, MT key hooks, CA stamp, FL letterpress print, TX needlepoint, MI pillow

Cozy Cap Creations Giveaway

My dear friend Kristin is the owner and creator of Cozy Cap Creations. This mama of a sweet two year old girl and darling seven month old twins (a girl and a boy) keeps her hands busy creating custom made caps from soft chunky yarn. Her caps are available in lots of pretty colors, and most cap designs can be created in any size -- newborn, toddler, child or adult! How adorable is that little cap with teddy bear ears? These caps would make wonderful holiday gifts, don’t you think?

Just in time for the cold winter months and upcoming holidays, Cozy Cap Creations and Darling Notes have teamed up to bring you a fantastic giveaway. One lucky winner will be able to choose the Cozy Cap of their choice, in the colors of their choice! The cap will be custom made in any size you choose. Enter to win a cap for yourself, for your little babe, or to give as a gift. You have 5 (that’s right, 5!) chances to win:

1. Become a fan of Cozy Cap Creations on Facebook. If you already are, that’s perfect – leave a comment!
2. Become a follower of Darling Notes. If you already follow, thank you – let me know by leaving a comment!
3. Become a fan of Darling Notes on Facebook. Leave a comment saying you are!
4. Head on over to the Cozy Cap Creations Etsy shop and then leave a comment saying which cap and which colors you’d choose if you win!
5. Blog, tweet or Facebook about this giveaway. Leave a comment!

Please remember to leave a separate comment for each entry! The contest ends at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 30th, and a winner will be randomly selected and announced Saturday evening. Good luck!

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for playing!