My Favorite Gifts for Foodies, Moms, and Bloggers (Updated)

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​Since I am a foodie mom blogger, I thought I would share my favorite gifts for foodies, moms, and bloggers just in time for the Christmas season.  I actually wrote this post last year, but thought I would update with a few new favorites.  

First, let me tell you about my favorite jeans.  Every mom needs a great pair of comfy and fashionable jeans that she can dress up or down and wear almost anywhere.  Last year I wrote a review for prAna Kara jeans and they are still my favorite jeans.  In fact, I am wearing them now.  In addition to these jeans being super comfortable and cute, they are also made with organic cotton and they are fair trade.  My only complaint about these jeans is that I have to wear longer shirts because they are lower waisted.  A reader commented on my post that I should try the Kayla jean which is the same jean, but with a higher rise. I think my next pair will be the Kayla jean.   

(2018 Update) I got the Kayla jeans for Christmas last year and LOVE them!  I wear them all the time and they have replaced the Kara jean as my favorite.  I prefer the higher waist of the Kayla jeans.  I got them in tall and wear them with a small roll up at the ankle since they are so long.  My next pair will probably be Kayla jeans in regular length to wear for a cropped summer look.  These are the most comfortable and stylish jeans I own.  

Since we are still talking clothes, I'll share another favorite.  I love love love my Pact Organic hoodie.  I wear it all the time.  This was also a blog review favorite from the past year.  Soooooo comfy and cute! They actually have a really good sale going on at their website today.  Use code MONDAY to save 20%.  (today only) My husband reviewed their underwear for my post and he now calls them his favorite underwear.  This would be a great stocking stuffer idea as they are a really good deal right now.  I have Pact organic underwear and socks too and have to say they are so incredibly soft and comfy.  

I don't actually have any of these yet, but see everyone wearing these cute little boots and think I am finally ready for this fashion trend.  I know they have been around awhile and I am slow to adopt trends, but I am a practical mom so that's how it goes.  Anyway, I think the practical, but fashionable woman in your life would love a great pair of booties.  Update: So I still haven't taken this fashion trend on, but think it is time (as long as my ankles don't get too cold LOL).

I've got one more fashion related item and it's actually makeup.   Three years ago, I had my 20 year high school reunion.  I decided it was time for a great under-eye concealer.  I walked into a Sephora store and asked for help.  I came out with the most amazing concealer I have ever used.  It is Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in light vanilla.  It is on the pricier side, but lasts a long time.  I am only on my second tube in 3 years.  I asked for this one for Christmas last year and this tube will probably last me another year with almost daily use.  I do use a small brush to apply it which was recommended by the Sephora lady.  My sister did a blind test with my concealer and her own and my mom, my other sister, and myself all thought she looked younger using my Nars concealer.  

​Update:  I am just about ready to replace my concealer as it is about time, but I am planning on trying the same concealer in a slightly more concentrated formula.  My sister tried it and loves it and since these old eyes really need their concealer, I am going to try it.  It's the same brand, but a thicker formula.  I'll ask her which one and add the link below.  

Now for some foodie gifts.  

We'll start with the instant pot craze that is all over the blogesphere.  I don't actually have one of these yet, but will probably get one at some point.  As much as I love my slow cooker, an instant pot would be nice for the time factor.  I asked a fellow food blogger, Lindsay from pinch of yum, who uses an instant pot a lot, which one she would recommend and this is it.  You can check out pinch of yum for lots of great instant pot recipes too.  

Since this post is starting to get long, here are some more of my favorite foodie gifts.  My husband gave me my 12" Lodge cast iron skillet our first Christmas that we were married 16 years ago.  It must be my most used gift ever.  One year I got a Nordic Ware cookie scoop in my stocking and I use it every time I make drop cookies of any kind.  For the baker in your life, you can't go wrong with parchment baking sheets.  We just discovered at Thanksgiving that we don't have a small gravy ladle so this will go on my list.

Some gifts for the blogger.

How to blog for Profit by Ruth Soukup is a must read for every blogger.  I learned so much from reading her book.  I use my Lowell EGO light for almost all of my indoor food photography.  It is really easy to set up and works well for close-up still photos.  I photograph in front of a window in our kitchen nook, but find I usually need more light than just natural window light.  This is also be a great tool for anyone taking photos for ebay or Etsy sales.  ​​

As far as blogging resources go, the most beneficial book I have ever read was actually an ebook Tasty Food Photography written by the highly successful food blogger Lindsay of Pinch of Yum.  Most of what I know about food photography I owe to her.  In fact, many of my photos have been accepted on foodgawker since reading Tasty Food Photography and this is after having at least 100 rejections.  If you are a food blogger and you want to improve your photography, you have to read this book!  (affiliate link below)

Food bloggers are always on the lookout for interesting dishes that would photograph well.  You can find absolute treasures in thrift stores.  My current favorites are these homemade bowls which I did find in a thrift store.  I usually look for rustic looking pieces without a lot of shine.  Shine doesn't photograph well.  

In addition to dishes, I keep a lookout for interesting and attractive kitchen towels.  Simple patterns in lightweight cotton (no terrycloth) and colors that compliment my dishes are best.  I love this striped towel I found at Walmart for a dollar.  Another favorite is this towel my sister-in-law brought me from New Zealand.  Towels and fabric pieces add dimension and style to food photos and can really make the food pop in the picture.  I also use this piece of burlap fabric a lot.  I found it in the remnants section in the fabric department at Walmart.
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Some gifts just for fun.

I got The Magnolia Story for my birthday and it's a fun read.  If you are as obsessed with Joanna Gaines and Fixer Upper as half of the US is, you'll love this behind the scenes look at their lives.  

​Our family is a board game family, as in serious gamers who go to board game conventions and own hundreds of games (more my husband and the boys than me).  While they often play serious strategy games, I enjoy the more lighthearted family type games.  My favorite (which we all love) is Wits and Wagers. It's a great game for get togethers, parties, or just family time that anyone can play.  We have the family edition too which is geared towards a younger crowd, but our kids play the original version with us and do just fine.  

It has always been hard for me to keep up with devotionals, but I have one I always go back to and love. I love my Jesus Calling devotional.  I think my  sister Rebecca gave it to me years ago and it is always on my nightstand or with me when I travel.  Every time I read it, I feel like Jesus is speaking to me.  It is such a great way to start or end the day.  My husband and I even read it together sometimes and there is always a bible verse or two which gets me reading my bible which is good since I need a little extra motivation.  Our kids have the children's Jesus Calling bible story book and LOVE it.  They always ask me to read it to them.  
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Happy gifting.  I hope you all find the perfect gifts for your loved ones and still have time to enjoy the Christmas season and celebrate God's greatest gift, Jesus.  Blessings to you all.

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Linking up at Inspire Me Monday, Friendship Friday