The Dandelion Patch

My first pick this week is for me!



Ok, so when it's 105 degrees outside and everyone is shopping inside and NOT coming to our Reston location due to the heat, what was I to do? I started trying on Vera Bradley sunglasses! I confess, until this weekend, I hadn't committed to patterned eyeware. But - OMG! They are so super cute. WIth fashionable frames and just a wee bit of pattern showing in all the right spots, I feel like a fool for not caving earlier in the summer. My favorite is this updated gals version of the aviator. The small wire frame fits my face and allows the totally turq to match my blue eyes. And when I learned that the name was "Heidi," I decided that someone was trying to tell me something. Go on, try a pair on for yourself! Maybe your name is written on them too!



For the little one in the tub:



My daughter is certainly not old enough to shave yet, but sometimes I catch her pretending to shave those small, but hairy legs of hers. Until I found this toy from Alex, I was wondering when I would catch her using the "real thing" out of boredom. But now, she has a razor, a bottle of shaving cream and an hour-long bath! Lucky me (or smart me!)! Trust me, this shaving kit is good clean fun for girls and boys. And it provides a much needed break for any mom who's had a long day!

Labels: "gift ideas", "Heidi's Picks", "Vera Bradley", Vera Bradley Sunglasses"

Ok, so if you're like me you've been thinking of (or shopping for) that perfect patriotic gift to wear at this year's 4th of July celebration. What to wear? I am a big fan of solid colors with only one thing to "stand out" and this year for me, it's this darling straw bag from Bosom Buddies. I love the big red bow and the fact that it is still big enough to hold my beauty secrets (oh, so many!), but the gold shell really makes this bag special. I can wear with pride on the 4th and then carry again throughout the summer with my red flip flops and straw hat. Just in case you don't want to be my twin, we have other styles that might work for you. But for this season of red, white and blue, these bags are destined for BBQs and pool parties all over the land.

Labels: "Bosom Buddy Bags", "Heidi's Picks", "Lori Mitchell", "Mariposa Gift"

For some reason, the warm weather always makes me want to redecorate and entertain. And since the markets aren't yet back to their wonderfully golden level, my husband suggests that this is not the year for me to purchase an entire new family room of furniture.

However, these gorgeous AB frames are just the ticket to keep me smiling for another few months. With a variety of colors and sizes, the combination of bling and the bow are the perfect pick-me-up when a photo of your loved one is inserted. To be sure that I am not ALWAYS thinking about me(!), I have purchased these fab frames as gifts for a bride, a new mom and a golden anniversary. But you know how the story goes . . . one for you, one for me (or two for me?) . . .

So, you're planning a party but your guests aren't chummy (yet). How do you turn up the heat and turn "ho-hum" to "happening?" I suggest you bring along a cube of Table Topics Not Your Mother's Dinner Party. With questions ranging from "Would you rather be addicted to gambling or food?" and "If you had to obtain $1,000,000 by illegal means, how would you do it?" these conversation starters guarantee your party will be totally hip, slightly taboo, and highly entertaining. Move over June Cleaver, here come the modern moms who know how to make a memorable evening with laughter galore.

Labels: "Eyebobs", "gift ideas", "Gift Suggestions", "Heidi's Picks", "Table Topics"

Labels: "Danielson Design", "Heidi's Picks"

Since Father's Day is right around the corner, I thought I would focus this week's entry on gifts for the men in your life - especially those who seemingly have everything.

If your Dad is FAN-atical about college sports (or maybe just crazy about his alma mater), I have the perfect gift for you! These ceramic veggie platters are FAN-tastic! With slogans and mascots, logos and stadiums, these university serving pieces are a walk down memory lane as well as a work of art. Luckily, most of the big schools are covered. So, if you are looking for schools in the SEC, ACC, or the Big 10, buy this gift and be prepared to start singing his fight song! And if you happen to be from the Big 12 like me (don't mess with Texas), you may need to include a big hat and belt buckle to match!

If you are like me, you believe that life is better with humor. And this concept is not lost on those from Life is Crap! They say (and I quote), "While the glass may be half full . . . sometimes it's half full of crap!" Poking a little fun at ourselves and at those we love is the best way to say Happy Father's Day! From silly to outragous, these shirts have a slogan for every man in your life because laughter really is the best medicine (even if you've lost your cell phone in the toilet, had your BBQ peed on by your dog, or hit your 15th ball into the rough!) . . . for those who are not eternal optimists, life is crap may be your anthem!

Labels: "Father's Day", "Heidi's Picks"

For the "wee" one:

I'll admit it. I had Eric Carle books when I was a kid. And no, that doesn't make me 100 years old! Eric Carle is celebrating the 40th anniverary of his famous Hungry Caterpillar book this year (you can do the math). Because of this momentous milestone, and the many fun memories from my childhood, I love to combine this old fave with a developmental toy that allows the characters to "leap" off the page and onto let's say . . . a stroller or a car seat. And what's better than a baby playing quietly? That's easy to answer . . . a happy mommy!
For the lovers of luxury:

For sure, these carved soaps are the best gift to give any hostess. These Vermont-made beauties are hypo-allergenic so even those with sensitive skin can enjoy the pampering properties of these custom-designed bars. Choose a color a monogram or a family name. Give yourself a week (yes, I said a week!) and watch the smiles appear when you give Oprah's favorite to your most discerning friends and neighbors. Add a personalized hand towel for extra elegance (and not a ton of extra cash!)

Labels: "Eric Carle", "Green Science", "Heidi's Picks"

As I walked into the store yesterday, I instantly knew that it was almost summer because two of our favorite college girls were back at "the Patch" in action! I told them about my quest for the best gift ideas for grads. Not surprisingly, they immediately started listing off their favorite Vera Bradley choices for the graduation season.

In the "under $25 category (and yest, that is dollars AND age!) the unanimous favorite is a spiral notebook and a zip ID. We honestly sell so many of these zip IDs that I am convinced that every teenager in the area has at least two from my store! These colorful pouches hold a photo ID, some case, and a dorm key. Add to that the spiral notebook with inside pockets and you have the gift set for the grad set! Printed in all the latest patterns, you will be sure to find a combination that fits every personality.

And for that "extra special" grad gift, the girls loved the small duffle and matching garment bag. Add a monogram for a personal touch and say goodbye to mainstream mountains of "plain black luggage." Show here in "Make Me Blush," these travel pieces will make the leap from home to dorm in a single bound.

Labels: "Graduation Gifts", "Heidi's Picks", "Vera Bradley"

It's the 40th anniversary of Earth Day! To celebrate, I wanted to share a few of my absolute favorite to give (and receive!)

For your favorite administrative professional:

This year, Earth Day (April 22) falls exactly one day after Administrative Professionals Day. Usually my husband purchases the "standard" floral arrangement for his assistant. But this year, I talked him into giving "green" flowers. These darling packages provide everything you need to start a beautiful windowsill or patio garden and are made with high-quality eco-friendly components. From lavender to sunflowers, you won't go wrong with a gift that comes with its own rice hull pot and to / from tag. They are even made in the USA, so we can be patriotic too!


For the special lady in your life:

Ok, fashion divas . . . this green product has your name written all over it (literally)! As I've mentioned before, I am a complete sucker for anything personalized but these bags are not your average fashion statement - they are also a mission statement! Queen Bea bags are woven from a plant that kills the rivers in Thailand, and thus the eco-system of the area. More importantly, these straw bags are made by Thai women who have taken the opportunity to improve their weaving skills and financial independence without leaving their communities. So you see, this is a gift that keeps on giving. (Hint: that's the story you need to tell your husband when you buy one for your friend, and one for you!)

Labels: "Earth Day", "Heidi's Picks"

In the spirit of the season, this week I will share a few ideas for some great Easter basket items for the kids! Enjoy!

A Sweet Treat

If you gotta have chocolate in the mix, why not have the best? This season Godiva has introduced the cutest collection of edible yummys. From bunnies to carrot sticks, to eggs and flowers - Godiva has you covered. And while you are at it, maybe you should pick up a few goodies for yourself!



For all you "chicks" out there you simply must add one of these chirpy pets to your Easter Sunday. These furry friends come in three pastel colors and are much easier to care for than their "live" counterparts! We've all heard about the cartoon that involves peep, chirp and quack. Is it bad that I am thankful that Mary Meyer only came out with chirp?

Labels: "Heidi's Picks", "I Am Modern Magazine", Easter

You can see my weekly gift picks on I Am Modern Magazine. I Am Modern is an award-winning, hyper-local, reader-generated lifestyle magazine for modern moms. I hope you enjoy my picks for this week!

For me:


As I flip through the latest fashion magazines, I notice that ruffles are everywhere this spring! In keeping with the up-to-the-minute trends, Vera Bradley has come out with the Cha-Cha handbag. This darling handbag has personality plus - from its' shiny strap and its' rows of ruffles - this bag instantly puts a smile on anyone's face. Purchase the Cha-Cha in any of the new colors, but my fave is Totally Turq! Just add water for a fabulous spring break!

For the kids:

Ok, I must admit that I usually don't give into my kids' desire for impractical collections. We have plenty of "stuff" around our house and don't need another pile of yesterday's "must-haves." However these rubber bands are anything but boring. From dinosaurs to alphabets, these bands are fun, cheap and a practical collection for the kiddos. In my lifetime, I never would have thought that rubber bands would be a "collectable" or much less a jewelry item worn on the wrist, but apparently kids have a creative mind all their own. And for now, these HOT items don't seem to have any desire to go on ice.

For my gals:

As the calendar turns to somewhat warmer weather in the daytime, the mornings and evenings are still crisp. Thus, this is the time of year for layers. And frankly, I own twin sets in just about every color and style - and, I am bored with them! Luckily, Top It Off must have been reading my mind because they just came out with the perfect answer for spring. I love these cotton wraps! They come in a beautiful spring color palette are are the perfect (and trendy!) substitute for the cardigan. If you are looking for something green to wear for St. Patty's Day, try one of these wraps on for size!

Labels: "Heidi's Picks", "I Am Modern Magazine", "Top It Off", "Vera Bradley"

I am very pleased to announce that I will be making weekly gift suggestions for I Am Modern Magazine. I Am Modern Magazine is an award winning, hyperlocal, reader-generated lifestyle magazine for modern moms. Here are my picks for this week - For baby, for girlfriends, for me!

For baby:

When my kids were infants, they both found a "lovie" that they couldn't sleep without. For my daughter, she had her Raggady Ann. And for my son, he couldn't sleep without his "buddy blanket." In fact, little did they know that they each had multiples of their lovies for those "washing moments." So, if comes as no surprise that one of my favorite gifts to give a newborn is any soft, cuddly buddy blanket. Chose from frogs, bears, ducks or bunnies to make a wonderful partner or security blanket for the baby. You know what they say . . . a sleeping baby is a happy baby (or is that a happy mom?)!

Labels: "Heidi's Picks", Gifts, I Am Modern Magazine"