Good morning! Today on my Five Faves, I am talking about Lap of Luxury Gifts for her (your sister, mom, best friend) that don’t necessarily cost a fortune. Don’t forget to check out Annie’s and Cindy’s faves, too.
1. Revolutionary Coffee Maker
We’ve had a Nespresso maker for 20 years…ever since Howard had one at the office in Paris and we bought one for home. But it wasn’t until recently at Cindy Hattersley’s house that I tried the latest version! The Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Maker makes the best coffee! So rich and creamy.
“Meet the first-ever Nespresso machine to brew both true American coffee and authentic Italian espresso. A total game-changer in the coffee world, it relies on patented Centrifusion™ technology for state-of-the-art brewing. Just pop in a Nespresso capsule – the VertuoLine machine scans the capsule’s bar code, then automatically custom-brews the ultimate cup of coffee or espresso.”
At $210, it’s not cheap but not crazy expensive like a professional espresso machine (or Starbucks over time). We paid extra for the frother.
So anyway, Howard and I bought one for each other as an early Christmas present. We will still keep the old Nespresso for our second home…more about that later.
2. Over 50 Fashion – Wedding Guest Dress
The Aidan Mattox dress that I wore as a wedding guest in Washington D.C. last weekend is sold out now. But it also comes in blush and is on sale! It is supposed to fit just below the knees but since I’m shorter, it is a bit longer on me. This is a regular size 6.
Other Aidan Mattox Over 50 Wedding Guest Dresses
3. Over 50 Casual Cashmere
My friend, Mercedes saw the floral Anthropologie cashmere sweater on me on the blog wearing a petite small and bought this camel color in regular small.
SO soft! You can get it in a v-neck now too….lots of colors. I’d like a black, lime or orange one. What’s your favorite color?
Isn’t Mercedes and her house pretty? We stayed with them in Atlantic Beach, FL. We love the little town by the ocean and are considering buying a second home there.
4. “Younger Next Year”
Our fit sixty-something friend, Eric swears by this book, “Younger Next Year” by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, MD. “Live Strong, Fit, Sexy, and Smart–Until You’re 80 and Beyond.”
Eric is so vibrant… I ordered it right away for Howard and me. I plan to read it today.
5. Lap of Luxury Gifts For Her
- A lot of you already bought this cashmere poncho (heck! I have two)…but I loved it so much on our recent trip…on the plane and over my coat for an extra layer, I thought I should mention it again. ($78) One size fits all.
- Sephora sometimes sells out of this Tatcha face cream…I love it. My cousin, Patricia (she has gorgeous skin) first gave it to me. ($68)
- I received the “Lush Life” book as I gift (Thanks, Claire). Love it! I’ve already given it to two friends. ($35)
- Jo Malone candle in Pomegranate Noir is super popular. My friend, Debbie brought it to a White Elephant Christmas gift exchange and everyone fought over it. ($70)
- Your loved one will be amazed at how soft these Eberjey pajamas feel. I like the cropped version since I’m shorter. ($118).
Those are my “Lap Of Luxury” gifts for her or you! You may also like Vogue’s Best Gifts For Women.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week that include:
Mary Ann,
So many great gift ideas and fun tips. I love Nespresso and own the older model Pixie, but I buy Peet’s coffee pods and it makes a great cup of coffee.
I really liked the list of great gifts for women. There are several items I’ll be looking into purchasing for my daughters-in-law.
Have a great week.
Karen
You have the “Younger Next Year” for men (yellow cover). You need the “Younger Next Year For Women” (pink cover)
Eric said if you are just buying one, buy that one for Howard and me. But I did reserve the one for women from the library, too.
Hi Mary Ann, I need gift ideas for young women your daughter’s age. Would she like most everything on your list today? Thanks!
I think so Elaine to everything especially the book and candle.
Good evening Mary Ann,
I lived in Atlantic Beach for years! I love that little area and I think you will as well. Love your dress, it looks lovely on you. As for the flower sweater at Anthro, I saw that a few weeks ago and thought about getting it, until I unpacked my boxes of sweaters a week ago.
Looking forward to seeing more of your house hunting! Have a great week!
Hi Mary Ann. We are looking for a second home in Florida too. At least that’s my plan. My husband wants to make it our permanent residence but I would miss our friends and family in the Carolinas! We have nearly finished renovating the bathroom you helped me design (that was quite a few months ago). Hopefully I will be calling for assistance on a new home in Florida next year. We will be on the west coast of Florida so maybe too far for an in person consult but the Zoom call worked out great last time.
I love your gift guide and yes that Nespresso machine is great! Our kids got it for Steve a couple of years ago and we love it. I need to check out that book! Always love your Sunday favorites so many great finds!
I need to ask you which pods you buy!
Mary Ann! You really have wedding season covered with all your beautiful dresses! Simply gorgeous! I’m going to listen to that book asap!!
xoxo
annie
I think I have enough dresses now, Annie for any future weddings. 🙂
I’m excited for you in your quest for a second home. It will be so much fun for you to turn it into your own personal project.
Thanks for the gift ideas….it’s definitely time to start thinking about those things!
I will be excited to have some outside space, Wren! And of course a project of my own.
We also just bought the new Nespresso as a joint Christmas present to ourselves (What is it they say about great minds thinking alike?). — it does make great coffee! Thanks for a great Sunday Five.
I love having a mind like yours, Janet!
You look so pretty in that dress. Of course, whatever you wear always looks lovely.
How NICE Carolina. I did get my hair done that day…but most of the curls fell out. :/
I will have to visit sur la tab to test the Nespresso. I couldnt see anything good about the old model. Looking forward to the improvement.
Let me know what you think, Karen. It seems more flavorful and creamy.
Your Aidan Mattox dress is gorgeous! Wish I had an event in which to wear it. I’m mad at myself for not ordering the Anthropologie floral cashmere sweater in petite when I first saw it on you; all sold out now in my petite size but will keep checking back, as you never know. Just saw there is a women’s edition of “Younger Next Year” by Crowley on Audible.com. Thanks for the rec and I plan to order it or maybe just get the original edition for my husband and I to share. Love your blog!
P.S.
It would help me if you included your size in your clothing styles. Maybe I would not have to return so many packages!
Good suggestion, Holly. I will. I bet you could order the regular in the floral. I got a PS and I think a small regular would be fine as it’s a bit cropped. I will go back in and edit the post now.
Thanks, Mary Ann, for the heads up on the sizing for the sweater. Now I will give it a try.
We live in Jacksonville and have for 60 years. Love the area. Also have a condo in Ponte Vedra Beach. You will enjoy this. Very different from California. The storms usually pass us by. Also have a very vibrant design community in the whole area,lots of fun people that you would enjoy.Have worked with many of them through the local Designers Show House which sadly reached its shelf life several years ago and is no more. However, they have many projects going all the time and I am sure you have already met a lot of them.Welcome to the area,in advance, should you all decide to come here.enjoy your posts and adventures,keep on writing.
Thanks, Susan! I am excited to become a part of your community! Perhaps we can meet in person one day!