Gift Ideas for the Cook

Mr. DIY’s favorite hobby is cooking. Yes I know how to cook but he ENJOYS cooking. So while he doesn’t get home from work until around 6 p.m. every evening (and I work from home), he still does the cooking. It’s his way of unwinding. Am who am I to stand in his way? 😉 Cooking is his passion. He’s even been known to arrive home from work early when he has a new recipe he can’t wait to try. Cooking utensils, small kitchen appliances and gadgets are always great gift ideas for those who love to cook. 

gifts for the chef @diyshowoff

Gifts for the cook Inspired by Macy’s cookware buying guide

  1. Garlic Rocker
  2. Fat Separator
  3. Bamboo Steamer
  4. Round Ravioli Stamp
  5. Asparagus Pot
  6. Adjustable Potato Ricer
  7. Nonstick Ebelskiver Pan
  8. Food Mill
  9. Nonstick Grill Basket

And yes, I have lots of photos in my files for sharing his recipes. It’s getting him to take a moment to write them out that’s the challenge. I’ll keep on him. 

*This post is sponsored by Macy’s. As always, opinions are my own. 

My Top Ten 2014 Favorite Things

Today I’m participating in a Favorite Things blog hop and what I really like about it is getting ideas from my blog friends for my own wish list. Since we have a lot in common, reading their top choices gives me ideas for things I might enjoy too. It goes without saying that family, friends, good health, etc. and a brand new sweet grandson…are at the top of my list!

my favorite things blog hop 

After taking a look back, here are some of my top favorite material items and purchases: (*This post includes a few affiliate links.)

2014 Favorite Things @diyshowoff

10. Wool Dryer Balls – with the addition to essential oils in our home, I’m now using these wool dryer balls in place of dryer sheets. I love that I can control the type and amount of scent I want to add to our freshly laundered clothes and bed linens. 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

9. Lush Shampoo – it’s a splurge but I love this shampoo. I ordered back in March, use it about 4 times a month and am just now ready to place another order. I think I’m going to give one of the shampoo bars a try this time. 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

8. This Rifle Paper black & gold polka dot iPhone 5 case…love it! It has protected my phone during many a fall and it’s pretty! 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

7. Hooded knit poncho – I believe I got mine at TJMaxx but here is a similar one at Boscov’s (on sale too).  It’s my favorite sweater to grab for cooler weather. 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

6. Minnetonka double fringe ankle wedge boots (I found mine at Ross) – these are the footwear you’ll see me wearing this year. I love them and they’re my ‘go to’ boots every time I leave the house! Comfy!

my favorite things @diyshowoff

5. I always have a lot to carry around. I use this Lucky brand Covina tote bag as a purse. I’ve about worn it out so I’ll be on the hunt for something new. Any suggestions? What do you carry? (Ps. A Google search shows it’s available on eBay.)

my favorite things @diyshowoff

4. My daughter’s handmade jewelry at The Lunar Fae. I love this one: Red Jasper with Gun Metal Wire Wrap. Red Jasper brings problems to light and provides insight into difficult situations. An excellent worry stone, it calms the emotions when played with. It stimulates the base chakras while cleansing and stabilizing the aura, not to mention the sentimental value of having something special and handmade from someone I love.

my favorite things @diyshowoff

3. Aria Ultrasonic Diffuser – this was a gift to myself this year. Diffusing essential oils has become a routine part of our daily life and this beauty is amazing! It transforms my room into a spa by diffusing my favorite essential oils, has spa sounds (or I can plug in my iPhone and listen to iTunes with the speaker system. There are options for different colored lighting and a timer. It’s so soothing and pretty too. 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

2. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 / Mac (download) – I can’t believe I didn’t get this sooner. Game changer! A must have for blogging photography and now with a new little grandson in the family, I’m definitely getting even more good use of this awesome photo-editing software. 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

Here’s a sample photo that I’ve edited…because this little guy is one of my favorite things of 2014 too:

Aaro - 2 weeks old @diyshowoff

1. I am new to Young Living this year and essential oils have been life changing for our family. This is by far my #1 favorite thing. No regrets other than “why didn’t I get started sooner?!” No joke. My newest blogging partner. I’m starting to make healthier, more natural choices for my family. I love creating a comfortable beautiful home … and now I’m working to provide a safe, poison/chemical-free environment for my family too.  Read more about them here. My Young Living essential oils are also my newest business venture and so popular/loved that they’re sponsoring my blog. Thank you, friends! What a blessing! Interested? You can enroll by clicking here or contact me to learn more. 

Young Living premium starter kit

Follow along and see what these blog friends loved most in 2014:

Chris – Just a Girl

Beckie – Infarrantly Creative

Beth – Home Stories A to Z

Brooke – All Things Thrifty

Rhoda – Southern Hospitality

Sarah – Thrifty Decor Chick

Stacy – Not Just a Housewife

my favorite things blog hop

Holiday Gift Guide for Essential Oil Lovers

If you love and use essential oils every day here are some great gift ideas (besides essential oils, of course) to add to your holiday wish list or gift suggestions for oily friends. These are things I already own or things that are on my own wish list. This post contains some affiliate links. 

essential oilers gift ideas @diyshowoff 

essential oilers gift ideas @diyshowoff

  • Diffuser – essential oil fans will move one diffuser from room to room so having a second on hand is super convenient, a luxury even! 
  • Mortar & Pestle – for use with fresh herbs or infusing essential oils and sugar or salt, recipes, etc. 
  • Serving Tray – I love having this tray on hand for creating essential oil recipes and containing spills. It’s sort of like having a portable laboratory and protects furniture and/or tablecloths, etc.

essential oilers gift ideas @diyshowoff 

  • We’ve switched from using dryer sheets to these cool Wool Dryer Balls. I love that I can add different scents when drying clothes (Lavender, Purification and Peace & Calming are my favorites). 
  • AromaGlide Roller Fitments – I love adding a roller ball lid to several of my essential oil bottles, especially ones I apply topically like DiGize, EndoFlex, Dragon Time, Valerian, etc. 
  • Acrylic Display – keeps essential oils organized and all within easy reach. I alphabetize mine. This display holds about 60 bottles. 
  • Stainless Steel Tumbler – a must have (personalize with vinyl). Several of my family members are never without their tumbler. Keeps drinks ice cold all day long (hot too)…if your drink would last that long and works great with citrus essential oils. 

essential oilers gift ideas @diyshowoff

  • Measuring Shot Glasses – is a great gift idea (along with a bottle of Ningxia Red too). Handy for essential oil recipes too.
  • Sample Bottles – sharing essential oils with family and friends is inevitable. Having mini sample bottles on hand makes sharing a drop or two easy!
  • Organic Coconut Oil – so many uses and a favorite oil for diluting essential oils. 
  • Dish Pan and Natural Dish Soap – handy for washing/cleaning empty essential oil bottles and natural dish soap is an ingredient for a DIY essential oil/bubble bath recipe. 

essential oilers gift ideas @diyshowoff

More: Love this shop for handouts and supplies (it’s where I got my tablecloth too). Get a Gift Card for Business Building. And I’m pretty sure anything from here would be a great gift for essential oil friends too since I know I personally have to downsize my shopping cart every time I place an order.

What are essential oils?

Check out how you can join me in taking the first steps to creating a healthier lifestyle with Young Living Essential Oils at diyshowoff.com

 Have anything you’d add to this list? Please share in the comments!

Holiday Gift Guide for Essential Oil Lovers @diyshowoff