Valentines Day Gifts for Her

Happy early Valentines Day to you and yours! Since I’ve long felt Valentines Day is a silly holiday that leaves people feeling either loved or lonely, I love the concept of spreading love to all of the favorite people in your life (not limited to your significant others). Whether that means popping a bottle of bubbly with your hubby, sending a valentine across country to a friend, surprising a family member with a special something or treating yourself to those to die for pink shoes, use this day to bring love to those in your life (including yourself!).

Here are my favorite go-to gifts for the lovely ladies in your life this year! xoxo

Valentines Day 2014

From Top Left to Right: Comme Des Garcons Stripe Sweater I Embroidered Emblem Baseball CapPink Striped Candles I Hobnail Candle I Gold LOVE Pillow I White Frosting Necklace I Sugar Paper XO CardAurelie Bidermann Love Ring I Cat Bird Vertical Bar Ring I  Secco Rose Italian Bubbles I Valentino Rockstud Ballerina FlatSugar Paper Gift Tags I ban.do iPhone case

Words of Wisdom for the New Year

2014 New year

 

New Year, new you. Or something like that. So many of us use January as the time to make “resolutions” we never follow through on. Exercise more, lose weight, eat healthy, use our electronics less, etc etc. The concept sounds good in January but without making real lifestyle changes to enable these adjustments to take place, many resolutions do not make it to the end of the year. While I do think it is important to focus on your goals for the year (I prefer goals to resolutions as they are more measurable at year end), I also think there are many little things you can focus on day to day to make yourself a better and happier person. Here are a few of my favorite words of wisdom for 2014:

Live Simply

With the ability to be SO connected to the world at any given moment, we often forget the simple joys in life. Rather than being glued to your phone all day, spend more time living in the present. The world will seem a whole lot prettier when you focus on absorbing the many simple joyful moments.

Make Yourself Proud

Get that promotion, spend more time being the best parent you can be, give time to others in need…there are so many ways to make yourself proud. Focus on what makes you feel good and get out and do it!

Make Good Use of Today

Every day has a new beginning. You and only you determine how to use it. Outsource time sucking tasks to others so at the end of the day you can feel more accomplished. Rather than working on your laptop in bed you’ll be able to pick up a book instead. Rather than feeling frazzled by your kids at the end of the day, you’ll have the presence of mind to enjoy that fleeting time with them. Make good choices each day and enjoy the outcomes.

By focusing on these basic concepts I guarantee your resolutions and goals will seem much more do-able. Sometimes you simply need to slow down to allow everything else to fall into place. If slowing down means outsourcing time consuming projects and errands, contact Brass Tacks for assistance today.

Happy New Year!

xo

Happy 1st Birthday, BT!

HBD BT

Happy 1st Birthday to Brass Tacks! What a wonderful year it’s been. While this is naturally the time of year to reflect back on 2013 (and personally it was a great one), it’s also a time for me to celebrate the success of one year in business!

To say I’ve learned a lot in this past year is an understatement. Starting your own business takes focus, patience, passion and the strength to weather the ups and downs. With that comes immense rewards. The thrilling feeling of your very first client, the “pinch me” moments while working on incredible projects and the awe as the community begins to recognize your name. With clients from California to Chicago (and many places in-between) to projects that span the planning of luxury dream vacations to the nitty gritty of daily errands (and many unique requests in-between)- this year has brought many rewarding challenges, wonderful new friendships and a drive to continue to grow and enhance Brass Tacks.

While we’re only one week into the start of a New Year, there are already some exciting new changes on the horizon for Brass Tacks. The first is a new and improved website! I couldn’t be more excited for this project and can’t wait to share the finished product with you in the coming months. It will include fresh imagery, easy navigation and a cleaner and more contemporary aesthetic. In addition, there will be a new and improved blog which will allow me to offer more regular (and pretty) blog content! I have so many ideas for this space, I can’t wait to start sharing consistent and relevant content with my lovely followers.

From a service perspective, I continue to offer a wide array of services from travel itinerary planning to organization and errand assistance to specific one-off requests. 2013 proved that everyone has their own definition of what they can’t make time for. Because of this I continue to cater to a variety of needs and enhance my offerings based on your important feedback. 2013 also proved that everyone needs a little help during the holidays- from wrapping to shopping to planning for out of town trips- Brass Tacks kept busy! While my holiday offering will continue in 2014, expect to see some fun new offers and a wider array of Holiday Gift Guides!

Reflecting back on 2013 has left me feeling grateful. Grateful for my growing business, my wonderful clients and the ability to do something I truly enjoy. My goal is always to bring simplicity to your busy lives and I am excited to continue to do so in 2014.

So…thank you for your support this past year and cheers to the start of an extraordinary second year!

xo Perris

Best of Holiday Cards

Christmas has really crept up this year which may mean you’re finding yourself with a lot of last minute shopping, fast and furious wrapping and last minute planning for holiday guests. Surely it’ll all get squeezed into the calendar…but oops! You forgot to plan this years holiday card?! While it’s a little late to start creating a custom card (without exorbitant rush fees), there are so many festive pre-made cards out there that simply need a quick note and a stamp to be ready to go. Whether you’re late to the game with your holiday cards or merely looking for a few less personal options for a couple of people in your life- these gems are sure to spread joy to those near and far!

Best of Holiday Cards

1. Rifle Paper Co. I 2. Sugar Paper I 3. Rifle Paper Co. I 4. Dear Hancock I 5. Beau Ideal Editions I 6. Paper Source I 7. Happy Cactus Designs I 8. Ferme A Papier I 9. Sugar Paper I 10. Snow & Graham I 11. The Social Type

Holiday Gift Guide: Ornament Additions

There is nothing more fun than rediscovering your cherished ornaments every year as you decorate your tree. From childhood favorites to modern additions, ornaments always have a way of bringing back memories of years past. Being a lover of traditions, I don’t think there is a better one than adding a new ornament to your collection each year. With so many amazing options to choose from, ornaments are an easy gift that will last a lifetime.

Holiday Gift Guide- Ornaments

1. Marbled Glass I 2. Christopher Radko Festive Farm Barn I 3. Christopher Radko La Calavera I 4. White Chocolate Dipped Strawberry I 5. Felt Mistletoe I 6. Lemon Slice I 7. Champagne on Ice I 8. Felt Stockings I 9. Copper Stockpot I 10. Glittery Snowflake I 11. The Classic Pickle

Holiday Gift Guide: Warm and Cozy Classics

With temperatures in Minnesota below zero for the foreseeable future, warm and cozy items are all that’s on the brain. When it’s this cold, the only saving grace is being able to buy fun and comfortable winter wear to keep you warm. From beautiful cashmere to classic boots to fur accessories- these cozy finds are sure to battle the temps and keep your spirits bright!

Holiday Gift Guide- Warm and Cozy

From Top Left: Chunky Cashmere Scarf I Sorel Caribou Boots I Cashmere Hot Water Bottle I Burberry Cashmere Earmuffs I Essential Cozy Throw I Kate Spade Knit Glove I Cable Beanie with Fur Topper I Cashmere Popover Hoodie I Smartwool Socks

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Black Friday is just around the corner so while you’re probably focused on large discounted items, don’t forget about all the little gems to fill up those stockings hanging on your mantel! Stockings can be so fun when done right. As they say, the best things gifts come in small packages!

Holiday Gift Guide- Stocking Stuffers

From top left: I Anthropologie Hair Tie I Rifle Paper Notepad I Tassel Key Chain I Cashmere Heart Socks I Barr-Co Soap I Liberty Christmas Crackers I Bubbly Cheers Coaster I Kate Spade Cluster Earrings I Dominoes I Textured Bangle Set I Cashmere Chevron Gloves I Lucky Horseshoe Wine Stopper I Rubber Iphone Case I Corksicle I Nest 

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

Shopping for the men in your life…it can be a challenge. Especially when they’re overly practical men. Because of that, there’s nothing more fun than buying things they wouldn’t typically buy for themselves. A cashmere half zip sweater? A fancy new way to shave? A little monogrammed catchall for their cufflinks and watch? A practical way to keep their beer chilled? Sure why not. These fun finds will keep your hubbies handsome and happy!

Holiday Gift Guide- The Men

1. Cashmere Half-Zip Sweater I 2. Legendary Gold Clubhouses Book I 3. Sperry Chukka’s I 4. Chillsner I 5. Leather Catchall I 6. Garment Bag I 7. Blue Bow Tie I 8. Classic Horn Shaving Set 

Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

Let’s be honest. There are a million and one gifts you can get for the ladies in your life.

A cookbook for the talented chef, new coveted shoes for the fashionista, jewelry for your wife and the list goes on…While most ladies already have their eye on something specific, I think I can speak for all by saying a little bit of pretty in your life can go a long way. From an inspirational quote to boots that will bring you cheer on a rainy day- these fun finds have “happy” written all over them.

Enjoy!

Holiday Gift Guide- For Her

 

1. Hunter Rain Boots I 2. Pompom Hat I 3. Gold Leather Pouch I 4. Statement Necklace I 5. Pom Pom Throw  I 6. Cashmere Gloves I 7. Sugar Paper Print I 8. Lovely Ring