Saturday, November 26, 2016

11 Year Old Girl Gifts - 2016 Edition

Shopping for an 11-year old girl is hard! They are not yet teenagers, but they have many of the same wants - electronics, electronics, electronics and ....makeup! How do you set limits and find appropriate gifts that are not junk that will be discarded before the 12 days of Christmas or 8 nights of Hanukkah are past? Follow along for my top picks. Here's what I plan on actually buying for my daughter this year.

(M....get off my computer RIGHT NOW if you're reading this!)

Chromebooks are Made for Kids


A chrome book is at the top of our list this year. Our local public school system just bought a bunch of them for the kids to use in the classroom and many teachers have put their assignments in Google's Classroom space. For me, the Chromebook is the perfect affordable way to keep the kids off MY computer since more and more of their homework requires it these days. For her, it's the independence of not having to ask to use my computer to do her assignments PLUS the cool factor of having one's own laptop - all right around $200.

Shop This Chromebook on Amazon Now.


Camping Hammock by PeakUp

A tree hammock by PeakUp makes a great gift for the Jr Camper on your list
Our family loves to go camping, but the one thing that ruins our laid back vibe every time is the kids fighting over whose turn it is in the Eno hammock. I love this slightly more affordable one by PeakUp and the girls pattern on this one. I know she'll also love bringing it to sleep-away camp with her next summer too.

Shop More Fun Hammock Styles by Peak Up on Amazon

PopSockets - This Year's Hottest Stocking Stuffer Under $10


Know what this is? PopSockets are a Top Stocking Stuffer!
If you have a teen or tween, surely they know what this is, but even for the less tech savvy - the PopSocket is a tech accessory worth learning about. This "handle" attaches to the back of your mobile device and allows for a more comfortable grip and allows it to stand on the table for more comfortable video viewing.

Shop PopSockets on Amazon


Philosophy Bath Products - Always a Favorite

Girls love the fun scents of Philosophy
Moms of tween athletes know, personal hygiene is not always top of mind for the 11 year old. Help make the transition from occasional to daily bathing easier with one of the deliciously scented gift sets from Philosophy. They are sure to love the fun flavors and adult packaging, and you'll love not having to beg or threaten them when it comes time to take a bath or shower.





Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Affordable Frameless Shower Doors

When planning our master bathroom renovation, one of the largest budget line items - aside from our Pottery Barn bathroom vanity - was the frameless glass doors we wanted for our tiled stall shower.


Fortunately, my husband took to the internet and found an alternative to the custom frameless shower enclosures which typically run upwards of $2000 in these Kohler Revel Pivot shower doors. With adjustable width and plenty of height (70") this affordable option allowed us to achieve the look we wanted in our transitional bathroom. Similar to this design from Studio AJ above, our bathroom used the same Kohler doors for a custom look at a fraction of the price.

Back when we renovated our bathroom, the availability of frameless glass doors on the internet were few and far between. Now, the options for frameless glass shower enclosures online are exploding with options for every bathroom style. Here are a few of the most popular options available now on Amazon.


VIGO Winslow 36 x 60-in. Frameless Sliding Shower Enclosure 


If you are looking to create a 2-sided enclosure check out the Vigo Winslow Series. With corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware, and reversible installation for left or right hand corners these doors are rated high for quality and ease of installation by Amazon customers. 

Read user reviews and see the manufacturer's answers to common buyer questions by clicking here.  


Aston Langham Completely Frameless Sliding Shower Door in Oil Rubbed Bronze Finish

To get the industrial look that is so popular right now, take a look at the Aston Langham frameless shower door in oil-rubbed bronze finish. These doors which are available in a range of sizes and finishes will finish your stall shower with style.

What I love about these doors is the oversized hardware giving it that sliding barn door feeling so popular in industrial-style design right now. Think Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware.

Click here to see all the sizes and finishes available for these doors on Amazon.


Basco Vinesse Rolling glass shower door


For a smooth opening for tall enclosures take a look at these rolling doors from Basco. With a 76" height option, 

The precision engineering of these affordable, luxury doors make them a great choice for a renovation on a budget. See more online at Amazon.