The Bird Guide

Lifestyle Blog + Soundtrack

50 Mother’s Day Gifts: The Ultimate Gift Guide for Moms (of every kind)

Links on this page are commissionable … gotta pay the student loans somehow!

Flowers are a safe and well-loved default for Mother’s Day and if you ARE going to send Mom flowers, you may as well do it while supporting a small business that practices fair labor laws and ethically grows their roses.

However, if you plan to go the non-perishable gift route, I’ve found another 49 gifts that are sure to please the woman you are celebrating … be it your Mom, your StepMom, a Mom-To-Be, a Dog (or Cat) Mom, or an otherwise Mother figure. Cheers to whoever is the most important woman in your life!

For the Mom who ….

The Best Amazon Dresses for Spring

Spring has sprung … the weather is warmer and the days are longer. As we inch closer to Summer, it is time to re-evaluate our warm weather clothes and refresh our Spring Dresses! Whether you have an outdoor happy hour, girls’ brunch on a patio, or a wedding weekend full of parties, you can find great dresses at incredible prices on Amazon. I’m old enough to remember when Amazon was for ordering books (and essentially nothing else) but TIMES. HAVE. CHANGED. Besides that organizing thingy you need and your favorite brand of soap, you can now actually buy trendy, good quality clothes on Amazon. Hopefully my research into the dresses currently available for Spring is helpful to you and you can just “add to cart”, checkout, and get ready to enjoy some fun in the sun!

Blue & White Tiered Gorgeousness

You really can’t beat this look … something about blue and white just screams “Lets drink glasses of Prosecco watching the boats sail by” to me. There is definitely a nautical feel about this dress, and as it is currently listed for less than $30, there is zero guilt.

Black, White and anything but Basic

This dress pairs with heels, flip flops or sneakers. The crossover design is flattering on anyone, and gives the dress a ton of shape. The cotton has a thick feel and is not see-through, despite not being lined. I give this black and white beauty five gold stars.

When life gives you lemons … make it into an outfit!

Ok … this was UNEXPECTED! I have never in my life worn a two piece ensemble like this but WOW WOW WOW. This lemon print cropped top and skirt are IT. I ordered on a whim thinking it would only make me realize how not young I was, but when I tried this on, I realized I had found a KEEPER. Run, don’t walk, to this tall glass of lemonade.

Pretty in Pink … or whatever color you choose!

This dress should be a Spring staple. It has an easy sash bow and lays perfectly. Again, like the black and white winner above, you could wear with heels, sandals, or cute sneakers. Throw a jean jacket on for a more casual look, or pair with 5 inch heels for a night on the town … but whatever you do, don’t let this deal slip away!

Business on the Right, Party on the Left … arm

Like the Lemon Print two piece above, I really stepped out of my comfort zone with this one-sleeved mini dress. However, I’m so happy I did! This is a show stopper, destined for compliments from friends and also destined to make you feel gorgeous. Throw some bronzer or sparkly powder on your bare shoulder for effect, and call it a day! It doesn’t take much accessorizing to make this turn from Happy Hour into a Night Out on the Town.

April Showers Bring May Flowers!

This dress is priced to SELL at less than $40, and with how flattering and comfortable it is, you’d think the tag was missing a zero. It is lined in all the right places, so no worries about it being sheer. This dress is a SHOW STOPPER. Dress it up with heels, dress it down with a light jacket and flat sandals … just make sure you’re dressed in it.

Comment below with your favorite dress or if you purchase one and want to leave a review!

Easy, Cheap and Impressive Desk DIY Redo

We were redoing our basement due to water damage (more to come on that!) and wanted to keep our current desk in the guest room as a “backup office”. The current desk, however, had been given to us for free and while it was a well-made piece of furniture, the color of it resembled the faint yellow of undershirt armpit stains. With everything we were doing to improve the space, it felt like the desk MUST also be improved on. I didn’t want to pay for a new desk, and didn’t know how to get rid of this one, so I decided to just snazz the ol’ girl up. And for cheap!

The BEFORE picture. Cute but psycho.

First, please note that I did this DIY project during the winter … our basement renovation was over the holidays and I have zero patience. That being said, I directly defied the recommendations of the chalk paint I used and painted at colder temperatures … so please know that this turned out well, despite the paint slightly freezing in place as it was dripping. Truly, if I can make this project a success … anyone can.

Items required:

You can see from these pictures above, I indeed did paint them on plastic in my garage. The paint did not go on evenly because I am a bad DIY-er and didn’t follow directions … truly do try to do this in the correct temperatures! But, even with my flaws, I still salvaged the desk. I easily measured and cut the peel and stick wallpaper to the drawers individually, before replacing the draw pulls. If you don’t use the second roll of paper, you can return it.

Ta Da! Not half bad for not following recommendations on the paint can


Finished product! This doesn’t screen that it’s a designer desk, but it shows that even with the most basic skills and creative talent, you can take a cheap or free piece of furniture and do a 1-day, quick and easy DIY project. I have had compliments from EVERYONE who has seen this desk in our house – they can’t believe I was able to redo it like this! Realistic DIY is the only necessary DIY … and for less than $100!

Sephora Favorites for Spring

Current Skincare Favorites at Sephora:

I must preface all of my recommendations and likes with some context around my skin

  • I have sensitive skin that leans dry if anything
  • I have rosacea, so I use prescription medication as prescribed by dermatologist
  • Big fan of Botox, lasers, and any other non-surgical interventions available by trained dermatology professionals … and who knows, one day I may be a fan of surgery! Let’s just keep it real here.

Also, I am not a dermatologist. But I see two of them and go to a nurse injector. I have a dermatologist that I travel (yes, good skin is worth it) to see a few times a year and she does most of my aesthetic work and controls my acne and rosacea. I also see a local dermatologist for annual skin checks. And then, of course, my botox girl. Your face is the first thing any person sees, so do what you can to preserve it.

Cleansers (they rotate):

I love this gentle cleanser by Dermalogica and it is currently an (almost) empty … also currently in my shower: Shiseido Microfoam. I swear this brand has the most beautiful scent to their products.

Moisturizers: 

I use this at night, one tub has lasted over 6 months and is not fully empty … I am who I am, only God can judge me, but this is LIFE CHANGING (my dermatologist recommended to me) … sadly, not on Sephora. My only digression from their store in this post.

 I receive this Tatcha gem of a cream as a sample and the immediately bought the full size. I use this in the morning.

A current empty: Dermalogica Super Rich Repair Cream. You can almost hear your skin saying “Thank you” after it is applied. Let it dry completely before moving to the next step … serum.

Serum (before moisturizer, after Rx cream):

I will say, it has taken me awhile to get on the serum train, but now I am the conductor and we are going warp speed. The marketing for this says to use it for one week and see the difference … I am not lying when I say this turned my skin around in ONE WEEK. Dior for the win! Morning and night, frands.  

Foundation:

I bought this on a whim because I liked the idea of spraying on foundation … It just seemed cleaner to me. I initially got the wrong color but then I grabbed a different shad, and this is IT. I apply directly to my skin and then blend with a foundation brush.

I do 2N for my color

Powder:

Honestly, I love the Sephora Collections powder. Splurge when you need to, but recognize a good basic when you should.

Mascara:

I’m still playing around with mascaras and definitely have a few that I do not like, but so far these two keep rising to the top of my “keep” pile … Lancome Idole and YSL Effet Faux Cils.

Eyeliner:

Jury is still out. Sadz. Can’t find that perfect one. Message me if you know a winner!

Hair:

My hair has been through a LOT. Decades of damage. I’m shocked any is left … although I did just have a terrifying experience with a new hairstylist and a LOT of hair broke off after she bleached it. A LOT. I was so shocked I couldn’t even cry … I oddly paid and tipped her though? Weird. So I have more to come about hair products but I have been aggressively using masks and repair cream … love this one by Briogeo. I’ll put it on at night and was out in the morning. Fingers crossed this is the first step in my hair’s road to recovery!

25 Best Slippers of 2022

Whenever I buy shoes, my husband jokes that “those $150 sneakers are gonna look great on your Zoom calls!” … and to some degree, he is correct. I think buying shoes right now is a yearning for the before-times, or maybe a stab at some hope for the future. However, SLIPPERS are the exception. Our feet deserve the best warmth and comfort while dangling under our desk or being shoved under our bums while we set cross-legged at our desk for the 4th hour in a row. I have tried on and tested a LOT of slippers and want to pass on the knowledge to you … as they say “Home is where your Slippers are”…Or maybe, “Life is short so buy the damn shoes!”, especially to comfort your sad little feet that have spent way too much time in your home office recently.

*Amazon Links Are Commissionable*

  1. The “Oh Yeah” by Uggs. The fit is TTS and the open toe design make them great for if your main concern is being hot or sweating. I found the platform to be a bit clunky but it’s not too high, so it may not bother everyone. The color options are fantastic!

2. Koolaburra Fuzz’n Slipper is SO comfortable. I was shocked. I don’t generally buy Koolaburra brand, but this slipper was amazing. TTS. You can’t go wrong.

3. The Minnetonka Chesney is no-brainer: a classic suede slipper that’s true to size and comfortable enough for hours snuggled up on the couch or at the desk in your sweatpants and button up shirt.

4. The Rockdove Two-Tone Memory Foam Slipper come in an abundance of colors and is machine washable! Listen, it’s the ugly truth of slippers but some could really use a weekly bath and this pair makes it easy. Throw in your favorite scented detergent and fresh as new!

5. The Teva ReEmber Soft Moc … honestly, I’m not completely convinced that this is a slipper. But it should be. At least a “house shoe” if one will. It’s true to size, available in fun colors, and made mostly of recycled products. And, if you’re the outdoorsy type of the bunch, it can even be worn lounging by the campfire. You do you!

6. The Ugg Ansley Slipper is a classic. Pro tip: buy up a size if you’re on the fence. If you’re usually a 7 but can lean 7.5 in certain situations, buy up. The brand is hard for me because it is sometimes true to size and other times runs small; this style is definitely small. But it is a timeless look, appropriate even if your feet somehow do end up on that zoom meeting (can pass as a driving loafer) … but let’s hope it doesn’t get to that.

7. The Steve Madden Around Slipper. After watching Maddman, I don’t know if I should by alllll the SM shoes or burn them. But these are extremely cute, super comfy, and come in good colors and patterns. I will go out on a limb and say it meets the criteria for “TTS” BUT if you have the least bit concern, size up.

8. The UGG Women’s Scuffette Ii Metallic Sparkle Slipper is a lot of bang for your buck. Now, you’re going to need to size up because … Ugg. But this slipper is comfortable, doesn’t slip or trip, is warm, and best of all – it’s a conversation starter! You know, for your GrubHub delivery guy. Or your cat. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this pair!

9. The Coface Fuzzy Slides … there truly is no greater value in the slipper world. I bought two pair in 2020 because I knew that one would likely wear out and I’d want another. Yet here we are. Nearly 15 months later and I’m still on my first pair! They’re cute, they hug your feet, and there have a ton of color options.

10. On the same note as above, I purchased the Homeideas Faux Fur Lined Slipper in 2020 and just fell in love. Similar to the Ugg Ansley, but lower price point. Again, true to size. I promise I would still be wearing them except we were travelling that summer (and scared of everything) and they dropped in a puddle when I got out of a rest stop in Central PA, never to be seen again. If you know, you know.

11. The Tie Dyed Lined Crocs. What can I say? Chances are, no one will ever see your slippers. Express yourself. Or maybe even wear them to the grocery store just to kick it up a notch. True to Size.

12. If you’re still not here for the tie dye, just get the Classic Lined Crocs. Look, Crocs are Crocs. But you can’t deny their comfort. The lining is just icing on the Croc Cake. True To Size. A bit less exciting than #11, but the purpose is served.

13. The DearFoams Mama Bear Slippers. This are the slippers you were for fun, purchase matching ones, coordinate them with pajamas (or a bear costume) … they’re cute, inexpensive, and feel good on your feet. For sizing, go up if you’re on the cusp. For example, if you’re a larger size 8, go for the large (size 9/10). I just never recommend wearing tight slippers. Especially not for Mama Bears.

14. The Cougar Liliana Slip-on. These suede slippers have a slip resistant tread (with a little height as well). They’re comfortable, sturdy, and true to size, making basic anything BUT basic.

15. The Toms Alpargata with Faux Fur Lining. Again, I’m not convinced this shoe was intended to be a slipper, but it presents as such. I would size up, especially if you’re someone who wears socks with slippers (judgement-free zone here). They have the same reliability and comfort as your regular Toms, but with the added faux fur to make them extra comfy.

16. I’m not a huge fan of the brand in general, but the Jessica Simpson Ebiyra Mule is a great slipper. It hugs your foot, has some height (almost 2 inches), and feels sturdy and slip resistant. TTS. Worth making the exception to the rule.

17. The LLBean Wicked Good Moccasin is a timeless classic. TTS but like their website states, half sizes order up. LL Bean also has amazing customer service and you know their products are made to last … if not, their return policy cannot be beat!

18. The Franco Sarto Waleria Mule is a good classic style slipper. Not to call it vanilla, but it’s a muted color with a dependable profile and solid, sturdy sole. Hey, plenty of people love vanilla. Not everyone needs bright colors or prints. To thine own self be true. Also, be true to size.

19. On the other hand, coming in somewhere between Rainbow Sherbert and Moose Tracks, we have the MUK LUKS Women’s Faux Fur Slipper Sock. Truly, for the price of a deli sandwich, we all deserve these slippers in our lives. They just make you feel like you’ve gotten away with something while briefly turning off your camera during your zoom call to roll your eyes at Brenda. Size up … but even if you don’t, your feel will still resemble something like the Grinch. They’re warm, comfy, and kinda make you feel like a bad ass. Or a Disney Character. Either one works.

20. Let’s take ourselves back to reality with the Birkenstock Arizona Fur. It’s your tried and true Birkenstock, but fluffy. Is it meant to be a slipper? I have no idea. But certainly no one would mean for it to be worn outside of one’s house, so that’s the only option left. Fits true to size, as Birkenstocks do.

21. Again, not the biggest Koolaburra fan, but I’m feeling their slipper game, especially with the Koolaburra Lezly Slipper. If you are a sock plus slipper wearer, first explain yourself, and then size up for this pair. It’s simple, classy, to the point, and gets the job done.

22. The Acorn Moc Slipper. Wow. I put these on and just said “Wow”. They left (and looked) like clouds. I don’t think you can go wrong with this pair. Tons of colors. I wear an 8 and ordered an 8/9 with plenty of room to spare for (eek) socks if necessary.

23. The DearFoams Chelsea Faux Fur Slipper isn’t as intense as the Muk Luks sock but it’s in the same family. Consider it the less crazy cousin. If you’re not ready for full on Grinch feet, this is more like your favorite stuffed animal. Comfy, warm, and soft. Get your normal size.

24. Despite being a mouthful, the Dearfoams Women’s Fireside Water Resistant Sydney Shearling Scuff Slipper is a true winner. It comes in over 10 colors, hugs your foot, has a sturdy sole, and is TTS. Quality you expect from a name synonymous with slipper.

25. You have to save the best for last … or at least, the wildest. The Ugg Disco Striped Slide. Honestly, the platform was too much for me. But if you’re ready to make a statement (and you’re choosing to do so with your choice of slippers), this is the shoe for you. True to size, true to you.

World’s Easiest Chili Recipe

Honest to God, it does not get any easier than this. I am not one who loves to cook, and since practice makes perfect, my skills leave a lot to be desired. However, there are a few very simple dishes that I can make and occasionally I try a new one. This chili is always a hit and takes about 5 mins to throw together in a crock pot. My mom gave me the recipe, so don’t come at me if this is in a cookbook somewhere … although, I would honestly question that cookbook.

Ingredients:

2lbs ground beef (or ground turkey – whatever you like), browned and drained

2 cans light kidney beans, undrained

1 can chili bean, undrained

64oz of salsa (or as I call it, the “vegetables”

I tend to use mild salsa if my kids are eating it, but you can adjust to your preferred taste. Also, no clue what happens if you use dark kidney beans by accident, but I doubt much.

This is not a science – just do your best.

Steps:

  1. Throw browned meat, beans and salsa in crockpot
  2. Turn on crockpot
  3. Cook on low for 6 hours
  4. Eat


I tend to garnish mine with sour cream and grated cheese. You can substitute plain yogurt for the sour cream if you are so inclined. My toddlers will eat these and ask for more, a win in my book! Toddlers are the worst critics.

Throw it all in together and stir.

If this is too difficult for you, I hope you are a millionaire and can UberEats every meal because it truly does NOT get easier than this! Enjoy

She doesn’t get any easier

First Snow, First Post

I didn’t expect my first post to be about snow. I don’t dislike snow, it just doesn’t excite me. I had planned on a cute post about my favorite coffee table books, our recent basement renovation, or my favorite WFH outfits over the *ahem* past two years. Then … Mother Nature entered the conversation. After a foot of snow fell over the Mid Atlantic in a matter of a few hours, we lost electricity for several days, and I shoveled our entire driveway only to have it be blanketed with snow again, here we are. There will be more to come on cute books doubling as decor, my favorite shades of paint, and the ultimate leggings for Zoom, but for now, to start us off, we do a deep dive into my favorites things to get me through a snow day (or week).

To be clear, I am very privileged when it comes to surviving forces of nature. We live in a well-built house, we have family we can stay with when the heat and lights go out, and we have the funds to replenish our refrigerator after the food spoils. I need to level set. I realize there are many, many people with less resources who suffered greatly the past week, and I do not claim to have suffered. But everyone’s reality is their own, and this is just mine. Shout out to everyone working at warming stations and checking in on their neighbors, you are the real heroes!

Gear:

I like sales and will shop consignment. There are few things that I require to be a good, reliable brand: one is cold weather gear. Personally, I always try to hit up big sale weekends at outlets during the off-season for such things. But in my experience, you just cannot cut corners with the brand and must use tried and true companies for this kind of clothing

Jacket: I love my Northface Women’s Gotham Jacket. I have the navy and it is SO warm. It can be too warm on a mild day, so this is great for outdoor activities in the snow. I find that sometimes NorthFace can run a bit small/tight under the arms, but not this jacket. True to size. I oscillate between a XS and S in the brand, and this jacket is a XS and plenty of room, even over layers.

Boots: Sorel Women’s Winter Carnival Boot – so stylish and functional. They hit mid-calf and are flattering even on us short girls! Keep your feet toasty warm and have tread so you don’t hit the ice. I have a size 8, which is my true size 85% of the time (there are a few brands where I have to size up to 8.5), and they fit perfectly with room for thick socks. Another less expensive option is the Ugg Chevonne Boots. I sized down, which I rarely EVER do, and got a 7.5. There is a sheepskin lined insole and they’re waterproof. They are not as tall as the sorel boots so they won’t work for deep snow, but for 6 inches of snow or less, these should work perfectly and double as cute rainboots that don’t come up to your knees … no one likes aggressive galoshes.

Kid Boots: These tiny Sorel boots are cute, comfortable and functional! The tread is amazing, especially for the little ones who may be a bit wobbly (picturing baby giraffes here). Worth the investment and will easily work as hand me downs because Sorel products last forever!

Gloves: As a lifelong skier, I swear by Swamy Gloves. These are not inexpensive, but they are the real deal and will protect your hands when you need it the most. They will also last FOREVER; I’ve had mine at least 10 years. I have never had them professionally cleaned, btw. Another option is the Seirus Innovation Gloves. They are a lower price point but also hold up to the elements and are suitable for winter sports as well. I’ve probably also had this pair for the better part of a decade. Also, if you happen be a cyclist and go out in the cold weather, my husband has a similar pair of these gloves and loves them … he also uses them in the snow with the kids. We call them the lobster gloves.

Baby It’s Cold Outside … and Inside:

Flashlights: These are amazing battery powered lanterns … we try to hide one in a cabinet in every room. You also don’t have to hold them – they easily sit on tables and display quality light. I put some in the playroom when the power was out, and the kids were happy as clams.

Cooler: We received this Yeti Cooler as a gift a couple years ago, and I wasn’t sure if it was worth the price paid by the gift giver. But … when we lost power … it proved its value! You can set it outside in the snow/freezing temps to chill down and we stored milk and meat in them that we took to our family’s place to stay. For you new mommas, could hold of ton of frozen breastmilk to protect your stash!

Kids Sleeping Bags: Luckily, my kids received these LL Bean Sleeping Bags for Christmas and they worked great for sleeping in a cold(ish) house and they thought of it as a bit of an adventure. You may still need to layer some blankets on top, but this will keep them cozy and snug if the temperature drops a bit.

The Bare Necessities

It’s Sunday night, you’re scrolling Instagram for memes and suddenly see a friend’s story who reshared the upcoming forecast for the week. Snow on THURSDAY! But you have to take the kids to school (or they’re in virtual school … sending YOU a hug momma), the stores will be packed, you have to work all week, etc …. Never fear. I have your Amazon shopping list of the bare necessities to go ahead and order on Prime. Get it done and then get your Instacart wine delivery, you know, just in case

Put these in your coat pockets 

Get one for each care and leave them there!

Keep your feet warm!

Ready for a fun snow day outside

That snow ain’t gonna shovel itself!

Spread the love … or the salt …

Gotta stay connected

Good luck in the snow friends! Email me with any other favorites you have for cold-weather days!

Please note: Some links are commissionable 🙂