I’ve mentioned more than a few times that I’m a big, fat Kate Spade fan. I love how all of her pieces manage to be both whimsical and classic. I’m also a big I Spy DIY fan and when Jenni did a post a few months ago on DIY quote totes that were inspired by Kate Spade’s cheeky totes, I knew I’d have to make my own version.

I love an excuse to put together a gift guide. And you know I love mommas. I combined these two loves to put together a pretty, relaxing, springtastic collection of pieces that would be perfect for just about any woman in your life.

From things to prettify herself to things that help prettify her world, these gifts encourage busy mommas to take a step back, relax and enjoy the little things a bit more–and I think we could all use a healthy dose of that.

Kitchen Garden Cookbook :: Wen Healthy Hair kit :: Gap scarf :: L.A.R.K. Spark clutch :: atiliay succulent block print :: Williams-Sonoma Meyer Lemon Caldrea Gift Set :: Anthropologie trowel :: The Merriweather Council embroidered necklace :: Kate Spade scallop thin bangle :: Kate Spade mom idiom bangle

I’ll take all of them, if that works… although I’d probably hand off the cookbook to my husband with all of the recipes I want to taste bookmarked for future consideration. 😉

Alright, mommas. I want to know: what’s at the top of your wishlist for this Mother’s Day?

I’ve been avoiding doing a personal style post since I started blogging. While I love checking out my favorite style blogs daily, the idea of doing a post of my own makes me itch.

When I promised myself that I would step out of my (tiny) box this year and do things that make me uncomfortable, I knew this would be one of them. It might sound silly. It sort of is. But small steps, people! Small steps.

So, despite feeling like an idiot and second guessing this decision all weekend, I’m going through with it. I’m pretty sure the only way I can make it through this first post is if you hold my hand and allow me a nice round of self-deprecation. Deal?

OK. So. I’m giving you both a winter maxi style idea and the five things I learned about myself while doing this post.

I don’t want to complain, but… uh, I’m gonna anyway. It is freezing in New York this week. Samantha’s breath actually froze on the mirror in the car while we were waiting for the bus this morning.

I don’t want to step foot out of my house. And I definitely don’t care about wearing anything that doesn’t involve four layers and completely covered skin. Hot, right?

In an effort to feel marginally warmer, I decided to sip some blueberry tea while my kale and veggie soup heats up and search the internet for all things warm and cozy…

1 Kate Spade mittens / 2 Free People hooded poncho / 3 ASOS heart hat / 4 Isotoner sherpa knit mitten via Target / 5 Anthropologie beanie / 6 Lauren Ralph Lauren chevron infinity scarf / 7 Kate Spade scarf

There’s nothing like cozy winter knits to make you feel like making a cup of hot cocoa and getting comfy, right?

My go-tos lately have been a chunky infinity scarf, thick convertible mittens and an over-sized beanie (plus lots and lots of layers).

What’s your secret weapon when it’s cold out?

So, this should surprise no one, but… I’m kind of a geek. And as a geek, I’m attracted to geeky fashion. If there’s anything whimsical or any kind of typography involved (oh hey, Kate Spade!) I am so in. And I’ll probably do a whole lot of squealing.

I also happen to love the combination of something casual and ranking kind of high on the nerd scale with something more feminine, like an a-line skirt. I like to call this combination geek chic (mostly because my inner word nerd loves the way it sounds).

Take this look, for example…