Browsing Category

Best Of

Best Of

Beyond Bubbles: This Season’s Cozy Gifts

Posted on November 11, 2021

Calling all magic-makers! Sure, you can spend your days leading up to the holidays driving around in circles looking for parking spaces, waiting in long lines at department stores, and scouring the sizing racks to finally find the one that fits, or you can shop online.* Of course, now we always hit the Bubbles and Books gift collections first, but sometimes we need other ideas!

This year, we’ve been on the hunt for all things cozy. It just seems like everything is better when you’re feeling comfy. Especially as the weather turns chilly! So this year, we’re shopping for snuggly gifts while we’re nestled into our couches. So join us as we flip on a Hallmark movie, sit down with a steaming cup of cocoa, and send holiday greetings to everyone we love. 

Shopping for the women in our lives

It turns out that most of the women we surround ourselves with need the same things we are: a reminder to relax. So we’ve upped the relaxation motivation with these fun gift ideas!

  1. Conair Foot Pedicure Spa: Our feet take a beating and let’s face it, we don’t always have the time (or the extra cash) for a full pedicure. This at-home spa hits all the right buttons – and those buttons can be pressed with your feet! Featuring vibration massage and an extra-deep basin, this may be on our personal list as well.
  2. Cozy Bliss Striped Blanket: This is pure blanket perfection. Non-shedding, super soft, and animal friendly (that fur is faux!), this blanket is made for some sofa snuggling. Anti-static, ridiculously plush, and double-layered, this is the blanket of our dreams.
  3. Soft Touch Linen Kimono Waffle Robe: As bath lovers, we feel like we’re also bathrobe connoisseurs, by necessity. So we’re pretty confident in this bathrobe recommendation. Light, absorbent, soft, and slim-fitting while still big enough to wrap securely, this one checks all of the boxes!
  4. Mellanni Sheet Set: If you haven’t heard of these sheets yet, you are in for a treat. The Mellanni Sheet set has over 250,000 reviews and boasts 4.5 stars. They’re that good. These sheets are soft, breathable, and cost about $35. A solid investment.
  5. Capri Blue Volcano Candle: Candles are a bold recommendation, with so many choices and scents available, but this is genuinely one of the very best. Boasting a light, citrus scent, this long-burning candle will scent your whole house quickly while not being overpowering or cloying. 

Shopping for the men in our lives

Men need cozy gifts too! Even the manliest of men enjoy being pampered every now and again. These gift ensure that the men in our lives know how much we appreciate their hard work – with a chance to relax!

  1. Izod Men’s Moccasin Slippers: Classic style meets modern memory foam in these sleek moccasin slippers offered in various colors. Warm enough to de-ice the coldest of feet, these snuggly slippers also offer an outdoor-worthy rubber sole. Perfect for grabbing the mail on a chilly day. 
  2.  Jack Black Skin Saviors Set: Men’s skin needs pampering too! This set features everything the man in your life needs to keep their face in tip-top shape. This kit offers a daily cleanser, exfoliant, moisturizer, and lip balm without overpowering scents or fussiness. 
  3. HoMedics 3D Massager: Regardless of what a “long day” looks like for your man, this is the antidote he needs. Combining heat and vibration, this lightweight massager targets tight muscles in the upper back, neck, and shoulder area. You may want to gift this one to a man who’s happy to share!
  4. Bluetooth Headphones and Sleep Mask: Is there anything more impactful than the gift of a good night’s sleep? This all-in-one sleeping mask blocks out excess light while comfortably piping in soothing music, podcasts, or sleep stories. Best of all: the electric portion is entirely removable to make it machine-washable.
  5. Vobaga Electric Beverage Warmer: It’s incredible how hot and cold coffee and tea are excellent, but lukewarm is gross. This electric beverage warmer ensures that your man will never be subjected to lukewarm drinks again! With multiple heat settings and an automatic shut-off timer, this warmer provides the perfect cup every time.

Shopping cozy gifts for kids

Kids have a fantastic appreciation for all things snuggly, and we have to admit, they’re onto something. These options will make the children in your life (and tweens and teens!) feel like you’re wrapping them in a warm hug.

  1. Comfy Jr. Wearable Blanket: This wearable blanket is a universal hit amongst kids who know the value of staying cozy. Whether your kiddo is gaming, crafting, reading, or camping, this blanket will keep them snuggly warm while still allowing them to use their arms! 
  2. Sherpa Non-Skid Slipper Socks: Slippers are great, but these non-skip sherpa socks bring comfy feet to the next level. Easily washed (no stinky feet here!) and securely fitting, these slipper socks solve any issues kids have with slippers, ensuring their feet stay toasty warm. 
  3. Warm Pals Lavender Scented Plush: These are going to be a big hit this year, as who doesn’t want a soothingly scented thermal stuffed animal? Just throw your friend into the microwave for 30-90 seconds and enjoy a snuggly warm animal. Offered in a variety of styles, but we’re admittedly partial to the hedgehog – so cute! 
  4. Butterfly Craze Lounger: This pillow lounger will brighten any playroom and will soon be a slumber party craze. These loungers can be stuffed with pillows, blankets, or even stuffed animals to create a super comfy option for sleeping or just relaxing. Easy to clean and with various styles, these loungers are easily folded up and stored when not in use or can act as storage themselves!
  5. Pecosso Light Up Gloves: We’re pretty sure just about anything is better when it lights up, and these gloves are no exception. Keep your little one’s fingers warm and make them hard to miss with these super fun light-up gloves. Dazzling enough to entertain even the most discerning children and teens, these gloves will definitely make spirits bright. 

*This post does contain affiliate links. Bubbles and Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Best Of

Sweet Relief: Holiday stress Busters

Posted on November 2, 2021

As we head into the holiday season and all of the parties, family time, and treats that come with it, we must acknowledge that the holidays aren’t always sunshine and happiness for everyone. Sometimes the holidays can feel like everything is amplified, as we juggle gift-giving, celebrations, work responsibilities, and just overall magic-making. 

We are the first to remind you that it’s okay to not be okay, but once you recognize that you’re feeling some holiday stress, then what? We’ve compiled a list of stress busters that can bring joy back into your holiday season. So take a deep breath (we’ll talk about that more in a moment) and let all of your Grinchy feelings slip away. 

  • Just say no. One of the most stressful aspects of the holiday season is that we feel pulled in several directions. We need to be at this party or shopping for that white elephant gift exchange or baking cookies for yet another event. Sometimes we need to protect our schedules to make room for hanging out on the couch watching Hallmark movies. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “Oh, that sounds fun, but I have other plans.” Even if those other plans are with your Netflix account.
  • Get out (side).  Breathing fresh air, getting a dose of vitamin D, and enjoying nature will instantly improve your mood. Whether your preferred outdoor activity is a walk, sledding, ice skating, or skiing, allowing yourself some time to move your body and enjoy nature will provide an instant mood lift. Even ten minutes of sunshine and fresh air can leave you feeling more optimistic and upbeat all day long.
  • Get some one-on-one time. Frequently, the holidays can feel like a whirlwind, and we can find ourselves surrounded by people but feeling even more lonely. Try scheduling some one-on-one time with someone you care about to give yourself the chance to truly connect with them. You can even combine your visit with a walk outside and give yourself the gift of catching up with a friend while enjoying some sunshine.
  • Truly enjoy something special. Sometimes we can feel so overwhelmed. It feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to take a walk, meet a friend, or enjoy a movie. On those days, just taking a moment to fully appreciate a simple pleasure can offer a break from the stress. Make yourself a cup of coffee or tea and take the time to enjoy the aroma and fully appreciate the flavor. Or turn up your favorite song and sing your heart out. Fill the tub with your favorite bubbles and spend an hour soaking and reading. Even just remembering a cherished holiday memory can provide an instant boost of appreciation and stress relief. 
  • Breathe. Meditation and mindfulness are known to relieve stress but can feel especially hard when you’re short on time and heavy on tasks. However, you’re going to need to breathe no matter what, so employ a breathing exercise that will help you take a moment to refocus and let all of the stress fall away. A basic breathing technique is called “belly breathing.” Here’s how you do it: 
    1. Sit or lie comfortably.
    2. Put one hand on your belly and one on your chest.
    3. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and let your belly push your hand out without moving your chest.
    4. Breathe out through pursed lips. Feel the hand on your belly return to its starting point, and use it to push all of the air out. 
    5. Repeat 5-10 times, slowly.

Sometimes all of that pressure to make the holidays full of joy and magic can leave you understanding why the Grinch locked himself in a cave with his dog. But you can have your candy canes and eat them too if you just take care of yourself along the way.

Best Of

Getting Social: How to start a book club

Posted on October 11, 2021

Whether or not you’re an avid reader, joining a book club can combine the joys of fully immersing yourself in a book with the chance to break down all of the highs and lows of your reading experience. Reading and discussing your latest book can give you the opportunity to connect with new and old friends, prompt new ways of thinking or looking at situations, and provide a much-needed escape from daily life. 

Book clubs also broaden your horizons, breaking you out of any reading ruts you’ve gotten into, helping you to find new genres or authors that may just become your new favorites. 

With all of these great reasons to join a book club, it seems like an easy decision! But what if there aren’t any book clubs near you? It’s easy enough to start your own. There are some key guidelines to starting a book club, that you’ll want to consider -but in a few short steps, you’ll be happily swapping stories and analyzing characters with your friends in no time. 

  • Set a foundation. Every book club needs to have some general guidelines so that all the members know what to expect. By answering a few questions about your book club goals, you’ll be able to quickly ensure there are no needless arguments. 
    1. What kind of books will you read?
    2. How will the books be chosen?
    3. Where will you meet?
    4. How can you ensure everyone gets their chance to speak?
  • Select an ideal number of members. At least seven or eight people at each meeting will ensure that no one ends up carrying the whole conversation. However, with various scheduling conflicts that may arise, setting your total group number at 10-12 will ensure you get 7-8 members attending monthly. To ensure that the conversation doesn’t completely stray away from the book, invite some members who aren’t already close friends, and let the book discussion take the conversational lead.
  • Give everyone a chance. Start the book discussion by going around the room and sharing initial reactions. Rotate who chooses the next book. Take turns hosting or choosing where the club will meet. By giving all members a voice, and the opportunity to take some ownership of the club, they’ll feel more invested in participating and enjoying the time together. 
  • Set a timeframe. It’s easier for members to block off time for their club meetings when they have an idea of how long it will go. An ideal length of time for a book club meeting is around 2 hours. Aim to spend at least 45 minutes of that time discussing the book. 
  • Serve food and drinks! There’s nothing wrong with a little social lubrication – whether that be alcohol or just a new appetizer recipe. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can try to coordinate the food and drink selection with the book discussion, but it may be worth waiting until the club finds its routine until adding in extra assignments!

Book clubs can offer you more than just a monthly reading assignment, they can forge new friendships, open up new discussions, and introduce you to new books, authors, and perspectives. Start recruiting today!

Best Of

Anxiously Awaiting Bridgerton Season 2? Here’s Your next series!

Posted on August 10, 2021

While we admit there may have been some happy dancing when news that Bridgerton Season 2 is hitting Netflix on January 21st, it was shortly followed with a moment of silence as we realized just how far away that feels. We are solidly invested in the drama of Anthony Bridgerton, Kate Sharma, and absolutely everything Penelope Featherington.

In the meantime, what’s a Bridgerton lover to do? We’ve already read the entirety of  Julia Quinn’s amazing Bridgerton series, but now with plenty of time to kill before season 2’s release, we need to get our historical romance fix…now!

So without further ado, we’ve compiled a list of the series that loved almost as much as we loved Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. Clearly, that’s saying a lot. 

Grace Burrowes Rogues to Riches Series

The Rogues to Riches series by Grace Burrowes

Did you love the drama of the lack of social graces behind closed doors in Bridgerton? The social climbing and backdoor deal-making that ensured everyone kept their status? Then the Rogues to Riches series needs to be your next read!

Set as a sort of Cinderella with a twist style, Burrowes delivers strong, well-developed characters that aren’t afraid to go after what they want. We fell hard for the strong heroines and the sexy rogues who stole their hearts. You’ll want to grab this series to see why!

*Exciting news! How to Catch a Duke from the Rogues to Riches series is featured in our $3 book sale! Click here to buy today!

Tessa Dare’s Girl Meets Duke series

The Girl Meets Duke series by Tessa Dare

Tessa Dare is known for her witty historical romances, sliding some humor into the propriety of the regency era, and the Girl Meets Duke series lives up to her reputation. All three novels offer a take on Beauty and the Beast with each cranky aristocrat meeting his match in the woman of his dreams. 

Full of fun, laugh-out-loud banter, brooding and sexy leading men, and the kind of heroines that you can imagine as your best friends, this series is a welcome follow-up to the Bridgerton novels. 

Sarah MacLeon’s Rules of Scoundrels series

The Rules of Scoundrels series by Sarah MacLean

Sarah MacLean has long been a beloved author in the world of regency romance, and the Rules of Scoundrels series makes it easy to see why. Did you love the glimpse into the illicit underworld of London’s Victorian-era found in Bridgerton? The Rules of Scoundrels may be right up your alley!

Each of the four books in this series focuses on one of the four mysterious owners of the gaming hall known as “The Fallen Angel.” Full of romantic tension, sexy scenes, and charming characters, you too, will soon find yourself falling for a scoundrel!

Lisa Kleypas’s Wallflower Series

The Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas

Led by their determination to find themselves a suitable mate, the ladies of Lisa Kleypas’ Wallflower are sick of being overlooked in Victorian-era London. The four make a pact to help each other land a husband, no matter what it takes. 

It’s hard not to fall in love with the four wallflowers, and Lisa Kleypas is known as one of the queens of historical romance, for good reason. Delivered with perfect pacing, complex characters, and absolutely electric chemistry, this series is just as addicting as everything Bridgerton has to offer.

The first novel in Emily Sullivan’s League of Scoundrels series

The League of Scoundrels series by Emily Sullivan

This brand new series already has reviewers feeling some serious Bridgerton vibes. Emily Sullivan’s debut novel was just released in March of 2021, and to rave reviews. Taking the Victorian romance out of London and into Italy, A Rogue to Remember follows Lottie Carlisle as she fakes a love affair and takes off into the Italian countryside to escape the tiresome London society scene and her uncle’s determination that she must marry.

This wholly original regency romance manages to add in a road trip and a second chance at love as Lottie’s childhood friend comes searching for her. We fell hard for all of the twists and turns that Emily Sullivan took us on in this novel and cannot wait for the next one to release!

*Exciting news! A Rogue to Remember from the League of Scoundrels series is featured in our $3 book sale! Click here to buy now!

Best Of Vendors

Emmie Moe’s

Posted on June 10, 2021

While we at Bubbles and Books love all of our vendors, we admit to having a special place in our hearts for Emmie Moe’s, makers of the famed moisture melts, as well as other favorites, like the spring shower steamers, and the glorious whipped lotions and soaps!

We love the pride and care our handmade sellers put into their products, ensuring that each item that ends up in your box has been carefully cultivated to ensure you have the best possible experience. We want you to get to know our beloved makers, so you can be as inspired by their work as we are!

First things first, what kind of books do you like? 

I like to read just about anything but it really depends on my mood.  My guilty pleasure is paranormal romance.

What inspired you to start Emmie Moe’s? 

We moved from the suburbs to a more rural setting and my daughter and I wanted to start a business doing something that would be fun and where we could eventually use things we grow in the products (lavender, rose petals, lemon balm etc.) 

What product are you the most proud of? 

I would say I’m equally proud of our cold process soap and our moisture melts.

Have you had any terrible first attempts at creating a product that ended up being great in the long run? 

Moisture melts were actually born from the failings of bath bombs.  I had made bath bombs that would just not stay together so I added some moisturizing oils and butters in the hopes of salvaging the bath bombs into a new, more moisturizing product. 

What are your favorite scent combinations? 

Lavender is my absolute favorite and I love pairing it with citrus scents like lemon or grapefruit.

Are there any special tips about using your products that we should know?

No special tips….simple and enjoyable is definitely the goal. We are always looking for suggestions and ways to improve our products or get new ideas so never hesitate to reach out.  

Are there any products still in the development stage that we can look forward to? 

Yes, we’re working to perfect a couple of different new products that we are hoping will be coming in a future box.