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Jen A. Miller Consulting

Category: Gift Guides

  • Single Girl Reads | Winter Reading List

    Single Girl Reads | Winter Reading List

    Catherine’s Winter Reading List 2014

    winter reading list
    PHOTO: Bonnie Barton.

    It’s raining, it’s pouring… I didn’t realize until a couple weeks ago when the first rain of the season hit San Francisco just how much I love rainstorms. With cold air and longer nights, it’s the perfect weather for curling up with a good book. This season’s picks are a little deeper, a bit more emotional but, like my fall picks, will probably strike a chord. Brew your hot beverage of choice (I go with hot cocoa or apple cider), switch on your holiday lights, snuggle with your most-loved blanket, and get ready to revel in some reading.

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  • Show Your Single with a Morning Motto

    Show Your Single with a Morning Motto

    6 mugs to help you set your daily intention

    motto

    Urban Outfitters

    I love rituals. Because I’m not a morning person, I came up with a few rituals to make them a little easier. One awesome piece of advice I heard recently from Arianna Huffington is to consciously avoid your phone or media as you wake up so you can set your intention for yourself every morning. When you start your day by reading emails or articles before you give yourself a few breaths, you allow someone else to set the tone of your day.

    It takes a lot of discipline to achieve this, but while you’re practicing grab a physical reminder of what you set out to do every day. Here are 6 inspirational mugs to give you a daily reminder of the path you want to take. While I encouraged everyone to start their morning with a slow cup of tea, I love me a café au lait or a dirty chai latte. Pour up your caffeinated beverage of choice, and let your mug be your guide.

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  • Single Girl Obsessions | Fall Wish List

    Single Girl Obsessions | Fall Wish List

    Catherine shares her must-haves for fall

    fall wishlist

    One of the worst things about being out of school (aside from bills and adult responsibilities) is the absence of back-to-school shopping. Who doesn’t love a new notebook and a fresh start? Though school’s been back in session for well over a month, I’m just now feeling summer drift into memory. With that, I also feel a little more motivation, a little more inspiration. Here are the things on my fall wish list to aid in tapping into that creativity.

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  • Single Girl Budget Wines

    Sarah Walsh reveals six fabulous summer wines under $20

    PHOTO: Catherine Abalos.
    PHOTO: Catherine Abalos.

    When you grow up 20 minutes south of wine country, developing an early taste for grapes is expected. With my father as my guide, I learned that wine taste is very personal and something worth discovering for yourself. After lots of trial and error and finally narrowing down what my palette enjoys, I also discovered the thrill of finding the perfect budget wine. Good wine isn’t necessarily expensive, and inexpensive wine isn’t necessarily bad.

    I’ve compiled a list of very budget-friendly and summer-ready white and rosé wines for you. Everything here is delicious, perfect for parties and gifts, or a solo night in. Best of all, none of the bottles is over $20!

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  • Single Girl Reads | Mother’s Day Book Report

    Single Girl Reads | Mother’s Day Book Report

    A gift guide of books for the mothers on your list

    PHOTO: PBS.
    PHOTO: PBS.

    My love of books no doubt stems from my parents. I had my first library card before I started school (my “signature” definitely looks like I had just learned how to write my name). Some of my fondest childhood memories include my mom bringing me to the library and letting me peruse the children’s room for hours. When I started reading more substantial literature, my mom encouraged me to inscribe my name and the date I finished each book on the inside cover. What a charming way to look back years later and consider your “journey” when you first read a novel! Unfortunately, I fell out of this practice once reading for pleasure was a thing of the past (read high school and college required reading lists). I think it’s time to bring it back. Mother’s Day is such a special time to honor the women in your life, and I find there’s no better gift than just the right book. A personalized note is just as extraordinary an inscription… and a beautiful reminder of where the book came from. Here are six of the latest titles to consider for Mother’s Day.
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