Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Tuesday Mother's Day Gift Guide: Guest Blogger Azúcar

This week on Make You Over I am featuring some of my favorite Mom Bloggers and their Mother's Day gift ideas.  Make sure to tell your husband and children to check it out for some ideas! Check out my e-consulting GIVEAWAY...great prizes included!


Azúcar and I go way back, like 2004 way back.  Of course I don't call her Azúcar because that's not her real name, but everyone on the Internet does.  She blogs at The Jet Set, and if you didn't already know this, it's cool to read her blog.  When I moved to Washington from Utah, I was able to say, I'm friends with Azúcar, and immediately I was welcomed in to the inner circle (haha).  Carina is stylish, witty, smart, sassy, and has curly hair just like myself.  I knew we'd be friends when I found out we had the same stylist.  
Oh, you thought that chocolates are the most overdone Mother's Day present ever? Maybe you thought to yourself, "I could just go down to the pharmacy and pick up a box of chocolates." Perhaps you even decided that chocolates are boring. I hate to say it, but someone has to: you're wrong.

When you give your mom a 1.5 lb box of real Belgian chocolates you're saying things like:
"Mom, I love you so much I ordered you chocolates that had to be shipped in a refrigerated box." 
"Mom, when my siblings get you that Whitman's Sampler from the Walgreen's, they're saying they hate you."
"Shoot, mom, I guess if you really want to will me your ginormous amethyst cocktail ring because I gave you the best chocolates of your life, I guess that'd be OK."

Deciding that you're going to pick up the phone and order chocolates that usually cost north of $30 a pound means something. It means you love your mother, it means you understand her deep need for chocolate no matter how many times she protests her figure (and let's be honest, if it weren't for you, she wouldn't have her current figure, capisce?)  

I do have a few insider's tips for you. If your mom is the type of mom who doesn't like liquor, make sure that when you place your order they replace those liquor pieces with pralines. If your mom is the type of mom who gets tipsy, she'll probably require something harder than chocolates anyway and that's not my area of expertise. The second insider tip is that ordering good chocolates will make the recipient (your mother, or your wife) unable to eat regular chocolate again without a twinge of regret and longing for the Belgian theobroma. On the upside, when I've recommended Leonidas Chocolates to my friends before, they've called me in tears because the taste is so beyond comprehension that crying seems the only appropriate expression.

Your choice: dime store wax chocolates that say that your mother is nothing but a shelf-stable afterthought, or mind-blowingly delicious rectangles that elicit tears of epiphany and joy. 

I trust you'll pick wisely.

***I contacted the LOVELY people at Leonidas in New York City and they graciously offered to give one of you lucky readers a one pound box of Leonidas Chocolates Decorative Ballotins, and you will receive your order by Mother's Day.  They are sending me my box today (overnighted), and I should receive it by noon.  I cannot wait.  Literally.  You should call and place an order with them just to hear their beautiful accents.***

To enter just leave a comment on this post by Thursday May 6th at Noon EST.  Winner will be picked at Random and announced on Thursday.  I forgot to add that this is only available to the continental US readers!  

Check out Monday's Giveaway HERE
Check out my e-consulting with AMAZING prizes giveaway HERE

**************GIVEAWAY CLOSED****************

147 comments:

whitney said...

Real Belgian chocolates?!

be still, my heart, be still.

hips, you shut up too.

Unknown said...

mmmm...yum!

Tracy said...

Save me 30 bucks and let your dad win for your mom.

The Cook Next Door said...

Let this be my lucky day.

Lisa said...

Chelsea, I don't know if you realize this or not but I love chocolate and I think I would like to get a Mother's Day gift. ;-) Please let me win!

Natasha said...

sounds divine. pick me!

andrea said...

I'm pretty sure you came up with this give away just for me, didn't you? My mouth is watering just thinking about it!!

Caroline said...

please let me win!

Lauren F. said...

oooo I think I just HAVE to have these! Salivating. . .

Palmer Family said...

mmmm chocolate!

Tiffany Fackrell said...

here is my admittance, I don't like boxed chocolates...this could change my mind of them forever. I want to win!!!

Carolynn and Corby said...

If I win I promise to share with my mom!

Heather said...

Oh, I'm all about chocolate!

Paula -- CutieFruity said...

Oh my heavens. this would be a great (and probably my only) Mothers day gift. please pick me!

kimberly said...

Don't pick me - I don't need amazingly scrumptious Belgian chocolates at all! (that was my head.) Please pick me! I REALLY REALLY NEED amazingly scrumptious Belgian chocolates so desperately!! (that was my tummy.)

~j. said...

"With so much CHOCOLATE, how will I fit into all these BIKINIS? Sweat drops! Sweat drops! Sweat drops!"

Kim said...

My mother lives 2000 miles away and I'm not visiting her on Mother's Day. Will this sort of make up for it? Yes?

Mrs. Alston said...

please let Random be me! PLEASE!!!

Emily said...

I had a boyfriend in college that lived in Belgium for a summer, and he brought me back a Hard Rock Amsterdam shirt and a pound of belgian chocolates. It was then that I knew I loved him. Too bad he broke up with me a month later.

Patti said...

Okay, first . . . BHAHAHAHA.

Second, oh please pick me. I need those.

Millie said...

Well, if I did get the box. . . I'd show the pretty box to my kids, open it, eat a piece, then hide the box until I could eat it all in one sitting while watching Gilmore Girl reruns.

Ya, I can be like that.

Wait, isn't that how you're supposed to eat fine confections?

mel said...

I'm certain these are the best chocolates in the world--Azucar has the absolute best taste in shoes and food!

Monica said...

Are these for me or my mom? Hmmmm....decisions.

Emily said...

I love Azucar and her writing. It always makes me smile! And yes, nothing says "you're the best mother in the whole world and I will love you forever" like good--and I mean good--chocolate!

brouge said...

Ooh! ooh! me! me!

Jill said...

I'm convinced I need to try these. I'll cross my fingers!

kasey said...

Ah, that sounds wonderful to me.
kasey19062 AT aol DOT com

dmarie said...

i may just be one of those people who cry. i would love to try leonida's chocolates...bless you.

Anonymous said...

A moment on the lips, forever on the hips-scratch that, who cares?

If I win these, I am locking myself in my bathroom and not coming out until all are thoroughly enjoyed.

Then back to my diet.

Kerri said...

Yes please. For my mother, of course. Not for me. No. That wouldn't be proper........

(Really, they'd be for me........)

Kris said...

Who doesn't love chocolate?

kristilynngibson (at) gmail (dot) com

Melissa said...

I'm going through serious chocolate withdrawals right now. I surely could use some for Mother's day!

Three cheers to you and Leonidas for the giveaway! Thanks!

sarahlynn said...

Oh...these are my FAVORITE chocolates! It's so exciting that others love them as much as I do. I don't even feel guilty when I eat the cute little Leonid chocolate mice like I do the chocolate Easter bunnies.

I just started reading you both (You're both so cool, btw. Truly.) but now I know for sure we are kindred spirits.

Sarah

Marianne & Clayton said...

Oh dear, please let all of the luck o' the interwebs be with me today.

Ms. Etten said...

This is my first Mother's Day, chocolate would be nice!

tarable said...

My mother would be in heaven with these chocolates! I want to make her mother's day special this year.

Heather said...

I'd love to be able to give these to my mom!

Marm said...

My mother deserves these. Here's hoping I win for her.

FoxyJ said...

Mmm.. chocolate!

Beeswax said...

Well, growing up, my dad was a senior VP at Nestle, and those nice Swiss folk would send us unbelievable stuff for Christmas that didn't taste at all like Nestle Crunch bars. But I'm totally willing to give these Belgians a shot. Send em over.

kami @ nobiggie.net said...

I love chocolate and Carina!

Yes please!

kami@nobiggie.net

Cathy said...

I almost licked the screen. Yum.

Jolene said...

Leonidas! When I lived in France I sought them out wherever I was!

Mrs. O said...

I must try these - my mom will share, won't she?

Barb said...

As if I didn't like Azucar enough already, she goes and gets chocolate involved. I think I'm in love with her.

Jenny said...

I got these last year for Mother's Day and I did actually cry. Then I shared them with Azucar. I think that deserves a win right there!

wendysue said...

Pretty please?

Andrea R said...

Please please please???

Scrappycook said...

LEONIDAS!?! My favorite chocolates ever - so good and so many full of hazelnuts! the last time I had some Leonidas was four years ago when I visited Chicago. There used to be a store in trolley Square. Is it still there? Pick me!

Brooke said...

I am drooling already...

Bryn said...

Yum, Yum, Yum!!!

Heather said...

My mom doesn't actually have to KNOW that I got her chocolates right...............like I can just say I am getting them for her and "accidentally" taste test all of them......



for her saftey of course

cabesh said...

A whole pound? Wowsers!

Unknown said...

I'll take good chocolate over anything, anyday!! Sign me up!

Stefanie said...

Yes please!! I think I need to try these chocolates!

TheMoncurs said...

My mom so deserves these! And she will totally share with me, because that's the kind of mother she is.

Kimba said...

Oh I SO don't need this. I want it though, and Mother's Day only comes once, right?

Andy and Jenni said...

Oh Yum! Would love to try some, and share some...

karla said...

Yum, chocolate.

Unknown said...

Yum.. CHOCOLATE! hope i win this treat

Stepper the Mighty said...

Belgians define decadence? I believe it. Please pick me!

sarah k. said...

How many times can I enter? Or is that cheating? Not that I care, I'm already a lousy cheat. OK, fine. I'll only do it once.

tharker said...

Chocolate? Yes, please!

Erin said...

I like to win stuff.

just jen said...

i NEED those chocolates...

Gena said...

Mmmmm I can almost taste them!!!
Gena

A Simple Girl said...

OMG. YUM!

mszobie said...

Oh how I hope so!

That's Ms. Amy to You... said...

Diets are null and void on Mother's Day, so what better to day to imbibe such delightful chocolates?

kristin said...

I'd love to win and have it shipped to my mother!

lisa said...

Sign me up! (And thanks!)

Anna said...

I'm a mother 4 times and love chocolate.Hope one of my kids read this.

dalene said...

Did you say Leonidas? Because you must know I grew up believing I did not like chocolate.

And then when I was 23 I went to Belgium and I ate my first Leonidas and I knew. I LOVE chocolate. What I don't love is wax.

That was in 1987 and I haven't had Leonidas since. Please pick me.

Diana Parker said...

I've never had real Belgian chocolates before...Sure would like to try something NEW!!

Teri said...

OK, I KNOW chocolates...and these are chocolates! if I win I promise to tell my kids my husband got them for me!

(do I have to share?)

Monica said...

Please let me win. Thank you.

undefined said...

You know, this IS my first Mother's Day, and real Belgian chocolates would be an absolutely fantastic way to celebrate. I might even be convinced to share. Because it is only my first Mother's Day, and I still have that "I'm a mother, I have to share" guilt. Or not.

Likely said...

azucar de los chocolates,

do you like the white chocolate? does white chocolate have chocolate in it? They look divine. I wonder about that white chocolate though.

I guess I will have to try for myself!

Monica said...

Yay for chocolate! :)

Andrea said...

I want to learn for myself why Azucar is a chocolate snob ;)

ash said...

My heart is racing right now, I want this so much!

jkribbit said...

Um, YUM!! Sign me up, please!!

Shellie said...

My mom needs those. She is generous, so I know she will share!

Rynell said...

I hope I win.

alana said...

YUMMO

Anonymous said...

Nothing is better than chocolates. Fingers crossed.....

Jennifer B. said...

Here's hoping. . .

Seymour Chase said...

though i am currently outside the continental us, i would love to send these to my mom - she very much enjoys chocolates and things shipped in refrigerated boxes.
thanks!

Kendra and Devin said...

Devin might eat all of these before I could even get to them:)

Mommy to M said...

Belgian chocolates are fabulous!

Mumsy said...

(That was hilarious.)

I'm not shy. I'd order these for myself! My mother claims to hate chocolate. And if I didn't look a little bit like her, I'd swear I was adopted based on that claim alone.

Marilyn said...

I NEVER turn down chocolate, EVER!

La Yen said...

Screw my mother, I want these.

Carrie - C said...

MMMMMMMM!

Shells said...

definately sign me up for this one!

Tire Swing Mom said...

Pick Me! Pick Me! My sister is planning on giving roses. Belgian chocolates would sooo make me the favorite. Oh, wait. I already am the favorite. Well, it never hurts to maintain a strong lead.

Heidi said...

I don't actually have to give them to my mother, right? I could eat them myself?

Amy said...

oh boy. I think I could devour these in one sitting.

love_suz said...

These look like the best gift ever!

The Haertlings said...

oh yummy! those look great!

lisa said...

PICK ME!!! Pretty please :)

Claybrook Family said...

Oh yummy!! Please enter me! :)

Tierra Wakefield said...

I'm a Belgian chocolate virgin and I think it's time to give it up.

dandee said...

you had me at "chocolate".

i'd be so happy to win this.

April said...

I would lovingly hand over this prize to my dear mum. And then hover over her shoulder until she offered me a piece...or six.

Vanessa said...

Chocolate's my favorite :)

Amanda said...

My mom loves chocolate. Luckily I don't! :)

BowlerGirl said...

Chocolates for me please. And I call Azucar Carina aw well.

Anonymous said...

Oh I'm craving them already. Daishan

Rachel said...

yum - i want in on this!

Jenna said...

Oh my goodness now the cravings begin!
dean_jd@msn.com

Liz said...

Mmmmm chocolate! I'd love some!

Carrie said...

Holy Chocolate. Come to me. I beg of you!

I would love this (obviously).

Netti said...

Wowsy! I am keeping track of this site for my Christmas list also...and Birthday...and etc....

Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} said...

Wow, already over 100 comments??? I guess everyone else likes chocolate, too!!!

MelancholySmile said...

You are so right. Chocolates-- GOOD chocolates-- are the best gift ever.

Montserrat said...

Um, hello! Have you noticed the name of my blog? Yeah...I think that says it all.

I want the chocolate. PLEASE

Stephanie said...

Oh, yum. Of course these are good!

flip flop and fancy free said...

oh my goodness, I had these in Belgium years ago, I didn't even know you could purchase them in the states. WOW!!!

Lovely Lindsay said...

chocolate? yes, please.

Rebecca said...

pick me PLEASE!

Sarah Anne said...

Can't wait to indulge.

Chelsea said...

Those look delicious!!!

Unknown said...

oh... yum!!!!

Lily Magnolia said...

Yummy!

Jill said...

yum!

Amber said...

They look delicious. I'm sure my mom would love them and I would have to try just one after she opened them :)

luke & sammy said...

they look delicious!

Sara said...

So delicious!!

Unknown said...

Can I keep them for myself???? My mom's favorite chocolate is M&Ms. ; )

QueenScarlett said...

I have but one hard and fast rule. Always accept Belgian chocolates.

Chelsea said...

you may as well enter me in this one too...

Becky said...

if I win these I might share with my mom or I might say they are my gift from my toddler. Both options are good, right?

Melanie said...

My mouth is watering. This would be such an awesome thing to win!

Christina said...

I would love to try these - especially any dark chocolate....

Karrie said...

I am so addicted to chocolate..and would LOVE to win this!

Janna McCalley said...

I haven't had belgian chocolate since I was a little kid and my dad brought home a suitcase literally packed with them from his trip there-I would love to have them again, it's been way too long!

Kristen said...

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

linda said...

I don't think I have ever tasted Belgian chocolate...

Ashlynn {mamabear} said...

Did you say chocolate? I'm 9 months prego & the packaging alone makes me happy!

Sarah Fritzler said...

YUM!

buttercup said...

Leonidas are the BEST chocolates eva! Everything Carina wrote is true! I miss Belgium.

Sheryl and Ben said...

YUM! I just love anything chocolate!

Shauna said...

My mouth is watering and this will help me celebrate while I wrangle the kids to church by myself while my hubby works on Sunday!

Michelle said...

I'm drooling already!

Emilee said...

Amazing. My mouth is watering just reading the descriptions.

Heather said...

Oh yum!!