Temple of Glam

At one point, my dad's goal was for me to be a domestic goddess to snag a husband (or maybe to steer me away from a life of takeout). I, by the way, was 22 and knew domesticity and I had irreconcilable differences, but humored the dude anyway. Witnessing my failure to effectively iron his Con Edison uniform, he hashed out plan B.

Dad: Do you know how to cook Sizzlean?

Me [with obvious hesitation]: Um, yeah.

Dad [like Zeus on Mt. Olympus]: Go in the kitchen and make some Sizzlean.

I did. He never asked me to do anything domestic again.

We are alike, however, where it counts. For example, we are both honest to a fault and lack the filter of political correctness. And though his first language was Spanish, he excelled in English. I am obsessed with the English language.

So when I attended the Accessories Council Father's Day Gift event, I knew I'd be presented with the most Papa Brathwaite-worthy gifts.

Lacoste Sunglasses ($120) & Belt ($85)

Colibri Enterprise & Slice Gift Set ($165)

Calvin Klein Wallet & Key Fob ($39.99)

Heritage Cashmere Scarf ($150)

Swarovski Cuff Links ($70 - $90)

Woolrich Hat by Dorfman Pacific ($38)

Luxury Tote by Yak Pak ($16)

And I only kept this watch! OK fine; I kept the sunnies, too...don't tell!

Phosphor Watch ($210)

There are certain songs that choke me up without fail. Tupac's "Dear Mama" and Boyz II Men's "A Song for Mama" are definitely at the top of that list. I also fight tears when I have a real-deal conversation with my mom like the one I had the other day.

I am grateful she raised me to know that however I looked, whatever I wore, or whomever I loved was perfect; I never doubted she'd love me unconditionally. It wasn't until I became a woman that I realized how profound (and rare) that is for many girls.

So of course I was psyched for last week's Accessories Council Mother's Day Top Picks Event. I was simultaneously nervous that I'd keep everything for myself like I did with my Valentine's Day goodies.  Because it was in fact, an Accessories Council event, I knew without fail, I'd be presented with fantastic gift ideas from brands like Michael Kors, Givenchy, and even Sky Mall (for traveling mamacitas).

Since the gifts below are intended for Mother's Day, I vow to give my mom more than what I keep. Though I MIGHT need you to keep me honest.

Front row: Maria Brito Interior Designs can spruce up mom's casa. Susan Beard Customized Soy Candle. She'll love this Judith Jack Necklace.

Second row: Style will be made in the shade (wow, that was so corny!) with this Dorfman Pacific Hat. And speaking of shades...how cute are these Michael Kors sunnies and this MCM leather rabbit keychain? Show her the bling with this Givenchy necklace. I think this red Noon Copenhagen for Skymall watch is money for spring. Nothing says, mother like this BELK bead charm bracelet. I'm serious. One charm says, "Happy Mother's Day". And don't forget her Hair Rules!

Third row: If your mom is like mine, she'll be all over this Nine West animal print tote. Maybe she can rock it to a fancy dinner ar a great restaurant like, Rouge Tomate.

Now I adore my mom. ADORE, but she ain't getting this Good Charma Bracelet or this Colette Malouf Headband (What?! She doesn't even wear headbands!)

And finally, whether she's your mother, aunt, grandma, or sister, here's to the "mama" in your life:

As much as I try to escape to Denial Isle, Valentine's Day is almost here. I know this because my stomach is in knots at the very thought of Russell Stover chocolates. And cherubic Cupid? I have a few choice words for him.

So when I got an invite to attend the Accessories Council Top Valentine's Day Gifts event, I dared them (psychically, of course) to wow me.

Last night I sat with my fashion-blogging compadres sipping MOET & Chandon and promising myself a cupcake after the presentation. I was ready to behold affordable and pretty perfect gifts for Valentine's Day. All right, enough with the talk, check out the goods:

(from left to right...sorta)

A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR A MOUTH FACIAL (A $250 VALUE)* & ORAL THERAPY TOOTHPASTE FROM REJUVENATION DENTISTRY

A BOX OF VEGAN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES FROM CORNELIA GUEST

A CUPCAKE DECORATING KIT FROM CUPCAKE CUTIES

NEVER SAY NEVER SHAPING PANTIES FROM COSABELLA (p.s. I never thought a shaper could be SEXY!)

ULTRA CONDITIONER FROM HAIR RULES

MR. POSTMAN SATCHEL FROM KATHY VAN ZEELAND

A CHAIN-LINK SHOULDER BAG FROM B. MAKOWSKY

A BRACELET SET FROM JOAN BOYCE FOR HSN & RING FROM AVON

SOLID PERFUME FROM BOYFRIEND

3-D SUNGLASSES FROM CALVIN KLEIN & A $40 GIFT CARD FROM AMC THEATERS

A PAIR OF SLIPPERS FROM DEARFOAMS

A HEART-SHAPED BOX OF CHOCOLATES FROM GODIVA

A SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL WATCH FROM ARMITRON

For the record, after this event, I almost felt excited about Valentine's Day.

*I'll fill you in on the details (including teeth cleaning and facial massage) as soon as I go!