Every once in a while, you meet somebody new and they instantly feel like family. It’s like you’ve known them forever and can’t even imagine life without them for a single second. For me, 2017 brought me Chi Chi, my daughter’s Nanny. She is literally priceless to me and my family and I seriously don’t know that I can even do justice to how much she means to me.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably gotten a sneak peak of Chi Chi. For those of you who haven’t met her, she truly the most selfless, loving woman. My daughter is so blessed to have her in her life. She’s basically the engine that makes the machine of my life run. Without her, I know I wouldn’t have my dream career or be able to provide the life for Elia that I want to.
With the holidays just around the corner, I knew I wanted to get something really special for her and nothing felt more appropriate than a sentimental piece of beautiful jewelry. To me, there is something about jewelry that really just says, “You mean everything to me.
A couple of weeks ago I was at Oakbrook Center and I found myself inside the Michael Hill jewelry store again (it’s so hard for me to stay away!). I’m completely obsessed with this fine jeweler (you can see how I styled a few pieces last month).One look into one of the six Chicagoland stores, and you’ll be enamored too. The Michael Hill Jeweler brand was built around the idea that fine jewelry should be affordable to everyone. If you know anything about me, then you all know that couldn’t be more in line with how I feel about EVERYTHING. I like things to be approachable and accessible for all.
Walking into the store, my first instinct was to head right to the diamond section. Hey, they are a girl’s best friend, right? As I walked over to the diamonds, my glance got pulled to the beautiful sparkling Ruby case. Since it’s Elia’s birthstone, I thought I’d stop and take a look. Within seconds, my eyes were locked in on a beautiful red ruby pendant necklace.
The stunning ruby pendant is set below white sapphire and is just breathtaking. When I first saw it, I didn’t think I could ever afford something this special, but was pleasantly surprised to find it was less than $100!
“This is it”, I thought.
I knew it was the perfect gift for Chi Chi. Not only is the necklace sentimental because it’s Elia’s birthstone, but it’s a timeless piece I know she can wear forever.
Once the sales associate wrapped the necklace in the signature Michael Hill purple box with a satin bow, I could not wait to get home and give it to her. I thought about waiting until Christmas, but I was seriously so excited the whole way home, there was no way I could wait! I was eager to see the look on her face when she saw the necklace and explain to her that she is truly a blessing to us all. After pulling into the garage, I ran upstairs, threw open the door and told her I had a surprise for her (it was hard to tell who was more excited.)
Chi Chi opened the box and I told her all about the sentiment of the beautiful pendant necklace and she was overcome. Seeing her smile while watching her and Elia hug and admire the necklace was probably the best gift of all!
Moments like this are what make that little extra time spent finding the perfect gift all worth it all. Take some time this holiday season to really enjoy the meaning behind gift giving. For me, it made it so much more fun!
Love always,
Erica
You are the sweetest!! Chi Chi is just as lucky to have you and Elia in her life. Ruby is my birthstone as well. Such a beautiful piece.