Since there are only 25 shopping days until Christmas...here are some ideas for any last minute gifts. ;) Don't forget to put a few on your own Christmas list!!
Turbie Towel
Ok I will admit - I am hooked! After a shower, there is nothing like it to wrap up wet hair. And, at only $4.99, you can buy one for everyone on your list. Warning: there are only about three colors to choose from...play it safe with white or pink & blue for the kiddies!
Anything & Everything with a Monogram
Without giving away too many of my own secrets, nothing else says you care quite like the time and effort involved in a monogram. Good for men, women, kids & even doggies.
...Featuring Norah Jones
The new Norah Jones CD features nine years worth of duets, cameos and collaborations. I bought
mine at Starbucks, so if you hurry, maybe you can grab a few with your latte. Don't forget one for yourself ~ great for your holiday party. Check out my favorite tracks #15 and #18.
Marta Glasses from CB2
These beauties are thin, modern, and cheap. No worries about losing a few at a festive cocktail party!! I imagine using them for wine, cocktails, even a Shirley Temple. Give a set & champagne to a lucky friend. Cheers!
True Prep: It's a Whole New World
Lisa Birnbach has updated the cult classic from the 1980's. I wish I still had mine. If you want an original copy of The Preppy Handbook --> go to Amazon. A set of both books wrapped in grosgrain ribbon would make any prep happy this holiday.
L'Occitane
Almost everyone has dry hands in the winter ~ give the gift of creme mains / dry skin hand creme. I love the 30ml/1 oz size as it can be slipped into an evening bag or a stocking. The silver tube is as divine as the product.
Trader Joe's Lavender Salt
Credit here to my dear friend G who gave this to ME as a gift! Even worse than dry hands are dry feet... Put this pot of lavender salt in your shower and scrub your feet every day. Pure heaven! My tootsies have never been happier. The recipient of this treat will be most thankful, as am I.
The Week
Simple. A subscription to, in their own words, "The Best of the U.S. and International Media". I love the book reviews, art, recipes, homes for sale, etc. (I think my super sister received this one a few years back!)
Tie: Love Actually & The Family Stone
These classic flicks are perfect additions to everyone's "adult" holiday movie library. You can pick them up at Target for just a bit of $ - add some popcorn and you have a great gift!
Charity
Last, but not least, give the best gift of all --> a donation to a charity in your recipient's name. Love, love, love this.
tb
(You know I was hoping for a sneak peek of your card. And, with all of the above writing, you didn't expect a picture, did you??)
PS congrats to my dear friend, K!! She is in the process of pursuing a dream...I am so very proud of her. Much more to come about this!!!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
UPDATE
Here you have it sister, I ordered my Christmas cards. And it is only November! Truth be told, there was a black friday weekend special ~ 20% off plus free shipping. Had to be done. Slight change after M reviewed draft. Hmm, I hate that I am so indecisive. It is almost 11:30 pm but tis' the season to be tired, right?
Sorry, no picture ... no sneak peak!
Tracy
Sorry, no picture ... no sneak peak!
Tracy
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Locals Only
In case you missed it, November 27th was declared "Small Business Saturday" -- a new day of holiday shopping nestled in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Apparently, American Express and other advocacy groups instituted the day in order to create jobs and boost the economy in neighborhoods across the country. Of course, everyone involved hopes this bump in business continues throughout the year.
Thinking about Small Business Saturday made me realize something about myself...I am passionate about small, local businesses. For starters, I relish the opportunity to purchase unique items, which are usually not found at malls and big box stores. On this same note, I feel the merchandise is often carefully curated by the owner. Next, I enjoy the relationship between the salesperson (sometimes the owner!) and myself. There are professional recommendations, a "back story" about an item, and, at times, some life stories mixed in. Once and awhile, the shopkeeper even knows the names of three out of my four children! ;) And, the best for last ~ these special shops generally offer a special way of gift wrapping their items!! (time saved on my end ~ heaven!)
I could go on and on, but I won't. What I will tell you is this --> yesterday, I did take a stroll through the independent shops in my neighborhood and start my Christmas shopping in earnest. Without giving away too many secrets, I found charming, thoughtful gifts for many people on my list. The gift to myself was the sights and sounds of Main Street USA on a brisk, fall day with a slight hint of Christmas in the air.
Hope your Thanksgiving was happy...gobble, gobble.
tb
Thinking about Small Business Saturday made me realize something about myself...I am passionate about small, local businesses. For starters, I relish the opportunity to purchase unique items, which are usually not found at malls and big box stores. On this same note, I feel the merchandise is often carefully curated by the owner. Next, I enjoy the relationship between the salesperson (sometimes the owner!) and myself. There are professional recommendations, a "back story" about an item, and, at times, some life stories mixed in. Once and awhile, the shopkeeper even knows the names of three out of my four children! ;) And, the best for last ~ these special shops generally offer a special way of gift wrapping their items!! (time saved on my end ~ heaven!)
I could go on and on, but I won't. What I will tell you is this --> yesterday, I did take a stroll through the independent shops in my neighborhood and start my Christmas shopping in earnest. Without giving away too many secrets, I found charming, thoughtful gifts for many people on my list. The gift to myself was the sights and sounds of Main Street USA on a brisk, fall day with a slight hint of Christmas in the air.
Hope your Thanksgiving was happy...gobble, gobble.
tb
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
We Give THANKS
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them. - John Fitzgerald Kennedy
So much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving makes me pause and remember the many blessings in my life. A wonderful family, amazing friends, good health, a charming roof over my head, delicious food on the table, and warm (chic!) clothing on this brisk day. Thinking about JFK's quote stirs something inside of me. What can I do, with all that I have, to help others? Stay tuned. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tricia
Blessed are we and may we not take for granted that for which we have. I am thankful for perspective and hope to never lose sight of it. I heard a speaker recently who challenged us to choose one person to help and raise them up. Even if it means making them greater than yourself. I try to move forward with a humble step and silently help those around me. I am thankful to everyone in my life who silently help me. Happy Thanksgiving as well!
Tracy
Thanksgiving 2009 ~ we often reflect back on this magical night.
So much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving makes me pause and remember the many blessings in my life. A wonderful family, amazing friends, good health, a charming roof over my head, delicious food on the table, and warm (chic!) clothing on this brisk day. Thinking about JFK's quote stirs something inside of me. What can I do, with all that I have, to help others? Stay tuned. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tricia
Blessed are we and may we not take for granted that for which we have. I am thankful for perspective and hope to never lose sight of it. I heard a speaker recently who challenged us to choose one person to help and raise them up. Even if it means making them greater than yourself. I try to move forward with a humble step and silently help those around me. I am thankful to everyone in my life who silently help me. Happy Thanksgiving as well!
Tracy
Thanksgiving 2009 ~ we often reflect back on this magical night.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
BREAK
Say it with me, AH, the first real break of the school year. It couldn't come soon enough. I am spent. And to think we just finished one of three marking periods. I never realized as a mother I would have to repeat school again. Didn't I already learn this stuff? I know my ABC's, most certainly advanced calculus, history, not so much.
The homework routine in our household is pretty much the same every night. Starts around 7:00 pm ~ the world of two working parents. First grader does his worksheet neatly, efficiently and with ease. Nothing distracts him. Then we review spelling words. Wow, he knows them all and it is only Tuesday. Excellent.
Then we open the agenda of the 6th grader. Yikes ~ looks like alot of homework if only we could read what it says. So we muddle thru each subject, check the progress of what has already been done, make corrections, teach some lessons (not sure how this got missed in class), study for a test or two and by 9:00 pm, sometimes 10:00 pm, we should be done. Did I mention there are alot of distractions, kids fighting and bathroom breaks in between. Sometimes yelling.
So here is the kicker. Last week I studied math with said 6th grader in preparation for a test. Husband handled social studies and more specificially helped to study for the map test (note: husband is a social studies teacher / prides himself on knowledge of geography). We divided and conquered ~ great strategy. 6th grader takes tests. A- in math. Excellent, making progress as compared to beginning of the year. D on map test. Speechless.
But then at the end of a long week, you clean out the backpacks, check the grades and often times see the fruits of everyone's labor. They may not be perfect, but you know they are trying even if it involves a little push here and there. It starts again next week ... when is the next break?
Tracy
The homework routine in our household is pretty much the same every night. Starts around 7:00 pm ~ the world of two working parents. First grader does his worksheet neatly, efficiently and with ease. Nothing distracts him. Then we review spelling words. Wow, he knows them all and it is only Tuesday. Excellent.
Then we open the agenda of the 6th grader. Yikes ~ looks like alot of homework if only we could read what it says. So we muddle thru each subject, check the progress of what has already been done, make corrections, teach some lessons (not sure how this got missed in class), study for a test or two and by 9:00 pm, sometimes 10:00 pm, we should be done. Did I mention there are alot of distractions, kids fighting and bathroom breaks in between. Sometimes yelling.
So here is the kicker. Last week I studied math with said 6th grader in preparation for a test. Husband handled social studies and more specificially helped to study for the map test (note: husband is a social studies teacher / prides himself on knowledge of geography). We divided and conquered ~ great strategy. 6th grader takes tests. A- in math. Excellent, making progress as compared to beginning of the year. D on map test. Speechless.
But then at the end of a long week, you clean out the backpacks, check the grades and often times see the fruits of everyone's labor. They may not be perfect, but you know they are trying even if it involves a little push here and there. It starts again next week ... when is the next break?
Tracy
a turkey any momma would be proud of
Monday, November 22, 2010
Will & Kate
I will go on the record here. I am hooked. I can't get enough. I am totally addicted. The announcement of Prince William's and Kate Middleton's engagement has captured my undivided attention. As another news story about the couple appears on the television, I grab the remote to turn up the volume and, simultaneously, shush the kids.
The lovely Kate looking nervous in front of the press once the news breaks
Diana's iconic sapphire ring (so glad to see it again!)
The church ~ many fairy tale sites to choose from
The date...less chance of rain in July it seems
What will she wear??!! (jewelry already checked off "to do" list)
It seems like yesterday --- the summer of 1981, we were up early, getting ready to go the beach. I remember being glued to the television set (sitting inches away) watching the wedding of Charles and Diana. There were numerous lasting images...the dress & tiara, the horse & carriage, the kiss on the balcony, the nervous bride mixing up her vows, the small army of flower girls. It was magic to me as a young girl. I have never forgotten it and never will.
Everyone hopes for a happy ending to a "Once upon a time" fairy tale. Therein lies some of the reason why I am hooked. I want the royal wedding to have a happy ending this time around.
And, I hope, they live happily, ever after...
Tricia
The lovely Kate looking nervous in front of the press once the news breaks
Diana's iconic sapphire ring (so glad to see it again!)
The church ~ many fairy tale sites to choose from
The date...less chance of rain in July it seems
What will she wear??!! (jewelry already checked off "to do" list)
It seems like yesterday --- the summer of 1981, we were up early, getting ready to go the beach. I remember being glued to the television set (sitting inches away) watching the wedding of Charles and Diana. There were numerous lasting images...the dress & tiara, the horse & carriage, the kiss on the balcony, the nervous bride mixing up her vows, the small army of flower girls. It was magic to me as a young girl. I have never forgotten it and never will.
Everyone hopes for a happy ending to a "Once upon a time" fairy tale. Therein lies some of the reason why I am hooked. I want the royal wedding to have a happy ending this time around.
And, I hope, they live happily, ever after...
Tricia
my own fairy tale wedding