read, need, wear, want

One of my favorite ways to do Christmas presents is the something to read, something to wear, something you need and something you want. I think that's a great way to think about gifts for the young and old. It also covers one of my fundamental favorite items to gift - books. It's no secret that I love to read - so I almost always give the kids on my gift lists books. Literacy is our friend. Given this favorite approach to a gift wish list I thought I'd share my list with you all.

Something to Read: One More Thing - B.J. Novak. All things Mindy Kaling, it's time for me to read B.J.'s book. I also think I drive by his high school on my way home from spinning most weekends. This is top of my list of books to read in 2015.

Something to Wear: This beautiful cardigan from Banana Republic.I picture myself wearing it at work, curled up on the couch with my book and a coffee, as an extra layer of warmth in the polar vortex. I also love that it comes in my favorite neutral - grey.

Something I need: a new Crock-Pot. Mine is super tiny, and every time I use it, it overflows no matter how hard I try not to get to that point. I'd love a new one that's a bit bigger so I can make meals for the work week.

Something I want: Snowshoe Lessons. Something that's long been on my want to do list, I figure if I got them as a gift I'd have to use it, and stop finding reasons not to go do this.


What's on your list? I'd love if you'd share your read, need, wear and want in the comments.

lions, tigers and bears

Oh my… one of my favoritest people is having triplets this year. I couldn’t be more excited for her and her husband. It also weirds me out a bit that this is the girl who use to get me out of bed in college to go get pizza at 11PM just to hang out (how are you old enough to be a mom?!?!?!). I know these are going to be some of the best loved children – and so much trouble. I have visions of perfect little triplets playing together, making friends, and just having an amazing sibling support system for their entire lives.  I have self-proclaimed to be an auntie to these children, so of course I want nothing more than to spoil the wee ones as much as I possibly can. I also fully volunteer (just like Katniss, well okay, not really, I am not fighting to the death) to be a regular baby holder whenever an extra pair of hands are needed.

On my first official act of spoiling three little babies, I found the most adorable set of onsies for the triplets. How cute are the animals and I personally love The Wizard of Oz theme. At time of purchase, I still wasn’t sure of the mix of boys or girls will be, and these are gender neutral and so cute. One of my rules of thumb when purchasing baby goodies is always go big, as kids grow fast and so many other people tend to go for the new born clothing.  Also a good tip for baby gifts, is there is absolutely nothing wrong with some practical gift giving – think diapers, lotions, destin, teethers, etc. 

I cannot wait to meet these little ones in person! Looking forward to seeing them grow up and be amazing people – just like their mom and dad.

just because...

 

I recently wanted to get one of my friends a cute notebook for the next adventure in her life.  Originally a work friend, turned into an out of work friend (love when that happens), she and I both have a similar love for to do lists and having a notebook to jot down notes and other important details. I thought that a nice notebook that was purse friendly and a bit personalized would make a nice little gift. I fell in love with these notebooks on etsy that are embroidered with names or other words if you desire. I love personalization – and I love giving items with initials or names on them to people.  If you are looking for a nice little something with that extra thoughtful flair - I highly recommend you consider a personalized notebook.

 

(images via sensationery)

dude looks like a lady

I recently was looking for a thank you card to give to a guy, not a boyfriend, not my father, just someone who deserved a little appreciation from me. My goodness was it difficult to find anything that didn't have flowers or some sort of girly animal - which made me wonder do guys just not get thank you notes from time to time? Or is this just one of those girl things that guys begrudgingly do until they no longer have to? I finally went to an official card store to find an appropriate card, or at least something that wasn't so feminine. I thought the pun was funny, and at least with the blue I didn't feel so weird giving him the card.

little one when you play

How cute are these little hats? I've been searching for some gifts for friends who recently had babies, and I stumbled upon these great knit hats from The Gap. The bear, the giraffe, and the elephant are all so darling, that I want to get them all. I think every baby is even more precious when wearing animal ears, and moms could pretend to have their own little zoo babies. I love the details with the button eyes, giving these beanies a homemade feel - definitely something a grandmother would make for a favorite grandchild.

Wish we were kids again my sister, my friend

Another Christmas come and gone, it's always amazing how fast the day goes when all is said and done. We all spend so long in anticipation of the day, preparing, shopping, wrapping, for it all to be gone in a matter of a few hours. I love that the holiday is truly about family and togetherness. My family is small, yet the holiday always seems just the right size- good food, thoughtful gifts, funny stories. I was so excited to finally give my sister her gift after hunting for something that was really unique. This necklace is from that same Etsy shop that I frequent for myself, but I was able to find something that I thought she would truly like wearing. The two little girls in silhouette reminded me of the true bonds of sisters, that means we will always be there for each other, even when we drive each other bonkers. I hope everyone has come away this holiday season with some new memories and fond traditions.

say my name say my name

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. I love personalizing things, it might be an ego thing but seeing my name in print always makes me feel important. I've been looking for a holiday gift for a friend that was simple and personal, and these monogrammed mugs from Anthropologie seemed like the perfect choice. It also didn't hurt that the mug pretty much leaped off the shelf into my basket. My friend works from home, where she spends many hours in the basement office as not to cause heartache for her young daughter and babysitter during working hours (we all know how important mommas are). Since I know she recently got an electric tea kettle for her workspace, I thought a nice mug with some unique teas would be a thoughtful way to remember her this holiday season.

I want to thank you

December is a time to remember those who help us out through out the year. I don't often give gifts outside of friends and family, but this year I wanted to send a colleague a thank you for all the times she's gone above and beyond the call of duty. I find that coworker presents are extremely difficult to tackle- people are unique and you don't always know what their favorite treats or things are (really everyone should blog about what they like- it would make gift giving a snap). After a bit of snooping, or what I would call covert affairs of having my boss email her boss, I discovered that brownies are a favorite baked good. Armed with some good information, I was able to send Dancing Deer Brownies with confidence that the treat would truly be welcomed. Hopefully she enjoys them as much as I have appreciated all she has done for me.

picture in a locket that I wore around my neck

I found this locket from Etsy, from the same shop I bought this necklace earlier this year. I wasn't really shopping for anything particular for myself, I was looking for a unique Christmas gift for my sister, since she's a big fan of jewelry - but more on her gift after she receives it. What drew me in to this necklace, despite the same old time feel of the other one I have, is the unique statement inscribed on the oval. A definition of the word Heart, in terms of the organ that keeps us alive. Immediately drawn to how a piece of jewelry that is meant to hold a picture of your loved ones, has a very different meaning of heart written on it, is supremely ironic and clever. The necklace takes into account the two things that keep us alive - the heart beating inside each chest, and a place to love with in each of us.

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

Eventually I was going to have to quote The Sound of Music, particularly in a blog about my favorite things. I received a necklace in the adorable little brown package, and it was tied with strings... couldn't have been more adorable. The little white stripe looks hand painted on the box, and it certainly adds some detail to a plain wrapper. This makes me want to paint boxes for Christmas gifts this year, just to give each present under the tree a more personal touch, as well as giving me a place to be creative.

Don't Drink the Water

Water, it's one of the best things you can drink. I've been striving to drink a lot of water during the day for the obvious reasons, it helps keep your skin looking great, and getting in hydration before the gym. I love these water bottles by bobble - with the built in filter, now there no excuse no to drink water all the time. The bottle itself is light, the filters are replaceable so once it gets icky, you can by a new one and keep drinking. One of the added perks is how environmentally friendly this water bottle is, every filter purifies at least 300 bottles of water, which means less waste overall.

Today is a birthday- they're smoking cigars

My sister celebrates her birthday this week, and she has finally decided that she wants the "it" bag. Most of my friends have the Longchamp tote, I am also no exception - I have two. I find these bags cute and functional - it's amazing how much you can fit in the larger one- computer, sneakers, gym clothes, and the small one holds your standard purse items, as well as a cardigan on those cold nights. Even if I don't initially use it when going on vacation, I always toss one into my suitcase. The bag folds down to the size of a t-shirt, and it's then available for all those extra items one tends to purchase while out of town. Hopefully, my sister enjoys her new bag as much as I love mine.