Thursday, December 17, 2009

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Gift Idea #10...For the Man in Your Life

I was a little alarmed after doing a Google search for men's gift ideas to find several life-size Twilight cut-outs, too much beer/drinking paraphernalia, and weird stuff you only find in the magazine on the airplane.
Man, you can be hard to shop for!  You know what you want, but oftentimes won't let on to the specifics.  Therefore, attempts at the perfect gift may end up in a return trip to the point of purchase.  So what's a girl to do?  Here are a few ideas I have come up with along with some ideas from Oh Happy Day.

1.  Garmin Forerunner 405.  The gift of all gifts.  The watch of all watches.  Any man (or woman) will be pleased to be the recipient of this gift.  This GPS-enabled watch tracks your time, distance, pace and heart rate, and it keeps track of this information on an on-going basis.  Sync the watch with your computer to keep track of how far you've come overtime.  Even for the simpler, less techy athlete, this watch is a great training companion.





2.  Headlamp.  This is a must for any man on your list.  Comes in handy for nighttime reading or runs, working on the car, camp outs, fix-it projects...you get the idea.  The Tikka is great, but I really like the e-Lite:  lots of options, red and blinking lights, compact, and a whistle.




3.  Magazine subscription.  A magazine subscription that suits his interests is the gift that keeps on giving all year long.  Try Bicycling Magazine, Wired, Runner's World, National Geographic or  Newsweek to name a few.  






4.  Kiehl's products.  Typically men aren't too finicky in the personal care arena, but if there is something he (or maybe just you) particularly care for, why not splurge?  Kiehl's products seems to be straightforward enough for a man, yet effective enough for all involved parties.   The Clean Hold Styling Gel is a favorite around here.  But you can't go wrong with any Kiehl's product.






5.  Mini screwdriver set.  Again, another essential household (toolkit) item.  Particularly for the gift-ridden times when you're changing batteries in and out of new toys and electronics, you'll appreciate the precision and ease of these little guys.  Klein Tools makes a great set you can find at Home Depot.





Best of luck ladies!

The Buried Life

This new show looks pretty cool.  Premiere on MTV in January.  Looking forward to it.



Hmm...what do you want to do before you die?
via Word to Your Mother

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Niner, Roger That



Winston turned nine months old.  It's funny to think he's been out in the world as long as he was cooped up in tummy (the word "belly" just makes me feel prego again).  This boy's personality gets bigger and more fun as the days go by.  He's all over the place, into everything, and I think he just might start doing pull ups on the bookshelves any day.  I love it.  He still prefers the army crawl to actually getting on hands and knees.  Of course, this means he's constantly dragging leaves, dog hair and any tiny spec of anything from the ground.  Combine that with the incessant drooling and he's like a wet mop.  Again, I love it.

What else do I love about this boy?

**His laugh.  Oh his laugh!  He used to just giggle and giggle, but now he's really laughing.  Almost a belly laugh, as my mom would call it.
**Squinty smile.  I can tell he's learning to feel confident and proud in his newfound skills.  He'll either clap his hands in excitement, or bare his mouthful of teeth with his squinty-eyed smile.  Too cute.
**Book reader.  He isn't pointing much, but he will actually sit still to have a book read to him.  He prefers to turn the pages a bit faster than I can read them...but he's getting it.
**Anticipation.  He can tell when it's time for his daddy to come home.  When he hears the garage door open, he all but takes off for the door.
**Playing tag.  This is pretty much the cutest thing ever.  If W is into something he shouldn't be (particularly the stairs or Lucy's bed), I'll say "I'm gonna get you!" and he will take off full steam ahead and just laugh and laugh until I snatch him up.  He gets giddy he's so excited.


W is still such a docile, happy, pleasant little boy.  Though I'm biased, I'll just say it; he's a REALLY good baby.  He loves to make noise.  He loves to chew on everything (clothing, shoes, that blasted timer for the floor lamp!), climb up the stairs and into toy boxes, chase Lucy around, and pull G-ma Maggie's pewter vases off the shelf over and over again.  But I really, really love this kid.

Happy birthday little boy!!!


Stats
Height:  29 3/4 inches (95%)
Weight:  19 lb 2 oz (25%) *I was informed by the pediatrician that W needs to put on some poundage.  So what do we do all day?  Eat, eat, eat.  No bar holds, we just let the boy eat.

Gift Idea #9

For those lacking the gift of gab, here's an idea:  Table Topics, "...a collection of conversation starters meant to spark fun, interesting and meaningful discussions around the dinner table, at parties, on dates, on road trips -- wherever!"  

These simple little acrylic cubes are filled with some 400 squares of questions to ask in any given situation.  You know, the question(s) you wish you could think of when you're at another one those awkward work functions and you just have nothing to say.  Nothing.  To.  Say.  These little cards prompt questions which prompt conversation which prompts a more fun, less awkward time for everyone.
There are several different "situations" you can buy (i.e. Dinner Party, Book Club or College Edition), as well as topics categorized by decade -- '60s, '70s and '80s.
So..."Do you own any clothes inspired by Miami Vice?"

Sunday, December 13, 2009

This Is What Happens...

...when you really need to take a shower but someone won't take a nap.  So you bring him in the bathroom, shut the door and quickly shower while he's entertained by the scale and bath mat...until he finally realizes that you're hiding behind a shower curtain.


Suddenly this is a game...a game of how many times he can sneak past the curtain and how many times you can return him to the tile floor without getting water everywhere.  (You see, I had already bathed, diapered and clothed this child today...like wrestling a wild animal.)
 


In the end, this game leaves you rushed and him wet.  I think he won.

Gift Idea #8...sorta

Seriously people.  Forget the mall, catalog and online shopping routes.  Do not past Go.  Do not collect $200.  Go directly to your local Walgreen's pharmacy to pick up steals like this:

The Perfect Brownie Pan.  No more hassling with cutting gooey brownies.  Let the pan do all the work. Only $19.99!


If you thought the Snuggie was good, how 'bout the Snuggie for Dogs.  Guaranteed to make your dog hate you for life.


And if those weren't good enough, this will blow your socks off.  The Colossal Remote Control.  Aside from its universal power, I think the fact that it's 12 inches long with buttons you can see from the neighbor's couch will have you sold.  Plus it's on sale for $5.99.  Don't pass this up.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

I like this

"Sewing immerses me in the pleasure of making something, and reminds me that not everything is made up of pixels."  
-- Meribah Knight, O Magazine

I am learning more about this pleasure of making something; something imagined, designed, constructed by me.  I find it very satisfying, sometimes frustrating, as I figure things out.  But very satisfying.

I started another sewing project a couple of nights ago.  Once I started, I could hardly put it down; I finished it the next morning.  It is lovely.  Perfect.  And so, so cute.

It's interesting how something so simple -- some thread, fabric, scissors, machine -- linked Ms. Knight to her grandmother, her roots.  Reminds me of how important it is to capture one's history.  I find it is in the simplest things I discover new things about myself.  I suppose I should get to writing this down.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Gift Idea #7

Operation Stocking Stuffer

Restoration Hardware is a beautiful store full of beautiful things for beautiful homes and seemingly beautiful people.  Until I get a job there someday, my purchases at said store are few and far between.  However -- a big however -- when it comes to Christmastime, RH doesn't disappoint, particularly in the stocking stuffer category.
Here is just a sampling of what you can find.  To view all of their beautiful gift ideas, go here.

Superhero in a Box

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Gift Idea #6

I am less than crafty, so creative/cutesy gifts are not my thing.  Not at all.  So when it comes to Christmas gifts for the masses, i.e. neighbors, visiting and home teach-ees, co-workers, etc., I stick with simple stuff.  Like, REALLY simple stuff.

I found some great boxes at The Container Store.  For about a buck twenty-nine, a spread of sweets goes from good to pretty darn cute.  So, fold up your box...


...add your treats.  {I went with Ina's coconut macaroons dipped in chocolate, Pioneer Woman's molasses cookies (plus chocolate chips -- thanks Kristin), and white chocolate chip cookies (which normally have dried cranberries in them, which look cute, but D refuses to eat.)}
...then tape your box shut and tie a little bow.  Perfect!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Gift Idea #5

As you may have noticed, some of the "gift ideas" I have mentioned have been little tips, nudges and friendly suggestions for the hubs.  No, not all of them are personally motivated.  But this one in particular is a shout at the top of my lungs; I want this!
The item?  Any one of the variety of necklaces or charms from The Vintage Pearl.  You may have seen these simply beautiful pieces on others' blogs (several times on Nie Nie).  But I've had my eye on one of these for a long time coming.
Personal favorites?  How 'bout the classic Initial on a Chain
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or the Mama Bird 
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Love, love, love these as a sweet gift for a mom, sister or friend.
And yes, I know they won't make it in time for Christmas.  But this is something I'd be willing to wait for.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Gift Idea #4

It's kind of awkward to give a a new sports bra, ankle socks or running shorts with the built-in underwear for a Christmas gift.  Even if that's what the athletic recipient may need.  So here's a great alternative for that active gift-ee.

 The Camelbak Podium Chill Bottle is the perfect companion for hikes, bike rides, runs or any other activity you might enjoy.   The insulated bottle keeps your beverage of choice  nice and cold for hours on end, so your ice water stays icy while you're driving around town or running on the trails.  Unlike the trendy stainless water bottles out there, the valve is comfortable and prevents spills, even when it's open.  (I'm always afraid those stainless bottles are going to cut my lip open.)  It's lightweight.  It isn't bulky.  Dishwasher safe.  And when you take a drink, the contents don't taste like metal.
So if you're uncomfortable buying padded shorts or anti-chafing balm, this is a safe gift.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Gift Idea #3

Last Christmas, several buns were in the oven.  One baby had just hatched and three more were on the way, or soon-to-be on the way.  Aside from loads of clothing, blankets and newborn essentials, babies mean books.
A thoughtful gift for any new mom- or grandma-to-be is presenting a copy of your favorite childhood story book.  Perhaps you loved The Giving Tree or Where the Wild Things Are or anything Dr. Seuss.  A favorite of mine is The Elephant's Child.  I loved listening to my grandma read it to us in her big black chair about the "great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River" and that elephant's "satiable curiosity."  My grandma's voices were magically entertaining.  I was lucky enough to inherit (a.k.a. pick out for my Christmas gift) the original book which my grandma read to us.  The book itself is of heirloom value to me.  But the story itself that has the most sentimental value.  So last year, after doing some searching, I was able to order a copy of the condensed story, which I gave to my mother-in-law.  Now this story that is so special to me will be on her bookshelf for years to come.  I hope my W will love to hear his grandma's stories as much as I did.  Perhaps your family will too.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Gift Idea #2

This is one of my all-time favorite stocking stuffers.  Everyone needs a good chap stick (or, in my family, "lip stuff").  Burt's is one of the best ones out there, perfect for soothing chapped or wind burned lips.  Or perhaps you just need a little lip softening.  Either way,  Burt's is a winner.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Gift Idea #1


No more hassling with corny labels or writing your return address by hand.  How 'bout a stamp instead?  Personalized gifts are always a favorite of mine, and this is something everyone can use.  Enter promo code "Holiday" at check out and save 40%.  Score!


Copyright © 2009, Expressionery


What's Under Your Tree?

The Waterfall sibling gift exchange went homemade this year.  Better than previous year's procrastinated gifts, I have been anxiously preparing my gifts since October.  The suspense is killing me!  I just sent the gifts in the mail and I can hardly wait for the gift-ees to see what I brewed up.  I don't think I've ever been so excited to give a gift.  Here's a sneak peek:  


I'm not quite finished yet; still plenty more Christmas shopping, wrapping, gifting, baking, cooking, sharing, etc. to do.  In fact, I think I'll share some of my Christmas gift brainstorming ideas in the coming days.  There certainly are plenty of luxe things out there to buy.  But I would suggest nothing is quite as good as homemade.

Christmas Giving

My parents did me right.  Every year, for as long as I can remember, my parents were sure to help us become involved in Christmas outside of what was under our Christmas tree.  We "adopted" families, gave the 12 Days of Christmas, volunteered at shelters, provided gifts to less fortunate people in our neighborhood, city and even around the world.  I don't share this to toot my own horn.  It is my parents who deserve the praise.  They taught/teach us how to give and not expect something in return -- how to be selfless.  They taught/teach sincerity.  They taught/teach how to love people for who they are and how to love others' uniqueness.  They are superior role models to me and so many others.
Since we've been married, D and I have participated in some sort of Christmas giving, as well.  It's a little different every year depending on where we are and what needs we are aware of.  But I'm struggling a bit this year. I just can't put my finger on what we can do that will really fulfill a need and bring the spirit of Christmas (Christ) to someone or some family.
I've been noodling on this subject for quite some time now.  No lightning rod yet.
What are you doing for Christmas giving this year?