The best gifts to give...are the ones you'd want to get!

A little advice to all you procrastinating Christmas shoppers out there. If you are dreading the task because you never know what to get anyone listen up!! You need to get into the mind of the receiver!! If I were Bobby, age 14, a little geeky because I like sci-fi, not to mention a bit gangly because of my growth spurt the perfect gift for me would be the new Batman video game! Recently voted best action game of the year this is what ever adolescent gamer will be wanting...the first game with full range of motion characters. Sooooooooooooooo to keep you from going grey prematurely, I've done all the work for you. Here is what everyone wants right now!!

pre teens...colorful print TOMS...teach them early to be generous, for every pair you buy a needy child gets a pair.  For those pre teen boys who have an image to keep up these do come in plain colors as well....some pre teen boys I know would not enjoy these however and for them I would simply get the newest Reebok's and hope maybe next year they will enjoy fashionable footwear.  OHH I also am getting every boy in my family a Tim Tebow jersey this year!  Such a great guy, its too bad the jersey proceeds don't go to one of his ministries.  Said best by one of my youth groupers yesterday..."Tebowing is the new planking!"  Hahahaha.

Teen Girls...Sperrys!  Who can resist a beautified boat shoe???  Too cute and just what the hip teens are wearing in the Halls of your local High School!  My favs are the leopard print, so I guess maybe this is a great gift for any age?

Teen Boys....video games:  parents don't fret, the blue chip kid attributes his uncanny smarts to video game playing.  He says the fast problem solving helped him on his rise to the top of the business world:)  Batman Arkham city won best action game of the year... I hear the characters have human-like range of motion!  If you are still against video games, I'm not judging, here is the hottest book series since Harry Potter, The Hunger Games.  Its kind of a cross between The Giver and Ender's Game....non stop action and suspense with a healthy dose of Politics...be sure to read it with your teen for great discussion around the dinner table!

The 20 somethings... Dazzling shades of nail polish!  My go to brands for gifts are Chanel for its gorgeous packaging and staying power and Butter, out of England for its cheeky named colors like Tea with the Queen, and Yummy Mummy! Just get the latest shades, your gift will be so now!

For the 20 something guy....A hip pair of Ray-bans.  My favorite style is the Original Wayfarer.  Now it comes in so many shades and prints there will be one that fits his personality, shown below is a contemporary black and turquoise followed by a classic tortoise. 

The young professionals..The Nook starting at like 80 bucks all the way to the Nook tablet which is a I pad like invention.  I also love the fact that this is not an Apple Product.  I don't know why but it bothers me that everyone thinks their things are so cool. Its like a whole society has been hijacked by computer geeks disguised as "creative people".   Guess what? I'm cool and artistic and I don't use Apple products...wha sup? 







The Parents...need a night off!  Get them a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant.  Some great ideas around the Twin Cities are Parasole gift cards to which they can go to any Parasole restaurant such as Manny's, Salut or The Good Earth.  You may even get invited to this dinner...a gift that keeps giving!! If you are invited and you are not a vegitarian its your patriotic duty to go to Manny's...yummmm.  Medium Rare beef just says Merry Christmas to me. 

The Grandparents...mine like Chocolate, because lets face it, at that age you can indulge a little!!  Grandparents are also notable lovers of photos of loved ones, and nostolgic memorabilia.  Try a combo of Fannie May Mint Meltaways and a great frame filled with a family photo!

If you need more ideas....ask away!  Happy Giving Everybody!

~S

How to stay warm and keep your dignity

I'm 29 years old. I live in Minnesota. The average temperature is 6 degrees this time of year. I love my husband. I moved here willingly for him...or at least I kind of remember doing something like that. This is the mantra I have to repeat to myself on a morning like today when I wake to the mind-numbing cold that waits at my doorstep. It's winter again in Minnesota. At least as of now the holidays are here and no one has seen the senselessness to this cold because White Christmases are nostalgic. But soon, the Christmas lights will come down, the Christmas tree thrown out in the garbage heap and the only thing left....you guessed it.... the cold. Oh yeah, and the snow and ice and that gross blue salt that is sprinkled everywhere. How do we get through it? We wrap ourselves up as best we can and wear ugly shoes instead of the pretty ones that make walking fun. Its sad. Every year I struggle with this decision to join in or opt out...do I choose function or form? Will I dress for warmth or will I wear what I like?

This year I refuse to don the shapeless parka and clunky snow boot that characterizes a northerners wardrobe this time of year. There must be a better way, as I have no intentions of moving to California any time soon, and a cute outfit will help me bear this burden more becomingly. I'm determined that those of us who face this horrible weather should have another alternative.....fashionable and functional winter wear. Does such a thing exist?

Join me on my hunt.

The Riding boot: The style is so classic and now the material so warm and weather-proof! Check out the following styles from Ugg, Hunter and Burberry. Hunter also make fleece inserts to wear inside for warmth and comfort!

A Fur Coat: If you've never tried one on, you don't know what you are missing. Its the way God intended us to keep warm! And it really works! Pair one of these with long leather gloves, a patterned scarf and a knit cap and you will stay toasty all day. If you are opposed to real fur, the faux fur options at retailers such as Nordrom are not only really warm but easy on the pocket book.

Shown in order: Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Vintage and Nordstrom faux fur.

Shopping tip: The fur I purchased was vintage and therefore has a unique feel, stop by your locale vintage retailers and tell them what you are looking for and in what size...you'll be the first one they call when it comes in:)