Pour Yourself A Cup of Ambiton & Inspiration!

In this polarizing time is there any greater unifier than Dolly Parton? She exudes warmth, love, and tolerance.

Dolly stands the test of time in every facet of her life.  Her music, lyrics, movies, theme park, books, podcasts.  Her compelling life is full of highs and lows we can all relate to.  Her latest book "Dolly Parton, Songteller: The Lyrics of My Life" just dropped, and I am asking Santa for a copy (available at Barnes & Noble $50.00 hardcover)!  

It's hard to name a favorite song by Dolly, but admit it, haven't we all tried to belt out Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You?"  Probably the most authentic love song ever written, it's truly an anthem.  Of course, when I sing along in my off key warble it's cringeworthy!  I cracked up when I saw this coffee mug...a must have for any Dolly fan. (Amazon $14.99) 

Spice up your Dolly Fandom with these darling embroidered cashmere sweaters from Lingua Franca NYC ($380).

In case you haven't heard, embroidery is "hot" this year.  

Want the embroidery without the couture prices? 

Check out @apparelbyanne (on instagram) in Dallas.  She can tailor a shirt/sweatshirt/sweater to a name or saying to suit you for a budget-worthy price. These are perfect gifts for that college coed with a great inside joke, or your tween who has a favorite song lyric, or the hipster mom who is cutting edge! 

 Place your book and sweater in this cute canvas bag as your gift wrap.  From Draper James, a cute tote we could all use. (Draper James $30)

Top off your Dolly tribute gift with an enameled pin (Etsy $6.92). Among my favorite Dolly lyrics is "Tumble outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen, Pour myself a cup of ambition"  

Now, if that's not an anthem for 2020 I don't what is!

Keep Calm and Put the Kettle On

The Brits are known for their love of and skill at making a good cuppa tea.  The secret?

 Aside from piping hot water and good tea leaves, is to be sure you have the right teapot to steep it in.  The Brown Betty is the legendary and favored teapot throughout England.

I purchased one myself several years ago, and am a complete convert.  At first, I thought who would buy this dark brown teapot when there so many cute china patterned ones?  

The teapot dates back to 1695 in Stoke-On-Trent in Staffordshire where the local craftsman developed the Brown Betty teapot from the indigenous red clay.  This pottery allows for the perfect heating and steeping of the tea.  In addition, the special shape of the pot prevents drips when you pour.  

The Brown Betty can be purchased in England, or to save yourself the cost of international shipping, is available through a U.S. importer called the English Tea Store.  The Brown Betty comes in 2, 4, 6, and 8 cup sizes ranging in price from $25.99 to $36.99 (U.S. Dollars).  I prefer the 8-cup which is what you would imagine a standard size for a teapot.  They carry the cobalt blue version, but traditionalists prefer the brown glaze.

Be careful of knockoffs--a true brown betty will have a certificate or tag from Staffordshire telling you which ceramicist hand crafted the pot.  The English Tea Store features Cauldon Ceramics which is one of the heritage ceramicists in Staffordshire.  Cauldon Ceramics sells directly and offers many Brown Betty varieties, but, again, the international shipping is more expensive.

Spice It Up:  Make your gift truly special with a British themed tea cosy from Jan Constantine ranging from $27.00-$120.00 (British pounds).  The tea cosy is placed over the teapot after you pour your hot water in with your tea.  This allows the teapot to stay warm, and keep the liquid at the perfect temperature to enjoy while visiting with your friends.

The Union Jack is one the most recognizable British emblems, and is especially fitting for a british teapot and tea cosy.  Jan Constantine is a British designer who specializes in handstitched  pillows, throws, etc.  Her haberdashery designs are so popular she has translated them to china, and other featured accessories.

Add a few tea cups to go with your cute tea cosy!  

While you can order directly from Jan Constantine's website, it may be expensive to ship internationally.  Many of her products can be found on Amazon or through U.S. retailers like The Bees Knees with Tea Cosies for $135.00 (U.S. Dollars). 

It's a Marshmallow World in the Winter!

T-Minus 59 days and counting until Christmas!

Growing up in Dallas, Neiman Marcus always factored into our holiday traditions:  from holiday lunches at the Zodiac room, to visiting Santa downtown, to perusing their lush holiday decorations, to elegant NM Christmas gift wrap.  Each year, my mother always selected a small gift from Neiman's for each family member (of course, back in the day it was easier to find inexpensive treasures).

The annual Neiman's Christmas book is out, and in keeping with mother's tradition, I'm crazy for these darling Snowflake Marshmallows at $10.00 per pack (6 large marshmallows per pack).

Need a holiday hostess gift, a Hannukah gift, a stocking stuffer, or gift for your kids' teachers?  This is the easiest quick gift--buy several packs and keep them on hand to grab when you're headed to a holiday party or forgot someone on your list.

Spice It Up:  Marshmallows always pair well with Hot Chocolate.  Spice up your gift with Neiman's Saxon's Hot Chocolate in their signature holiday keepsake tin.  At $25.00 per tin, it is a lovely offering.

Alternatively, to keep your total gift price down, pair the marshmallows with a hot chocolate from your local gourmet grocer.  One of my favorites is Silly Cow Hot Chocolate packaged in reusable old fashioned milk bottles.  Silly Cow is available at many grocers, and currently you can find it at World Market in Peppermint, Pumpkin and Maple flavors for only $5.99 per bottle.

The Marshmallows and Silly Cow combined are only $16.00--a reasonable holiday gift!  And, who doesn't love hot chocolate and marshmallows in winter? Dee-lish!

Rev Up Those Resolutions!

With the New Year upon us, we all resolve to make new changes and keep our resolutions.  Whether it is torturing yourself at the gym, giving up chocolate, ditching that cheatin' boyfriend, or just focusing on positive thinking, it is tough to stick to your goals after a few weeks.

Mantra Bands has created an elegant and sensible way to keep your resolution ever present on your mind, and on your wrist in a stylish bracelet.  Choose from a list of inspirational words/sayings in either silver, gold, or rose gold.  This is a great New Year's gift or birthday gift for that special friend/mother/sister who is attempting to see their resolution through to fruition, or for a friend going through a divorce, breakup, grief, etc.

Spice It Up:  Any resolution or self-improvement plan is bolstered through exercise.  Pair the Mantra Band bracelets with these fun inspirational socks called Notes To Self.

I like them because they have a variety of sayings which will be covered by your sneaker, but give you a secret affirmation as you wear them.  Of course, if you are headed to yoga class,you'll be the envy of all your classmates when your downward dog pose reveals Brave on the soles of your feet!

Where to buy:  Mantra Bands can be purchased online directly from their website.  They range in price from $25.00-$35.00.  Check out the cool box they are packaged in which enhances the gift and makes me want to buy more than one!

The inspirational socks can be purchased online directly at Notes to Self, or you can check their retail locator for stores near you. Several area Hallmark Stores carry the socks.  Prices range from $9.99-$10.99 paid depending on the style (anklet or crew).  These socks are high quality and are made of a nice feeling fabric.  At this low price, you can bundle a few pairs to make a whimsical gift.

Poppin Good Times

Growing up, the holidays always included watching Peanuts' Thanksgiving and Christmas specials on TV.  As a child, I secretly fantasized that our Turkey would burn and we would have Popcorn/Jelly Beans/Toast for dinner ala Snoopy in the Peanuts' Thanksgiving!

To honor your Thanksgiving host(s) for their hospitality (and provide some good football watching snacks) give them this handy Microwave Popcorn Popper from Sur Le Table.  It fits right in the microwave, and pops fresh kernels for movie style popcorn (much better than those burnt microwave bags).  This popper is glass, reusable, dishwasher safe, and has a handle for ease.  It also has a top that allows you to drizzle butter and other  fixings while it pops. 

This gift is perfect for Thanksgiving, Hannukah/Christmas, New Years Eve/Day host gift, Birthday or Graduation.

Spice It Up:  Include a jar of kernels, and add these delicious toppings to make gourmet popcorn.  They have several seasonings, but the Asiago Pepper flavor is tops!

I've always loved caramel corn, and this topping allows you to mix and melt over the popcorn a quick Buttery Caramel Drizzle popcorn treat.  Delish!


Even better--they are all Gluten Free!

For those serious popcorn lovers, add this recipe book "Popcorn Treats" by Hannah Miles which has detailed recipes to make a variety of popcorn snacks.  

Or, include a DVD of a favorite movie for the perfect Movie Watching night.

Alternative:  For those college kids living in dorm rooms or New Yorkers who simply don't have the storage space, try this alternative popper by Lekue at Sur Le Table that is collapsible and pops up like the old jiffy pops in the microwave. 

P.S.: This gift is so easy and perfect for so many different friends and age groups.  I liked it so much I bought 4 of the glass poppers yesterday, and have them stacked in my closet ready to give for Christmas gifts!

Where to buy: Sur Le Table carries all of these items.  Glass Microwave Popper $24.95, Jar of Kernels $6.95, Seasonings $5.00, Drizzle Topping $4.95, Lekue Collapsible Popper $25.00.  "Popcorn Treats" Book is available at some Sur Le Table stores and at Barnes & Noble $12.95

Squirrely Nuts

What to get your boss or client that is a nice remembrance and fits well on their desk?  Vagabond House's squirrel nut bowl with acorn scoop is a handsome piece that is well crafted, and has a touch of whimsy with the pewter squirrel perched on the side of the bowl.

The wood bowl fits easily on a desk or coffee table, and the acorn scoop is especially nice for keeping germy hands at bay.

Spice It Up:  Squirrel Brand nuts are deluxe Southern style nuts with the most amazing flavors.  From Crème Brulee Almonds to Crème Caramel Pecans to Fleur de Sel Pistachios, these gourmet nuts are a generous addition to your gift.  Your recipient will be able to pour them right in the bowl and enjoy!

In addition to being a lovely corporate gift, this is a great gift for all the men in your life, any host/hostesses, your parents, yourself etc.   I liked it so much I bought one for myself and it's sitting in my den!

Where to Buy: 

Squirrel Nut Bowl & Scoop - is made by Vagabond House and can be ordered direct from them or found at multiple stores/sites including Neiman Marcus, Frontgate and Amazon.  $79.00 - $85.00 per bowl & scoop

Squirrel Brand Nuts – produced by a Plano, TX (Dallas suburb) company called Squirrel Brands/Southern Nuts, they can be purchased directly online, or found at many specialty stores.  $19.99-$27.99 depending on size (18 -36 oz) and flavor/nut

Tip:  Sam’s Club carries (in-store only) the Crème Brulee and other flavors regularly—a nice way to bring the price down on the nuts and saves you the shipping cost. $10.48 for small box 28 oz.

 

Ginger, Spice and Everything Nice

Too busy to bake homemade cookies or treats for the holidays?  This is one of my favorite quick gifts for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas:  Nyakers Ginger Snaps from World Market.

As soon as you open the tin, the wonderful smell of ginger wafts out enticing you to munch!  These thin cookies are delicious and crispy like Moravian cookies, and are the perfect holiday flavor of ginger.  Nyakers' tins are oversized (almost double the size of a standard cookie tin), and generously include 180 cookies per tin!  No scrimping with this gift!

Spice It Up:  Add a Pumpkin Dip in a holiday bowl or ramekin to complement the cookies.  This is the perfect treat to set out when company drops by unexpectedly throughout the holidays, to snack on while watching the big game on tv, or to enjoy a simple dessert after a heavy meal. 

Consider these festive bowls I found at Tom Thumb grocery:  one a pumpkin bowl/Thanksgiving theme and the other a snowflake/Christmas theme.

Though the pumpkin dip recipe (see recipe at bottom of page) takes less than 5 minutes, an alternate idea if you are short on time is to pair the cookies with a package of Hot Chocolate or Hot Cider. 

Ultimately, kids will love the cookies for a snack and the dip is positively addictive.  As for adults, don't even start me on how divine it is with spiked egg nog or milk punch!

Where to Buy:
Nyakers Cookies - available at World Market year round.  The tins change patterns/colors depending on the season.  The cookies stay remarkably fresh once opened.  $12.99 per tin of 180 cookies.



Ramekins from Michaels

Bowls/Ramekins - available at most stores including Container Store, Crate & Barrel, Target, Joanns, Michaels, Dollar Store, Tom Thumb Grocery, etc.  I recommend buying at your local grocer or with a coupon at Michaels/Joanns--it's not worth splurging when there are plenty of inexpensive ones that are as pretty as the fancy stores' bowls.  It will also help keep the overall price of your gift down. $0.99-$4.99 per bowl/ramekin


Creamy Pumpkin Dip Recipe

• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese softened
• 2 cups (16 oz.) confectioners sugar
• 1 (15 oz.) can solid pack pumpkin
• 1 tbsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 capful of orange extract

In medium bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth.  Gradually add pumpkin incorporating each small portion.  Lightly blend in spices and extract.  Chill and serve.
Yield:  4 cups

M&Ms...Mmm Mmm Good!

You’ve probably seen the ads for personalized M&Ms, and I’m here to tell you they are even cuter in real life! 

M&Ms make a great Hostess gift, Thank you gift, Birthday, Bar Mitzvah, Co-Worker, Grandparents, Teens, Kids, Anniversary, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Valentine’s,  party favor, etc. 

With Thanksgiving approaching, think of the festive color combinations you can order to make for a Hostess gift for your Mother-In-Law, Sister, or Friend who will be toiling over the turkey dinner!  For Thanksgiving, try Orange/Brown/Red or Orange/Yellow/Red with clip art of a Turkey, a maple leaf, and “Happy Thanksgiving” or “Gobble Gobble.”

As for me, I gave this gift for Father’s Day, and as a Thank You/Hostess Gift.  For Father’s Day, I picked Blue/Green/White M&Ms.  Then, uploaded a photo of my niece, a photo of my father’s dog, and the words “Happy Father’s Day.”

For a Thank you gift, my friend loves all things French, so I picked the colors of the French Flag (Red/White/Blue).  Then, uploaded a Fleur-De-Lis logo, an Eiffel Tower Clip Art, and the word “Merci.”
If you are stumped for creative ideas, the M&M website provides a great “idea gallery” to help you come up with gifts for your particular occasion. 

Spice It Up:  You can search for a container on your own, or (on the M&M Website) select one of their candy dispensers to add to your order.  The dispenser is well designed because it is relatively small (though it holds a large bag of plain M&Ms) to sit nicely on a desk, and won't clutter up your space while keeping the candy fresh.

Dispenser Size Comparison

Where to Buy:  Go to the website at My M&Ms.  Prices vary depending on the items you select.  Personalized candy only runs $6.99 for 7 oz. to $159.99 for 10 lbs.   The combo of a candy dispenser with 1 lb bag of personalized candy varies from $49.99-$69.99 depending on your selection. 

Tip 1:  I recommend picking a 3 color combo you like as it makes the gift more distinctive than mixing more colors in together.  If you choose to go with the dispenser, pick “white” as one of the M&M colors at it will look nice with the dispenser and will make the other colors pop.

Tip 2:  M&M is strict when it comes to trademarked logos, so you cannot upload your own logo from your favorite sports team if it is trademarked.  They have available on their site most major league teams to pick from, but they charge you more to use them snice they are trademarked.  M&Ms has some college teams, but not all.  I was able to upload a longhorn logo that was not an official UT Austin Longhorn pic, but I had to work at finding a clip art that was not an official trademark.

Tip 3:  You are allowed to choose 2 photos /logo/clip art + 1 word combo, or 1 photo/logo/clip art + 2 word combos at the standard rate.  When uploading photos you have to pick a headshot or it won’t come out clear enough.  M&Ms is very good about emailing you quickly to tell you if your pic or word selection will not fit on the M&M--be prepared to have a few alternates handy.

Tip 4:  The candy arrives in bags packed alongside the dispenser.  I recommend shipping to yourself so you can place the candy in the dispenser to present as a gift.

Luck Be A Lady!

For a graduation, a milestone birthday, a bridesmaid gift or a bon voyage for a friend who is moving away, you want to bestow good wishes.  These Dogeared brand necklaces are stylish, and meaningful gifts to express this sentiment.

The Lucky Cat is fun, and a conversation starter.  The small size keeps it from being too "cutesy" for an adult.  It wears well from day time at work, to casual sweats on the weekend, to out on the town at night.

The 100 Good Wishes, though pricier, is unique as it lists out the 100 good thoughts and wishes.  Each "bead" on the necklace represents one of these wishes, and there are exactly 100 beads on the necklace. 

We can all use good vibes, good karma, and blessings--whatever your beliefs--and this necklace is a magnet for all if them! 

This is one of my favorite necklaces because it layers beautifully with other pendant necklaces.  Personally, I have one in silver and one in gold just so I can combine it with my other jewelry depending on what I am wearing. 

The strand is one single long necklace that you can wear long or double up as shown.

In addition, this necklace works for any age—from teenager to grandmother.  It is just that good looking, and subtle.

Spice It Up:  The lucky cat legend is a charming Asian tale of a cat that brings good luck.  This festive statuette is a great addition to double down on the good luck from the necklaces.  

For a graduate’s college dorm room, a housewarming gift, a co-workers desk, or a going away gift for a friend who is moving, the Lucky Cat gift box offers Feng Shui and good luck for any space. 

This particular one includes the decorative box to display the cat, along with a booklet describing the legend of the Lucky Cat.

Where to Buy:

Necklaces:  Dogeared jewelry has numerous necklaces with charms that have different sayings included in the box. 

The styles are available in both silver & gold so you can pick which best suits the recipient.  The brand can be purchased online or in stores at Nordstrom, NeimanMarcus, Bloomingdales and other stores. 

Dogeared products range from $38.00-$140.00 and include sentiments such as: Faith, Good Luck, Friends Forever, Life Is Beautiful, etc.

Lucky Cat necklace $58.00 

Good Wishes necklace $90.00-$100.00 (price varies slightly depending on whether it is gold or silver)



Box is roughly the height of a iPhone
Cat is height of a standard Lipstick

Lucky Cat Statue: 

I found this one at Barnes & Noble on the display stands near the counter.  Though Barnes & Noble shows that they are sold out for online order, I have seen them in the actual stores as recently as this week.

It is also available through Amazon.  If you cannot find this particular statuette, google “Lucky Cat” online and you will find many other similar cat statues.    $9.95

Ready, Set for College!

High school graduations are just days away, and you need a gift for a graduate.  To start, consider what the grads could use in the fall when they head off to college.

Now, think back to your own college days…hiking across campus to class with your backpack, socializing at keggers, and running out of allowance money a week before the end of the month...

Ah, those were the good 'ol days!

An iPhone wallet is a perfect gift for a new graduate. It is small enough to stuff in a Backpack (who wants to lug a giant purse around), and keeps a student ID and phone safe.

For the girls, you can find many cute styles, though I recommend the wristlet type.  Wristlets are desirable because you can still dance at a party without losing your belongings!

KateSpade, Coach, and Tumi all have very nice iPhone wallets/wristlets and you can certainly spend the $80.00+ for these lovely cases.  But, remember, the reality of a college student's wallet is that it will have beer spills, pizza stains, and crushed edges from sitting under a stack of books.  Basically, it's not worth ruining an expensive one.  

So, stop by Target and buy the stylish ones like these two affordable examples.

 I like this Black & White Polka-Dot wristlet because it fits a phone that may already have a protective case (like an Otterbox), and allows for a few extra items. This is soft faux leather so it is not heavy to carry like real leather, and you can spill all the beer you want without staining the cover! $14.99

 
An alternate style is the hard case found in this light gold wristlet edition.  It is a bit smaller, and fits the phone in the case (sans cover) and serves as a protective case in itself.

The gold is a bit more glam for nights out on the town!

In addition to graduates, this is a neat gift for a 21st birthday or 30th birthday as she heads out clubbing with her besties!  $12.99

For the boys, the iphone wallet combo is simple and sleek.  This is available at Target, as well.  $39.99

 

Note:  Another option is to go to the website for the bookstore at the college of their choice.  Oftentimes, there will be cases with the school colors.

Spice It Up:  Add gift cards to the wallet! 

Whether studying for exams, or just needing late night munchies after the cafeteria is closed, a little junk food is a real treat for the college student! 

Tuck a few gift cards from various fast food restaurants in the wallet.  These will be their “emergency” kit when they truly need it!

Note 1:  Pizza tends to be expensive.  If you choose to do this, select one like Gatti’s or CiCi’s that have pizza buffets.  This way they can make the card last longer than just one pizza at $20.00.  Otherwise, $5 or $10 increments are sufficient at most fastfood places.

Note 2:  Possible cards include: Pinkberry, 7-11, Starbucks, Einstein’s, McDonalds, Whole Foods (if you are trying to avoid the junk food), Pizza Hut, Taco Cabana, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Whataburger, etc.  Be careful about convenience store or grocery store cards--a friend of mine spent his first semester using his gas card to buy copious amounts of beer until his father figured out he wasn’t filling up his car!

Note 3: Be sure to tell the recipient that the gift cards in the wallet are real and are not just display cards!

Where to Buy:

Wristlets are available at most department, and gift stores.  I found these at Target (wristlets).  $12.99-$14.99

Mens' phone/wallets are available at student bookstores, department stores or try Target (Agent 18 men's phone/wallet). $39.99
 

These are great gifts for Graduation, For Him or For Her, For 21st Birthday, For 30th Birthday (headed out clubbing)!