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!

Be Your Dog's Best Friend

Anyone who knows me knows I am crazy for my dog Toby. So, when I stumbled across this gift I realized I found the ultimate pet owner gift! 

Sweater Hound creates darling knit sweaters ($128), ball caps ($48), hoodies ($128), blankets ($148), cookie cutters ($28) of your pooch. It's easy--you upload a photo of your pet and select if you want the dog in sweater, bow tie, Christmas attire, Superman cape (because your dog is THE Superdog for sure!) etc. It may seem a bit pricey, but it is higher quality than your average product.

    

Just a heads up that today is the deadline to order and receive in time for Christmas, So, hop on their site and get to it--it will only take you 10 minutes.  I ordered mine last night!

Not a dog lover? Have a cat that rules your world? Sweater hound will do custom order for pet owners of cats, birds, turtles, bunnies, etc.

Sweater Hound is truly a show stopper of a present to open on Christmas morning. However, if you want to really spice it up and round out the outfit then add these custom pet socks from Furbaby Socks ($25 pair). Upload a photo of your pet dog, cat, horse, bird, rock and you are all set.

What better way to snuggle by the fire than wearing sweater & socks featuring your best friend!

*Apologies we are experiencing difficulty with the formatting of the new Blogger and are working on fixing the layout.  In an effort to get this post out today, we are sending it now despite this awkward layout.

Mission Impossible: Memorable Gift for my Niece

My niece turned 10 earlier this year, and I wanted to find something truly special to mark her first decade birthday.  I searched high and low for something that was personal and memorable--something none of her friends had seen.

Ta-Da! I give you this beautiful custom handwriting bracelet from an Etsy shop called SilverHandwriting.  Vivian, the artisan, hand crafts custom bracelets using the script you hand write and upload to her site on Etsy.

It is the coolest gift for ages 10-90! You (or your loved ones) can write out anything, and upload it to create a unique bracelet.

 A few weeks before my niece's birthday, I asked her to write out her favorite saying on a piece of a paper (you can use a sharpie,or any bold pen).  I didn't tell her why, and, of course, she forgot that I asked.

On her birthday,  I presented her with this special bracelet that read "Rats Rule!" in her own handwriting.  This is a treasure she will enjoy now, and keep for her hope chest (I hope!).

I was impressed not only by the speed the order was completed, but also by the high quality of the bracelet.  It was something any adult would wear, and you can choose from Silver, White Gold, or Gold--all of which look expensive and well made. (the picture makes the gold look brassier than it is in real life--truly a nice quality in reality).

This bracelet makes a great Christmas/Hanukkah/Birthday/Mother's Day/Bridesmaid gift.  Anyone from a spouse writing "I love you", to grandparents signing a special note, to children signing their names side by side for their mother, to a bestie writing an inside joke to her friend,  it is a lasting treasure to see your loved ones' handwriting memorialized.

Vivian at SilverHandwriting has a variety of signature jewelry to choose from.  This one runs approximately $46.00 and she is running a 30% off special through the holidays.

Spice It Up:  This special birthday needed one more memorable treat.  Many of you have seen photo-collage pillows online previously, but I am a believer in this gift for it high quality.

Collage.com produces pillows with your favorite mix of photos, and helps you easily sort & size them to create a fun collage.  Unlike many other photocollage sites, their pillows are printed on a fine canvas fabric.  It is something you would be happy to have on your couch or bed (not that smooth cheap fabric that makes the photos fuzzy).

The pillows range in price, depending on size, from $12.00 to $125.00.  First time buyers to the site receive 60% off.  This pillow was the largest (so I could fit more photos on the pillow) at 26x26.  This would be $125.00, but their holiday promo keeps it at an affordable $40.00.


Jazz the pillow up a bit, by adding a fun design pic with their name.  I found this temporary tattoo design on the web at Tattofun.com.  Fortunately, the design was already available in my niece's name, but Tattoofun.com will custom inscribe/add any name to your selected design.

They were kind enough to send me the JPEG of the artwork, so it was easy to upload to Collage.com for the pillow (better resolution than copying it from the site).

I bought a few of the temporary tattoos in this same heart tattoo design for her friends to wear at the birthday party.  These were fairly large, and ran $2.95 each.  Pretty neat to have all your friends wearing your name in a temporary tattoo!

The coupe de grace:  I grabbed a few multi-color fabric markers at Jo-Anns and brought them to the party so her friends could sign the back of the pillow.  (Though, I will say that a single black marker will do the trick, and is less expensive).

Whew!  Memorable gift mission accomplished!

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). 

Game Day Gear

Rah Rah Rah, Sis Boom Bah!  The weather is cool, the leaves are turning, and it's time for College Football!

Do you show your team spirit by wearing your school colors? Well, take it up a notch with these College Game Day Sweaters from Tipsy Elves at $64.95 per sweater in both men's/women's styles. Like most fans, I believe the louder the gear, the better the winning karma for your team!

Tipsy Elves's sweaters take a nod from the tacky Christmas sweater and blend your favorite team logos and colors to create the ultimate fall sports gear.

I first learned about Tipsy Elves sweaters by a friend who was proudly wearing one--needless to say, he was quite the stand out in the crowd!

The photos do not do these sweaters justice--they are terrific in person.  Also, I can vouch the sweaters are of high quality (unlike some logo apparel) and tailored nicely.

So, get ready for game day by donning one yourself, shipping one to your favorite college student, or putting one away for Christmas/Hannukah as those Bowl Games approach!

Spice It Up: Go full on Gridiron with these snappy Touch Down crew socks from Arthur by Rob Kardashian (I know--I can't believe I'd ever recommend a Kardashian related product) available at Nordstrom for $15.00 per pair.  

Cute and fun, they complete your outfit for any fall Football weekend or Fantasy Football Draft party!

 See related post:  Juju for the Ultimate Sports Fan

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.

Blew Out My Flip Flop...

Some things go out of style, and you're thankful.  Others leave you wondering why such a great product disappeared.  I am happy to report that one of my favorite defunct items is back with a vengeance:  Tiddies Flip Flops!

Do you remember them from the late 80s early 90s?  Ah, yes, the somewhat naughty named flip flops that everyone wore back in the day.  Aside from making me giggle, Tiddies are incredibly comfortable.  Thick cushioned flip flops with soft rubber straps make you feel like you are walking on air.

I've bought several pairs to give as Christmas gifts this year.  They are great for summer fun, resort wear, retro birthday gifts, and holiday gifts for anyone who sported them back in the day or those cool hipster college kids of today.

Spice It Up:  Oh, how I wanted to match the Tiddie's with a vintage Pat Magee's t-shirt!  I searched high and low, but Pat Magee's closed its last shop in 2002.  So, my runner up retro t-shirt is a Panama Jack.  Yes, we are dipping into that Weekend At Bernie's look and it is total greatness.

Feeling uber nostalgic?  Remember those corduroy OP shorts? Unfortunately, those are long gone, but you can purchase OP swimwear at WalMart.  Happily, the Hawaiian Jams store is still open in Honolulu, but I'll give you fair warning their new styles don't look anything like the board shorts with big flower prints of the 80s.

Last, but not least, you must top off the retro beach look with some sporty sunglasses.  Yes, the blue reflective lenses are back "in."  In my mind, these were the "Rob Lowe"style Wayfarers as opposed to the traditional "Tom Cruise" black Raybans from Risky Business--such a fashion dilemma!

It dates me a bit to admit I wore all of these items the first go-round, but I'll sooth my antique ego by sipping a margarita and listening to Jimmy Buffet...Blew out my flip flop...stepped on a pop top... 

Where to Buy:  Tiddies sandals $39.99, Panama Jack T-Shirt $16.00, Rayban Wayfarers $149.50 (cheap knockoffs available at WalMart & Target for $8.00-$12.00--they even have the neon colors for the rims)

If you're looking for great Surf nostalgia, check out the Texas Surf Museum in Corpus Christi, TX.  Pat Magee is featured as one of the legendary Texas surfers.

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

I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke...

My father grew up in a small town in Louisiana, and in High School worked as a soda jerk at the Dixie Drug in Vivian.  Those idyllic afternoons making cherry cokes instilled in him a love for Coca-Cola.  A true Coke traditionlist, he only drinks the short bottles (they taste better than the can), and on any given afternoon you can catch him with his "short coke" in hand.

For Father's Day, my friends Kristin & Brian T. led me to this terrific new product for Coke aficionados.  Riedel, the much heralded wine glass maker, has launched a glass specifically for the enjoyment of Coca-Cola.  This unique glass captures and enhances the flavors of the soda. Considering their reputation among wine sommeliers, Riedel's Coke glasses are sure to be a winner for Coke devotees!

Spice It Up:  Wrap this gift with a six-pack of the short Cokes, or the larger bottles of Mexican coke made with the old-school sugar cane recipe.  Then, for an added touch, include a vintage Coca-Cola bottle opener.  These wall mount openers are surprisingly handy for soda, beer, etc.keeping you ready to pop a top!

Alternative Gift:  If you are from Texas, Dr. Pepper may be your passion. I am sure the Riedel glasses work equally well for Dr. Pepper.  The short six packs & vintage bottle openers are available for Dr. Pepper--just remember 10-2-4.

Where to Buy:  The Riedel glasses are available at Bed Bath & Beyond for $16.99 single glass or $24.99 for pack of two glasses.  Six-pack cokes are available at most grocery stores approximately $4.99. Vintage bottle openers (old style, but not true antiques) run from $5.00-$20.00 at your local antique mall, Amazon or ebay.  

Note: Be careful, as many vendors will try to pass off the the bottle openers as antiques in order to charge you more.  Go for the less expensive reproductions unless you are a die-hard Coca-Cola brand collector.

Gift Pepper is back in action!

Gift Pepper is back in action after a brief hiatus!  Due to a family member's illness, I took a break from blogging.  The good news is my father is doing better, and I am bursting with great new gift ideas to share on Gift Pepper!

As a teaser for the good things to come, I'll start you off with a tip for some quick unique gifts.  Nordstrom has started a Pop In Shop within the store called "Wit & Wonder."  It is usually in the center of the store by the escalator where they have sourced hip gifts from Etsy and other websites.


These are not your run-of-the-mill mass produced department store gifts--they are clever, hip and ready to go (especially when I don't have time to scour the web and have an item shipped).  From whimsical pillowcases for Anniversary or Wedding, to copper tankards (Moscow Mule drinks) for Father's Day, to dorm room placards for Graduation Gifts and more.


I found this terrific pillow for my sister-in-law for Mother's Day.  I love the muted turquoise color with the cat and the perfect saying, "Cray Cray."  It is an inside joke name we use in our family, and we all got a laugh about the pillow.  My sister-in-law said my niece confiscated the pillow to her room as soon as they got home--a sign of a truly great gift when your kid steals it from you!

Gift Pepper Preview...

Some Nordstrom stores feature their Pop In Store Surf City shops by the escalators too.  Pop In Stores will change seasonally. Expect new gift ideas later this week at Gift Pepper from Nordstroms' cool beachy boutique.

Along with my traditional gift posts, I will be adding a new feature for memorable gift experiences for kids. Think Camp Counselor meets Auntie Mame meets Neiman Marcus Fortnight--great ideas for kids during summer vacation when "I'm bored" becomes a constant refrain.