Countdown to Christmas

The season is upon us, and a advent calendar is one of the best ways to build toward the excitement of Christmas!  Advent calendars are a versatile treat whether for a college kid away at school studying for exams or grandparents quarantining from family and friends.

Many stores have traditional chocolate filled calendars for the kids.  My niece is a teenager, and I wanted to do something a little extra to give her a lift through exams and the end of the semester.  

 


Etsy has a variety of these cute burlap gift sacks marked for the days of the month ($42--may seem pricey but you can re-use them each year). Christmas calendar prints on the bags include Vintage Santas & Snowmen, Jane Austen characters, A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, It's A Wonderful Life, Christmas Vacation movie themes and more.  I selected the vintage Santas because I'm partial to Kris Kringle!

Fill your bags with knick knacks from the dollar store, the travel size bins at the pharmacy. If you are aiming for a bit fancier gifts both Ulta & Sephora have a great selection of mini gifts near the checkout counters. Other stuffers include chocolate coins, $10 bills, gag gifts, mini rubiks cubes and other puzzles, etc.

 Pick up a large ball of yarn/string from Joanns (I picked green string  $2.77 for the Christmas theme), and ordered these fun red clothespins from Amazon ($7.99). 

Place your stuffed bags in calendar order, and then clip to the string.  Then, hang along a stairwell or mantle for fun! If it's too heavy to hang, place in a tray positioning the bags in order in rows.

I was surprised how much my niece loved this calendar! Unexpected treasures and things that made her laugh gave her a little something to look forward to each day.  This year, during Covid, this is an important treat!

Even if you're late setting up a calendar, go for it--no one minds catching up a few days in one day.  Or, just do the 12 days of Christmas starting from the 13th to end on the 24th or 14th to end of the 25th!

Now, if you don't have the time to build a custom advent calendar, try the calendars at Aldi's ($4.00 and up) which include chocolate, cheese, wine and more.  Who wouldn't enjoy snacking their way through December?  I've personally sampled the Aldi calendars, and they are excellent quality and terrific bargain!  

My friend was an early bird at Aldi and loaded up on calendars.  She gifted a set of the wine and cheese for her husband and her neighbors.  Each night they check in across the porches to taste test & review the goodies. Now that's a fun way to pivot from Christmas parties to low key safe fun during covid!

 

Now if you're not into food, but prefer lotions & potions a top flight calendar is the Anthropologie George & Viv 24 Days of Beauty advent calendar ($72).  Full of elite brands, their calendar includes lip balm, face masks, hand lotion, etc.  These calendars are so popular they are sold out online, but there are a few in store.  Be sure to ask your local store as they keep them on a discreet shelf so they don't sell out too quickly!

Merry Merry!

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.

Snowball Express

Some of the best memories of childhood are playing in the snow, making snow angels, sledding, and having snowball fights.  Simple, pure, fun!

Capture that unbridled joy with this Indoor Snowball Fight for $29.99.  Even if you have no snow this year, your kids can celebrate with an epic snowball fight without hurting each other or breaking your favorite vase!

I gave this gift to my niece last Christmas, and it was hands down the favorite toy of the day.  Not only did she love it, but all of the adults joined in the fun to toss snowballs at each other throughout the day.  Surprise attacks ensued around each corner of the house!

So, are you the favorite Aunt/Uncle/Grandparent/Friend coming over on Christmas Eve or Hannukah?  Bring a bucket of Indoor Snowball fun and you will be the hero!  This makes a terrific Christmas Eve fun gift to open for kids who are anxiously waiting Santa, or a memorable night of Hannukah.

And, of course, it is completely electronics/battery free--simple good fun to get kids of all ages off the couch.  The snowballs are the one toy everyone will play with throughout the winter.  Even in July we broke out the snowballs for some impromptu fun!

Spice It Up:  Step up your snowball fight game with blow up shields at $24.99 which serve to deflect errant snowballs! 

Tip:  Used gift wrap tubes are effective bats for the snowballs.  Help your kiddo defend their turf by building an "igloo" (a.k.a. a Fort) of white sheets or blankets. 

Also, the shields come with 6 snowballs, but for effective enjoyment I recommend the bucket of 40 snowballs if you have to choose.

Good Grief Charlie Brown!

In honor of today's premiere of the new Peanuts movie, I am selecting gifts for all you Snoopy fans out there!  Charles Schulz created one of the most endearing comicstrips. We all grew up enjoying their hijinks, and more importantly learned to be a bit kinder watching Charlie Brown and his misadventures.

I am a diehard Peanuts fan.  Yes, as a kid, I had both Snoopy & Belle and collected all of their outfits!

Pottery Barn Teen (aka PB Teen) has several Peanuts themed items to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of a Charlie Brown Christmas.

As a Snoopy fan and dog lover, I think this cute Snoopy & Woodstock pillow for $39.50 is going under the tree just for me!  

Snuggle up this winter in flannel Peanuts sheets for $32.50, and cozy Peanuts Pajamas at $69.00 per pair.

 Perfect to sit by the fire, sip hot cocoa, and watch the Peanuts kids make a limp little Christmas tree into something special!

Spice It Up:  Honor your Peanuts fan with a donation to support the Charles Schulz museum.  In this modern era of animation, it is good to support a museum which will preserve the heritage of a beloved and legendary cartoonist and his Peanuts gang!

The Charles Schulz Museum is a true gem--the architecture of the building and the design of the exhibits are beautiful!  A true homage to Peanuts and Charles Schulz.  From Schulz' initial drawings, to the historical timeline of Peanuts, to artistic interpretations of his work, the museum delights at every turn,

If you haven't been, and you're up near Napa, take a detour to Santa Rosa for a charming tour of the ice rink and museum.  I had the opportunity to visit them last year when I was in the area for a friend's wedding (a shout out to Emmy, the bride, and Devon, my fellow Peanuts fan!).

Need Peanuts Toys, Clothes or other accessories? There are so many wonderful Peanuts logo items, but the best place to find them is at Snoopy's Gift Shop at Snoopy's Home Ice in Santa Rosa, California.  This is the skating rink that Charles Schulz built for his neighborhood kids, and the one he frequented daily for 30+ years.

Snoopy's gift shop has everything from original Peanuts comic strips, to tshirts, to lunchboxes, etc. There are more items available next door at the Schulz Museum gift shop as well.

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

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!

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