Stocking Stuffers for the Dudes

So when it comes to filling up those Christmas socks of joyful surprises for the husband I always challenge myself to top the year before.  Trying to remember any little thing he has said in the past about items he enjoys using or would like to try.  That way when he sticks his hand in the stocking, he will be pulling out thoughtful and useful gifts!  And I'm sure he puts the same amount of thoughtfulness and time as I do (yeah right).  

Man + Stocking = Mocking

I thought I would share some ideas to help spark some stocking stuffer inspiration when it comes to shopping for the man in your life.

Whiskey Stones

For the whiskey bourbon drinker in your life.  These handy stones are made in Vermont and allow the bourbon to be enjoyed minus the watered down effect from melting ice cubes.  These are for true consumer's that do not want their whiskey tainted with water.  Just place these bad boys in the freezer for 4 hours before using and place in glass, pouring whiskey over.   Follow up with cigar and discussion of manly ideals and politics.  Us little ladies must stay in the kitchen. 

Mini Bottle of Woodford Reserve

To go along with his new stones, a mini-bar bottle of his favorite booze perhaps.  My hubby loves Woodford and Knob Creek.

Burt's Bees Men's Kit

My husband loves Burt's Bees Natural Aftershave.  Problem is, we cannot find it ANYWHERE!  So I'm going to order online to put in his stocking (from Amazon or Macy's).  While looking for the aftershave I came across this great kit that includes body wash, soap, shave cream, cologne and aftershave.  Great for traveling or everyday use.  These natural products are great for sensitive skin too.

BR's Black Walnut Cologne

Small versions of their favorite colognes are great for stockings.  When my husband travels he reaches for the small cologne bottles to put in his shave kit bag.  He also likes to keep one in our "catch-all" by the door so he can dab on some smell good on his way out the door.  I also like to add some samples of new scents for him to try throughout the year.  That way if there are any you both particularly like this gives new ideas for birthday presents and future Christmas gifts.

The building blocks of life.

My husband is a lot like a kid still, we don't have any of our yet so I'll buy the fun toys for him for now.  I like to put little toys that take him back to his childhood.  Like a Ninja Turtle action figure, hot wheels car or our favorite Lego's! Lego's makes small kits to build cars, airplanes, etc. that come in small bags or boxes and these are great for stockings.

iPhone Case from J. Crew

Or how about a super new and cool AND manly iPhone case.  

From soufflebombay.blogspot.com

Candy is a big hit at our house when it comes to stockings!  My husband's absolute favorite is chocolate and peanut butter (Reese cups are his passion) in any combination.  I'm thinking about making home-made chocolate and peanut butter bars to put in his stocking as a little personal touch.  I truly believe the way to a man's heart is through is stomach, although don't let that stomach get too big.  haha!  But I think if you make their favorite candy, they'll love it so much more than if it were store bought.  The trick is to make it without you eating every morsel or having him find it!

There are also great "go-to's" that I keep in my back pocket every year, such as: iTunes gift cards, chewing gum, trouser socks and chapstick.  But it's those presents that show you listen and know what he likes and what he loves that make the stocking.  Happy Holiday Shopping!  I'll post more on gift giving ideas soon!

A Thanksgiving for Interior Designers Only

West Elm.

An entire Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings, but to attend you must be a graduate of UK's Interior Design School Class of 2007!  This tradition has been going on for about 7 years now and we sometimes can't believe it.  Back in design school (second year) a few of the girls decided to have their own Thanksgiving and invite all the designers over to feast!  I actually did not attend the first dinner, for whatever reason I can't remember now, I think I was out of town.  But I made up for it with my participation third year of school, and the "Interior Design Thanksgiving" Tradition stuck.  We actually cook a turkey and by "we" I mean not me!  HA!  And each person brings a side or dessert. And we dig in! 

This Saturday evening will be our 7th year doing this.  The only difference now is that most of us are married (only one of us has a kid), we have paying jobs, we own property, get more sleep, improved our cooking talents and a lot of people have to travel now to our dinner.  Our class is now spread across the country: Lexington, KY to Yuma, AZ to New York, NY to Cincinnati, OH to St. Louis, MO!  Now not everyone travels THAT far to come and I can't blame them, although it is quite an event in our circle!  Even our favorite professor joins us, who is finally retiring this year after 40 years at the school. 

I hope this tradition can continue as long as possible, I know as time goes on schedules will get busier, people will have children and phone calls will be less frequent.  But for now we are staying strong and it's pretty impressive.  Traditions can weigh on people sometimes (I can think of some crazy family traditions that sometimes I'm just not in the mood for), but when it comes down to it they're something that you can depend and brings comfort to the soul.  I was going to include some pictures of our dinners, but there are NONE! I can't believe this.  We better start a new tradition this year of taking pictures, we are usually way to busy catching up, talking and laughing! Ah, good times.

Mis-Mantled

I love fireplaces and mantles in homes.  They create wonderful areas of warmth and focus for the home.  It's fun to decorate for many seasons and occasions. I am lucky enough to have a mantle in my own home, but I am not satisfied with how I have decorated it.  Our ceilings are 14', so I feel everything looks teeny on my mantle with all that height up above.  What is a poor little interior designer to do???

My goal is to find something large in scale that would work, but there in lies another struggle: mirror vs. store bought art vs. I paint vs. photography, etc.  Another problem, I would like the mantle display to be adaptable for seasons and holidays, like a place to hang a wreath/garland.  I also do not want to spend a lot of money in my attempts at decorating this important focal point of my living room (and also kitchen).  So, I looked to Pinterest for help.  Here are some of my pins that sparked some ideas!

Lots of photos.

Good mix of tradition and rustic.

Piece of art to center inspiration.

Large mirror resembles window pane.

Mixes of texture and media.

I like everything about this.

Like the round mirror w/ letter.

Large framed photo w/ greenery.

I like both the idea of having a large mirror with smaller photos, plants and candles surrounding.  But I also love the idea of using the mantle to make an artistic statement, but I just can't find a piece that the husband and I both can agree on.  I'll need to definitely think further on this.  And also this past weekend the husband and I thought of placing the television above the mantle to give us some more breathing room where we sit.  Decisions, decisions.  I'm keeping my eyes open though for any piece or beautiful mirror that just seems like "the one".  It sure is fun to look at decorating ideas on Pinterest, helps any cases of the Mondays!

The Best Show Period

I haven't yet talked about my Zooey Deschanel obsession, but basically I look up to her.  I look to her for fashion, hair, music and so much more.  I model my bangs after her! She always has great looking hairstyles!  Unfortunately the recent news of her divorce with Death Cab husband can't be easy to deal with.  Fortunately however, she is the star of the greatest show on television (I hope this helps with the pain, if there is any pain).

Everyone must watch this show!

It's called New Girl and airs on Fox at 9 p.m. (EST) right after Glee for all those gleeks out there.  I think it is absolutely hilarious! I laugh out loud, literally!  It takes a lot for me to laugh like that.  I have one of those loud hearty laughs so when I think something is outright funny, everybody within a  5 mile radius knows about it.  It is about Jess, a school teacher, who after finding her boyfriend cheating needs a new place to live and finds three men needing a roomie on Craigslist.  Jess discloses that her best friend is a model and the douchiest of the men (Schmidt) excitedly accepts her as a new roommate even though the other guys are weary to live with a woman.  Then the hilarity ensues!  The guys help Jess with men and vice versa.  Schmidt also has a Douche Bag Jar that he must put money in when he does something....well...douchey.  There is some obvious tension between Chicagoan Nick and Jess.  And Winston and Schmidt have competitions with each other constantly.  Jess is hilarious and the quirky girl that is true to herself.  

Helping a girl out.

For example, in last Tuesday's episode she went to pick up her model bestie at da club and showed up in pj pants and a hoodie, and I'm like, "I have totally done that!"  And she sings and makes up songs about random things and my husband is like, "You totally do that!"  It is a really enjoyable show and is just fun to watch.

Falling in heels, ever so graceful.

Crying and watching Dirty Dancing, we've all been there right?

I feel like the comedy this show has, reminds me of how me and my friends interact with each other.  That is refreshing and I feel like I'm watching friends act goofy on TV rather than too cool people that I would never know living in their loft sipping espresso.  So I recommend to take the plunge and give the show a whirl.  My Friday so far isn't turning out as I'd hoped, but I know I've got all my New Girl episodes to keep me company and make me smile when I get home!

Happy Weekend Everybody!

Samplicity

Whenever I come across something like this I'm like, "Why didn't I think of this!?!"  Birchbox is a Monthly Sample of designer beauty products that come directly to you!  I am thinking of joining and also getting my mother a membership as a Christmas gift.  Let's face it, my mother goes crazy for samples at Sak's or Nordstroms!  So here's the deal: 4 to 5 handpicked products from Nars, Redken, Carol's Daughter, Keihl's and more will come to you in a Birchbox each month for $10/month.  The more months you commit to, the price will go down and shipping is free.  If you love to try new products and love free beauty products, you should definitely give it a whirl.  Or maybe give it a whirl to someone else as a creative and unique gift this holiday season!

Also, if you fell in love with one of your samples and need more.....Birchbox sells their samples in full size and you get free shipping for $50 or more of full size products.

S.A.D.

The time change does this to me every year.  Bring on the Seasonal Affective Disorder (or S.A.D.).  Now it is sunny on my way to work, but practically dark when I get off.  Boo!

Yesterday my husband, Hudson and I took a walk, made dinner, ate dinner, cleaned up the kitchen, folded some laundry.  Landing us on the sofa for some "tube time" about 6ish and it was PITCH BLACK OUTSIDE!  I began to feel drowsy all of a sudden and had the urge to get ready for bed, but it was only 6:30!  Every year, it never fails.  I become perpetually depressed, lets hope my weight isn't affected by the upcoming hibernation.  Bring it on winter, do your worst.  This year is going to be different.  I'm going to accomplish everything and more! Mwah-ha-ha! 

Xmas Sounds

I know it is WAY TOO early to be even talking about Christmas.  However, every store and advertiser doesn't seem to think so.  As soon as Halloween is over, the holiday commercialism train is turned up to 10 and we haven't even carved a turkey yet.  Oh well. I suppose complaining about it isn't going to help.  Let's either embrace it or ignore it and move on. Haha! 

I'm not going to be putting up my tree until the weekend before Thanksgiving (which my husband still thinks is too early). But I think this way I can really enjoy my tree longer.  And as soon as I return home with a belly full of Thanksgiving goodness I can gaze on my tree and think of the upcoming holiday season! So, I thought I would talk about my favorite tunes (which is one of my favorite parts of the season!) so everybody has plenty of time to track them down in order to be prepared.  Now these are albums that I love to listen from start to finish.  There are other songs that I love, but they either do not come from an entire Christmas album or I don't like the rest of the songs, hehe.  So here are just some of my holiday album staples...

Amy Grant - Home for Christmas

I grew up listening to Amy Grant in the 90s.  This album was constantly playing (mixed with my mother's Mainheim Steamroller, Celtic Christmas Tunes, etc.) throughout the house and especially Christmas Day.  This CD actually holds a place in my husband's holiday heart, his family listened to this as well.  So it floods our minds with memories and comforts us when opening gifts in front of the tree.  

Maybe This Christmas Tree - Various Artists

This album consists of Death Cab for Cutie, The Ravonettes, Jars of Clay and more.  It was released when I was in college and I loved it.  It sounded so different than the music playing throughout the house.  It was modern and fun.  I enjoy it a lot at holiday parties.

NSYNC - Home for Christmas

This CD I have been listening to since I was 15!  This was one of the first holiday albums I ever bought.  So there is a mix of nostalgia and childhood that comes back when I listen to it.  It is a great pop album and if you have a sweet tooth you might get a toothache due to the sweetness! 

Jack Johnson & The Brushfire Family - This Warm December

This compiles some of my favorite artists all on one album.  And 25% of the album's proceeds went to charity, talk about Christmas Spirit!  It has Jack Johnson, Mason Jennings and Matt Costa just to name a few.  It is a great album all the way through and is a nice modern twist to some old classics.

Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas

You can't talk about Christmas music and not mention the great diva Mariah!  This is a great album and I can listen to "All I Want For Christmas Is You" over and over and over!

A Winter's Night - Various Artists

Another great compilation album with Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies and Sixpence None the Richer (just to name a few). 

She & Him - A Very She & Him Christmas

I have talked about some oldies and some newbies for holiday tunes.  This album is very new! Just released at the end of October.  My favorite group She & Him (which consists of M.Ward and Zooey Deschanel) have come out with a Christmas Album!  My husband bought it for me on iTunes this morning and I am so excited!

And farther along into the season I'm going to talk about my favorite songs/versions! yay holiday music! Start downloading people and get your playlists ready! Have a great weekend!