Wednesday, December 15, 2010

What to Give/What to Get

For the past few weeks I've been reading the wonderful gift guides on so many of your blogs and discovering so many treasures.  Yet because of work and life and chaos, there seems to have been little time to really sit down and think about what to give my family and friends.  This week reality has set in that I have next to no time left - and suffice it to say panic is in the house.  Usually my Christmas/Holiday shopping is complete by the 1st of December, so this is unfamiliar territory and I don't like it.  Today when my mother asked me what I was hoping for all that came to mind was a blank slate.

So tonight I gave some thought as to what I would be happy to find under the tree - and also what I would like to give to some of my girlfriends.  This may be the only "gift guide" I do and it's not in fancy format, but if even one of these treats appears on Christmas morning it will be great...and thankfully I've already picked a couple up for friends.

Kerastase Nutridefense 
This mask is my go-to:  I use it once or twice a week and
it saves my hair from becoming frizzy or dried out.
At $58 I'd be happy if someone gave it to me
so I could save my wallet.
It's a gift every female friend or family member
will use, love and appreciate.

JADEtribe Panada
I have a serious affection for JADEtribe (see story here).
These wristlets are made overseas by women in 
Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
I will support any business that empowers women...
and am especially in love with the bright colors and boho-vibe of 
JADEtribe's pieces.  

As you all know Dean Davidson is one of my favorite jewelry designers.
Aside from being an incredible Canadian talent (go home team!) he is a 
kind and down-to-earth guy whose rings are so unique.
I've dropped a bunch of hints on this one.

 
I've mentioned this more than once and include it in my list whenever
anyone asks for a few different ideas on what to get me for any occasion.
It is a true indulgence - if you have any level of stress in your 
life then a good soak in a tub containing a few caps of Sake Bath
will ease your troubled mind.  At least one person
gets a bottle from me every year at the holidays.

While you're in the tub, how about a candle?  
For some reason I've got it bad for skulls this year.  
Don't ask me why, but suddenly I think they're the coolest things.
I already picked this up for myself along with the Skull Snuffer.
They'll look great on my desk after I open them :)
I think they're fun gifts for friends, too.

This is another fave I've mentioned before...I've actually
gifted this to clients of mine who have loved both pieces.  If you 
have a tea lover on your list, this set is just a wonderful gift.
Package it up with some blooming tea from Teavana and you 
have a gift that will be loved and used all year round.

Say what you will but these mothers are at the top
of my list.  I want a pair so bad.
This is a 100% organic cotton knit sock on a biodegradable sole.
They're a cross between a legging and a boot and are
meant to be worn both indoor and outdoor.
I'm crazy for leggings/leg warmers  
(Flashdance anyone? The dream will never die)
and these fit the bill perfectly.  They come in a
plethora of colors and my toes feel cozy just thinking 
about them!!

Okay you guys that's as far as I've gotten.  My eyes are slits and I'm heading to bed (it's midnight on Wednesday morning) because tomorrow is another crazy work day and the tree is still not decorated although the lights are working (at present).  I'm trying to slow it down a notch and have a ton of stuff to do before I leave for Canada next week.  How is it that the days are suddenly speeding by?


All I want to do is relax by a decorated tree before nodding off to sleep.

80 comments:

Anonymous said...

I need that Kerastase mask! I have high hopes for what it would accomplish with my hair.

this free bird said...

put it on your list girl!! you will not be sorry...your hairs will thank you so much. it is hair salvation in a jar and it LASTS.

Claire Kiefer said...

Staring at my tree right now . . . don't know if it counts as "relaxing" since I'm panicking about grading and having final grades submitted by Friday, but I'm staring at a damn beautiful tree nonetheless! Loved seeing this wishlist of yours--aren't they so fun to look at? I kinda can't get enough of them. Speaking of empowering companies, have you checked out Laga? It was recently brought to my attention (handbags, etc. made by tsunami survivors): http://www.laga-handbags.com/about.html

That hair therapy sounds PERFECT for my overprocessed locks, and the sake bath is right up my alley as well (fact: I take a bath every single day, and often it is a bubble bath). But I'll leave the boot/sock hybrid to you. :)

XOXO!

this free bird said...

hehe claire - i thought you would be mortified. ahahaha!! i can't help it - i'm in love with them!

xoxo and good luck w/those grades girl - you can do it!!

little luxury list said...

Skull candle? You pick the COOLEST stuff my dear!

Diana Mieczan said...

I really would love one of those rings and the tea press and warmer looks amazing too. Kisses, darling

Ps: I am hosting a charming scarf GIVEAWAY later today, just in time for cozy Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Love Teavana! I will have to check out that tea warmer! xo

Kristin W said...

Good list! I fell in LOVE with the over-the-knee slippers. I couldn't dish out the $128 (and doubtful that a family member will), but I'm keeping my eyes on those beauties. They would be PERFECT for warming me up this winter!

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I love all these picks. I'll just forward this to Santa...

Chas said...

Great ideas! I like the tea press!

Lisa Griffin said...

knee high slipper yes pleeeease! i need those! or my sister? girlie you need to slow down or christmas will whizz right by!
www.indramaticfashion.com

Secondhand Stella said...

Ooooo, that candle is gorgeous!

Enter my Monet giveaway :)
http://brileeo.blogspot.com/2010/12/monet-jewelry-giveaway.html

Lilacandgrey said...

you KNOW how I feel about Sake Bath!! I could use one right about now!

PS. I cheated a little on sake bath and bought sugar Lychee bath...its pretty good, but not the same

FarmGirl said...

I love the rings!
Have a happy festive season.
xxx

Unknown said...

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR - i HAVE to have those Gypsy 05 socks/shoes/slippers/leggings/whatver!

goign to order ummm NOW!

*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~

and flowers pick themselves said...

love the socks :)

xo Alison

Courtney Erin said...

Great picks - I love JADEtribe too!

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

P.S. I'm having a Festivus giveaway - visit my blog to enter

allison said...

My hair needs some salvation! I use damage remedy every day on it, but it's not enough.

Jamie said...

The hair mask is a brilliant idea!! That stuff is a bank breaker but SO AMAZING. So much nicer if it were gifted!!

http://www.glamlatte.com

Blogs said...

socks are my fave...those knit ones would go perfect in my stocking.....i have yet to really start my shopping....it sucks without fam but we just make it happen with the four of us...i wish someone would give me that face mask too....must work wonders if it costs $58.

Daniela said...

I've tried a lot of the kerastase products..no luck. It actually made my hair dry and hard :(

hip hip gin gin said...

Oh man, more additions to my wish list! I totally need that tea press and warmer, I throw out so many cups of tea that I make and then forget about until they are ice cold (which in my drafty antique house takes about five minutes, so it's not so much my faulty memory as it is my lack of insulation) and I would rock those slipper socks all winter long!! I might actually be able to wear some of my cute winter skirts around the house if I had these to keep my legs from freezing off.

LyddieGal said...

I would be delighted to receive any of these gifts? Will you be my secret santa???

Good luck getting your shopping done!

Marie a la Mode said...

I am in love with those boot socks! How cute would they look with a short(er) skirt? With tights on of course. Too bad they're so expensive. Santa, are you listening? Can you hear me???

I'd be happy with these gifts, too! Good luck with the rest of your shopping!

Catita said...

love the tea set for my mom! and those leg warmers are unbelievable!!!
xoxo
Catita

Emz said...

this
list
rocks.

Love it.
ahhhhh. the socks look like heaven.

Nikki said...

I would be THRILLED to receive any of these! The socks, Sake bath and hair mask would probably equal a perfect evening.

xx
Nikki

Valerie said...

I need that hair mask too! I've never tried it but it sounds fabulous. I also need that candle. I hope your day isn't too crazy and you get to relax by some lights at some point. ;)

xo
Valerie

Jordan Cole said...

A tea diffuser/press thing is ON MY LIST this year. I love tea, all kinds! If I get one I just need to figure out how they work.

Josie said...

Carrie! Those slipper socks, oh -- I must own them immediately. Goodness knows what I'd wear them with but they are absolutely darling! And no worries -- I have yet to start my Christmas shopping; it's all going down in the last week.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Tiffany Kadani said...

Those socks are fabulous! Absolutely fabulous!

Jessica said...

I would totally wear those legging/boot/sock deal things anywhere! Haha, maybe not anywhere, but for sure around my house. I bet they are comfortable as all get out.

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

I love anything by Fresh!

Marissa said...

The problem with all these wonderful gift guides is that I want it all for myself! I love those rings, and anything by Fresh is always on my list.

Lila said...

Sock/boots= love. Anything I can wear inside that keeps me cozy and then just walk out the door is Great in my book.

Anonymous said...

I need the Bodum Tea Press! I´m a tea freak!

Closet Fashionista said...

Oooh great ideas, I'd love almost all of those, haha!! :D Luckily I didn't have many gifts to buy so I didn't have to think too much...haha
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

I'm loving all of your picks girl. I mean you can never go wrong with a candle (Especially one with a skull on the top...adorbs), everyone loves to bathe (at least I hope they do) and the Fresh line is one of my faves. But my most fave on your list are the Gypsy sooties (sock/booties! In. Love.

Hope you have a productive day lady! xo

Nadia said...

Kerastase Nutridefense is AMAZING. My hairdresser recently introduced me to it, I can't believe my frizz-prone hair has lived an entire life without!

Lovely list Carrie!

xo Nadia

kelli g. { bug miscellany } said...

those boot/socky things are amazing!

i have to mail nearly all my gifts this year, and i feel all befuddled by shipping times, post office lines and the dreaded feeling i'm forgetting something/someone.

c'mon christmas spirit? WHERE ARE YOOOOOU??

Cucu said...

The skull cased candle looks amazing!!!!

xx

A Crimson Kiss said...

I think I NEED those magic sock boots! They're gorgeous! And I love the rest of your gift ideas-wonderful indulgences you might not pick up for yourself!

Jenni Austria Germany said...

also crazy for leg warmers!

Jenni Austria Germany said...

ESP. those ones!

Anonymous said...

I can totally see you in the knit socks!

Amber said...

I have heard that Kerastase Nutridefense is amazing, I might need to give it a try but you are right, its a little pricey

ryan said...

Oh my gosh! I am in LOVE with the skull candle, it's going on my last minute list. Thanks for sharing it!

Venus Loves Virgo said...

Lovely items :) I want to try that Sake bath XOXO

Gorgeous Glam said...

Girl it's been the same for me! just can't get a hold of the hours in in one day! I finally made a list for the hubs as requested and it was like pulling teeth! I still have shopping too! ay ay! xo

Moosette said...

I feel ya! I havent had anytime to sit and make my Santa's list... love the cocktail rings - and loving the sound of a sake bath :-)

J. said...

Seriously with the week I'm having at work I might need the whole bottle of the sake bath!!! Need. Christmas. Break. NOW.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Those rings are soooooooo pretty!

*** said...

Those socks are adorable.

Giovanna said...

Very beautiful picks!! Love them all :)
Ps: You still have time to participate on my Giveaway darling, it runs until today 11:59 pm Here's the link to enter:
Boho Market Giveaway
xoxo
Giovanna

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

I'm obsessed with skulls too! What's that about?

STYLE'N said...

I am most intrigued by that hair mask. I need that for my hair too! And I would love to get a tea press...great gift idea.

Unknown said...

yay! the bird gift guide. i echo your sentiments about kerastase. i hate buying that stuff for myself! but would love to receive it.

and GORGEOUS rings. gimme.

alli/hooray said...

great list - I still have that Sake Bath you recommend on my wish list!

bananas. said...

i love the rings but i love kerastase more! i used to only use that brand when i worked at a salon many moons ago and got a major discount. now that i have to pay what the normal folk pay, i think i'll pass. haha. so on the xmas list it goes!

SWEATshirtDRESSshirt said...

what a great list! i think i need a kerastase mask now. haha! :)

XO,
SWEATshirt DRESSshirt

Unknown said...

Fabulous list! Love this, this is what I do with Kerastase: Go to the shelf. Pick it up. Dream about having flowing, gorgeous hair. Turn it over. Look at price tag. Put it back on shelf! I need to just cave and give it a go! XX!

TheChambrayCountess said...

Oooh, I for sure need some new bling, newly silk-ified hair and a new tea press. More for my wishlist!

Cafe Fashionista said...

Ummm...hello, I SO need someone to buy me one of those Dean Davidson - Silver Marquise Rings. LOVE!

And yes, I bought the boots! How could I not? So excited for them to arrive! But I also want to buy these now...http://vip.zappos.com/product/7722262/color/8347. In the French Roast color. LOOOOVE!!! :)

kimbirdy said...

eep! so many great things!! i especially love the socks and the company that helps women in asia. i love those sorts of companies too. a week ago i posted about a similar shop, Raven + Lily: http://fillyourwell.blogspot.com/2009/01/good-deeds_4283.html
they have a shop in LA if you need a last minute gift.

i hope you get your christmas wishes! :)

Kara said...

I'll take one of everything on your blog kthx!

Roxy Te said...

I love Kerastase too Carrie! I also just tried the much talked abuot Moroccan Oil and it's a God send! So ready for vaca too- I want to snuggly by the fire :)

Anna Walker said...

I want the tea press and warmer and if that hair product works super well, maybe that too! :)
Great ideas!

http://annawalker1992.blogspot.com/

Kacie said...

holy Christmas tree!! those gypsyz are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! i loVE sock slippers. sock slippers are totally appropriate... even in Southern California.

Laura said...

Absolutely LOVE the socks! Thanks for the ideas.

Annie said...

I've so been wanting to try the Kerastase Nutridefense and the fresh sake bath! Great pics Carrie :)

Annie said...

I meant PICKS :)

k said...

I realllly want those socks too. I put something kind of like that on my list - they just don't go as high...i hope i get them!

Elaine said...

That is such a great list!! Thanks for taking the time to put some of your favorite things together for us :) I wouldn't mind one of those wallets either. It's nice to help others out.

www.clothedmuch.com

Alleen said...

Tea press and warmer has to be my favorite!!! xx

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

I'm so right with you, babe. It's a killer this year. Good luck getting it all done. These are some fab ideas! Love that skull candle :) xoxo

Kate said...

Holy smokes I love those socks! I could not be a bigger fan of being cozy & warm, and those socks are perfection! I personally wouldn't wear them outside (but I'm living in a snow/salt/slush wonderland, these babies wouldn't stand a chance!) but I would love to cozy up indoors with them!

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

I'll take one of each please! Thanks ;)

Unknown said...

Great list...my hair needs that mask, and my desk needs that chic candle!

Ellinor Forje said...

I love the your header and title of blog. Some birds are not meant to be caged. The other stuff is happening too. Thanks for sharing and drop by me when you have time.

Cheers.

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

skulls are always coo, again- I'm not sure why but I love them! Also, I asked for a lot of things like Keratese as well- things I always use but wouldn't mind someone else buying haha. And those indoor/outdoor shoe/socks are SO cute, holy hell.

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