Last Minute Lucy

I am sure there are still holiday shoppers out there searching frantically for "the gift"...and with the clock ticking, it can be stressful!

Let me give you a few tips for power shopping:
- Gift cards are not impersonal. Not when you elect to get one from a store he/she frequents a lot (for me, that's Target) or a store you love, but can't usually afford (hellooooo Kate Spade).

- Buy a quality all-time winner: cashmere sweater (black v-neck or crew neck), leather gloves (get a cashmere lining or something cozy), or a cashmere pashmina/wrap (I can't wait to use mine on the cold airplane!)
- Think services: anything you usually feel badly buying for yourself...massages (my local favorite Cortiva Massage Therapy School- GREAT discounted services by students), manicures, pedicures, or home cleaning services

Gift giving is about thoughtfulness, not about the "it." My most favorite gifts are when people know me well enough to understand my likes and dislikes, and that to me, is priceless.

Blessed Holidays, my "last minute lucy" friends.

Boot Lovin'

When you live in New England, you (or is it just me?) accumulate a few pairs of boots. And I admit that I may have a few more than most, but they become an essential part of my wardrobe when the temperatures fall.

I have always struggled a bit with the storage of my boots. It's key that they keep their shape both on and off season, so the inevitable "shove and slump" of my collection starts to wear a bit on them. Especially as I have started to buy better quality, it becomes necessary to find ways to protect them properly to ensure their "price per wear" makes them worthy!

So here's what I discovered, Bed Bath & Beyond makes these handy little boot shapers, that I find to be pretty good. I liked the feature of choosing shapers for short or tall boots, as well as the hanger to utilize closet space. I happen to store them in my walk in attic on a dowel rod :) I bought the white ones, but standard black or hot pink make things a little more exciting!

I also liked the inflatable kind, which are easy to store and keep the shape of the shoe well. I also found a shaper that is essentially a flat piece of plastic (flexible) that you can bend to insert appropriately. Both were at BB&B, but can't seem to find the second online anymore. Sorry!

I also bought cedar lined cloth under-the-bed storage bins to lay the boots inside when it's warm again. Just remember to love your boots year round!

Stylin' Maps

A few weeks ago, I ordered this stylin' map from Ork posters (thanks to a tip from a blog I read)- LOVE that it brings me back to my New Orleans days! Still waiting on the Dallas one...


My newest find (thanks again to Design Sponge!) is this great little number from "These are Things"...similar idea, and a fun twist on the idea for a city map:


Spoiler alert...a friend along the eastern seaboard may be receiving this little number as a Christmas gift- I couldn't resist the ode to Boston! They are PERFECT holiday gifts for friends who may have moved away, or simply love their city. Happy shopping.

Star Struck

I simply adore this Advent calendar of falling stars!

Check out Design Sponge for the DIY directions :)

Preparing for Christmas

Each year, as I decorate for Christmas, I wonder why I don't own a nativity set. Growing up, my parents used to display this porcelain set with brown paint accents (which I think were hand painted by my aunt or grandma). Mom would display it, and I always had a fondness for it. Now that I think about it, I used to have a small set of my own, in frosted glass. I loved that set...wonder what happened to it?

As an adult, I own my own home and decorate with my own select pieces. And it seems like this should be the year the nativity set makes a home with me. I have a few criteria about nativity sets that perhaps I should share:

• I don't want it to look old fashioned (i.e., like 1950's prayer cards)
  
• I want one that is classic enough that if I have kids, they will remember my set
• It can't take up a lot of space- my home is "petite"
  
• It should be tasteful in its use of color (if any- I may be somewhat partial to white or glass)
• The 3 wise men should be included. I am always drawn to those figurines.

Olive wood is attractive:Crystal or glass catches my eye too:This also appeals to me for wood:

(I have asked Santa, but if he's too busy getting other things, then I shall hunt on my own!)

Free Shipping For All!

I've blogged about this before, but it deems a reminder:
Free Shipping Day is coming!

Friday, December 16th
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

After we just celebrated Cyber Monday (I am happy to say I didn't fall prey to the pressure, although there were a LOT of deals), you may have already maximized your online shopping. But I do tend to save a few things for this Free Shipping day, as not every merchant has it regularly (thank you LL Bean and Nordstrom for always having it, no matter what!).

Also, check out the website to see what deals may be revealed to entice the order even more! I'll be checking out Barnes & Noble, the Container Store, Philosophy, and a few more...no more hints for holiday purchases!