2013 Christmas Gift Guide: Man in Black

My man is tough. What I really mean is, he's tough and he's tough to shop for. It's not that he's picky; he just has a particular taste, independent of what the "main-streamers" tend to sport. And because he pulls off this style with ease and confidence, it just works and I respect it. I handpicked these items after much deliberation in hopes that it will appeal to my restless, hairy chested man who takes interest in motorcycles and other daring things [like drinking whiskey and driving fast].

1. Lamy Safari Fountain Pen in Charcoal

$25.
My honey's hand writing looks like chicken scratch. So why not distract the viewer by putting this handsome writing utensil in his hands? It writes very smooth, is very simple to refill, and that charcoal gray is easy on the eyes.

2. Canon PowerShot S120 12.1 MP Digital Camera

$399.

Men tend to like gadgets and mine's no different in that respect. But he likes functionality, compactness and sleek styling. He also as a soft spot for black-colored electronics. Well this little camera takes amazingly sharp photos and is #2 in it's class [#1 is twice as expensive - the Sony RX100]. Don't forget the memory card.

3. New Balance Men's Minimus Trail Running Shoe

$100.

Okay, so my man doesn't have abs of steel. But I would like him to. In fact, I've offered him money, yes, bribed him to. He responded with a hurumph. I'm suggesting a subtler approach - running shoes. Not just run of the mill gym shoes. These are lightweight with a "barely there" feel with supportive cushioning as well. It's just enough to get him to think [and, hopefully, act] like a real athlete. It might not get him to the Grecian warrior abs level, but it'll be close enough.

4. Heated Leather Motorcycle Gloves

$110.
I want my motorcycling dare devil to be safe. At times, he will disregard this particular sentiment. He is smart enough to ride with protective gear and a helmet. In the winter, I'd like him to be warm. This is where these leather heated gloves fit in.  I can't wait to see his reaction when he gets this.

5. Bulleit Bourbon
Price varies.
He says it's the best whiskey he's every tasted so I like to replenish his stash every year.

6. Love and appreciation
Priceless.
I think this is self-explanatory. I love you, JB!

i d e a | p i l l o w . b o x e s

I had a few stocking stuffers to mail out to my mother in law, along with her full-size gifts.  I saw this printable from Oh Happy Day!, and decided I had to make something out of that pretty patterned paper!

I used an old pillow box I had saved as a template, then extended one side of it into the shape of a stocking.  Stuck a bow on it just for fun.  Easy as pie.  Advice: to avoid creating a mirror image of your pattern (like I did, oops!), draw it out on a separate piece of paper before transferring it to the actual pattern paper.  

Some stocking stuffer ideas:

crystal nail file (set of 5) . essie in mint . instant coffe packs (livens up that hot cocoa) . pouty lips (to get ready for mistle toe)

Ear Phone Caps - Flowers, bows, cookies, oh my!

I have a new obsession: ear phone caps.

Aren't they adorable?  My personal favorite is the flower set.

Let me know if you're interested - I'm am selling these for $5 + shipping.  Oh yeah, and I have cookies too!

(No, these are not edible, just adorable.)

Larson Jewelers

I recently made a purchase at Larson Jewelers.  Can't wait to see the ring, which will be at my doorstep in a few days.  Please check them out.


Tungsten Carbide

Also, get 15% off with this discount code: SUM15

i d e a | p o s t c a r d s

My hubs and I have been traveling quite a bit lately.  As usual, I take a plethora of photos.  And, if they're good enough, I turn them into postcards!  What do you think?  Vintage enough?