November 20th, 2009
Despite my best efforts, I almost always end up waiting until Christmas Eve to complete all of my holiday shopping. I panic my way throughout the month of December, and yet somehow, I never learn from my previous bouts with procrastination. That sense of urgency starts in mid-November and each year, I have to remind myself that it’s not about finding the most expensive gifts, but rather the ones with the most meaning. To put myself in the gift-giving mindset, I think of the best presents I’ve received and why they were so special. Here are just a few that stick out.
- Personalized stationary. A few months after I graduated from college, my parents gave me a beautiful set of cards with my name embossed in thin, gold letters and it made me feel so grown-up and official.
-My Nikon D40. A nice camera truly shifts the way you see the world and the one my boyfriend picked out for me has captured so many significant moments.
-Caesar salad. My uncle once wrapped up little packages filled with the ingredients for his famous Caesar salad. He then took me into the kitchen and taught me how to make it on my own.
What’s the most memorable gift you received during the holidays?
November 19th, 2009
Vintage Blazer, Zara Top, Levi Cut-offs, Foley + Corrina Bag, Hue Tights, Fendi Platforms
The vibe in Beverly Hills is so formal, with women and their coordinated accessories, tiny dogs and stiff up-dos, that I can’t help but add a bit of grunge to Rodeo Drive. I rarely wear shorts, but when it comes to vintage Levi’s, I fully embrace their rugged vibe that never goes out of style. Plus, when worn with a boxy blazer and thick tights, they’re instantly fall-appropriate.
November 18th, 2009
Dear Anthropologie,
I’m positively smitten with your latest catalog. I’m not even a fan of snow, but the images of that house filled with powdery goodness made me actually consider buying some of that fake stuff sold by creepy guys at the mall. Perhaps they only sell faux snow in California?
I digress.
The little lace tops, glittery party dresses and chunky knits are some of the best I’ve seen, and though your online gift guide for others is helpful, I’d be fine taking it all for myself.
Yours truly,
Emily
P.S. For those of you that live in cold climates and don’t believe me, you really can buy fake snow here.
November 17th, 2009
Don’t get me wrong – there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a chocolate chip cookie or rustic tart, but when it comes to the holidays, I’m all about festive favorites. Real Simple’s Chocolate-Peppermint Wafers combine the best of two worlds with a classic sugar cookie that’s dipped in chocolate and then sprinkled with crushed candy canes. The recipe calls for square-cut cookies, but I added a few smaller ones that had scalloped edges for a sweet little twist.
