You May Be Thinking It... But I'm Going to Go Ahead and Say It

When I go Christmas shopping, I can't help but start making a little wish list of my own. Here are some things currently on my radar.

Gorillapod

I would loooove to have a Gorillapod. It's a flexible, malleable tripod. As in you-can-wrap-it-around-a-tree-branch flexible. How cool is that? And the price is right at $18 - $25 bucks.

Grey slouch boots

Digging these gray Steve Madden slouch boots (about $50). Gray is such a good neutral. Can't you just picture these with black leggings and a long sweater? Maybe even a lightweight, colorful scarf? Love. (I already ordered some in brown suede but would also love a grey pair to replace a pair of expensive ones I totally wore out. Am I bad?) My last pair was "faux suede" and lasted a long time, so I wouldn't be afraid to do manmade again.

Sturdy, leather bag that matches almost anything

This Tignanello Hobo (leather) is pretty budget friendly at $89 (via Zappos.com).

Coach has some fabulous bags. This is the "Kristen Leather Hobo Bag." The price is so over what I would spend on a bag that I can't even talk about it. But I do love the shape, the size and the color.

Kindle light

Love me the Kindle the hubs got me two years ago. Unfortunately, though, the mini maglite I've been using to light it after he goes to sleep finally kicked the bucket on me. This one is by Belkin (via Amazon.com) for $21.

Military-inspired jacket or blazer

I'm digging this one from OakNYC (out of my usual price range at $152 but it's really feminine, playful and rugged all at once. Would love to find one like this at a better price point).

This one is by Ambition and is $60 on Overstock.com. What I like about this one is that it could go easily with jeans, pleated shorts or slacks (and be work approp.).

A yummy fragrance

A girl sitting next to me at the movie theater was wearing this. After the movie, I HAD to ask her what she was wearing. Whether I seemed crazy or not, at least now I know the name of this fab scent. Amazing Grace by Philosophy. $40 for 2 ounces.

Tennis Shoes

These Reebok Rematch shoes are cute, and they happen to be on sale for $49 on the Tennis-Warehouse site. Hell, I've been playing tennis in generic athletic shoes for the past few months, so I wouldn't be picky about the brand.

Trash Can

Odd thing to have on my wish list, right? We have a cheap, blue Rubbermaid tall kitchen trash can and I can't wait for it to become trash itself. Loving this iTouchless 13-gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can (via Overstock.com for $59.99)

Take Two: Zenni Optical Shades

After my eyeglasses faux pas a few weeks ago, I decided to try again to order my prescription sunglasses from Zenni Optical. (Find the Zenni Optical Web site here).

While I'm happy with the tinted shades, I have to admit I kind of like the untinted glasses better. Overall though, for $20, I'm a happy (and no-longer-squinting-in-the-sunlight) girl. Plus, the not totally opaque amber lenses feel vintagey to me.

(As a reminder, here are the same frames, sans tinted lenses).

More Sneak Peaks of My Christmas Shopping: Etsy

For someone with a unique and fun sense of style and approach to life: owl luggage tags (tags by Wei's Open Secret -- he/she is out on vacation but should post some things in a few weeks)

For someone who may appreciate a few more fun and funky necklaces in her collection: a copper and bead costume necklace (check out other items in Rhubarb Incident's Etsy shop)

For someone with tremendous team spirit: a monogrammed koozie (check out Polka Dots and Pinstripes' shop here)

Etsy has tons of great gift ideas for anyone and everyone. For Father's Day this year, we bought cuff links from Etsy (post here). Fab Sugar has a great post up re: Etsy gift ideas. Check it out here.

For the Cooks on Your Holiday Shopping List

As you finish up shopping for the 2009 holiday season, I wanted to share some fun gift suggestions.

I always have a few cooks on my shopping list and am perplexed about what to buy them that they don't already have. Here are a few items I scooped up this year:

Chez Panisse Vegetables: this 368-page cookbook should be in any serious home cook's arsenal. This book was published in 1996 by Alice Waters and includes recipes from the famous Berkley, California, restaurant. I was introduced to the cookbook a few months back at my friend Kate's (we made the butternut squash risotto and it was TO DIE FOR). Pick up a copy for about $25 from Amazon.

Pan Scrapers: practical, affordable and perfect for stocking stuffers. These durable, plastic scrapers are safe on non-stick surfaces and will likely prevent lots of frustration and angst following baking, broiling and sauteing. I picked up colored ones (99 cents each) at the Decatur Ace Hardware (they have AWESOME gifts) but you can also find them on Amazon and on Organize.com.

Chop2Pot Cutting Board: another find from Intown Ace Hardware ($15). This cutting board lays flat while you chop and dice, then when you're ready to scrape your veggies into the pot, you squeeze the handle and let them roll right in. My description may not make sense, so hopefully the photo helps you get the idea. Chop2Pot cutting boards are also available on Amazon (though I hate that one review says the boards don't last long!).

Flying Biscuit Cookbook: perfect for your friend or family member who appreciates healthy and hearty breakfast cooking. Atlantans will especially appreciate the recipes, as the restaurant started here and has grown into a successful local chain ($12.95 on the Flying Biscuit Web site or at Intown Ace Hardware).

Fire Wire: How cool is this flexible, stainless steel grilling skewer? This gift is great for the occasional or hardcore griller. The skewer can be locked and loaded with veggies, meats and other deliciousness. One big perk is that the skewer's flexibility allows you to easily marinate in a plastic bag or bowl. I bought on Amazon for about $14 (set of 2) but these are also for sale at Intown Ace Hardware. Check out this Tailgating Ideas article on Fire Wire.

Utensil pot clip: another practical stocking stuffer. By clipping this handy thing to the edge of your pot, you can rest your spoon or spatula so that it drips back into the pot versus making a mess on your counter or cooktop. Available on the Vat19 site or at Intown Ace Hardware for about $7. (As an aside, Vat19 looks to have lots of nifty cooking gadgets with its motto of "Unique Gifts and Unusual Gift Ideas.")

Loving The Look for Less' Fab Holiday Finds Under $100

Still need to buy a few more holiday gifts for friends or family? Look into these great suggestions from The Look for Less (click to enlarge).

You really ought to check out The Look for Less' Fab Holiday Finds Under $100. I have done most of my holiday shopping but may have to snag a few of these great ideas for birthday gifts or for a few remaining friend gifts I need to get.