Xmas 2013 Gift Guide: Men

Men. They can be so hard to shop for. First of all, have you ever been shopping for men's clothes? There is no selection. You can buy pants or shirts or jackets or shoes. That's it. Where is the variety? And, it's unfortunate that women can borrow from men (watches, button-downs, jackets, t-shirts) but men can't borrow as easily from women.

But, I think that they key for most men (key word most) is that they prefer practical gifts. Which is totally fine; I like practical gifts as well. But, to make a gift truly outstanding, you want to add a touch of luxury to something practical.

Xmas 2013 Gift Guide: Fashion

I think it's foolish to buy someone clothes as a present, unless they've specifically told you what to buy. Honestly, in between sizing issues (yeah, I'd love to go exchange this present at the mall along with a million other people) and differences in taste, you're better off gifting straight cash yo.

That being said, if you absolutely have to buy fashion items, stick to a few basic rules: accessories are better than clothes, sweaters and other stretchy/loose items are better than structured items, chance on the side of too small if you're unsure of the recipient's size, and don't be offended if the person does return your gift (because she probably will).

Xmas 2013 Gift Guide: Books

Okay, so your recipient doesn't need any more beauty products (really, though?) Or maybe you need to stock up on some host(ess) gifts that can please either gender. Or maybe you just want to get all of your shopping done on Amazon. Whatever, no judgment here.

A few rules on buying books as presents: hardcover only, buy new, unless it's a first edition (but first editions are pretty overrated), don't give a Kindle without loading it with a few books first, and don't follow up with the recipient--if they've read/liked the book, they'll let you know.

Xmas 2013 Gift Guide: Beauty

I love presents. I love getting them and I love giving them. It's just another excuse to shop. I'm fairly picky when it comes to presents--the thought is nice, but it's even nicer to get exactly what you want. Unfortunately, it's hard to get exactly what you want and also be surprised, so most people have to decide which is more important--the surprise or the quality of the present.

The Weekly Gimme: Etsy Hoodie Sweatshirt Dress

£56.29, Etsy

Why is this model so bemused? Is it the fact that she's wearing jeans and a dress? Maybe she's just hungry. So, I recently purchased this lovely rag rug from Etsy and I have recovered from my TERRIBLE Etsy experience a few months ago (NB: If you're placing a custom order, don't pay until it's ready to ship!). 

For the past few years (ever since college, really . . . ), I've wanted a hoodie dress. It combines my favorite things of not wearing pants and wearing a hoodie. Unfortunately, most hoodie dresses (and I've tried on many) are not flattering. I guess they're not really meant to be flattering, because, come on, it's a hoodie dress. But this one looks okay. It's nipped at the waist, so it won't look like a sack, and the pockets in front incorporate an integral aspect of the hoodie.

I also like how the dress is longer and flares at the bottom. The hood is also nice and large, making it a wee bit costume-y, which I like (I did just buy a cape). I would NOT wear this with jeans--leggings or bare-legged and my Frye boots. Add a stack of rings and I'm set for the weekend.

Birfday

TA Cat is busy baking a cake.

My blog is one year old today! This the longest I've done anything. Ever.

All the Small Things

I've been in London for more than six weeks now. Now, I love America (Amurrica!) but I am not the biggest fan of many things American (why do I have to drive eerrrywhere?) Why is there so much margarine in this cookie?

It's the small things that make me miss the States.

• Tidy Cats litter--I bought this litter from Waitrose and the litter bits were so large that they don't go through the scoop. WTF?
• Craft brews--I'm not a big beer fan, but I like looking at all of the indie brands. It's all crap here.
• Trader Joe's/Target/Sephora--I feel like I could keep these companies in the black myself.
• It's Advil, not Nurofen. It's Nyquil, not NightNurse.
• Chipotle in adobo--not pickled chipotle (whatever that is).Oh I just googled it and they're kind of the same thing. 
• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups/Peanut Butter Snickers--hey London, not everything has to be Nutella. Peanut butter is good for you, yo.
• All of the Ben and Jerry's flavors--all sorts of weird ass flavors here too. 
• Black Friday-because I WANT ALL THE DEALZ.
• real bacon--why call it streaky? it reminds me of dirty underwear (yes London, it's called underwear)
• quarters--these people have too many coins
• brunch--although I did have a lovely one at Caravan in Exmouth Market last weekend

Things that I can't get in the States:

• a VERY good selection of single-malts at affordable prices
• Duck and Goose fat, ready to use
• Liege Waffles--zomg so good.
• Peri Peri chicken--so spicy and yummy and overpriced
• the British Museum