Christmas List: Der Edition

December 9, 2009 by

So you all saw AK’s list of fabulousness. Now it’s my turn.

(Pssst…Husband PLEASE pay careful attention to what is to follow)

der-xmas wishlist

  1. Victoria’s Secret, The Soft Sexy Wrap -I love the fact that this is like an upgraded t-shirt/cardigan combo. That is My FAVORITE combo and pretty much daily uniform, by the way.
  2. Best Buy, Nikon D5000– I would love this camera more than any of my family members, including my dogs. Ook,  not them. But everyone else. If I hadn’t already proven myself to be an expensive camera breaker, I MIGHT actually be eligible for this gift.
  3. Restoration Hardware, Telescoping Frames– Being that I just got married 10ish months ago, we have more pictures than we know what to do with. These are so unique and different.
  4. Macys, Fiesta Canisters– I ADORE the green. These would look so cute in my colorful kitchen.
  5. Etsy, dearestinez Large Leaf Earrings -UM so cute, so fun, so funky. I just may be gifting these to myself for Christmas.
  6. Old Navy, Womens Cable Knit Slipper Boots– My toesies would be so toasty in these. I’ve seen a version of these everywhere and I have been coveting.
  7. Urban Outfitters, Dachshund Lamp– Do I even need to go into why I would want/need this? No, I didn’t think so.
  8. Ann Taylor LOFT, Refined Knit Ruffle Neck Dress– Because I NEED more ruffles in my life. NO, I don’t have anywhere to wear it! SO??
  9. Mac Cosmetics, Tinted Lipglass in Spite -This was the first lipglass that I ever owned and I think I need to bring it back into my life Christmas 2009. It’s a mauvy pink and perfection.
  10. Pier1, Assorted Doorknob Wall Hooks– I’ve been eyeing these babies for a while now. What a super cute way to hang your coat or whatevs.
  11. Macys, Joseph Joseph Multi Color Spatula Design Cutting Board– Cute, colorful and belongs in mah kitchen!
  12. Gap, Mesh Chain Necklace– I want this for two reasons: a) it’s a subtle way to do the whole sequin trend going on and b) I’ve already planned my New Years outfit and it won’t be complete without it.
  13. Nordstrom, Jeffrey Campbell ‘Charo’ Slingback Sandal– Ruffles, love. Red, Love. Perfect HOT date with the hubby shoe. Nuff said.
  14. bossa, Shiraleah Jennifer Large Tote Bag– This brand is pretty sweet…looks remarkably similar to HOBO International for a fraction of the cost, plus this blue color is totally rocking my world.
  15. ZenniOptical, 2344 Plastic Full-Rim Frame– HOT pink frames? Must.have.

Oh, I almost forgot… while I’m wishing… I’ll take an endless supply of these.

der-xmas wishlist2

Filed Under: cardigan, der, dog mom stuff, food, gadgets, gifts, girly, holiday, jewelry, makeup, purse, shoes, tops Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Christmas Wishlist: AK Edition

December 8, 2009 by

Der thought it’d be a good idea if we all shared our dream Christmas Wishlists for this year–she explicitly said if money was no object what would you ask for.  So I picked a little something something or alot of something something.  But I categorized it for you foos because I’m OCD like that.  Anyway…have at it.  I’m drooling.

Shoes & Accessories

ak-xmas wishlist accessories and shoes

  1. Boden, Patent Buckle Flats-Navy – I love love love this color combo.
  2. Piperlime, Bernardo Google-Red – I’ve been wanting a driving moc
  3. Zappos, PUMA Cabana Racer II Wn’s-Hi Risk Red/White/Blue Mist – a vintage tennis shoe mixed with the bomb color combo..could not be more AK
  4. Dreams Corner Etsy Shop, Scarf ruffle gray in wool italian fabric with vintage button – ohhhh ruffles, yes please
  5. bossa, Shiraleah Recession collection tote bag-Pewter – I’ve been looking for a metallic purse that’s not to out there…I think this might be it.
  6. Levenger, Pen Pocket Briefcase with Pen – a cute little notepad to have with me to write down stuff to remember since I can’t remember shit anymore–can you say old?
  7. Abas, Cate Accordian-Classique Blue – this was on my list last year, turquoise…my favorite color
  8. UGG, Women’s Classic Cardy-Grey – this was newly added thanks to Court

Jewelry

ak-xmas wishlist jewelry

  1. Sundance, Pitter-Patter Ring – not sure what it is about this ring, I’m just drawn to it.
  2. Craftsbury Kids, Custom Silhouette Pendants-Medium – would I ever be able to get a profile shot of my 14 mo to send in for one of these…aren’t they SO cute??
  3. Sundance, Modern Times Watch-Blue –  again, the color combo got me…would be a great occasional watch
  4. Sleeks Etsy Shop, Silk Necklace-Slate Grey – I love this and am envisioning it sprucing up my tee collections
  5. Sundance, Champagne Pincushion Ring –  I don’t wear gold much but man o man this is a statement ring
  6. Silver Tribe, Native American Navajo Indian Multicolor Sterling Silver Bead Necklace Jewelry – picture it…a navy tee with this necklace…OMG
  7. Belartes, Tagua Adjustable Necklace – this one is thanks to O Magazine..aren’t they gorgeous??

Clothing

ak-xmas wishlist clothes

  1. Sundance, Jacket Militaire-Ice Blue – I love how this is the perfect shade of bright..right up my alley
  2. Kate Boggiano, Tank Top-Sparkling Grape – I have a couple of these in neutral colors and would love to brighten up my collection.
  3. Nordstrom, Velvet by Graham & Spencer “Kylea” Sequin Tank –  Sequins are everywhere in stores, have you noticed?
  4. Chadwicks, Sculptural Cross Neck Babydoll – Love this neckline AND the color
  5. Target, Merona Elbow Sleeve Turtleneck Top – Newport Aqua – This sleeve length is perfect for Houston weather–its a turtleneck but a shorter sleeve–perfecto
  6. Victoria’s Secret-Open cardigan tee-Blackberry – COMFY is what comes to mind when I see this..and adorable.

Odds & Ends

ak-xmas wishlist odds and ends

  1. Sur la Table, Copco Round Bag Caps – Chip clips are so 2008
  2. The Container Store, Drop-Front Shoe Boxes – This would be the beginning of my dream closet
  3. Amazon, Vacu Vin Glass Markers Party People – Another new edition thanks to Sarah
  4. happytape, so many pretty solids 20pak – My brown paper bag wrapping would be so happy
  5. Amazon, Jiffy Steamer ESTEAM Travel Steamers-Pink – a PINK clothing steamer!! SQUEEEEE!
  6. Bed Bath & Beyond, Amy Butler Bath Towels-One of each please – I couldn’t believe it when I saw these..I would buy all different ones and mix them up because I’m eclectic like that.

Gadgets

ak-xmas wishlist gadgets

  1. Sur la Table, Skybar Wine System – It’s like WHAT?! are we at the AK casa or a wine bar?!
  2. Urban Outfitters, Speedball Screenprinting Kit – I would love to learn how to do this
  3. Paper Source, Letterpress Machine Combo Kit – Again I would love to learn how to do this
  4. Amazon, Kindle Wireless Reading Device – I would load this sucker up and take it with me wherever I went
  5. Amazon, Polaroid CZA-10011B PoGo Instant Mobile Printer – Isn’t this the coolest thing?
  6. The Demy – A recipe gadget, perfect, love it.

Books

ak-xmas wishlist books

  1. Amazon, Confections of a Closet Master Baker: One Woman’s Sweet Journey from Unhappy Hollywood Executive to Contented Country Baker – About Sandra Bullock’s sister
  2. Amazon, Kirtsy Takes a Bow: A Celebration of Women’s Online Favorites – The pictures I’ve seen online alone are drawing me to this book
  3. Amazon, Stay Home, Stay Happy: 10 Secrets to Loving At-Home Motherhood – 10 secrets to anything is intriguing to me
  4. Amazon, Twilight – Yes, I admit, I might be the last person on Earth that hasn’t read this book or seen the movie..I should start, yes?
  5. Amazon, Guac Off! – The perfect end to this post–Guac Guac Guac–I have an unhealthy obssession to it, but it’s the good fat right?

So what’s on your wishlist this year?

Filed Under: ak, gifts, holiday Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guy Gift Guide: Geek on the Go

December 8, 2009 by

Your Sig-other is always talking about Hertz, or HDMI, or H-something-something-yada-yada-yada, right? If so, here’s a list of gift ideas for the geek on the go. You can also read about my guy gift guide for chef guys.

But a secret about most geeky guys I know — we all like to envision ourselves travelers, even if the most we ever get out is to the grocery store for nonfat organic milk. Wait, I mean the liquor store for liquor, amirite??

umm, ok, so on to the gifts:

jw-gift tech

  1. Cradlepoint Travel Router $98 – Plugin your 3G usb card into the router and it creates a wifi hotspot for you. So if your family is driving across the country, you power up your laptop and this cradlepoint into your power inverter (gives you a real power plug from your car), and then watch Hulu all the way to grandma’s house!
  2. SlingBox Solo $179 – OK, so get this. You leave the slingbox at home, hooked up to your Tivo or cablebox or satellite or whatever. You then go on a trip, get on wifi, and then either with your computer or with your iTouch/iPhone and run the slingbox app (there’s also a blackberry version). Then you watch your home tv live and control it. People, I’m talking pay $8 for hotel internet, then watch your home DVR collection of Lost or the football game from earlier that night. Magic meets the future!
  3. Survival Kit in a Can $14 – So if your guy is like me, he thinks he could survive on his own in the wilderness. I mean how hard is survivor really ? With this kit, he (and by he I of course mean I) might have a change for another 24 hours on his own. At least until the pizza arrives. I also thought this book on the US Armed Services Survival Guide was cool looking.
  4. iPod Touch $181 – If he doesn’t have an iPhone, he’ll want this just to download and install apps. I personally make due on the phone side with an old blackberry and use the iTouch (iPod Touch = iTouch) for a ton of stuff. Like the grocery shopping app, or the Amazon Kindle Reader app. Best part = no monthly fees!
  5. TheJooJoo $499 – ok, so this is a bit risky, but if you want to truly wow your techie sig’other, this is a gift to show him that you like him a lot. The “joojoo” (means magic) was originally going to be the “CrunchPad”, but it morphed into this tablet PC that I personally think is going to rock. At $499 its a bit expensive, but for couch web browsing it will be most awesome.
  6. Western Digital HardDrive $109 – I’ve had external harddrives before, but honestly they were way too “external” — this fits in your pocket or bag and lets you keep a backup of your videos and pictures. If you have a Tivo, use TivoToGo to copy over shows and movies before your trip … if you don’t have a tivo, umm why?
  7. Wilife Security System $279 – A security system that you can login into from the road and check out what’s going on at the homestead. Also, it detects motion and starts recording, so if someone does break into your house it’ll have evidence for you. How this hasn’t made CSI yet I have no idea.

Jesse is a guest author; his claim to fame is being Tipsy Society author AK’s husband. He creates websites at http://comalproductions.com.

Filed Under: gifts, holiday Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Wrap Me Up Like A Mummy

December 7, 2009 by

Two years ago I bought one of these blankets for my grandma for Christmas and then two days later I went back and bought one for myself. Don’t judge.

Warning:  This blanket may or may not induce a sleep coma.  I keep it on my couch for my Glee marathons, among other marathons (ie Private Practice, Grey’s Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, HGTV) for keeping me snug as a bug in a rug errr couch?  Anyway, this blanket is so soft and delicious I can’t even describe it!  Just trust me, it’s amazing.

You guys, its on sale…Holidays coming…do it, you won’t regret it.

Filed Under: ak, gifts, home Tagged With:

China, China!

December 7, 2009 by

As I have mentioned before, I am obsessed with all things Asian.  So much so that my son Austin (7yrs) will sing ‘China, China’ whenever he sees something that is sure to catch my eye.  I have lots of Asian fans, but here are a few variations for the peeps not as crazy OBSESSED in love with anything from the Eastern world as me.

  1. cr-fansChinese Wall Fan
  2. Fan Print Bamboo Rug
  3. Chinese Fan Girl Keds
  4. Fan earrings
Filed Under: court, home Tagged With: , ,

Hair Care with Flair

December 7, 2009 by

Um, apparently I missed the boat and hair care utensils are now completely fashionable as well. I’m considering sporting some of these as accessories because the colors, prints and patterns are to die for. I’m a sucker for stuff like this…makes me want to go re-purchase all my styling tools. Damn marketing techniques!

  1. Target, Remington Plaid Printed Straightener
  2. Amazon, TS-2 Detailer Snake Print Series
  3. Target, Remington Leopard Printed Dryer
  4. Target, Remington Polka Dot Printed Dryer
  5. Amazon, Hot Tools Professional Ceramic Spring Curling Iron
  6. Target, Bed Head 1″ Professional Tourmaline Nano Ceramic Curling Iron -Pink
Filed Under: der, gadgets, girly, hair Tagged With: , , , ,

DIY Gifts for your Neighbor, Co-Worker, Teacher or somebody like that

December 3, 2009 by

Are you looking for a cheap gift to give a neighbor, a co-worker, a teacher, a babysitter or somebody in that realm…you don’t want to spend a ton but you want them to know you care? I’m going to give you a few ideas…

ak-gift in a jar

Give them stuff in a jar.  Get a jar, get some cute fabric, and get some raffia to tie the fabric on with and shove one of these ideas in.  You can either put the ingredients for a mix of some sort minus the wet ingredients or put something pre-made (ala nuts). Write or print out the recipe and attach it.

  1. Cowboy Cookies
  2. Nuts:  Sweet (Cinnamon Almonds) or Spicy (Hot & Spicy Peanuts)
  3. Hot Cocoa Mix
  4. Spice Rub
  5. Bean Soup
  6. Dog Biscuit Mix

Thinking something a little more hardcore than nuts, cocoa mix and dog biscuits?  How ’bout a round on you? So…this may not be the one to give a teacher or babysitter especially if they are caring for your children at the time…this might be more of a neighbor/co-worker thing.

ak-gift in a jar part 2

Make a homemade mixer and pour it in a pretty bottle, then include whatever libation goes with it in mini bottle form, put them on a mini serving tray (or dessert plate) and tie it up with some cellophane.  Write or print out the drink “recipe” and attach it.

  1. Pomegranate Martini
  2. Margarita
  3. Spiked Hot Cocoa
  4. Spiked Apple Cider
Filed Under: ak, cocktail, coffee, dog mom stuff, food, gifts, holiday Tagged With: ,

Go On, Get Your Bake On!

December 1, 2009 by

The month of December usually means full discretion to bake anything you normally wouldn’t throughout the rest of the year.  Ordinarily, you would feel bad about just randomly baking some creation at any other time of the year, but if it’s in DECEMBER it’s just commonplace that you are baking because it MUST mean it has something to do with a holiday tradition of some sort, am I right? (say yes)

And if you are like us Tipsy Girls, you want to look GOOD baking!  BAKING TIP:  throw a little flour on the apron as you are walking the plate of cookies over to your neighbor’s house even if they are slice and bake, they’ll think you’ve been baking for hours just for them!!

  1. Anthropologie, Big Frills Apron
  2. Paper Flowers Etsy Shop, Hostess Apron
  3. Anthropologie, Extra Ingredient Apron
  4. Cocoa Dreams Etsy Shop, Casey Scroll Apron
  5. Pier 1, Vintage Printed Halter Apron
  6. Decorative Instincts Etsy Shop, Grey Polka Dot Apron
  7. Garnet Hill, Reversible Retro Apron
  8. Anthropologie, Succulent Apron
  9. City Girl Aprons Etsy Shop, Autumn Halter Apron
  10. Anthropologie, Winterfest Apron
  11. Brassy Apple, Hostess Mod Bloom
  12. City Girl Aprons Etsy Shop, XMas Trees Apron
  13. Annies Attic Etsy Shop, Santa Baby Apron
Filed Under: ak, food, girly, holiday Tagged With: , , , ,

Guy Gift Guide – Chef Edition

December 1, 2009 by

Your significant other is a guy and a chef, and you are looking for ideas to get him for Christmas and/or other Holidays celebrated at the end of the calendar year. I’m here to help… I’m Jesse, the husband of Tipsy AK, and a self-proclaimed chef wannabe.. mostly wannabe. Here are seven ideas to purchase for that inner chef of yours:

  1. Square grill pan ($99) so most guys grill steaks outside, but at some point try to move it inside, searing the steak on the cooktop and finishing in the oven. The trouble I always found was that most grill pans have this very annoying long handle. With this grill pan, you can put the grill directly in the middle of the oven without a handle. Score!
  2. Shun Japanese Vegetable ($119.95) Knives are pretty personal, but if he doesn’t have this knife he’s missing out. This knife is very sharp, fits nicely in your hand, and is unique (which helps increase bragging potential).
  3. Food Grinder for Stand Mixer ($49) Things guys enjoy: sausage and hamburgers; with this grinder, your man can buy steaks and grind his own hamburger meat which is cool for 2 reasons: a) ever had a burger thats 1/3 brisket, 1/3 sirloin, and 1/3 chuck? (Thomas Keller has). b) Making your own sausage? come on, that’s just awesome.
  4. Herb Grinder ($9.95) Many recipes, such as homemade pizza, call for fresh herbs… I’d like to use this to grinder up and chop fresh rosemary for focaccia bread, or maybe some fresh thyme for a steak. Either way, simple and easy gift.
  5. Granite Mortle & Pestle ($32.95) I heart this, honestly I do. You use this to grind up garlic, or create your own spice rub with whole peppercorns. You can even grind up the avocados and ingredients and serve guacamole at the table in this thing. love it.
  6. Bialetti Mukka Express Cappuccino Maker ($72) I like to think that Mukka really means Mocha, even though there’s no evidence to support this theory… What I like about this maker is that you can make cappuccinos, or in my case mochas, with no fuss at all. You add water, ground espresso, milk and you set it on the stove. Consider this a way to save much moneys in 2010 (cow or aluminum … your choice!).
  7. Cooking Class ($60 or so) .. Houston has Leisure Learning, Texas has Central Market cooking classes , and everywhere else has Sur La Table cooking classes has excellent cooking classes too. I’ve been to several and have loved every.single.one and learned something new every time.

Jesse is a guest author; his claim to fame is being Tipsy Society author AK’s husband. He creates websites at http://comalproductions.com.

Filed Under: gifts, holiday Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Twelve Days of Jack

November 30, 2009 by

So.  October 2008, my husband and I welcomed a little bambino.  Because of the timing, we got a ton of Christmas baby stuff…booties, hats, PJs, bibs–you name it.  So the hubmeister and I came up with a way to showcase our little man in all his winnings but not put him through 500 clothing changes in the one day that is Christmas.  Our solution?  The Twelve Days of Jack (that’s his name hahaha)!

This is the way The Twelve Days of Jack worked:  In the 12 days leading up to Christmas day, we would dress him up in his Christmas socks or his Christmas bib or what have you.  Then we would upload that pic to Totspot which is a Facebook type of thing for babies. It’s fabulous–all your relatives and friends sign up to be your kiddo’s friend and then you upload your journal entry, picture or video ONCE and it sends out a link to everybody he’s friends with.  Each day SOMEONE gets to relish in the fact that their Christmas themed present was showcased AND your kiddo doesn’t have to endure the revolving dressing room door.  It’s definitely a WIN WIN.

We got TONS of applause for this idea from the fam–everyone was anticipating the next day, excited to see what Jack would have on the next day.  So go forth and gear up for your Twelve Days!

Filed Under: ak, holiday, kids Tagged With: