$50 Fridays: Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas Yall! I hope your holiday is fun filled and all you frugalistas get everything you were wishing for!  Today is the day to deck yourself in Christmas Cheer from head to toe!

  1. Amazon, Santa Hat with Coil Spring
  2. Target, Jrs Sad Tree Graphic Tee
  3. Forever21, Soft Fab Skinny Jean
  4. Amazon, Sugar Womens Montana Hunters Plaid Flat

My Top 10 Christmas Songs Currently in Rotation

  1. Please Come Home for Christmas, Harry Connick, Jr.
  2. A Baby Changes Everything, Faith Hill
  3. Christmas Must Be Something More, Taylor Swift
  4. Grown-Up Christmas List, Michael Buble
  5. O’ Come All Ye Faithful, Luther Vandross
  6. The Season for Romance, Lee Ann Womack
  7. Merry Christmas Strait to You, George Strait
  8. Christmastime Is Here, Vince Guaraldi Trio (Charlie Brown Christmas)
  9. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late), The Chipmunks
  10. My Only Wish (This Year), Britney Spears

Mad Hatter: Christmas Style

If you are looking to bring some holiday cheer into your outfit for your family get together or party… I think one of these may do the trick!

der-christmas hats

  1. Amazon, Plush Santa Chimney Hat
  2. Amazon, Deluxe Springy Christmas Tree Hat
  3. Amazon, Elf Hat with Ears
  4. Amazon, Curly Q Santa Hat
  5. Amazon, Light Up Battery Operated Tinsel Christmas Tree Hat
  6. Amazon, Velvet Covered Reindeer Antlers *this gentleman must have had too much eggnog

Guy Gift Guide: Golfer Edition

If your Saturday mornings are like my wife’s, there’s a 42% chance on any given week your sig will be out hitting the links. Well, at least before it got cold. But still, this should be soooo easy to buy for, right? Golf, I mean, get him golf stuff. But, you’ve probably already tried and failed at that. You’ve purchased that cute driver head cover of a tiger or a kuala or some other species, only to see (well actually to never see) him use it.

Here’s a guide on what golfers would actually want to receive. And, unlike my other guides, everything in here isn’t like a bazillions dollars. This is the last in my guest post series on what to get your guy for the Holidays. See my guide for Chefs and Geeks.

First: a Pro Tip — Steer clear of the following: clubs, putters, and golf balls. These are far too personal an item to choose for someone else. Notable exception: write a card with a handwritten note: “Redeemable for 1 putter, wedge, or wood of your choice.”

  1. Callaway HT Bag ($199) … Most guys have these golf bags that are designed for walking; that is that they’re really light. They’re made so you can walk the entire course. Does anyone know anyone who walks on a regular basis anymore? I do not, and most courses are not walk-friendly. This bag is made for the golf cart and is proud of it.
  2. 15′ Orange Head Retriever ($13) … It retrieves errand golf balls from the lake or someone’s back yard. A Necessity for anyone who isn’t a tremendous golfer. And don’t worry, you’d already know if your guy was tremendous golfer because his friends wouldn’t shut up about the unfairness of it all.
  3. Practice Net ($129.99) … Hey, it might get him out of the house and into the back yard for a while
  4. Tiger Woods 2010 for the Wii ($40) … Best golf game out there, and you might be able to find it on steep discount. (too soon?) If he already has, get this Wii Golf Club, which has cool written all over it.
  5. Nike or Callaway shirt ($27) … This technology shirt (get any that say Dry-Fit or Fit-Dry) is the most awesome shirt ever. Really, I love these things, and you’ll have the extra benefit of being able to dress your man for the golf course.
  6. Lessons from your local golf club: Really, this is the best gift. Even a set of three 30 minute lessons on putting will be remembered for a long, long time. You’re welcome Internets.

If you want help choosing which golf club to get lessons at, leave me a comment below with your City and I’ll suggest one for you.

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

Haircare for the Redken Obsessed!

In keeping with the tradition of the Tipsy ladies, I wanted to share the products that I use on a semi-daily basis. You may notice a common theme: I’m OBSESSED w/ all things Redken! (I blame this on my friend Kelli, whose family owns a Redken distribution center close to my home town, and I also blame it on the fact that I tend to have OCD when it comes to specific brands.)

Anyway, my hair is thick and wavy, I always wear it straight, and these products do the trick! (All of which can be found on Amazon.com.)

  1. Redken Allsoft Heavy Cream: I use this as my deep conditioning treatment. About once every week or two, I leave it in for 10 minutes or so and then rinse out.
  2. Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide: This is a daily pre-styling treatment that I use on the ends of my hair before blow drying. It seems to help with the AWFUL amount of heat my CHI iron puts out.
  3. Redken Vinyl Glam: I use this every other day, because I only wash my hair every other day. (So this is a first hair wash product.) I spray it in my hands, not directly on my hair, then smooth it through my tresses…haha…it really does make your hair look shiny, not the dirty/oily shiny, but movie-star shiny!
  4. Redken Extreme Conditioner: What can I say? It’s conditioner…it smells good and does the trick…I stick to what I know!
  5. Redken Guts: This stuff came out when I was in high school and was ALL the rage. It’s spray mousse and gives you ALL kinds of volume. Since I have thick hair, I don’t really use it for volume, but I do use it when I wear my hair wavy…it just gives it that extra umph (is that a word?) that I need.
  6. Redken Workforce Flexible Volumizing Spray: LOVE, LOVE this hair spray! It keeps my hair in check without making it feel crunchy, which is the WORST don’t you think?
  7. Redken Fresh Curls Curl Boost: For all my curly/wavy headed ladies out there this product is for you, maybe…I use it when I’m wearing my hair wavy and I like the fact that it’s not heavy and it doesn’t leave my hair frizzy…so, win win!
  8. Redken Extreme Shampoo: This is my Redken shampoo for the moment, and I like that it repairs damaged hair. Even though I don’t like to think of my hair as damaged, I think years of daily heat treatments will take a toll on anyone/everyone’s hair.
  9. David Babaii Bohemian Beach Spray: NEWSFLASH, this is not Redken! This is a new product that I was just recently introduced to, but so far I LOVE! I just spray it in my hair after I’m finished fixing it and it gives a super-cute textured/messy kind of look.

Ladies, This is a Way to Destroy Your Husband at Golf

So this is our Christmas tradition at my parents house…  Christmas morning we eat breakfast, we open gifts, we get dinner started and then we get our game on.

Since we live in the Houston area, the weather is generally not what you think of as wintery…its more like throw a jacket on and go outside and you are fine type of weather.  So while dinner is cookin’, we get to gamin’ and let me tell you you might as well have yelled SHALLONGE!  The competitiveness that comes out here is unbelievable.

Here’s some ideas for ya…

ak-xmas gaming

  1. Halex Lasso Golf Tailgate Game
  2. Official Outdoor Steel Horseshoe Set
  3. Fundex Bulls-Eye Washers

What do you guys do on Christmas Day?

Christmas Wishlist: AK Edition

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?

Guy Gift Guide: Geek on the Go

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.

Merry Caturday!

Looking for some cute ways to put your favorite feline through hell in a costume?  Searching for some  festive fun for your kittah?  Search no more!

cr-caterday

  1. Holiday Snowflake Cape
  2. Plaid Holiday Bow tie
  3. Spiral Toy
  4. Holiday Feather Teaser

My Glass, your glass, WHOSE GLASS!?!?

Stop the madness now and invest in some of these awesome glass markers!

  1. This Wine is Mine, Personalized Wine Markers
  2. Etsy, Vintage Oija Boards
  3. Etsy, Custom Wine Charms
  4. Sur la Table, Wine Lines
  5. Amazon, Vacu Vin Party People Glass Markers
  6. Etsy, Winter Wonderland Wine Charmer Gift Set