Okay, this month has been crazy. I'm sure I'm not alone right now in my last-minute gift buying flurry. Right? For those of you who have all of your gifts purchased and wrapped up all pretty under the tree, I bow to you!

For those of you who are with me in the last minute scramble to get something thoughtful and meaningful, I'll let you in on my three tips for last minute gift buying:

1. Gift certificates. These can be meaningful and personal, if you do it right. I'm all about experiences over things (especially now that we're in a tiny house!) so I know that I for one would be pumped to receive a gift certificate to a good restaurant, a favorite coffeehouse, a spa or yoga studio nearby, or any fun local experience. If you don't have time to grab it before you gift it, spruce up a card with a picture/description of what you're gifting and tell them "it's in the mail!" - everyone's happy.

2. A subscription of some sort. This was my method last year! These days you can get a monthly subscription to just about anything - meals, beauty products, stationery, bacon, beer, music - you name it.

3. And finally, hello Amazon 2-day shipping! Now, I'm a strong advocate of buying local and enjoying the shopping experience and I think/hope that most of us try that first, but if you're getting down to the wire here and have a few things to do over the next couple of days besides stand in lines and hunt for parking spaces, here are some ideas of what you can buy from the comfort of your home.

(by the way, this post is not sponsored by Amazon in any way, I just love Amazon Prime that much.)

1. corkcicle hot and cold canteen 2. Winston Churchill coffee table book 3. leatherman multitool 4. classy shoes 5. fun party game 6. moscow mule mugs 7. outback hat 8. humans of new york stories 9. assorted gourmet chocolate bars 10. camp hammock 11. handsome valet and charging station

1. le creuset dutch oven 2. sugar lip treatment 3. Scotch and Soda Sweatshirt 4. diptyque candle 5. concert ukulele 6. big magic 7. fancy shampoo 8. grown-up coloring book 9. prismacolor art markers 10. a house plant 11. aroma diffuser

By the way, every time you shop on Amazon you can support a nonprofit of your choice. Just go to smile.amazon.com and select which school or charity of your choice will receive a percentage of your purchase.

Now, 2-day shipping will only get you so far.... we better get shopping!

Wish List :: Date Night In

// "rest" pillows // scrabble game// comfy kimono // calming candle // 

// "I want to snuggle you so hard" card // local wine // gold bean bag // throw blanket //

Lately it seems like Jimbo and I have been passing in the night as we live by our busy calendars. Our schedules have been chock full of work (which luckily we both love), social engagements (love), and travel (love). So don't get me wrong, it's been great! But I think we're both ready right about now for a relaxing date night in.  I'd love to snuggle up with a cozy blanket on that gorgeous bean bag (by BeanBagBoss) and catch up, perhaps while watching a movie (our list of things-to-watch is getting long!) or playing a game.  I'd wear something extremely comfy but just special enough to make it a "date" like that cute kimono by Calypso St. Barth. We'd probably make a simple dinner and then dig into some good ice cream and local wine. Our favorite Spotify playlists would be on in the background while I beat him a few times at Scrabble ;). We'd trade foot-rubs for head-scratches and go to bed nice and early. How heavenly - I think a night like this deserves a spot on the calendar.


What do you like to do for your stay-at-home date nights??

Gift Guide :: My Man

1. Filson shirt // 2. Mantry subscription // 3. USA made duffel // 4. cocktail guidebook // 

5. GoPro // 6. Hippy Tree t-shirt // 7. box drum // 8. Bushcraft tactical knife // 9. inflatable camp pillows // 10. book about the future of humanity // 11. good coffee, monthly // 

12. sushi and more sushi // 13. whiskey soaked jerky ('cause why not)

---------------------

I've been MIA, I know. And it's been kind of nice! But let's see... what is there to report... I've been working, traveling, and watching The Walking Dead. Thanksgiving was delightful. I ate my way through Portland last weekend and have fantastic plans for the holidays. My 'hood is expecting crazy rain today, so much so that the school I work at was canceled, to which the New Englander in me says "pshawwww, you silly gooses, it's just a little WATER", but to which the rational part of me says "Sweet, I'll take it!".  I haven't felt up for working on the 'log lately, partly because I already spend so much time on the computer screen at work, and partly because I have so many things I want to blog about that sometimes it's kind of overwhelming and I just don't know where to start. But I'm feeling a rekindling of blog-love over here. It must be the holidays or something - it brings it out of me! Hopefully we'll see more of each other soon.

So now down to business. Jimmy and I are keeping it light on the gifting this year, mostly because we're putting our dollars towards some 2015 travel, but also because we have birthdays this year that we're saving our energy for (it's a big one for both of us...that rhymes with hurty...eek!). But I couldn't help but pull together a bunch of gifts that I know that he and any other adventure/flavor/music/USA-made loving men would enjoy. Would the man in your life like this stuff?

Happy rain-day everyone! 

Love It List :: June

It's the last day of June, folks...yeeks! What are your plans for the holiday weekend?

I haven't done a favorites post in a long while. Let's do it.

Clarisonic Mia. Yep, I finally bit the bullet on this one. Skincare is my weak spot! So far I'm loving it, mostly for how it energizes my face in the morning and makes my skin feel ultimately clean and ready to soak in my other skincare splurges (magic potions and stuff). It also makes my face feel like babies' bums.

Nixon watch. Yeeeyyy this one makes me so happy! This is actually the watch that Jimbo gave me for my b-day more than two years ago, but I've been living without it for months and months now simply due to laziness (it needed a new battery). I got it back this month and it's happily back on my wrist each day. Nixon, I promise it won't happen again!

Clean perfume. I snagged a few samples from this perfume line at Sephora the other day, and I'm absolutely loving it. I adore clean scents for the hot summer, don't you? Many of the Clean scents are fresh and cool smelling. I especially like Rain and Summer Sailing.

The Goldfinch. I'm finally making headway in this book after getting it for my birthday in April. It's a slower read for me than usual, but I enjoy every line. Her writing is so descriptive and unique... I love a book where I: a) learn about a particular subject (in this case, art and antiques) b) re-read lines because they're so poetic and c) am surprised. This book has all three. It's been reviewed to death so I won't go any further but my vote is yes - a good beach read!

Deep Sleep Pillow Spray. It's been making me sleep like a baby.

First Aid Kit, particularly their new album Stay Gold. It's great, I've been listening obsessively! I tend to enjoy sister duos because I can daydream the whole time about my sis and I creating a duo and making it big, plus they're all about great harmonies which are my favorite part to sing along to ;). I saw someone say they're like the lovechild of Johnny Cash and Fleetwood Mac - how can that be a bad thing??

Kauai. Jimmy and I are heading to Kauai for almost two weeks in July so I've been poring over travel websites and blogs, preparing, planning and drooling :). Have you been there?? We would love tips on places to go and things to do!

Wish List :: V-Day

1. printed blouse | 2. Sinatra lyric print* | 3. v-day cocktail | 4. pink flats | 5. pepper log candle |
 6. je t'aime letterpress card | 7. heart ring | 8. peach peonies | 9. zig zag throw blanket

*I don't have a source for the print - any help?

I think Valentine's Day is adorable, and I'm not afraid to say it!

I dislike roses, I'm not normally into pink, and I would pretty much hate to receive a box of chocolates. But I love what Valentine's Day is all about (...which of course, is LOVE). Some people may say it's a silly creation and that it's all about consumerism, to which I say...you're a tad closed minded and probably lazy. Because if you're in love and have a speck of romance or creativity in your heart, then there's nothing preventing you from taking advantage of this silly day in one of the coldest months of the year to warm up with your darling and be loved in whatever way that means for the two of you.

For Jimbo and I that might mean enjoying a leisurely breakfast together before work (a rarity!), having some wine while we dream about our future hand-built cottage (one of our favorite things to do) or spending time with friends while sneaking a few more lovey-dove glances at each other than usual.

And if somehow all of these wishlist items were involved then hey, I wouldn't complain ;).

*****

What will Valentine's Day mean for you and yours??

Sister's Take on Bay Area Vintage

We have a special guest today - my lovely sistah Stephanie! Steph is one of the best shoppers I know, especially when it comes to antiques/vintage/consignment- and with all of the amazing markets around here I figured I should call on the pro to get a feel for Bay Area vintage shopping. Yesterday I finally got to join her at the Alameda Antiques Faire (it was ah-maze-ing) to see her at work, and I decided she should share a little something here about her vintage obsession as well.

Here are some photos from Steph's travels through the Treasure Island Flea and Marin's "French" Antique Market... 

A: are flea markets around here better than what you saw back East?

S: The Bay is where it's at. In Boston the majority of flea markets tend to revolve around cardboard boxes of American Eagle socks; you're not quite sure if you're thrifting or sifting through Free Craigslist accumulations. So, moving to the Bay was a breath of fresh air-- here you'll find the pretty, the prettier, the hipster and the delicious. 

A: what do you love about flea markets?

S: I love the mass amounts of inspiration that I get from walking down a few aisles. I love being in a sea of imaginative minds that are all scheming to create something the same way I am. I also am deeply in love with the west coast image and though I am a born and raised New Englander, I feel it is closer to my own personal style. The free and easy vibe, the eclectic mix of prints and color. Fashion stimulates and inspires me and I get that in its rawest form at the weekend flea. 

A: how would you describe your personal style?

S: I'd describe my style as comfy/versatile grunge. I love oversized sweaters, flannel, tees and tanks mixed with tight jeans, a fitted jacket, a beanie, doc martens and some dark red lipstick. That's my go to. I also love super girlie vintage dresses for nights out. Leather and lace. Anything colorful, comfortable and edgy that makes me feel good.

A: what are your best tips for flea/vintage shopping?

S: It's a good idea not to be too specific with what you're looking for. This is a vintage affair, not the mall. No one likes to be disappointed and it's less fun that way! Be open to items with a history that might have a nick here and there, but tells a story. My favorite things to look out for are jewelry, purses, wall decorations and the softest vintage tees around.

A: and a random one: what are your top 5 favorite smells?

S: The smell of rain on hot pavement. It brings me back to my childhood quicker than you can say "Salute Your Shorts". As well as old books, freshly made bread and bacon.

A: any last tips for us?

S: My most recent DIY interest is window panes, check out this link for a few ideas on how to use them. You can definitely find these items at the flea!


Thanks, Stephie! Come back anytime!

Wish List :: Scootin' Attire

Did you know that Jimmy and I bought a scooter this summer? Ever since our time in Italy we've been craving one as a way to get around, and the beautiful weather around here plus the annoying traffic cinched our decision.

It's a Genuine Buddy 150, Italia series. It's been a delightful ride to work! And these lovely items would make it even more beautiful.  Here's a collection of the items I've been coveting that would complete my scootin' attire.

1. Gold & white earbuds | 2. Aviators | 3. Leather jacket | 4. Gold helmet | 5. Frye Logan backpack

6. 'Lace' Infinity Scarf | 7. iphone case | 8. Vintage vespa | 9. hip flask

Whirlwind Day in Frisco

You know those cities that you just have a feeling you'll love?? Then when you finally make it there, you're deathly afraid that the city will fail your expectations? Well, in this case, San Francisco did not disappoint.

We slowed it down a bit for this visit, which was much needed. We stayed the first night in San Mateo with my lovely, amazing cousin Ben and his generous & accommodating boyfriend Howard (thanks guys!!). The next night we were planning to move on to the next stop, but ended up being seduced by the infamous Scott Golden and his limitless pizza & Cupcake Sauv Blanc - thanks Scotty :).

We had about 7 hours in the city to conquer everything, so we just went for it! Here are pics from the trip...

one last shout out to Ben & Scott - thanks so much guys, sleeping in beds was an amazing treat!!