December 3, 2014

The No-Stress BOOK giving guide

To say I have a book hoarding problem is an understatement of a monumental degree. But love is love, and I cannot turn away from bound pages of endless possibilities. Or so I rationalize to myself...
In my dreams, this is what my library looks like. All organized and pretty. Actually the picture is by one of my favorites, Slim Aarons, but it gives me inspiration. Maybe my fantasy will be a New Year's Resolution for me to recreate? (and maybe the resolution will last longer than my annual one I make about losing weight - not likely)

 So here in part 2 of my No-Stress Gift Guide, I am covering books. Picking a favorite book is like picking a favorite child - IMPOSSIBLE. Instead I have chosen some great books for all occasions and hopefully one or more of these suggestions is perfect for someone on your list!
Have fun, and shop early and often! (and when you can, please support the independent booksellers because towns without bookstores are sad)








 








For the History buff
This got 5 out of 5 stars on goodreads (and if you don't know what goodreads is, google it because its an amazing site reviewing books by real readers). This big colorful book is filled with illustrations, photos and facts galore. And for someone with a husband who basically only wants to watch war on The History Channel, even I find this book interesting!

For the Hard-to-Please Who Loves Historical Fiction
Set in 17th Century Amsterdam, this novel has all the elements of a juicy tale including a teen bride, her aloof husband and a gift that changes everything. 
Duh, duh, duuuuuuuuuh - cue scary music.

For the Person Who Still Wishes She Spent Christmas Morning at Her Parents
Admittedly, this is a little cheesy. But in the same way I can watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty and Charlie Brown's Christmas, I can appreciate going down a sentimental journey using Little Golden Books as my guide. 
Be careful, you may even have fun doing it!
For the Cocktail Connoisseur 
I already own this super-groovy compendium of classic cocktails, and its a definite must with its sleek black cover that screams "grab me!". 
Created by the owners of the bar, Death & Co in NYC, this book is more than just a collection of classic cocktail recipes, there's also gobs of photographs, anecdotes and just-plain-fun stuff within the pages. 

For the Nantucket-Lover in the family (and who isn't?)
The latest from Nantucket resident, and recent breast cancer survivor, Elin Hilderbrand, Winter Street is her FIRST Christmas story ever and its about a Nantucket Innkeeper and his family's chaotic time during the holiday season, including a love triangle, unplanned pregnancy and federal crime. Would like that with your pie? If you can't wait for the ferry for next year, grab this book to get your on-island fix!

For the Girl Who Looks Great in Classics
Released in 2012, but new to me, I fell in love with this book (and want it for Christmas if my kids are reading this :). Its filled with great photos of the many types of Tomboys, from Katherine Hepburn to Cat Power and a whole other bunch of cool, feisty and super-stylish girls who appreciate outdoors and flat shoes as much as I do!

For Any Girl Who's in Love with a Royal
 Okay, truth be told, this book didn't get as good reviews by the snobby royal historians as the one by royal reporter Penny Junor. But the cover is WAY HOTTER and the author actually partied with Prince Harry in the Caribbean and on his North American tour, so I'm betting she has the better "true" stories!

For the Young Adult - or the one in your family who likes to read YA (like me)
New York Times Bestselling Author, (who writes all types of fiction) Meg Wolitzer, tells the tale of Jam (short for Jamaica) who's forced to go to a therapeutic boarding school in Vermont where she discovers Sylvia Plath and a magical other-world called Belzhar. Good combo if you ask me!

For the Francophile of Any Era
Receiving GREAT reviews, this novel, set in Paris during the Belle Epoque, follows Maud who dreads another Paris winter. When her roommates don't turnout as they seem, Maud is intrigued and falls into their "elegant deception".
A great vacation read!

For the Test-Takers and Figure-Outers
First of all, how can ANYONE resist a title like this? And yes, I'd say a couple of my neighbors might actually be zombies considering how they hate dogs.
Filled with puzzles and problems to challenge the way you see the universe, this is an easy book to have on the cocktail table when people need something to talk about.

For the Foodie in the Family
Fair disclosure…Pretty much anything that Tracy Pollan and in kind, Michael J. Fox, are involved with I'd buy.I love them for many things, but truly because of their support for Parkinson's Disease, which from personal experience, I know is a terrible-horrible-no good-disease. Having said this, the Pollan Family knows their stuff when it comes to food. Once inside the pages, I started drooling over lots of recipes like asparagus with parmesan and frizzled shallots and the equally yummy savory mushroom cutlets. This book is jam-packed with every category. The only trouble you'll have is picking which recipe to try first.

For the Mermaid in All of Us
If you haven't guessed by my logo, I'm a mermaid. I think I really am, just with legs. Something happened along the way in my evolution, but the love of water and imagery of mermaids is hard-wired in me. So how could I pass up a book with this cover, that also has GREAT reviews including this one, "I laughed so hard all over town…" Who doesn't want to laugh? This book's on my list for sure!

For the Design Buff (not to be confused with my cousin, Buff)
Its probably not that surprising to see this book here, given that you've probably seen in it in a billion magazines already. But let's just say, they hype is justified. Broken into four sections, Classical, Fanciful, Practical and Personal, this delicious (to steal from designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard's lexicon) book compiles favorite images so you don't have to hunt, you're simply allowed to dream.

For the Fan of Old Hollywood
From the days of silent film on up to the 1970's, Mark Bailey shares hilarious stories of famous filmmakers at their most drunk. What a great premise! Bite-sized biographies coupled with funny anecdotes and outrageous quotes make this one for lots of different types on your list.

For Anyone Fascinated with Presidents and their Swanky Hideouts
Written by the White House Historical Association, this BIG book covers every President from the big guy, GW, on up. Its a really interesting, in-depth and FUN look at their inner private lives, filled with tons of photos, illustrations and documents never seen. 

So there you have it. An IMPOSSIBLE attempt to bring a smattering of book gift ideas to you. I could do this all day and waste every minute in a book store. But then I wouldn't be very interesting, now would I?

GOOD LUCK on all your shopping! Try to stay sane, and if nothing else, remember its always 5 o'clock somewhere!

Cheers!
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December 1, 2014

THE No-Stress Gift Guide


HO HO HO? or BAH HUMBUG!?
This is a picture of my tree from last year. So I now confess, I like my trees as BIG as I like the celebrations surrounding the holidays.

Whether you LOVE the holidays like I do, or they completely stress you out, I get it. Its hard navigating the malls (gag) and streets (is there a Starbucks or Dunks nearby?) and even the web (I can't stand pop-up ads!).

But there is SO much to enjoy. Aside from the festive decorations and mostly cheery people swilling around, sipping a yummy drink in one of your favorite watering holes might be just what the doctor ordered.

So, whether you have to shop for one or one hundred, I've pulled together some of my favorite gift items as my present to you all for a NO STRESS holiday! Most items are made in New England and there's a good range of prices to fit any budget. 

 






























And because I'm literally OBSESSED with books, a book gift guide will come in a separate post. There are so many books, and such little time, after all.

Here we go! THE No-Stress Gift Guide for 2014!

For the Cheeky Home
I found this store in Portland, Maine named K. Colette and it was a heart-stopping moment and scary too. Because If I'd had more time to look around, I may be filing for bankruptcy now, instead of suggesting fun things for you all to give. This pillow is made by a RISD grad (Rhode Island School of Design - this unbelievable design school where one of my daughters studied interior design) who fell in love with the coast. 
The pillow is called the Glacier Pocket Pillow and I just love it's sense of humor - $112.
 Go to this website and be prepared to be blown away.

For the Snuggler in the family
This Jonathan Adler Richard Nixon Alpaca Throw is just the thing to cover up on cold days - $295

For the Guy and Girl who sometimes have a little too much fun!
These perfect (at least for my family) notecards come in sets of 5 and are made out of heavy stock and include a nice envelope. So when you accidentally tell Aunt Gerty that her breath smells like her dead dog, you can dash off a quick note of apology. And don't get all high-and-mighty ladies, there's a girl's version too! 
Found at The Monogram Shop of East Hampton, these "Regrets His Behavior" cards are $20 per set.

For those who LOVE the snow!
Made by the Redd's Pond Boatworks, who during most of the year is busy building gorgeous wooden boats in my town of Marblehead, these sleds and toboggans will be the envy of anyone passing by. For the little guys, they can carve a monogram in the wood to add the special touch. 
And for the speedster, their toboggans are simply gorgeous and fast!
Price range $200-$300

For the Apres Ski crowd
These ice lanterns made from a kit and sold exclusively through Terrain, an amazing garden store in Connecticut, with an equally drool-worthy website, are simply stunning! We made these last year during our Christmas break and when lit, they added such a cool, icy (no pun intended :)) glow to the snow. They're PERFECT to surround your hot tub while enjoying a hot toddy after a long day on the slopes. (FYI, they take almost 24 hours to make so plan ahead. And you only need to buy one kit. You can figure out how to make many more in the future, like I'll be doing!)
Terrain Ice Lantern Kit $58

For the Hostess with the Most-ess
In high school, I had the absolute BEST Spanish teacher, Señor Cowan. And despite the fact that during my whole first year, he gave me grief on my extreme level of preppiness, Señor taught me a lot. So much so, that I won the Spanish prize two years in a row. The BEST thing about winning the Spanish prize, was that instead of getting some boring memento honoring my achievement, his sister, Livia Cowan, the FOUNDER of Mariposa, got the prizes for him! Livia founded her company, Mariposa, in a town near me, and she has developed an incredible line of silver housewares made from recycled aluminum. And THIS Christmas Tree and Train Server is one of my FAVORITES! Perfect for the hostess or the nostalgic train buff who grew up with a train around a tree.
Christmas Tree and Train Server - $185

For the Hipster
I tease my son a lot that he's a hipster. But in reality, he's more of a prep-hipster instead of a straight-out hipster. And not to be confused with the "lumber-sexual" guys that are around now. I guess a "lumber-sexual" is like a metro-sexual guy who likes wearing flannel and other bespoke outdoorsy clothes. Who knew there was a whole industry in this?
Anyway, these BRASS (don't they look like leather?) mugs are named after the famous drink, the Moscow Mule. Rumor has it that this drink originated at the famed Rolling Rock Club in PA. The delicious drink is a mix of vodka, ginger beer and lime. The mugs are from this super cool website, Bespoke, for the guy who has everything. Check it out or get some of these cool mugs for your Moscow Mules or bourbon and cider! Yum!
Moscow Mules Mug $28

For the Girl You Want to Impress
Yes, this is another one of my best college friend, Meg Carter's, designs. This freshwater pearl bracelet is elegant and can also be oh-so-nonchalant, depending on what the girl of your dreams has decided to don. Meg has a stunning array of jewelry worth perusing on her uber-chic website. Check out my blog post all about her http://www.bloomingblog.com/2014/11/the-stunning-meg-carter-jewelry.html or simply fill your basket with this gorgeous goody!
Antibes Pearl Bracelet $210

For the Dapper Guy
My neighbors and parents of the beautiful puppy, Bella, have pooled their collective skill, creativity and style and created the Trumbull Rhodes line of neckware and cummerbunds. This line speaks to my heart because of their exclusive access to the Liberty of London prints. These ties are such a nice change from the ever-present whale ties. So surprise your guy with one of these beauties. He'll love all the attention he'll get wearing one.
Neckties and Bowties - $60-$70

For the Person Whose Bar is Always Open
I met the super-cute couple who owns and operates M+W Coastal Goods at the Newport Boat Show this fall and I even won their giveaway contest and received a groovy lobster wine stopper. 
Made by hand, in their home (!), this duo is ready to take on the world, one bar at a time. 
Such a perfect gift for so many occasions!
Price range for their goodies is generally around $40

For the Prepster Guy
From Kiel James Patrick, handmade in Rhode Island, and evoking all the great seaworthiness of an old salt that has passed his beloved treasures down through the generations, this belt has it all. By virtue of its name alone, the green version shown here, known as the Captain Hemingway Belt is a keeper on my list. I mean, who doesn't absolutely LOVE The Old Man and the Sea? Not to fret if Hemingway's not your thing. There's also a Gatsby version if you've got a girlfriend named Daisy.
Captain Hemingway Belt - $125

For the Girl Who Has it All
When I was cruising this summer on my boat, our club cruise took us to places "down east". For those non-boaters, "down east" refers to cruising along the waters in Maine. I guess the term came from sailers back in the shipping days who sailed from Boston to the Maine coast and they sailed downwind mostly East since the coast undulates so much - hence down east. Gotta love those old sayings. During the cruise, we had to pull into Rockland, Maine for a part that was available at a marine store. And, well, this girl loves to shop! And to what did my wandering eye appear? But these super cute clutches made using the same material that lobstermen (and women) use to make their bait bags! Alaina Marie envisioned these creations and she nailed it! Silkscreened in various color combos and stitched in fun ways using truly industrial components, she's figured a way to make something cool, pretty and functional all at the same time!
Bait Bag Clutch - $60

So, there you have it. A neat little guide to help you through the holidays. And if these items don't give you a thrill, check out ALL the websites listed. These craftsmen and women are truly talented and offer literally something for everyone. And if you DO buy something from them? 
Tell them I sent you (even if they have no idea who I am! ha ha!)

Cheers!


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