Holiday Shopping Ideas ...

I hate to say it, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner folks. Seriously - you can't ignore it. Before you know it, it'll be here, and leading up to the big day lines at all of the big-box stores will be unmanageable and long, and you'll want to poke your eyes out with the letter opener you bought for your great aunt because, come on, what else could you possibly get her?

So, I thought why not take some time and put down a few of the things that I think you really oughta think about for gifts to yourself and others from Amazon. Amazon! Yes, the no-lines, 2-day free shipping Amazon that you can shop at with your pajamas on and a glass of wine, and no one looks at you funny. The only other place you can do that is WalMart, but you might end up in jail depending on what your county's open container policy is.

So, don't risk jail, keep your Great Aunt Sissy's letter opener free of your DNA, and sit back, pour the Chardonnay, and shop with me ... won't you? Oh, and by the way, IF you're reading this in your email, you won't be able to see these links. Pop over to the blog and shop along with us!

First up, the Votivo candle company - Icy Blue Pine. I've said it a MILLION times, this is THE candle that you have to have for the holiday season, even if you're not a Christmas tree or Christmas celebrating person. The candle is the quintessential flavor of the holidays, and you absolutely will not regret it. They're a bit on the pricey side, but, they are definitely worth it. Try one out.

And if you want my address so you can send me one ... just email me. I'll be happy to give it to you!

Next, you all need to know a super dark secret about me. You ready? I hate doing dishes. I have a dishwasher, but I hate loading it. Some people find the whole process relaxing and fascinating, and I think you're crazy. For those of you like me, who hate dishes, I lucked upon the most amazing thing for you! 

Paper plates that don't look like paper plates! Less than a buck each, they've got a beautiful blue and white chinoiserie pattern to them, and they are sturdy. And while, yes, they're paper plates and Martha Stewart says we should be ashamed - get over all that mess. You're gonna have Uncle Mike over and he's gonna break your good China, you're gonna miss Cards Against Humanity with your family because you're in the kitchen washing dishes, and frankly, the only thing your mother-in-law is going to remember is how her stuffing is better than yours, so, save yourself the time. Plus, they actually do make a beautiful table. 

And because I mentioned it ... Cards Against Humanity. A great gift to give at White Elephant and gag parties because it's something a lot of people want but never actually buy for themselves. 

But for a second, let's go back to the table stuff, 'cause I can sense the collective sigh. "Oh, Artie. Paper plates? Really?" And all I have to say is yes, really! Some of you have the opportunity and the means to set a really gorgeous table with your sterling and crystal and great grandmothers china, and if you invited me over for dinner, I would think it was nothing but lovely, and glorious, and all of the other things. At the end of the night, what I'll take home with me is the full experience though. How was the company? Were you a good host? How was the food? Was there music, conversation, playful banter? Did the guests get along, was the wine poured quickly and without regard to how much I already had? At the end of the night - what will linger with your guests - is NOT how fancy your place settings were. 

The beauty of your table is just a piece. A small piece at that. So, save yourself some time, and get the paper plates. Dress them up with white cloth napkins: 

An arrangement of fresh flowers, and candles. Candles in various containers are a great idea - but at the holidays I find the glint of mercury glass to be really beautiful, and you can get 12 for about a dollar each here:

And if I already lost you with the paper plates, you're not gonna take any more table advice from me, but if you are still with me, remember that candles on your table should always be unscented. Let the food take over there. 

I burn candles often, and when I found these I thought I had hit the lottery. Seriously. Great, clean burn, lasting around 8 hours. They are unscented, and you get 75 for $20. It's a great deal. 

There are some of you still scowling. I can feel it. Don't hate me. I'm not telling you that you HAVE to use paper plates, I'm simply suggesting that your Christmas season might be a little more enjoyable spending time with your family, and not the dishwasher. However, I get it. Dishes are a good excuse for avoiding Uncle Tom and Aunt Lois. Who invited them, anyway? 

Now, let's roll down the list of my staples. Things I have, things I buy, that good stuff: 

Heavy duty, perfect for shopping at the super market, the farmer market, going to pick apples (I took mine to pick blueberries, and well ... it's blue.) But you gotta look cute when you're buying food for those paper plates. 

I have two favorites when it comes to handsoaps and lotions. One is Fruits and Passions Coriander and Olive Oil scent. Oh, it's heavenly. Really, it is. You'll walk around all day smelling your hands - I swear. 

The other is from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day: 

I fluctuate between this basil scent, and the Coriander and Olive throughout the year - mostly to not get tired of one or the other. Also, coincidentally, they make both in dish soap. For those of you who aren't gonna buy those paper plates! 

Another thing I've recently become obsessed with is Myrtle topiaries. I blogged about it, and gave you the link to a site that sells them out of the Cleveland, Ohio area already. But here it is again, just in case you missed it. 

Knowing nothing at all about the care of these plants, I wanted to jump in and not have to spend a lot of money doing it. I found that this was really the best price online and because no one sold them locally, I jumped. I ordered two, one arrived in beautiful condition, the other a bit dry and sad. The truth is, plants don't like to be shipped - so, it's a gamble. It perked right back up after a couple of days of being repotted, watered, and put in the sun. So, if you're looking for a time to break into the game of caring for plants ... here's a way to do it without being too destroyed if you kill it. 

This! OH THIS! This is a must have. Now, before I get started. How many of you have left your protein shake in the container a little too long, and then you realized that the putrid smell NEVER leaves your shaker bottle? I know I'm not the only one! Well, THESE are EXACTLY what you need. Maybe it's not you. Maybe it's your kids, or your grand-kids? They're all caught up in being pretty and muscled up because that's what everyone says we need to be, and they are hopped up on whatever GNC says they gotta use, and they're leaving their used blender ball cups in the backseat while they're in class and then insisting you buy them a new one because it smells like someone left a dead foot in it. Yes, you know what I'm talking about! Ok, buy these. Takes care of the odor. I SWEAR! 

If you don't already have it, I highly suggest you download Amazon Music. It's great for creating those dinner and party playlists that'll keep all your guests happy. It's FREE! (with commercials, and some limitations on music ... but, you can upgrade and get all the music commercial free!) Speaking of music ... 

I can't wait for this to come out mid-November. Did everyone see the movie last Christmas? I'm sure you did, it was a huge blockbuster hit, and for good reason. Everyone loves a feel good movie, right? I'm always scratching my head when I sit in a theatre and previews come up for what will be on the big screen every Christmas. One year that sniper movie was debuted on Christmas. Really? I mean, does that even seem logical to the mass public? I'd rather watch Toy Story 4, or 8, or whatever they're at now. Anyway, that soundtrack was great - and it's been reimagined with covers by Pink and Kelly Clarkson. Oh, it's so good! The little pieces I've heard here and there ... I can't wait! 

"Alexa, finish this blog post." 

...

Ok, that's not how it works. But it's a great bluetooth speaker with all of the built in technology that you need for super ease of use. I love mine, I keep it in the office, and while I'm working on things I don't have to get up and change stations. I linked it to my Amazon Music account, and I simply say: "Alexa, play the dance party playlist" and all of a sudden - DANCE PARTY! 

They're not inexpensive - but here's what I've learned from buying less expensive versions. You're going to spend $39.99 over and over and over again, and not get clear, quality sound. So just spend the $99.99 once, and get it over with. 

And, one last one. You know I love a good design book, and while I haven't had the opportunity to finish this one yet - I can already tell you it's one of my all time faves: 

Every single page is drool worthy! You're gonna love it, I promise! 

We are off to New York City this weekend - Tyler's birthday present included tickets to see Waitress on Broadway. Even though I've seen it already, (twice) I think I'm just as excited as he is. I'll be back on Monday with a before and after that has me itching to change things up ... again.