It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

It's the most wonderful time of the yeeeearrr!!!

Okay, so I have a confession to make... I am the biggest dork when it comes to Christmas. They say it's was better to give than receive ::pause:: but I'm a big fan of giving and receiving ::double pause::.

Monday I curled up on the couch and watched A Charlie Brown Christmas. Yesterday on my way home there was a doowop caroling group assembled on the platform where I transfer trains. Though they sounded a bit like they were rehearsing for Cadence: The Christmas Special, it still put a little bounce in my step. When I arrived at home I was pleased to find my first Christmas card of the season in my mailbox.

I've been feeling a bit behind. I just ordered my Christmas cards yesterday and normally the would have been in the mail. I'm not as close to done with shopping as I'd like and my house is free of fa la la la. Starting on Friday however, I plan to let my cup of holiday cheer runneth over!

I'm getting up bright and early to order some last minute gifts for the kiddies from Amazon. I also need to renew my Rhapsody subscription, at least for the month, so I can get my Christmas music on (check for that blog this weekend). Then, after work I'm headed to finish off my shopping and pick-up some wrapping and decorating supplies. I'll hit up Whole Foods for some fresh garland (yes, real live pine, not that artificial shit) to wrap around the porch. When it warms up against the lights the whole front of the house smells like a pine cone. Then I'll go by the Container Store to pick up boxes and ribbon (I bought my wrapping paper 3 weeks ago... DON'T JUDGE ME!). Yes... I make my own bows by hand for my gifts... I take pride in my presents and I wrap with care.

Saturday I'm taking my niece to take pictures with Santa and then to the ballet to see the Nutcracker! It's her first time :) I love the Nutcracker!!! Afterwards, when I get home, I'll put up my tree and get to decorating the house for the holidays and wrap up all my gifts.

Oooo... and I need to pick out my holiday party outfits. So far I have 4 to go to. Yay Christmas!!!

Brown Paper Packages Tied-up w/ String...

So the Christmas season is upon us and I have begun my shopping. I always get a little sad when Christmas shopping because I always see great men's gifts with no one besides my Daddy to give them to. I've already hooked Dad up with a fly ass wool 3 button Ralph Lauren Top Coat. Now if only I had a stocking to fill for someone special...

I think I have a talent for gift giving. It's one of my favorite things to do. To me it's the best part of Christmas (yes even better than receiving). There's nothing more awesome to see someones face light all up and knowing that you put that glow there.

Since I don't have anyone significant to lavish upon, I figured I'd put together a quick guide to some of my favorite gift ideas for those who are gifting challenged:

To me the key to successful gift selection is honing on the things your boo loves then most and then finding the best whatever that is... here are some examples -

Hood men -
Does your sweetie rock a hoodie 24/7, 365? Is he the type that will throw on a hoodie over his dress shirt? Why not take him to the next level w/ this:

Juicy Couture Reversible Fleece and Rabbit Fur Hoody - $675

Walk Softly (but carry a big stick) -

I'm a big fan of slippers and I know quite a few men who are too. There's nothing like rolling through the grocery store in sweats and slippers. My philosophy is that if they didn't intend for you to wear them outdoors, then they wouldn't have put rubber tread on the bottoms. If your honey's pair are looking raggedy around the edges, treat his tootsies to an upgrade:
Sampson Slipper by Ugg - $104


or if he has the swag to pull it off, opt for these:

Stubbs & Wootton Slippers - $350

Legalize it -
If you boo likes to take a toke, instead of a Zippo lighter that he's likely to loose, opt for these:

For Your Party Monogram Matches - $48/Set of 50

Stuntin is a Habit - Are you dating a brotha that stays dapper. Trump that tie clip he bought himself and they cuff links you picked up for his birthday by dazzling him with these pimpish male furnishings:

Tateossian Mother of Pearl Collar Stays - $48/pair

Gym Rat -
Are you dating a muscle man who lives in the gym? Does his body look great but his gym bag looks like he'd been using it as a punching bag? Do you just have a bunch of extra cash lying around? Then this gift is for you (for him):

Marc Jacobs Luxe Gym Bag - $850

Protect Yo Paper -
I had a Black man explain to me recently that men (or at least Black men) are impervious to water (this was after I inquired as to why he was walking out in the rain w/ no umbrella and why he refused to stand under mine). While he maybe be waterproof, I'm pretty sure his canvas messenger bag was not. If you're dating Aqua Man, get him some waterproof gear to go with his natural suit of armor:

SealLine Urban Bag - $149.95

I have more where this came from... check back for updates throughout the shopping season!! :o)