mama, I love you

December is here! a little too quickly, but welcome all the same.

it's the month of Christmas, and only fitting it be kicked off with more Christmas-y things.
since I can't make egg nog lattes for each and every one of you, I decided to continue with the gift guide theme. this time, it's for the mamas in your life! not new mamas, now, or friends you have who may be mamas, but your mama. or your man's mama. or your bff's mama. because I for one am always hard pressed for ideas in that area.

so, here are some suggestions of little things to make that special lady smile on Christmas morning. all under $50, of course.

1. an art print, because moms like to surround themselves with pretty things, and they shouldn't have to buy all of it themselves! // golly bard

2. a bath & pretty smelly things gift set. I haven't met a mom yet who didn't need & want more relaxation time. bonus if you find hypo-allergenic lotions & such so that you're guaranteed she can use it. // lush

3. cute dishes, like these adorable (yet still useful!) retro milk glasses. moms like practicality, why not combine it with a little loveliness. // modcloth

4. a cookie jar, because even if a mom doesn't bake, she always has cookies around. think about it. you know I'm right. // urban outfitters

5. a fun pillow, like one of these whimsical little things, looks great on a bed or a couch. quirky designs make a sweet little conversation starter, so she will always remember that you gave it to her. // peanut butter dynamite & gingiber 

6. a dainty necklace that will remind her she's loved! simple, classic designs suit all tastes. // sd marie jewellery 

7. christmas ornaments, especially personalized or handmade ones. all mom's love something special to add to their tree, and while it may seem too "seasonal" or general, ornaments are thoughtful and always appreciated. // bragging bags

8. a cozy cardigan, because again, moms like practicality! who doesn't need something cozy for winter? // old navy

9. a cool chalk board calendar. a calendar that she can customize and use over and over again! this cool wall decal is chalk board vinyl that you can easily move or take down, and it comes with a "chalk ink" pen. fun, unique, and (you guessed it) practical! // simple shapes

there you go, folks! if you find a mama on your Christmas list who doesn't want any of those things, you are in quite the pickle my friend.

if all else fails, go with a gift card. 

happy shopping!

playing: have a holly jolly Christmas- Burl Ives

boys will be boys

hello, folks!
as promised, today I undertook the arduous task of compiling a holiday gift guide for the men in your life.

I made the joke earlier that I might as well just have every item on the list say "just don't bother," because guys are impossible to buy for. they only want expensive things like electric guitars or unnecessary electronics.
but on the off-hand that no one would have any interest in reading a Christmas list telling them to actually not give presents at all, I decided to see what I could come up with.

and so here we are.
nine Christmas gifts under $50 (ok, eight... I had to make a special exception.)

1. a hoodie. I know, how radical! but seriously, hoodies make great gifts because every guy wears them, they're easy to size, and you can find one in every possible style (but stick to more simple designs and colours to be on the safe side). // h&m

2. cool headphones. to those haters out there who said I couldn't find a good pair of headphones under $50; challenge accepted. and challenge completed. these have great customer reviews and look awesome. a good gift because literally everyone listens to music these days. // modcloth

3. a winter hat. again, every guy wears them. or they should, because you really need to keep your head warm in the colder months, guys...anyways, hats make good gifts for the same reasons hoodies do. // topman

4. monogrammed wallet. according to Brando, who got a wallet at a staff Christmas party once, this is a quality present. a wallet is something he will use, if not right away, then eventually, when his current one wears out. monogramming it adds a touch of thoughtfulness, not to mention classic style. // moxie & oliver

5. a practical man-bag. guys protest to needing one of these, but ladies, am I right when I say we are tired of carrying their things around in our bags? yes of course I'm right. a minimalist messenger bag is great for carting everything from a wallet & keys, to a laptop, and it goes with almost any style. // urban outfitters

6. mug/travel mug. works for girls, works for guys! go with a stereotypical "manly" graphic or a fun gimmick, like images that disappear/appear with heat, or mugs you can draw on. // starbucks & modcloth

7. a funny snuggie. you may argue that all snuggies are funny, and you'd be right. but you can also find specific ones to tickle the fancy of any male with a pop culture addiction and a fondness for warmth. I'd personally recommend Batman, because come on...who doesn't wanna be Batman? but you can also find cartoon characters, or  snuggies inspired by his favourite tv shows.
again, endorsed as a good present by Brando, who has received one.
you might not think he'd like a snuggie, he may not think he'd like a snuggie. but he will like a snuggie. // amazon

8. remote-controlled flying toys. especially this radio controlled floating shark, which is particularly amazeballs. boys just love their toys. I promise you he will love anything that requires batteries and has no real function. and/or is on this website... // this is why i'm broke

9. a cool watch. if you're looking to splurge a little, get one of these watches! they're stylish, trendy, and economically friendly (we wood plants a tree for every watch they sell). a watch is such a classic Christmas gift, and the novelty of the wooden design makes it current, and extra-special. get one for yourself, too! // urban outfitters & we wood


well, there you have it.
also, my dad wanted me to make it clear that these gift suggestions are more for young men than gentlemen of a certain age and maturity. because, to paraphrase my father, a real man only gets excited about tools.
...but if you're more concerned with gifting for generation Y at the moment, now you have some other ideas!

happy shopping. :)

playing: feeling good- the sheepdogs

the shoppers rush home with their treasures

when I said this blog was going to get more Christmasy, I was for serious, guys.

today I was thinking- wondering- a lot about what to get my friends for the holidays. right now I am jobless and pretty broke, but I still want to get my closest friends something special. and you know what, sometimes no matter how well you know somebody, it is impossible to think of a good present for them!

luckily, I think there are a few tried-and-true holiday gifts that people always enjoy. some might think they're generic or cliche, but that doesn't change the fact that girls (including me!) love to get them.

here's my little gift guide of cute things to get for the lovely ladies in your life; whether you need a little something for your bff, or an idea for your office secret Santa. all under $50 (and easily found for cheaper)!

1. a cozy circle scarf. every girl loves circle scarves. no really. I challenge you to find a girl who, if offered one for free, wouldn't be pleased. they're stylish, practical, and come in a billion different styles, colours, and price ranges. circle scarves rule! // modcloth

2. coffee mugs/travel mugs. I love getting mugs. and chances are most people in your life have a coffee or tea habit. get a quirky, good-quality mug in the perfect size, or a cool travel mug you can draw on! // starbucks

3. a gift bundle of cuteness. when in doubt, buy a gift pack of pretty, albeit slightly generic, items that someone might not bother to buy themselves. this adorable hand-made set is fox themed and has a pillow, tote bag, calendar, and reusable gift bag for $55 ($5 more, but the gift wrap is included!). // gingiber

4. a cute & practical bag. cross-body bags are so convenient, and style wise bags are easier to buy for friends than clothing. get something pretty, yet simple, and in a neutral colour, so she can use it all the time. // modcloth

5. slippers. or pyjamas. I know, it sounds like the most cliche Christmas gift ever. but hear me out; I think that people were so tired of getting slippers/pyjamas that everyone stopped giving them. hence, now people need these things more than you think. also, you can never have enough sleepwear. ladies love variety. // urban outfitters

6. knit headbands. these are so great for keeping you cozy when you want to wear your hair up. and they're cute, to boot! every girl should have one. // smash knits

7. necklaces. I maintain that a dainty necklace is a surefire hit present. monogram necklaces are especially sweet & timeless, and also add a little individuality to the gift. // SD marie jewellery

8. makeup. most people find it odd to buy makeup for their girl friends, but a fun palette or gift set are great gifts for the lady who appreciates a little maquillage. it's something they might not think to treat themselves to, and bonus: if she's a makeup fan, she'll really appreciate brand quality. // urban decay

9. a Christmas sweater. especially if you're exchanging gifts before actual Christmas day! sure, they're a little cheesy, and you can only wear them for like a month out of the year... but Christmas sweaters are so cool, guys. and she'll always have something to wear to holiday parties. // a wear & us trendy

...aaand I am just now realizing that I stopped the list at nine, and that's kind of weird. oh well. maybe it'll become a thing; people will no longer make lists in multiples of 5, but multiples of 3. nine will be the new ten. 

it could happen.

tomorrow I'll have a list of nine (for the sake of consistency) gifts for the dudes in your life!

happy shopping. :)

playing: take it on the run- reo speedwagon