Holiday Gift

So I've been blogging a lately about gift ideas since it is around the holiday season, but I probably should have started here, with a holiday gift. Most, if not all, of the gifts I've highlighted to this point are great gift ideas regardless of the occasion; but here's one cute holiday gift...sorry its a little late in the season, but I'm sure if you liked them, they could get to you before Christmas.


Tin Cab Angels from Viva Terra
Set of 4, $19 plus shipping

Cute and shiny, these ornaments--made of recycled pop cans and bottle tops--are from Guatemala. Not only would they be a great gift to spruce up a spruce tree, but these angels raise living standards for low-income families. To order or just learn more, click here.

Yummy Gifts for the Holidays (or anytime)

Gifts ideas that are yummy OR accompany some treats to give...


Say it like it is Jonathan Adler
Calories Popcorn Set, $38 plus shipping

Hilarious, right? Jonathan also sells a "Carbs" canister with chocolate cookies and a "Candy" canister with taffy. Check out the details here.

A Baggie of Treats from Uncommon Goods

Unzipped Glass Zipper Bag, $20 plus shipping

Again, pretty funny, right? I think this jar could be a cool gift filled with some homemade treats pre-filled inside...Maybe for a family member's kitchen or a co-worker's desk. What do you think? Click here for product details.

When You Know Little About Wine from Jonathan Adler

Mr and Mrs Muse Wine Bottle Stops, $48 plus shipping

So this graphic might not do it justice but these adorable him and her bottle stops, would be a great gift for a wine lover on your list. If you don't feel confident enough to pick out wine for your picky sommelier, these are a nice alternative. For more info, click here.

Gifts for Young Adults

Here's some neat gift ideas for teens and young adults. Let me know what you think! And I'd love to hear some of your great gift ideas too...


Solid Perfume Sticks
by Lush for $8.95 to $12.95 plus shipping
by Burt's Bees for $10 plus shipping

Perfume in stick form, genius! I haven't had the chance to smell any of these perfumes, but the idea of rubbing on a little perfume on your neck and wrists sounds pretty cool to me. Plus the ability to carry it with you, and not worrying about liquid spilling or leaking and getting over everything sounds handy. For more info about Lush, click here. Details on Burt's solid perfumes, click here.

Large Fashion Umbrella's from FinnishGifts.com

Marimekko Umbrellas, $40 plus shipping

These cool umbrellas come in several colors and patterns and are sure to brighten up any rainy day! More info here!

Save those Stubs! from Uncommon Goods

Ticket Stub Diary, $10 plus shipping

Really neat little notebook to keep ticket stubs, airline tickets, and invitations. I know this is something that I've had a hard time with...wanting to save stubs but not having a good place to do it. Plus this format allows for writing down some of the event highlights too. Would be an awesome gift to give along with with awesome tickets! More info here.

Up

The other night we watched the movie Up on Netflix instant watch.. Okay so I might have been having an emotional day, but watching this movie while snuggled up with my husband and dog made me tear up numerous times throughout. The movie is about Carl, who is trying to fulfill a promise to his wife, Ellie. What happens along the way is an adventure shared by Russell (a young wilderness guide), Kevin (a rare bird trying to get home to her chicks) and Dug (a dog able to talk with his techie dog collar). It was a super adorable movie and I'd recommend it to anyone kids, adults and families...with exception maybe of someone who has recently experienced the loss of a loved one. 

The Gift of Being Green

Here's a few sweet gifts for your friends and family that are environmentalists (or those you hope to convert). 


Remember Leg Warmers? These Are Arm Warmers! from Uncommon Goods
Upcycled Arm Warmers, $32, plus shipping

I think these are adorable, plus upcycled and handmade. They come in a few colors, but my favorite are shown in the picture. More info, click here.


Non-Toxic Nail Polish and Remover from Gaiam.
Polish, $16. Remover $28. (plus shipping)

Cute colors, no carcinogens. I likey! Product info here.


Sip on These from ReUseIt.com
Stainless Steel Drinking Straws, Set of 4, $9.95 plus shipping

Perfect to slip into your purse and say "no thank you" at the drive through, or leave at home to sip your lemonade. Might be cool to pair with an exotic iced tea mix or some cool vintage classes. More about the straws, click here.


There are lots of fun "green gift" ideas out there...what have you found?

Gifts for Green Parents

Here, I mean both environmentally green and new-to-parenting green. Check out a few picks for some cool gifts. 


Recycled Dad-To-Be Set from Uncommon Goods.
$98.00 plus shipping

Includes a very manly diaper bag made of recycled water bottles, bamboo fabric onsie that says "produced locally", and baby manual for those bumps in the road.All too cute, um, I mean masculine, for words. Interested? Click here.

Baby Cookbook on Amazon.

Top 100 Baby Purees: 100 Quick & Easy Meals for Healthy and Happy Baby, $7.89 plus shipping

It's the gift of knowing exactly what's going in baby's tummy. These recipes seem easy and fast, plus healthy! Depending on the produce used, baby could be eating local, organic foods without added sugars and preservatives starting at about 6 months. Sounds like an awesome gift to me! To buy...

Any ideas that you have for parents?

Gifts for the kiddies!

Okay, so again, these are few cool gift ideas I've run across, and thought I'd pass on. This post is dedicated to gifts for kids...


A Gift to Fit My Own Point of View from Uncommon Goods
Respect the Earth Flashcards, $12 plus shipping

A cute way to teach children about conservation and being earth friendly. Click here for details.

Artsy Fartsy Cutsie Smocks from Recycled Nylon & Plastic from Uncommon Goods

Cow or Frog Art Smock, $24 plus shipping

Totally adorable and made from recyclables, add a couple paint brushes and some non-toxic paint to make a "little artist kit" and call it a day. More details here!

Great for Lunchboxes from ReUseIt.com

Lunchskins Reusable Sandwich Bags, $8.95 each plus shipping (Only $6.95 if ordering 4 or more)

Okay, so maybe not the most exciting gift for a kid to get but they are fun and practical and save the earth! I think they'd be a rad stocking stuffer. Truthfully, I want some for me too! More product info, click here.

Just a disclaimer, these are not any of the gifts I'm ordering for my family or friends this year, so if you're reading this, you aren't finding out your Christmas gifts :o)

Anyone out there have any awesome gifts for kids to share?

Buying for Baby this Christmas Season

So I've been searching around the internet for Christmas gift ideas and came across some nifty gifties. Since the holidays are upon us, and everyone is looking for great gift ideas, I'll post some of the cool stuff that I've found as possible gift ideas for others. (No spoilers here, if you are on my Christmas list, I won't be purchasing any of these this year.) This post will be all baby gifts. 


Ridiculously Cute Shoe Socks from Uncommon Goods
Set of 6 for $24 plus shipping

So from what I understand, shoes are kinda pointless for the kiddos, but these little socks are absolutely adorable! They come in a cute box and lots of different styles, click here to check them out!


Baby Tool Set from Uncommon Goods
Organic Toolbox for $34 plus shipping

A cute container and plush, washable, organic-fabric tools, what more can you ask for? To see more about them, click here.

Have you come across any cute gift ideas for babies? Please share, cause I've got a few babies on my Christmas list this year. 

Lie to Me*

Okay, so you want to watch a good show through Netflix Instant watch (on Roku Box, PS3, XBox360 Wii or just your computer)...I suggest "Lie to Me*". Now this show currently airs on Fox but if you are like me, watching on a scheduled night is too hard.

The show follows the Lightman Group, a group of human lie detectors, who investigate crimes and other mysteries. Its more upbeat that the CSIs and Law & Orders. But who doesn't love figuring out crimes, right? Tim Roth plays Cal Lightman, the head lie detector; he plays the character a bit like Jack Sparrow from the Pirate movies--kinda drunk and swaying--but very likable and unpredictable male lead. The rest of the cast rocks the house too.

Check it out, if you get some time.

In Memory of my Sweet Papa and Nana

"If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever." ~A. A. Milne

National Botanical Gardens

And how could I forget the National Botanical Gardens. They were just beautiful. Absolutely free, so I would recommend stopping if you're in D.C.

    

It was so beautiful and tranquil in there, you'd almost forget you were in the middle of a major city...but then there'd be little reminders...

Diggin' on D.C.

I visited Washington D.C. on November 13, 2010. It was amazing!
The Capitol Building...

Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden & National Archive Building

Around town

Dusk in D.C.

Great Things I Saw in Gettysburg

I visited Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on November 12, 2010:

Pumpkin Banana Smoothie: Take Two

First thing first, know how to work your blender. The first time I tried this I disconnect the blender bottom and my smoothie ran out all over my blender, counter and floor. It was a mess, but I am SURE I will never make that mistake again.

This smoothie is a combination of yummy pumpkin puree (that I made over the weekend, see Pumpkin 911 post), half of a banana, vanilla low-fat yogurt, and a couple ice cubes, topped with a little pumpkin pie spice to make it extra special. A great recipe if you have pumpkin puree, or if you have extra canned pumpkin on hand from another recipe.

Drinking mine right now, so yummy.

Early Morning Minneapolis

View from my hotel while waiting for the elevator.
October 29, 2010

The lost trip to the Great Pumpkin Patch

So this was back in early October, but I just uploaded the pictures and remembered what an awesome place it was. Check out the pics, and if you are ever in or around Arthur, Illinois in September or October stop by. Huge selections of pumpkins, squash, and all things yummy.