All posts filed under: christmas gift ideas

affordable gift ideas for her from tiffany and co

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There are two things most women are familiar with and can relate to. One is the photo of the blue box with the white ribbon (pictured to the left)  and the other is the photo (below) of Audrey Hephburn from  the film “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” while she window shops at Tiffany and Co. With that said, I have included some interesting pieces from Tiffany and Co, which I recommend, for that special woman in your life , who posses a more  mature taste in jewelry and understands the significance of receiving a gift in the blue box with the white ribbon. For a more elaborate list of jewelry pieces and gift suggestions, click here to shop at Tiffany and Co’s website. Have fun.

christmas gift ideas for her – casual outfits

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I think men have it tougher than women, while choosing the right gift for the woman in their lives.  This is not because they don’t buy what she wishes for, such as a sweater, a blouse or a pair of jeans and some fun boots, but it’s because they have a tough time choosing age appropriate outfits  for their (sometimes) self-conscious woman over 40. So for that reason I have compiled some safe pieces to consider while shopping for the casual look most women over 40 crave, without sacrificing style and elegance. Outfit 1: click here to find the details. Keep in mind although the jeans suggested is a pair of skinny jeans, you can actually replace those with a pair of boot cut or others to consider here and opt out of buying the boots. Although the look is age appropriate, it has a  touch of youthfulness and fun to it which most women over 40 appreciate and can support. Outfit 2: click here to find the details. Again, the look is age appropriate …

traditional christmas card etiquette

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In this day and age, women seldom have time to do most anything, while raising children and taking care of family. So, I quiet understand why some women choose the pre-printed photo of their family or children greeting cards and address labels,  to send as Christmas cards. I do want to say that although I am not knocking it or judging them, (seriously more power to you for being a super women), I truly miss receiving traditional Christmas cards with a small hand written note of meaningful wishes, from all those acquaintances who opt for the impersonal method year after year. So,  if you  happen to  be tired of sending   pre-printed greeting cards to family and friends  and long for some good old-fashioned card sending experience, consider the following pointers to make it all worth while. 1. It’s acceptable to send the pre-printed photo of your children during their first five years. Outside of that, it  becomes obvious to the recipient that  you are no longer making efforts to maintain true relations with them. …

bypassing the black friday shopping frenzy

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I think it’s hilarious to wake up at 4 in the morning, the day after Thanksgiving,  in order to go shopping for the best deals for the holidays.  I rather sleep in myself, if I didn’t have to go to work that day. But there are those who have made a tradition of Black Friday and will forego most anything to partake in the event.   So, while I sleep in and lounge around and munch on leftovers while watching classics and playing board games with family members (remember these are the things most women can’t do while playing host on Thanksgiving Day), more power to those who leave their families behind, while in pursuit of buying a Wii board on sale or cashing in on the discount coupons only valid at 4 in the morning. So, in light of those diehards, I have included  a MAP (I mean a site)  here which I think  is pretty useful in planning your very own Black Friday Experience. Have fun!

montreal canada restaurants and cafes

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Although, (my favorite cuisine), middle eastern and Armenian restaurants and delis are top-notch throughout suburbia Montreal, and most definitely beat the quality served in the greater Los Angeles area, I am always in search of the best of the best international cuisines most anywhere I travel. Of course, searching for international restaurants throughout the city of Montreal is not difficult at all. Every corner and street has multiple cuisines to choose from.  This brings up another reason to visit Montreal. If you consider yourself a  gastronome guru, then the choices are endless while in Montreal. Here are some of my favorites and most recommended, outside the middle eastern and Armenian cuisine.  

experiencing france through montreal canada

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Outside of Paris, my second favorite place to visit in order to get my dose of French essence is Montreal, Canada. Although most of my visits there revolve around   family, I manage to sneak in a day to escape the norm and traditions just to reconnect with the city, in my own way. It isn’t difficult to feel as though you are in parts of France, while in Montreal, because every where you turn there is a reminder of the French culture. Whether in street signs or billboard advertisement, architecture and cobble stoned streets,  restaurants and cafes, bookstores and more, the make up of the city exudes a more Parisian feel than most any other place around the globe which is influenced (previously colonized) by French culture. One of my favorite times of the year to visit the city is in the Fall.  According to family, Montreal seldom sees sun and is often times more cloudy and rainy than the locals prefer. Plus the humidity in the Summer months is most unbearable outside air-conditioned …

anthropologie for the home

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By now you might think I work for Anthropologie or perhaps get paid to advertise their products on my blog, but no that is not the case.  I simply appreciate their connection in style to most anything French. With that said, I have found a few pieces in their HOME Decor section which I think are pretty cool and out of the norm. I have detailed them below for your consideration as well,  just in case  you happen to have an eclectic taste like mine. Click here for product description and pricing:

chocolate hues in your home

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Chocolate hues in decor can either be a hit or a miss ,if one is not careful while selecting the color to decorate a room. The wrong hue or a combination of chocolate (brown)  shades without accent colors can sometimes drive a person away from the room rather than embrace the environment. I, for one, love the color and while contemplating incorporating it into a friend’s apartment theme, I put together the following photos for her to reflect upon in order to “get it right”. Let me know what you think of using chocolate-brown in decor? Also, if  you have dabbled with the color in your interior decor, please do share your photos or links.

black gowns and special occasions

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It is seldom difficult to go wrong with hints of  black when planning for a formal gathering, and since  the holiday season is right around the corner, we have to begin thinking about what to wear for that special party or gathering, particularly for a formal New Year’s Eve  celebration. Although, this decade I prefer to stay home and drink champagne with family and friends throughout the holiday season, I can’t help but admire, while thumbing through the racks at shops and boutiques around Union Square, the beautiful gowns available  for my viewing pleasure.   Nonetheless, here are my favorites:

decorating with daughters or others in their 20s

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I am always fascinated with the young generation (20s plus) and their sense of style and find their taste most refreshing and admirable. I wish we were so lucky  in the 80s. Anyway, while I observe the 20 something shoppers of fashion or furnishings, with their mothers or friends, I can’t help but smile at the wonder of bonding through design and decor. In light of this topic, I have included some beautiful design alternatives for the 20 something (plus 30s and even some 40s), who perhaps lack inspiration or vision. I am not condemning anyone, but should the 20 something feel the need to consult their parent for design direction, consider  ideas from the following source: DOMINO’s (not the pizza), you might just be a hero.