All posts filed under: christmas gift ideas

unique gift ideas for her – holiday and beyond

Unique gift ideas for the woman over 40 is sometimes challenging when the person you are shopping for has various self conscious issues. To play it safe, I have  complied some gift ideas from here,  which I feel are pretty low key even for the most conservative woman you have ever known. 1. Jimmy Choo Sepia two tone pumps 850USD 2. Gucci 1973 leather bag 850USD 3. Yves Saint Laurent Arty Gold plated earings 495USD 4. ACNE Pistol suede ankle boots 570USD 5. Miu Miu I-Pod case 150USD 6. Tara Matthews hand embelished swimsuit 495USD 7. Nixon Chromo watercolor Sterling silver watch 450USD 8. Maison Martin Margiela distressed suede boots 855USD 9. Illesteva sunglasses 295USD 10.Anya Hindmarch glitter clutch 550USD 11.Alexander McQueen Leopard Cashmere silk blend scarf 725USD 12.John Hardy Sterling silver and saphire ring 895USD

holiday decorative table setting

I love the holiday season and truly do not mind walking through different stores to gather ideas for the buffet table setting. However, in the past I had always avoided the color red because I hated the orange hues visible in the tone, so I stuck to golds and silver to play it safe. This year, since the color has been perfected to a vibrant red, I can’t help but lean towards a more red, white and silver theme.  Check out some of my favorites from here: 1. Red Bridge Tea Kettle 2. Peppermint Dish Towel 3. Flatware Stockings 4. Matte Metal Red Pillars 5. Antique Red Votive 6. Diaz Red Candleholders 7. Tasmin Dessert Platter (my favorite) 8. Ombre Red table mat 9. Happy Holidays Tumbler

christmastime in the napa wine country

I have never been to Napa past October, let alone during the holiday season. Usually because, the countryside past the turning of the leaves, isn’t  as appealing during this time of the year and if there is rain involved, the region usually experiences flooding, making it difficult to travel.  However, this past weekend, we decided to venture out to Napa since it’s been unusually warm and dry around the bay area. I must admit, I was actually surprised to discover still remnants of fall all around, with colorful trees standing strong, bright orange leaves hanging on their last thread along the walls of the wineries, vibrant green holy leaves and red berries blooming  through the bare twigs of the fig trees. It was truly a sight for sore eyes.  To top it off, once we opened the doors to all the wineries we visited, I was captivated by the warm glowing lights and sparkle from all the Christmas decor and the subtle smell of cinnamon and spice incense emanating from every room. I loved every …

holiday party cocktails

Every year I dream of hosting a holiday party and after contemplating the venue, I end up not following through.  This year however, I have decided to host a small get together with friends and with it I asked each person to find a unique cocktail we can all try and bring it to the party. While I wait for their suggestions to create my drink menu, I have found some of my favorites so far. Click on the photo for the recipes    

holiday decorating tradition

While most people run to the stores the day after Thanksgiving (in America that is) to shop until they drop “literally,” I, along with my family, decorate the house for Christmas. It’s been a tradition in our household for years, to wake up, not to early and  have a hearty  breakfast. Afterwards, while sipping our morning coffees, decorate the entire house whilst still in our pajamas.  It’s actually an amazing feeling and probably the most fun the entire clan has together and afterwards, maybe, go to the mall or just stay home and watch classic movies and nibble on popcorn :). What can I say, I am most sentimental during the holiday season. {Borrowed Photographs}

a pair of jeans and a closet full of designer shoes

There is something to be said about a great fitting  pair of jeans, a gray t-shirt and a pair of the sexiest designer shoes.  It’s funny how far accessorizing a simple pair of blue jeans has come,  and because of that I have included my favorite selection of designer shoes to compliment my collection of jeans.  Well, of course I had to throw in my favorite bag  as well 🙂 which I plan to duplicate. 1. 7 for all mankind midrise bootcut USD160 2. James Perse drapped neck cotton jersey USD95 3. Current/Elliot roller low rise bf fit jeans USD195 4. Black Joffe faux nappa boot USD1095 5. Valentino Studded Suede ankle boots USD995 6. Chloe Mountain Canvas and suede wedge USD650 7. Drumas patent round toe shoes USD785 8. Sofft Shoes Belvedere ankle boots USD110 9. Chloe Marcie large python and leather tote USD3995 (Must find an imitation)

leather jackets for spring to summer to fall

Leather jackets and I just don’t seem to mix very well. However, in the past year I have been contemplating on buying one just because the variations or choices, I should say, are pretty enticing.  Besides, leather jackets work well in San Francisco throughout the entire year and  especially (at the rate we are going with the weather) this year. By the way, leather jackets are great mother’s day gifts as well for the trendy woman who enjoys dressing up a pair of designer jeans or complementing a pair of khakis.  

fashion: neutrals for spring to summer 2011

I do love neutrals and as we all know it can  surely be a staple to most any outfit you put together or not, depending on your taste and what the fashion industry dictates. But, I am one, who, although appreciates fashion and trends, I do always go with the sure and safe thing for me.  However once in a while I also appreciate some things that may not look good on me. So, I have included a collection of pieces which I love and some will certainly wear this Spring to Summer.