SANTAAAAAAAA! I KNOW HIM!

THE LAST DAY OF OUR AMAZING GIFT GUIDE IS UPON US.

On a scale 1-1,000,000 how excited are you?!

I KNOW. Me too.

How did it get to be December 23rd? It kind of makes me want to throw up. I am not done with my Christmas shopping because I am an idiot. My Grandmother is last on my list…why is she so difficult?! Seriously. She has everything and has two hobbies. She reads and knits. BRANCH OUT GRANDMA.

Day 20: The gift for the lady in your life under the age of 40.

This American Apparel Tri Blend Lightweight Pullover for $36 is AMAZING. Half of my friends own it in a variety of colors [orchard, indigo, evergreen, black…] and it looks great on every one of them. I personally own the “Athletic Blue” version and I wear it all the time. Sometimes I wear it to bed, sometimes I wear it with jeans and riding boots…so basically you can dress it up or down. It is incredibly comfortable and versatile, a staple in my wardrobe. BONUS: FAMOUS PEOPLE WEAR IT.

Reese wears my color here in the new movie “How Do You Know[?]”.

AnnaLynne McCord wears her own special color here.

Basically, this shirt is amazing and worth every penny.

I’m about to go to my work Christmas party?

-A

He’s An Angry Elf.

Top O’ The Mornin’ to Ya,  my little gingerbread cookies!

I feel like the week before Christmas should be a holiday, more of one than it already is. I want the week off, dang it. Between work, friends in town, Christmas shopping, and compulsive baking I am exhausted! I hate to say that I still have 2 presents to get in order for my list to be complete. This is ridiculous, I know, but did you see the above list?! I have been busy! I work during normal shopping hours, and then after 6 it is pure mayhem. I went into Best Buy on Monday at around 2:30 and it was PACKED. I had to stand in line for twenty minutes to give them my money. Unbelievable.

Target was also CRAY-Z. You were warned.

I have had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit to the extent that I have in previous years. In Christmases gone by I played Christmas music around the clock, sent out Christmas cards, and had my shopping done early. I am really slacking this year, and I plan to pick it up. For the next three days.

Ambitious, I know.

Day 19: [we’re almost done!] The gift for anyone with a brain. I said it.

Scrabble= amazing

Scrabble Anniversary Edition: $19.99

Scrabble Slam: $7.04

Scrabble for iPhone: ON SALE! $0.99!

Honestly, Scrabble is amazing. It is one of my favorite games that I have been playing my entire life. [Once on vacation on a desolate island off of Maine my brother and I played 34 games of Scrabble. The outcome is irrelevant. I wasn’t the winner. That’s enough].  I play Scrabble everyday, and I am getting better and better at it. It exercises the brain, builds vocabulary and teaches strategy. Basically, it’s amazing and every person on the planet should own it. BAM.

-A

How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends?

Hello my little Candy Canes!

As mentioned earlier, Taryn and I are embarking on a reading challenge. We pledged to read 3 books before the New Year. This seems awfully ambitious in retrospect, given the intense amount of stress that accompanies the holiday season and those who are busy [ie not done with Christmas shopping]. I will still try and finish 3, but it’s going to be a stretch. This first book I am reading it SO LONG. However, it is amazing. If you are interested in what Taryn and I are reading, click here. We are working on it, we really are but present wrapping is awfully consuming.

Day 18: The gift for the person about to go to college/is in college/is in grad school…

An iSkin Keyboard Protector for $20.99. We’ve all spilled something on our laptops before, and it’s devastating. I now work closely with computers and I know a little bit about liquid damage. Once you spill something on your computer, it’s really all down hill from there. Even if the liquid doesn’t immediately damage your computer and keep you from utilizing it, the liquid is still there. The liquid will slowly corrode components within the machine inevitably making the computer beyond repair. BE CAREFUL! But, if you aren’t careful this is the thing for you. In college dorms people are reckless and water [beer] gets spilled all the time. These little protectors aren’t immune to letting liquid by, but they certainly help, not to mention they are flashy! They feel nice under the fingers, and they preserve the keys for longer. Win, win, win. I’m typing on one as we speak! [I’m not]

-A

I’m in a Store and I’m Sing-ing!

Hello my little Christmas Donkeys,

Ugh is it Christmas yet? So much anticipation, it is killing me! I love buying people presents, but I hate opening them. Note that I didn’t say I hate receiving them. I just feel so incredibly awkward opening a present in front of the gift-giver. I feel super aware of my face and my body language while simultaneously bracing my brain for a quick reaction [lie] if necessary. It stresses me out. I would rather open them in private and muster up a sincere response, rather than the stock “OH GOSH I LOVE IT” that automatically comes out of my mouth no matter what.

Well, now that I have completed my duty of looking like a complete brat today, onwards and upwards.

Day 17: The gift for the person who cooks for you

This Soup and Sandwich Tray Duo for $30 is nothing short of ADORABLE. My staple meal is spicy tomato soup and grilled cheese. I eat it once a week and then lie down on the couch in pure full bliss. This little number would be perfect for my favorite meal, and also perfect for basically anything else. Fruit salad and toast, ice cream and pie, salad and fish…the list goes on. This tray is ideal for a beautiful yet simple display for dinner with guests, or dinner in front of Bravo on a Tuesday night [my life].

WHERE IS MY SNOW?!

-A

Not now Arctic Puffin!

Hello my little snowshoes.

 

I know I keep complaining about this, but it is SO COLD OUTSIDE. However, it is not as cold here as it is in Wisconsin. Later in the month our beloved Taryn is traveling to this random state to finish up some business. Although that sounds like code, she really is just finishing up some business [is she?]. I am very worried about little T-dog’s travels to the arctic [Wisconsin] where it has been around 12 degrees for the past week. I offered to send Taryn one of my New England tested winter parkas, she declined. I will be treating her for frostbite when she arrives in Massachusetts.

 

Day 16: The gift for that weird friend you have who still has pictures of Marilyn everywhere [most girls I know].

This skankalicious read will cost you $15 dollars, and your husband. KIDDING. This book actually digs a little deeper than the iconic fashion and drama that whirl-winded around these two legends. This book explores the dichotomy of Jackie and Marilyn and the personality traits that are associated with the two. The book also throws in some lifestyle tips concerning dating, diet, and entertaining [obviously only the essentials…]. Don’t expect literary genius out of this book, but do expect a good laugh and that one strange friend to take it seriously. [You know who I am talking about, the one who actually continues to subscribe to Cosmo]

It’s Just Nice to Meet Another Human That Shares My Affinity for Elf Culture.

Hello My Little Reindeer!

I am freezing. I have goosebumps all over my body. The thermostat in my office CLAIMS it is 73.6 degrees, but I know it’s lying. Either that or I am dying so 73 degrees feels cold. I cannot believe it is already the 15th, WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?! Somehow I am still only half done with my Christmas shopping. I really need to step it up. Sadly no one left on my list would benefit from this masterpiece of a gift I’ve picked out…

Day 15: The gift for anyone who wears makeup

Face and Eye Travel Brush Kit: $32. This lovely set is from Sephora and really is a great deal. Surprisingly makeup brushes are expensive, so the prices rack up quickly when you are purchasing multiples. This set is especially handy because it is a “travel set”, meaning it has a small little carrying pouch and the brushes don’t have insanely long handles. It is so important to have a good quality makeup brush, especially for those of you with sensitive skin.

[Also, if you’re buying this for yourself, remember to wash your brushes every once in awhile! Like anything else, makeup brushes can have germ build up and can begin to cause breakouts if not cleaned properly. Wash your brushes with soapy water and fan them out gently to dry.]

-A

My finger has a heartbeat.

Hello my little icicles!

Apparently some of the country has GOBS of snow as we speak. This is a dream, a distant fantasy if you will, for those of us in western Massachusetts. This morning we woke up to a mere dusting, that was natures way of laughing in our faces. WE WANT SNOW! WE WANT SNOW! If it is going to be 20 degrees outside with a “feels like” 8 degrees, the LEAST we could have is some snow.

Speaking of snow, I went to the doctor’s yesterday. It was time for my annual check up, and I felt like vomiting. The second I even LOOK at a doctor’s office I feel like I have a tumor growing in my face. Highlights of my visit:

1. I had to a pee in a cup. I peed 4 times before I left the house. Great.

2. Once again, I was wearing what looked like children’s underwear [I also did that while trying on wedding gowns. Klassy]

3. My doctor informed me that women in their twenties only had to get a pelvic exam every OTHER YEAR! This was an actual highlight. It was Christmas come early.

4. I got a shot. My arm still hurts. A lot.

5. I still have asthma [shocker]

6. I refused the flu shot.

7. In doing so my doctor asked if I were trying to get pregnant. After literally laughing in her face, and telling her absolutely not, she still looked serious. She told me that quite often women who are pregnant and have asthma end up in the hospital when they get the flu. I laughed again [inappropriately] and assured her [17 more times] that there were NO BABIES IN MY IMMEDIATE OR SEMI-FAR AWAY FUTURE.

Day 13: The gift for the person that lives in cold weather.

The Mad Bomber Hat from L.L. Bean: $39.50 [Plus free shipping @ L.L.!]

I am literally in love with this hat. My brother got this hat for Christmas 3 years ago, and I immediately stole it and brought it to college with me. My campus was a legitimate wind tunnel, so wearing clothes from the Abominable Snowman’s wardrobe was necessary. It has rabbit fur on the inside [so, not for vegetarians…] and its nylon on the outside. It is so warm that I often find myself over heated, which is amazing during New England winters. If you live in the cold, this is a perfect gift for your dad or really anyone in your family. The quality is amazing and like I said, the warmth is never ending.

I can’t wait for some snow, so I can actually wear this hat.

-A

 

Good news! I saw a dog today!

Hello my little candy canes!

So, fun story: I quit coffee. This has basically ruined my life. KIDDING! [is she?]

Regardless, I’ve tried this whole quitting coffee thing before and it was a disaster. I’ve been drinking coffee since I was 15 years old, so we’re going on an eight year addiction people. In the past few years I’ve been drinking it like it was my job. My typical routine was as follows:

Wake up at 8am after 5 hours of sleep, drink coffee, go to class for 5 hours, drink coffee, go to work until 11pm, drink coffee, hang out with my boyfriend roommate fiance, go to bed at 3am.

It was an awful schedule, but as you can see caffeine was necessary.

Then I graduated college, stopped working until 11pm, and the boyfriend evolved. I decided to get healthy. [YUCK]. I barely ever drink, I try and exercise as often as possible [see: 3 times a week], and I’ve made the ultimate adult decision: I now eat vegetables. Through this so called health kick I decided I really didn’t need to be pumping my body full of caffeine. So I quit. Now I go to bed at 12 every night and I never stay up later than that [or people die]. Worth the kicked habit? Time will tell.

Day 10: The gift for the person who works at their desk all day [me, Taryn…]

I have a uglier version of both of these staring at me as we speak. My pencil cup is a mug from a Data Recovery Service and my paper holder is plastic and ugly. I’m over it, and I plan on ordering these for myself just as soon as the holiday season has passed and I can finally buy stuff for myself again. I am in love with both of these desktop accessories, and they have even more matching friends over at See Jane Work. The pencil cup is $8 and the letter tray is $18 leaving you with a $26 dollar desk makeover.  It should be noted that the letter tray IS DETACHABLE! You can have two separate letter trays!! AMAZING!

-A

I’m a Cotton-Headed Ninny-Muggins

Hello my little snowballs!

Let me just say, that I love Taryn and her mother.

Last night I had a small Christmas present wrapping get together complete with the Muppet’s Christmas Carol and baked goods. Sarah and Laurel made those Lemon Ricotta Cookies that Taryn so thoughtfully gave us the recipe for here. They are AMAZING. They are cakey and moist [worst word ever] and delightfully lemony! They were a snap to make, and they came out beautifully! I highly recommend the recipe to anyone with taste buds. I also made lava cake [ALSO courtesy of Taryn and her wonderful Mom], which is literally my favorite food in the entire world. I LOVE IT. I love the cakey part, I love the lava part, I love the hot gooey part…I LOVE IT ALL! I was in heaven while wrapping presents and watching Rizzo fall into snow banks. Make the cookies!

Day 9: The gift for the super nerd in your life. Most likely a sibling [Kasey]

I literally have no idea what any of that means, and the only way I could tell time would be estimating. Regardless, I am sure SOMEONE in your life can crack this clock, or at least appreciate the ridiculousness of it. Luckily for me and all those non-math majors out there, a cheat sheet is included with the clock containing an explanation of each number/symbol/mumbojumbo. This pretty as a math problem clock runs you a mere $25. A small price to pay for intelligence.

Go solve something

-A

You smell like beef and cheese, you don’t smell like Santa.

Hello my little Christmas cookies!

I am becoming more and more invested in this list, and all lists Christmas. Why, you ask? Because I live in New England and I have yet to see snow. This upsets me for a variety of different reasons.

#1. I want there to be snow on the ground when Taryn visits. Time is a tickin’.

#2. If it is going to be SIXTEEN degrees out when I wake up in the morning, the LEAST nature could do is snow.

#3. I still live in the land of snow-days. Because I live in New England, if a blizzard has the right punch behind it, the whole TOWN could have a snow day. This is my greatest wish. Last snow day, I frolicked in the snow and then sat down on my couch and watched movies for hours. While drinking hot chocolate.

#4. I broke down and bought Bean Boots this year. If I am going to sell my soul to looking like a soccer mom and literally sell my soul because of how much they cost, then it better snow.

#5. I NEED a white Christmas. NEED.

UGH. But I digress.

Day 8: The gift for that random kid in your life. Who likes to stuff their face.

These are exactly what they look like. A lobotomy tool. KIDDING.

These are fool proof chopsticks for kids or really for anyone who struggles with chopsticks [EVERYONE]. These are really a growing/learning tool because you honestly do look a whole lot cooler when you can use chopsticks correctly [I struggle, I am the WORST Asian]. This wonderful monkey tool allows children to perfect the motion of using chopsticks while seeing an adorable friend on top. These friendly helpers are made by Fred and Friends and cost around$13.

Stay in school, spread Christmas cheer, feed your kids [with chimp chopsticks!] .

-A