Old School Gifts

As I was thinking about my own Christmas list yesterday, it provided the next entry for the “My Favorite Things” series on my blog. I’ve been in an old-school kind of mood lately, so for lack of a better title, here are some suggestions for the Old School Preppy in your life (I’m sure I’m leaving several items out, so for the die-hard preppies out there, feel free to expand upon my list).

• Duck Boots – I could use a new pair of snow boots, but why not get something that’s good for the rain, too? I haven’t had a pair of L.L. Bean Duck Boots since college, so perhaps it’s time to bring back an old favorite. Shearling-lined definitely, but the boot or the gumshoe – what do you think?
  
• A. Tierney Watch with grosgrain ribbon band – You can’t get much preppier than grosgrain. Wear it on your wrist with a pretty watch face and you’re sporting a classic, never-goes-out-of-style look. These days, with cell phones, Blackberries and such, watch sales are down. So, boost the economy old-school style with this timeless (ha, ha) favorite.
  
• Aviator Sunglasses – I had a pair of Ray Ban military aviators in high school and college. Damn, wish I still had those bad boys. They’re back in style and I need (okay, want) to get a pair. Be it Ray Ban or the cool Ft. Knox shades available at J. Peterman, you can’t go wrong with this look.
  
• Norwegian Sweater – I guess I should just include a link to the L.L. Bean catalog here and call it quits, as far as preppy clothing is concerned. I still have my gray and red Norwegian cardigan from the late 1980s. It has silver snowflake buttons. (Cheers to me, it still fits!) If you’re a guy, you’re in luck, the navy and white version is still available. I couldn’t locate a women’s version, so ladies, just order a size smaller.
  
• Barbour Jackets – I gave the Barbour Liddesdale jacket to Hubby for our anniversary this year and he loves it. I love looking at it. It’s quilted moleskin with a tartan liner. These classic jackets will never go out of style. Barbour makes a gorgeous women’s line as well. Visit Barbour of England’s site directly or see what’s available through Orvis.

I’ll refrain from suggesting Bermuda bags, add-a-bead necklaces, shrimp rings/earrings and such. I have yet to see these items come back with gusto, but you never know!
Images courtesy of L.L. Bean, A. Tierney and Orvis.

'Open'

When I was in college, I had a poster of Andre Agassi on my dorm room wall. That mane of hair, those soulful eyes - I had a huge crush on Agassi. I followed his career on and off. When he married Brooke Shields, I wasn’t thrilled, but like he was going to consult me on that. His career took a bad turn and then he had an incredible come-back. He divorced and married one of my favorite female tennis players, Steffi Graff and had kids. They became philanthropists, opened a school for disadvantaged youth and have made a huge impact on their community. Both he and Steffi remain, to this day, two of my favorite athletes.

Then, his autobiography, Open, came out. If you haven’t heard, there’s controversy over his revelation that he did crystal meth and lied about it to the ATP when a drug test came back positive. Knowing this, I made sure to sit down to watch his interview with “60 Minutes” last night. And you know what? I think I like him even more now.

He’s been very honest about the time he used drugs and the self-loathing that was involved with it. The interview was excellent, but not until Katie Couric brought up the reactions and comments that fellow tennis players have made, did he get emotional. She quoted Martina Navratilova who attacked Agassi for lying about the drug use and compared him to baseball player Roger Clemons, who used steroids and lied about it. Agassi was taking inhibiters, not enhancers, so he was in no way trying to improve his game. He was addicted, he was depressed and he didn’t care about his life or tennis anymore. During the interview, he asked that people see that and have a little compassion. I say, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” Martina, you helped break up the marriage of one of your girlfriends and then got involved in a nasty palimony suit with said girlfriend. Who are you to call anyone out? (Don’t mess with my Andre, people.)

I’m sure there are people who disagree with my stance on this and will continue to criticize him for what he did. But I admire Andre Agassi, far more for what he has done off of the court than on it.
Image courtesy of Amazon.com.

I Get a Kick Out of kate

Why should little girls have all the fun? These color block stockings from kate spade add a vibrant punch of color to an ordinary outfit. It's like playing dress-up, but for grown-ups!
Image courtesy of katespade.com.

G&G - Thanks for Sticking It Out

I just received an e-mail from my favorite magazine, Garden & Gun. It was a letter from the president and publisher and I thought, "Here we go again, another one of my wonderful publications has bitten the dust.

Thankfully, that's not the case. G&G is, not folding, like other favorites Gourmet and Southern Accents. Although, due to cost cutting, there will not be an October/November issue. But, look for their holiday issue in late November if you're a subscriber (newstands early December). This magazine features some of the best writing in the business, exquisite photography and captures the flavor of the new South like no one else can.

While I'll miss my fall issue, I'm so glad you guys are sticking around.

Temptation - The Devil is a House

So, I'm on my way to taking the kids to preschool and then heading into work this morning. I stop at the Mommy Crackhouse (aka Starbuck's) and then as I'm passing one of my absolute favorite streets in town, I notice two small real estate signs pointing down the street. Now, I had just decided the night before that I needed to stop this silly pouting about my house and stay focused on the good in my life, on what I have, not what I want. Then, temptation hits again. So, what do I do? Turn around and head down that street.

I was familar with one of the houses - it's been for sale for a while and the asking price was recently dropped. It's a cute cottage, but a bit small for the price. And the other house? The clouds parted and angels began to sing (or maybe it was the devil dressed as an angel - he's been tempting me a lot lately). It's beautiful. Would be perfect for us. Very close to the kids' preschool and future kindergarten/grade school. And, of course, priced way out of our league. Sigh. Oh, well. A girl can dream.

Happy Thursday, everyone! The weekend will be here soon!

House Envy

Ugh, having a bad case of house envy lately. Ever get in a funk where you seem to notice every single flaw with your own house? Meanwhile, everyone else seems to be remodeling or buying a new house (okay, maybe not at the moment) or redecorating? I know, it could be so much worse. I should be grateful I have a home and it's not being reclaimed by the bank. Sorry, just looking for people to join me for cocktails and "whine" at my pity party. :)

I have been feeling this way for a couple of weeks. Then, we went trick-or-treating and I caught glimpses of my neighbors' houses and it made me wish I could redecorate. Granted, I only saw entry halls, but they were quite beautiful. ;) Then, last night, I attended a Junior League meeting at the home of a long-time member. The hostess is the wife of a local politician who currently holds a fairly important position with state government. And, he has his eyes set on higher aspirations in Washington. So, anyhoo, I travel out to their newly-built house in a very wealthy enclave and I couldn't believe it. I've been in big homes, but this place was amazing. The details, the furniture, the beautiful couple and their new baby. Yeah, it made me want to throw up in my purse.

I don't want to be a bitter person; I want to enjoy my home. It's just hard right now. So much to do, yet so much debt to pay off! I have to keep telling myself that our time will come. There's a plan. Now, if God would only whisper it in my ear...
Image courtesy of Southern Living House Plans

The 'Favorite Things' List

I've already eaten three Tootsie rolls this morning...must get rid of the extra candy now! The kids were adorable on Halloween and had a blast. Photos to follow soon – I promise!

On to a new topic...every year, Oprah features her “Favorite Things” episode leading up to the holiday season. It’s a huge deal for retailers because if their item is featured, it’s a boon for their business. And, it’s a huge deal for audience members because they get really cool free stuff. Oh, how I would love to get a ticket to the “Favorite Things” show!

So, I’ve been thinking of starting my own favorite things list, now that we’re heading into November and Christmas is eight weeks away. That’s right, kids, eight weeks away. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not skipping over Thanksgiving. I have plenty in store for that lovely holiday. But, there’s so much to prepare for with Christmas: so many goodies to make, gifts to buy, organizations to help. So, I’m going to feature a few items every few days that I think would make good gifts for this holiday season.

Gifts for the Foodie

For the person in your life who loves to cook or just loves to eat, drink and be merry, consider some of these gift options.

• Blackberry Farm Cookbook – I’m dying to go to Blackberry Farm, but since I can’t afford a trip to this Tennessee jewel right now, the cookbook is a nice substitute.
  
  
• Splendor in the Bluegrass Cookbook – Shameless plug for my local Junior League; I also recommend supporting your local JL or any charitable organization that is offering a great cookbook – you’re providing a gift and supporting a worthy cause.
  
  
• Personalized Artichoke Hemp Apron – Perfect cover-up when in the kitchen baking a soufflé, roasting a lamb or sipping a glass of wine waiting for the timer to go off. I am especially fond of the personalization on this particular apron. :)



• Outing to a local farmer’s market – If you like to cook, why not plan a special meal for the one you love made of items purchased from your local farmer’s market? In fact, make a date out of it. Enjoy perusing through the seasonal fruits, vegetables and meats (you may even pick up a new recipe while you’re there); talk to the farmers about what they grow and what they recommend; then pick up a bottle of vino at your favorite wine shop and head home to create your feast. A great date for a foodie!
  
  
• Wine – A good bottle of wine in a pretty gift bag is a great gift for a foodie who imbibes from time to time. I am not a wine connoisseur. But, I know what I like and I know to ask for help when I need it. Some people are intimidated when entering a wine shop, but I’ve learned to walk right up to the owner and state my business: “Small dinner for four, I’m making a chicken dish, what wine should I serve?” I walk away with a great bottle of wine, often times for a reasonable price (expensive isn’t always the way to go). What would I recommend? For fun, try Yard Dog from Redheads Wine Studio, an Australian wine I came across at Whole Foods last holiday season. The local paper featured it as a good wine for the price and then Whole Food’s wine shop couldn’t keep it in stock! The red and the white are both good. Plus, the label makes me laugh. No, my reviews are not going to make Wine Spectator Magazine. I won’t lose sleep over it.

Images courtesy of Redheads Wine Studio and Williams Sonoma.