Gift Ideas For The Real World 4

December 3, 2008

The last 10 suggestions:

1. A blender and a Smoothie recipe book. More Smoothies For Life:Satisfy, Energize, and Heal Your Body by Daniella Chace looks fabulous.

2. A Lighthouse print by Tony Diodati. These are prints of PEI, a place that really is as beautiful and relaxing as everything you’ve heard about it.

Tony’s paintings are interesting because they have unusual dimensions, often long and thin in one direction or another. I find them surprising and interesting in hallways or entryways where the effect is that of looking out a window. They are whimsical and peaceful over a buffet, with truly beautiful colors to decorate a room around.

I’m suggesting the lighthouses because I’m partial to them for their solid, quiet mood. They look cool and geometric as a mounted print, and since this time of year is expensive, these prints are a little smaller and less costly.

But DO look at some of the other paintings and prints. I love the pigs (at bottom of page) for a child’s room or bathroom. This scene of French Harbor, near Tony’s PEI studio is colorful and gorgeous. Since I’m truly happiest on a beach, here is my all-time favorite, Penderosa Dunes.

3. www.nhl.com outlet page. Say no more. My strategy is pretty clear now. Go to the good sites, skip all the New Arrivals, and head straight to sale/outlet/clearance.

This might also be a year with an excuse to delay your shopping. Anticipating a bad year, retailers seem like they’re going to pony up with some excellent sales before Christmas.

4. Diorshow mascara. We’ve all heard about it. Seems like those who love it absolutely OMG HOLY GRAIL LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Would we be one? Costs over $30 to find out.

BEFORE you buy, you must look at Beauty Addict’s Encyclopedia of Mascara. So maybe we should make it Lancome Fatale instead?

Wait a minute. This gift is not for everyone and that must include me. Christian Dior appears on too many lists of companies that test products on animals. L’Oreal, which owns Lancome, is not cruelty-free either. I don’t buy their claims about trying to phase it out. Others (Clarins, Clinique, Estee Lauder) have found alternatives and with all L’Oreal’s money, so can they.

There’s some controversy about Lancome, which appears on both Test and Do Not Test lists, but if there’s any doubt, I’ll buy from a company I trust. If you search “animal testing policy” on their site, you will get 0 hits. It’s time the onus were on the company to make their status clear on this issue. The consumer shouldn’t have to go all over the internet looking for this and wondering.

And the consumer doesn’t have to. If you’re buying for me, Estee Lauder Turbolash from Gift Ideas For The Real World 2 would be delightful.

5. Cool rainboots so I don’t have to walk the dog in my Canada Tire special gumboots

These red ones (Womens Zetta Tall, top R of page) at Target are cool and tall and nifty.

6. One very nice T shirt. I avoid clothes with logos as a rule. If they want me to advertise for them , they can pay me. But sometimes, the message, the fit, the color, and the price all come together. Like this one at Patagonia, from the Gifts Under $50 page.

I thought the O Web Belt was handsome too. Simple design, not fussed up, lets the outfit speak for itself, cool elegance.

7. The best boots are at The North Face. Expensive, but look at W Abby II in Moonlight Ivory/Tempest Brown. Fashiony boots are fine, but I’m too old to be frozen just to look good. I can be toasty and look superb all at once.

W Isabel II in Espresso Brown/Cigar Brown is also a doll of a boot.

8. More great slipper shoes. If I had money left after shopping at J. Crew, I’d spend the rest here. The clothes are terrific for active women. I’ve been told that Title Nine makes the best sports bras in existence. The origin of the company name is interesting and worthy. Any company that is against policy and pro-dessert deserves attention.

Look at these slipper/shoes.

This is a nice bag. It folds up to a messenger size or expands to backpack size. $34 on sale!

8. Skin Medica Retinol Complex.

Here’s a story : I was sent an email regarding Seattle dermatologist, Dr. Brandith Irwin’s book, The Surgery-Free Makeover. My favorite topic absolutely.

I looked around on the website, Skin Tour, for 30 minutes at least, almost a month in internet time. I was sitting up pretty straight.

When you look, take the Anti-Aging Tour. It is slick.

I went to Product Recommendations > Product Kits and Regimens, and found my skin type (Mature, Normal/Slight Oily). There are a number of products here that sound fantastic.

I followed up by looking for this product at Beautypedia. When Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron are using words like “ symphony”, I am REALLY paying attention.

Anyone thinking of buying this for me – you really shouldn’t. It is already whisking its way here. And, um, so is the next item. I found it in the same place.

9. Topix Replenix Cream with 90% Polyphenols. Not reviewed at Beautypedia, but I have faith.

Posted by Christine Scaman | Filed Under Outside The Box