In Which There are Presents

I was asked what I wanted for Christmas last week and I mumbled something about hair scrunchies - which is true! I go through a lot of them. I have a lot of hair, you see, and I'm always pulling it out of my face for one reason or another, then needing to put it down again when I go out in public. So, the scrunchies get looped over doorknobs, dropped into pockets, and stored in every purse I own (I have a lot of purses) and who knows where they all are.

Anyways, I read somewhere that you should get one thing you want, one you need, one present to wear, and one to read. Now, ordinarily I am suspicious of advice that rhymes for no good reason, but this seemed reasonable. Not that I expect to get one of everything; I just thought it would be interesting to organize the list this way.

Want: Brookstone's Hard-Sided "Dash" Carry-on Luggage

I'm always walking past the Brookstone at LAX and sighing over this cute bag. But, of course, if one is already in the airport, it is assumed that your luggage needs have already been met in some way, right? It would be ridiculous to buy empty luggage on your way onto the plane. But it's so cute and colorful and it has little spinny wheels. The red one is my favorite; the black and grey look industrial cool, but the pink and green are a little too candy-colored pastel. Taxi Cab Yellow would annoy David far too much.

Need:

• Hair scrunchies: see above
• Sheet sets: preferably with extra matching pillowcases or shams in some sort of medium tone like lilac or nile green or something
• Hair cut: I really do have a lot of hair at the moment. A trip to Giti would be nice; the last time I got it cut, the stylist just looked so baffled when I described what I wanted.

To Wear:

I am already plotting a trip to the Calvin Klein outlet where I bought my favorite coat ever. But that would likely be something I paid for myself.

For other things, basic little tank tops and camis are nice (no sequins or attached flowers). In medium, please, if bought from somewhere like New York & Company or Macys. I know you think I have an enormous chest, but the fabric is stretchier than you think, and I usually wear them under something anyways.Though if purchased from a teeny-bopper store, the large would probably be better.

Or there is always the traditional sweater-like object. V neck and scoop neck are always more flattering. Natural fibers are better than synthetic. Stretchier fabric would equal a smaller size.

I wish I could do a Bluefly wishlist. They always have the cutest tops that are perfect for work. Just casual enough, but with a bit of extra flair around the sleeves. This Leo & Sage, example. I have one already and wear it every week. Nice rich, dark colors are good; white gets dirty too quick. I always compliments with peachy colors. On Bluefly, however, go with the large sizes. They are primarily aimed at teeny tiny people.

To Read:

Have you seen my Amazon wishlist? What? You thought coming up with a list of books would be hard? Scary thing is that this is only the tip of the iceberg. I don't even make my romance novel wishlist public. For those in the family who are boycotting Amazon, it's still a good list of ideas :)

Now if only my beloved family would leave comments dropping clues as to what they want for Christmas.

Comments

[Tom Randall]

OK, I'll start thinking harder about suggestions. Thanks for the ideas you've provided! There's always Border's Online for books...

[Carol Randall]

I have marked some items in the Container Store "Stocking Stuffer" catalogue. They are all $20 or less and I love them. I wouldn't mind having more than one ceramic coffee mug that looks like a paper cup. It has this neat silicon lid that looks like a plastic lid, even. Both parts are reusable and dish-washer safe. Environmentaly friendly, and they fit in the car cup-holder. There is also a little tiny book that holds pass words. I could use one at home and one at work. And there is a tiny speaker for the iPod that looks like a Lego block. The catalogue is next to my chair in the living room, if anyone is looking.

[Tom Randall]

Here's photography book link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/039304985X/?tag=kenrockwellcom

The tag is from a photo site I visit. He might as well get some credit. Cut and paste it etc.