Gave That

Giving First Aid

2012-03-03T14:54:00.004-05:00

Truth serum, a little first aid kit accompanies me everywhere and it has for a few years now. After having to dip into it a number of times, mostly for others in need of bandages or some aspirin it dawned on me how this would make a really good gift to dole out. Now I have another one, thanks to mum, which is absolutely perfect because somehow they managed to fit almost everything conceivably needed inside, even sting stop for bug bites and tiny tweezers.

Medical Kit 3 by Adventure Medical Kits
Bag: Linus bike bag

Image: mam for Gave That

Bags of Love

2011-12-22T16:22:00.006-05:00

A really delicious surprise came today! London based Bags of Love turned this picture into a bag! Can you imagine all the possibilities? At first the thought of galaxy prints came to mind but then that wouldn't have been as personal, still utterly cool, but this I love more now that it's here. This made me think how special it could be to let a budding designer or illustrator create their own bag or to create bags with cute little grand babies all over them. Of course bags are just the start, a complete set of Paris or NYC pillows... done. A throw covered in a very special birthday party... can be done too. See more personalised gifts here.

Bag: c/o Bags of Love, big thank you!

Image: mam & Magda for Gave That

Scented Ornaments

2011-12-21T14:44:00.006-05:00

So happy to have found a metal pomander ball to hang on the tree this year and even better it's huge! The perfect size to sneak an orange pomander inside although it comes with a very sugar plumy sachet of its own.

Ornaments & metal pomander: Zodax
DIY Orange Pomander (see the how-to here)

Image: mam for Gave That

Muppet Christmas Nails

2011-12-18T15:39:00.008-05:00

These are my personal favorites from the Muppet Christmas collection for OPI... if Dorthy's red shoes were turned into a nail varnish, it would be "Gettin' Miss Piggy With It" and if Deborah Lippmann's "Happy Birthday" had a fraternal twin it would be "Rainbow Connection". "Designer De Bette" is so unique it's in a league of it's own. Totally Studio 56.

Nail Polish: OPI "Rainbow Connection", "Designer De Better" & "Gettin' Miss Piggy With It"

On my nails: OPI "Gettin' Miss Piggy With It" over Revlon "Red Hot Tamale" and OPI "Rainbow Connection" on ring fingers

Image: mam & Magda for Gave That

Perfumes - Gift Guide

2011-12-16T18:34:00.012-05:00

Perfume is such a personal thing yet, much to my surprise, when asked people said it was one of their go to last minute gift choices. Any chance to talk about perfume is going to be seized upon, you know that, plus its been a little while so here it comes. Personal aromatic favorites from this year to give.

A more recent one would have to be the above Chanel N°5 Eau Premiere. Finally a Chanel for me and probably for you and a loved one as well. A classic bit of luxury to fall back on. Take it from Grandmum, every women (she drilled in) needs to have a Chanel fragrance in her collection! Sort of a right of passage and as the years have gone by the idea is becoming more and more understood. Classically N°5 but so much lighter and fresher with lemon, Manderin orange and pink pepper sticking close to the skin. The dry down is to die for, rich and deep with ylang ylang. Now I can easily answer if I were to only have 1 perfume, what would it be? This one. Eau Premiere.

- The List -

Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere

MOR Marshmallow

Pure DKNY

Twilight Woods

Sensual Black Current Vanilla

Lavanila Vanilla Coconut

Crazylibellule and the Poppies Shanghaijava Encens Mystic

Lanvin Eclat D'Arpege

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Gourmand - Gift Guide

2011-12-15T16:57:00.004-05:00

Pondering the thought of using vintage (or new!) picnic baskets in the place of gift boxes. Then stuffing it with all of my favorites from this year.

- The List -

PlateTopper

Polar Bottle Half Twist water bottles

The Hampton Popcorn Company

Oyster knives Pradel + Jean Dubost

DIY Tea Bags & Blends

Green Mountain Coffee in Pumpkin Spice

Counting down the days... see all of my other year end holiday gift picks here.

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Hampton Popcorn

2011-12-14T13:06:00.003-05:00

So good! Especially the S'mores, Twix and Butterfinger flavors and of course anything in a cute reusable tin is a major perk. Already eyeing one for holding makeup brushes.

- The List -

The Hampton Popcorn Company

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Expressionables

2011-12-14T08:59:00.002-05:00

A while back I had posted about a really novel way to create your very own wrapping paper from the company Gift Skins by Expressionables. It's finally the holidays and time to show this version with the cutest dog ever! Of course your dog would be just as sweet or maybe your friends, either way customized wrapping paper takes novelty prints to the next level.

Wrapping paper: Gift Skins by Expressionables

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Seasons Greetings

2011-12-12T13:58:00.005-05:00

Yes, twinkling lights and peppermint flavored hot chocolate, a real highlight right about now but my personal #1 favorite part of the season has always been picking out (or hand making) cards. That and writing little (or rambling) notes to catch and check up on everyone near and dear even though they are quite often so very far away. For a few years it was all Allie Munroe who creates these fun letterpress cards. This year it's going to be something different from letterpress but just looking at these again still cause a smile and really good memories!

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Another Way To Wear Perfume

2011-12-10T16:10:00.005-05:00

It's something that seems to happen to everyone at one point or another. A perfume smells incredible on the little paper strip or in the bottle but when it touches the skin it turns twisted and strange. Then the bottle sits collecting dust in some dark corner. There are a few bottles I'm eyeing right now (Flower Bomb!). It happens... especially around the holidays when people pick things out for us. Things we know probably will not work.

For the longest time this has made me think about the eons (back in history) where, ladies at least, would not put perfume on their skin. The whole mingling body chemistry thing wasn't a factor in a perfumers mind because the scent was sprayed on wigs, sprinkled on gloves, puffed on handkerchiefs and locked away in a little vinaigrette.

Even though vinegar based fragrances went out with button top shoes the vinaigrette lockets that housed them still can be found and many are on etsy. Really any locket with perforations will work, including this guitar pick holder by Strum N Comfort (it has the added benefit of aiding peace initiatives). I like using the middle of adhesive bandages because they're the perfect size to pop inside. As the locket lays against the skin it warms the metal and releases its scent all day.

Locket: Strum N Comfort

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Old Keys

2011-12-09T01:58:00.007-05:00

"But I was sure of something, too: it’s a lot easier to be lost than found. It’s the reason we’re always searching, and rarely discovered — so many locks, not enough keys." -Sarah Dessen

Earrings: Chan Luu from ShopBop
Necklace: Alisa Michelle
Key: antique

Image: mam for Gave That

Ceek Sideways Cross

2011-12-05T14:46:00.005-05:00

- The List -

Necklace: Ceek

Top: Vintage

Image: mam for Gave That

A Little Leopard

2011-12-02T06:48:00.005-05:00

- The List -

Simple slippers to go with that smoking jacket and silky pajama set on Christmas day. See a similar pair here.

Image: mam for Gave That

Watch Me

2011-11-30T14:58:00.004-05:00

- The List -

WeWood wooden watch

D.L. & Co's Timeless Pocket Watch perfume

Counting down the days... see more of my favorite gift picks for the holidays here.

Image: mam for Gave That

Favorite Candles

2011-11-29T19:59:00.009-05:00

Next to perfume, it's probably become painfully obvious here, beautiful candles are an absolute vice. Sniffing and appreciating the effort that often times goes into a really decadent one... nirvana. Especially around the holidays. Picking through the ones that are most often burned, here are a few of my absolute favorites that I'd gladly give over and over again:

- The List -

D.L. & Co. Classics, every single candle I've smelled from this company has been amazing!

CIR Depuis 1643, around for ages and you can see why, incredible blending.

Dayna Decker Chandels, instant fireplace wherever it's lit and it seems to last for ages.

Jonathan Adler's Muse Noir, will beg again, please Mr. Adler turn noir into a perfume. Rubbing black candle wax on myself is highly impractical.

Red Flower, (a little hard to see in the picture) their petite candles are the cutest thing ever and they smell lovely.

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Setting a Coffee Tray

2011-11-29T14:41:00.006-05:00

Tacking on the finishing touches as the sun set and the lights flicked, the little cups of coffee and hot chocolate we were drinking, topped with whipped cream and a bit of dulce de leche, seemed to make the hours fly by. Having a coffee tray set up ahead of time is always a big help. Fun cups and saucers put the icing on top and if guests coo about how much they love them, their gifts will be easy to pick out!

Coffee trays seem to me to be the easiest to set. The coffee (or hot chocolate) usually has everything already in it (Irish Cream, peppermint Schnapps, dulce de leche) so there isn't need for a million things. The cups and saucers or demitasses are placed on the tray with spoons to the right. Sugar bowl and creamer towards the back and the coffee pot to the right for easy pouring by the host (moving it inward helps when the tray is being carried). That's pretty much it!

Coffee Cups & Saucers : Classic Coffee

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Sacks of Coal

2011-11-28T13:13:00.004-05:00

Last year I showed these from the coal mine gift shop but then everyone started asking for the real deal so here you go! Must have been a lot of naughtiness last year. Find them here with three lumps or two.

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Spot of Tea

2011-11-11T15:17:00.005-05:00

Tea infuser: Vintage (see similar ones here)

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Alef Bet's Evil Eye

2011-11-10T16:07:00.008-05:00

The perfect Evil Eye friendship bracelet has been on my wish list for some time and now it's been found online! Alissa, from the mother and daughter team at Alef Bet by Paula recently contacted me about their line of jewelry. Included were a number of gorgeous crystal Evil Eye's. In person they're hard to miss despite being so dainty and a definite statement piece with meaning. Along with all their different Evil Eye's be sure to see Alef Bet's hamsa hands and unique Star of David's too. Chances are someone you know badly wants one!

Bracelet: Alef Bet by Paula (Thank you so much Alissa!)

Image: Magda & mam for Gave That

Citizens Planet x Orly Zeelon

2011-11-07T17:52:00.008-05:00

These earrings by Orly Zeelon definitely fall into the instant heirloom category that I so love. Incredibly dainty and detailed each is handmade and modeled after French Lace and covered in Swarovski crystals.

Orly Zeelon is but one of the many unique designers found at a new online galleria called Citizens Planet and I'm very happy to report that they're based in Canada but ship both there and to the US. Their premise is rather exclusive in that they allow location based exploration and shopping on a map. Orly Zeelon is from Israel and other offerings come from France, Italy and right here in New York City. All for 30-70% off. Follow them on twitter and Facebook too for their latest featured designers.

Earrings: Orly Zeelon c/o Citizens Planet (Thank you so very much!)

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The Mad Plaider

2011-10-26T17:06:00.008-04:00

A new weekend flea / farmer's market companion the pumpkin color and Mad Plaider print makes for one spot on tote bag from Scout. Even better the bottom is surprisingly stiff making it sit great on the back of my bike's book rack. Major treat!

Bag: c/o Scout by Bungalow

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Weaving Magazine Pages

2011-10-23T16:41:00.007-04:00

Did a little shopping with some of my favorite ladies and came across these cool mirrors, stacking baskets and boxes created out of recycled magazine pages. Something similar can be found here. Hope so much you're having a lovely weekend too and see you next week!

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The PlateTopper

2011-10-22T14:31:00.009-04:00

These are so good it's hard to even know where to start! A few days ago Michael Tseng contacted me about a project design he's been working on for the past 6 years... the PlateTopper. Recently launching on the site Kickstarter one look said these could solve so many common problems (ditched food en route to the pot luck was the first thought) and makes for one of the most welcome hostess gifts I've come across in some time.

While these look similar to classic plate covers what makes PlateTopper's so universal and different is the large ring around the base. Pushing the lid down created a firm suction on almost any surface I tried it on and helped prevent things from either cooling off too quickly or spilling over. Look for these to pop up a lot here as they're put through their paces!

PlateTopper c/o Michael Tseng (Thank you so very much!)

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Cool Skin Essentials

2011-10-21T22:17:00.016-04:00

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

-George Eliot

You tell it George. If only my skin was as wedded to autumn as my soul. Unfortunately that's never been the case. For years finding the perfect antidote to allow all the fun this season has to offer has been pretty hit or miss. Especially when ones skin is sensitive to fragrances on top of being dry. Add to that, things being discontinued, and it's easy to feel a bit lost. This year has been a little different because there seems to be more of an actual transitioning instead of a painful fight. This in itself is my idea of a major gift worth sharing.

One all time hit has always been good old rose water which has made numerous appearances here on the blog because it really is soothing and works. Along with the toner, a tiny bottle of pure Bulgarian rose essential oil or an infusion of rose hips in Jojoba is a Godsend. Especially on cuticles and dabbed on cheeks. Another favorite rose item is Boot's Rose Vanishing Day Cream which actually gets slathered on at night.

More recently I've been testing a few new products and have decided to add them to the permanent collection because they're really lovely and specifically made for sensitive skin. A good sunblock is always a must but finding one that does not cause a reaction is really hard, this one by Dr. Lewinn (Kinerase) called Wrinkle Repair Daily Cream SPF 30 is fantastic. I probably wouldn't use it in the summer but right now it's perfect and makes my skin very dewy and plumped up. Another day cream that gets pulled out at night is Burt's Bees Sensitive daily moisturizer. It absorbs pretty quick (not as quickly as the vanishing cream) but still feels substantial enough to do some decent repair. Also in the evening it feels good to rub on a cream cleanser and the Sensitive line one with cotton from Burt's Bees is the closest I've found to old time cold cream without the mineral oils or petroleum. It does a really nice job of melting off makeup too.

MOR's soaps, an all time favorite that smells as good as it feels... which is really creamy and soft.

Another staple, Clarisonic's pink Mia gets off all the dead skin and leaves a smooth canvas for creams and serums to sink in deep. It get's brought out about once a week.

This Shea cream by L'Occitane replaces my used up Dr. Hunters Rosewater & Glycerine, something about hand creams in paint tubes makes them actually get reached for. While Dr. Hunters' was perfect for summer this is an absolute cold weather version, thick and rich with the strong scent of flower gardens and fresh bouquets. As a side note L'Occitane also creates hand creams and other solidarity versions to benefit NGO ORBIS International. An org fighting blindness in Africa where the Shea comes from. For the body Burt's Bees Radiance body lotion is still holding its own.

Burt's Bees Sensitive line and Dr. Lewinn by Kinerase c/o BzzAgent
Hand cream c/o L'Occitane en Provence

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The Man Bag

2011-10-20T15:47:00.006-04:00

Some of the most beautiful bags, especially totes, are created for men. This one I guess isn't but it looks as if it could have been which caused a few clicks. It was here in a couple of days. ShopBop is unparalleled for instant gratification.

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff exclusive for ShopBop
Top: Urban Behavior
Jeans: Earnest Sewn
Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider

Image: Magda for Gave That