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Christmas Gift Ideas

A Granola to Gift and Other Easy Presents

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Well we are in the home stretch to Christmas and this is the week I try and get to all the neighbors and others who I’d like to give a little holiday treat to. For those people, I usually bake cookies or we give something made locally that we buy multiples of.

I’m trying very hard to think of things that aren’t wasteful, that are useful, as we all have so much already. Every year I try to buy less.

This year, my husband Max was experimenting making his own granola and it came out so good we decided to send it to a friend group he bikes with and also all our neighbors.

Our version of granola is all the nuts we love and coconut. We didn’t add any dried fruit. You could add what you like to make your own version, but this mix works well so together. I’ve already had a few rave reviews from neighbors. We love it with plain yogurt, a drizzle of honey and this on top. It’s also just super yummy as a snack if you leave it in the chunks that form as it comes out of the oven.

We used cellophane bags and wired gingham ribbon and printed the ingrediants on card stock, in case anyone has allergies they will know exactly what is in it.

I had some juniper branches and clipped a little bit for each package and tucked it in the ribbon.

I think anything you gift looks extra special when you wrap it pretty.

Wheeler Family Granola

4 Cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (gluten-free) most are, but check

1 1/2 Cups of nuts -( we used a mix of halved walnuts, pepitas, sliced almonds and whole roasted almonds.)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 cup of maple syrup

1/2 cup of melted coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup of coconut flakes

Preheat oven to 350, prepare a baking sheet with parchment. Mix all dry ingredients except coconut flakes, together in a large bowl. Pour over apple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla. Mix until all are well coated and spread on prepared pan with a wooden spoon. Cool 20-22 minutes, stopping to stir at the 11 minute mark and add coconut flakes, so they do not burn. Let stand and cool about 30 minutes before touching. For chunkier granola, press down the mix in the pan more at the halfway point of baking. Recipe adapted and changed from this one on Cookie + Kate.

I hope you try it if you like granola. We are hooked and will never buy granola again. It’s just that much better!

Another cute gift you could easily pull together for a hostess, friend or neighbor is this adorable succulent mix made festive by the addition of a bottle brush tree and some holiday baubles.

My talented friend Jeanne saw something similar and much pricier at Terrain and made her own version for a friend. I loved this so much- and after the holidays it’s a cool plant for the home that can last years by just removing the little decorations!

Plants are such a good idea and aren’t more plastic. I was reading this great article from a friend about how much of Christmas involves plastic and it’s making me think a lot more about my choices this year.

Cindy Hattersley also had a this great post with the prettiest paper whites in a galvinized tin to give.

I also wanted to mention a great book to give..I am especially crazy about this new one, Apres All Day which has some delicious recipes and ski and mountain living ideas. You don’t need a cabin to appreciate this darling book. I literally want to try every recipe and that is rare.

Max and I made the cheddar breakfast muffins while at the cabin and they taste as good as they look. This book would make a nice gift wrapped with a pair of mittens or a knit hat for a friend going to the mountains or who lives there, or who appreciates winter foods and fun.

Just a few things on my radar, that might help with your gifting. Hope you are having a chance to enjoy the season too.

Kim

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Gift Ideas for Her

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Well December is here and I wanted to get a gifts for the gals post out as soon as I could. Honestly this was a lot of fun, and I could have written ten more of these, but it’s been a busy time and it takes a lot of hours to sit and pull it all together. I know many who are concerned with things running out have already done their shopping! I’m not there at all, but I have gotten a few good things from the Gifts for Guys post. One thing that helped me this time was to think of some of my favorite things, not unlike Oprah, and what would I love to receive too…

I am a Johnny Was fan and this California company never disappoints with their beautiful designs and quality. Their wonderfully soft blankets in a bag with two designs, make a wonderful gift for anyone to cuddle up with on the couch, or on the bed! Great for all ages. So many designs. I love this one below, but all the choices here..20% off now with the code COZYUP until 12/15.

Do you know someone who would love to be in slippers all the time (me)? These Timberlands are on sale now and so cute in grey or tan. This is a nice bridge between the UGG and the sneaker, with a bit of style.

I am currently obsessed with this brand Leatherology that makes some beautiful bags with custom imprinted initials. The cross body and train cases are TDF and though this process takes about three weeks should be a lovely gift. They also have quicker options. All the offerings are wonderful and there are many gifts that will arrive before Christmas if ordered by December 17th.

I love Mark & Graham and their trays are adorable and you can still get a monogrammed one if you order now. Check the site for the exact item and date. Looks like many are still available.

I love this Snowy Day Pillow. Sweet for anyone who digs holiday home decor or just loves the snow.

The paperclip necklaces are very popular and Bauble Bar has them in this Hera one -the perfect size too and can ship immediately..

I also love the needlepoint pillows from Furbish.. Adore the Apres pillow and all their cute holiday ones found here.

For someone who appreciates a pretty table or entertaining, these Linen Napkins from Serena & Lily are now on sale in sets and four gorgeous napkins are $38. They come in eight colors including this chartreuse.

If she is is into jewelry, Anthropologie has the prettiest charm necklaces that are by by birthstone. Love!

Serena & Lily makes the best alpaca throws and this one is my all time favorite. We have two we keep at out cabin on the sofa and they are warmer than anything and so very soft and comes in five colors.

I bought these slippers on a whim a month or so ago at Anthro and they are now my go to. I can’t wait to put them on when I get home. The run S/M/L and I am an 8 and bought Medium.

My favorite pajamas are Roller Rabbit Pima Cotton PJs. Mine are two years old now and still look new and feel soft. I like that they aren’t tight, but aren’t baggy either- so they don’t bunch on you in the night. A really nice gift to give or get.

My second favorite PJs are my Serena & Lily Positano Linen ones. I have two pairs and wear them all year long with a white tank and wear the top as a jacket. Love the white (reminds me of Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give) and the sky blue! They just get softer and softer. I wash them on gentle and air dry and they stay very nice.

There is also a beautiful flannel in gingham and a linen in gingham. All the Serena & Lily Pajamas here.

I love that Mersea is selling this lovely Sea Change Soap. It is made in America, without any toxic substances, and every purchase of one of a Sea Change product will provide two years of drinking water to someone in need, a partnership with Water.org an international non-profit that works on the water crisis. Beautiful -and helping make a difference! The whole Sea Change collection here.

Note- Mersea is a great site for gifts with many lovely things like the stretchy and super soft Chalet Sweater and the Sea Pines Felt Candles.

Scrabble has created a special edition Scrabble for Anthropologie. It’s very cute and on sale now..as is their Monopoly Edition..

Books are may favorite thing to give and get and I especially love Mandy’s Gourmet Salads, which has so much more than just salads- wonderful bowls, so many amazing ideas, dressings and desserts too. Great for anyone who wants more fresh ideas for eating well.

Johnny Was also has a beautiful silk oversized T- shirt pajama set which would be a dream to sleep in. The pink one and the darker version are still available and able to ship before Christmas.

I love this upcycled denim bag made by ADIFF/Lands End. Each one is unique and the interior has a handy 6 interior packets. What a cool gift for the earthy friend in your life.

Another fun idea is to customize a market tote for family members or a girlfriend with a beloved city or cities, names or initials. The Apolis Bags last forever come in many sizes and colors I have two I adore. This cute style here.

For the California girl- or someone with tastes that tend to run towards the natural, Jenni Kayne has some beautiful candles. I like the Topanga, that has a California essence, Santa Ynez has a warm scent, and all her candles and home scents here.

RMS Beauty has a great gift set with their mascara, lip balm, and famous luminizer for just $28!

For someone special like your mom, or yourself, these Tory Burch Lilac Salad Plates are beautiful.

These Liberty London PJ sets sets are marked more than half off at J. Crew. Very cute for those young girls in shorts all the time- and never seem to be cold! I am tempted to save a pair for myself for the warmer months because they are lovely.

For $28 these Pave Pisa Bracelets from Bauble Bar look so good and would be fun to stack with a watch or any bracelets. Fun to give a group of friends or family members.

For the puzzle girls, J Crew has Liberty Puzzles that are two-sided.

They also have a Liberty Sleep Set with a beautiful pillowcase and matching sleep mask. On sale this weekend along with the puzzle and most things on site.

Since most of us are wearing boot and booties so much, a set of boot socks in a super soft, but warm material like this set from Anthro is always a welcome gift. I just gave a group of friends all a set of boot socks and I think everyone seemed to want and need them!

Another fun idea for the bakers in your life..Cookies: The New Classics.

Our family are big fans of Jennifer Segel’s recipes from her Once Upon a Chef blog, so when I saw she had a cookbook, Weeknight/Weekend, I knew it would be good. I can guarantee you’re going to adore her food.

This also looks good and is in my cart! Rustic cooking..Maman The Cookbook.

This Lululemon Belt Bag comes in so many colors and is a little luxury at a great price, Everyone needs one for hikes and travel -just so nice to have!

I love the Travel Jewelry Cases from Mark & Graham that can be monogrammed. Such a luxury, useful and a good price on sale this weekend.

Mark & Graham also has the Essential Crossbody in many colors and ways to personalize for $99..

I hope this is helpful for your gift shopping! I will try and update and add more as I see good things, so check back, or save this post for later!

This Tuesday I’ll be doing Signature Style and we will be discussing holiday outfits for those who asked for ideas for events..I’ve found some cute things and I can’t wait to share them.

Kim

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

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Early Holiday Gift Ideas!

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This is not a Black Friday post, but you might find a few of these on special and with free shipping if you buy them this weekend. I personally never have spent a Black Friday in the stores and I love the idea that you should get out in nature with your family- whether it’s a hike or just a small walk. REI really has been great about encouraging this and giving their employees a day off, so I often look there first for gift ideas.

Don’t also forget to shop local on Small Business Saturday this weekend! If you want to keep shops in your town we have to buy there and I am always surprised what great ideas and unique things I find in my small town of Los Gatos. This weekend we are up in Arcata, California and I plan to check out the small shops there. Let’s do our part to help. In the meantime, I have collected a few fun ideas to help with the holiday gift thing. I am trying not to drag my feet for once and shop early so I can enjoy the week before Christmas doing my favorite things which are baking, wrapping and chilling a bit (I hope.)

I personally know all the men in my home love these lightweight down jackets so you cannot miss with one of these from REI for the guys in your life. They are stylish, light and men like that they can be shoved in backpack or briefcase.

For your bestie, sister, mom or daughter or just about anyone, Glassybaby votives are one of my favorite gifts to give. The holiday collection is gorgeous and I love how this company gives back to a cause with each purchase and the votives are made in Seattle or Berkeley. You can find votives that try to copy the Glassybaby look, but none are as pretty. These are made by local artisans on the West Coast, not in China. This is a gift to treasure and collect and are beautiful to behold on a mantle or collected on a table or by a bath. I also love that they change a little when lit.

These UGG cashmere blend socks are a treat for a friend, mom or yourself. Cute, super soft and warm, who wouldn’t appreciate them- and we rarely buy ourselves such nice socks, right? I also love these Falke super soft cashmere socks and they come in the prettiest shades.

 

For the family member that is always cold- or just for the whole family to make the sofa that much more cozy- Pottery Barn’s Faux Fur Heated Throw with automatic 4 hour shut off, so it’s safe to give to your elderly relatives too!

Last year Pottery Barn had the cutest denim stockings by Emily & Meritt and they were sold out instantly even before December. This year they collaborated on these cute designs in grey and white tones and I think they are modern and pretty if you are thinking of changing things up in the stocking department, and nice for a housewarming or new addition to the family.

For the younger women in your life,  I think this monogrammed beanie is fun. They have a lot of darling monogrammed gifts at Mark & Graham- including scarves, throws and many home goods. A great place for a special gift and often the monograms are included in the price.

For the little ones, this Holiday Bear Collection from Crate & Barrel is precious. I love the little apron, milk bottle and mug. All are marked down now and so affordable and beautiful from designer Joan Anderson for C&B. I still have my boy’s holiday mugs and we hope to keep them for grandkids someday.

Bonobos has the nicest men’s shirts and the are great for casual or work. Last year I bought my husband an owl one and it’s his favorite shirt. This year I am considering this panda print one. Love the colors.

Other cute options are this one with a cheetah print in dark tones, this fun lightening print , and a simple  soft cotton knit button up that all my guys would love for it’s comfort yet tailored look.

Last year I bought all the men in our family a pair of Ugg slippers including my dad and they all still love them. They are one gift that gets used and appreciated so much and once you have a pair of Ugg slippers you’ll never go back to cheap slippers. Mine are going on 3 years and still look and feel great. They are worth the cost! These are a cute men’s version in the Scuff.

For the women, the Wrin version is what I have and love. They also come in tan and other colors as do the mens.

My guys can never get enough warm track pants and the Adidas are always a favorite. I like this newer version with the blue and red side stripes. I know they can all use an extra pair when the holidays come around and for $45 they seem like something my nephews might appreciate too.

One of the nicest gifts I have received are Serena & Lily cloth napkins. I love the quality and some of them can be monogrammed. Right now I have the chambray Carrillo Napkins and they are so nice for a California tabletop. I used these throughout fall and they are very versatile.  They are offering 20% off until 11/25 with code GATHER.

For the nature lover and conservationist, is a pendant from Tiffany’s Save The Wild collection. This little elephant is in silver, but there are also gold versions and lions as well as rhinos. 100% of the profits from this collection goes to the Wildlife Conservation Network, which includes the Elephant Crisis Fund. I think that is wonderful that Tiffany has pledged to donate at least 4 million to this cause by next December.

 

Doesn’t this book look fun and for the friend who likes to entertain? The recipes are yummy as well as the different ideas for breakfast and other occasions. A book for the way we entertain now, especially here in casual California.

Women always like a little luxury and though it’s cold we are still Californians! Our sandals are never too deep in the closet. I love these comfy Gucci slides and they would be even nicer if you have a warm holiday coming in the new year!

For yourself! I can’t say I know what Gypsy Water smells like, but it was described by someone as California girl and elderflower. I just love the name and thinking I might feel bit more hip if I smell like this. I have to say I always ask for a fragrance at the holidays as they are kind of a splurge.

A Madewell top for your sister or mom that is modern as well as cozy. I love the shape and color!

 

These Asian Wrap Organic Cotton Pajamas from Garnet Hill are a gift any woman would love to have and the beautiful prints make it hard to choose which set to give! I think they are an extra percentage off until Nov 27.

Don’t forget to check out those hometown stores tomorrow on Small Business Saturday!I hope you all got outside and had a lovely relaxed weekend.

Here’s a little beauty from Arcata, where we are enjoying the rain and cozy walks with family. Feeling so thankful.

Kim

Books to Gift This Season

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How is your December shaping up? The past week was taken up with my Griffin turning 16 and getting his driver’s license, which I can hardly believe, and Jackson coming home from college. A lot of fun, but naturally I’m behind on posting and shopping. I’m trying hard not to over-buy this year, avoid the mall, shop small in town, and bought online when I could. I have more shopping ideas coming soon, and today is about my favorite thing to get and give- books!

With few ACTUAL bookstores left, it is sometimes hard to browse, so I love hearing book recommendations. I made some here and would love if you would also share any you found this year or have gifted before that are winners. You’ll notice there are few novels as I find those a very personal choice, and harder to buy for gifts. Let me know what you think. In the meantime I’m working on cards, cookies and shopping still..

From Napa With Love is a fun guide and read that takes one to the less traveled and cooler spots in Napa. I really enjoyed seeing how Napa folks and summer residents like Kate and Andy Spade, live and what they like to do while there. Great for anyone planning a trip or who loves this part of California.

What Unites Us is what we need to hear with so much divisiveness. Dan Rather makes the case that, ‘Patriotism is rooted in humility and nationalism is rooted in arrogance.’  Dan is someone I greatly admire for speaking his mind and being a voice of reason during this tumultuous time in America.

One of my favorite new books is How They Decorated. A great look back a tastemakers of the past decades and how they designed their homes and lives. I appreciate this book in an era of Pinterest and the homogenization of home design. If you’re over the barn doors, shiplap and all that this book is for you.

If you like reading about how creative people live at home, The Authentics   is a gem. Beautiful photos and interviews.

Remodelista The Organized Home is perfect for those who are into simplifying and committed to living better with less. Great ideas on how to eliminate plastic from your home, store less stuff and use what you have to live simply and beautifully.

Gardenista is a wonderful tour of some of the most inspirational and beautiful gardens and yards and how they were created. I’m using this as my guide in redoing my yard next year. It makes a beautiful book for the coffee table as well for the garden lover.

If your ready to up your cookie game check out Holiday Cookies, a beautiful book with excellent recipes, tips and some pretty ideas for packaging and decorating.

I love this new Betty Crocker Lost Recipes book. Not only are the recipes vintage, but the tips are culled from all the best books of the past. These little nuggets of wisdom give charm to this adorable book. Really fun to look back by decade and see what was popular and the mindset of those times!

Do you have a creative friend or someone who sews or wants to learn? Want to stop buying what everyone else does and live a little greener? I appreciate everything about Everyday Style and it’s chic ideas for making your own unique capsule wardrobe and totes.

In a slump? Got a friend going through some life changes? You are a Badass is seriously motivating. This book gets you off your butt and out of your own way to make the life you want happen. Just picking it up and re-reading a chapter now and then changes the way you think.

Got an 8-13 year old?  I really like the positive messages about being different and powerful in Strong is the New Pretty .

Any science nerd teens or adults? My 19 year old highly recommends What If? which was written by the creator of the highly popular xkcd.com science comic website.

 

Atlas Obscura is another cool book for curious teens or adults who are interested in the world and travel. Great photos and stories of amazing marvels to get to one day. I plan on getting this for my geography loving kid this year.

 

I bought The Genius of Birds last year for my bird loving husband. In the year past I have heard so much about this book and the crazy intelligence of birds, I plan to read it over holiday break.

Hero of the Empire is a bio that reads like a thriller and details the heroism of young Winston Churchill in South Africa during the Boer War years. I love anything on Churchill and history buffs will appreciate this war that is relatively unknown to many Americans.

 

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Holiday Gift Ideas for The Whole Family

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With many of us going in every direction at holiday gatherings, writing cards and doing the tree, it always nice to have a little help with the gift shopping. I always try to shop early and it often goes in fits and starts… I begin strong, feel good about what I’ve got, relax a bit and before I know it, I’m behind and everything is picked over. I’ve noticed particularly this year, people are shopping even earlier. So many things I wanted to suggest here are already sold out already! Not to induce anxiety, but people get out there -or better yet grab a latte at your local coffee spot and do it online asap! You can get what you need online and then save yourself the hassle of the mall.
Otherwise, I often default to Nordstrom. They seem to have something for everyone and I know without a doubt, everyone can return their gifts or exchange with no hassle. That and their customer service are why it will always be my go-to store. In fact, most of these things on this list are from Nordys and since regular shipping is free and arrives quickly, I felt good recommending them here. They always deliver on time and as you like it.  
Here’ a few of the best gift ideas this year..
For the traveler, I love this mini brush set and chic evening clutch it comes in from Charlotte Tilbury at Nordstrom.  It’s wonderful to have a brush set small enough to travel and the clutch is pretty enough to be your evening bag for the night! Less to pack and a dual purpose bag is always a win-win.
Another discovery I recently made is these darling Mantra bands. These are not only pretty, but share an inspiring message to the recipient. Great for a friend, teacher, favorite neighbor, or anyone who might need a little boost during this season. 
They come in silver, gold and I particularly like this rose gold and the message. Other good ones are, ‘Be Fearless,’ and ‘Enjoy the Journey.’ Many others as well.

I can’t help coveting this new edition of the original Adidas satin track jacket. How darling is this for a college kid and also for the gal who still pines for the days of roller disco? I would wear this skirts as well as jeans.

This YSL Lip and Nail Collection at Nordstrom features the prettiest shades. What a great girlfriend gift for your favorite fashionista. 

For the skincare lover this Fresh  kit is a great bargain with their wonderful cleanser and 3 masks.

I also love this little kit for the traveler or friend going on a vacation. It’s got everything you need and how cute to just throw in your travel bag?

And for just $22.50 this Kate Spade business card holder is a sweet gift for a glam pal and it comes in silver and a pink version too.

Now for your mom, dear sister, grandmas or perhaps ourselves..

These Ugg Flip Flops are on my own list. Sometimes here in California, I find the Ugg slippers too warm, yet they are the most comfortable shoe and have great support, especially for around the house. These are a great alternative and just as comfy, but not too hot. These could be a year-round slipper here and as the shearling doesn’t get sweaty and is anti-bacterial they cannot be beat.

For the price I believe  Uggs are worth every penny as they last for YEARS! If you haven’t joined the bandwagon get on. You’re missing out if you don’t at least own a pair of the slippers and if you live in a cold climate the boots will change your life. I’ve gotten all my family onto the slippers and they agree.

Ugg also makes these cool tech gloves which are wonderful for those who love using their smartphone all the time, but can’t stand cold fingers. I have a pair of these and used them a ton last winter!

Another great gift that moms and grandmothers can really appreciate is a Barefoot Dreams robe. Mine is about 15 years old if you can believe it. There is no other robes as warm or a lightweight as these.

My own mother said it was one of the best gifts she ever got and we bought my grandmother one together as we agreed no woman should be without one during winter! Love the new colors and they also have a zip up version with a hood that could also be a beach coverup.

For the fancy friend or sister these Kendra Scott drops are pretty and light and lovely. Just perfect for New Years too.

For the menfolk…

For dads, grandpas and husbands nothing beats a beautiful cashmere sweater that doesn’t itch and keeps them warm. This cashmere crew is a really nice one- beautifully made and feels amazing. A gift they can keep enjoy a long time.

Another gift appreciated for years, is Uggs as I mentioned already. You cannot go wrong and once someone has these they will never go back to regular slippers. Yes they are about $40 more than the average slipper, but if you count the cost over the years, they are an outstanding bargain and will never wear out! This particular style is really easy to slip on and comes in darker brown and black as well.

For the sons and daughters, nieces and nephews…

Kate Spade’s multi-color scarf is adorable, cozy and cute.

This Polaroid Land Camera is the real deal. It’s a fun idea for young people who have only experienced digital. It’s great for parties too. This produces the full-size old school Polaroids. Love the idea of keeping a big bulletin board of these. It also comes in a happy yellow, red and a cool retro blue.

For the guys, I find my men appreciate humorous things more than anything.

For the college guy, this Topman sweater is a cool alternative to the ugly Christmas sweater trend so popular right now. Who wouldn’t want a sweater with ninja gingerbreads kicking butt?

These Bluetooth Speakers are something that can be used indoors or out all year. Perfect for one at college or the kid who needs to have their music in stereo as it connects to your Bluetooth device!

And for the smaller guys..

This Jem Holiday Wars Sweater is cozy and fun.
or this..

And for the even smaller ones..

From Boden ( now at Nordys) they always have cheeky shirts for kids.

For the little women ..

This sweet T from Boden and love this folk inspired skirt.

Happy shopping everyone! Don’t let the rush get you crazy. In the words of older and wiser folk, it will all get done- enjoy the little things of the season!

Kim

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