The Holiday Hangover…and New Year’s Resolutions

 

I am suffering a big time holiday hangover.  While I love Christmas and the holidays, I become quite relieved when they are over.  The pressure, the stress, crazy schedule, worrying if people like their gifts…Love the holidays, but oh so happy when they are over.  And, then come Jan 1st, guess who rears their ugly head?  The New Year’s Resolution Police! 

These following “resolutions” were listed as the Top 10 resolutions by some magazine or newspaper…

1.  Spend more time with Family and Friends – this hit the nail on the head!  Patrick and I had the best time with Meredith over break…and she actually seemed to enjoy us as well (oh, and Kevin too).    Of course, let’s not discuss the 5 hour drive home from Minneapolis.    This will be my number one goal.

2.  Fit in Fitness – I have come to realize that it’s not actually owning the fitness tapes that make you fit, you actually have to do them.  I mean, who knew?

3.  Tame the Bulge - and the older we get, the harder it is to tame.  I’m speaking from experience…unfortunately.

4.  Quit Smoking – I probably don’t know 5 people who smoke…but I think a lot of young people do…Don’t do it!  You look stupid.

5.  Enjoy Life More – ain’t this the truth…life is short.

6.  Quit Drinking – I don’t think so.

7 .  Get out of Debt – would probably be helpful if this didn’t come out right after the holidays and all the shopping.  We shall revisit this in March, right before spring break.

8.  Learn something new – I am making a concerted effort to do this, and will report back at the end of Jan.   Though it will not be a second language.  3 years of French in high school was plenty.  Bon Jour!

9.  Help Others – I think about this everyday, and realize how fortunate we are.  While we all have our trials and tribulations, it never seems to be as bad as some people have it.   It’s important to pay it forward.

10.   Get Organized – this is a work in progress.  I shall start with my closet.

So… to cure the Holiday Hangover…the real one.  Here are a few things that I’ve heard help the hangover (as we know, I very rarely drink…unless prompted or provoked)

1.  BEFORE bed, take 2 Aleve, and large glass of water.  Not Tylenol, as that goes right to the liver.  Aleve or Advil.  I like Aleve.

2.  Something salty when you wake up.  Bacon, or black olives (yes, black olives).  Having microwavable cheeseburgers on hand, is always a good idea.  The best burger that I can think of would be a Juicy Lucy, from Minneapolis’ 5-8 Club.  You have to get there by 11:15AM, or you won’t get a seat.  It’s a burger, filled with cheese…it’s chock full of tasty goodness.    Fabulous, not at all low-carb, and would be just what the Doctor ordered!   And, talking while others at your table are speaking on their cell-phone at the table is Absolutely encouraged.

3.  Coffee?  Hmmh…I think cranberry juice, with a chaser of ice water is the way to go.  Or a Gatorade.  I have a friend who used to drink Pedialyte.  Not a bad idea.  They say that black coffee is a diuretic, so stick to juice, sports drinks and water.

4.  Steam Shower - I happen  to have one in my house, but have to admit the idea of sweating in 108 degree steam, doesn’t always pop to the top of my head, when I have a wee bit of a headache.  I have never tried this solution, but others have and swear by it.  Others say a sauna helps.  I think it can be hit or miss.

5.  A mid-morning nap if you can swing it.  My sister-in-law, Beth  told me of a time when she woke up, after an evening of festivities, and wasn’t feeling at the top of her game.  She had showered and planned on going to work…then decided against it, and went back to bed for a 2 hour nap.  She woke up feeling, and looking, like a champ!  That’s the way to go!

6.  Hair of the Dog…well, truth be told, I don’t think I could ever partake in a glass of chardonnay the “morning after”, however, a bloody mary really has helped “take the edge off”…Spicey, celery salt around the rim, and lots of olives.  there, you have your salt and olives…2 cures I just mentioned.  And, I have heard of a “friend” who has broken into the hotel mini bar and downed a Lite Beer, or 2.  Told me it works.  He’s not one to lie, but is one to over-indulge.

7.  And don’t forget about preventative measures…not drinking on an empty stomach.  Always drink a glass of water for every cocktail…and sometimes 2 glasses of water per 1 adult beverage.  Eat throughout the evening.   Take a vitamin B-12 before indulging.

Happy New Year!

xoxo

T.

Clothes aren’t going to change the world, but the women who wear them will…

***Anne Klein

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The Stockings were hung by the chimney with care…

In lieu of my standard Friday post…I am posting this on Wed, in case you can use some handy stocking stuffer ideas.

In my house, Santa brings the presents under the tree.  Kevin and I fill the stockings.  My kids open the gifts from Santa first, and save the Stockings for last.  That’s a great deal of pressure to put on a weary mother.   I thought I would share what some of our favorite stocking stuffers have been, and one’s that I have researched for your blogging pleasure!

1.  Movies and DVDs – It started with Disney Movies sticking out the top…and now it’s Wii Games, Twilight Movies, and Madden 2011.  Season 8 of 24 would be a perfect stocking stuffer for Moi.

2.  Gift Cards – iTunes; Visa; Target; Nordstrom…fits perfectly into a stocking…a miniature stocking stuffed with multiple gift cards will make a great hit!  Utilize a blank CD jacket by tucking in a music store gift card or iTunes gift card.  Purchase a very inexpensive wallet and slip a gift card or two into the billfold section.

3.  Lip Gloss/Lip Balm  – Bonnie Bell Lip Balm…or good ole chapstick!  Chicago winters require this.

4.  ornaments hanging from the stocking – the kids always get an ornament that’s reminiscent of the year.

5.  Fruit in the toe of the stocking – my Mom always put an apple and orange in the toe of the stocking.  My kids prefer the toe to be filled with more “stuff”…and not fruit.

6.  Mini handheld games – my brothers use to spend hours playing this Mattel Football game…which Patrick received in the stocking several years back as well.

7.  Playing cards – Z Gallerie has Great playing cards.  I gave my friend Cathy some Barbie playing cards that were a scream!  You forget how much fun card playing can be, till you lose yourself in an evening of Kings in the Corner!

8.  Little books – Life’s Little Instruction books fit perfectly into the stockings.

9. Candy – my favorite candy in the world is Pink Ladies from Fannie May…Coconut dipped in Pink Chocolate.  Doesn’t get any better than that!  And you can get small boxes of 4 pieces. 

10.  Sporting Tickets – Go Bears!

11.  Socks – a sock in a sock.

12.  Mini tools – the high heel shoe opener  or the high heel hammer (abernook.com) , fit perfectly into stockings.

13.  Cologne – purse or small little bottles of something that smells fabulous…Amazing Grace by Philosophy is my personal favorite…and some of my dearest friends love it too!

13.  Jewelry – anything will do.  Girls are not picky…and these match my Tiffany snowflake necklace!  What luck!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

xoxo

T.

Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.
– Bo Derek

Tis the Season for Tipping! Ho Ho Ho!!

Tis the season to thank those who provide services to us.   I thought I would give a recap of what is customary:

1.  Postal Carrier-  My mail carrier, Rocks…she picks up boxes at my door, and gives me a bill for the shipping.  She is always pleasant, and between Thanksgiving and Christmas, she wears a Santa Hat.  She makes my life so much easier…and for that I give her $100.  I believe the USPS prohibits gifts of more than $20…so we will not use her name.

2.  Hair Stylist – the cost of one service…unless your stylist has messed up your hair, then I suggest Nothing.  Best to keep those who make you lovely, happy. 

3.  Masseuse, Nail Technician, etc… - cost of one massage,  mani or pedi, or facial.  And look for a future blog on the No-Chip Manicure…Fabulous!

4.  Dog Walker – they say you should tip one week’s of dog walking.  Same applies for dog sitting.  Take care of those who care for our beloved pets.  

5.  Sitter, Nanny, or Au Pair – if you have a live in Nanny, then you tip then one month.  An Au Pair should get an extra week’s pay.  If you have a regular babysitter, tip them the amount you would pay them for one evening’s work. A small gift from your child is also a nice touch.

6.  Personal Trainer – $25 up to 1 week’s pay (or cost of 1 session).   Which reminds me, I really need to go back to my trainer!

7.  Teacher – A small gift of about $20 value, given to the teacher by your child.  My sister-in-law is a teacher, and I remember the wonderful, thoughtful gifts she used to receive…and the ones that meant the most to her were personal gifts from the child.

8.  Coaches, Tutors, Music Teachers, Ballet instructors – a small gift from the child.  I always like a signed group gift for a sports coach.  A signed baseball, football, or team photo. 

9.  Cleaning Person/Service – Does the person visit once or twice a week?  Tip them one week’s pay. Consider tipping more if they do work more frequently.

10.  Trash Collectors – $15 – $20 each.  If these guys haul away things they shouldn’t, you really should take care of them.  My father said no need to tip the Recycling People, because they can’t do anything for you.  Seems like sage advice.

11.  Paper Carrier –  $15-$25 for daily delivery ($5-$15 for weekend delivery).  We don’t get the paper anymore, and I know we had a carrier that didn’t deliver the paper till after 8AM during the week.  Suffice to say, that carrier did not receive a holiday tip. 

12.  Parking attendants -  $10-$35 each or up to half a month’s parking bill for the group if they regularly provide extra service.  More if this included washing your car.

13.   School Bus Drivers – as my friend Carol says…so they don’t run over your children!

General Tips On Tipping:

Remember cash is king. Choose to give cash over a check, and do your best to make sure it’s a fresh, crisp bill.

If you can’t afford to give a little extra – or at all – a handwritten note to show your gratitude is something you should consider. Be sure to express your appreciation in some way to the folks who make your life easier. Suggestions include a holiday card or a handmade gift or treat like cookies or candy.  And if you can, a lovely holiday luncheon, always fits the bill.

Happy Holidays and Happy Tipping.

xoxo

T.

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day.  Don’t clean it up too quickly.  ~Andy Rooney

Good Manners are Always in Style!

 

OK – I have a bee in my bonnet.  What is wrong with some people?  Why have good manners gone the way of the covered wagon…I think I’m polite…People even comment on it.  Both my children are polite, and I always receive compliments on how polite they are.   But that is the way it’s supposed to be…We are All supposed to be polite.

Remember Barney the Purple Dinosaur?  How could you forget?  Barney sang a song about saying please and thank you, and I truly think some adults need to listen to that song, and act like little sponges.   I don’t think I could stand to listen to it again, as Meredith’s favorite TV show was Barney, but I’m polite, and do not feel I need this refresher.

Pardon me is one of my favorite sayings.  Instead of saying “excuse me”.  I say pardon me.  I like the words so much, that I enjoy saying them.  Plus, it’s really good manners when you bump into someone, cough, sneeze, pass by someone, interrupt, burp or perhaps let go of other bodily functions. 

I always hold a door open for people coming in after me…Always.  and I sometimes hold it waiting for someone to come in, who is quite a bit away from the door.  More often than not, Women…yes, Women, will saunter in, and not even say thank you.  Hey…I’m a woman too…and I am holding open the door, and you do not bother to say thank you?  Most men insist on taking the door, and always say thank you.  Ladies…put forth the correct example,and when someone holds a door for you, say thank you.

This is a gentle reminder for all of us… but try to return emails and phone calls.  I admit, at times, I am so overwhelmed by phone calls, that I cannot always return a phone call in a prompt manner.  But I really try.  Plus, if I cannot call someone back, I do try to email them to let them know when I can speak to them.  Some of my favorite people in the world don’t always return my call or email as promptly as I would like, and I find it shocking.   I always think, who wouldn’t want to speak to me, or engage in a little email banter? It’s not easy, and everyone is busy, but please try and make an effort.  It’s good manners.  It’s good business. 

Other examples of rudeness that rile us me and my sister Megan (who was kind enough to provide these examples)…People who pull all the way to the front of the line in backed up traffic and then cut in front of everyone else who has been waiting… People who don’t give you “the wave” when you’ve let them in front of you in traffic; people who spill their coffee, creamer, sugar, etc on the communal kitchen counter at work places and don’t clean up after themselves;  We could go on and on and on.

Remember your manners, and you’ll be remembered, fondly.  Watch your words, as they can come back to haunt you.  Be nice to others, and they will be nice to you.  Gosh…I do believe my mother told me all these oh so long ago!  and as usual, she was right.   Mothers usually are.  Just ask Mer Mer and Paddy.

xoxo

T.

The most unstylish Snuggie of All!

I can tolerate lots of behavior at Bears Games…

1.  The Patriots spanking the Bears…and may I just say, “Ouch”.

2.  Sub zero temperatures, which leave your lungs and fingers Frozen.

3.  Blizzardly snow, which smacks against your cheeks, and leaves these irish cheeks (the ones on my face) red for a week

4.  People calling their  QB by his first name, “Tommy”…and while Tom Brady is a Fantastic quarterback, and kinda cute, he really needs to cut his hair.  I’ve mentioned it before, but not digging his long locks.  Who does he think he is, Patrick O’Brien?

5.  Appearing on camera wearing the coat which makes me look like I can take down Brian Urlacher.  Note to self…Stop wearing that coat!

6.  The cancellation of the “half time” show, due to blustery conditions…and I still think we need a Marching Band.

7.  But , under No Circumstances, should I allow my guests to wear a  SNUGGIE of the opposing team…no matter how cute they look!

And a Great time was had by all…Love ya Cathy and Phil!

xoxo

T.

Hmmh…do we think the Snuggie was part of Oprah’s Favorite Things?  I think not!

Air Travel is no longer Stylish!

It’s 2010 and I am here to proclaim, Traveling is no longer glamorous!

Coming home from a recent trip to FL, I have made the following observations:

1. They will allow anyone on a plane.  Anyone. 
2. Your seat number is NOT your gate number.  A female traveler was confused, as our gate was originally C-11, and was changed to C-9…thus she thought her seat also changed… yeah, not really…as the flight attendant had to indicate to her that Gate C-11 on her ticket, was the gate number, while Seat 25-A, was indeed her seat.  She looked confused.
3. Just about Every person from seat 12 and beyond, tried putting their carry on luggage above seats 1-8.   And they don’t take kindly when those around us make snide remarks.  You really need to put your bags near where you sit.
4. Why are dogs and cats allowed on plane, while peanuts are not?  If my son was on a plane next to a dog or cat, he would have the same horrible allergic reaction, as if sitting next to someone enjoying a snicker bar.  I love dogs, but I know Kevin and Patrick have very strong allergies to them, and not sure what I would do if one was in our row.
5. The most useful thing you can bring onto a plane is your shawl.  Our flight was Freezing, but I had my shawl to keep me warm.  I know many airlines sell blankets now for $5, but you would turn into a frozen ice cube while waiting for 38,000 feet while the flight attendants moved throughout the cabin selling their wares. 
6. If you have a cold, with a nasty cough… please bring cough drops.  The sound of a hacking cough, while flying the friendly skies, really takes the fun out of air travel. 
7. If you get on an airplane, wearing a surgical mask… take it from me…every other passenger on that plane thinks you are afraid of each of our germs, and it’s not because you are cautious about sharing your germs with the remainder of the passengers.  The woman above really was terrified of just about everything…surgical mask, eye mask, and a pillow for good measure. 
8. If you are friendly to the flight attendants, there is a good chance they will give you happy hour prices for the several small bottles of vodka you consume .  I have tested this theory numerous times.

9.  4/10 passengers do Sudoku Puzzles…and if you are sitting next to someone who likes sudoku’s, there’s a good chance they will attempt to help you solve your puzzle. 

10.  If you have to go to the lavatory and the flight attendants are in the aisle, it’s not considered good form to ask them to move their cart to the back of the plane, 65 rows back.  Just sayin’.  And, why can’t the passengers in coach use the first class restroom, when the cart is in the aisle?  I’ve been in both first and coach restrooms…and the first bathrooms do not have an attendant handing out mints, hand cream, or hairspray.

11.   While we are dissing first class , it is horribly cruel to serve first class passengers fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, while coach passengers are sitting in smelling distance.  And we thought waterboarding was harsh!

12 The boarding process should be an efficient, aggressive approach.  Lollygagging about exhibits poor behavior.  And if you are all of 80 pounds, don’t carry on a 50 LB bag, and expect others to help you hoist it above into the overhead.

13.  When you are de-planing, stepping over passengers in front of you declaring, “I have to catch a connecting flight”, does not give you Priority Access to getting off the plane…and furthermore, it’s really not a good idea to be seen at Wolfgang Puck’s, perusing the pizza collection while the passengers whom you knocked over, are walking by staring at you in utter disbelief!

14.  My favorite thing on an airplane is wi-fi!  It’s like I’m sitting on my couch at home checking my emails, my blog stats, Facebook, and shopping at Nordstrom or Abernook.com.

And this all recalls a time, this year when flying to Kansas City on American Airlines and the overhead compartment would not close properly, and you cannot take off  with an unstable overhead compartment…so they called the airline mechanic, and he fixed it.  I took a picture to remember that wonderful moment.  His first effort didn’t work,  and he just needed to apply more Duct tape…it really does fix everything.

Safe Travels,

xoxo

T.

Dressing for the Season doesn’t mean dressing like a Christmas Tree

 With the Holiday season upon us, my sister Megan had an idea for a timely blog:

“With the holidays you could talk about paying fashion tribute to the holidays without looking like a walking Christmas tree.  You know, a cute red top, or touch of whimsy with a Christmas pin. For your “Don’t” pictures, you could post any picture of me from Christmas from 1980- 2002. “

I cannot find a Christmas photo of her from 1980 – 2002, but am still trying.

Holiday Dressing is Not meant to be Holiday Stressing!  I get a lot of questions about what to wear during the holiday season…work parties, family parties, friend’s parties…party, party, party.    We all want to look our best, and not spend a ton doing so.  And it truly doesn’t have to involve the Holiday Sweater.

If you love your holiday sweaters, wear them, but I caution against wearing them to a holiday extravaganza.  You can feel just as festive wearing your lavish holiday sweater while shovelling the snow, or watching Frosty the Snowman on TV with your kids.

The Holidays are a  time to shine and bring sparkle into your wardrobe!

Glitz and Glamour

Think “old Hollywood” when dressing for the holidays. Bring back old-time glamour and elegance. Choose dresses  or cocktail attire (depending on the formality of your event) that accentuate your figure.  Sequined bolero jackets or satin skirts would be the perfect wardrobe essential for holiday dressing.  I think a pair of beautiful black pants, with a crisp white blouse, and rhinestone jewelry, with high heels, is a cannot miss look!  Your little black dress (LBD) is always a perfect choice .  I have one that I bought at Nordstrom.  It’s long sleeve, and off the shoulders.  I can belt it with a large gold coin belt, or a rhinestone belt, and it totally changes the look.  I also wear it without a belt, and pair it with a shawl (yup, my black cashmere one), or a colored velvet number.   I love it so much, I also bought the same one with shorter sleeves!  I always say, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed…but you don’t want to go too overboard.  A long gown, where others are wearing nice jeans, high heels, and a black turtleneck, will be awkward.

The Bling

Dressing for the holidays calls for big and bold accent pieces. Look for elegant and modern cocktail rings, dangling earrings with unique design, necklaces that are bold and colorful and bracelets that call attention to your wrist. Don’t be afraid of color. And don’t be afraid to wear big. Just remember if you wear an oversized ring, go minimal somewhere else.  Check out Ann Taylor for great costume jewelry…and during the holidays many of these items are 40% off.

The Holiday Pin!

Adding a holiday pin to a sweater or coat, can add just the perfect amount of festivity to your outfit, without looking like a walking Christmas Tree (thank you Megan).  I have friend’s who have 50+ holiday pins, and rotate them daily.  I love wearing one on my winter coat.  Mine is a rhinestone snowflake I received from some girlfriends, and I feel sparkly and festive, all at the same time.

The Holiday Slipper

Let them sparkle. If you can’t afford those extremely expensive Manolo’s or Jimmy Choo’s (especially during gift giving holidays), be creative. Take a basic black sling back heel and add an appliqué to them. Get really creative by taking an old vintage pair of clip on earrings  and clip then on the front of your shoes. It instantly adds drama and intrigue to your basic black shoes.   Not to mention, you save a bundle on this hip trick.  Or, you could splurge and get this oh so fabulous pair of cheetah shoes!

These Stuart Weitzman’s are a Huge Extravagance, but I could Not resist posting them.  They’re so Fabulous!

The Pocketbook

This should be festive as well. You also don’t need to spend big bucks on this. Scour the outlets or discount retailers for beaded bags  in all different shapes and sizes.  Or see if your Mom or Grandmother has (had) any of these.  Or…borrow from a friend.   The more petite your handbag is (for holiday dressing), the better.  You can bet your bottom dollar that I will be getting lots of great use out of my Tiffany Bracelet bag (no need to post yet a 3rd picture).

The Frosting on your Face

Go for bolder than your usual natural look. Try a smoky eye or a red lip. The thing to remember is if you go for more makeup on the eye, go for a more natural shade for your lips and vice versa. Don’t forget the flushed cheeks. Try a peach shade of blush on the apples of your cheeks.  And don’t forget the old tried and true…you can pinch your cheeks to give it the just right blush…or, do as I do, and have a lovely little glass of chardonnay, and Voila…my cheeks are red.

Spending Habits

You don’t need to spend a fortune to look great at holiday parties. Mix vintage or flea market finds with designer labels. Many stores are always selling party dresses or party attire, so keep your eyes open year round for great deals on glamour wear.

When dressing for the holidays, remember it’s the time of year to shine. Be glamorous when attending your soirees. Take lots of photographs, so you may look back in retrospect and remember how great you really looked.  Plus, no doubt your photo will be plastered all over facebook, so  it will be remembered for eternity.   And, most of all – enjoy those joyful holiday seasons. A great outfit can help.

 

xoxo

T.

Top 5 Least Wanted Gifts for the Holidays

1.  Bubble Bath

2.  Bath Salts

3.  Socks

5.  Candles

5.  Belgium Chocolates

This was just noted on the news…and I admit, I am guilty of giving every one of these.  Sorry!