Holiday Tipping…Again

What to tip for the holidays?  I’ve been asked this several times in the past week (and probably should have posted this last week)…but there is still time to take care of those who take care of you.   So, I am Reposting last year’s blog on Holiday Tipping…and have chosen Not to edit it, as my comments are still relevant now…and I Still need to start up again with my personal trainer!  And I did research into when is it, indeed, appropriate to repost a Full Blog, and I’m still unsure about protocol and quite frankly, I’m gonna do it anyway!

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 – $10 – Our bus always picked up and dropped off the kids at the end of the driveway, so to me, this was money well spent.  Or, as has 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

Apples to Apples…a great holiday gift idea under $20

Talk about a party in a box!  This would be another Great Holiday Gift.  $19.99 at Target, Amazon, Toys R Us, etc…While stranded indoors during a weekend getaway, me and my 3 girlfriends spent countless hours playing this game, and even though we were in Paradise, the many, many hours playing this great game, still provide me with the best memories of the weekend!

And, if my ringing endorsement doesn’t give you reason to run to the store, there is even a Facebook Fan Page with over 17,000 fans…that’s almost as many as my blog!  And here is what Wikipedia has to say about Apples to Apples:

Apples to Apples was chosen by Mensa International in 1999 as a “Mensa Select” prizewinner, an award given to five games each year. It was also named “Party Game of the Year” in the December 1999 issue of Games magazine and received the National Parenting Center’s seal of approval in May 1999!

RULES

Each player is dealt seven “red apple” cards; on each card is printed a noun or noun phrase, or possibly a gerund.

The judge (a chosen player) draws a “green apple” card on which is printed an adjective (“scary”, “frivolous”, “patriotic”, etc.), and places it face-up on the table for everybody to see. Then each player (except the judge) chooses a card that they think is the best match for the green apple card, and places it face-down. The judge shuffles the red apple cards, reads them (often aloud), and decides which noun is the best match for the adjective. This decision is subjective; the official rules encourage the judge to pick the match that is “most creative, humorous or interesting”.

The player who submitted the chosen red apple card wins the round, and takes the green apple card to signify the win. All players then draw red cards until they have seven again, and the role of “judge” may pass to another person (generally going to the next player in line, though some rules have the round’s winner becoming “judge”). Some editions of the game suggest discounting the last red-apple card played, to encourage players to place their cards down more quickly.

The winner is the first player to accumulate a pre-designated number of green apple cards; the more players, the lower the total.

Examples of the Tomfoolery that transpired on our trip:

Example #1

Card:  COLD

Player 1:  Glacier

Player 2:  Lenin’s Tomb

Judge:  Lenin’s Tomb!

Player 3 to Judge:  Do you even know what a Glacier is?

Example #2

Card:  SHOCKING

Player 1:  Flat Tire

Player 2:  Challenger Explosion

Judge:  Flat Tire!

Player 2 to Judge: What is wrong with you?  A flat tire is more shocking than the Challenger Explosion?

Judge:  Have you ever had a flat tire?  It’s pretty shocking.

And yes, chardonnay was served.  But chardonnay does Not have to be served!  A party in a box!

More Spectacular Board Games under $30 (aside from Monopoly and Scrabble):

Girl’s Night Box of Questions $25

Catch Phrase $19.99

Taboo $27.99

Scattergories $27.99

The Game of Things:  Humor in a Box $26.99

You cannot go wrong with “board games”…Kids may not realize that games can actually be played without a PS3; Wii; or Game Cube!  Gather the family and friends and play a game.  You’ll thank me.

Coming Thursday:  a repost of last year’s blog on how much to Tip for the Holidays (by popular demand, or course)!

Merry, Merry!

xoxo,

T.

More Holiday Gift Ideas

I’ve written about generalities as far as holiday gift giving goes, but have been asked for specifics…and we know I aim to please (too much so at times), so here are some specifics…and when I’m showing a pricier item, I will also show a more affordable alternative.  Because as Patrick O’Brien says, “times are tough”.  Some of these are repeats from Stocking Stuffer Blog and the previous Holiday Gift ideas blog…you should take that as a hint those items are the most Fabulous!  I will also highlight some of the items from the “What’s In” category.

1.  Snow Globes – this one is entitled “Fabulous snow globe”…snow globes don’t have to be Christmas-themed.  I got Meredith an Indiane University snowglobe…and when I sold Dallas, I used to give Dallas snow-globes.  I have a cheetah shopping-themed snowglobe next to my bathtub.  (www.findgift.com – $24.00 at Things Remembered)

2.  Red  Cashmere Scarf – this retails for $370 (ouch), however at the Burberry Outlet, you can nab this number (which is a classic, and you should have for the rest of your life)…for the bargain price of $129.50.  That is a Steal!!!  http://www.fashionscarfstores.com/burberry-red-cashmere-scarf-p-351.html

3.  Tiffany…Anything Tiffany…I referenced this in the last, but received no fewer than 11 comments re: Kevin O’Brien being the world’s best gift giver, so am giving this another shout.  You can get something at Tiffany for less than $100.  They offer free ground shipping, so you do not have to go to the store.  This Snowman Ornament will set you back $65.  It comes gift-wrapped in the Tiffany Blue Box, and is sure to delight…unless of course, the woman is expecting an engagement ring, then I’d stick with an iPad.

4.  Sensational Handbags or evening bags – This Harmony Lane evening bag is only $45…and also comes in silver, gold or black.

http://www.shopharmonylane.com/store/product/10377/Heart-Purse–Black/

5.  Make-up Palette – I am obsessed with these make up palettes…They help me try colors I typically wouldn’t gravitate towards.  These palettes typically run from $29 – $80.  I get mine at Nordstrom.

6.  Sparkly Sweater or Sparkly shoes - Love sparkly sweaters and shoes. And I also love my sparkly Uggs (which Meredith is mortified that I own).  Sparkly doesn’t necessarily dictate dressy, going out on the town…You can wear a sparkly sweater with leggings, for a more casual look.  And, you’ll see me prancing about town in my sparkly Uggs (and I’m rarely, if ever, prancing anywhere at night).  Both of these sweaters are less than $100.  The black one can be found at Nordstrom.

7.  Slippers – I am obsessed with my Tory Burch slippers…a new version just came out in a gold, metallic…They’re $128 (pricey, yes), but you’ll wear them everyday, and mine are a year old and look brand new!

And for those not wanting to spend $129 (and I do not blame you)…how about these pink fuzzy slippers $18, from Pajamagram?

http://www.pajamagram.com/SellGroup/fuzzy-wuzzies-pink.aspx?tracking=6QuggMzyuf0S&mr:trackingCode=ED53713C-89BB-DF11-98FF-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA&origin=pla&mr:adType=pla&bhcp=1

8.  iPad – Favorite gift I’ve received in Years!  To quote my brother in law, Bruce…I feel sorry for people who do not have an iPad!  If you sense a trend, as I’ve mentioned the iPad 3 times in my list..it is because I love mine That much!

9.  Gift Cards:  Nordstrom; iTunes (to buy apps for the new iPad); Spa; Favorite Restaurant; Starbuck’s; Apple Store (iPad!!); Barnes and Noble, etc…

10.  Veuve Cliquot – the Rose will run you $53.  Again, rementioned from the Hostess gift blog, since 4 people indicated that a $53 hostess gift if rather excessive, which I would have to agree with, so it also falls onto the  Great Gift Idea list!  Would make a delightful addition to your Christmas morning festivities.  Kevin and I always drink champagne Christmas Morning!

11.  A Fabulous Tie:  This pink paisley tie is by Zegna, and available at Nordstrom for $250.  I feature a Pink tie, because it is hands-down my favorite color in men’s ties.

This Pink Silk tie is available at overstock.com for $47.99.

12.  Power Stays for Men’s Shirts – this was just listed on a news program, and I asked a few men, and they all said, they’d like them for dress shirts.  These retail for $35.

13.  Games – Apples to Apples is my new favorite game…and it comes with a great story, which will be tomorrow’s blog!  $20 – $29, depending on where you find it.  My suggestion is buy it for $20.

14.  Schwinn Beach Cruiser – they come in all sorts of rad colors…Of course, the Pink one basically is screaming my name.  Retails for Less than $200!

14.  Keurig Coffee Maker – this wsa feaured on my last Favorite Things Blog, and while a distant 2nd to my iPad, it’s still a solid #2 in things I use everyday, and love, love, love.  Plus, I just realized you can put a tea bag in the k-cup holder, and have perfect tea…no need to buy the  Green Tea K-cups.  Make sure you get the Keurig permanent filter, so you can fill it with your own coffee.  Also a great gift for a college student.  The individual coffee maker is $99 (buy it as Bed, Bath and Beyond for 20% off with your coupon).

15.  Books!  – Perfect for any age.  Pick a topic or interest close to the person’s heart.  Kids books are great to give, books on history, fashion, sports, etc.  I saw this book featured on The Today Show…The whopping price is $150!  As the gentleman on the show said, it costs almost as much as the shoes (not really, as the shoes retail for approzimately $750! )  However, if you simply Must gift this book,you can get it at Barnes and Noble (.com) for $95.44 .

Merry Merry!

xoxo,

T.

What to give, what to give, what to give…Holiday gift ideas!

It’s better to give than receive…we all know that, however, there is always a great amount of Stress in worrying about whether or not you are giving the right gift, or a gift that will be loved.  I received this email from a dear friend of mine, who is already stressing about the holidays and the gift giving:   “NOT my favorite time of the year due to the gift giving.  I know it’s for the kids, and hate to be a Scrooge, but it sucks so much joy out of the holiday for me…worrying about someone’s reaction to a gift is such a wrong way to start this blessed holiday. Plus knowing that kids are usually not blown away on my budget, never disrespectful, but not overjoyed…which is probably ok with me, maybe I’ve tempered them to have reasonable expectations and be grateful for the $200 of misc. they each get? Wish there was some way to truly balance the budget, kids and family expectations and the real meaning of Christmas.  Everyone struggles with this.  “

So along with stocking stuffer ideas, here are some Holiday Gift Ideas, which hopefully, will please whomever is on the receiving end, and lessen the stress of gift-giving.  And please remember the true reason for the season!  

NOTE:  Lengthy blog ahead…proceed at your own risk, or just read what’s in BOLD.

Holiday Gift ideas – What Women Really Want (and some of these would apply to men, as well)

1.  Hunter Boots – I have noticed more Hunter boots, as of late.  And they look super cute with the socks peeking out the top.  $115

2.  iPad – I will write about this often – the gift that keeps on giving.   In fact, I will put this on every list I write, because it really is That sensational!  You can buy one for less than $400…which, I realize is a lot of money, but you can also look for used iPads, and get them for closer to $275.

3.  Cashmere or Leather Glove - I was just given pink leather gloves…and absolutely love them..And, they go with all of my coats!

4.  “Dinner and a Movie” gift certificates -  There’s a new romantic comedy coming out “New Year’s Eve”, which paired with her favorite restaurant, makes a Perfect evening!  Or, for those here in Chicago…how about a Shaw’s gift certificate (Lettuce Entertain You) and AMC Movie Theatre…and I would use the Shaw’s certificate from 3P – 6P, where Oysters are Half-priced Every day of the Week!!  And of course go and see a lovely romantic comedy or that new movie with George Clooney!  Every year (or whenever he’s in town) my old CEO (he’s not old, I mean former) and I go to Shaw’s and eat oysters and drink chardonnay.  Always one of my favorite days of the year!

5.   Spa Certificate – sign me up!   Or, the lady you are buying for.

6.  Anything from Tiffany – sign Kevin up! 

7.  Sporting Event/Concert tickets – with basketball season starting and football winding down, these could be huge winners!  And hopefully, so will the Bears!  Remember women love sports too!

8.  “Of the Month Club“…Beer, Wine, Breakfast, Dessert, Coffee, Flowers, etc…there are many, many options

9.  A year of car washes.  You can also find great deals on Groupon for Car Washes…I bought 10 for $10 (each is typically $3.50), and these are not the gas station  variety either…it’s a pretty darned great car wash for a buck!  It’s wonderful driving around in a clean car!

10.  Perfume – my favorites, as previously indicated Amazing Grace by Philosophy; Gucci Li; and Beach by Bobbie Brown.  Find out her favorite, and get a gift set…It’s all about gift sets during the holiday season, and many of the add-ons are discounted…

11. A day with my family…No cell phones.  No blackberries (and that goes for me as well).  Just us, and I’d like to play Apples to Apples (and perhaps enjoying a glass or two of chardonnay).   I’m pretty sure most of my friends would agree with this as well.

***Things that are “In” now for Women:  Faux Fur; Sparkly things (Sweater, shoes, handbag); Rose Gold; Painted Totes. 

(Proceed with at your own risk…this blog now gets rather lengthy)

What Men Want – we know men typically buy things they want, so typically don’t ask for things.  I know this first-hand from Kevin, plus Jason confirmed this for me…However, these are some great gift ideas, provided from my posse:

1.  iPad – again…everyone will Love an iPad!

2.  Electronics, to include, but not limited to:  iPhone; iPod; Bose headphones or ear buds; Garmin GPS; Flatscreen TV.

3.  Things for their car – anything from car washes, to iPhone chargers, to car vacs, to trunk organizers.

4. Luggage – Tumi luggage…lasts a life time.   Costco even carries it.  Less then $200! 

 

5.  New Gym Shoes – but only if they ask, you don’t want to give the impression you want them to “work out”.

6.  Watch – while a personal gift, this can be something you shop for together.  The days of the Gold Rolex President are Long gone!  Watches are more modern, more sleek  and much less expensive.

7.  Tickets to a Sporting Event – may I suggest the Bears v Packers NFC Championship Game?  God-willing, of course. (Not after yesterday’s fiasco).

8.  Clothes – anything North Face; Tie (try the color pink, please); Dress Shirts; Sweatshirt; Belt; Jeans

9.  Tools – Good Craftsman tools!

10.  Gift Certificates Sur La Table (yes, men do cook), Sporting places (Dick’s; Sports Authority; Cabella) ; Nordstrom (yes, Men like Nordstrom as well); Barber.

***Things that are “In” for Men:  Bomber Hats; Puffy Jackets (not the Seinfeld Puffy shirt, either); anything Wireless; Headphones

What Not to Buy!

“Just don’t buy me a sweater.  Wives like to buy men sweaters.  We don’t like that”.  (Mark)

KIDS – this would be its’ own blog, which I will not be doing this year, but what’s new and trendy this year for kids:

Let’s Rock Elmo

Air Swimmers

Angry Birds Wood Game – it’s not just for your iPad or iPhone

I am T-Pain

Fijit Friends

More Unique Holiday Gift Ideas

1.  Go for the Limited Edition:  It doesn’t matter what your friends and family are into, there’s usually a limited edition version that you can get hold of that will make their eyes light up. Think about their favorite perfumes, books or films. Getting a signed poster of their favorite film or a bottle of the champagne they love that only comes out once a year will show them that you pay attention to the things that they enjoy. They might be a little harder to get hold of, but the effort will be rewarded when you see how happy they are to receive it.

2.  Make a Photo Album:  Making a photo book for someone is a great way of creating a unique, inexpensive gift that can be treasured for a lifetime.  Photo books are versatile – you don’t have to stick to a pre conceived format or style. Put your own stamp on it by writing a story and using photos of your friends and family to illustrate it. There are hundreds of ideas that you could choose so take a look around for some inspiration and then get snapping!

3.  Treat them to a Little Luxury:  If they’re the type of person to feel guilty for spending money on themselves then consider buying them something extra special. Pick up some exclusive chocolates, a bottle of champagne or a voucher for a foot massage – anything that you think they would enjoy but wouldn’t buy for themselves. Everybody loves to be indulged and pampered a little, so go all out and make them feel special.

4.  Nostalgia:  Everybody loves a bit of nostalgia so think about buying something retro rather than shiny and new. If your friends were children of the 1980’s then get them a Super Nintendo to game on or the Back To The Future DVD box set.  Stocking fillers like dominos, microcars, Tamigotchis and an Etch A Sketch are guaranteed to make people smile. Pez dispensers, trivial pursuit,  there’s a huge wealth of opportunities to explore so be creative and create a festive trip down memory lane.

5.  The Gift of Time:  Give your cherished one the gift of Your time…Give them a day to do Whatever they want…Eat where they want and when they want…Make it all about them!  And you will reap the rewards!

(Source:  tiptoptens.com)

Whatever you give, if given with a smile, and given from the heart, you can’t go wrong.

Happy Holidays!

xoxo,

T.

Upcoming Blogs:  Wednesday; More Holiday Gifts:  Friday; Ugly Christmas Sweaters.

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Holiday Shopping…My Way!

First and foremost, am I the Only person who is driven Crazy by Christmas Ads and displays in the stores?  I mean, for Pete’s sake..it’s not even Halloween yet!

So…back to the blog… Holiday shopping done my way…and how I keep my sanity.

That’s not really the secret…but, it really doesn’t hurt.

I am usually done with Holiday Shopping by Thanksgiving.  Don’t hate me.  It’s just the way I survive.  Holiday shopping looming over my head drives me nuts, so I try to be efficient, organized, and have most of it done by Thanksgiving.

I handle the holiday shopping 2 ways…what I buy in the stores, and what I buy online. 

I write a list,  check it twice, carry it with me at all times from September on, of who I buy for, and when I find something that I love, I buy it, and cross it off the list.  This works for those on my list, who don’t provide me with a wish list.  It’s important to find items that ”move me”, and when I’m out shopping and see something I think someone will Love, I get it.  I loathe Christmas shopping from Thanksgiving – Christmas Eve. I have friends and relatives who Love shopping the day after Thanksgiving.  I’d rather stick needles in my eyes.   I don’t do well with crowds (unless it’s a Bears game, or a rally for me) so for those items that I need to “browse” for, I do that from September – November.   Easy, painless, and I give myself ample time to fill those lists.

Now “Santa” shopping is a bit trickier, because Santa has to wait for the kids to give him their lists…Let’s say for others who give “me” their lists, here’s what I do.  I check the internet first, for everything on the list.  And then I check it twice.  Most items on these lists can be found online.  And, it’s really easy to track, because you receive a confirmation email.  The boxes can be shipped to your home, or somewhere else…and can be opened when “others” are not present.  And, if you are concerned about shipping costs, (I mean, who isn’t?) you can check out www.couponcabin.com, or retainmenot.com,  for lists of shopping discounts.  Many, many retailers during the holiday season offer free shipping.  Plus, shopping via the internet, you can check to make sure you are getting the lowest possible prices.  And, you aren’t driving to the crazy malls, trying to find parking, and trying to find that specific gift, which you would have gotten online anyway! 

A fatal mistake would be ordering many times, from the same retailer, and paying that $8 or $12 shipping cost more than once.  Make sure when ordering online, you are ordering everything you want from that site/store, to alleviate numerous shipping charges.  And, if something isn’t correct, you can wait till after the holidays to return the item to the store (when it’s not a mad house at the malls), so you don’t have to pay the return shipping fees.

The good news is Patrick doesn’t read my blog, so he won’t kill me for posting this.

The good news is while Meredith may actually read my blog, she’s 5 hours away, so cannot kill me for posting this.

Happy Holidays! (UGH)

xoxo

T.