It's the Thought that Counts-Really!!

 I know! I know! The clock is ticking...you cannot find a parking space...every store is out of wrapping paper and scotch tape...everything looks picked over and depressing...the check out line is out in the snowbanks...you cannot find the size you want... and you need an Advil! STOP...Close your eyes, and BREATHE! Now slowly open them and take a hard look at what you have in your hand and ask yourself 3 questions..."Do I like this?" " Would I want to receive this?" "Does this say Thank you...I Care...Happy Holidays, or does it just say I need to get this done"????...take a sec and give it some thought!

My philosophy about Gift Giving has always been ..."Think Before You Wrap!" It is easy in the Holiday crazies, especially as THE day gets closer, to "just do it", to buy ANYTHING to be done. I really do believe that it is better to give nothing, or to just send a card, than to give a mindless or useless gift that will end up in the bottom of a drawer or worse a trash bag...how wasteful and really how insulting. How do you feel when you open a thoughtless gift?

Now more than ever when gift giving means pulling out that over used piece of plastic we all need to STOP, slow down and THINK!!

Now I can fill a shopping bag better than anyone,and I definitely get caught up in the "just one more gift" crazies or the "one for him, three for me" routine, but sometimes the care gets lost at the bottom of the bag.

We live in an overly consumed consumer age...and clearly it has taken its toll, and we all are paying the price. I have found myself of late popping in and out of stores thinking "why is all this stuff here"...so much out there that is just "stuff". Where is the Wonderful? Where is the Beautiful? Where is the Special...?? If I see one more box of peppermint bark...well let's hope I don't!

Now,I am NOT saying Don't Shop... My Gosh! I would be put to bed if that ever happened! What I am saying is- Shop Smart, Shop Carefully, Shop with your Heart and your Head. Put some thought into it! Care about the money you are spending, and care about the gift you are giving! Here are some ideas for thoughtful giving this year...

1. Again, THINK! Is it something that fits the recipient or is it just a box to wrap and give and be done with it?

2. Be creative in your shopping and your giving. What would that person like that they would not necessarily go out and buy...that is always a good path to go down. You do not have to spend a lot to show you have thought about them!

-Fill a bag with their favorite childhood treat-Mallomars,Cracker Jack,Twizzlers...
-Give a subscription to a great magazine-there are deals as low as $5 a year!
-Wrap up a few spring bulbs to be forced this winter or some seed packets
-Tie a bow on a bag of gourmet popcorn and two movie tickets
-Give a Special Day-plan a visit to a museum,the zoo, lunch, a picnic...
-Scoop up last minute/bargain tickets to a show,the ballet or a concert
-Give a Day at the Game, buy tickets to your team's minor league club for the upcoming season.
-Wrap up a Download certificate for their iPod

3. If spending is just not a good idea this year you can still put some thought into a Gift...

-Create a picture album filled with pictures from a special trip,event,occasion
-Print out Gift Certificates offering your services babysitting or dog sitting
-Create Special Day certificates telling them they can do whatever they wish on one special day. You can drive them around, run errands for them, do the laundry, walk the dog...
-Give a favorite book that you treasure off your shelf and write a note telling them why you love it.
-Knit them a quick one skein scarf
-Bake their favorite cookie
-Send them A Thank You note letting them know how important they are in your life-put a ribbon on it!

4. Finally, and most especially, if you can't think of anything or find anything...then Give!!! This is a very tough year for non profit organizations and their resources are strained to the breaking point as the need for their services is at an all time high...GIVE!! when you GIVE! Visit Pearls of Grace for wonderful ideas and organizations.  You will truly be giving a gift that shows you care! Visit Redefine Christmas and Changing the Present and Wrap Up the Holidays in a better way!

Mother's Day In the Bag

Do you remember the cards and gifts you made at school for your Mom each May? Make a bet she still has all of them!! Can the same be said for the gifts you have given to her in recent years? Mother's Day is a BIG Shopping Bag challenge, after all this is the woman you owe EVERYTHING to..no pressure!

You can send flowers and do brunch and she will be happy no question...unless of course the flowers arrive wilted and the eggs benedict are cold. Chances are your Mom does not shop for herself for special things very often-now, that's where you come in! Here are some favorite spots to help you make it happen...

1. Pierre Deux Sure they do fabric and wallpaper that everyone has tried to copy, but Pierre Deux also has wonderful accessories-picture frames,lavender sachets, and the reason I love to wander through Pierre Deux-their wonderful bags!! My Mom and I have both carried the Petit Voyage style for as long as I can remember, Pierre Deux on Newbury St in Boston would make them to order and I loved picking out the fabrics and trim for my bags. I rarely head out for a weekend without their Weekender. Now I am a fan of the newer Metro Tote available in a couple of sizes. Can't miss with the great toiles and this striped tote is coming home with me! If you are fortunate enough to have a Pierre Deux in your area-go! The website does not have hardly any of the fabrics for the bags so go play if you can.

2. The Sundance Catalogue Ok I will always love Robert Redford-can you say no to Hubble Gardner?? We know his dedication to the enviornment and his Sundance Institute but have you shopped with him? Of course I like the two strand pearl love token necklace!

3. The Source Perrier is one of my favorite places to visit and play but not necessarily for gift ideas unless I need a hostess gift. I did find this lovely tray for a desk or bedside that fits Mum perfectly.

4.Garnet Hill is always clean, fresh and soft. All natural fibers were the mainstay of Garnet Hill from the start. You can do the traditional and sweet with a lace trimmed robe. If Mum gardens Garnet Hill has snuggy Foxgloves . I love the Teardrop Necklaces from Chan Luu, like gumdrops on a cord. Or an Eileen Fisher throw...or my favorite Hadley Pollett belt!!

5. We have a local shop that is doing terrific bags that go everywhere and do everything. Made from oilcloth Flee Bags are the PERFECT bags that endure any Mom's day. Practical styles coupled with fun fabrics that trust me can weather it all-how about a winter in Boston! I love the Signature Flee but be sure to check out the Day Flee and the Stowaway Flee which also makes a great Diaper Bag complete with changing pad. Remember Oil Cloth just wipes clean which is why the Hanging Cosmetic bag is a must.

6. You should pamper Mom, and yourself, everyday but especially this time of year-have you looked at your toes?- are they ready for summer? Make an appointment at your favorite salon or spa for a Mother Daughter afternoon, or give Mom a manicure a week for a year. Did you know that Jo Malone started as a skin care line?? She is known here for her wonderful fragrances, and there are some great gift sets that are perfectly put together,but in London her skin care is famous so give that a try too . Speaking of skin care , Liz Earle is a wonder, the best cleanser for all skin. Her naturally active ingredients from botanicals are simple, clean , and they work.

7. There are Moms all over the world for whom Mother's Day cannot be about cards and flowers. Their day is about survival and the survival of their children. Give Mom a caring gift...make a donation to these organizations working to change women's lives.

http://www.womenforwomen.org/

http://www.globalfundforwomen.org/cms/

http://www.dressforsuccess.org/

http://www.beyondthe11th.org/

http://www.rosies.org/

OK... tie it all with a perfect bow, go get your crayons and make your Mom a card!