Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Do you Kiss Hello?

Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Joe always tackles the best topics and I'm curious about this one myself.

I remember when I was a dorky teen visiting New Orleans I was taken under the wing of my friend Jimbo. Jimbo was WAY cooler than me and had quite possibly the most awesome group of friends. Nobody judged me for being a nerd from Asheville, they just all took me to The Boot and Fat Harry's for my first Nola bar experiences.


All the New Orleans kids kissed each other hello. This was over NYE so it wasn't just the season, they did this every time they saw each other. I was fascinated by these mature hip teens and vowed I was going to carry the tradition up to Asheville. But I didn't.

Several of the husbands of my friends also kiss hello. I always feel like a goober b/c I'm so short so I turn my head and poor things end up kissing my ear. I'm sorry! It was a huge difference when we went to visit M's family in Switzerland and they kiss 3 times! But since EVERYONE does it over there it was no big deal and it was already a habit after a week.



I went to a party this weekend and met one of my friend's friends and at the end of the night she gave me a kiss goodbye.(On the cheek guys) It was so endearing and sweet and it had me thinking, this one tiny gesture can make someone feel so loved. I don't think we kiss enough. All my parents friends have always kissed me on the cheek, should I start kissing my friends kids?

The one that really got me was a sweet friend brought over an AMAZING lasagna the day after I got out of the hospital. I was pretty weak and didn't even move off the couch and on her way out she kissed me on the forehead and told me she loved me. How am I so lucky to have such loving friends? This meant so much to me and it was probably a typical gesture on her behalf but it got me thinking... If I'm such a friendly outgoing person why don't I do more of this? I love my friends and think the world of them. I think its time to spread the love!

I mean, if Football players can do it, I think we all should!

 What do you think? Do you kiss people hello? If there is anything this world needs right now its more love. Watch out this Christmas and New Years....I'm on a smooch greeting frenzy! And if you don't want to actually make contact, you can always air*kiss a-la Hillary.

xoxo
(Joanna also posted about the xoxo here)

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

What Men Actually Need (And what they dream about) for Christmas

The Men I emailed were actually pretty practical when it came to what they need. One of the big requests was more free time (as shown by the lovely Jon Hamm).

Need Gifts
Love & Affection. Get a dog! haha, just kidding
Pancake Spatula. Here is an Olive Wood one for $5.99. Only you RM.

Here is one that works overtime! For Pancakes and Omelettes! How exciting! $6.95
Truefitt and Hill Shaving set $159. If this would make M shave I would be all for it!


Cole Haan Air Carter Dress Shoes $178. Two different guys requested these so ladies start shopping!
Dream Gift
. All the guys I emailed were Dads so on top of needing some free time, they would also love a trip with the wife (sans kids!). My friend JE put it best, "Week with wife at some place awesome where we can act like we don't have kids or responsibilities." I think we ALL need a week like that.  I would love to go to any of these places! 

Slip away to your very own private and luxury spa hotel in South Carolina. Nestled between picture-perfect waterfronts and tranquil forests, our 50 Cottages and Cottage Suites are beautifully appointed with residential touches, designed in classic Southern style. Every choice is an escape at its most exquisite, so step inside and be greeted by vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, decadent baths and verandas with dramatic views.





Blackberry Farm Walland, TN
Whether you select the intimate charm of an Estate Room, the legendary elegance of a spacious Singing Brook, Farmstead Cottage, Holly Glade Suite or luxurious comforts of a Hill Cottage, Blackberry Farm's accommodations offer a haven of carefree comfort. From heavenly feather beds adorned with sumptuous linens to plush robes and luxurious amenities, your accommodations reflect a meticulous attention to detail.






Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada, FL
With one of most beautiful and secluded private beaches in Florida, Cheeca Lodge is an exhilarating tropical playground. From tennis and golf, the lavish Spa at Cheeca, and fishing off the end of the 525-foot pier to snoozing in a hammock on the beach, how best to relax is entirely up to you.





Aston Martin. How very 007 of you CF! Where would the Car seat go?

Rolex Explorer 2. $7,950. Maybe for your 50th MF!

$50K. Yep, I think we all would love that.

NetJets, to get to all of our trips right? I did have the opportunity to fly NetJets once and I couldn't believe how easy it was. Walk right up to the plane and sit in your seat with a catered lunch and Fiji water. My jaw was on the floor. 

And last but not least, a trip here with M and my Dad would seal the deal this Christmas!

Friday, December 14, 2012

Charleston Farmer's Market-Last Weekend!


When I was in Charleston in November we went out to the Charleston Farmer's Market in Marion Square. I have always loved a good farmer's market. My Mom and I went every Saturday to the Hendersonville Market to see Nancy Ball for her gorgeous flowers. Mom would stock up on whatever was in season and then take me to McFarlan's bakery for sweets!

The Charleston Farmer's Market had so many great vendors I will let the photos do the talking! This Saturday and Sunday is the last weekend of the year for the Market! You can find tons of great Christmas gift ideas here and support local business!!!!

My Godson and sweet little shopping buddy

Liz at Urbane Baby has the BEST baby gifts! These burp cloths are backed with a thick textured cotton so it doesn't slip right off your shoulder!

Erin gave me one of these diaper and wipe cases and it is always in my purse! It can hold 2-3 diapers and a small sleeve of wipes. Much cuter than good ole' Pampers sticking out of your purse!

Veggies & Flowers

You also MUST visit the Charleston Soap Chef!!! My friend Erin is good friends with Jeanine Gantt and she is absolutely the sweetest!

I am in love with the Sweet Grass Body Butter. It has the most clean scent, I should have bought more!

Shrimp plant...who knew!

Love these candles

Cute soda shop boys

Erin, I owe you flowers!

Yes, I ate Beignets...yes I was covered in powder sugar.

Great Shirt!



Izzy Dog got a few of these Gourmet Dog Treats


These reclaimed wood mirrors were gorgeous. I could have bought several.


The same guy also makes these Oyster Christmas Trees!

Please head to the Farmer's Market this Saturday! Bundle up and finish your Christmas shopping!
xoxo
**Men's Gift List finale coming tomorrow!