THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERY WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE

This year we thought instead of coming up with a generic list of gift giving ideas we would capitalize on the rich variety of women we have on our staff and have them share a few of their favorite things that would make perfect gifts for women with their unique areas of interest.

GIFT GUIDE FOR FOOD LOVERS

Lauren who joined us in 2015 has studied at the Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy and worked in the restaurant industry as a chef; once the reality of the rigors of the restaurant business set-in she decided to switch gears and leave the culinary creativity for home. She offered up her gift suggestions that even the novice home chef or food lover will be delighted to receive.

ART INSPIRED CUSTOM KNIVES:

This item is definitely a splurge, each knife is handmade and designed not only to work well but to be a work of art in and of itself. This is a dream gift for me but I have added it to my list for Santa.

Middleton Knives

THE WINE WAND:Generally, if you love food you love wine; this rule definitely applies to me but I hate dealing with the allergic reaction I can sometimes have to sulfites and histamines in wine, a headache and stuffy nose can really rob this indulgence of its enjoyment. The Wine Wand allows you to enjoy your favorite wine with no down-side. This amazing filter aerates the wine, absorbs histamines and removes sulfites so you can enjoy every glass with no regrets. Pure genius!

Wine Wand

HEIRLOOM CUTTING BOARD:

This item is also on the pricey side but I feel so inspired by its beauty every time I use it, definitely worth the splurge.

Heirloom Cutting Board

MCCONNELL’S ICE CREAM PINT-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB:

Even the most experienced chef or home cook really doesn’t want to go through the effort to make ice cream, so this is the perfect treat. McConnell’s makes all of their ice cream in small batches with raw unpasteurized grass-grazed cows. All of their gourmet blends include raw, local, sustainable, organic ingredients.

Pint of The Month Club

STRAPLESS MAXI DRESS:
One of the most important things when I am in the kitchen prepping food or entertaining guests is to look good and be comfortable. I love this simple strapless maxi dress by Hale Bob; I can move around easily, no worrying about flashing someone if I have to bend over to take something out of the oven and there is plenty of room if I decide to have a second helping of dessert.

Braxton Maxi Dress

SEXY LINGERIE:

I like getting something personal and feminine from my significant other that makes me feel like I am still his babe. Personally I love wearing sexy lingerie under everything, even jeans and a sweatshirt, It just makes me feel like a woman.

Adore Me Noreh Bra and Panties

 

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE OUTDOORSY WOMAN

Alexis is the outdoors woman of the group. When she is not working she spends her time training horses and teaching horse back riding lessons to the youth in her area. Here are a few of her favorite things.

SMITH OPTICS SERPICO SUNGLASSES:
I am always in need of new sunglasses. Being outside all the time means lots of sun protection. I have had several pairs of these glasses they fit good and they last. A definite favorite.

Serpico Sunglasses

CUSTOM COWGIRL HAT:

Cowgirls For Christ is a company I discovered last year at Cowboy Christmas. I got one of these last year and I absolutely love it. It provides great shade from the sun, fits great and is unique to me.

BOGS RAIN/SNOW BOOTS:
I spend a lot of time in the mud and snow, a good pair of boots goes a long way. I love these because there are not laces so they are easy to slip on and off. They are dry, warm and cute; of course it is important to look cute even if you are cleaning out stalls.

Bogs Plaid Boots

STRETCH PONTE LEGGINGS:

Let me just say, I love leggings! They are so comfortable and easy to move around in, you can dress them up or down, they fit nicely inside of a pair of riding boots and can be worn as riding britches. The Ponte fabric on these keeps them from stretching out so they hold their shape.

Ponte Leggings

CLASSIC COMFORTABLE UNDIES:

Okay, so I know undies for Christmas is not usually high on the list or is the classic gift from grandma no, no but when they are this cute I think any woman would be happy to receive them.

Adore Me Rosalia Bralette and Panty

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE WORKING MOM

Hannah is our working mom in the group. As all working mom’s know finding the right work life balance is challenging to say the least. Below is her wish list this year. Oh hubby, are you listening?

SEND A MEAL:

This company delivers gourmet meals right to your door. Having dinner covered every once in a while is at the top of my list for gifts I would love to receive because that means when the kiddos get home from school I could actually give them my undivided attention with homework or play a board game.

Send A Meal

PORTABLE PHOTO PRINTER:

I love capturing moments on my phone but never get those photos printed and they end up staying in this supposedly smartphone instead of on my wall, so a photo printer that can print image directly from the phone is the perfect solution. Not to mention when we are at Grandma and Grandpa’s house I can live them with a printed photo of the kids on the spot.

Sprocket Photo Printer

HOME THERAPY:
No not the psychological kind but I have to admit some days I feel like I need that as well. Some evenings I just need to wind down and I feel bad even thinking about going to the spa so this home spa retreat set is my choice, it definitely helps me keep my sanity.

Invigorating Retreat

CHARM BRACELET:

I’m sentimental but not to big on crazy knick knack’s to remind me of special times with my family (dusting is not my favorite chore). Solution, I’ve always loved charm bracelets but have never felt great about purchasing one for myself because I’ve always felt that something like that should be a gift.
Bracelet
Charms

LEATHER EMBOSSED SWEATSHIRT:

I like being fashionable but with kids acticality and comfort normally come first, I love this sweatshirt because it is comfortable and the leather detail gives it that fashionable edge so I can wear it without looking frumpy.

Alma Embossed Sweatshirt
LUXURIOUS JAMMIES:

With kids around lingerie is not really practical but I still want to feel feminine and sexy in a toned down sort of way, of course. I love this Adore Me Fallon knit jogger set, it is comfortable but still makes me feel really feminine.

Adore Me Fallon Jogger Set

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE STUDENT

Brittany is our student, still in the process of growing her young mind and deciding which PHD she is going to pursue. But she definitely knows her own mind when it comes to the perfect Christmas gift. Here are her selections.

BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH-CLUB:

I love to read. I strongly believe that by reading regularly it keeps your mind fluid and very imaginative. Whether random articles about the fluctuation of bird populations in the Northwest of the United States, fun tips on how to be more energetic every day or a great mystery novel; you can never go wrong getting me a book. I love this book of the month club because you pick the genre and your interest and then a knew literary adventure shows up at your door once a month.

Book of The Month Club

FASHIONABLE SNUGGIE:
What better to cover up under while you’re studying or reading than a One Piece? Especially when you are forced to sit at a desk, a One Piece is a sure way to keep your entire body warm and still have easy arm access. This is totally what I look like at my desk, LOL.

One Piece Onesie

PIZZA CUTTING PROTRACTOR:

I am sure this is an amazing two-fer that is definitely a students dream!

Pizza Cutting Protractor

WACKY COFFEE MUGS:

When I’m cuddled up at home I like to have coffee and it’s always nice having some sort of wacky mug to remind me of home. Another favorite; travel mugs they make staying awake during class a lot easier.

Wacky Mugs

THE PERFECT SWEATSHIRT:

 

Draped Sweatshirt

Cutout Shoulders

This sweatshirt by Liberty Garden is perfect to wear to class or at home studying. You can look stylish while also being comfortable.

COMFY SLEEPWEAR:

I can always use another pair of adorable PJ’s.

Adore Me Nicoletta Jammies

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE TRADITIONALIST

Ashley is our traditionalist of the group, she loves all things feminine, tailored and luxurious. Here is her Christmas Wish List.

CASHMERE INDULGENCE:
My Christmas List indulgence this year is a 100% Pure Cashmere Hat, Glove, Scarf set from Fisher’s Finery. I love Pure Cashmere; it is so soft and warm it gives you that sense of being snuggled up by the fire every time you put it on.

Cashmere Winter Set

AURA CONNECTED ALARM CLOCK:

What I’m dreaming of for Christmas is a good night’s sleep, so on my Christmas List is the Aura Connected Alarm Clock. This little gadget provides the right light waves to promote a relaxing environment to induce sleep, along with sounds that can help soothe you to sleep. It can also be customized to your light and music preferences for a gentle wake-up experience.

Aura Connected Alarm Clock

MASSAGE ENVY GIFT CARD:
One of the bests gifts I ever received was a massage. I had never done anything to pamper myself before and this was a novelty that I always considered outside my usual time and expense. However, once I did take advantage of this amazing gift, I was completely hooked. Thereafter, I made time and set aside the finance to make this special occasion part of my routine every few months. Each time I went in for pampering I felt more and more rested. An added perk is that I got to develop a friendship with my massage therapist.

Massage Envy

RUFFLE NECK BLOUSE:

There is a revival of the ruffle neck blouse and my Christmas List is not immune to its attraction. I am in love with this trend as it lends femininity to what is usually a stiff, buttoned down tradition. So this year I am wishing for Ann Taylor’s Tie Neck Ruffle.

Tie Neck Ruffled Blouse

JACQUARD KNIT DRESS:

This Hale Bob dress perfect for any occasion, it’s flattering, demure and a great transition piece.

Morgan Jacquard Knit Dress

TAILORED PAJAMA’S

I confess, I am even traditional when it comes to P.J.’s. I love these because they are so soft and comfy; and honestly I think leaving something up to the imagination can be very sexy.

Adore Me Matilda Pajama Set

 

Well there you have it, some advice from the girl’s on  our staff here at Posh At Play. We hope you have found there suggestions helpful and will have some very pleased recipients of your generosity this Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

STRESS LESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” or so Andy Williams would have us believe in that much loved Christmas carol, at least it is supposed to be, so what simple things can we do to make sure the sentiments from this legendary Christmas song actually become our reality? I want to experience Christmas this year without all of the frantic stress and tension that so often come along with this holiday and rob me of the “spirit of the season” leave me feeling jaded instead of jolly. We assembled some tips for reducing stress that don’t require any unrealistic commitments of your time, which there already is not enough of, but rather can be incorporated into the to do list you already have attached to your schedule.

1. Take Time For A Simple Act Of Kindness

While you are rushing around finishing up last minute details, stop and open a door for someone,  bring back coffee for a co-worker or spouse, let someone who looks “really stressed” go ahead of you in line. These are simple things that studies show actually reduce your stress level.

2. Take In The Sights, Sounds and Smells Of The Season

Instead of stressing out over getting that last parking spot close to the door, intentionally park far away; use this as an opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise, relish the invigoration of the crisp winter air as it touches your cheeks, listen to the enchanting sound of the salvation army santa’s bells or christmas music surrounding you, observe the beauty of the decorated lampposts and sparkling lights. Breathe in the smell of fresh pine trees as you pass by the Christmas tree lots. Being mindful of and enjoying your surroundings immediately lowers your blood pressure and reduces stress.

3. Wrap It Up

Make gift wrapping an event. Plan a movie excursion for hubby and kids, make yourself your favorite beverage; hot chocolate, tea, coffee with a little baileys maybe, put on your favorite holiday music, sit by the fire, have all of your wrapping tools out and organized and enjoy wrapping each gift with attention to detail. This time to focus on one task will put your mind at rest and the tension of the day will just melt away.

4. Take Note

Pick a handful of people who have had a special impact on your life this year and take a few minutes at the beginning or end of your day to actually write them a personal thank you note/Christmas Greeting expressing how they blessed your life in 2016. Expressing gratitude makes you feel mentally stronger and reduces frustration and irritability.

5. Establish New Traditions That Suit Your Lifestyle

Most of the stress we experience in our lives is tied into expectations we are striving to live up to. A belief that events SHOULD be executed in a certain way. Forget the should surrounding where you should go, what you should do, how you should celebrate, who you should get a gift for; lose the expectations you normally place on yourself and instead be open to establishing new traditions that fit into the lifestyle of you and your family.  This time of year is all about enjoying and sharing with the ones we love; instead of the full Christmas dinner perhaps a tapas style presentation of a few simple hot hor d’oueves & cocktails or soup and salad bar would be just as fun and give everyone a chance to mill around visit and enjoy one another instead of being relegated to an assigned seat at the table. Agree to just one gift per person, draw names. Decorate a tree outside in the yard with lights and ornaments instead of making a mess inside. Celebrate with different parts of the family different days or host an open house where people can drop by whenever they have time. Participate in a santa run for charity which will eliminate any arguments over whose house you have to visit at what time.

Remember to live in the moment. Don’t miss the magic of the season, embrace the additional to do’s and events it added to your schedule as a welcome change, step out of the mundane for awhile, find that spark of childhood wonder where the world is full of hope, excitement, and all things good.

 

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS OLD AND NEW

  

With the Holidays right around the corner, we here at Posh at Play are getting into the Holiday Traditions, both old and new. The Holidays are great time to reflex and reflect on not only the past year, but also the new year to come. It’s a time of giving and sharing, and a time to reflect on how and why we do the things we do. What are the Holiday Traditions that bring us “home” every year, and what are the new Traditions to investigate to make each holiday season special and unique? We want to hear from you our readers. What are some of your favorite “must-have” Holiday Traditions and what are some new Traditions you would like to try this Season? To give you a head start, we’ve gathered a list of Old and New Holiday Traditions we love. Take a look and let us know what you think.

     

ADVENT OR ELF ON THE SHELF?

A much loved Holiday Tradition for young and old alike is counting down the days until Christmas Day. A favorite is the Advent calendar, tracing back to19th Century Britian, with the first known published Advent calendar produced in 1851. One door, featuring a Christmas image or small present, is opened per day starting December 1st, and continuing  through the 24 days of December, building anticipation and excitement for Christmas Day. We love the beautiful selection of Advent calendars found at Byers’ Choice Lmt. A newer Holiday Tradition many are embracing is the “Elf on the Shelf,” a tiny Elf doll who is sent from Santa starting December 1st to monitor good behavior each day of the month. Each night, the Elf flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa all he has seen and heard and “reappears” in a new hiding place each day. The fun is to find where the Elf may be hiding each new day. Which countdown to Christmas do you prefer?

REAL OR ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE?

A winter tradition going all the way back to the Egyptian times, decorating with a tree during winter symbolizes the hope for Spring ahead. Right after the Pumpkin Patches start disappearing after Halloween night, the stands start stocking up their lots with a variety of real Christmas pine trees. A much loved Holiday Tradition is to pack into the car and shop for a Christmas Tree at the local stand a few days before Christmas. With the fresh smell of pine, a real Christmas Tree warms the home instantly. Some, however, prefer the easy-does-it set up of a pre-lit artificial Tree, for easy set up and take down. Artificial Trees are also suitable for those allergic to pine trees or those who love to decorate early for the holiday. We love the beautifully realistic artificial Christmas trees at Balsam Hill in a variety of sizes and styles. Which do you prefer? Real or artificial?

       

TRADITIONAL OR THEMED HOLIDAY COLORS?

Red and green, the traditional colors of the Holidays, harken back to the Roman times when wreaths made of holly and ivy were given as gifts, looking forward to the promise of Spring ahead. Today, many still decorate homes, offices, and buildings with the traditional colors of Christmas from wreaths, to Christmas trees, to table settings. However, a current trend is to decorate around a Winter Theme, from “Frozen,” to Candy Cane Lane, to Winter Wonderland, complete with ornaments and decorations surrounding each specific theme. What is your favorite decorating Holiday theme?

  TRADITIONAL OR MODERN CHRISTMAS TREE?

A favorite Holiday Tradition is the the iconic Christmas tree. Decorated with ornaments and lights, the real or artificial pine Christmas tree is seen all over the cities from homes to offices to schools to stores. Many love to host a “Christmas Decorating” party in which guests help decorate the pine tree  over socializing and snacks. A newer modern Holiday Tradition is using tree branches, lights, or other creative ideas to form a “Christmas tree” shape made out of other materials. Some even use the “Charlie Brown Christmas tree” with one lone red ornament and a tree branch as the centerpiece of the Holiday Tree. Do you decorate with a Christmas tree or go the modern route?

 

CHRISTMAS DINNER OR CHRISTMAS MOVIE ON CHRISTMAS DAY?

On Christmas Day, a favorite Holiday Tradition is to wake up early, open Christmas presents, and then prepare for a big Holiday Christmas dinner with family and friends, enjoying spending time with loved ones over a feast of wonderfully prepared food and drinks. Check out the delicious and easy Christmas meal ideas at Food & Wine. In recent years, “family” has come to not only include relatives but friends, extended family, or those with no family to go to over the holidays lending to new Christmas Day traditions including going to see a movie on Christmas Day, as well as other festive activities like shopping, going out to a restaurant, or site seeing. Film companies often release their year’s top hits into theaters on Christmas Day. Check out IMDB’s film releases for Christmas Day and choose which flick you will want to enjoy.  How will you celebrate this year, with a big home cooked meal or try something new and unique, but just as festive?

  

BING CROSBY OR IDINA MENZEL?

A great Holiday Tradition is holiday music blasting through the home and car all Season long, making things merry and bright. There are so many wonderful Christmas and Holiday albums worth enjoying throughout the Holidays. Enjoy old classics like Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” for a good old fashioned Christmas season, or go modern and pick up Broadway star Idina Menzel’s “Holiday Wishes” filled with updated versions of all the holiday classics. Which one will most likely be filling your home this Season?

  

HOMEMADE GIFTS OR STORE BOUGHT GIFTS?

Traditionally, all presents used to be handmade toys, cookies, soaps, and woodcrafts that friends and family would spend time working on and keeping a secret from their loved ones until Christmas Day dawned. The holidays have since turned into a haze of shopping madness with stores pushing to buy more, more, more. This season, consider crafting your own homemade lotion, soap, cookie recipe, or other creative ideas found at Buy Nothing Christmas. If you do decide to buy your gifts at the store, thinking creatively, not expensively. Think from the heart and choose a gift that will mean something from you to them. Whichever way you choose to give gifts this year, remember the reason for the season.

      

OLD FASHIONED SLEIGH RIDE OR ICE SKATING?

For a festive winter out, couples used to wrap in a cozy wool blanket, cuddle together, and take a ride in the sleigh, enjoying each other and the crisp winter weather. Some climates still allow for an “old fashioned” sleigh ride through the wintery white snow just like days of old. Instead of complaining about the frosty winter weather, consider enjoying a ride through the snow. A more modern twist is enjoying a skate for two, or gather the entire gang for a glide around the rink. Many cities today set up outdoor skating rinks during the winter season in the downtown areas. Check your local city for details and enjoy some fresh Winter Wonderland. Which festive Winter activity do you find most appealing?

Holiday Traditions old and new are always a fun, festive part of the Holidays. Traditions warm our hearts and bring joy and cheer to end the year on a happy and thoughtful note as excitement builds for a fresh, new year to come. Whether you prefer old traditions like Christmas trees and handmade gifts, or new traditions like seeing a movie on Christmas or listening to Idina Menzel, make traditions a part of your festive holidays. We’d love to hear YOUR ideas on what the holidays mean to YOU. What are YOUR favorite Holiday Traditions from the ones we’ve listed? What Holiday Traditions do YOU love best?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM POSH AT PLAY.