Thursday, December 3, 2015

Gift Guide: Tulum

Brookelyn Photography Via

She's a free-spirited wild child who has visited the gift guides under other names - The Muse and The Bohemian. We've seen her in Istanbul, but this year she has a new destination in mind.

Naturally beautiful, hedonistic and glamorous in a disheveled sort of way, Tulum is just her style.  Days spent napping in hammocks and snorkeling in cenotes are followed by nights of mezcal and candle-lit beach dinners.

Gift her with things that bring this slice of paradise home to wherever she is.


For the beach, a new spin on the classic terry towel. Roundie Towel from The Beach People.




A mixture of advice and inspiration for her own home. The New Bohemians by Justina Blakeney from Amazon.



For starting to capture Blakeney's style, Pink Abstract Pillow by Casa Amarosa available on Brit & Co

For creating some ambience. Tiny Palo Santo incense and holder from Magpie and Rye.


For days on the beach, Inca Sundress from Soleil Blue.


For nights on the beach, Billie Maxi Dress from Show Me Your Mumu. If she's been really good don't miss the gypsy dream dresses here.

To match the ocean blues, Capri Temple Earrings from Brika.


Or for more cool girl vibes, and assortment of tiny ear cuffs. Try the Circe Cuff from Mr. Kate. Or maybe something with a little more bling?


Because it's much more delicious than tequila.  Mezcal from Mash & Grape (or your corner liquor store)
To go with the mezcal, recycled glass tumblers from Bambeco.



To turn that mezcal into something even more delicious, just add lime (or blood orange). Citrus Hand Juicer from Williams-Sonoma.



For the rare occasions when shoes are required, tie-up gladiators from Elina Linardaki on Etsy. Be sure to check out all of her covetable designs.



If she's a bit more of a minimalist try these traditional Spanish sandals. Avarcas from Pons.




For mermaid-worthy locks, coconut sea salt spray by Herbivore from Fly Away Blue Jay.


For a mermaid-worthy swim, mer-fin from Mahina Mermaid.



Because she's really getting carried away with this mermaid thing, This Mermaid Sweater by Wildfox on Planet Blue.



A delicious after dinner treat almost too pretty to eat, chocolate sacred heart from Alma Chocolate. Be sure to look at their other chocolate icons as well.



From the hottest restaurant in town. Hartwood Cookbook available on Amazon.


In case she's inspired by the cookbook, for more beautiful food prep, Gemstone Cutting Board from Leif.


For no particular reason, a spectacular ring that looks like it's been pulled from the depths. Out of the Sea Ring by Karolina Bik.



The fragrance of Tulum, from cult destination spa, Coqui Coqui. Available at Alder & Co.



Because it's a favorite motif in Mexico, Rose Gold Skull Bracelet from Olive Yew Jewels on Easy.



To stuff in her stocking - for the shower, Kalastyle Modern Wash Soap from Anthropologie, equally appropriate: the coconut variety.



For delightful dinner conversation, and because mystery and intrigue are totally her thing. Fortunes from We are Bread and Jam on Etsy.



Because nothing tastes better on top of avocado toast, Chipotle Chili Salt from The Chili Lab.



For trips to the beach or farmers market a handmade basket tote from Eliza Gran available on Radder.  I also love it in black.


For the flight down, Frida Passport Cover from Shop Latitude.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Gift Guides 2015

Wolfgang Rattay/ Reuters

They're back!

How quickly the last year has blown by. 2015 has been good to us: tons of travel, more fun than we deserve and so many evenings spent with friends and family around a table with plenty of wine love and laughter. It's hard to believe that we're closing in on our seventh year in the nation's capital. This neglected blog was started to chronicle our journey east, then along the way we got married, got big jobs, left big jobs for other jobs, saw parts of the world we never thought we would and started a whole slew of traditions that we share with our beloved community here.

Although our family has taken a small step back from gifting in lieu of enjoying vacations together (hello Tulum!) I still can't stay away from the treasure hunt fun of finding the perfect present for the people I love.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the holiday gift guide - no big plans for celebrating - just the usual attempt to find gifts that are unusual, affordable and shine the light on small businesses whose goods you won't find at the mall. I'll probably suggest socks for most people (I always do) and I'll probably include things that I've forgotten I've listed before (I always do). 

You can look back at the previous guides here and via the index below (I was really ambitious in 2010)- a lot of the ideas found in them are still available today.  Hope you enjoy this year's guide.

2014 Guides
The Jetsetter
The Working Stiff
The Lumbersexual
The Muse
The It Girl

2013 Guides


2010 Guides








Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Gift Guide: The It Girl

Image Via
She's quirky and cute and finding her own way. She might not have it all figured out, but at least she's not basic. Promise she's not basic? 


A quirky beanie that suits her so well.  Holidays Beanie from Asos.

Because it's a good reminder. Beyonce Tee from Tees in the Trap.


To improve the looks of her leftovers and inspire envy among coworkers. Lacquer Bento Lunchbox from Leif.




One of Emily McDowell's empowering prints - to brighten her room and outlook. From Emily McDowell.


A more inclusive friendship necklace for her and eight of her bffs.  Gold Pizza Necklace from Lazy Oaf.

A little robot pouch, for odds and ends, for the love of robots. Small Wristlet from Fossil.

A classic eye palette that's a great alternative to the current cult favorite Naked. Warm Eye Palette from Bobbi Brown.

A collection of sharp, funny essays to continue her education. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay on Amazon.


For putting a cork in it like a champ. Recycled Bowling Trophy Wine Stopper from Scoutmob.

A pretty rad back up battery to ensure her devices are always connected. Powerslayer Kit from Velvetwire.


A candle that promises a a love letter in scent a memory, dusty records, lipstick and feather pillows. From the beloved hip girl shop, Catbird.


Pasta that tastes like bagels. Because carb heaven. Everything Bagel Fusilli by Sfoglini from Mouth.


Because a septum ring is probably a step too far, but an ear jacket, totally her kind of edgy. Bubble Ear Jacket from Olive and Piper.
Dancing shoes. Keds from Zappos.

A winter weather basic with a great slouchy shape available in dozens of dazzling hues. Tilly Sweater from J Crew.


Elevate her at home cocktail game with foolproof delicious mixers. The hottest bar in town: her living room. Mixers from Bittermilk.

Fancy pants glasses for all of those fancy pants cocktails. Mixed Cut Double Old-Fashioned Glasses from Williams Sonoma.
Finally a clever calendar in a special 10 year anniversary edition featuring favorite monthly phrases from throughout its existence. 2015 Calendar from Cats Let Nothing Darken Their Roar.


Monday, December 15, 2014

Gift Guide: The Muse

Image Via
For the freest spirit you know. The modern hippie chick with a gypsy soul. Spoil her exotic tastes with color, flavor and just a little bit of wierdness.



A brightly colored towel to add a splash of something exotic to her bathroom. Pendelton Bright River Towel from Urban Outfitters


A set of mini-journals to correspond with the phases of the moon and the phases of her feelings. Moon River Journal Set from Anthropologie.

According to its description, a 'raw unorthodox fragrance for men or women' sounds like just her thing. Because she's like that. Marrakech Intense Eau de Toilette from Aesop.


A customized address stamp featuring her spirit animal. Note, there are several choices of spirit animal available. Home on the Range Stamp from Sycamore Street Press.


To give her hair a more ethereal hue. Semipermanent color-depositing conditioners in a rainbow of tints. Not sure which to pick? Give her a sample set. From Overtone.


A remarkable ring. For healing crystal powers...and looks. Amethyst Mountain Ring from Luxdevine on Etsy.


Because it's absolutely delicious and she'll want to stay wrapped in it all winter. Luxe Faux Fur Throw from Restoration Hardware.


For reading fortunes, predicting futures and tasting teas. Tea Leaf Reading Kit from Uncommon Goods


A kimono. For drama. Ikat Kimono from Free People.


An assortment of exotic flavors to liven up her weeknight meals. Devil's Dynamite Curry Paste Collection from Not on the High Street.
A clip-on septum ring. Because you know she could rock it. Dowry Nose Ring from Child of Wild.


Warm and shimmering color for cheeks and lips encased in a seashell. A pretty addition to her purse or bathroom counter. Seashell Compact from Duwop


For adorning her from head to toe. Because the best kind of temporary tattoos are gold and silver from Flash Tattoos.


Cozy booties for Christmas morning and beyond. Lilka Pommed Booties from Anthropologie.


Designer incense that's worlds away from the dorm room varieties.  Available in a variety of tempting  fragrances. Incense Pyres from Blackbird.

A beautiful organic bottle. For her bag or bedside. S'well Wood Water Bottle from Leif.


An essential tool for perfecting that sultry smoky eye. Original Creamy Kohl Eyeliner by Guerlain from Sephora.


A yoga mat to ensure she stands out during her Saturday AM class. Magic Carpet Yoga Mat.


A coffee table book filled with inspiration: Gypsy + Jet Set = Gypset. Look for editions on living and travel as well. Gypset Style from Amazon.