February is for Lovin'

If I had to make a Valentine's Day wish list, it would go something like this...

1. This dress. Nothing like a fancy dress for a romantic dinner out. // 2. A red lamp. I have plans...that require mood lighting, apparently. // 3. This lipstick. Well...more of it actually. It's my new favourite! // 4. Love poems. To read aloud. Wink.// 5. Some Noodler's Ink. I'm thinking a bright red would be perfect for writing some love poems of my own. Double wink. // 6. Everlane cashmere sweater. Because, well...cashmere. // 7. Everything's Coming Up Millhouse tee. Just because.

Yes, I realize Valentine's Day is a ridiculous, made up holiday for the greeting card, chocolate, and diamond companies, but it's still fun to celebrate LOVE and COMPANIONSHIP and TOGETHERNESS.

But really, we should be doing that everyday any way...right?
With or without gifts...right?! (wink)

later loves

Christmas Shopping for a Dapper Gentleman

1 // A sharp jacket. Elbow patches make me weak in the knees, boy howdy. A blazer like this is perfect for a date night out to a fancy restaurant or a simple movie. I think every gentleman needs a nice jacket in his closet. It's a necessity! It's a handsome, delicious necessity!

2 // Wooden lapel flowers. With the Fancy-Dress Party season upon us, why not buy him something unique and fabulous that he can add to his suit for some debonair flavour-flave? (yes...you read that right...I'm a dork remember?!) Heck, I kind of want one of these for myself!

3 // Sweet Vinyl. Yes, I know it is very hipster of me to suggest buying a record album, but shuttup! Records are awesome! And Beck is even more awesome...yesiree.

4 // Ummm....yep! Yes, I realize I have a pic of some sassy underpants up there, but hear me out. These underpants aren't your regular, run-of-the-mill ones. They are fancy and have technology and we all know how much guys love their technology. They think it's romantic to buy you nice underpants, so why not return the favour? Please note: this gift is probably not appropriate for your Dad, Grandpa, Brother or Uncle(s). Unless it is, and then who am I to judge?!

5 // A knife. We got a fancy knife earlier this year, and while I made fun of it (who knew one knife could cost so much?!) I absolutely adore it now and never cut anything without it. Even if your guy isn't a whiz in the kitchen, a sharp chef's knife may at least get him eating more vegetables or helping out a little!

6 // Alcohol...not pictured, but you can imagine... Yes, I realize that not every gentleman is a drinker, but most enjoy imbibing in the spirits every now and again. Is he a scotch drinker who might like to try something new? Or a beer man, who likes craft brews and keeps a bottle collection of his recent favourites? Whichever he is, I am sure he would appreciate a bottle of something under the tree. And if you're not sure which direction to take, ask the experts for a suggestion at your local fancy liquor store.

This list could go on and on. And on and on! But I will leave you there. I hope you spoil the Dapper Gentleman in your life this Christmas. And that he spoils you in return!

later loves

Christmas Shopping for a Geek

Do you have any geeks on your Christmas list? Or are you perhaps a geek that would like to give some simple ideas to the non-geeks in your life? Think Geek, Chapters, Etsy and Threadless are all great places to start shopping for your geek...or yourself...wink!

1 // Spock socks!...These are hilarious! Socks are good for geeks who might not wear their fandom on their arm, but still like to keep it close to their heart. And everybody could use a new pair of socks!

2 // Kepler Art...I love space art! This one is for the true astronomy geek, but it's also a lovely graphic piece of art. You can't go wrong with black and white, and the poster size makes it a little bit more special.

3 // Doctor Who Graphic Novel...With David Tennant?! Yes please!

4 // Radioactive Elements glowing coaster set...A perfect gift for the new homeowner, or the friend who likes to entertain. It's ironic! And fun!

5 // Harry Potter Time Turner necklace...I am a big fan of showing my love in an understated way sometimes. This necklace means I could bring my love of Harry Potter to work without the cloak and wand!

It's best to know what kind of geek your geek is. Board games, Doctor Who, Anime, Manga, Cosplay, Hairy Potter, fantasy, computers, knitting, steam punk, science...and the list goes on. And don't ever get Star Trek and Star Wars mixed up, unless it's a funny mash up like the Stormtrooper and Red Shirt comic I've been noticing around the interwebs lately. Ha! In fact, there are lots of minefields you could walk into when buying for a geek. But we will always appreciate the thought behind the gift!

later loves

Christmas Shopping for Jewelry

...because you can never have too much jewelry!

1 // Opal Hexagon Ring...Rings are usually difficult to buy with the question of "what size" looming overhead. Thank goodness for these adjustable ones! Gold is always in style, and if you pick a neutral stone it will go with anything in her wardrobe. Grab one in a trendy shape if you are feeling a little more adventurous!

2 // Cleopatra Collar...I have been watching Moorea Seal grow from an indie business to a full-fledged & beautifully curated online store. Her latest pieces and collaborations are amazing, and all purchases support a charity! This collar is one of my favourites from this season. I did pick up a couple of things for myself in among the Christmas shopping. I couldn't help it!

3 // Galaxy Nugget necklace...This beauty has been on my wish list for probably a year or so. It is long, and gorgeous, but understated as well and would be great to layer with other pieces. Gosh, it's just so dreamy...

4 // Enamel bracelet...This reminds me of something you might find in a vintage or antique shop! I am reluctant to purchase jewelry from some of these big chains, what with all the yoinking of artists' designs I have been reading about lately...shame on you guys. If you are looking for something unique that won't break the bank, try shopping at a thrift store! It may sound tacky, but it's a perfect idea for the thrifter in your life. At least I hope it is...ahem*Nicole*ahem.


I have a Chapters delivery scheduled for today, from my super productive shopping day that prompted all of this blog nonsense in the first place. I hope it's waiting for me at the post office. I'm so excited! And none of it is for me!

All of these pieces are on my personal Christmas wish list as well...hint...

later loves

Christmas Shopping for the Fashionable Lady

Sigh...this was a tough list to make only because I could have kept going and going and going! But I tried to keep it practical and simple. Because those are the kinds of gifts I like!

1 // Thermal long-sleeved...A clever way to layer under and over all those tees and tanks and sweaters and cardigans we northerners put on in the winter months! An easy DIY too, if you're going the handmade route this year.

2 // LOVE Scarf...Ack! Wearable art! I can't even explain how happy this makes me! I have loved Alisa Burke's art and passion for art for a long time. I discovered her as I was getting into painting and mixed media and all that, and she continues to be an inspiration to me. Her new line of accessories is so beautiful and genuine.

3 // Black skirt...If I have learned one thing as an adult who works in an office, every lady should own a lovely black skirt. Of respectable length. You can't go wrong with a simple pencil or A-line one. You just can't.

4 // Warm Mittens!...These are essential up here, and if you have to wear them you might as well find something that looks good too! Now, if only they had a bow...and were an actual colour...

5 // Matt & Nat Vegan Leather Bag...A beautiful cross-body bag is both functional and fashionable. It's a must-have for a Mom, and the vintage look is super trendy right now. Pick out a fun colour for a nice change of pace.

And one more for good measure, even though I can't grab a pic from their site: patterned leggings!...And don't let those haters tell you that you can't wear them as pants. Geeze people. Take a breather!

And a cardigan or beautiful sweater is always appreciated! If you want to earn double bonus points, make it cashmere this Christmas...wink...

later loves

Christmas Shopping for Art

I spent many hours on the Internet yesterday, doing some online Christmas shopping. I am left today with a giant dent in my Mastercard and a "pretty proud of myself" feeling. I am never this on-the-ball with my shopping.

In celebration, and perhaps to give my readers a little kick in the pants to get started on their shopping, I have put together a bunch of gift ideas for different people in your life. Up first, is art. Because we could all use a little more colour on our walls!

1 // Star chart...I love any kind of space art, and this print is both useful and beautiful! And it would look amazing in my living room. Wait...who is this wish list for anyway?!

2 // Diela Maharanie...I discovered Diela awhile back (don't ask me how!) and I absolutely love her bright and whimsical images that have a melancholy feel to them as well. Even a small print would make a big impact.

3 // Feather pattern study...Something from nature is usually an easy art pill for most people to swallow. Instead of your standard photo of an elephant/wolf/cheetah/insert animal here, try something like a scientific or anatomical print, like these feathers.

4 // Edmonton, 1983...This artist is from Edmonton (I think, don't quote me on that), and has silk screened art like this from many cities, all offering a snapshot of that city on a precise day in it's history. Perfect for someone who likes maps but wants something more modern-looking!

Remember: buying art doesn't have to be super expensive! Find a nice large print instead of an original, and put it in a lovely frame. And if you can, buy directly from the artist, or a reputable online source.

Later this week: Ideas for your fashionable lady friend!

later loves

Man Things

Here is a timely post for Father's Day coming up this weekend. Not timely enough to be a useful online shopping guide, but fun nonetheless!

P.S. Russ isn't getting anything remotely this cool for Dad's day. But I just got a package of coffee for Mom's day...so...precedent set!

Cassette tape coffee table, and alternately, this classic Nintendo controller. If only Russel liked the idea of a coffee table...

This trailer is so cute! I mean, clever and manly, and whatever...it's so awesome!

I love pens. Love them! And I know R especially has a soft spot in his heart for a good pen, as I'm sure do most dudes. And this Seven Year Pen is both design-gorgeous, and economically wonderous! In fact, I might just have to pick one up for myself. One, or three...just pretend I am pre-buying for birthdays down the road.

...and really anything on the Man Made DIY site is man-food for thought, my friends.

Handmade leather goods. Love handmade, love leather. And what is more manly than leather?

Beer...mighty mighty beer.

I love this photo on Mandi's blog. The list in tiny print on the blackboard. With the shiny tap there! Swoon!!

I was out on a "date" at the Sugarbowl the other day, and now I am wishing I took a picture of their menu. Dan & I were in beer heaven...I opened the menu and was happily surprised to see that the majority of it was BEER! I might have said "whee" or something to the like, and immediately directed Dan's attention to all the fricken beers! And then I flipped the menu over, and there were more!! Dan knows more about beer than me, so he spent some time looking over the menu. And I did not...I asked our server for a recommendation, and she didn't have one, so I just picked a Wisconsin gluten free. Dan's was dark and delicious-looking. Mine tasted sort of like a beer-spritzer, but it was still good.

later loves