All I want for Yuletide

I've been remiss. I promised my adoring public that I'd blog about gifts and desires and, well, I failed for many weeks. I hope I can make a comeback in time to not irritate everyone on my Holiday List.

Gifting is always a strange thing for me. I try to focus more on getting someone something that speaks to their interests than something that is just "stuff". Last year I had what will probably net out as the best idea ever for my mom, when I got her a private class with my yoga instructor for her and her two daughters (me and my sister). A year later, we are still attending classes together regularly. Sorry, mom, but I have no idea how I'll ever top that. Sometimes, though, it's hard to gift someone with something that speaks to his or her interests if you aren't as interested in it as he or she is! Or maybe the person is rather private about interests and you simply don't know what they are. I don't have any great guidance in that area, but I'm willing to share some insight into my interests.

I have a plan for the next 18 months or so. I'm going to learn in a semi-structured self-study environment. I have some topics picked out, and will need some tools to do this.

Topic 1: Becoming a better cook

• Classic Cookbooks: The Joy of Cooking, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, the updated Betty Crocker, etc. I have a handful of books at home (including the Alton Brown cooking & baking) but one can always use more inspiration. I am particularly fond of cookbooks that are heavy on commentary and not just a stack of recipes.
  
• Silicone bake ware. I think it's neat but I just can't bring myself to buy it. I don't know why.
  
• Heat-proof scrapers/spatulas. Oh dear gods, I'm turning into my mother.
  
• Spice Grinder: I'd like to get another of these coffee grinders to use for both spices and coffee. (I blew up the one we had, but the bowl is still good...one bowl for coffee, one for spices, get it?)
  
• Baguette Pans. As a devotee of the French Way, I *should* be able to make my own baguettes in a pinch, but haven't yet mastered the art.
  

Topic 2: Anusara Yoga
I am taking an intensive program next year that will cover much of my learning. There are only a couple things in here.

• Gift Certificates to Shine Yoga. I do believe these can be used for workshops, etc. that are in the future, so this would give me a leg up on all the wonderful teachers visiting in 2007. Well, not literally, I'm sure they can all get their legs up higher than I can!
  
• Essentials CD: Well, any of the CDs available at Anusara.com will be met with enthusiasm, but the Essentials is the one I really want.
  
• Cushion: I'm particularly fond of the bolsters and zafus available at Y Catalog.
  

Topic 3: Sewing
I continue to work on this.

• Copy of me. this is really more of a commitment of time than anything, but we will need several rolls of plaster tape to make it happen.
  
• A subscription to Threads. I don't know why I hesitate to get one for myself, but there it is.
  
• A serger. Yeah, big-ticket, but...
  

Topic 4: Personal Productivity
Yeah, I'm really trying to grow up and become a professional.

• Car stereo. I'd like to replace mine with one that can handle MP3s and has in-dash CD and USB. One day I'll get a new car, but until then this will help me listen to my AudioBooks on the road!
  

Topic 5: The French Factor
You never stop learning when you act French.

• Anything Prada Parfums. I love the original, but all three fragrances are really divine and not something I'm likely to splurge on myself with, unless I've hit a big goal.
  
• Anything off the "chic list". For clothing, I generally wear between an 8 and a 10. Remember, I have thick hips, so if it's cut narrow in the hips, err on the side of volume!
  
  
  
  • Cashmere muffler :D
    
  • Running tights/jacket for cold weather
    
  • Neutral (tan or brown?) gloves to go with my long camel colored coat
    
  • A brown winter handbag
    
  • Simple black leggings. Actual knit pant type ones, but not stirrup pants. (I can't believe I'm saying this.)
    
  • A shiny silver brooch
    
  • Neutral sandals (these are really for next year and can wait.)
    
  • The perfect suit: matched sheath dress, slacks and jacket. The jacket should V deep enough to look a bit sexy, but shallow enough to be worn closed without a blouse. Ideally, a skirt in similar but not-quite-matched fabric will be available (like a striped black with black jacket).
    
  • A simple black sleeveless dress (LBD). Should be dress-up/downable, layerable, etc. Rayon, silk, cotton. Probably not linen because of the care involved. This could be the sheath in the suit. (I have found a pattern that is ideal. Now it's just a matter of having the time and energy to create the dress!)
    
  • A scarf-belt to go with my mac. I'd love to match or estimate the lining. I'm wondering now, if I wait long enough, Sam's may clearance those coats out low enough that I can get one for $4, rip out the lining and make an actual matching sash..
    
  
  
• French Music! Theres some in my French Factor Wish List on Amazon.
  

I can't think of anything else at the moment, but I'm sure I will. I'm a Taurus; you'll never hear me say "it's just stuff"!

Posted by foxydot at December 8, 2006 12:13 PM