I’m seeing a friend today, and since we last were face-to-face, she’s become engaged. Now, what you also need to know is that her engagement was no surprise. Every time she’s even spoken of this guy, she simply lights up and the few times I’ve seen them together, impulsively and without warning, the phrase “meant to be” invades my mind space–this coming from a slightly-jaded, often guarded, once divorced (albeit now remarried), New Yorker.
Tag: men
Unique and Fun Valentines Day Gifts
As I pondered what to include in this post, I immediately scratched off anything that could be considered a “stand-by” or a given for a couple reasons:
1. You already know what these are before my finger even brushes a key.
2. I would not be satisfied with that list, because that would not be delivering on the promise or purpose of this blog.
Different Valentines Day Celebrations
Valentines Day can be celebrated a number of different ways and it’s meaning and purpose changes as our lives and roles evolve. This does not diminish the significance, but it does change the context, so I thought I would share a few different approaches to Valentines Day that may spark some ideas, certainly, but mainly shows how Valentines Day has morphed over time and circumstance for me.
Gratitude Gift List A-Z
Image Courtesy of Empowernetwork.com
As the end of the year nears I like to take stock and express my gratitude for all the gifts I am so blessed to enjoy. I have two healthy kids who constantly amaze me with their wit and humor, a resilient and devoted husband who loves me–flaws and all–a career I am passionate about, an extended family who are kind and endearing, friends who are more like family and a year that has uncovered a treasure trove of new experiences, personalities and adventures…some that have only just begun. My cup truly does run over.
When I was a teenager and got “pouty,” my Dad would have me say out-loud a gratitude list starting with the letter A going all the way through to the letter Z. I’ve been thinking of him quite a bit these last few weeks, so instead of my usual gift guide or list, I thought I would honor him and this tradition by putting together an A-Z list, and perhaps put some of my own unrest to bed for the New Year.
Happy New Year to you and yours…and Happy New Year, Dad xxoo.
I am grateful for…
New Year Renewed Love Activity Gifts
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
December 26th I walked into my local CVS and what did I see on the shelves replacing candy-canes and holiday cards–Valentines sweets and greetings up and down the aisles. The cynic in me was shocked and appalled at this hyper display of consumerism. The Christmas pots still soaking in my sink, New Years plans still up-in-the-air, and now I have to look at conversation hearts? Really, Hallmark… REALLY?
Gifts For The Guy In Your Life
Every year figuring out what to get my husband is a challenge. What can I give to the most wonderful man in the world that is as creative, witty and smart as he is? Also, I must admit, he isn’t the easiest to buy for. Even me, the Gifting Whisperer, had a few purchases he exchanged (the horror!!) and even returned (audible gasps!!), but that got us to a better place and now I know to avoid embellishments and any logo appliqués.
Refocusing… I’ve already done a number of gift ideas for men, sports and game enthusiasts, space themed gifts and tech & gadgets that you should feel free to reference if it makes sense for your recipient. The list below highlights some fun and even a few unique ideas for the humorous, quirky, creative guy in your life who likely isn’t a conformist, probably listened to They Might Be Giants and likes (or better yet loves) you for you.
Football Themed Gifts
It’s been a while since I did a sports themed gift list and with football season getting off and running it seems the time has come (I know it’s this time of year because of the content showing on our living room TV on Sundays and Monday nights). So here is a list for your pig-skin loving giftee, and also a nod to mine (love you honey bunny xxoo).
7 Unique Gifts for Baseball Fanatics
I come from a long line of baseball fans… OK fanatics. And couple my tri-state location (some of my family is in Connecticut, I am a New Yorker) with an Italian lineage and you end up with Yankee fans… Shhh, my son is the rebel Met fan. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, used to religiously watch games and would pray for the players. I remember her telling me about going to a book signing for Daryl Strawberry (when he was a Yankee) and when she got up to speak to him, she said: “I’ve been praying for you.” Graciously, he replied: “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll take all the prayers I can get.”
When my husband and I got married, he made a few things very clear: loved me, the kids, his family and the NY Yankees and no one could say anything bad about any of us. His love of baseball goes very deep, and I wish he could have known my grandmother to be able to share this passion together and she would have loved to see her great-grandson get in on the action. So as I watch the Yankees play Toronto (actually I’m watching my husband watch the Yankees play Toronto), I put together this unique list of gifts for the baseball fanatic.
Anniversary Gift Tips
My husband and I are about to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary and as we prepare to surprise each other (or try to) I started to think about all the pit-falls we have encountered along these last few years. Here’s a list of what to avoid when shopping for an anniversary gift for your better half from both a male and female POV, from me, the Gifting Whisperer and my man, the Gifting Whisperers’ Husband. Hope this clears up any confusion or provides some entertainment…best case it does both. Below is our wedding picture, taken almost five years ago.
Gifts for Golfers
Golf runs in my family. Perhaps you have a strain of that DNA too? My grandfather, uncle, cousins…not me but my kids are taking lessons this summer. If you know and love anyone who plays golf, and not just plays but LOVES golf you know this is a sport meant to be taken very seriously. As one golfer I know has told me many times: “go to the driving range, that’s where amateurs belong.” ‘Nuf said. These are gifts to buy your golfer that are “safe” when you don’t know WTF you are doing.
The Gifting Whisperer 