Crap-free Christmas Gifts **Flashback**

Thought you guys might enjoy a little blast from the past today! I'm working on a new list of clutter-free (or crap-free) gifts for 2009, but in the meantime, here is a flashback from last year...

"He recycled this gift! He's a regifter!" -Elaine Benes

As you conquer your Christmas list, give your favorite people gifts that won't be just another piece of crap laying around cluttering up their home (the aramotherapy alarm clock zen rock fountain seemed like a great gift at the time...). Here are some of my favorite crap-free ideas:

Yummy "of-the-month" clubs - Fruit of the month, Wine of the month, beer, cheese, ham, farm animals...whatever makes the receiver happy.

Gift wrap an experience - instead buying the newest high price electronic item, put that money toward a getaway vacation. That new iMac will be obsolete in a few years, but those vacation memories will never die.

Give the gift of culture - tickets to a movie, theatre, art gallery, opera, museum OR any sporting event

Consumable Gift Certificates - Dinner date for 2, Starbucks, Smoothie Shops, or favorite restaurants...not to be confused with actually eating the certificate.

Adopt an animal from the Houston Zoo or a beautiful Florida Manatee

Donate to a charity that the receiver is passionate about

Monthly Bill Relief - if they are a really good friend, take on one of their annoying monthly bills, or give them a monthly luxury (lawn moving services, housekeeping, babysitting, gas, dry-cleaning, car wash, gym membership, or grocery gift cards)

Cyperspace - gift card to iTunes, Netflix, or an online magazine

Spa Treatments - massage, facial, mani/pedi. ATTENTION ALL MEN: you can never go wrong with this one.

Invest - Savings Bonds, stocks, etc.

Hire a professional organizer...ya know..to help them get rid of the crap they get from other people (Tres Chic Designs Professional Organizers)

Here's the Dish

Why not give Fido a little dinnerware upgrade this holiday season? I have had several friends/clients in the past ask me for modern puppy dish ideas, and there are tons!! Here are some fantabulous options!Trendy Pet

Whiner & Diner

The Green Head

Jesse Pet DishMetropolitan Elevated Feeder

Punkin Pink

I'm seeing a lot of this new "holiday pink" as I shop around town, and I think it's a lovely shift from the typical boring green & red. It definitely warms up this cheery holiday greeting from A Punkin Card Company!

I'm actually in the process of decorating my Trés Chic office tree with pink ornaments (a wild divergence from my predictable shades of blue), and I can't wait to share some photos when it's done! Yes, yes I know it isn't even Thanksgiving yet, but can't a girl be excited about the holidays?

Claire Pearse

Found you the perfect compliment for this year's holiday dress! Claire Pearse's Winter Collection is just, plain gorgeous. Whatever color you need, you will definitely be able to find something "soulful, seductive & sumptuous" in her collection. I'm especially enjoying her new wire lace line. Take a look at her Lillia Ring that I think is Ah-mazing!

Stella & Dot for BEARing Gifts

If you haven't heard of Stella & Dot, boy are you in for a treat! They are a company that offers a direct sales program (like Avon), with really amazing jewelry. No joke, I'd like to own just about everything in their catalog.

I don't know if you got the memo, but their Natasha Embroidered Bib Necklace is the hottest thing around town. If you are looking for one single accessory to invest in for those holiday parties, this is the one. It can glam up an LBD, LCD, or take a daytime outfit instantly to a swanky dinner. LOVE it.

This week only, through the lovely Charity Chicks of Houston, S&D are donating 10% of sales to BEARing Gifts. BEARing is an amazing project that provides holidays gifts for abused and neglected children who are currently in the care of Child Protective Services in Harris County.

If you visit the Stella & Dot shopping website this week, click on "can't make the trunk show" (it was last week) and enter hostess name "Jayme Lamm" for your donation to count. Wouldn't Mom, sister, grandma or daughter love knowing that their holiday gift helped out the little ones?

Hello Birdie

What a couple of charming chickadees! Mpress Designs has some unique and festive holiday cards for the girl (or guy) who can't bear those painfully cheesy holiday cards for one more year! Some of their cards also include an adorable photo magnet (it's the gift that keeps on giving)! To see more, you can visit their etsy store.

I had a little photo shoot this past weekend for my own personal holiday card design. My subjects were a bit cantankerous, but they at least pretended to be happy for a couple of shots.

Gus

Daisy

What a Deer!

How sweet is this mother of pearl deer pendant? It would make such a darling stocking stuffer! Best of all, it's made locally by Just Peachy!

Stay tuned...we've got some exciting announcements to make in the next couple of days (hint: we might have a very cool giveaway coming up next week)!!

It's Really Okay...

...to LOVE this crazy city! What a fun Christmas gift this would be for a Houstonian! Plus, you can feel good about the fact that every purchase benefits spacetaker.org to support local artists. This t-shirt from Hello-Lucky has a particularly special meaning for me (my husband's name is Houston...no seriously, it is), so it definitely NEEDS to be in my closet!

What are Houston Women Wearing?

So last week, I collaborated with Shecky's to track down the latest & greatest fashion trends in H-town, and boy did I fall into a gold mine! There were tons of surprises! Want to know what I found, and vote on your favorite Houston trends? You can find our trend report here.

Vintage Poppy

Just a little quickie today. Found this Christmas ornament on etsy and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy for the holidays!

Vintage Poppy

Whimsical Holidays

Been looking to modernize my holiday décor this year, and (as always) West Elm has hit the nail on the head. Their new collection is from David Stark, and it makes my heart happy!

Shecky's Best Dressed

Had a blast at Shecky's Girls Night Out this past weekend. Lots of hot, trendsetting Houston ladies. Thought I'd share some photos of my favorite trendsetters from the event. You just might recognize some of them...

**By the way, thanks Shecky's for featuring us here

Minty Fresh

So, I've been completely lazy, and have skipped out on sending holiday cards for pretty much the last few years. I think I just got a bored with the same old Walmart/Target/Walgreens personalized photo card, and didn't want to send out any more lame-o greetings. Well, I just found some new inspiration. Hooray for Minted.com!! They have this classic, modern and fresh selection of personalized designer greetings. All of your friends will think you paid a fortune to have them custom designed for you, but don't worry...your secret is safe with me.

It's That Time Of Year Again!

Shecky's Girls Night Out is coming back to H-town this weekend. If you haven't been yet, you should definitely give it a go! Girly drinks, tons of shopping, spa services and the famous Shecky's goodie bags that never disappoint!

Tickets are $25 in advance($35 at the door) but if you buy your tickets HERE and enter FAB10OFF at checkout, you get $10 off just for being Houston's Weekly Chic readers (thanks Shecky's!).

I'll be wandering around the event trend hunting, so if you see me please come say hello!

Saloni Lodha

I've got a crazy week going on, but I wanted to take just a few minutes to show you my new favorite designer. London based Saloni Lodha has some of the most amazing shift dresses, skirts, etc..that I've ever laid eyes on. See for yourself.

Winter Blues

Seeing a lot of blues around town, and thinking this would be a delightfully icy trend for the holidays. Wouldn't these pumps be the talk of your holiday party?

Christian Louboutin Glitter Peep-Toe Pump