12.07.2010

the dumbwit holiday hit-list


Seasons greetings to all from this dumbwit; let the holiday fun and frustrations begin. My postings have been few and I send my deepest apologies. I always considered myself a good, although not obsessive, housekeeper. But this keeping our home tidy to perfection whilst on the market is taxing this striving perfectionist.  I know..I know, there are only 2 of us living in our home now so how can it be a problem? Can I count the dog?


Last week I was spurred on by my friend the lovely Lisa Porter of  'The Lisa Porter Collection' to join in on the holiday fun to comprise my own gift wish-list along with other bloggers. Like most mothers, we often think of ourselves last. When asked "what would you like?" I look with a dead-stare, not having any inkling of a clue.

I don't think of jewels, or Chanel handbags (I lie), but I think of the little things that I wouldn't buy myself. Simple..edgy..creative, different; like the dumbwit.

Scottish (Aberdeen) songstress Annie Lennox' new Christmas album

a beautifully painted portrait from the so very talented Lisa Golightly. This is 'Mary' who Lisa describes as "a hostess who makes a 'mean Manhattan".

Who has not worn a pair of GV jeans in their pre-90's lifetime? 'The World of Gloria Vanderbilt', authored by Wendy Goodman. "Perhaps the definitive-and certainly the most visually stunning-book to capture her incredible life." 
-The Huffington Post
Some of the century’s most original talents—from Cole Porter to Yves Saint Laurent—stepped into the limelight via the café society. Through archival photographs and period documents, this volume recounts in historical detail the intrigue and impact generated around the world by this stylish jet-set.

Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920-1960 by Thierry Coudert


'The World of Madeleine Castaing' by author Emily Evans Eerdmans.



One of the best reviews of this book is from the talented writer of 'Little Augury' here. "The World of Madeleine Castaing reflects the French designer's mantra, 'Be audacious, but with taste.' Her fabric patterns, many still in production, and her neoclassical-inspired interiors for Jean Cocteau, Francine Wesweiller, and others are the stuff of legend." ~Elle Decor

'Wait for Me!': memoirs of Deborah Mitford, Duchess of Devonshire. Deborah’s effervescent memoir chronicles her remarkable life, from an eccentric but happy childhood in the Oxfordshire countryside, to tea with Adolf Hitler and her controversially political sister Unity in 1937, to her marriage to the second son of the Duke of Devonshire.(pssst...don't tell Santa but I already purchased this one).

'French Essence' by Vicki Archer. As a lover of architecture, art, furniture, and décor, Archer knows that the best interiors are inspired by the heart as much as the mind. French Essence is designed to spark both, with gorgeous photographs of lush gardens, timeless interiors, hauntingly beautiful village lanes, and inspired aesthetic details. This book would be an incredible treasure to own, not only because of it's fabulous contents, but also because it's author is a kind woman and fabulous blogger.

Norah Jones and star-studded friends released Nov. 16th.

Duffy's 'Endlessly' to be released Dec. 7th.
Deb Little's photography of wild horse 'Warbonnet'.

These puppies would be perfect for me and for my dear friend Barbara of 'My Dogged-Eared Pages'. Plow and Earth $69.95

Dog and slipper pillow - hand embroidered in North Cumberland in soft, recycled, cream felted wool. Feather pad, dry clean only. 43cm x 33cm £49.00.

Bold and Noble USA print on recycled paper. A little of America where ever I roam.  £38 + postage

Embroidered napkins

made from vintage damask tablecloths, re-embroidered with new images.
50cm square, set of 4  / £22.00 @ re-foundobjects.com
set of 6 Bone China Skeleton plates
If not anything else, this Dan Aykroyd peddled vodka with it's licorice under-tones would just plain 'cool' on any bar, especially mine. $48. +
 "Our vodka is thrice filtered through charcoal and then thrice filtered through Herkimer diamonds. (search Griffiss Air Force base, Rome, New York). Tasting notes remarked on a “vanilla, sweet flavor, dry, crisp, with a kick of heat off the finish,” making it simply unlike any other vodka". Dan Aykroyd
I speak the truth when I say I rarely purchase hard-alcohol. Therefore to be gifted quality spirits would be an adult delight. Henrick's gin is a small-batch gin hand crafted in Ayrshire, Scotland, with an infusion of cucumber and rose petals. No other gin tastes like it because no other gin is made like it. 
Be sure to leave Santa a spot! 750ml $26.99 +

This award winning hand-crafted spirit hales from Oregon's famous Rogue Brewery and was the first spruce gin made with 14 ingredients. No chemicals, additives, or preservatives. 
One could tell oneself it's 'healthy' to drink this tasty elixir. $28.99+

Think of it as 'drinking-in' your Christmas tree.

And what holiday cocktail bar would not be complete without Rogues (oh so winter appropriate) Yellow Snow IPA?  Pale golden in color with a hoppy fruity aroma. Big hop flavor up front complemented by medium body and hoppyness mid-pallet. Finishes with a characteristic lingering bitterness. 22 oz. $6.99. A product from Oregon, priceless!
and one must have matching pint glasses. Set of 4/ $17.
and Santa don't forget the stocking-stuffers. Corn dog lip balm, yes please!

I want to hear what's on Your holiday wish-list. Better yet, join Lisa @ at the button to the right of the dumbwit sidebar.

Let the dreaming begin ~

{go forth and shop responsibly}
buy fun or go home

52 comments:

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Yes, count the dog! I loved your list, especially the dog related items and books! Lots of books on my list too!

vicki archer said...

A trillion thank yous for including FRENCH ESSENCE......Such a lovely surprise to find it amongst your list, xv.

Renée Finberg said...

i want vick's book.
and 'Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920-1960'

a girl can dream,
can't she ?

great post.
i should do one like this...
just to 'get in touch' with my needs.

heheheheh

love you debxxxxxx

Lisa Porter said...

I'm coming to your house for new years!
I knew I could count on you to bring the party to my fabulous list of gift-giving gals!
Just wonderful and done with great style from one smart, funny, queen of multitasking, friend who always has it down!
xo Lisa

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

What a fabulous list of items! On my list is a camera, same as last year...this year I may get lucky! :)
Janell

La Dolfina said...

Geez Deb, that is one witty and fabulous wish list! Lisa was right in getting it out of you :)
Thanks for all the great ideas. Love all the book choices and really loving your hard alcohol selections for my new bar!!!
Cheers my friend,
Too much love,
Terri

Christy said...

So much fun Deb! I love it! That book Santa already purchased looks divine...my santa might place an order for that today! :)

goodniteirene.wordpress.com said...

i'll bring the gin and the vodka...
you bring the limes.
love to you!!

My Dog-Eared Pages said...

I love you Deb!! And, Buffy too. In addition to those cozy dachsie slippers, I'm off right now to buy the Annie Lennox album. I do think Wait for Me! is THE book of the season. Cheers! oxo B

Hill House Ramblings said...

Fabulous list Deb! Many of the books you mentioned are on my list as well! (I have Wait for Me. It's wonderful. I think you'll love it)...I'm mad for the embroidered dog with slippers pillow and that gorgeous portrait. Happy holidays!:)

H.H.

Renae Moore said...

Deb....GREAT list......I'll be over for a Gin and Tonic and I love the embroidered napkins!
xoxo

James said...

Wow! What a fantastic list. So many great ideas, thank you.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Yummy, yummy list!!

SpryOnTheWall said...

Oh my gosh, I would take anything from this list, everything is so fabulous! I'm really itching to get my hands on that Gloria Vanderbilt book! You all have a wonderful Christmas! You deserve nothing but the best and all good things! xoxo Jenny

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

That is one fabulously interesting list lady...Not that I'm surprised! This Christmas I have leopard print Revas and an SLR on the old wish list!

Brabourne Farm said...

What a fabulous list - Santa will need a very big sleigh to get all these gorgeous things to your place! Leigh

French Basketeer.com said...

I want all of them, and the chanel bag too ;)

Ingrid Tunheim said...

Lovely books and music on your list. On my list I have music from Carla Bruni (Mrs.Sarkosy),novels,Iphone and Ipad, (wisch was relased in Norwy one week ago)and some jewlery..and nice handbags are always welcome....

Francine Gardner said...

This is quite a list. i am exhausted just going through it, but I want it all, all the books you mention,and cocktails to go along.

Barbara said...

Love your list!
Love Hendricks.
Love Annie Lennox.
Have read a marvelous book about the Mitford sisters.
(Please tell me you don't read the Huffington Post. That's what I'd like for Christmas.)

Tish Jett said...

Wonderful, Deb, as always.

I have a proposition for you if you would be so kind as to go undercover for me, tishjett@yahoo.com

Merci par avance,
Tishxo

Splendid Sass said...

Oh my goodness, you have quite a list here! Thanks for the sweet comment. I am now a follower.
Have a wonderful day.
TEresa

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

What fantastic things you have on your wish list Deb! My holiday wish list is really just more things for our living room makeoever, none of which will end up under the tree, but Mr. Cheese and I will purchase them together. We don't buy each other Christmas gifts, we just put the gift money toward a winter or spring weekend at the cabin or a few days on our little island where we got married. Sometimes the intangible gifts are the ones that a person remebers the most, you know?

Sadly, I haven't been around the blog scene much either lately. Two jobs, nurturing ing my injured pup (who is much better), and holiday stuff has been keeping me busy. I remember those days of having to keep the house immaculate. It is overwhelming, but will pay off. I hope you're enjoying life right now and wish you the merriest of merry! XO - Marsi

Jane said...

Love your list - a book about Gloria, a gin and tonic with Duffy in the background - what more could you want. I want some cookbooks and apart from that, SOME SLEEP.

Hope you are well xoxo

Mise said...

OK, I've got you all of that stuff. It's a bit heavy to send by airmail so will have to go by sea; I hope the wait isn't too inconvenient. I want that duchess book too.

Anonymous said...

Love the dog slippers! Those are just perfect for this cold night.
Thanks for sharing!
Xo,
E&J

Unknown said...

Debbie,
I had to tell you that I have been reading your blog for sometime and love it! I have been building a new house and was constantly inspired. I could so relate to your comments about keeping the house perfect, we have been trying to sell the old house and it is exhausting. And yes, it is just Mark and I and two dogs and two cats. I love the things you write, they are funny, true and endearing. Next time you are in Washington look me up, I'd love to have a drink and catch up. Does no one call you Debbie anymore??? Have a wonderfully delightful holiday!
Melissa Parker Spada

Millie said...

You had me at Hard Liquor. That's why I love you to bits girlfriend!
Millie ^_^

Karena said...

Deb I especially love your book choices!! Thank you so much for sharing these fab ideas!!

Remember to come & enter my $200 Giveaway from Fifi Flowers!

Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Ladies & Gents; the greatest gift would be to have you ALL over to my home for a 'GNT' to celebrate the holidays before the fire. To meet face to face; laugh, cry and confirm that we all have much in common and will remain wonderful friends. xx xx

As for you Melissa Parker Spada - I am THRILLED that you have even read my blog & how did you ever find it? I wish there was a way to email you. I would love to catch-up. Not sure when I'll get a chance to get to Snohomish which makes me sad. Sending you best wishes for a terrific Christmas holiday. Best of luck with building your new home. If it's anything like your first one, it'll be spectacular!!

Will @ Bright.Bazaar said...

Love the Bold and Noble print!

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today!

La Petite Gallery said...

My best shot is Vicki's beautiful book. Lot's of fun idea's.
Happy holidays. Yvonne

La Petite Gallery said...

OH! I see what Renee wants,
Same as me.

yvonne

Decor To Adore said...

I always love looking at other peoples list as it can say so much about the person.

I like you.

My heart began to beat really fast when I saw the doxie slippers. I NEED THEM.

I also love the tongue in cheek of the bone china. Hee hee.

Averill said...

What a wonderful wish list, Deb. I'll definitely be adding some of these books and CDs to my own list this year.

Hope all is well -- have a wonderful weekend!

Julie@beingRUBY said...

HI Deb
Well I love all the books you mentioned and Vicki's book is already on my wish list!! I have her second book but still want her 1st and this one!!!

Wouldn't mind the Duffy album either!!

Hope you have a lovely weekend.. and thanks for your sweet comment my way... I'd really love to go back there for Christmas.. .ciao ciao xxx Julie

24 Corners said...

Corn Dog lip balm! I'm all over that one!! Have you seen the bacon soap? I'm trying to figure out who to give that one to...I hear that former Seattleites that moved to Texas and are headed to Scotland have a passion for the stuff (heehee)!
I really loved your book choices as they are all on my list...especially Emily's 'Castaing' & Vicki's!
Thanks for the Christmas 'kick' Deb...I'm feeling a bit disconnected this year...you've put a little twinkle back into the holidays for me. Big Christmas HUG for that!
I hope you get at least half of what's on your list...and I hope Santa gives you the perfect buyer as an early, very special Christmas present this year!
XOXO J~

I Dream Of said...

Hi Deb, Such a great list!! I just started "Wait for Me" and it's delicious. So glad that you popped over from Red Ticking to say hi and that you are following! So nice to meet you! Hope you are having a merry weekend! Jeanne

Haven and Home said...

Hi Deb,

This is quite a list, I am going to have to borrow from it!

xx,

Marianne

joanna said...

Deb:

Your list is perfection -- wonderful ideas, ditto to Yvonne and Renee ---if you happen to get duplicates well there is always a blog giveaway,,, just dreaming, I couldn't wait for Santa, so I ordered Vicki Archer's new book French Essence, she is a fabulous lady as well as a talented writer.

Warm wishes
hope you get everything on your list,
joanny

Haute World said...

What a great list! I still have no idea what I want for Christmas, but I'm definitely getting inspired by your list. How cute are those doggy items? I love the slippers! And the 'bone china' is hilarious - right up my alley. Hope you're doing well and wishing you wonderful holidays!

Privet and Holly said...

Okay, you've created
some WANTS here that
I didn't even know
that I had before.
That little scottie
pillow, for one....not
to mention the Hendrick's
GIN : ) and so many of
your other picks! I
hope that you've been
a very good girl and
will get everything on
your wish list, Deb!
Thanks for this very
fun post.
xx Suzanne

Angela Duke said...

Thank you so much for your comment on my blog! I'm in the midst of exams, so please forgive how long my response has taken!
I'm so glad you commented because I just love your blog! We seem to have very similar interests!
Thanks again!
-Angela

Kellie Collis said...

Lovely list! I'm loving those comfy slippers! Have a gorgeous day, Kellie xx

red ticking said...

aaahhh the party is almost over... did i miss it?
love your list... so clever... and of course my favorite is FRENCH ESSENCE... her book is sooo wonderful i purchased 2 for myself... they were sitting on my counter and of course... already sold. didnt even try.. they just practically walked out by themselves...

wishing you the most glorious holiday ever.... you know you will always have a very special place in my heart... xx

Punctuation Mark said...

music, books and drinks sound very good in my book... perfect for anyone's list!

Unknown said...

Deb,

spadafarm@gmail.com!

Love to hear from you. Three days into the new house, Christmas shopping half done, new fridge leaking causing hardwoods to swell. Is it bad to have a martini at noon??? Then I get a visit from my two year old twin grandchildren, Jack and Lola, and it just doesn't matter.
Check them out at Mark's facebook, (I am not on yet).

Melissa

dovecote decor said...

I am obsessed with the Mitford's. I adore their descriptions of their freezing house and little luxuries during the war. So, I for one will be buying that for myself, since my children work to pay rent and eat, essentially. The Daschund slippers are mine, mine, mine. I just lost my precious Violet, after a short illness and a 12 year life. People are pushing dogs on me madly, but I'm sticking with the slippers! Great list. I think I am getting Cowboy boots for the first time in my life, and I'm psyched!

Ms. Smart said...

good list. will purchase a few of the recommended books. corn dig chapstick - oh my! :) Merry Christmas BW.

La Petite Gallery said...

Just popped in again to wish you a very Merry Chistmas,
yvonne

Lisa Porter said...

Had to stop back by to wish you a very very very merry Christmas!
You are the best and I hope Santa delivers!
xo Lisa

Maureen Stevens said...

those books are amazing! French Essence would be in my top pick! I hope u get everything u wish for!