If I were in America right now, I'd be planning on some Black Friday Christmas shopping (yes, I'm one of the people who loves it) and I'd also be making a couple guiding suggestions for Angel's shopping--which would not take place on Black Friday, because he does not feel similarly to me on this subject. Here is what would be on my list of gentle suggestions:
Disney's Frozen nail polish. Actually, I have no idea if this even exists--I haven't even seen Frozen but I've seen enough pictures to make me think that the sparkly blueish color associated with the movie would make an awesome nail polish. It exists in my mind, but I've yet to see the exact color I see in my mind inside a bottle.
White Ballet Flats. Miles upon miles of walking down Chinese sidewalks are apparently all it took to cause these $10 wedding shoes which I bought in Malaysia and have worn regularly since before we got married to begin a quick descent into decay. They have the best ballet flats ever, and never gave me blisters or rubbed my skin raw. I'm not sure if I'll ever find a perfect replacement, but I'd like to.
A Chocolate Orange and A Big Box of Red, Green, and White Nerds and Chewy Sweet Tarts. Christmas candy traditions that might not exist here but I can still dream about their goodness.
A Dress. No good reason. Dresses are just awesome. I don't have anything particular in mind.
We won't be buying any "big stuff" this year, because of the need to be able to live out of a suitcase, so that's a first for me (If my white flats do fall apart any further, though, I will have to take corrective action). I enjoy presents, and I especially enjoy clothes and shopping, but ever since our move I feel no motivation to buy stuff that we'll only get to have for a short time since we don't know if we'll be living in this apartment next year. I never thought I'd be the kind of gal to say, ahh, I don't need anything, I'll shop again sometime next year...but weirdly, that's pretty much how I feel these days. Since our move, Angel has bought one pair of dress pants for work and I've bought one pair of shorts and one pair of leggings (since he is naturally over-prepared on casual, comfy clothes and I am naturally over-prepared on fancy, non-sports-appropriate clothing, we were both filling holes in our closet!).
How do you do Christmas when it doesn't make sense to buy more stuff? We're considering going out to watch The Hobbit as our gift to each other! I can also guarantee we'll be buying some snacks (like cashews for him and dark chocolate for me) that are a little outside of the everyday budget!
A movie sounds like a great gift!!
cute outfit! <3
This has made me really crave nerds. Darn it! :D x
I totally agree with you when it comes to dresses. It's also cool to realize that living out of a suitcase provides all that we need which is not a lot at all.
This is such a cute outfits! And I really like your Christmas wish list....I still need to make mine. :)
Ooh, don't ask me how I know but I think Sally Hansen's Bling-tastic is just the nail polish you're looking for: http://www.fabfatale.com/2012/04/manicure-mondays-sally-hansen-gem-crush-swatches-review/ (scroll down to see it in all it's Frozen glory!).....
I am with Amanda, now all I am thinking about is a box of nerds!
I need some black ballet flats for this winter. I typically wear boots, but sometimes a good pair of flats comes in handy.
We don't "do" Christmas gifts for each other either. Instead we spend that money on a holiday for winter. Normally I will make a nice meal and we'll put on some Christmas music and sometimes decorate. If we are going away at Christmas we don't even decorate though. When I lived away from North America for years we often just did a nice meal for Christmas.
bisous
Suzanne
chocolate orange! one of my favorite things, and a tradition in my family too - such a good christmas sweet. maybe someone can send you one? my family never did christmas wish-lists, and is more of a 'make before you buy' giving mentality, but jon's family *loves* christmas lists and shopping and big gift exchanges. as for me? happy to have it both ways :)
That Frozen nail polish idea is great! I can see the color you're describing in my mind, too. I'm sure some company will try to capitalize on it this holiday season:) Sounds like a really nice Christmas to be content with what you have (plus maybe a new pair of flats:)
Love your wish list! I have to say that while I do love all the cozy, pretty things that come out around Christmas season, I'm not enjoying shopping as much as I used to. Still, it sounds like you'll need a new pair of shoes soon so that's a good excuse to go! And watching the hobbit sounds like fun (you should watch Frozen too!!!).
I think experiences are some of the best presents - so I fully support going to see The Hobbit for Christmas! Isaiah and I will be going on Christmas Eve, per tradition.
I also fully support the consumption of chocolate oranges. One of my favorite Christmas treats of all time.
Well aren't you super adorable today in this Outfit I love. Check out how I layered a Red Dress also today and took it into Fall.
I too love that icy blue shade of Frozen and would love to actually own the movie and book in English. Your Christmas list is very doable by the way. Hope Angel reads this lol!
Happy Monday Rachel!
Maybe with not as many options for gift buying maybe doing special trips or something? :)
A great list! I never used to like chocolate oranges... but I feel like I would love them now!
Great wish list!! After reading the first one about the Frozen nail polish I've been racking my brain trying to think of the name of a color I bought a couple weeks ago. I never really gave it a second thought about it looking like something out of Frozen, but I sure did get lots of people telling me that when I wore it. Once I get home and find the name I will tell you because it is spot on! :)
I just purged a bunch of stuff from our house. I'm not okay with hoarding, but we somehow accumulate so much stuff! This year I suggested we do a family stay-cation instead of presents, but when we went to book, the resort was booked for pretty much all of December :(.
Presents it is.
Very fun outfit post! Those ballet flats do look comfortable! All the best in finding new ones!
my husband and i moved a lot last year so we've gotten into the habit of saving our money for 'experiences' instead of exchanging gifts. he does now i loooove unwrapping things so he usually gets me a little something but it's been great to dream about what we want to experience together instead of what material things we want (don't get me wrong...i still totally love material things too)
I love your list, dear Rachel, and not the least because it strikes me as being very realistic. There's nothing wrong with making dream/fantasy wishlist, but sometimes it can get a bit old seeing them right, left and center during the holiday season. This list resembles the types I actually make and share with loved ones myself, which not something I see all the time online. Time and time again your blog is a breath of fresh air, as this post really demonstrates. I hope that "Santa" brings you everything you're hoping for.
Happy (early) holiday season wishes,
♥ Jessica
*PS* Thank you very much for your comment on yesterday's post. It's awesome that we both have husbands who are able to assist us so much on that front. I feel so blessed that Tony understands what a very real deal this fear/anxiety is for me.
We decided to forgo Christmas gifts this year and sponsoring a child in Rwanda instead. I like the movie idea and treating yourself to snacks sounds like a great idea!
Great list, and I love that dress!
That's a pretty simple list :) You can at least find a Frozen-type nail polish! I'm pretty sure Disney has taken care of that hehehe I would honestly like to start new, unique Christmas traditions but I am not sure what.. My family was just about eating and yelling so It's hard to establish something out of that, lol. If you have any ideas please share :P Have a great one Rachel! -Iva
I think taking each other to the movies is a great idea. Or maybe taking a short day trip to any nearby cities for sightseeing? My husband & I have not exchanged gifts in years. I do buy him something to open but it's never anything exciting - just a new shirt for work or some socks.
Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
I'm pretty sure somewhere there exists the Frozen nail polish.
This year, since the beginning of the year, we've been saving up for our gifts. I'm going to get a DSLR, Justin will get a 3DS, and Rhys will get an exersaucer (activity center seat). So, one gift each, but they are worth a lot.
I feel bad that I can't remember this-- how long are you guys planning on staying in China?
my husband and I don't really do christmas :P we take ourselves out somewhere fancy through, like a fondu place or something and call it a day!
I totally understand the chocolate orange and the Nerds--they are some of my favorites! :)
We sometimes treat each other to a fancy meal out as a gift to each other... Somewhere we haven't been, but have wanted to try.
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