Better Late Than Never

Dang Gina. I had all hopes of posting this list well over a week ago. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. I'll spare you the excuses. My guess is many of you have waited until the very last weekend to finish up (or maybe even start) your holiday shopping. So, here are some ideas for my fellow procrastinators.

Without further ado... MY OFFICIAL 2007 CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST:

Mi madre - A subscription renewal to one of her favorite mags: O, The Oprah Magazine. I actually gave her the initial subscription a few years ago for Christmas and I just continue to renew it. It's a gift that keeps on giving. Also, since my mother retired she has really become a jet-setter. I'm so happy about this and know that a gift card from any major airline would be put to good use immediately. Check the corresponding airline's website for more info on how to hook-up the world-traveller in your life.



Mi hermano - My big bro will be a hip-hop head for life. But he's honestly a hip-hop elitest of sorts. A Soulja Boy fan he is not. That is why I know he'll appreciate this authentic coffee table book, Born in The Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop (Rizzoli); major bookstores nationwide. The photographs in this tome were taken by the well-respected Joe Conzo and truly captures the golden days of hip-hop.



Mr. TK (aka boyfriend/significant other)- I'm such a private person so revealing too much of my personal life on this blog is terrifying for me. But, I will say Mr. TK is still MIA. (well, sorta) We'll see what 2008 will bring. Anywho, I would enojy treating someone to a relaxing facial and/or massage at Harlem's own BBraxton. Catering specifically to men, BBraxton seems to have just the right mix of cool and masculinity my TK would desire. 212.369.3094/1400 Fifth Avenue at West 116th Street
http://www.bbraxton.com/default.asp
(Blogger isn't letting me post the pic but please check BBraxton out on their website. So sexy. So cool. Gotta love all that haberdashery being back in Harlem!)

The BFF - My best girlfriend is a working mom and rarely makes time to pamper herself because she's so dedicated to her family. But I know that she's secretly a glamourpuss and would love these pencils from Color by Cynde Watson. Isn't the packgaging slammin'?! Plus the line was created by a top make-up artist who happens to be a sister.
http://beauty.hsn.com/color-by-cynde-watson-precious-eyes-eye-color-pencil-kit_p-3656210_xp.aspx
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=276133369



My nieces - I adore stationery. Always have too. My dad ensured that I had my own personalized stash as a little girl. In keeping up that family tradition, I can't wait to get my seven and four-year old nieces a set of their own from American Stationery. This catalog based company is super-affordable but doesn't skimp on the quality or style. Now they'll have no excuse for not writing letters to Auntie B!
http://www.americanstationery.com/shopping/prod_catalog/prod_catalog.asp-cat-35-page-1



A not-so close co-worker, neighbor, hairstylist, manicurist, etc. - Gift cards, gift cards, gift cards. But I like thinking outside of the box. Movie theater tix. Barnes & Noble or iTunes hook-ups. Even a Starbucks gift card for ten bucks. In this case (we probably don't know each other that well), it really is the thought that counts.