WAYS TO TAKE YOUR GIFT GIVING TO THE NEXT LEVEL THIS YEAR

Tired of gifting the same old candle or pajamas or movie theater tickets? Do something different this year. Something meaningful. If ever there was a year to make an effort to connect with your loved ones, it’s now. These seven ideas will get your there.

Something personal

A personal gift is something beyond a gift card or the pre-packaged bath delights basket that was in the bin near the door at the discount store. It’s something closely tied to your loved one’s life in some way: reflective of his or her personality, likes, hobbies, or beliefs. Consider their daily habits and goals, as well as things they may want or need but won’t buy for themselves in trying to pinpoint the perfect present. Still need a little help? Gifts.com has a nifty quiz you can take that helps you find the perfect gift by personality type.

Something cool

An unexpected gift can be a real winner if it’s something cool that the recipient hadn’t thought of or didn’t know existed. Something like this 3D Pen set from Urban Outfitters.

“Now your dreams of 3D drawing can be a reality with this 3Doodler Pen Gift Set, exclusively made for Urban Outfitters! The set comes complete with a pen in a UO Exclusive color, as well as a book with step-by-step instructions to get you started in creating unique 3D art,” they said. “The 3Doodler is the world’s first and best 3D printing pen that allows you to draw in 3D by extruding heated plastic filament that cools almost instantly into a solid, stable structure. You’ll be able to draw up into the air and create anything you can think of, whether it be a lamp shade, an architectural model, decorations, or even jewelry.”

Urban OutfittersSomething useful…and beautiful

A gift that provides function but is also great to look at is the new goal. Forget the regular old coffee maker. This Bodum Chambord Copper French Press makes a dandy cup ‘o’ Joe (eight, actually), and is so chic your loved one will want to showcase it on their countertop every day.

Sur la TableSomething politically motivated

Have a family member who’s still having a hard time dealing with election results? Donate to Planned Parenthood in the name of Vice President-elect Mike Pence. The staunch Republican has been on a “longtime crusade to defund Planned Parenthood and restrict women’s access to abortion,” said the New York Daily News. “The women’s health organization has received more than 50,000 individual donations in pro-life Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s name since the election, a rep from the nonprofit confirmed to the Daily News on Tuesday.”

You could also make a donation to any number of other charities; Donations to non-profits like The Sierra Club, a 125-year-old environmental group, and the American Civil Liberties Union have reported record donation rates since election day, according to the Financial Times. Additional donations are being directed toward charities such as The Anti-Defamation League, Center for Reproductive Rights, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Lambda Legal and the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund.

 

Something useful…and fun

This iPad TV Stand was named the “Best gift for the guy on the go” by BROSTRICK, who said it was, “Perfect for train rides, plane rides, or just when you don’t want to hold your iPad whilst in bed (like an animal).'”

BrostrickA gift for your spouse that’s really a gift for you

Are you living with a snoozer? This Sunrise Simulator Alarm Clock eliminates the noise. “There’s a better way to wake up, one that’s more natural and taps into our lineage from a time when there were no alarm clocks,” said DODO. “Waking up to a simulated sunrise is the only way to go, especially in the winter.”

An experience of a lifetime

The person who doesn’t need stuff, but loves to live life may be especially difficult to buy for. A one-of-a-kind experience to learn to fly an airplane or helicopter or go to Bull Riding School to excite their inner cowboy (or cowgirl) might be the answer.

Best ProductsOr if you really want to go nuts, go for the Five-Star Seven Wonder of the World Tour, which travels Business Class to the Roman Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, and Machu Picchu. The cost: $41,500. The bonus: You get to go, too.

THANKSGIVING 2016 SURVIVAL GUIDE: HOW TO GET THROUGH THIS YEAR’S GATHERING WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE

For many people across the country, Thanksgiving represents a time of togetherness when the entire brood can gather around the table and sink into some family love – and a vat of mashed potatoes. For others, it’s a terrifying time of strife and stress.

Well, get ready for the “normal” fabric of family dynamics to be stretched to its limits this year. In the aftermath of the most contentious U.S. election of our time, nerves are frayed, and two distinct and disagreeable (and that’s putting it mildly) camps of voters could make sitting across the table from each other more challenging than usual.

So how can you get through it, and maybe even enjoy yourself? Here’s your Thanksgiving 2016 Survival Guide.

Cocktails Any One?

Depending on your family dynamic, you may already be quite familiar with the whole drinking at Thanksgiving thing. But this year may call for more – and stronger – imbibing.

There are a lot of great, Traditional (and some not so traditional) Thanksgiving cocktails out there, like these from the The Food Network. If you think you can inspire a little humor in your family members, set up a blue and red bar and allow everyone to show their true colors. Or, go with Purple Drinksthat mix the blue and red to show unity.

Make dinner a multicultural affair

What better way to make a statement about acceptance than by bringing in some new cultural dishes? “Thanksgiving dinner is conventionally associated with very specific foods. Turkey. Pumpkin pie. Stuffing. But that’s not where every family’s tradition begins and ends,” said Mashable. “The U.S. is a melting pot. It’s all about different cultures coming together with family traditions that blend the best of the old world with customs of the new.You might want to try them yourself this year. After all, the blending of American tradition and familial culture often starts with food.”

A few of their suggestions: An eastern European Braised Red Cabbage with Bacon, Persian basmati rice stuffing, and Argentinian alfajores,  buttery dulce de leche-filled cookies that are perfect with that post-meal cup of coffee.  Will it cure the ills of the world? No. But it’ll be tasty.

Play a game

Thanksgiving Bingo is a fun way to get through a strained holiday, but cards from years past probably won’t do this year. Generate your own Thanksgiving Bingo cards (Great Aunt Linda starts talking about the woman down the street, and you’re just waiting for her to drop the “N” word; Cousin Bill uses the words “whiny,” “pansy,” and/or “loser” when referring to Democrats), and pass them out to a few family members, or give them to friends who you know could really use some help at the dinner table next year. Keeping your ears open for the next winning phrase by making it a game could help soften the tension.

Volunteer

Maybe what your family needs this year is to not sit down to eat together at all, but, rather, to be of service. Volunteering at Thanksgiving can be rewarding for those who are on both the giving end and the receiving end. You can check VolunteerMatch to find a local spot in your area.

Be truly, sincerely, thankful

It’s easy to get lost in the minutiae of sorrow or regret, especially when the big picture is also not one you can find much solace in. Whether you’re feeling dread at what the next four years hold, or if you’re feeling joy, or somewhere in between, taking a moment to get in touch with what you’re grateful for can be powerful. Health, wealth, a good job, strong friendships, a loving family (even if this year some are a tad less so), and a table full of food to enjoy offer plenty of reasons to be thankful, which, not coincidentally, is the name of the game on this holiday. If you need help getting in touch with your gratitude, check out these tips.

TREND ALERT: A KITCHEN ISLAND THAT’S ALSO A BREAKFAST NOOK

Build a large island with room for bar seating or condense the island size to include a breakfast nook? If you’re redoing your kitchen and are working with a somewhat limited amount of space, this might be one of the conundrums you face. But, a growing kitchen trend could solve that problem by combining both ideas into one chic solution.

What people love about this kitchen layout is how it does double duty as both an island and a breakfast nook, creating a useful and eye-catching focal point and encouraging togetherness. And, it allows you to be as creative as you want when designing the the look, even when you have tons of space to accommodate the most inspired dream kitchen.

This traditional kitchen gets a lift from a built-in banquette along the backside of the L-shaped island. No counter space is sacrificed here!

pintrestThe idea works just as well in a classically modern space. White cabinets and marble counters contrast beautifully against the tufted black leather seating.

Modern Home Design and DécorLook how more a modest-sized island shines by accommodating a small seating area on the backside and hanging a sparkly chandelier overhead.

pintrestWho says everything has to line up perfectly? Angling the built-in gives this seating area added interest and perfectly accommodates the round table.

pintrestBuilding in an eating area next to the island is another creative way to design your kitchen.

http://www.culturebridging.co/Built-in seating can be a great answer to a cramped space. There may not have been enough room for a full-blown breakfast nook in this kitchen without utilizing the side of the island as the base of the banquette.

The English RoomThe grandest kitchen becomes even more so with a custom banquette that offers miles of counters and seating for half the neighborhood. The look is sleek, unique, upscale, and comfortable – a hard combination to pull off in any kitchen.

Dina Holland InteriorsHere’s another take on a hybrid island-banquette in a large kitchen. We love how there is bar seating on all sides, and how the two-tone colors and curved banquette add more intrigue in this beautiful space.

The English Room

TREND ALERT: A KITCHEN ISLAND THAT’S ALSO A BREAKFAST NOOK

Build a large island with room for bar seating or condense the island size to include a breakfast nook? If you’re redoing your kitchen and are working with a somewhat limited amount of space, this might be one of the conundrums you face. But, a growing kitchen trend could solve that problem by combining both ideas into one chic solution.

What people love about this kitchen layout is how it does double duty as both an island and a breakfast nook, creating a useful and eye-catching focal point and encouraging togetherness. And, it allows you to be as creative as you want when designing the the look, even when you have tons of space to accommodate the most inspired dream kitchen.

This traditional kitchen gets a lift from a built-in banquette along the backside of the L-shaped island. No counter space is sacrificed here!

pintrestThe idea works just as well in a classically modern space. White cabinets and marble counters contrast beautifully against the tufted black leather seating.

Modern Home Design and DécorLook how more a modest-sized island shines by accommodating a small seating area on the backside and hanging a sparkly chandelier overhead.

pintrestWho says everything has to line up perfectly? Angling the built-in gives this seating area added interest and perfectly accommodates the round table.

pintrestBuilding in an eating area next to the island is another creative way to design your kitchen.

http://www.culturebridging.co/Built-in seating can be a great answer to a cramped space. There may not have been enough room for a full-blown breakfast nook in this kitchen without utilizing the side of the island as the base of the banquette.

The English RoomThe grandest kitchen becomes even more so with a custom banquette that offers miles of counters and seating for half the neighborhood. The look is sleek, unique, upscale, and comfortable – a hard combination to pull off in any kitchen.

Dina Holland InteriorsHere’s another take on a hybrid island-banquette in a large kitchen. We love how there is bar seating on all sides, and how the two-tone colors and curved banquette add more intrigue in this beautiful space.

The English Room

TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE IN FALL AND WINTER

The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing, and pumpkin spice everything has taken over the world. With fall color and produce so prominent at this time of year, you may be tempted to load up your home with an abundance of both. But if you’re trying to sell your home now, a little discretion may go a long way. And that’s just one of the tips for selling your house in the fall and winter.

Pay close attention to your curb appeal

We’ve admitted to having a problem resisting the temptation to buy every available pumpkin and decorative gourd at the market at this time year, so we feel your pain. But when it comes to styling your front porch, there’s a slippery slope between nicely decorated and Farmer’s Market.

The idea is to enhance your curb appeal, not obscure it. “While too many fall decorations will take focus off of your home and its best features, a few tasteful accents can create an inviting setting and make your home feel fresh,” said HGTV.

You also want to make sure that fall leaves haven’t taken a toll on your yard. Buyers may be understanding if your lawn is covered and unkempt, because they’re living the same reality, but that doesn’t mean the home will make a good impression.

Go easy on the gore

You may love the idea of blood and guts and skeletons rising from your yard and headless individuals hanging from your trees, but will buyers be amused or afraid? Anything that has the potential to turn them off is a no-no when listing your house. Sticking to safe decor choices will help you appeal to the masses.

Go easy on the holiday displays, too

Apply the same logic when it comes to Christmas decorations. Tasteful displays will, quite literally, show the home in its best light. Outfitting the home to compete with the Griswolds will make it a spectacle, but not necessarily saleable.

Let In the Light

It’s always a good idea to open blinds and make sure windows are sparkly when trying to sell your home. But especially with shorter days in the fall and winter, you want to make sure you maximize the light in your home, which can make it look larger, fresher, and also “highlight your home’s best features,” said HGTV. Still need a little help? “Let in as much natural light as possible…and place plenty of lamps throughout your home for additional illumination.”

Make your space inviting

As the weather cools down, a warm and cozy atmosphere will give potential homebuyers a warm and cozy feeling. Use plush throws on the couch and beds, add fall-accented pillows to couches and chairs, and, “Try displaying vases of fall foliage or bowls of seasonal fruit throughout your home,” said HGTV.

Prepare your fireplace

A roaring fireplace during showings adds to the welcoming feeling. But, even if you’re not yet ready to light a fire, making the fireplace look great is important. Clean those doors well, and sweep out the inside, too. If the paint inside your fireplace is wearing away, a fresh coat will help. Now, stack that wood nicely or replace it with some modern glass, and you’re ready to go.

Use fall scents to your advantage

Cinnamon and pumpkin spice and vanilla, oh my! The flavors of fall are unmistakable, and when they’re flowing through your home, you can create a powerful connection with buyers.

“The fall and winter months are associated with certain smells and flavors (think: pine needles, cinnamon, peppermint and pumpkin pie). Beyond setting the mood with decorations, you could try appealing to buyers’ senses in multiple ways,” said Smart Asset. “For example, if you’re hosting an open house you could keep hot chocolate and pumpkin muffins on hand for visiting buyers. If you don’t want to go that far, keeping a scented candle burning in the background or playing some holiday music can work wonders.”