Holiday Gift Guide for the Food Geek

I wouldn’t consider myself a true foodie, but I sure do love to cook it and I love to eat it.  I decided to work on a foodie post after my weekend getaway at my bestie’s house.  My bestie’s fiancé is a food geek and he cooked for us over the entire weekend.  Each dish looked and tasted like a gourmet meal.  I was really impressed with the fact that each meal was prepared with ease.  I took note of some of his favorite tools and gadgets to create his culinary delights.  And I wanted to share some of them with you below.  For this edition of Fresh Picks to Follow, I picked out several gifts to satisfy every appetite.  Let me know if you have any additional suggestions for this gift guide.

1. SushiQuik - Complete SushiQuik Starter Kit…$69.95

2. Weber - 721001 Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker…$299.00

3. Dean And Deluca - Limited-Edition Pantry FEED 15 Bag…$120.00

4. Lodge® - Cast Iron 12" Skillet…$29.95

5. Uncommon Goods - Mobile Foodie Survival Kit…$26.00

6. Vinturi - Wine Aerator Tower Gift Set…$69.95

7. Magic Bullet - NutriBullet…$99.99

8. Anthropologie - Bamboo Bread Board Set…$75.00

9. Rubbermaid - LunchBlox™ Salad Kit…$12.99

10. Le Creuset - 3 1/2 qt. Round French Oven…$220.00

The Debut of the Dagmar / Fresh Picks to Follow - Top 10 Holiday Gifts Under $100.00

The Debut of the Dagmar

This past Friday my office administrative staff threw all the employees a breakfast to show how much they appreciate us.  It was pretty cool…I have never been to anything like that before.  They made us French toast, potato hash brown au gratin, cheese and bacon grits, egg and sausage casserole, a spiraled ham, croissants, fruit salad and blueberry muffins.  There was so much food and everything was amazing.  I wish I took a picture of all of the food. 

I wore my Dagmar shirtdress for the first time last Friday.  I really love this dress.  I’m so happy that I was able to track this down a couple of months ago…it truly makes a statement.  I paired this with a pair of black opaque tights and black suede boots.  I also added a black skinny suede flower belt from Anthropologie.  As you can tell from the second picture, I went to Anthro and I ended up trying on a few things.  Stay tuned for some reviews of dresses and skirts.  I really hope that I get a gift card this Christmas because I'm in trouble.  I want everything!

    

Anthropologie Dagmar Shirtdress
Anthropologie Fastened and Knotted Belt (style# 18843144 - call stores!)
Anthropologie HUE Opaque Tights (buy here)
Banana Republic Hina Slouch Knee Boot (buy here)

Fresh Picks to Follow – Top 10 Holiday Gifts Under $100.00

Hi ladies! Here is my top 10 list with holiday gift ideas under $100.00.  I’ve added links for each of the gift ideas to help you shop a little easier.  I'll add pictures a little later.  Please feel free to post any additional ideas that may be helpful to our fellow bloggers.  Happy shopping!

1. Coach - Kristin Leather Large Wristlet…$98.00

2. Coach – Barrett Sneakers…$88.00

3. Anthropologie – Hiking Ruffles Cardigan…$78.00

4. Anthropologie – Deuxhill Cowlneck…$88.00

5.  Anthropologie – Field Skirt…$78.00

6. Victoria Secret – UGG Australia Hat Scarf Set…$95.00

7. Brookstone – Iceless Wine Chiller…$99.95

8. Potterybarn – Gramaphone IPod Station…$99.00

9.  JustGive – Gift Card Donation…$100.00

10.  Williams Sonoma – Mother-of-Pearl Collection…$75.00-$98.00

Fresh Picks to Follow – Top 10 Holiday Gifts Under $75.00

Hi ladies! Here is my top 10 list with holiday gift ideas under $75.00.  I’ve added links for each of the gift ideas to help you shop a little easier.  Please feel free to post any additional ideas that may be helpful to our fellow bloggers.  Just as side note:  I didn't have time to post any items for men this time...but I will add a post later.  Happy shopping!

1. Coach - Poppy Perfume Spray…$60.00

I bought this wonderful perfume for my sister for Christmas.  I know she is going to love it.  This is a new scent by Coach that is sweetly scented jasmine and gardenia mingled with fresh cucumber and candied rose petals.    

2. J&R - Twelve South BookBook Hardback Leather iPad Case…$69.99

I love the look of this iPad case.  The BookBook for iPad is a handmade one-of-a-kind, hardback leather case provides impact protection to the iPad overall.  Twelve South also makes great cases for laptops, but they are over the $75.00 limit.

3. Victoria Secret – Afterhours Satin Pajamas…$59.50

These satin pajamas comes in 14 different colors/patterns and there are 3 different lengths for the pajama pants. 

4. Red Envelope – Year of Seeds…$59.95

This starter kit comes with 12 packets of easy-to-grow seeds that will create a mini garden in your windowsill.  The seeds include the following:  petunias, marigolds, pansies, lobelia, alyssum, zinnias, impatiens, baby's breath, dianthus, cosmos, poppies and sweet peas.

5. Best Buy – HP 7” LCD Digital Photo Frame…$64.99

The clock and calendar display option of this digital photo frame can be used with or without a slideshow making it an ideal office accessory. Proudly display up to 50 of your favorite photos on the high-contrast LCD screen.  This is a great sale price from $99.99 and there is also free shipping on this item. 

6. Anthropologie – Volante Tee…$58.00

This beautiful shirt is playful and feminine.  I love the cascading ribbons on the left shoulder.  This top comes in three colors:  dark grey, beige and purple.

7. Coach – Thin Signature Bangle…$68.00

This is a great bracelet for any diva that loves Coach.  This bracelet comes in 3 colors: gold/white; black/silver and silver/silver.  This bracelet looks smart solo, feminine and flirty in a stack.

8. Anthropologie – Bianka Blouse…$68.00

This ruffled breezy blouse by Odille was a big hit over the last few months.  This top came in several other colorways, but it looks like this raspberry color is the last one left.

           

9. Potterybarn - Wood Gallery Multiple Opening Frames…$23.00 – $64.00

These frames are a wonderful addition to any home.  Grab a few for presents and one for yourself.  These come in black, white and espresso.

10.  Crate and Barrell - Breville® Duo Panini Press…$69.95

This is great addition for your favorite cook.  This is a quick and easy way to make panini right on your countertop. You can grill authentic Italian-style sandwiches and more without oil or butter.  This item was originally $99.95, but has been recently reduced to $69.95.

Fresh Picks to Follow – Top 10 Holiday Gifts Under $50.00

Hi ladies! Here is my top 10 list with holiday gift ideas under $50.00.  I’ve added links for each of the gift ideas to help you shop a little easier.  Please feel free to post any additional ideas that may be helpful to our fellow bloggers.  Happy shopping!

1. Williams-Sonoma - Mini Croissants…$39.95  

This was one of Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2010.  This gift comes with 24 croissants and it is shipped frozen.  I hope to try these croissants one day. 

2. Sephora - Stila Purrfect Eyes - The Talking Palette ($96 Value)…$45.00

I wish I had this palette to help with my cat eyes.  The Talking Palette walks you through the five easy steps to a modern, eye catching look.

3. Bath & Body Works – Aromatherapy Large Gift Box, Stress Relief…$45.00

This Eucalyptus Spearmint set comes with Body Wash & Foam Bath (10 oz.), Body Lotion (6.5 oz.), Massage Oil (4 oz), a Wallflowers® Pluggable Home Fragrance Diffuser Set (includes Starter and one Bulb), and a pair of Aloe & Peppermint-Infused Socks.  I love this scent – amazing!

4. Anthropologie - Echoes Scarf…$38.00

I love the ruffles in this scarf and I love the fact that it is lightweight.  I haven’t seen this scarf in person yet, but it has made my wish list.

5. GiftTree.com – Fine Leather Journal with Free Embossing…$34.95

A classic gift that is always put to good use, a leather journal is a meaningful way to record personal writings and business notes.  This journal comes with 192 blank pages made from high quality paper.

6. Urban Outfitters - Mirror, Mirror Jewelry Box…$39.00

This jewelry box is the perfect gift for any woman.  This has been on my wish list from the day that I saw it.  This mirrored jewelry box has 3 compartments, all with neat deco-like floral etching and scalloped plastic crystal handles.  It’s beautiful in person.

7. Red Envelope - Stainless Steel Wine Stoppers…$34.95

This gift is a set of two wine stoppers that provides an airtight seal that prevents wine from oxidizing.  The set includes one round and one square stopper that may be engraved with a single initial.  

8. Macy’s - Coby CAM3001 Camcorder, SNAPP Mini…$34.95

This is a great gift for anyone that doesn’t want to miss out on those precious moments.  This mini camcorder fits right into your pocket and has 2 hours of recording time.  What an awesome gift for an awesome price. 

9. The Sharper Image - PedicureSpa Salon Footbath…$49.99

This gift is perfect for anyone that loves a good pedicure.  The footbath comes with 5 salon attachments: Dry Heel Reducer, Stone Pumice, Finishing Pumice, Nail Brush and Nail Buffer. 

           

10. Brookstone - Single Cup Coffee Maker…$39.95

This is a great gift for any coffee lover that needs a jolt of java, but doesn’t want to make a full pot of coffee.  This little number will brew a cup of coffee in 4 minutes and the double walled mug keeps your drink hot for a long time. 

Here is also a list of a few gift ideas for men also under $50.00:

1. Macy’s - Polo Ralph Lauren Pajamas, Flannel Pants…$34.50

2. L.L.Bean - Auto Aid In Bottle…$29.95

3. Red Envelope - Personalized Pub Glasses…$49.95

4. The Sharper Image - Travel Charging Valet…$39.99 

5. The Sharper Image - Electric Wine Opener…$49.99

Fresh Picks to Follow – Top 10 Holiday Gifts Under $25.00

Hi ladies! Here is my first top 10 list with holiday gift ideas under $25.00.  Please feel free to post any additional ideas that may be helpful to our fellow bloggers.  Happy shopping!

1. Target - Smith & Hawken Red Lion Amaryllis Bulb Kit…$10.00

2. William Sonoma - Peppermint Bark Cookies…$22.50

3. Macys - Martha Stewart: Recipe Cocktail Shaker…$24.99

4. Philosophy - Warm and Toasty Holiday Gift Set…$25.00

5. Anthropologie - Latte Bowls…$20.00

6. Anthropologie - Sweater Weather Candle Tin…$18.00

7. World Market - 10-pc Green Crackle Sushi Set…$19.99

8. Anthropologie - Batik Lavender Sachets…$16.00

9. A Plus R Store - Karim Rashid for A + R: Grobal Self-Watering Planter…$25.00

10. Godiva - Holiday Mini Cocoa Tin Trio…$20.00

Here is also a list of a few gift ideas for MEN also under $25.00:

1. Uncommon Goods – Teamwork Magnetic Card Holder…$18.00

2. SIGG - Water Bottles…$17.99-$24.99

3. Best Buy - Insignia™ - 1.8" LCD Digital Photo Key Chain…$14.99…was $19.99

4. All Modern - Blomus Cino Wine Bottle Holder…$12.07 

5. The Container Store - The Ultimate Hammer Tool…$14.99