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Jai

J’ai La Vie is Getting an Update

I love photos

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It’s been one of those weeks – well, months – where life is flying by and I wish I had more time to write. I’ve been busy at work while working on some web projects and my errands list seems to get longer and longer.

I’ve also been experimenting with my camera and taking some photography classes. I have some fun posts coming up, but for now, I’m just going to leave you with some adorable pictures that are long overdue.

Rosie’s cat nap

Rosie & Olive, best buds. Always curious.

Lily & Olive, best buds. Always curious.

Santacon!

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Yesterday was an annual celebration where Christmas comes a little bit early in Manhattan. New York City’s Santacon is a day where thousands of Santas from all over swarm the city to celebrate the holiday season. According to the website, the event is described as, “a non-denominational, non-commercial, non-political and non-sensical Santa Claus convention that occurs once a year for absolutely no reason.” Other cities have their knock-offs, but Santacon is a tradition in New York that cannot be missed.

So, we caught up with friends and began the day-long festivities with mimosas and bagels, and headed to the city via ferry. Of course, with transportation in and out of the city still limited, you can imagine the sea of Santas crossing the river into the city.

Caution! Santa overload on the ferry!

But since there were more Santas than there were ferries, we had time for a skyline photo op before boarding the boat to belligerence, courtesy of the kind-but-miserable ferry worker.

Santa is headed to NYC

When we docked, we actually got to check out many of the bars on my NYC to-do list, including a very crowded Hudson Terrance, Brother Jimmy’s, a few bars in midtown called “Bar”, Mono Mono, and another visit to Little Muenster and No Fun. We worked our way through the city stopping in more drinking establishments than I can count and running into friends in the most random of places. We tried to get ahead of the crowds but there were hundred of Santas EVERYWHERE we went. Poor tourists didn’t know what hit the city….

Santa Kaitlyn & Santa Tom

Oh Christmas Tree

Lady Santas

After that busy day, I think I’m starting to feel myself aging away from my college days, but one thing I’m sure of is I love this city. And Christmas. And I really love Christmas in New York.

Holiday Gift Guide: What the Heck Do I Get ….

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Gifts for The Ones That Have EVERYTHING

Wine Packages: Wall Street Journal has some great wine packages for the wino. For $70 you can get an assortment of quality wines shipped to a wine lover.

VHS or Photo Converter: Remember when we printed pictures and put them in boxes and recorded video tapes and left them in cabinets? There are services that can convert all of these items and make these digital. Or, if you’re like me, and are too afraid to ship away your memories and trust the postal service with them, you can do it yourself! Scanning photos, although time-consuming, is easy. And for those old VHS tapes, you can purchase a converter that hooks your VCR to your computer. (I got mine on LivingSocial for $19.) A personalized photo book with those old photos is also a nice touch.

Photo Canvas: These make great art and an amazing gift if you’re looking for something sentimental. You can find deals online, or even places like Walmart now print on canvas. Last year, we found a great deal on Groupon and printed a photo of my mom’s horse. These are also great for landscapes, vacation pictures, or family portraits.

Ugg Mocassins: This is a matter of taste because my mom thinks they’re ugly. But for any Ugg wearers, these are the most amazing and comfortable things you can put on your feet. Made with the same comfortable material as Uggs, but with these you don’t even have to bend down to put them on. You can wear them as slippers or outdoors as shoes.

Apple TV: For the gadget-loving Apple enthusiast that already has all of the other techie products, this is a fun gift. Watch movies on iTunes or Netflix, view picture slideshows, and view anything that’s on your iPhone, iPad or laptop. Only $99!

Personalized Cheese Board from Etsy, with an engagement logo that Kiley designed for her friend!

Personalized Cutting Boards on Etsy: These make great housewarming, engagement, and shower gifts too. I particularly love the state cutting boards which places a heart over your city. (Kiley got me and my mom one of these – NJ is the cutest state!) Or – crediting Kiley again – for an engagement engraving initials is a personal touch. Pair it with a knife/spreader that reads with cute messaging like “Spread Love.”
UPDATE: If you order on their website on 12/7 you can get 10% off with code HOLIDAY.

Beecher's Cheese Boxes Beecher’s Cheese Boxes

Beecher’s Cheese Box: My new favorite restaurant, Beecher’s, has great gift boxes that contain products you’ll actually enjoy using and eating, rather than having it sit in your pantry for years. If you can’t make it to NYC, they ship for an additional charge.

And on the smaller side, here are some ideas for Stocking Stuffers (also great for Secret Santa gifts):

Touch Screen gloves: no need to give up texting when it’s cold out! This deal pops up on LivingSocial too!
Essie: All girls need some quality nail polish (apparently it’s now sold at Marshall’s for $4).
Wine Candles: Rewined Candles recycles wine bottles into candles and ships them anywhere in the U.S. You can get any varietal for $20, or a 3 pack for $50 on LivingSocial!