Christmas 2020 at Longwood Gardens

 

Longwood Gardens is a magical plant paradise located in Kennett Square, PA. On a whim, one chilly December night, we decided to look up ticket prices and head over. Turns out if you think you're going to visit more than once a year, a membership makes the most sense! We did it - wow, I feel like a real adult. "Me?" "Why, yes, I am a fully-fledged botanical gardens member, at your service." In order to get the full effect, read that in a snobby accent of your choice. 

I know it's already 2021 and many have taken down the last hints of Christmas, but wanted to share a snapshot of a fun evening out. The light show and grounds were absolutely stunning. I cannot wait to see what the next season has to offer. 

Longwood Gardens - site

Christmas Weekend

Home for the holidays this year and enjoyed the couple of days spent with my family.  As you can make out from some of these pictures, the temperature was relatively warm for this time of year.  The lake was not fully frozen, so no ice skating this time around.

We overdosed on sugar and sweets and introduced my dad to the joys of Netflix.  By the time I left on Monday morning, he was on the final episode of Stranger Things.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday!   

Holiday Gift Guide #2

Keeping it classic with this guide.  Retro hats, helmets, socks and shoes.  This Christmas, get something for someone that'll never die with the trend of the day.  And if you're looking for a Christmas-y craft to get you into the spirit of the season, try making your very own Pomander!  I hold these near and dear to my heart ever since my grandmother used to sit us down to make them at the kitchen table every winter.

Vans Classic Shoes

Wall Clock

Bell Motorcycle Helmet

Taylor Stitch Chore Pants

Christmas Crackers

LL Bean Hat

Southern Tier Krampus Beer

Fair Isle Socks from JCrew

Bird Whistles

Beatrix Potter Art

Sher-wood Hockey Stick

Holiday Gift Guide

It's that time of year when being home, making good food, and day dreaming about winter sports is perfectly satisfying.  Time to cozy up in your favorite pair of sweats, make some tea, and re-watch the entire Bridget Jones' Diary set, right?!

I'm going cross country skiing next week and I'm getting all antsy with planning and logistics. Here's a list of things I'd be into this holiday season. Hope my dad is reading this because baby can't afford to buy herself a Leica this year,

Blundstone Boots
Helle Knife
Leica Camera
Nigel Slater Cookbook
Gardner's Seeds
Weyerbacher Merry Monks Beer
Gardner's Knife
Succulent Plants
Cadbury Chocolate
Ritter Chocolate
Cross Country Ski Package
Black Watch Shirt

Gifted: UnTapped

I wrote earlier about how cool I thought UnTapped seemed to be and guess what?!  I was gifted a box of them for Christmas from my sister! Now I can say for sure that these little guys are delicious!  It's a swig of syrup that'll keep you energized.  Pure Vermont Maple Syrup at any time!  I might start carrying a pancake with me too...

Christmas Gift Guide 2015

Stockings are hung and lights are a-glow, Christmas shopping has begun and not even a chance of snow!  I promise I wont continue rhyming through this post, but I WILL recommend a couple of my favorite things that may guide your Christmas shopping this year!  Merry Christmas to all!

1. Vans Hi-Tops
2. Barbour Heritage Sweater
3. Lush Dream Cream
4. Finisterre CWS Caelus Parka
5. Rx Gear Jump Ropes
6. Bon Maman Fig Preserves
7. Sony Cybershot
8. Rotring Mechanical Pencil
9. Mortar & Pestle
10. Springbank
11. Stance Christmas Socks
12. The Nordic Cookbook
13. Lancaster Brewing Winter Warmer
14. Vans x Pendleton Slip-Ons

Give Unique Christmas Gifts This Year

Each year I find that the most precious gifts are those, big or small, that have been selected with the individual’s interests in mind.  Not just mindless spending and giving, but something heartfelt, meaningful and fun. So are you looking for something to compliment his quirky sense of style?  Or are your sisters into gardening this year like mine?  Uncommon Goods features hundreds of gifts by a variety of designers worth stuffing into the stocking.  Yes, we said #StockingStuffers

Moose Horns

Moscow Mule Mug

Birds & Blooms of the 50 States

Multi-Colored Socks

Weekend Plant Feeder

Tool Utensils

Shark Socks

Coal Gum

Hammerhead Shark Bottle Opener

Pilsner Glasses

Mexican Hot Chocolate Set

Woodland Animal Pin Cushion

You can feel especially good about doing your Christmas shopping at Uncommon Goods because they've committed themselves to sustainability, integrity, compassion, and responsibility to others.  Find out more about what a B Corp Company does and what else is unique about Uncommon Goods. 

Winter Warmer #RoundUp

A great winter ensemble starts with the most reliable outerwear.  That's why I've put together a #RoundUp with some of the highest quality gear on the market to keep you warm and dry through what the
Old Farmer's Almanac is forecasting--another long, cold, and snowy winter.  

The key is to start with a jacket that you can be sure will keep your core warm and snug.  Fjallraven makes it easy with their array of winter jackets that have been tested in some of the harshest environments.  Yep, and their pretty good looking pieces too.  

Apart from the jacket, the second most important part of the ensemble is definitely what goes on the feet.  Smart wool socks and a solid pair of waterproof boots.  You just can't skimp on this part.  Get something reliable with classic styling and a good guarantee.  This is something you can spend a lot on now and keep forever.
Try the LL Bean boots, they're timeless and indestructible.  

1. Fjallraven - Greenland No.1 Down Jacket
2. Harris Tweed - Men's Gloves
3. Fjallraven - Yupik Parka
4. Filson - Wool Seattle Shirt 

5. LL Bean - Men's Maine Hunting Shoes, 10"
6. LL Bean - Men's 10" Shearling Boots

7. Fjallraven - Viso Beanie

8. Outlier - M-Back Climbers
9. Tretorn - Gärde Stövel Vinter GTX Boots
10. Black Diamond - Spark Gloves
11. Pendleton Woolen Mills - Yakima Camp Blanket
12. Woolrich - Boot Socks
13. Brooks Brothers - Fair Isle Half-Zip Sweater
14. Drakes - Fair Isle Scarf
15. Paulrose Denim - Slim Slub Indigo Raw Denim

What keeps you warm in the winter?  

Floating Christmas Tree in Corio Bay, Australia

Since Thanksgiving has passed here in the states, it’s my family’s tradition to decorate straight away for Christmas.  And now that I'm totally in Christmas mode, I’ve been stumbling upon a lot of cool Christmas-y things to share! 

First off is the temporary floating Christmas tree in Corio Bay, Australia.  It’s a stunning addition to the already beautiful coastline.   Instead of adopting traditional western Christmas decorations, i.e. snow covered pine trees, the lead designer wanted to take a different approach and start new traditions in the bay.  Check out the making of the tree over at Designboom by the very talented Creative Production Services.

Stay tuned for the all of the holiday #RoundUps coming your way!

Christmas Gifts for Dad

1.  Dad sure does love a finely crafted brew, so long as it's not too "hoppy".  Get him a growler full of your favorite seasonal brew or his old standby. here

2.  Ah, the regular here, the Kershaw Leek.  Dad loves the springy action and the fact that if he does lose a hand attempting his "projects", he only needs the one to open it. here

3. Backwoodsman Magazines are definitely a treat.  Packed full of useful and interesting bushcraft and frontiersman/woman skills.  A delight to read, old man likes 'em too.  here

4.  Your local Army Navy store will have tons of these in stock.  Dad can finally wear a nice sweater that doesn't have a snowman knitted on the front for the holidays.  here

5.  Though he'd never admit it, he'll love what this stuff does to those gnarly old man hands of his. Badger Balm is the almighty hand soother. here

6.  Dad might not like this one, but everyone in the house will.  He will appreciate the sentiment, but why does his beer taste like pecans, apricots, and spices.  Aren't these things for girls?!  Nah! here

7.  And finally, the gift to outdo all other family members with, the Gransfor Bruks Forest Axe.  Enough said.  here

Clothes That Keep You Warm | Steam Horse Dry Goods

 

Two Winter weather necessities for me are a solid pair of thermal layers and a big, warm wool sweater.  Steam Horse Dry Goods, previously mentioned here, do the classics right.  I strolled the streets of Philadelphia this weekend looking for some last minute Christmas gifts and stayed warm and dry for the 5 or so hours I was out.  It helped that I stopped at Beiler's to grab a donut and Nook for a warm beverage, but man, this sweater is amazing.  Fits perfectly and isn't too itchy.  If you found a wool sweater like this, you are set.  If you're looking for (the) one (and only), find it here.  #ChristmasGear

Krampus on a Motorcycle

Well, if you're sitting and reading this, chances are you survived the evening of December 5th and haven't been carried away in Krampus' sack (or sidecar) as a punishment for your misbehavin'.

Since you've been spared you better hurry up and finish your Christmas shopping.  Check out this list of items under $15.  Or try #ChristmasGear #StockingStuffers

Gift ideas from around the internet:

Valet - (Posted by Fine & Dandy) Fine and Dandy'sHoliday Gift Ideas
Peanut Butter Coast - Winter Wants
Buckets & Spades - #Christmas
Corkgrips - Holiday Gift Guide
Honey Kennedy - "Let it Go" Giveaway (or gift guide)
Art of Manliness (Posted by Steam Horse Dry Goods) - Outfitted and Equipped: Cutting Down a Christmas Tree 
Well Spent - Good Giving 50 under $50 pt.4

Upgrade Your Christmas Gifts For Under $15

Well, well, here we all are again. Officially one month from now it will be Christmas.  Swirly winds filled with snowflakes, warm fireplaces, good food and cheer, loved ones around us, what else could you possibly want or need?!  Well, for those still searching (or beginning your search) for the perfect gift or stocking-stuffer, look no further! 

"Heap on the wood! - the wind is chill; But let it whistle as it will, We'll keep our Christmas merry still." - Sir Walter Scott

1. Glencairn Scotch Whisky Glass
2. Antler Chew for Dogs
3. Dark Rum Votive
4. Duck Rabbit Milk Stout
5. James Joyce's Ulysses
6. 24 of Hank William's Greatest Hits
7. Chromed Brass Guitar Slide
8. Southern Tier Krampus Helles Lager
9. Bandana in Fishing Lure Print
10. Authentic Wool Boot Socks
11. Vermont Cinnamon Cider Syrup
12. Cocktail Ice Cube Trays
13. Elixr Mexican Santa Theresa
14. BW Film Ilford
15. Dr. Bonner's Peppermint Castille Soap
16. Swedish Morakniv Classic

Birch Coasters Seeled in Beeswax

A 4:1 ratio of oil and pure beeswax makes for a fantastic wood sealer.  Looking forward to gifting these over the holiday. 

Chocolate and Peppermint Biscotti

A seasonal treat worth savoring.  Have a great weekend!

Merry Christmas!

Lazer-cut Miniature Gingerbread House

Johan von Konow designed and built a model of his summer home in the form of a Gingerbread house!  This is totally awesome! 

"This time of the year it is a tradition in Sweden to build a gingerbread house as decoration for the Christmas season. You can buy pre baked parts for a standard house, but it’s more fun to build your own. We (my wife and I) started by building an accurate 3D model of our summer house. We then extruded the surfaces into solids (gingerbread thickness estimated to 4mm) and trimmed the parts against each other. The parts were then placed flat in order to create 2d outlines. "--Full Developmental Description here.

In addition to the description of his materials and development, there's also a RHINO project file, 2D Vector file and documents all for download for those of you who wish to recreate this charming and festive project. 

Johan's Website



Beer Review (5): Harpoon Winter Warmer

Brewery: Harpoon | Beer: Winter Warmer
Beer Advocate Review Average (rAvg): 72

The Winter Warmer is one of my favorite Christmas beers despite its lower average rating on Beer Advocate. It has a cinnamon taste right up front with a pale malt tone. $13 bucks for a pack a few blocks down the way and I'm ready to celebrate the season, listen to christmas channels on 8tracks and ease into the weekend. Happy Saturday!

The Lost Christmas Gift

Sixty years after his father left to be a mapmaker in the war in Europe, Emerson Johansson received a package that had been lost in the mail for decades. An exquisite book, lovingly handmade by his father, details an extraordinary adventure they shared together just months before his departure.  Take a peak inside the cover over at ISSUU.  You may purchase The Lost Christmas Gift from Princeton Architectural Press (Papress) here ($30). 

Style Watch: Cousin Eddie from Nat'l Lampoons Christmas Vacation



"Shitter was full..."



It's kind of a tradition, right?  Watching Christmas Vacation is a crowd pleaser, especially when you invite the uptight in-laws over to enjoy some quality time.  Pass the eggnog and enjoy watching Cousin Eddie being himself, Clark obessing over his decorations and burning a hole in the bottom of his saucer sled Oh, and the antics at the shopping mall.  Happy Holiday-Movie-watching season!



Under $20: Gifts for Dad, What He Really Wants

Northern Goods Co. Handmade Paracord Key Fob $13.17
Craftsman Figure 8 Wrench $19.99
Kaufmann Mercantile Bicycle Cards Standard Deck in Silver $5.00
Kaufmann Mercantile Hermetus Bottle Opener $8.70
Backwoodsman Past Issues Oct./Nov. $6.00
Gemplers Carhartt Canvas Cap w/ Fold-down Ear Flaps $19.95
AlpacaMall Alpaca Socks in Yellow $17.45
Smuttynose Winter Ale ~$15.00 or less
Think Geek Swedish FireSteel $4.99-15.99

Because the old man does not want one more damn polo shirt or tie.