The best stuff ever in the whole entire world for hip, happening ladies!

Perhaps where you are, it is not the time of year to be thinking about your garden. But perhaps it is! My friend Joy in Seattle has been building an awesome garden where she spends quality time every day. I must admit I am a bit envious and I absolutely cannot wait to get a REAL house with a REAL yard so I can get to work with planting. Here is what she has to say about a great gardening resource (and I would certainly be needing one of these to help with my ‘brown thumb’)…

Ed Hume — he is great. I am addicted to his show Gardening in America and his website is awesome. Perhaps not so much a pretty web site, but very useful!!! I love the calendar feature — tells me what to do!). He is a bit focused on Northwest gardening, but nonetheless, is a fabulous resource for us begining gardeners. – Joy

A scarf is such a useful invention, and when it looks nice…well more power to you. This particular scarf is the exact same one I got my mother for Christmas. I looked and looked and looked and finally came upon the perfect one. It looks good with both of her coats, and it is seriously the most snuggly, big, warm thing you’ve ever come across. I told her I wanted to wrap it around my naked body, but she didn’t seem to want that to happen.

Never did I think I would end up discussing the aesthetics of a carabiner, but here I am. When thinking about form and function a carabiner just jumped to the front of my mind. There are generally numerous styles and colours to chose from. Sleek, industrial, and simple…and can you believe it could save your life? Well, that may sound a bit extreme, but it is a crucial piece of equipment for climbers.

But for me? A non-climber who really cannot think of another purpose? Keychain! Talk about utilitarian and timeless. They are so affordable I cannot believe I don’t already own one or two or three for all the various clippy things for which one would need a carabiner.

I am thinking cold weather now since I will be leaving my warm climate for the chilly Wyoming winter here in a few short days. 86 degrees F to -26 degrees F. Yes…that was the honest to God temperature in Buffalo, Wyoming yesterday (as reported by internet sources).

Exciting times! I love the snow and cozying up inside. It just doesn’t ever feel like the holidays in that same holiday-feel sort of way when you live in the tropics. But cozy indoors can mean some brutally cold outdoors. That is why I love this wishlist item submitted by a subscriber who lives in Colorado. She should most certainly know what she’s talking about.

North Face Hat – yes, it is possible to be cold and look cute at the same time. Love this little treasure! – Beth

Another great gifting idea…a cute and practical winter boot.

I love my Tretorn rain/snow boots and so did my mom last time she came to visit.  They are cozy (faux-fur lining!), warm and bright.  I wear them everyday in the winter as I trek from my house to the train and back. My mom will be receiving the yellow pair! - Angie

Now I have to admit that I am not exactly what you might call an avid bird watcher. I’m not even a not-so-avid bird watcher (sorry to the few hardcore ornithologists with whom I am acquainted). But it does so happen that on occasion I see birds.

If I were to see these said birds, I think it would be very nice for them to have such a lovely little house as this. My lack of direct interest in the observation of aviary life is certainly a bit curtailed by this way cool contemporary birdhouse.

What a perfect accessory for a tree! And feed those little birdies to make them happy too.

Must admit that I am loving a bit on this scarf/shawl. As any well-wisdomed grandmother may tell you…keep that neck covered to stay warm!

This particular scarf would go great on those brisk evenings that have started popping up across the country. And I know that there was already a nasty snow storm in Wyoming that wiped out electricity and took down trees. Toss on this fashionable little number and you are ready to take on whatever may come your way! (I personally look forward to getting to some cooler weather, just so I can get away with wearing these fun and necessary accessories.)

Loving the softness, loving the colours. Perfect with a coat or whatever lies beneath.

If you read the previous post on boots, you will see that we are getting Sadie geared up for the long winter months in Wyoming.

Now for warm coats. We thought down and a longer length would be the best way to go. Plus, looking good while being warm is key!

Patagonia is my go-to for outdoorsy gear. Here is a perfect coat that is stylish and cozy. Add a belt to the outside and you are even more hip (you have seen that trend, right? it’s a goody).

Way cute. I like it in this white chocolate colour, but it also comes in a brown and black. And the price tag is very reasonable for a good quality investment.

Okay, one more good, warm, hip coat. My go-to with fashion is definitely once again Shopbop. They just have so many good options and up the anti on style. Here is my favorite from their website:

My dear friend Sadie just started her post-grad degree in Laramie, Wyoming. Laramie  is a cold and unforgiving place in the winter. She requested that I track down for her some affordable and stylish boots and coats (coats in next post) in which she can keep warm.

As for the boots, they had to be without heels, and with or without traction as she can add that later. Icy, icy, icy times in old Wyo. I know when I purchased my black boots while in Seattle a few years back, I wore them constantly during the chillier days. They just seem to go with everything – dresses and skirts and pants of various sorts.

Very affordable…from Target. These boots will probably last the season just fine, but next year you may be gearing up for a new pair. But that is okay, because they are quite nice looking and have a hot, hot price tag of a low $62.99. Good for a student budget!

As for a mid-range priced boot, I looked to Shopbop. They have sooooooo many choices of boots fitting this description that it was hard to choice, but alas, I had to.

Love its strappy stylishness. Even though I love this particular boot, I urge you to look around on their website if you are in the market for any sort of boot for this upcoming chilly weather season. A wide array of brands, price ranges, and styles.