Holiday Wishlist

Everyone and her sister are posting gift guides these days.  After all, Christmas is coming up - and we bloggers love to share inspiration, especially when it comes with a big price tag!  Sorry, I don't mean to be snarky.  But I'll tell you what I told Joelle a few weeks ago on Twitter:

Basically, I'd love to see what the best golf presents are if the blogger's father loves golf and she tells a story about how once she went golfing with her dad and she was bored out of her mind but she pretended she had a great time and so now she's stuck always going golfing with him because she can't admit that she faked it.  But if a blogger just throws out a gift guide that isn't relevant to her life at all, I feel a little manipulated.  Maybe I'm overthinking it - it's just that we're bombarded with so many ideas for presents from everywhere that they need to explain something about the blogger who's sharing them if they're going to make an impact.  (Many of the blogs I read do a great job of this; I love learning about workout essentials from the CrossFit fans and checking out top items for expats from my friends abroad.  I promise I'm not calling anybody out here!)

All that said, you're going to get two gift guides from me this season: one of things on my wishlist, and one of things that Jon will be receiving.  The first was requested by my darling fiancé because apparently it's how he finds out what I'd like without having to straight-out ask me.  And the second - which Jon has crossed his heart he won't read - will be everything that Jon will unwrap on Christmas Day.  That's right, dear readers!  You get to know before he does.  How cool do you feel?

Anyway, onto my list.  It's totally random and doesn't have a theme other than "items Betsy likes that aren't horribly expensive," so prepare for a little bit of everything.  And, because I do want to connect each piece to my life and my interests, make sure you're settled in with a cup of tea for a long read!

We're going to be spending New Year's Eve with the same group of friends as last year - the host with the most has invited us all back to his stately pile for another posh bash.  This Sheike dress is perfect - I love the full skirt, but the deep V amps up the glam.  With minimal jewelry, my hair loose, and simple pumps, the dress would do all the talking.

I have a few small cross-body bags, but they're not very well-made or versatile.  I'd really love to invest  in one that is fantastic quality and that goes with everything, so the one pricey piece on this wishlist is the Mulberry Bryn.  Hey, a girl can dream, right?

You all know about my love for Neal's Yard Dairy, the best cheese shop in London and always my first stop at Borough Market.  Well, my very favorite cheese there is the St. Tola, a goats cheese from Ireland that has the tangiest ring just under the rind before you cut through to the creaminess of the interior of the log.  Obviously it doesn't keep well and can't be shipped, but it's so delicious that I had to include it here.

When I ran in the winter in England, I was able to keep my fists tucked into my sleeves to keep my hands warm.  That's not an option now that I'm running longer distances with Charlie; I've got his leash in one hand and my water bottle in the other.  I'd love a pair of these wicking gloves from Nike to keep my fingers from freezing!

My biggest obstacle when cooking on either side of the pond is that the recipes I choose always seem to be in the wrong country's measurements.  This conversion dishtowel from Crate and Barrel would save the day!

I'm living in my parents' house, so the spaces I can personalize are limited to my bedroom and my bathroom.  This Design Darling turquoise zebra tray would be perfect as a catchall for change and bobby pins and stray earrings.

Eventually, though, Jon and I will have our own place.  If, at any point in our lives, we're not living in DC, I want to have a piece of my hometown with me.  There are tons of creative options on Etsy, but my favorite is this simple print from DefineDesign11.

While I am living at home, I might as well take advantage of the soaking tub in the master bathroom!  It's totally indulgent, but I take a long hot bath almost every weekend, and I go all out with the luxury - candles, fashion magazines, glass of wine, and bubble bath.  A few years ago, I bought my sister a bottle of Lollia foaming bubbles... which I've now almost finished.  Time for a replacement!

Last but not least, I'm dying to see The Book of Mormon, the winner of the 2011 Tony for Best Musical.  I missed it when it was on Broadway, but maybe Jon and I can see it together when it opens in London!

Phew - you know, writing all of this out in one place makes me feel phenomenally greedy.  But I guess that's why they call it a wishlist!  What are you hoping the find under the tree, dear readers?