Holiday Tipping Guide

If you are fiscally able to afford to tip those who regularly provide you services, here is a guide to how much you should be spending on the folk who help make your life run smoother:

Babysitter/Caregiver - One night/week's pay, small gift from child/ren.
Hairdresser/Barber - If you see them regularly, double how much you normally pay. Ex: $50 salon visit, you see the hairdresser twice a week, give an extra $50 for holiday gift. 
Dogwalker - one week's pay in addition to regular salary as a gift
Teacher - As the daughter of a teacher, they can only use so many crystal apples, candles, and scarves that can be stored at the house.  If you want to gift them, a gift card to a store or restaurant will go much further. 
Post Office Worker - they are not allowed to take cash tips as gifts but you can gift them food, candy, scarves, gift cards under $20 or coffee/tea sets
Front Door/Maintenance - buildings usually ask for a donation to the pool that goes to the entire group.  If your building does not, your doorman gets $100, maintenance $25-$30.
Housekeeper -  one week's pay in addition to regular salary as a gift
Personal Trainer - half one session's pay

Last Minute Gift Ideas

You've procrastinated in gift buying this year and now you have NO idea what to get that special someone in your life.  Here is a list of gifts for men and women that are functional, fun, and should get to you by Christmas.

Bacons of the world - $299

4 times a year, a shipment of bacon from organic, pastured Ossabaw Berkshire pigs includes 5 lbs of bacon split between two styles - American Classic and a bacon seasoning style from around the world.  Pig lovers rejoice.


LL Bean WEST BRANCH DUFFLE - $88

It's LL Bean, which means it will last darn near forever.  It's a great sized weekend bag, which every man or woman needs. It's in a cool camo fabric, which is unique but not Army like.  Its' $88.  Need I say more?


Lululemon Core Short - $58

If you still wear oversized basketball shorts to the courts when you hoop with your friends on the weekends, time to upgrade.  Buy something that looks good, wicks sweat, and is built to last.

Under Armour Coldgear Infrared Werewolf Jacket - $159

You want to stay warm this winter, work out, but not wear 5 layers of sweatshirts under your puffy jacket to do so. This waterproof lightweight jacket is made to absorb and retain your own body heat but keeps out the cold.


Under Armour Boxerjock Boxer Briefs - $20

While you're at it upgrading your gym shorts, pick up a pair of boxer briefs that wick away moisture and has anti-odor technology.  We thank you.


Camelbak Bootlegger - $55

Necessary for those long runs or bike rides.  This lightweight hydration pack holds up 1.5 liters and is slim enough to fit under a jacket during the winter and doesn't add bulk in the spring/summer.

SteriPEN Ultra -$77.95

For the world traveler who wants to take an extra step to make sure they can drink the local water.  The USB chargeable SteriPEN Ultra uses UV light to purify a liter of water in just 90 seconds, killing more than 99.9 percent of the bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that cause water-borne illnesses.



NuForce Mobile Music Pump - $59

So you have a fancy MP3 player.  Unfortunately it can’t produce the sort of power those high priced headphones demand. Add this little device and your music will never sound the same again.  

Hisense Sero 7 Pro tablet - $89

So you want a tablet but you don't want to pay the price of an iPad mini. This Google Apps friendly product is powered by a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, has extendable memory capabilities (just buy a mini SD card),  and can last up to 7 hours 1080p Video Playing, 10 hours web viewing using Wi-Fi with medium light/volume on one charge.



Monster DNA Headphones - $169.95

The original manufacturer of the REALLY expensive headphones that a producer/rapper endorsed but is no longer affiliated with, these headphones have the sound quality, noise cancelling abilities,  and durability a pair of high end headphones should have.  The latest offering, the DNA collection, has several colors to choose from to pick your personality.

World Atlas of Street Art and Grafitti book - $23.60

Street art and grafitti have a history that's older than the infamous NYC Subway trains of the 80s.  Take a look at this stunning compilation of this artform from all parts of the globe.

iFlask - $29.99

When I go to events, spending $15 on just a beer in addition to the admission price is not my idea of fun.  This cleverly disguised flask holds 5oz of your favorite drink and comes with a bottle opener back.  Might even prevent you from drunk texting.

Trunk Club - $100 +

List this under "Why Didn't I Think of This" file, this personal shopping club hooks your guy up with a personal online stylist who will help him pick out clothes that both fit his personal style but are stylish, they ship it, he tries it on and has up to 10 days to decide if he wants to keep the recommended clothing. Only charged for what he keeps.  Free Shipping both ways.
 
Fashion Books from Assouline - starting at $25

This book company prides itself on creating coffee table quality books celebrating high end lifestyle topics such as fashion, jewelry, travel, art, and design.

The Gentleman's Guide to Cocktails - $13.84

Please gift this to your friend who only drinks cranberry and vodka and help them explore the cocktail world.  Extra points for the Mad Men inspired cover.

Dialspeed Padlock:$15.99

This futuristic padlock looks straight off the set of "The Matrix".  Resettable, battery lasts for 5 years, and you can backup your code on masterlockvault.com so you never forget it.  Indoor use only people, so don't go locking up your bike with this.  Your locker at the gym is officially upgraded.

Ray-Ban Foldable Aviators $199.95

They're classic.  They're foldable. They're easy to pack.  They're unisex. Coolest gift, period. 

Street Maps Glassware - $12.50 +

Maybe you're homesick and want a little memento when you sip.  Maybe you are a traveler and want to remember some of the cities you've seen without breaking out the shotglass collection.  These unique barware pieces feature maps of various cities etched in  rocks or wine glasses, and carafes.  The company also created a Boston Strong Marathon Map Pint glass, with all proceeds going to the survivors of the attack this year. Classy and functional. 


Gamer Soaps - $14.95

For the video gamer in your life, take him/her back to the basics with these soaps shaped like old school systems like Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Xbox, Playstation and Sega.  These aren't available until 2014, so get on the list now and hopefully your gamer will have come out of their Christmas gift haze to wash their hands with this thoughtful gift.

Brooklynese China - $12+

For you unaware that there is a specific language to the borough of Brooklyn, you're welcome for the lesson.  These are real words: cawfee, buttah, shuguh, creamuh, sawlt & peppa.  Now you too can have some "buttah" with these cute black and white china pieces from Fish Eddy.  Pass the sawlt & peppa, please.

Need more ideas that are more lady specific?  Go to my Holiday Gifts for Ladies 2013 page on Pinterest!

Thanks to coolmaterials.com for creating a very extensive list to pick from.

Nude Shoes for ALL Shades

Part of being a grown woman is learning to evolve your look and embrace change.  I advocate doing this by keeping classic looks in her closet while updating the look with low cost relevant accessories that keep you current.  One look that has become a necessity in a woman's closet is the nude shoe.  Starting about 4 years ago it came onto the scene and has done a job by elongating a woman' leg, providing a neutral base to an outfit, and dresses up pretty much every outfit it is paired with.  One glaring issue with the nude shoe is similar to the issue of nude lipstick - not everyone is the same shade of beige.  For those of us with melanin in our skin and do not want to look like we are purposefully wearing beige shoes, here are some alternatives that will work for your skin tone and budget.

Christian Louboutin has introduced multiple shades of nude shoes.  Brava Monsieur Louboutin for recognizing your customer base is not just one color. Prices start at $595.

 

For those who cannot afford Monsieur Louboutin's shoes yet, here are some alternative shoes and price points, starting at $39.99,  for you for various shades from blush to mahogany.

If you are fair skinned, more often than not you still have a tinge more melanin than the average european person.  Look for shoes in a blush color which have a hint of pink.  This shade be light enough for you, but still have a touch of color that the shoe will blend rather than stand out:

Pendleton Stylish Patent Heels

 

Victoria's Secret Ankle Strap Platform Pump

 Victoria's Secret Round Toe Pump

For others who are are leaning in the color wheel a little more deeply, shades that match you are called Natural, Mushroom, Caramel or Camel on the shoe box.  I'm a fan of patent leather shoes which give a little shine and kick to your outfit.  Plus, they are easier to clean.

Ivanka Trump Bulbli

Pour La Victorie Irina Pump in Mushroom

Jessica Simpson Camela

Kate Spade New York Karolina

For you ladies who are chocolate deluxe, mahogany brown, and rich chocolate, there are great shoes out there to compliment your tones.  Again, look for hues that compliment your complexion with shades like taupe, coffee, russett and of course chocolate in textures to give character to the shoe.

BCBGMaxazria Onnie

Nine West Illumie

Manolo Blahnik Scanti Patent d'Orsay Pump in Taupe

Nine West 7fessup (I know its a boot, but a great simple one that will go with EVERYTHING!)

Steven by Steve Madden Roda Pump

Want to see more ideas?  Check out my feed on ShopStyle under Black Orchid and follow me.
Some of these shoes are on sale, so go out and use that Christmas money to upgrade your wardrobe!

Guess who's bizack

For those who followed my fashion blog, I've decided to evolve it to what concerns life now. Not just about fashion, but about how to continue to evolve into a well rounded woman. Topics will include:
* Evolving your look
* Eating better
* Financial health
* Parent/Elder care
* Your changing body
* Spiritual health
* Traveling the world
* Family growth

I KNOW I don't have all the answers. So, some topics will be guest written by people who are real experts in their respective fields talk about how to improve yourself. Hope you enjoy the ride!

To kick it off, here is a video of some beautifully dressed people that I was honored to be a part of, shot by Sabrina Thompson: