Since my birthday is in December I usually get shafted in the gift department. Also, since I'm single I don't usually get the benefit of really nice gifts from a significant other. Therefore, I tend to be a lil extra in the self-indulgence department and use my birthday/Xmas as an excuse to treat myself (not that I need an excuse).

So, I wanna know: Do you buy yourself "gifts"??? Do you wrap them and open them on Xmas morning OR do you use them immediately like I do??? Show me what you got!

This year, I got this handbag. I also bought myself two pairs of ridiculously beautiful shoes.




[Edited 12/11/09 7:13am]

Most years I do, but I bought a condo this year and I'm still needing to buy some things to furnish it. A new couch, a new tv, and so on. I'm waiting till after the holidays are done to do that kind of shopping for myself so I ensure I've taken care of others before me.

I really, really, really can't wait to get the big things I need, though. I'm having such a hard time with the couch, too.

Probably won't this year as there really isn't anything that I really want that I haven't already just gone out and purchased already.

CarrieMpls said:

What's the problem with the couch?

It's not what I'm buying...it's what I'm making.

I bought some gorgeous paisley Liberty of London cotton lawn awhile back. I'm going to make a ruffled blouse out of it.

And the costume designer for this show gave me over a yard-and-a-half of scrumptious Italian cashmere. I'm going to make a flounced skirt out of that.

As soon as we close, my sewing machine will be humming.
[Edited 12/11/09 7:26am]

SCNDLS said:

I'm having a hard time finding a couch that is both stylish (and my taste) and comfortable. Somehow the two don't seem to go very well together. I have a limited color palatte that I like too (no beige or cranberry in my house). And I'm a thrifty girl too, so I like to find a bargain. I'm not willing to spend $2000 on a couch.

There's a design studio that sells sample pieces for discounts in Minne that I just heard about, so I'm excited to check that place out next.

CarrieMpls said:

Couches are incredibly difficult. After sitting on zillions of them a couple years ago, I found what I thought was the perfect one. Well, it's perfectly gorgeous, all right. But not so comfortable. And it wasn't cheap, either.

Hot bag, SCNDL. And how funny: For a few months now I've wanted to buy myself...


(I want the Louis, not Connery... not these days, anyway. )

The cost is obscene, though, and I just don't need another duffel bag. So instead I've been thinking of buying myself this book...



I'm becoming a boring old man. But Vaggie's my favorite painter.
[Edited 12/11/09 7:36am]

Lammastide said:

Vag

CarrieMpls said:

You should consider Crate and Barrel. They have a design center where you can customize furniture pieces but their fabrics are ridiculously expensive around $25/yd and up. But the really cool thing they do if you find a piece you like, you can take your own fabric to them, they'll ship it to the manufacturer and custom build it for you. In October, they offer a 25% off discount for made to order pieces.

I had them do a great chaise lounge for my living room. I bought a faux leather basketweave material at $13/yd for a total of $125. Gave it to them and had a custom piece. I think it ended up being around $1500.

johnart said:

johnart said:

I know, right?

Lammastide said:

Wait til you see the shoes I got to match after MONTHS of looking.

Is this a coffee table book with gawjus pics???

SCNDLS said:

I will check them out! Great tip!

I wanted to buy this Japanese Chin that my friend is selling.
But I dont think i'll have time to take care of it


I'm so sad because he was so cute

SCNDLS said:

Uh huh. Big, ol' full-color glossy conversation piece.

It costs in the ballpark of $120. But I've been a fairly good boy this year.
[Edited 12/11/09 7:43am]

CarrieMpls said:

The chaise in their standard fabrics was $1000 but I think I paid less than that even with the fabric purchase. And it looks so much better than what they offered.

DanceWme said:

They say Christmas time is the worst time to buy a pet. But I'm glad you're doing what's best for the doggie.

Lammastide said:

Go on an' get it!

Genesia said:

Ooh, I wish I was talented like that.

I need a new outfit for a christmas party i'm going to tomorrow night... but that's about it for me this year.
I just got a new bathroom and painted and re-carpeted my hall, so can't afford to be spending too much on myself

florescent said:

Me too.
But I probably would be lookin like Gaga, so maybe it's good I don't sew.

I want these Charles David shoes:

SCNDLS said:

missfee said:

those are cute!

i just bought myself this beautiful pendant by johnart!!! it's called "purple mountains".

kimrachell said:

the colors on this one are so pretty!

veronikka said:

i love it, and can't wait to get it.

veronikka said:

I know aren't they??? I want to wear them with a sexy, short black dress and some fishnets....