The Comfortable Girl

My friend Geoff is a sweet, caring, kind man. We were talking the other day about the simple things in life that a man can do to make the woman in his life feel special. As I was trying to think of the nicest thing that a man has done for me, he told me what he did for his ex-girlfriend. It wasn’t much, it only took him a half hour online, one phone call, and a starry night to accomplish, but the end result qualifies as a “Sweep Her Off Her Feet” moment in my book.

Geoff knew that his girlfriend loved astronomy and star gazing. For a special occasion he gave her a night she would never forget. The first thing he did was have a star named after her. Once he received the paperwork and it was official, he contacted a nearby observatory and found out that for a donation he could arrange a private viewing. The observatory finds the star of your choice and allows you to view it through the telescope. All he needed then was to wait for a clear starry night. And to take it one step further he brought with him champagne, two flukes, and a blanket. It was the perfect night.

This year is almost over, but for 2009, take a minute and think if there is anyone in your life that you want to make feel special. Think to yourself if you’ve ever truly been swept off your feet. Too often we are too wrapped up in our own lives, in our own wants, that we forget about the most important people around us. Often people buy gifts for their loved ones that are actually gifts for themselves in disguise. People generally plan an evening or a surprise for a loved one based on something that they themselves would like to participate in. Not often enough to people simply DO something for the sole purpose of making someone else happy. One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make the people around you happy. Be that person, be that loved one, everyone deserves to feel special.

I recently stumbled upon a wonderful website full of trinkets, toys, games, kitchen and office supplies, and much, much more. Kikkerland is the place to buy that interesting object that will please that “hard to buy for” person in your life. It is also a site to buy something fun for yourself. I, myself, am the proud owner of one of the commonly featured windups by the name of Cranky. If you are interested in a windup toy, be sure to watch the movie that accompanies the toy. Then, once you are the proud owner of your own windup, create your own movie for all to see! Cranky requires no batteries, and at $9.95, it will keep you entertained for hours, guaranteed.

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Ladies, the end of September is nearing and for many of us, this time of the year can be stressful. If you are a student returning to school, a parent trying to manage, or simply a woman needing a change, I propose that we all treat ourselves with a little gift. Fall is right around the corner, and that means the pink, yellow, or light blue summer purse you have been carrying around all summer has to return to the closet. It is time for a new purse!

This does not mean you have to empty out your wallet, a good Fall purse can be great looking and affordable at the same time. One of my favorites I came across when searching for a nice Fall purse was this cute little number from Isaac Mizrahi.

Structure and grace are well in hand with the Isaac Mizrahi Trap Satchel, a canvas handbag that’s sophisticated but never stuffy. With silvertone hardware and a witty snap buckle closure that looks like an overalls fastener, this unique design opens to reveal a vivid pink lining with lots of smart extras. In addition to a long interior zip pocket great for keys or sunglasses, there’s a dual compartment trimmed in leather that’s just right for your cell phone and PDA. Natural Canvas has brown leather details; Black and Charcoal are finished with black leather. Its perfect proportions and classic form give the Trap Satchel a timeless appeal, but you’ll want to grab onto one right now.