All Over Albany

Local holiday wish list: the Editors -- and Otto

In holiday seasons past AOA has made lists of local gifts we thought people might like to get. This year, we're going right to the source. Instead of making our list, we've asked a few people directly: What's on your holiday wish list?

The last list comes from each of the Editors. And Otto.

AOA Mary

OK, so the downtown office is small and I've kind of taken the "have nothing in your home that isn't
useful or beautiful" approach to life these days, but here are some things on my list

Relaxing
Winter is long and cold and I'm not a big fan. But spa treatments are a great way to take the chill out of January and February. A certificate for a facial at Complexions or a massage from Bodyworks or Spa Virgo on Lark Street would be fun to open, and even more fun to use on a wintry weekend.

Delicious
The downtown office is within spitting distance of Crisan. No, we've never actually tried it, we're just saying-- it's close. Anyway, it's one of my favorite places to go. Bacci, chocolate croissants, chocolate kisses, home made sorbet and gelato -- everything they make is gorgeous and delicious. And it's the perfect place to pick up pastries when you're having guests. Yes, that's what we do -- we give them to the guests. We've never, never been known to eat several of them in a sitting when no one else is around to see. We wouldn't do that. Except, yeah, I did that. Many, many times.

Practical
Work on AOA sometimes brings us outdoors and trying to take pictures or find anything on your iPhone can be cumbersome when you're wearing gloves. It would be great to have gloves that keep your hands warm and fingers free. Locally I've seen them in shops like Anchor No. 5, Elissa Halloran and on Etsy.

Pretty
I'm not much for expensive, jewelry store jewelry. The pieces I wear are usually handmade, vintage or in some way quirky. I love typewriter jewelry and that kind of thing. For a while now I've been ogling the Circle of Enchanted Vines necklace from AnOriginal Jewelry's Etsy shop.

AOA Greg

The thing I'd most like this year is time. Though as I understand it, it's hard to come by. So, these would be good substitutes:

The Huyck
The Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville is one of my favorite places in the Capital Region to take a walk. A membership or donation would be much appreciated.

Photos
I like the dog photos that Saratoga-based photographer Heather Bohm-Tallman takes. I think Mrs. Greg would love a nice photo or two of Otto.

Dinner at the Basement Bistro
One of the best meals I've ever had was at the Basement Bistro in Earlton. In addition to the excellent food, it was interesting to have Chef Damon come out between courses and talk about the ingredients (he actually grew the mushrooms himself). Of course, considering how hard it is get to a spot there, the opportunity of a reservation would be a gift in itself.

AOA Otto

A free shot at the treat bins
My favorite local pet supply store is Pet Supplies Plus at the University Plaza in Albany. I like the fact that I can reach the bulk treat and rawhide bins there.

Frozen yogurt
Froyo is one of my favorite treats. I'd love a Doggie Sundae from Emack and Bolio's.

Pizza
My sense of smell is like four times better yours. So do you know how frustrating it is to repeatedly walk by that pizza place across from St. Peter's -- and never once have a slice of pizza? I want. Some pizza.

A day at the golf course
If I had my wish, I'd spend the entire day at Capital Hills with my friend Daisy. We'd hang out at the front of the course and greet all the dogs and people who came by. And there would be lots of playing.

Other local holiday wish lists from this year:
+ Christine from Unspeakable Visions
+ Kaitlin Resler from All This Happiness
+ Daniel B. from the Fussy Little Blog
+ Matthew Carefully
+ Katie Beltramo from Capital District Fun
+ derryX Jerry Papandrea
+ Erik Dollman
+ Ethan Georgi from Life after Programming
+ Sarah LaDuke from WAMC