Holiday wish list: Mamatoga Jenny
On Jenny's list: horsey stuff, portraits, family brunches, and fleece lined tights.
The holiday season is a time for making wish lists, and shopping lists. In an effort to help you with both, we're asking a handful of people what's on their local holiday wish list this year.
Today's list comes from Mamatoga's Jenny Witte...
When it comes to gifts I try to involve as many family members as I can, but that can be tricky with a baby, a preschooler, and a first grader. They don't usually want the same things (unless that thing is Nutella). I'm always looking for artwork that everyone would love or restaurants that we can all go to that have great grown-up options and things the kids like that isn't in nugget form. For me, I just need some polo, a hair guru, and the most comfortable item of clothing on the planet. I really don't ask for much...
Portraits
I was in Silverwood Home & Gallery and fell in love with the portrait there of co-owner Chelsea Silver with her adorable son Bixby which was done by artist Rumara Jewett. Having one done with Finn, Jack, and Lev would be amazing.
We recently had a portrait of Finn and Lev's stuffed animals done by Jennifer Maher from Your Toy Portrait and I was just blown away by how great it turned out. I originally was going to put it up in their room but instead it hangs in our breakfast nook, the heart of our house, so we all see it each day. I have about five other items I have lined up for her to paint, and I plan on adding many more. Next up would be a portrait of baby Jack's hedgehog, Hoggy (my kids are super creative when it comes to naming stuffed animals).
Tea from Uncommon Grounds
Sean and I are pretty much addicted to the China Keemun tea from Uncommon Grounds. I buy it by the pound and whoever sells it to me always remarks how "That should really last you!" -- but to be honest it lasts us about a week or so. We like tea (and caffeine) a lot. I am definitely putting a big supply of this delicious tea on my list this year.
Gift certificate for Brunch at Hattie's
Brunch is our favorite meal to do with the whole family and Hattie's is one of our local favorites. We like to take over the big table in the heated patio in the back and they have something for everyone in our family. The kids adore the beignets, the crab cake Eggs Benedict is perfection and I always, ALWAYS get a café con miel (with or without bourbon depending on how my afternoon is going).
Papier Mache animal bust from Next Summer
I would happily take anything from preppy heaven Next Summer, but right now I am deeply in love with these papier mache animal busts they have that are made by hand in Haiti. Their production facilities were destroyed in the earthquake, but they have rebuilt and now they're focusing on providing an industry and jobs for Haitians. They are striking and absolutely beautiful and I can already picture the gazelle one above my fireplace. He belongs there.
Horsey stuff
Anything horse related would be great. I'd love a membership to Saratoga Polo Association so I wouldn't miss a match, riding lessons at North Country Horses to perfect my jumping skills with my favorite instructor Amanda, or a gift certificate to Saratoga Saddlery for some great boots.
Fleece lined tights from Lucia Boutique
If you don't know what these are yet, go buy a pair, they are life changing. Easily the most comfortable thing I own, I wear them pretty much every other day. Lucia has a great selection (along with some incredible dresses I am lusting after) and I definitely need at least one more pair of fleece lined tights. I'm wearing them as I type this, they are a necessity and I'm not sure how I survived without them.
Salon gift card
One thing I never seem to actually do is go get a haircut and I'm literally approaching waist length status with my hair. It's out of control. I've been searching for the best place to get a little trim and possibly add in some blonde to get me closer to achieving that unicorn of hairstyles, "Gwyneth Hair". A gift certificate to a salon would be great, as I couldn't possibly make up any more excuses to not get it cut.
Jenny Witte writes about family, style and shopping in the Spa City at Mamatoga. You can also find her on Facebook and as @MamatogaJenny on Twitter.
More holiday wish lists from this year:
+ Deanna Fox
+ Tim Dawkins
+ Kate Welshofer and AnchorCat Brian Williams
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