I know publications create these lists to give us mere mortals a glimpse of some far off, fantasy lifestyle that we most likely will never achieve (and perhaps to boost ad revenues). But would it kill them to toss a few affordable options into the mix?

Honestly, if I had six thousand dollars kicking around, I wouldn’t spend it on clothes and accessories (a $495 tote bag?). I’d spend it on airline tickets to Buenos Aries, Morocco or some other far flung destination. There, I’d splurge on local cuisine, a fantastic massage and a couple of killer adventures. And, yes, I might want to purchase a few new pieces to fill out my suitcase, but I doubt I’d drop $900 for a belt to wear with my swimsuit (seriously?).

I’m sure there are WSJ readers ordering the suggested $800 winter boots right now, but I’m also willing to bet there are readers like me, eager to see some realistic (read: bargain priced) alternatives. After all, aren’t we in a depression/recession/economic funk?

I’m going to spend some time this week pulling together alternatives. Until then, here are a few to get you started. And, on a side note, a $2,200 jumpsuit is ridiculous not only because of the price, but because it’s a jumpsuit. It was cheesy then; it’s cheesy now. Some things are simply meant to fade from memory…

The SMS List – What to Wear Without Breaking the Travel Budget

Athleta Swimsuits. I love the swimsuits from Athleta. They’re designed for action, so they fit well and stay put. Plus their super cute. Tops and bottoms are sold separately, so a good fit is pretty much guaranteed. Most pieces under $75. http://athleta.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=46658

Still at Athleta, this dress is adorable and at just at $89, it feels like a steal. Roll it up, pack it and go. No wrinkles, no hassles, no $415 price tag.

You’re loving the retro, Hollywood feel of the WSJ piece, but not the bottom line, right? No worries. Boden has the perfect little tunic that will have you feeling every bit the1960s starlet. Simply tie a scarf around your head and add some Jackie O shades and you’re good to go. $88

Need some fun, kicky sneakers that will work with shorts and a skirt? Check out the affordable, colorful selection from Gola. I picked up a pair of the Quotas in orange when in Los Angeles this fall. They’re a fresh and flirty take on the usual rubber-soled shoe. $39 to $55 

Then, my son arrived. And my show was replaced, bumped out of the way, by a 7-year-old. Not that he asked for this. He didn’t need to. It happened organically. My head became full of him, his life, and his needs. And so, for a time, there was less room for much else. And that was good. Really good. I waited a long time to be a mom. I wanted to revel fully in each and every possible moment.

But there was more going on. Adopting an older child from a third-world country changes you (hell, adopting or birthing any child changes you). I thought often about the world from which he came. I saw how little he needed to be happy. He grew up with no electricity, no plumbing, no convenience stores and certainly no organized sports. Yet.

He was happy. Inquisitive. Self-reliant in spite of the language barrier and what many of us (first world people) would consider hardships. He didn’t want to watch television. He wanted to go outside and play. He didn’t need a Gameboy (that was then, now apparently he needs a Gameboy). He just needed other kids and a ball or a creek or a handful of rocks. His life was simple. Not cluttered. Not created from what some advertiser or lifestyle show host told him he needed in order for it to be full and relevant.

Interestingly, the change within was all around me. The economy had fallen off a cliff. People were losing their jobs and their homes. Food banks and pantries were pushed to capacity as more and more people lined up for help. Businesses were folding (my own public relations business among them as it ground nearly to a halt) and Main Street was collapsing. Creating little videos promoting consumerism – buy this, eat that, wear these – began to feel hollow, irresponsible even. And, the luxury of doling out cash for video production was no longer a luxury. Rather, it was nuttiness when considering health insurance, food and a mortgage payment.

And so Six Minute Style languished. I turned my back on it. I walked away. Yet. The writer in me has something to say. I spent some time online yesterday looking for boots. Not winter boots, per se. Cute boots. Fall boots that I can wear into the winter. Something kind of rugged like a biker boot, but dressy enough to wear with a skirt in a (cold, snowy) pinch. And then it struck me. I don’t have the money I had two years ago, but I do need boots (I live in Montana, so not really negotiable). Walking around in sneakers in the snow is not so wise. So, I need to spend wisely. I need to buy something durable and well made that will last a long time. I don’t think I’m alone. Many of us have experienced a tightening of the belt of late. We’re saving more (or so the experts say) and paying down debt. Yet.

We live in a first world country and have first world desires. And that’s okay. But, maybe now, moving forward, I’ll weave a bit of that third world thinking into my actions, my writing and my little Web show. Maybe Six Minute Style has found its voice.

Day 2 of school being back in session and all I can say is, “YAY!” Trust me, my son’s saying the same thing. Not that I don’t adore having him around, 24/7, but… he needs to be in school. He LOVES structure and routine and, apparently, so do I.

Christmas Break was fun. It was busy. We sledded, skied, skated, shot hoops, swung at little blue raquetballs, watched movies – there seemed to be no end to the jolly good times. But, just as happened on our ridiculously long trip to the east coast this past summer, all that “fun and relaxation” got old. Really, really old. My son missed his classmates. He missed his teacher. He missed having a reason to get up in the morning. He got a bit crabby. So did I (or so he says). And then, just when it seemed like our nearly two weeks of Saturdays would never end … January 3. January 3, that oh-so-special day I will forever hold in my heart. School was back in session. Ahhhh

According to my husband, our son sang (yes, sang) yesterday morning as they walked to school. Now that’s some jolly good fun. And, when I picked him up after school, he was beaming. I’m pretty sure I was too. I know I was all day, as I hung out in my super quiet, super calm house. Ahhh. School. Who knew I loved you so?

What was your favorite Christmas gift this year and why?  Mine was (and is) the Christmas tree ornaments made by my son. They are absolutely adorable  – one for each of us – and the very last gift we opened. I loved “ending” the gift exchange on such a high. Any standouts for you?

Twenty-four days and counting. Are you ready? Not to worry. We have a two-part holiday gift episode coming up later this week, and for the next 24 days, we’ll be posting one fabulous, fun, maybe even flirty, gift idea per day. We’ll get those stockings filled yet!

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22 – YOU’RE SCRAMBLING NOW…

Here’s a gift that will be well-received, well-used and thoroughly enjoyed: Theater tickets. No, I’m not talking movie tickets (we covered that already. Remember the babysitter?). I’m suggesting a pair of tickets for an upcoming live show, be it a musical, a drama or full-fledged comedy. Most towns have (or are close enough to a town with) a community theater. Bigger cities often attract touring Broadway productions.

Imagine, a gift that offers a night out, a chance to dress up, a cultural interlude, a … you get the point. Now, get going. You only have 3 days!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21 – FOR THEADVENTURER/READER/NON-FICTION LOVER

The Tiger, by John Vaillant. I’d like to say I’ve read this book. I haven’t … yet. I’ve read the reviews – all captivating and compelling – and had planned to pick up a copy. Imagine how thrilled I was when my husband did just that. Of course, he purchased it for himself, but still. Once he was finished, I reasoned, I could dive in. No luck. He loved it (read it in a matter of days) and quickly passed it on to a friend (no comment here on the fact that I had mentioned to him that I wanted to read it). But, this is the book to read now.

It’s about a Siberian tiger – a breed so rare it warrants special protection. A breed so rugged, it inhabits a piece of land so rough, so cold, so raw it requires a certain sort of animal (human and non) to exist there. Tigers rarely attack humans. But this tiger did. And, according to author John Vaillant’s reporting, this was no random attack. This was a pre-meditated, precisely calculated, assault. An attack planned and carried out by the tiger; the victim a poacher from a rural village who sought out and killed tigers for their body parts. All of which begs the question – how smart is this animal. Quite, it turns out. And fascinating. Accordingly, so is the book.

If you have an adventurer, a nature lover, or a fanatic fan of non-fiction on your holiday shopping list, give them this book. They’ll be glad you did. $26.95

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20 – FOR THE WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE (yes, this is for the guys out there!)

It’s Day 20. Which means you have all of 4 days to pull this together. Lucky for you, Garnet Hill has fabulous gift ideas and shipping that has you covered (‘cause you don’t want to show up empty-handed Christmas morning!). So…

The Splurge – Love this! The Chan Luu Bauble Bracelet is handmade exclusively for Garnet Hill. As described on their Website, it’s made of “Delicate glass pearls and clear quartz mixed with pyrite and sterling silver strands for added shimmer.” In my words – It’s absolutely, to-die-for fabulous. Any woman would love to unwrap this on Christmas morning. $248

The Not-Quite-as-Big a-Splurge, but-Still-a-Rocking-Gift. I love a statement ring. Big, bold and eye-catching, these rings shout confidence. But, a word to the wise – if there is any chance that your beloved is looking for another sort of ring this holiday season, stay far, far away from any adornment for the fingers. If, on the other hand, you’ve already covered (literally and figuratively) the subject, the Saundra Messinger Rectangle Ring may be just the ticket. Unique, self-assured and fun. $188

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 – FOR THE LAST MINUTE INVITE AND THE UNEXPECTED EVERYTHING!

It’s here and we’re all feeling it. Things are getting busier by the day (yesterday’s post? Hmm, with two big events at my son’s school, piles of laundry, and a dinner to prepare for company, it just didn’t happen…) And you know what happens next. The invite that comes at the 11th hour; the gift of cookies that is hand-delivered, unexpectedly; the luncheon where everyone exchanges little gifts. Eek, right? No. You’re prepared. You’ve stocked up on little gifts that will get you through. Think candles in bright festive colors. Add in a candle holder and you’ve got a great little gift. Chocolates? Tis’ the season. You’ll find a huge selection of boxed goodies at most stores  – Target always has a nice selection. Look for ones in adorable and reusable tins.

How about a tree ornament? Look for something unique made of wool, blown glass, wood, even tin. Local holiday fairs and artists co-ops are always a good spot to find one or more of these. And finally, culinary tools are always a smart last minute gift idea. A fabulous knife, a set of groovy mixing bowls, storage bins for coffee and tea, a set of festive holiday dish towels. Let your imagination wander.

I did exactly that recently at Crate & Barrel. Here’s some of what I found:

Pillar Candle and Pillar Holder, $27.90
Dark Chocolate Pretzel Twists (love the flavor, love the adorable and reusable red tin) $15.95
Wool Robin Ornament $5.95
Copper-Handled Cheese Tools, 2-piece set, $24. 95

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 (Holy Cow! 10 days and counting)  – FOR THE SECRET SANTA

Skip the coffee mug and humorous (yes, tacky) post-it notes. Give a Secret Santa gift that is worth giving and receiving. Smart Wool makes the best layering pieces (I’ve blogged before about my absolute favorite Smart Wool top – which I ‘m wearing as I write) and their socks are no exception. Available for men and women and in tons of fun colors and patterns, a pair of smart wool socks is the perfect little gift. Think wool’s itchy? Think again. Smart Wool is soft and comfy. So, keep their feet warm and dry (the stuff wicks super well) and happily dressed. Oh, and their less-than-$20 price points should meet most Secret Santa budgetary guidelines. Available pretty much everywhere.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 – FOR THE BABYSITTER (or the kid who mows the lawn or anyone who deserves a little something extra this time of year…)

Movie gift certificates make for a fun stocking stuffer or extra little something for someone special. They’re a fun way to say, “thanks for all you do!” It’s a bit more personal than a big box store gift card, but not so specific as to limit the recipient to a particular flick. And who doesn’t love a good movie and some warm, buttery popcorn?

Purchase at your recipient’s local theater or online at Fandango.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13 – FOR THE TRAVELER (and/or iPad fan)

Keywords for most travelers these days are lightweight, compact and versatile. The iPad 4-in-1 Charge Station with Adaptor Plugs is all of these and more. This cool little device lets you charge your iPad from the wall, in your car, or from your computer. Its neat “packaging” has a Swiss Army Knife feel with hideaway wall prong, cigarette lighter plug and dual USB 2.0 syncing plugs. Use it on your iPhone and iPod as well. Even better, it comes with the four most commonly used adapter plugs, so you can plug in and get a charge pretty much anywhere in the world. Happy Travels! $58.85

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 – FOR THE BIKER

Schwalbe Marathon Winter HS 396. You know how well snow tires work on your car. Imagine the same on your bike. For the serious biker or the person who simply chooses to ride year round (in snowy, icy conditions, no less), this is the gift to give.

Trust me. These tires are AWESOME! I know this because I rode on them all last winter. And talk about fun – I had no idea winter riding could be so damn enjoyable! And safe. There were many days when my bike – with its super-grip tires – was by far the better driving choice than our Toyota Highlander Hybrid (what with it’s low-profile tires and all!). Any biker on your list will absolutely love receiving these. And, if you really want to impress, throw in a set of rims so your biker can switch out tires with ease.

Happy winter riding to all my biking friends!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 – FOR THE ONE WHO HAS EVERYTHING/A CHANCE TO GIVE

Here’s a gift idea I love. A Charity Choice gift card allows you to make a financial contribution while your gift recipient  chooses the receiving organization. That’s right. It’s that simple. You make the donation and your friend, family member or other receives a Charity Choice gift card. They then log onto the Charity Choice site, enter the gift card’s redemption code, and choose from more than 100 major charities.

Easy, breezy and talk about feel good “giving” vibes (and isn’t that the point of the Holiday season anyway?).

FYI – Your donation is 100% tax deductible, at the time of the purchase.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 – FOR THE(OVERWORKED, EXHAUSTED, MANAGES-IT-ALL) MOTHER/WIFE

This wasn’t going to be today’s gift post. But … Day 10 of the Holiday Gift Countdown and it’s all I can think about. For mom and wife, a spa package – emphasis on the word package. I’m talking the whole kit and kaboodle. Full-on pampering: hot stone massage, facial, hot tub soak, pedicure and last but not least, a few precious moments of quiet.

Trust me, the woman in your life will adore this gift (and you, the oh-so-smart gift giver). So … get it. Get it now. Please.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 – FOR THE SERIOUS FOODIE
Think Osetra Golden Imperial Caviar, decadent triple-cream cheeses, to-die-for foie gras and pate, and all those butters and creams, oils and vinegars, smoked salmon, truffles, mushrooms, specialty meats, and condiments from around the world. If you have a serious foodie on your holiday gift list, don’t waste your time (or money) trying to find the “perfect” gift. Rather, give the gift that says, “hey, I know you really know your food.”

The Gourmet Food Store is an online shop where epicureans can browse to their hearts content. The selection is vast and impressive – you’ll find everything from Spanish meats to Italian polenta to “Lobster without the Work.” This literally is the gift that keeps on giving.

(And, just for the record – in case anyone’s wondering – I love pate and foie gras. Just saying…)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 – FOR THE DOG

I know. I know. The wrapping paper, bows and boxes are probably enough of a gift for your dog (My lab would go nuts playing with all that stuff!). But come on. Every dog needs a little something special under the tree on Christmas morning.

How about a chew toy that cleans your dog’s teeth while serving up treats? The Bristle Bone offers dogs a cool chewing experience: nylon bristles and rubber nubs keep your best friend busy as they work their way to the yummy Gnawhide® treat rings inside. And we all know a busy dog is a happy dog. Voted Winner of the 2008 Pet Product News Editor’s Choice Award (and they know pet stuff!).

TIP: Be sure to stock up on extra treats (shown above) for easy refilling! Available at PETsMART and most other pet supply stores.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 – FOR THE (grown-up) GIRL

Buying clothes for someone is tough. We all have our own personal taste. What works on one figure, may not work on another. But, this darling Knit Spotted Jacket from Boden is so cute, so … perfect, it should delight just about anyone. And, the polka dots add just a dash of fun. What I love best about jackets is their versatility. Toss one on with a pencil skirt and look workplace polished. Add it to a jeans-and-T-shirt ensemble (cute flats are a must) and you’re ready for Sunday brunch or a stroll in the park. The point is, the perfect little jacket is just that – PERFECT!

Available in four colors. On sale now for $92, so hurry – they’re going fast!

(P.S. – I won’t tell if, while shopping for a sister or good friend, you happen to find a few things for yourself. How could you not!?)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 – FOR THE GRANDPARENTS (particularly those at a distance)

A digital picture frame is a great way to include grandma and grandpa in all your family’s outings and adventures. I like the idea of buying ahead, loading it up with all sorts of fun photos (birthdays, Holidays, ski trips) and then gift-wrapping and presenting it in its entirety on Christmas Day. Your slide show of memories will be the gift that keeps on giving – all year long. And, with a variety of feautres, including video playback, fun photo transitions and remote control, you’ll be able to really personalize your gift.

From $49 – $199, depending on size and features. TODAY, PANDIGITIAL IS OFFERING 20%!!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 – FOR THE GARDENER

It’s not sexy and it’s definitely not for everyone. But … for the serious gardener, the CobraHead® Weeder and Cultivator just may be the perfect gift. It’s small – 13 inches long and 9.2 ounces – but does some big work. Weeds? Not a problem. Its knife-quality steel digs them weeds out, root and all. And, it’s great at cultivating, digging, seeding and transplanting.

Even better, it will replace trowels, small hand forks, dibbles and hand hoes, leaving more in the garage or work shed. Think of it as one tool, lots of uses. $24.95

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 – FOR THE TECHIE

This is so cool. Techies and music lovers will dig this new (and oh-so-adorable) portable, balloon-shaped speaker. It works with MP3 players and mobile phones, attaching easily to the headphone jack. One thing to keep in mind, though. The person who receives this will now be able to enjoy their music out loud, so make sure you like their taste!  $45

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 – FOR THE HOSTESS/ENTERTAINER

A gift I would absolutely love to find under my tree! These Venetian-style champagne flutes from NapaStyle sing out fun, flirty and festive, and who doesn’t want to raise a glass to that. Different enough to catch one’s attention, yet elegant enough to hold their own in the most formal of settings (but who wants to do formal, anyway?). I especially love that they’re not all matchy-match – that’s so on trend right now. $69

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 – FOR THE COOK

Love this idea! The Food Pod is an adorable new tool that every chef should have. It’s a steamer, a blancher, a strainer and a drainer. One tool, lots of uses. Fill it up – eggs, edamame, broccoli, clams – and set it into a pot of boiling water. When done, simply remove, drain and serve. Super easy. Super cute. And, it’s made of FDA/EU food-safe silicone and BPA-free nylon. Who can argue with that? $15

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1  – FOR THE RUNNER

Yaktrax Pro are groovy, slip-on “cleats” (actually, they’re steel coils that grip the snow) that make running on packed snow and ice a breeze. I have two pairs – a smaller set for my running shoes, and a larger set for my hiking boots (OK, the larger ones are my husband’s, but they work great on my big, clompy-stompy boots!). And, for $30, they’re a nice fit for the wallet, too. If you have a runner in the family, this is the gift to give.

No runner? How about an elderly family member? These will keep them safe all winter long. Or the family member or friend who faithfully walks Rover no matter if it’s raining, snowing or sleeting (flashback to my youth in NH).  Yep, these are the perfect stocking stuffer. Now, if only we could get a 4-pack for the pup…

With the holidays literally upon us (can’t you just feel the pressure bearing down on your?), now is the time to get organized. Here’s a quick checklist to help you make the  most of your rental supply experience:

1.    Size of event. Sounds simple enough, right? Yet, in our busy world, RSVPs often fall to the wayside. Multiple invites compete for attention – and time. And, thanks to social media, word of a party spreads quickly. Do your best to get a final headcount, even if it means dedicating a couple of hours to phone calls. This will help immensely in all aspects of party planning. And remember, better to have too much, then too little (of everything!).

2.    Theme. Your theme may be as simple as casual dress or Sunday Brunch. Or, it may be as elaborate as Bavarian Beer and Brat Tasting, or kid-free cocktail hour attended by appropriately clad adults who knew enough to leave the dog at home (but I digress…).  Knowing your theme will prove beneficial when beginning to compile your rental list: you’ll know if the bone china is a must, or if plain, white dinner plates are a better fit. You’ll also have a better sense of glassware needs, as noted in the margarita example listed above.

3.    Menu. Nailing down your menu early helps on a couple of fronts. Obviously, from a shopping and food prep perspective, it’s critical. But your menu will also guide you as you consider what “gear” to rent. A buffet may require chafing dishes, large serving spoons and a long banquet table. A multi-course, seated affair may mean extra dishes and additional flatware (how’s your stash of salad forks and dessert spoons?). What about a large coffee urn or extra aperitif or cordial glasses? Will you need an ice bucket and bartender’s kit? And, don’t forget stemware. A good rental supply company will have lots of options when considering how best to serve your wine, water, cocktails and champagne.

4.    Dishes. Again, the type of party will determine how many and what type you need. A good rule of thumb is 2 to 3 smaller (7 inch, for example) plates per person for appetizers at a cocktail party, 2 to 3 dinner plates per person for a buffet, and one plate per person for a seated meal. You’ll need to decide if you need bread and butter plates for your seated meal as well. With glassware, plan on 2 wine glasses per person. A safe bet is to add 10% more dishes than you think you need.

5.    Seating. Here again, head count matters. Will your guests truly be comfortable if you push three small tables together? One large banquet table may be the better call. And what about chairs? No matter how graceful or forgiving one may be, a plastic lawn chair is just not appropriate. Setting up a bar? An extra table can work well and serve double-duty when cleaning up and stacking rentals. And remember, while you want enough chairs for each guest at a seated party, it’s better to have less chairs for a cocktail hour as this will force guests to move about and mingle.

6.    Linens. Here’s your chance to shine. Without doubt, linens add the finishing touch to your table and gathering. They suggest polish, forethought and care. But be warned: there’s a chance to go over-the-top with shimmery, shiny, tacky choices (trust me, I’ve seen it), so don’t. Keep it simple, elegant and appropriate for your theme.

My last tip is to lean on the rental supply company staff. They’ll know how much of everything you’ll need, will have suggestions for party favors, and may have contacts to assist with your bulk wine, beer and alcohol buying. And who knows, they might know a server or two looking to make a few extra dollars during the holidays. Talk about making your gathering fun and easy.

Have fun. Entertain well. And enjoy.

OxiClean. What? You were expecting something more exciting, more glamorous? Me too. In some other day and time, it would have been a recently discovered Spanish wine with knock-your-socks off layers of black pepper, or a darling vintage cocktail dress, maybe even a fabulous new mascara that returned my lashes to full, feathery lushness. Not anymore. Now, it’s stuff that makes my life easier, so … OxiClean. Why?

My son is a sloppy eater. Honoring his Ethiopian heritage and culture, he (most often) eats with his hands, using a chunk of bread as his utensil to scoop, dip and grab. It’s a sight to behold. His preferred foods are spicy, juicy, and red. Salsa. Pizza. Chili. Black Bean Soup. Spiced lentils and/or chickpeas. Picture him scooping chili out of his trusy Spiderman thermos, see the juices dripping off that yummy piece of Sourdough baguette, and imagine the fronts of his shirts, now colored in tomato. Eek.

Enter OxiClean. It works. Like a charm. I heart it. Big time.

Yes. Somewhere over the course of the past 17 months my life has shifted from the excitement felt when wearing fabulous new shoes to the pure joy of removing my son’s favorite shirt from the dryer and finding it spot-free. The things we don’t know until know.

Working on some ideas that will add a little wow to your holiday packages, while cutting down on paper waste. As a little teaser, check out these adorable Holiday Storage Tins from NapaStyle. What a lovely way to package a gift! More to come…

Have your own tried and true green holiday packing ideas? Share them here.