This is a little after the fact, but sitting on a step at a packed Christmas Eve Mass, I had an extremely good view the Church, mainly the parishioners parading down the aisles. My friends jokingly refer to the children’s Christmas Mass at our church as the “fashion show” and this years’ liturgy was no exception. Girls in tiny mini skirts paired with spiked heels, low-cut dresses baring too much skin, tight jeans (jeans?), the list goes on. Modesty was thrown out the stained-glass window.

Has the unspoken guidelines of dressing for church changed? Never a “rules” person myself, I have a hard time finding fault in others; but, at the very least I would like to “pretend” that we go to church to worship, not to pick up the guys sitting in the next pew.

What makes frat boys graduate from beer? The allure of Madmen crossed with the stately enticement of the amber-hued ambrosia named for a country; aka Scotch. Distilled in Scotland for hundreds of years, Scotch is a favorite at east coast cocktail parties. Steeped in tradition, even the bottle reads like the exclusive code befitting of a fraternity: vatted malt, blended, Campbeltown, Islay. If the word “Scotch” is missing from the bottle, it’s not a true Scotch and don’t even think of picking up a bottle of scottish “whiskey,” which is a likely to be distilled in Ireland or the United States.

So, if you are looking for a last minute gift for the man in your life, I recommend stopping by the liquor store and buying a bottle of Scotch.

A few of the preppy Scotches:

• Johnnie Walker Black Label: this blended Scotch even has a guy sporting a kilt on the label
• Dewar’s White Label: another tartan-clad bottle, this famous recipe has been around for over one hundred years
• Bowmore Single Malt: this prestigious Scotch, a favorite with sailors, comes from the second oldest distillery in Scotland
• The Famous Grouse: for the hunter in your life
• Justerini & Brooks: J&B, need I say more?
• Cutty Sark: named for the famous clipper
• The Macallan: a bottle of their vintage Scotch sold for over $50,000
• The Glens: Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glenkinchie, etc.
• and the list goes on…

At the risk of being cliched, I love December, it is such a magical time of year. Listening to Bing Crosby sing White Christmas, watching Charlie Brown, sitting in a candle-lit church, and looking at Christmas lights. All of that being said, how did the holidays sneak up so quickly? If you are like me, avoiding the mall and strapped for cash, here are a few suggestions for last minute gifts.

Preppylife Gifts on the Cheap:

• Gingerbread Man – with a grosgrain ribbon tie (for all of your single girlfriends who have a sense of humor)
• Magazine Subscription – Yes, it will not arrive for another 4 to 6 weeks, but if you run to the local bookstore you can buy the latest issue. Wrap it up with a cute handmade gift certificate and you are golden.
• Make Your Own Cheese Basket – everyone loves cheese, package it in a cute basket with a pretty ribbon.
• Make a Photo Album – add a title page, captions and decorative elements to personalize it
• Wine – Hello discount liquor store
• Vintage Anything – Check out the local second-hand store, lots of great treasures waiting to be found.
• Journals – Buy a pretty journal from the bookstore.
• Gourmet Coffee Basket – Buy two pretty coffee cups and pair with some great coffee
• DVD Basket- Popcorn, candy, and a great DVD or two
• Use your talents – knit a scarf, paint a painting (only if you are good at it)

Just remember in this season of giving, it is truly the thought that counts. Happy Holidays!

Got a little bogged down with the end of semester school work and had to take an unplanned hiatus….but now I’m back in action. Between Thanksgiving, holiday parties, work, and taking care of a big dog, things get a little crazy. Happy Holidays!