2010 National Geographic Photo Contest

You've literally just minutes left to submit to this year's National Geographic Photo contest–upload your pics here. Even if you don't fancy yourself a photog, spending just a few minutes flipping through these images gives you an opportunity to look at the world through someone else's eyes.

Dormitories of the Buddhist Nuns
Photo and caption by Wu Jianjiang

Yossi
Photo and caption by Agnieszka Traczewska

Matriarch
Photo and caption by Ingrid Vekemans

The Art of Description: The J. Peterman Company

Working as a freelance market editor and stylist involves quickly scanning look books, websites, blogs and stores for the perfect pieces to complete a photo shoot. So, with all the running around and quick decisions, I sometimes miss just browsing and enjoying the shopping experience.

Which is why, when my friend Nivara pulled out The J. Peterman Company catalog on the subway the other day, I got very nostalgic. I’ll be honest, I’ve never bought anything, but it’s so fun to comb through and look at the illustrations and creative, sometimes historic stories that go along with every piece.

J. Peterman even has www.petermanseye.com, an online community that is basically an “interactive, daily newspaper focused on travel and curiosities.” I’ll be returning to each site when I need that extra boost of entertainment.

gift guide: for anyone else!

eena tote, $48

canoe

teak measuring spoons, $20

merchant no. 4

tassel stitch sketch tote, $26.95

shoebuy.com

solid brass bicycle bell, $20

canoe

moonshine kit,

 kings county moonshine & fee brothers classic bitter, $46

pasanella & son

paper clip on stand, $24

south of market

the trio, set of divine twine, $42

wiskergraphics

storm kromer cap, $37

canoe

see-through tureen, $14

anthropologie

solmate socks, $19

hickorees

the ellie bag, $24

ruby green

no fail gifts under $50

Here are a few of my picks to give as gifts to those people on your list who are impossible to shop for:



For the "fun-size" crowd. a rocking accordion $34 or handmade wood shaker $19.






For those that love to entertain: a beautiful wire gathering basket $26 or japanese checked napkins $40.




Scent-sational gifts that are guy-approved: pinon pine incense cones $5 or cedar soap $8.






For those that are artistically-inclined a gorgeous pencil cup $35 or best lyrics ever 2011 calendar $30.




For those that appreciate good design: penguins classic books $16 or the coolest tape dispenser ever $19.

Gift Guide: the little people in our lives

Be the cool gift giver! Here's a list of gifts for the babies, kids and tweens in all of our lives, $50 and under!

Hand tattoos $5.99, Knit masks and tail sets $48

Western pj set $47, Bow knee socks $20

Punch-out animals $24.95, Leather baby booties $40 

Fisheye camera $50, Decorative craft tape $32

Balloon Speakers $50

Little lamb hat $40, Charm necklaces $16

Tiny TOMS $34, Ninjabread Men $7.99

Gobble Gobble!!

Gift Guide: Stay Clean, Stay Pretty

After you've accessorized (see Monday's post by Johannah) and entertained (see Tuesday's post by Callie), there's another round of getting gifty with beauty products...

Anthony Logistics For Men Body Cleansing Gel in Mint & Eucalyptus, $22

Bobbi Brown Sultry Eye Palette, $45

Acqua Di Parma Colonia Powder Soap, $36

MAC & Marcel Wanders Lipstick in Digna, $22

Bumble and bumble Live Fully Travel Bag, $24

Cherry Bomb Killer Perfume in Rebel Angel, $55

Davines Hammam Hand Ritual Kit, $28

Dior Nail Polish in Czarina Gold, $21

Make Up For Ever Rock For Ever Aqua Eyes, $36

Alora Ambiance soaps, $14 each

Kiehl's Limited Edition Jeff Koons-designed Creme de Corps, $27-$70

Orly Tis the Season nail polishes, $7.50 each

Gift Guide: Entertaining

With holiday parties and family dinners filling up the calendar this season, here are a few no fail host/hostess gifts certain to get any party started.

West Elm's Horn Cheese Knives, Set of three $29

Hand carved Haitian Soapstone Trays, $28

European Zodiac Map Plates, $49

Shell Salt & Pepper Set, $20

Moroccan Tea Glasses, Set of 6, $38