'Tis the Season for Giving
It's the middle of November (before Thanksgiving, mind you) and already I've finished my Holiday shopping. A major first in my life. Every year, without fail, or patience, I find myself darting from store to store like a mad lady on stilettos, looking for the perfect gifts for everyone from Gran to my boyfriend's favorite cousin. (Okay, so maybe I'm not shopping for an extended family quite yet, but you get where I was going with that, right?)

This year, however, while sipping eggnog lattes and occasionally chatting about the fall looks, Luxe Apothecary shop owner, Fiquet, quickly and chicly helped me complete my list IN ITS ENTIRETY. Pretty remarkable, I know, but along with Dad, Mom, the girls and the rock star babe, I even managed to make my own Holiday wish list. I'm telling you Fiquet and her staff are fabulous and when it comes to finding unique and sophisticated gifts there truly is no better place. I recommend popping in the super-chic store (allot at least a full hour) or giving them a ring - they're just as talented over the tele. Now I can sit back and actually enjoy the season sans last minute shopping blitz.

Shopping List:

Dear ole Dad - This year I abandoned my 'he can never have enough ties' mantra and broke out of the box. Dad will be unwrapping a stylish (even to him) Mach 3 razor and brush complete with a snazzy stand by Art of Shaving.		Art of Shaving set shown here in thuja wood, around $200. Call 866.FOR LUXE to order.
molton brown blissful templetree bath gel, $23, 866.FOR.LUXE.	Mom, always the lady and lover of all things chic and relaxing. (Not your normal combo I know, but that's Mom.) She'll be thrilled with the blissful templetree moisture bath & shower gel, purifying grapeseed anti-oxidant dry oil (to keep her skin so soft) and the seamoss stress-relieving hydrasoak (you can imagine the stress she was under raising moi!).

Sister. As an up-and-coming shopping star she'll adore an assortment of Red Flower candles. The large ones are topped with potpourri and the small ones are perfect for travel. The box alone is reason enough to purchase these candles. Japanese Peony and Moroccan Rose are my favorite fragrances. These candles also make great gifts for sisters-in-law, if you have them. (FYI, Luxe has an area exclusive on this sophisticated line and offers not only candles, hand soaps and body lotions and cleanser, but also carries their new line, red flower japan.)

Red Flower candles $12-$32, call 866.FOR.LUXE to order.

Brother. To commemorate his graduation from drugstore brands to 'real' skincare, he's getting a basket full of Kiehl's products for shaving, cleansing, moisturizing, deodorizing and much more.

The Girls. Used to present a serious dilemma until I found my way to Luxe. Am giving each a beautifully packaged bar of soap by fresh (my absolute, hands-down favorite suds), pictured right. Each fragrance is wrapped in uniquely patterned paper.

fresh soap in Jasmine Rose, $9. Call 866.FOR.LUXE to order.

she she me. I must say that she she me's gift was a stroke of brilliance on my part. She's getting a gift certificate for a makeup lesson featuring BECCA Cosmetics from one of Luxe's makeup artiste extraordinaires I fell in love after my BECCA makeover. This Australian line is known for helping to enhance your natural beauty. They boast a wide variety of foundations and concealers - guaranteeing a perfect match for everyone. So excited to accompany her to her session, to witness the transformation, and to shop, of course.

Creed Imperial, $148, call 866.FOR.LUXE to order.

The Rock Star beau. Couldn't forget him. Creed Imperial fragrance will be what is under his tree. If you could bottle the perfect masculine scent of a man - this is it. I would recommend any fashionista give it to the man in her life. He might not know the significance of Creed, but you will. (Plus it's rumored to be a fave among certain male celebs.)

1. Chelsea Flowers by Bond No. 9 - This floral (peony, hyacinth & musk are its main notes) will become my everyday signature scent. I can't deny it - I'm a girly-girl. 2. Nuits de Noho by Bond No. 9 for when I want to smell (act) elegant and worldly, pictured right. With hints of jasmine and vanilla, this fragrance smells absolutely divine. And no, a girl can't have too many bottles of perfume. (BTW, Luxe is known as the best place around to buy fragrances.)

For the girl who has everything! $168-$198, call 866.FOR.LUXE to order.

Dyptique candle, $52, call 866.FOR LUXE to order.	3. Dyptique candle in Feuille de Lavande (lavender leaf). Its chic purple glass will make a perfect addition to my living room.
	4. Marvis toothpaste in Paradise Fruit Mint. Tartar control in a hot pink tube? What more could I want?	Marvis toothpaste, $8.95, call 866.FOR.LUXE

And because Fiquet is of the 'one for them and one for me' school of shopping she is offering a free gift of Darphin mascara to all she she girls with each purchase over $75. (Gift is valued at $23 and guaranteed to give film-worthy lashes.) While supplies last of course, so put down that double caramel macchiato and get over to Luxe. If you can't get there - call 866.FOR.LUXE. Mention she she me for your gift. Browse their entire inventory of products at Luxe Apothecary, located in The Lassiter Shopping Center at 4421 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. Call 866.FOR.LUXE to place phone orders.