Gimme Gimme #13 (Edición Especial)

Today's Three Kings Day, so, to celebrate the holiday, gimme gimme a painting from John Gascot. Me lovey his colors in his Latin Pop collection. And "Strong" in his new works makes me giggle on the inside. Good stuff.

Gimme Gimme #4

Forget about the semi-nekkid NYC firemen (which, thanks to Guy Gone Wild Michael Biserta we officially can forget about), hunky Catholic priests, or even Le Dieux du Stade. This Christmas the calendar to have is of the nekkid doctors in Barcelona. They got the medicine to keep you warm in the cold winter months. Spoonful of sugar, indeed.

Gimme Gimme #6

We're back to asking for ourselves and not for others. And what better way to do that than by wishlisting items for the home?

Totally diggin' these multi-colored nesting bowls. They're not all red like the rest of our kitchen, but they're too cool to not make me drool over them. And they'd make a prefect compliment to the (red) stand mixer the Jayhawk's been drooling over.

These decals would go sooper well with our black and white tile kitchen floor.

Maybe we should get a dining room table before we get the tablecloth and napkins for it? Nah...I've never been one to actually put the horse before the cart.

I think we can do a cool Kansas meets Rico Christmas theme by decorating the hooge tropical spider plants the Jayhawk rescued from the cold with ornaments like these and these.

¡Vino vino, ay, que fino!

And, Jeebus, do we desperately need help with all of our remotes.

All of these are available right now and not next year like what H&M is spoda come out with online in February 09. I hope that H&M's venture into home furnishings means that Zara Home will finally make itself available to the Merican market. Until that happy day arrives, we can get our fix for some of the stuff they offer in person at Home Rule.

And, yeah, no babies. We can't have that. Just sayin'.

Gimme Gimme #14

Poppa needs a new murse. Or man bag. Or whatever you wanna call it. And what I really need is a black one since I really don't have a black bag to carry stuff in to/from work to match my new black boots. Because, you know, that one must match one's bag to one's shoes. Otherwise, there's clashing, and clashing leads to chaos. Unless it's purposeful clashing. Then it's fashion, and that's okay.

Anyway, black bags. Burberry caught my eye. I'd never pay that much for a bag that I use for little more than a style accessory and not to actually carry anything in. But it's nice. As is Matt & Nat's. Which would have been nicer had I followed through and gotten one 3 years ago when no one in DC knew who they were. But it's still nice. Much like demano's (the Universitat M 123-Verde, that is). Not black but green. I can make it work, though. But I can really make it work with Toscanella's bag! Oh! Com'è bello quello sachetto! Now that would make an impression on the 52 bus.

Gimme Gimme #5

It's not always about receiving. Sometimes we gotta give, too. Especially now that charities are facing hard times in these officially tough economic times that have have been tough for a year.

There's always donating to hospitals like St. Jude's. And that's an easy one to give to because CVS has hooked up with them, again, this year, so you can give $1 each time you check out.

There are also organizations like CHIME that promote and provide music education for DC schoolchildren during and outside school.

If helping the homeless is your game, there's Christ House, providing medical care for sick, homeless men and women.

We all know HIV/AIDS is rampant in this fine District, so why not give to better-known organizations like Whitman Walker, but also to lesser-known ones like Metro TeenAIDS?

We also know that we all need to eat, so give to groups like Capital Area Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, or SOME.

And if animals are more your speed, shelters across the country (like The Washington Animal Rescue League) really need help to stay afloat. some have been closing 2-3 days a week because they can't afford the staff time.

Just a few suggestions and thoughts.

You see? It's not always about the Mango up in here. ;)

Gimme Gimme #9

Is just a little update to #3.

Save! For all my music and movies to free up space on my internal hard drive. And it matches the blue on my laptop.

Gots to keep up with the techie gadgetry.

Gimme Gimme #3

Since we are in the electronic age, today's installment is all about techie toys. And everyone who knows me knows I'm all about my gadgets.

Behold! This toy will make me switch wireless providers. Not this one, though (no Verizon in Rico; it's Mexican now). That one's for the Jayhawk. His maternal family's surname is Storm, after all.

Look! Now that we've replaced one old-azz tube TV in the house (thanks, Shatterproof), I'd like to replace the other old-azz TV we got with one of these. And it would go great with a new region-free DVD player so I can watch me the three previous seasons of El Internado (on every Thursday night at 10PM on Antena 3 simulcast, BTW). The drama!

Read! I can't have one for Christmas, but that's why Ricans celebrate Three Kings Day, too. Always two sets of presents. Smart, huh?

Listen! Internet radio, anyone? Me, please!

Now, go shop!

Gimme Gimme #15

Last night the Jayhawk and I braved the floods and went to dinner at Posto. Not much changed design-wise from the old days of Viridian, and neither did the food. The place was packed, so we snagged a spot at the bar right by the front door. Pas de good move number 1 because the wind whipping outside kept going right up my pants legs every time someone came in or went out. Pas de good move number 2 was ordering vino. The way the wine taps are set up only allows for filling up a glass at a time, and for a busy bar, that's no fun. Then the food was not so pas de good move number 3. The pizza piccante was anything but; good flavors, but not spicy at all. The gnocchi were more like six polenta rounds with some sauce called amatriciana that was little more than a plain marinara. The grilled boar was chewy. The one good thing was the tagliatelle with pheasant ragout. But no grated cheese? I can appreciate clean food, but come on, now. And what about offering a Rican a napkin to place on his lap, onetime? Pas de good move number 4. The place was hoppin' though, I'll give it that. Definitely the place to be seen in the scene. If your scene happens to be of the snooty power gay kind, that is. I'd recommend checking it out, but it's not a place I'll go running back to.

A place I always run back to, though, is Hank's Oyster Bar. Another is Mark & Orlando's (although Mark did call me out on not having been there in like 2 months). Yet others are Ten Penh and Ceiba and Acadiana. Jaleo and Zaytinya are faves, too. And gift certificates to any of those places would make great stocking stuffers. As would certificates to places I've never been before (Café Atlántico, anyone?). Mango's always up for some good food.

Gimme Gimme #13

Speaking of the drink, booze always makes a nice gift for the Holidaze.

I remember when this wine was just $12.99 at the old Casa Peña next to the Soviet Safeway on 17th Street. Oh, how I miss those days (and that vino).

Those were the same days when I was introduced to this rum. Demmed good stuff. And coming from a Rican, that's a high compliment. The only thing that I think Rico's got that competes is this rum, but I'm gonna be in Rico in 8 days and will get it on duty free, so I can gift that to myself.

I'm not a big brown likker person, but this bourbon is too good to pass up. Thinking about it makes me want to go back to the bar in the lobby of the Philadelphia Park Hyatt where the drunky Jayhawk and I made friends with everyone there and made semi-fools of ourselves trying to act sober with a VIP client of mine. I was mortified. The Jayhawk giggled.

And to lighten things up, this beer will blow you away. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it's for sale in the States. But if you happen to be in the Europes, have a bottle or ten if your liver and memory can take it.

Bottoms up!

Gimme Gimme #8

Only 20 more days until the birthday of the Little Baby Jesus. How about gifting some Nativity scenes to commemorate the occasion?

For a mere $5185 (sans tax) you can gift the fancy Lladró set. I suggest you hit up Uncle Karl for this one.

The there's the cutesy, throw-back Precious Moments set. Doesn't that take you back?

Celebrate in modernity with this sleek and faceless olive wood set.

Or keep it traditional and rústico with this Mexican number. Actually, go with this Peruvian set.
Peruvian is the new...I can't finish that sentence.

But if you want to give a meaningful gift, go ahead and make your own like this guy. Your cheap-arse ways will get you nowhere with me, though. Pastores a Belén, indeed.

Gimme Gimme #7

Speaking of chefs made me think that today's installation should be all about food gifts.

I know this is corny, but I've always wanted someone to get me a Fruit of the Month Club membership. It reminds me of when my momma used to get pears shipped to her in Rico from Texas every month when I was a wee fruit, myself. Sigh...

How about some popcorn? Or cookies?

A nice cesta full of cured meats and wine would be nice. Although you can always keep it real and get a caja full of Rican coffee treats. Or keep it Midwestern with some KC BBQ goodness.

And there's yummy foodstuffs of the Omaha variety to use on with that BBQ sauce, too.

But if you really want to get to this man's heart, give a little bit of rice to those who most need it, and improve your vocab skillz while you're at it.

Num Yummy!

Gimme Gimme #16

It's so gross and rainy that I'm in the mood for asking for some things that will keep me nice and dry: nice umbrellas. Unlike the free Red Cross umbrella I found in my office that almost poked Candy's eye out this morning while we waited for the bus.

This umbrella (in the green) is kinda cool and not too girly. But I'm looking for something a touch more masculine, and this one does the trick. And then there's this one, which I've always liked because it makes me think that it'll keep you sunny-day smiley on nasty rainy days. This one will definitely make people do a double take. But this one will get me the techie green kudos that are so in vogue now. Too bad it's just a concept because it is pretty effing cool.

And now I've got Rihanna burned in my brain. Great...

Gimme Gimme #1

We're (I'm) starting a new category now that we're entering the Season of Receiving.

First on my list, I want Uncle Karl on me! Or on my finger, more specifically. And while I'm at it, I might as well ask for a Finger Anna, Finger Rei, Finger Doe, and Finger Yves to keep all my digits warm. Ooh! How about gloves with all of their faces on them? Even better!

But please keep Uncle Valentino away from me. He might rub off like he did on poor SJP. ¡Fóchila!

My Kwanzaa Will Never Be That Happy

If the Holidaze haven't killed you yet (and I say haven't yet because we Ricans still got Three Kings Day to celebrate on Sunday), Nobody Likes Sandra Lee has got you covered with this gross-arse Kwanzaa cake. It's sick. Just sick. I mean, seriously, are those corn nuts she topped the cake with?! Somebody stop her, please! Ugh, she makes me gag. We could sick Popcorn Chimp on her. But she'd probably scare him off, too. Awww...cutie pie...

And speaking of Three Kings Day, remember that Gimme Gimme post on calendars? Um, yeah, this is the one you can get for me. I knew fire was hott but never that caliente! Dayum! ¡Echa chispa!

Gimme Gimme #10

My watch died on me the other day. So now I've got an excuse to get me a nice one. I've never paid more than $120 for a watch, but I kinda like this one. And this one. And this one... A Mango can dream, can't he?

Gimme Gimme #11

Monkeys!

Happy sock monkey with hat is adorable.

And there's nothing cuter than Curious George.

Even monkeys in the shower make me giggle.

But Hanno cannot be beat! If I ever wanted a pet monkey, Hanno would definitely do. Alright, alright...He's a gorilla and not a monkey. But I can call him my cutie pie monkey when I play with him. And I'll love him forever and ever. Too cute.

Just make sure you make the deadline for Xmas shipping arrival time. I wouldn't want my dreams crushed if Hanno doesn't get to me by Santa Claus Day.

Gimme Gimme #12

Since Gossip Girl isn't back on until next month, I'm thinking of watching some movies to occupy my time while the Jayhawk's slaving away making other peoples' dining experiences pleasurable. And nothing warms me up better on cold winter nights than flicks with the hottness of Penélope Cruz. I've already got Volver and Abre los ojos, but I'd love love love to have Todo sobre mi madre and La niña de tus ojos. That second one is sooper hard to find, so I'd love love love it (and anyone who finds it) even more. But don't hurt yourselves trying to get it. Nothing's worth that. Not even bargain handbags at Saks. Ooph. Even shopping at Marshall's sounds better.

Then, again, I could always drink to keep the cold away. Or watch movie involving the drink! Or watch Penélope Cruz movies while hitting the drink! Yeah, that sounds about just right.

Gimme Gimme #2

Cooking Edition.

Everyone knows I've got a fascination with La Madre Patria. The wine, the food, the history, the culture, the parties, they all keep me going back to vacation there every year. So, to satisfy my need for all things Spain, today's additions to the Christmas wish list are a few must-haves: (1) culinary gems from crazy José Andrés; (2) treasures found on the road; and (3) the essential guide to cooking no self-respecting lover of Spain can go without. No need to buy me crazy 'spensive saffron, though. The Jayhawk and I are gonna get it on the cheap at El Corte Inglés when we fly across the pond in February. Place your orders now.

Pretty Pictures Version 12.01.08

And speaking of spoonfuls of sugar, how about a little candy indie pop for the first Pretty Pictures of December '08? I say, Architecture in Helsinki, gimme "That Beep."

Who Said Ricans Were Demanding?

JLo and El Skeletor have really tried to outdo themselves this time. I guess I'd be a bit demanding, too, if I'd agreed to perform in the world's coke den along with reggaeton "artists," Wisin & Jandel. Jeebus, you know that crowd's going to be full of thug wannabes and their wannabe chola tecata girlfriends. But college-educated bi-lingual nannies' assistants and a floor at the Cartagena Hotel? Please...Gimme bottles of spring water collected in the mountains by FARC hostages and my own sicario houseboy. Now those are some real treats from Colombia fit for Rican celebrity.