Although my current holiday attire does not necessitate a scarf (sandy beaches, SPF  and cashmere are not a wonderful combination),  every woman can use one of Bajra’s luxurious and timeless accessories.

The Bajra Collection includes leather, suede, cashmere, silk and brocade with the use of rare fabrics such as Pineapple and Banana fibers.   We love the simple linen scarf above.  Pricing from $150 - $350.

At the top of my New Year’s Resolution list with other notable yearly veterans such as exercise more, sleep more and give more is TRAVEL MORE. And yes, 2009 seems like a great year for it!

We love Concierge and their It List 2009 - a great place to start. Although I can only personally vouch for 50% of the proposed hot spots, Boracay Island looks positively delightful.

Bangkok (not on their list, but on ours) is a must! The Peninsula Hotel has an excellent spa!

What a laugh!  The Baby Owner’s Manual has operating instructions, trouble-shooting tips, and advice on first-year maintenance. At long last, Louis Borgenicht and
Joe Borgenicht have created the answer to every new parent’s first question:

Doesn’t this thing come with an owner’s manual?

With step-by-step instruction and even diagrams, The Baby Owner’s Manual explores the common concerns of every first-time parent:

What’s the best way to swaddle a baby?

How can I make my newborn sleep through the night?

When should I bring the baby to a doctor for servicing?

Louis Borgenicht, M.D. is a board-certified pediatrician with the American Academy of Pediatrics and has worked for the last 16 years at his private practice in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was named “best pediatrician in Utah” by Ladies’ Home Journal in 2001.

Joe Borgenicht has co-authored The Action Hero’s Handbook, The Action Heroine’s Handbook, The Baby Owner’s Manual, and Undercover Golf. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

$25, available from Amazon.

Just get a Senz Storm umbrella! Hooray!  This modern wonder can withstand gale force winds of up to 70 mph – its patented aerodynamic construction and powerful frame prevents it from inverting… really!  It automatically finds the most comfortable position in the wind, much like a weather vane, while ribs in the frame help absorb forces against it, making it nearly indestructible.

We love the ingenious “eye-savers”, designed to protect your eyes from being poked out. This umbrella has it all, it just makes SENZ!

Available in black or red. $60 - $78 depending on size from Unica.

I heart Finnish textile and clothing design company Marimekko!  Maija Isola’s Slavic-inspired ornamental Näsiä and Maija and Kristina Isola’s jointly designed dotted Kiss-kiss are the patterns in Samu-Jussi Koski’s childrenswear collection. Comfortable and beautiful cotton outfits for kids.

Maija Isola’s bubbly Vissy pattern (above)  adorns a range of easy-care jersey garments in Mika Piirainen’s Autumn 2008 collection. The range features everything from baby clothes to T-shirts for teenagers.

The collection’s two flowered sateen dresses are every little girl’s dream come true. The handsome Rosetta print is a variation on Maija Isola’s Krysanteemi design from 1959.

Some adorable pieces for Mom too!

What a creative and adorable idea!

Perfect for a baby shower or mother-to-be deprived of her favorite meal.

$35 online here.

Big Sashimi Sushi & California Roll (below) is a larger version with swaddler diapers, onesies, cups and more is available for $85 here.  A super-modern twist on the diaper cake: diaper sushi! The perfect gift for hip parents-to-be! Now even babies can enjoy sushi!