With Christmas practically upon us, the interwebs have been aflutter with loads of gift giving ideas -- but what about you? What if you're out of ideas on what it is really want? Or, better yet, do you even want for anything?

Out of frustration from all the pressing, you blurt out gift cards. Come December 26th and the months to follow, it'll be time to Treat Yo Self.

Here are a few ideas on how to spend those gift cards you "asked" for..

Aesop's Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash - unadulterated citrus-y goodness for your hands; I find any excuse to wash my hands with this stuff.
Bauble Bar's Dual Cone Cuff - punk chic.
Lululemon's Run: Inspire II Crop - the most comfortable pants you can't see your roos through and they stay put while you workout.
Asics' Gel Phoenix 5 - New sneaks for the gym and perhaps your New Year's resolution?
Essie's On a Silver Platter - Van Gogh in a bottle.
Daiquiri Leather Barrel Bag in Black from Bagaholics - a classic leather bag at an affordable price.
Halogen's Cat Sweater - Meow. It also comes in pink.

In March of 2010 I forever changed the course of my life by taking a major leap of faith. I had fallen in love with another man and willingly chose to be with him, because, well, he's quite spectacular. However, there was a catch. I was engaged to someone else; I won't share too many details out of respect for the key players, but I am forever grateful that I reconnected with Scott two years ago. I do not condone my actions, because those actions do not represent me as a person, but they did help to create a path which led me to Scott and ultimately brought us here to Australia. The first few weeks after cutting off my engagement were shaky at best. There was a lot to process and a lot of packing; I stayed and the ex moved. I was working two jobs at the time in order to help save for the wedding that never was; I ended up diverting my extra earnings to help support myself until I could move to be with Scott. Those few months on my own proved that I could land on my own two feet and allowed me to shake my fist at the naysayers. My parents were super supportive, without them and Scott I don't think I would've made it; they gave me a shoulder to cry on and offered perspective whenever possible. A few weeks after making up my mind, my parents flew out to be with me.

Like old times, my mom and I went shopping. We both know a thing or two about shopping; as I was growing up, we spent nearly every Saturday together at the mall near my hometown. As we were shopping in Nordstrom, my eyes were bewitched by a really cute pair of ballet flats. I tried on several pairs that day, but these were too lovely to pass up.

These shoes became my liberation shoes. They went with everything I wore and were really comfortable for long treks or for the days when I worked both jobs. Miz Mooz released these shoes in the US at the start of Spring 2010, prime time for our shopping adventure. I later purchased them in red, but I returned them the very next day; red's really not my colour.

For all of the places I've been, they were with me… Miami, Amsterdam x 2, Las Vegas, Singapore, Australia and Italy. I travelled a lot during 2010/2011 and I'm so happy they came along for the ride. I finally had to deem them as unwearable; I started getting blisters from them and even brought them to a cobbler because they were in such disrepair.

While Scott and I were shopping in Italy, he found a suitable replacement - a beautiful pair from TOD's. My Miz Mooz shoes were retired once we returned home from Italy last month.