Need holiday gift ideas or trying to come up with your own wish list? The Lifestyles staff decided to do something a little different with this issue to bring you a more seasonal and exciting touch: a Lifestyles holiday wish list! No matter what holiday you may celebrate this season, there is most likely something you’ve been itching to buy for yourself or someone else. From off-the-wall gadgets to great reads, our wish list is sure to appeal and give great gift ideas. Check online at https://www.theseahawk.org for even more wish list items brought to you by the Lifestyles staff.

-Katie Wilson, Lifestyles editor

Gadget-

Fujifilm FinePix F30

Katie Wilson

Lifestyles editor

Since I love photography and keep my camera at my side at virtually every moment, it is time for me to upgrade my battery-dies-after-five-minutes-and-takes-blurry-pictures digital camera. The Fujifilm FinePix F30 is at the top of my Christmas list this year because of its high ratings and consumer reports. What I love most about this camera is its ability to produce exceptional photos in low lighting, and it has a built-in photo stabilization feature to reduce blurriness if your camera or subject is moving around a lot. I’m most excited about this camera because it has a feature to let you take two photos simultaneously, one with the flash and one without, so you can choose which one looks the most natural. It also has a sleek design and a big 2.5-inch LCD. No more blurry photographs for me, Santa!

Clothing-

Military pea coat

Brooks Lancaster

Junior Staff Writer

It’s all hands on deck this winter with military-inspired pea coats. A-tten-tion, Santa! Today’s pea coats scream metro, -politan that is, and they are one of this Christmas’ must-haves. Paired with a fun scarf, a suit, khakis or even jeans, a traditional pea coat says, “I have style and I know it.” But, we’re not talking about just any woolish-blend blazer; this jacket has high, oversized lapels, a tall collar, and is double-breasted. Think the Navy nautical look. And if someone asks you if you just got off a ship, say, “Sir, yes sir, and it’s a good thing I didn’t miss the boat.”

Album-

The OC Soundtrack: Mix 6

Patrick McCarthy

Asst. Lifestyles Editor

Say what you want about the new season (would season 1 – 3’s superficial shopaholic, Summer, please put her Manolo Blahnik heel through Summer’s unconditioned head, but “The OC” is still bringing us some amazing up-and-coming musical talent. Spotlight on “The OC Soundtrack: Mix 6.” The sixth album, which drops Dec. 5, features songs heard on the show from the end of the third season and the current (struggling) season. I was a little concerned when I saw the playlist, which features three songs from previous albums; however, I heard a sneak peak and each of the songs has been rerecorded by a different band and have a completely different sounds. Lady Sovereign’s “Pretty Vacant,” Rogue Wave’s “Debaser,” and Ashtar Command’s “Into Dust” can all be heard on the album, as well as a rerecorded version of the show’s theme song, “California,” by Mates of State is on the album. So, if hoping Taylor is killed off before the New Year isn’t topping your Chrismukkah list, “The OC Soundtrack: Mix 6” is my recommendation for the next best thing.

DVD-

“The Gristle”

Tim Joyner

Junior Staff Writer

After all the presents are opened and receipts exchanged, and what parts of dinner that could actually be eaten have digested, having all of the family come together could begin to wear thin– especially after awkwardly constant, “you used to be my favorite,” confessions/statements and uncomfortable questions from cousins you’ve never met. The best way to quiet the future collision is to pop “The Gristle” in the DVD player. Made in 2001, “The Gristle” is “Crash” mixed with the plot, comedy and action-packed elements of “Reservoir Dogs.” Criminally underrated, this movie is sure to fill the void left by the missing Dave Chappelle seasons as stocking stuffers.

Miscellaneous

Peace

Francesca Soroka

Senior Staff Writer

If there were one thing Santa could grant me, I would ask for peace. We could stop the momentum of chaos, turn off the news, and focus on appreciating and respecting all those around us. My older brother would come home; the innocent civilians abroad could live their lives; and we would ensure the Earth and beauty of life would continue to thrive. Maybe if we all ask Santa, God, Allah, Buddha, whomever, and work towards peace, this would be the last time we’d ever have to ask.

Appliance

Fondue maker

Amanda Cosgrove

Junior Staff Writer

I really hope Santa brings me a fondue maker for Christmas. I seriously love fondue, especially chocolate, and I would really like to be able to make it at home for myself. Fondue is such a versatile food because you can make appetizers, meals and desserts all with one appliance. It’s also a good food for college students because the ingredients are diverse and can be really cheap. Target has some really great fondue makers (including a really cute red one I have had my eye on), so I think Santa would be able to find one he knows I would like. It would be so fun to be able to have friends over for fondue parties. A fondue set would be the perfect addition to my kitchen.

Gaming

Nintendo DS game “Cooking Mama”

Courtney Flaherty

Junior Staff Writer

Good cooking takes practice, time and patience. These principles are true whether you are really in the kitchen or just playing the new Nintendo DS game, “Cooking Mama.” The game allows you to create real dishes like fried eggs by using recipes or creating your own concoction by combining recipes. Earn medals by creating quality meals, and share recipes through the wireless DS link. Nintendo even takes the game one step further by allowing you to cool down hot food by blowing into the DS microphone. “Cooking Mama” is $19.99 and only available for Nintendo DS.

Accessories

Andy Warhol DIY purse

Ashley Norris

Junior Staff Writer

Santa could ditch the red and green motif and go straight for a more abstract Christmas this year while picking up this colorful purse. Andy Warhol, one of the most influential artists on the 20th century, leaves his mark on this hip bag, which is art for hanging on your arm rather than a museum wall. The striped bag features the famous banana Andy designed for the cover of the classically funky rock band, The Velvet Underground and black and white embroidered badge showcases Edie Sedgewick, Andy’s gorgeous party sidekick from the ’60s and ’70s. There is a reminder of the era in New York City when art, music and film was still electric, shocking and had a hazy drug-induced cultural pulse.

Books-

Bluebirds used to croon in the choir

Amanda Cosgrove

Junior Staff Writer

On the top of my Christmas list for Santa this year is Joe Meno’s book, “Bluebirds Used to Croon in the Choir,” a collection of short stories. Last summer I read “Hairstyles of the Damned,” also by Joe Meno, and absolutely loved it. He is a great writer and has a really interesting and realistic writing style. I feel like people my age can really relate to his stories. I love short stories and would love to see what kinds of things he chose to write about. Since reading “Hairstyles of the Damned,” I have also read some short stories available online from magazines, and I loved them. I hope Santa puts this book in my stocking!

Running With Scissors

Patrick McCarthy

Asst. Lifestyles Editor

Very rarely does the Prince of Pop Culture pick up a book (by way of text book or novel); however, this Christmas, the novel “Running with Scissors” better make its way into my stocking. It was just released as a critically-acclaimed film with an all-star cast, including Annette Benning, Evan Rachel Wood and Alec Baldwin, and I present you with the novel on which it is based. The book is a compilation of personal memoirs of Augusten Burroughs, the son of a bipolar unpublished poet mother and an alcoholic father, growing up in the 1970s. Upon her divorce from Agusten’s father, Agusten’s mother sent him off to live with her psychiatrist and his eccentric (and arguably insane) family, including an uber-religious animal-loving daughter, played by Gwyneth Paltrow in the film. The memoirs document the author’s growing up, relationship with his estranged parents, discovering his sexuality and his ultimate survival in his most eccentric circumstances. This novel has been on “The New York Times” best seller list for nearly three years, spending a significant time at number one. If you think you have a dysfunctional family during the holidays, sit back and read into the life of Augusten Burroughs; you’ll instantly feel like you live with the Brady Bunch.

Music-

John Mayer’s “Continuum”

Katie Wilson

Lifestyles editor

John Mayer lovers and haters alike will enjoy “Continuum,” Mayer’s newest album with soulful music completely unlike any of his previous tunes. Entirely satisfying from beginning to end, “Continuum” blends genres of blues, folk, pop and R&B instead of the mainstream radio-pop sound we usually associate with Mayer. While the album may not have been love at first “listen” for me, the music is perfect for almost any mood; completely relaxing but still upbeat. I most enjoy “I Don’t Trust Myself” and “Belief.” A great stocking-stuffer!

Verve Remixed Vol. 3

Tim Joyner

Junior Staff Writer

Knowing I still have relatives who won’t buy any CD with a parental advisory sticker no matter what age I am, I opt instead for “Verve Remixed Vol. 3.” Club and house DJs from across the nation have taken jazz and soul staples such as Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday and manipulated their tracks to give the tracks club-ready basslines, double-timed their voices to stay on beat, and added ambient tones to make every hipster party complete. The first song on the CD, “Little Girl Blue (Postal Service remix),” even sounds like a Christmas song, making this the perfect family-friendly CD for a long drive to visit family, or just for relaxing at home enjoying the down-time.

Gwen Stefani: “The Sweet Escape”

Courtney Flaherty

Junior Staff Writer

No Christmas list would be complete without one CD, and the album I can’t wait to open on Dec. 25 is Gwen Stefani’s newest release, “The Sweet Escape.” Her first single, “Wind it Up,” is a sweet pop delight that samples “The Lonely Goatherd” from “The Sound of Music.” Several other artists helped with Stefani’s new album like the Neptunes, who produced five tracks, Linda Perry who co-wrote a song on the album, and Pharrell, who is featured in her song, “Yummy.” There is also good news for No Doubt fans, as Stefani also told MTV she plans on making another album with No Doubt in the near future. “The Sweet Escape” hits store Dec. 5.

DVDs

Grey’s Anatomy, Seasons 1 & 2

Katie Wilson

Lifestyles editor

Santa, I admit I have fallen into the “Grey’s” obsession. Somehow, I managed to never catch even a second of an episode of the first two seasons, but I tuned in during this season, and now I’m hooked. I am typically wrapped up in my “OC” addiction at 9 p.m. on Thursdays, but now it’s hard for me to choose which show to watch first while my DVR records the other. TV medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” combines a definite mix of drama, romance, comedy and suspense within the various subplots of intriguing doctors and interns all working together in Seattle Grace Hospital. While I can’t wait to see what Meredith and McDreamy do next, I want to catch up on the first two seasons so I can learn the past lives and love triangles of the brilliantly-cast characters.

National Lampoon’s “Pledge This”

Patrick McCarthy

Asst. Lifestyles editor

Chevy Chase, John Belushi and now Paris Hilton. The never ending “National Lampoon’s” series has brought us some of film’s most celebrated comedians, and now they are adding Miss Hilton to the mix. Paris stars in latest installment, “Pledge This,” as a sorority president who takes a group of outcast girls seeking acceptance under her wing. The film promises crude humor, excessive sexual content and, of course, nudity. What more could you ask for under your Christmas tree? The film also features appearances by Carmen Electra, Simon Rex (“Scary Movie 4”), Sarah Carter (“Smallville”), Bianca Lawson (“Save the Last Dance”) and Paris’ little sister, Nicky. With a gorgeous cast, promises of nudity and a tagline that reads, “Hazing has never been so hilarious,” I may end up on Santa’s naughty list next year. But, it will be worth it. The film is released on DVD Dec. 19.

“Friends” anthology

Brooks Lancaster

Junior Staff Writer

Life without “Friends” just wouldn’t be complete, and Santa, that’s exactly what I hope to find nestled under my tree this year. That’s right, the complete “Friends” anthology was recently released and is certainly on my Christmas check-list. This 10-season set is worth it for no other reason than the laughs that will follow. Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, Rachel, Ross, and Joey, all packed into one little box is a gift I can’t resist.

Gadgets

Kodak EasyShare V705

Brooks Lancaster

Junior Staff Writer

Capturing a picture that’s worth a thousand words just got easier. Santa, please bring me the Kodak EasyShare V705, so the next time I catch mommy kissing you, I won’t forget it. I’m tired of relying on my friends for pictures – and they’re tired of it too. And, since I’m the last person on the planet who doesn’t have a digital camera, this is my chance. The Kodak EasyShare V705 is sleek and slender but filled out in all the right places; its viewfinder is huge. And, it’s for those of you who are like me and don’t want to be one of those people still using a disposable – film – ewe! Emerge from the darkroom and take the plunge into the light because this digital camera will brighten your life in a flash.

Dress form mannequin

Francesca Soroka

Senior Staff Writer

Santa knows all about fashion. Who else could pull off red velvet year-round? But what he doesn’t realize is his look could use a little updating every now and then. That’s why if he gives me a dress form mannequin, I’ll swear to work on a more flattering silhouette and fur placement for his suit. I’d devote the spring months to his outfit, just in time to check out the newest fall fashions on the runway. During the other months, I’d use the dress form to construct clothing by reconstructing thrift store finds. My roommate gave me a mustard-yellow ’70s cable knit sweater that is dying to be made into a blazer, and I can’t find anyone to stay still long enough to actually cut the damn thing. Thanks Santa!

Sony Cybershot Digital Camera

Francesca Soroka

Senior Staff Writer

Too many random moments, sights and stances have gone undocumented. So, I’m asking Santa for a camera, just in time to take some last-semester-of-college shots, WB sunsets and downtown angles. Since five months isn’t as long as it sounds, I’m opting out of a sleek design with a huge viewing screen (perfect for bars or beer goggles), and going for one of Sony’s H-Series Cyber Shot digitals. These are the old school looking cameras with a zoom lens, 7.2 megapixel resolution… and, okay, okay: huge viewing screen. Travel and photography go hand in hand, so maybe Santa would keep that in mind (and throw in a few plane tickets).

Clothing

The Hundreds clothing

Tim Joyner

Junior Staff Writer

If Santa shops in the lower east side of Manhattan, he can stop at Goliath Boutique and pick up a few shirts by The Hundreds, who specialize in hip-hop- and funk-influenced streetwear. The Hundreds combines inner-city culture with art to produce hand-sewn garmets, T-shirts, and women’s apparel with clever sayings and images, usually a variation of an already well-known images or phrases, such as their Louis Vuitton monogram print that has cartoon bombs strewn seamlessly throughout the design along with the recognizable “LV” pattern, almost hidden until a second glance. For those educated rebels who like their art mobile, The Hundreds proves that true art can be both subversive and chic.

Perfect black dress

Amanda Cosgrove

Junior Staff Writer

Dear Santa: I, like a lot of girls, have been looking for the perfect black dress for basically my entire life. I have finally found it! It’s online at urbanoutfitters.com. It’s by Lux, and it is a black dress with lace over it and has lace sleeves a bow around the neck. It is the perfect dress for any occasion. I would wear it every day, I swear! It’s perfect for all kinds of parties because it has sleeves, so it’s not too revealing. It’s short, so it is still cute and less formal. It would be perfect for any New Year’s parties, too. Santa, please bring this to me for Christmas!

Accessories

Hello Kitty Jewelry

Courtney Flaherty

Junior Staff Writer

At 21 years old, I still can’t get over how cute Hello Kitty is, which is why my grown-up Christmas list includes Hello Kitty jewelry. Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Wendy Williams have all been seen sporting Sanrio’s signature character. My favorite line is the exclusive Neiman Marcus collection by Kimora Lee Simmons. Almost all of the charms are diamond-encrusted, with the exception of an enamel ring, earrings and a pendant. The prices for these trinkets range from $195 for the enamel ring to $4,250 for the one-carat diamond ring or the diamond necklace. A great and equally adorable altenative to Simmons’ blinged-out line is the Hello Kitty collection by Tarina Tarantino. She makes funky bracelets, necklaces, earrings and even belts adorned with Hello Kitty’s face. Tarantino’s necklaces range in price from $45 to $195, and the bracelets and earrings range from $38 to $188.