TDT Holiday Gift Guide: Philbrook Gift Shop

While I was doing research for this gift guide, I came across some rather original suggestions, ranging from the cute and unique to the downright strange.

One suggestion in particular was, I think, smart thinking. Leave it to the head mom over at Ttownmoms.com, Trisha Swindle, to come up with a clever, cost-effective way to shop with local vendors this holiday season without breaking the bank. Her idea? Shop for stocking stuffers at the gift shop in Philbrook Museum.

Read more »

Today in Tulsa Blogs

From time to time I find that I've spent an entire morning reading blogs. With all the banter and pontificating and re-telling and general memoir yumminess, it's hard to keep from it from time to time (read: more often that it makes me comfortable to admit. There's dishes and laundry and baby-raisin' to do around here, after all).

Everyone - that is, unless you're still one of those people who ask, "What's a blog?" and if you are, odds would have it that you're not reading this, anyway - has their vices when it comes to blog reading. Mine is The Pioneer Woman Cooks. Did you all see the Beef Stew with Mushrooms she posted today? Lord. Have. Mercy. On my thighs. Because that's right where a recipe by Ree Drummond typically heads - at least, that's true in my case. That all of the recipes on her site now print with ease thanks to HP, my hodgepodge, finders-keepers cookbook stuffed in a three-ring binder left over from college is expanding. Also, my second chin, it is screaming. These days, it's really been throwing its weight around.

Good thing second chins don't get a vote in my house. Stand down, chins!

Speaking of second chins, Hillary over at Life Yoga, a one-woman Tulsa yoga studio that specializes in private and small classes, has a set of resolutions we should all heed now if we don't want to be making lofty vows to ourselves to lose weight and get in shape come the morning of Jan. 1. While I personally have a hard time giving up all of the comfort food that's available around holiday time, I like Hillary's idea of starting family traditions to stay trim.

Start new family traditions. This year my mom and I came up with an idea to start taking a walk every holiday after our meal. We took an hour long walk a few hours after Thanksgiving lunch. All the boys were taking a nap anyways- so we didn't miss a thing and got to spend some great time together. And lets face it- we live in Oklahoma, it's probably going to be 70 on Christmas anyways...

However you choose to spend your holiday just know that it is an excuse to get together with your family and friends- not to eat whatever you want with no consequences. You will feel much better if you follow these simple steps- and will be able to make a much better New Years resolution than losing weight.

Okay, okay, Hillary, I give up - no five slices of pie in one day this Christmas for Tasha. Thanks for working to keep us healthy, woman.

For all my knitting friends, be sure to put on your creative thinking caps and enter to win a 500-yard skein of organic, fingering-weight merino from the folks at Clear Creek Lavender. The prompt: Name the new colorway. You have until noon or so on Wednesday.

77 Counties has a striking image of my beloved Theta Pond. I spent many an afternoon sketching and dodging bird poop at that pond instead of studying in the library, where I should have been. If you haven't yet checked out the 77 Counties project, do it now. The photos are choice.

My pal Carrisa over at And So She Blogs has a valuable lesson for all of you who forget to lock up (I live with one, too, Carrisa - we should start a support group). Plus, she's got delicious, buttery, sweet-smelling baby photos.

Michael Bates - or, as I like to call him, Bates (actually, I call him, "He Who Knows," but usually only in the confines of my feeble little mind) - has a reminder about tonight's showing of the newest Jack Frank show, Tulsa A-Z. Head to Batesline for details, and be sure to tune in.

Jeff Shaw over at Bounded Rationality has a review of a new restaurant downtown. I tried it a few weeks ago and I, too, give Zorba's Greek Grill two thumbs up.

For all you history buffs out there, boy, do I have a blog for you: Historic Tulsa. Check out three recent posts on midtown mansions: Parriot Mansion, Carl K. Dresser House (read: Tulsa wedding central) and Moore Manor, on the same tract as the Creek Nation Council Oak, the fabled birthplace of Tulsa. I love those old photos, don't you all?

The always snarky Irritated Tulsan has 25 Uses for Leftover Turkey. Here's a preview: Use No. 24 is pothole filler. Use No. 12? Monopoly game pieces. Use No. 1? Unmentionable here on this mostly family-friendly blog. Check it out - you won't be sorry.

Ever get the hankerin' for horseback riding? Ron over at Route 66 News has a little somethin' for ya - Route 66 Riding Stables. Check out his photos and review. While you're there, have a look around the site. Ron writes about everything from restaurants on Route 66 to Route 66 property for sale. It's a great resource and an even better read.

All these holidays got you thinking it's finally time to learn to boil water? Learn that and more in the cooking classes at The Stock Pot. Check Tulsa Food Blog for offerings and times.

Did you miss Garden Glow at Philbrook last Saturday? No worries - you can catch some pics over at What's Up @ Philbrook, a blog about Tulsa's world-class museum at 2424 S. Rockford, updated daily.

Speaking of Tulsa's world-class museums, take a virtual tour of the one on Gilcrease Museum Road, thanks to Yogi at Yogi's Den.

To what Tulsa and Oklahoma blogs are you addicted? Share and feast upon links in the comments.

TDT Holiday Gift Guide: ABC in Tulsa

At the risk of earning a resounding, "DUH!" from all you thoughtful, dead-sexy readers out there, I'd like to say that both research and experience will prove that kids learn stuff from books.

Read more »

Shopping Ethically

The post that follows appeared first at Grey Eye Designs Studio Blog. After being subjected to much gushing and pleading, the author, local craftista Brigid Vance, agreed to re-post it here at TashaDoesTulsa.com. Enjoy!

In light of this weekend's Black Friday shopping craziness, I've been reading lots of opinions that people have a duty to get out there and shop for the holidays. One even went so far as to say that not consuming means you are injuring the local economy. This opinion really ruffled my feathers. 

Read more »

TDT Holiday Gift Guide: Fresh Blend Handmade Boutique

Tulsans have more than one option when it comes to holiday shopping. There's Wal-Mart. There's Tar-jay. And, of course, there's the mall.

Or, you could opt out of the whole made-for-the-masses scene. As the natty girls at Tulsa Craft Mafia said, don't battle it out - shop with a mug of something tasty in one hand.

Read more »

And the Winner is...

Pick No. 2 in the first annual Tasha Does Tulsa Gift Guide was a signed copy of The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man. The book is an outgrowth of the hit blog, The Art of Manliness, penned by Tulsans Brett and Kate McKay.

As it turns out, I'm not the only lucky duck to have Brett and Kate as readers here at TDT. The McKays were nice enough to sign and send along a copy of this book for me to give away here at the blog. They didn't even know their pithy, highly useful guide to all that is man was going to be part of the gift guide anyway. Funny how things turn out, especially when the small, small world that is Tulsa, Oklahoma, is part of the picture.

Anyway. The point is, there's a winner among us today.

Folks, your personal tips for maximum manliness had me in stitches. I'm going to have to jot them down on a piece of notebook paper and tuck them into my own copy of TAoM, as a sort of community-produced appendix. Thanks for making me laugh (yet again). In my mind, a good sense of humor is a true mark of manliness. In that respect, each of you has, I'm sure, 92,000+ black, curly hairs on your chest.

While there were many more than 16 comments/entries, only that many - just a little more than half - made it in before the deadline of 8pm on Friday. Better luck next time to those of you who missed the cut-off time. I was glad to read your tips for manliness anyway, though.

Congrats, Holly!

Amen to that, sister. Any time there's grilling to be done, especially, my man won't let me near animal consumables, either. A pity since grilling is way fun, but less work is less work, right? Right. E-mail me to claim your prize, little missy.

Thanks to everyone who entered. Keep your eyes on this blog for news about when the McKays will make an appearance to talk manliness and sign copies of TAoM. Hint: It's soon. Very soon.

A Little Place Called Rhema

Ever hear of a little place in Broken Arrow, on the south side of 71st Street just east of 145th, called Rhema Bible College?

If no, odds are that you're a newcomer to Tulsa, and that's okay. Besides the many ministries of Pastor Kenneth Hagin, the college and perhaps more than its fair share of urban legend, I'm about to share with you one of the things for which Rhema is best known: Christmas lights. Nearly two million of them, actually.

To find out more about Rhema's Christmas lights show, check out my blog on Ttownmoms.com.

TDT Holiday Gift Guide: Sage Culinary Studio

There was a time in the not-to-distant past when women wouldn't be caught dead in an apron.

Read more »

What To Do in Tulsa This Weekend

What, did you think this blog was going to be all Christmas, all the time, from now until Dec. 25? Shame on you. You know there's much more going on in Tulsa than twinkling lights and tinseled trees and scary, overgrown nutcracker soldiers (ahem, cough, Utica Square, cough). Yikes.

Not that there aren't plenty of twinkling lights, tinseled trees and scary, overgrown nutcracker soldiers in this town, now that Thanksgiving is over and the holiday shopping season has officially begun. But, still. The holiday season is a busy one in general when it comes to stuff to do in Tulsa and we're here to cover it all, elves and naughty/nice lists and eight tiny reindeer or none.

As heard every Friday morning on the KRMG Morning News with Joe Kelley, here's what's going on in Tulsa this weekend.

Tasha's Picks for Thanksgiving Weekend 2009

Friday

Jason Boland & The Stragglers
When: Friday, doors at 7pm, show at 8:30pm
Where: Cain's Ballroom, 423 N. Main Street
“When my life was as empty as the bottle by my bed” - ahh. That's classic, red dirt music, right there. Get more of this homegrown music at Cain's this weekend. Randy Crouch opens. Tickets are $19 in advance, $23 at the door.

Saturday

Garden Glow
When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 4-8pm
Where: Philbrook Museum of Art, 2424 S. Rockford Ave.
Don't use all your Christmas light-gawking energy before Saturday, folks, because this second-annual, free event at one of Tulsa's cherished landmarks is not to be missed. Spend some time perusing the exhibits at Philbrook and then head outside at 6pm to see thousands of lights come to life in the garden. The entire museum will be open to all, and music, food, hot chocolate and kids' activities will be in good supply.

Sunday

ABA Grand National
When: Friday-Sunday
Where: Expo Square, 4145 E. 21st Street
The wheels are in motion for the greatest race on earth for BMX fans young and old. Racing begins Friday bright and early at 7am with the Race of Champions, an invitational race in which ROC No. 1 plates will be given for class, open and cruiser. The 2009 National Racing Season will conclude on Sunday with the ABA Grand National. With the ABA National No. 1 plate up for grabs in the professional and amateur classes, the weekend is sure to be packed with racing excitement.


Music

PHOTO

Cancer Sucks! Concert
When: Saturday, doors at 5:30pm
Where: Cain's Ballroom, 423 N. Main Street
Check out acts like Rev Theory, Sweatin' bullets, Chuck Cooley, Drive-By Sonata, Pedal Point, Signum AD and Cold Stone Sober at this fifth annual Cancer Sucks! Concert, presented by KMOD and Cancer Treatment Center of America. Tickets are $10 plus service fees.

HAMMER DOWN and Friends
When: Sunday, doors at 6pm
Where: Cain's Ballroom, 423 N. Main Street
Check out HAMMER DOWN with guests Of Minds, Carnegie, OtherWise Isadore, Monkey Bones, Sam Cox, Saturday Knight, 7 Strong and more. Tickets are $12.


Sports

TU v. Memphis
When: Friday, 2:30pm
Where: Chapman Stadium
Wear blue to head out into the crowds this Black Friday. Go, Hurricanes, go.

Turkey Trot
When: Friday, 9am
Where: RiverParks, 11th and Riverside
Remember all those calories you put away yesterday in the form of pie and gravy and creamy mashed potatoes? Before you go back for leftovers, trot off some of that turkey weight with this 5K and fun run, benefitting Special Olympics Oklahoma. If you haven't yet registered to run, there's still time. Simply show up at the start line bright and early at 7:30am.

Oilers v. Texas
When: Friday, 7:35pm
Where: BOK Center, 200 N. Denver Ave.
Hey, ladies – it's your night tonight at the Oilers game, which means you get discount tickets, free chair massages and “other special perks,” so says the Oilers Web site. Find out exactly what that means at BOK Center tonight as the Oilers take on Texas.

66ers v. Utah
When: Friday, 7:00pm
Where: Tulsa Convention Center, 100 Civic Center
It's time to kick off the Tulsa 66ers season, basketball fans. Watch the home team take on Utah Flash. Tickets are $10-$125.

X-Treme Fighting League Presents Final Fury
When: Friday, doors at 7pm, fights at 8pm
Where: SpiritBank Event Center, 10441 S. Regal Boulevard in Tulsa
Catch 30 gladiators, including two-time Olympian, pride champion and two-time UFC Champion Dale Henderson, put up some serious dukes. Tickets start at $20.

OU v. OSU
When: Saturday, 11am
Where: Crimson Canaveral
It's Bedlam time, baby. Watch the Sooners take on the Cowboys in the latest edition of smackdown in this epic rivalry.


Holiday Stuff

Black Friday Weekend
When: Weekend of Nov. 27
Where: Throughout Tulsa's indie scene
Get the full scoop here on which of Tulsa's hip and funky independent shops are offering deals that will have your pocketbook smiling so hard, it'll have wrinkles by Sunday night.

Arvest Winterfest
When: Now-Jan. 4
Where: Third Street between Denver and Frisco
Wanna see the largest (fake!) Christmas tree in the entire state of Oklahoma? Then you've gotta check out the new and improved, second-annual Arvest Winterfest celebration. Get your chance to ice skate outdoors (always an iffy prospect when it comes to Oklahoma winters) on a 60-by-150-foot rink, snag some yummy food, live entertainment, photo ops with the Segway Santa and a carriage ride through the streets of downtown Tulsa. If you miss it this weekend, don't worry. Winterfest continues through Jan. 4. Get a listing of a full months' worth of Winterfest goodness here (PDF).

Rhema Holiday Light Display
When: Now-Christmas
Where: Rhema Bible College, 1025 W. Kenosha Street
Making Tulsa visible from space for the 27th year in a row, Rhema expects to draw more than 200,000 from all over Oklahoma and our surrounding states to show off their 1.8 million lights. The kicker? Once you fight the traffic and find parking, there isn't one. It's all free and open to the public.

Lights on the Hill at Chandler Park
When: Fridays-Sundays, starting Nov. 27 thru Dec. 27, 6-9pm
Where: Chandler Park, 6500 W. 21st Street
When it comes to aerial views of neighborhood Christmas lights (not to mention the view of the skyline), it's tough to beat the top of the hill at Chandler Park. Throughout the rest of this month and into the next, take a drive through three miles of bright lights and whimsical displays, catch live performances by local high schools, churches and more. Plus, snag a scenic horse-and-carriage ride. Be sure to stay tuned until Dec. 5 from 4-6pm, when you and the kiddos can have your photo snapped with Santa. Don't forget to bring enough cookies and milk to share.

Wonderland of Lights
When: Fridays-Sundays, starting Friday-Dec. 20, 5-9pm
Where: Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, southwest of Barlesville
Ever seen a buffalo with a red, glowing nose? You just might if you head to Woolaroc for its Wonderland of Lights. See 650,000 lights, sing carols, sit back for a wagon ride and a cup of cider, see Santa and sneak a peek at the Holiday Horseman, all on Oklahoma's own 3,700-acre wildlife preserve. Just, whatever you do, don't tip Rudolph. Admission is $8 for guests aged 12-64 and $6 for seniors. Children 11 and under get in free.

Christmas Kingdom
When: Friday, Nov. 27-Christmas
Where: The Castle of Muskogee, 3400 Fern Mountain Road
There's nothing like a 20-foot inflatable to get a person into the holiday spirit. Get that and 999 other Christmas Inflatables, along with thousands of lights, in this fourth annual, free event. Check out the horse carriage rides starting at 6pm, and don't miss Christmas in the Garden Room, cookies and hot chocolate (nightly from 6-10pm), tractor-drawn hay rides and a visit with Father Christmas (Fridays and Saturdays, 6-9pm). Check out the full calendar of events at OKCastle.com.

Prelude to Christmas
When: Saturday, 7pm
Where: Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Lyon Chapel Fine Arts Center in Bartlesville
Let the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra, led by Conductor Lauren Green, present an evening celebrating the Art of Christmas. Guests will enjoy both visual and musical art pieces that capture the best of the season. After the concert, guests will be led down a lighted path to the new patio in front of the Janice and Charlie Drake Library as the lights of the La Quinta Mansion flicker to life. Then, watch for fireworks to light up the sky. Stick around afterward for cookies and cocoa. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and children. Family tickets are $25.

Festival of Trees
When: Now-Dec. 13
Where: Philbrook Museum, 2424 S. Rockford Ave.
The 25th annual fundraiser benefitting Philbrook Museum features designer trees, works by local artists and gingerbread houses. Just, try not to eat them before everyone else gets a chance to do some gawking. General admission is $8.50, or $6.50 for seniors, students, groups of 10 or more and free for kids 18 and under.

Garden of Lights
When: Now-Christmas
Where: Honor Heights Park in Muskogee
Count 'em - one million lights, baby. It takes 120 acres to contain all that Christmas cheer at Muskogee's Honor Heights Park. The fun continues through Dec. 31.


Other Stuff

T-Town Trolley Coat Drive
When: Friday, 10am-5:30pm
Where: Various Tulsa-area locations
Get free tickets to the Friday night Oilers game with a donation of a coat – hoodies, jackets, heavy winter coats, it all works - to benefit homeless Tulsans. The T-Town Trolley will stop at several locations around Tulsa throughout the day, ending at BOK Center in time for the night's Oiler's game. The McNellie's stop is at 10am, the Leon's on Brookside stop is at 1pm, the Jenks Camille's stop is at 3pm and the BOK Center stop is at 5:30pm.

Buy Nothing Thanksgiving
When: Friday, 1-6pm
Where: Tulsa Free Store, 308 S. Phoenix
Buy Nothing Day is an international day of protest against consumerism. Join the Tulsa effort by stopping at Third and Phoenix for a turkey dinner instead of a mall-induced headache. Be prepared to try a Bike Soup smoothie, the blender for which is powered by Paul Tay's own bike. I hear they're rather tasty.

Cheryl Pallant at Living Arts
When: Friday, 7pm
Where: Living Arts, 307 E. Brady
Pallant, both a dancer and a poet, integrates the processes and concepts of movement into her poetry. She holds the Lubell Visiting Assistant Professorship and teaches creative writing in the English Department at the University of Tulsa. This Friday, she'll share some of her work at the new location of Living Arts. Cost is $7, or $5 for members.

Facebook Meet & Greet
When: Friday, 8pm
Where: Flytrap Music Hall, 514 E. Second Street
Ever wondered how you'd connect with all those beautiful people you're “friends” with on Facebook? This weekend, Flytrap is giving you a chance to find out. Tickets are $10 in advance, $20 at the door.

Morning Bird Walk @ Oxley
When: Saturday, 8am
Where: Oxley Nature Center, 5701 E. 36th Street North
Chirp, chirp! An Oxley staff member will lead a bird walk, suitable for all ages and levels of expertise. Bring binoculars if you have them and meet at the Nature Center.

Jim Stovall
When: Saturday, 10am
Where: Barnes & Noble Woodland Plaza, 8620 E. 71st Street
Jim Stovall is the author of 12 books, including the best seller, The Ultimate Gift. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, too, including the Presidential Humanitarian Award. Meet the man face to face this Saturday, right here in Tulsa.

Deck the Halls Historical Home Tour
When: Sunday, 1-5pm
Where: Broken Arrow Historical Museum, 400 S. Main Street
Ever wondered about the pasts of some of Broken Arrow's first homes? Get the scoop this weekend, thanks to the Broken Arrow Historical Society. Cost is $10. Proceeds benefit the BAHS.


Movies

Fantastic Mr. Fox
When: Opened Wednesday
From Yahoo! Movies: George Cloony's supplies the delicious voice of the wayward hero in director Wes Anderson's animated adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl story. Rated PG.

Ninja Assassin
When: Opened Wednesday
From Yahoo! Movies: A skilled assassin engages in a deadly game of cat and mouse to take down the elusive secret society of killers-for-hire that trained him. Rated R.

Old Dogs
When: Opens
From Yahoo! Movies: Robin Williams and John Travolta are not-so-kid-savvy bachelors who are unexpectedly charged with the care of 7-year-old twins. Also starring Seth Green. Rated PG.

Free for Kids: Velveteen Rabbit
When: Saturday, 11am
Where: Circle Cinema, 12 S. Lewis
Thanks to Kids First and Ziegler's Art and Frame, parents can unwind from this weekend of shopping craziness by taking their kids to sit in a nice, quiet, dark theater for an hour and a half or so, completely free. Plus, the movie is a classic, always a good thing.

TDT Holiday Gift Guide: The Art of Manliness

For several months now I've been walking in on my husband at the computer, poring over a certain Web site. Many a chore has gone undone. Many a meal has gone cold.

Read more »

My Cup of Tea: Dragonmoon Tea Company

The first time I heard about Dragonmoon Tea Company was in a tweet from the mayor of Tulsa herself, Kathy Taylor. She mentioned she'd eaten there for lunch that day, and I was surprised. Lunch at a tea company? Dragonmoon sounded more like a fancy name for another Oz competitor to me.

Last week, I learned just how wrong-headed I'd been.

Two girlfriends, my toddling son and I stopped in to Dragonmoon, at 1927 S. Harvard Ave., for lunch and we, not to be cliche, got a lot more. By the end of the meal we'd shared a pot of warm, spicy, almost buttery White Christmas tea and three plates' full of desserts and pastries. That was in addition to the two helpings of rich, cheesy quiche wrapped in the flakiest of crusts, as well as a pita sandwich to end all pita sandwiches.

Look at the pretty china we got to use. I felt like a dainty English gentlewoman. With a wriggling, quiche-covered toddler on my lap. Wait - what?

Did I mention that we ordered potato salad, too? And cold, citrus-spiced rice? Well, we did. Oh, boy, did we ever.

Just as charming as the china and the food is the cafe itself. Housed in what appears to have once been a family home (anyone know the history of this building just north of 21st and Harvard?), the two first-floor dining rooms host just a few tables - ours had four. On the walls were two large pet portraits by local artist Matt Moffett.

Lovely, no?

The painting, I mean. Not that the girls aren't lovely, because they most certainly, definitely are. Thing is, these girls also happen to be the salt of the earth. They spend their days making Tulsa a better place from their offices at a few of Tulsa's YWCA locations. What they and the people they work with manage to do for the people of this community in need of YWCA services (all 25,000 of them, the number who participated in YWCA programs last year) within the span of an average work day blows my mind. Hey, YWCA? Thank you.

When it comes to friends, I'm something the kids these days like to call lucky.

See that girl on the left? Her name is Wendy. I've known Wendy for almost four years now. She helped me to stay sane during my first job as a reporter. She also helped me test I don't know many of the renditions of bread pudding available in this town. To say that we're versed in the genre, at least when it comes to what Tulsa has to offer, is the understatement of the entirety of custard history.

Of course, when we saw that bread pudding was on the menu at Dragonmoon, we couldn't pass it up.

Mmm - bread pudding that looks like it wants to fight me. Just the way I like it. Give me bread pudding with texture and interest over the smooth, creamy kind any day.

Oh, man. That tea just wouldn't stop. A pot of it sounds really good right about now. Too bad I didn't snag any on my way out from the small tea and gift shop at the front of the cafe. Doh.

Half a pot of tea, a hearty slice of quiche, a large scoop of potato salad and a plate of bread pudding with whiskey sauce totaled $15. It's not the most inexpensive lunch I've ever had, and I certainly wouldn't pay $15 for lunch every day (not that I don't want to when it comes to some yummy nosh), but it's certainly a fair price for an occasional treat.

When you give this place a try, be sure to tell me what kind of tea you had. I'm dying to go back and try more, both from the hot and cold tea menus, and I'd love some good advice.

After all, what would a tea company be without lots and lots and lots of selection when it comes to, well, tea?

If you've tried Dragonmoon, tell us about it in the comments. In the meantime we'll be doing what tea drinkers do - putting the kettle on and making cranberry-orange scones and idly building pyramids of lumps of sugar, anticipating that next cup.

TDT Holiday Gift Guide: All That Is Dwelling Spaces

Since the little gift shop at 119 S. Detroit Ave. is first in the minds of Tulsa's most savvy local shoppers, it might as well be first in the inaugural Tasha Does Tulsa Holiday Gift Guide, too.

Read more »

Fashion: Help Me Out Here.

I just don't get it, y'all. Fashion, that is. If I expect to go out into public and not cause traffic accidents with my self-inflicted ensembles, I need help when it comes to putting together an outfit. If its not an I Heart Tulsa shirt, jeans and tennis shoes, you can assume that I'm going to need some assistance.

Please. I beg of you, Tulsa. Come to my house, bring a full-length mirror (what, did you think I actually owned one already? Ha!) and, for the love of all that is good and holy, help me. I need you. I need you badly.

Especially troublesome for me and my puny sense of fashion is the holiday party outfit. To get a feel for what's acceptable this year I've been scouring the Web sites of my favorite stores. Thing is, I have a few questions, along with a concern or three.

Help me out over at my blog on Ttownmoms.com.

Tasha Does Tulsa Gift Guide 2009

The latest whispers from Washington say that we're starting to pull out of this whopper of an economic crisis. As the holiday season and the demand on the pocketbook it brings with it looms before us, I think we can all agree that this is good news.

We've all made sacrifices since our economy lurched to a standstill a few years ago. Some of us have turned to couponing to feed our families, others have given up their cable TV and still more were forced to downsize, or were downsized themselves.

That we're seeing a light at the end of the tunnel is like stumbling upon an oasis in a sprawling desert. It seems we can't wait to get back to life as usual.

Here's an idea. Rather than shop as we once did by heading to the malls or the monolithic, big-box mega-stores, check out what local shops, restaurants and other service providers have to offer instead.

After all, your dad doesn't need another bottle of Old Spice (unless you're my dad - in that case, you probably do), the kids don't need yet more plastic toys and Mom doesn't want yet another gift basket from the store that rhymes with Bath & Body Schworks.

She'll only re-gift it as a Secret Santa gift at church next Christmas. Trust me. I know these things.

Here's some more food for thought: For every $100 spent at a chain store, just $14 stays in the local community, according to the Tulsa Area Independent Business Alliance. Spend that same Benjamin at a locally owned store and $45 - more than 320 percent more - stays here in town.

I'm sure that folks employed by local businesses that have been forced to scale back on pay and benefits could appreciate the value of a three-fold impact on the community in which they operate.

Thinking along these lines, I've decided to put together the first-ever Tasha Does Tulsa holiday gift guide. Each day from now until Christmas Eve I'll post about a product or service sold or produced here in the Tulsa area that'd look totally rad under (or, on) the Christmas tree.

Or, in a Christmas stocking. Or, on the Christmas dinner table. Or, out in the driveway (or, in the bike rack). You get the idea.

All entries in the TDT Gift Guide can be accessed by clicking a bright, shiny button that I'll make for the top of the right sidebar. Check back often, folks, as there's bound to be something new and wish list-worthy waiting for you there.

You might even find a chance to win free stuff - stuff to use as holiday gifts for loved ones, for yourself, or ways to live life to the fullest in Tulsa this holiday season. Just about anything goes, so man your mouses and get ready to enter some contests and giveways.

While the line-up in this parade of local gifts is pretty much set, I'm still open to learning about gifts that might have escaped my attention. If you come across a find that's too good not to share, e-mail me. We'll spread Christmas cheer together, perhaps over a cup of eggnog.

Because I'm always available for a cup of eggnog.

Look for the first featured gift to show up at the top of this page at some point tomorrow. Until then, happy pre-Thanksgiving cooking (or, in my case, bite-sneakin' and beater-lickin' and putting out fires with the help of this Thanksgiving dinner survival guide at Ttownmoms.com).

Get Your Lights On: Christmas Lights in Tulsa

View Get Your Lights On in a larger map

This week isn't just about stuffing yourself with pound after pound of nap-inducing poultry or shopping the Black Friday doorbusters in your chain mail. As any former kid knows, Thanksgiving Day and the days that follow are for decking the halls and trimming the Christmas tree.

After everyone understands each other about the "strange words" you were shouting as you attempted to detangle yourself from a mammoth ball of Christmas lights not even Clark Griswold could muster, it'll be time to brighten these wintry, early-occurring evenings with the lighting of hundreds of thousands of little twinkling lights.

Good thing there are plenty of ways to see the first of this year's Christmas lights in the Tulsa area, and more than one of them includes cookies and hot chocolate. Check 'em out:

Rhema Lights On
When: Wednesday, Nov. 25, 6pm
Where: Rhema Bible College, 1025 W. Kenosha Street
Take a break from cooking and join Rhema's Hagin family as they flip the switch on one of the most anticipated Christmas lights display of the year in this neck of the woods. Making Tulsa visible from space for the 27th year in a row, Rhema expects to draw more than 200,000 from all over Oklahoma and our surrounding states to show off their 1.8 million lights. The kicker? Once you fight the traffic and find parking, there isn't one. It's all free and open to the public.

Utica Square Lights On
When: Thursday, Nov. 26, 6:30pm
Where: Utica Square, 21st Street and Utica Avenue
Put away the turkey, bundle up the kiddos and head to Utica Square this Thanksgiving Day to bear witness to one of the most well-attended, longest-running (40 years!) lights on events in the state. Santa Claus will make an appearance, and he'll stick around long enough to count down the lighting of over 700,000 bright-and-twinklies in nearly 200 trees all over Tulsa's most upscale, historic shopping center.

Garden of Lights

When: Thursday, Nov. 26
Where: Honor Heights Park in Muskogee
Count 'em - one million lights, baby. It takes 120 acres to contain all that Christmas cheer at Muskogee's Honor Heights Park. The fun continues through Dec. 31.

Arvest Winterfest

When: Friday, Nov. 27, 4pm
Where: On Third Street, between Denver and Frisco Avenues in downtown Tulsa
Wanna see the largest Christmas tree in the entire state of Oklahoma? Then you've gotta check out the new and improved, second annual Arvest Winterfest celebration. Relish the chance to ice skate outdoors (not always a sure thing when it comes to winter in Oklahoma) on a 60-by-150-foot rink, yummy food, live entertainment, photo ops with the Segway Santa and a carriage ride through the streets of downtown Tulsa. If you miss it this weekend, don't worry - it continues through Jan. 4. Get a listing of a full months' worth of Winterfest goodness here.

Wonderland of Lights
When: Fridays-Sundays, starting Friday-Dec. 20, 5-9pm
Where: Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, southwest of Barlesville
Ever seen a buffalo with a red, glowing nose? You just might if you head to Woolaroc for its Wonderland of Lights. See 650,000 lights, sing carols, sit back for a wagon ride and a cup of cider, see Santa and sneak a peek at the Holiday Horseman, all on Oklahoma's own 3,700-acre wildlife preserve. Just, whatever you do, don't tip Rudolph. Admission is $8 for guests aged 12-64 and $6 for seniors. Children 11 and under get in free.

Christmas Kingdom

When: Friday, Nov. 27
Where: The Castle of Muskogee, 3400 Fern Mountain Road
There's nothing like a 20-foot inflatable to get a person into the holiday spirit. Get that and 999 other Christmas Inflatables, along with thousands of lights, in this fourth annual, free event. Check out the horse carriage rides starting at 6pm, and don't miss Christmas in the Garden Room, cookies and hot chocolate (nightly from 6-10pm), tractor-drawn hay rides and a visit with Father Christmas (Fridays and Saturdays, 6-9pm). Check out the full calendar of events at OKCastle.com.

Lights on the Hill at Chandler Park
When: Fridays-Sundays, starting Nov. 27 thru Dec. 27, 6-9pm
Where: Chandler Park, 6500 W. 21st Street
When it comes to aerial views of neighborhood Christmas lights (not to mention the view of the skyline), it's tough to beat the top of the hill at Chandler Park. Throughout the rest of this month and into the next, take a drive through three miles of bright lights and whimsical displays, catch live performances by local high schools, churches and more. Plus, snag a scenic horse-and-carriage ride. Be sure to stay tuned until Dec. 5 from 4-6pm, when you and the kiddos can have your photo snapped with Santa. Don't forget to bring enough cookies and milk to share.

Garden Glow

When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 4-8pm

Where: Philbrook Museum of Art, 2424 S. Rockford Ave.

Don't use all your Christmas light-gawking energy before Saturday, folks, because this second-annual, free event at one of Tulsa's cherished landmarks is not to be missed. Spend some time perusing the exhibits at Philbrook and then head outside at 6pm to see thousands of lights come to life in the garden. The entire museum will be open to all, and music, food, hot chocolate and kids' activities will be in good supply.

Hey. Where do you go to find Christmas lights in Tulsa? Enlighten us (sorry, I couldn't help myself) in the comments.

Rhema photo by dsjeffries on Flickr

Wonderland of Lights photo from TravelOK.com

Food Cooperative Sprouts in the Off Season

The fable of the grasshopper and the ant is an allegory for how hard work during good times can prepare a person for the struggles that lie ahead. That rings true for lovers of Tulsa-grown food as it did for their agrarian grandparents before them.

If no one raised his own meat, dairy and eggs and no one preserved summer’s bounty to supplement a cellar full of winter squashes, everyone would be headed to the grocery store for apples grown in Fiji and meat raised by factory foremen rather than local farmers.

As Cherry Street Farmers Market, the largest farmers market in the Tulsa area, came to a close this summer, though, one man had an idea.

“My customers would ask, ‘What am I going to do without your eggs?’ and, ‘I don’t want to have to go a grocery store for my chicken,’” said Wes Downing of Downing Family Farm, 90 miles northeast of Tulsa in Grove.

After some thought and a little hustling for partnerships, Tulsa Clean Food Market was born.

Learn more about the Tulsa Clean Food Market on the Food page of this week's edition of Tulsa Business Journal.