And if you’re looking for reading material aimed at the boomer men in your life, be sure and take a gander at the Guy’s Guide to Domestic Engineering by Keith Frohreich. Keith’s book is a lighthearted look at trading in the corporate life to man the household in an ever-so-manly way. Although Keith shares his take on the domestic life with mega doses of humor, he presents solid information for those home fire burners blessed with both the X & Y chromosomes. His tips cover everything from doing the laundry, to staying fit and healthy, to mastering the art of culinary techniques and serving up some fabulous recipes. Take a listen to our interview and you’ll hear all about it in Keith’s own words. As he puts it, his book “chronicles his transition—the good, the bad, the ugly, and the oops!” What he-man head of the household could resist that?

Another great read is the first in a series of guides to West Coast wineries. Veteran travel writers Dahlynn and Ken McKowen kick-off their tour with The Wine-OH! Guide to California’s Sierra Foothills. Their book shares a wealth of information and is written in a relaxed and straightforward style that will appeal to the most affable and educated of oenophiles. As Dahlynn likes to say: “our book is the perfect guide for wine lovers not for wine snobs.” It’s packed with personal anecdotes about the winemakers and their passion for their art. Anyone who lives in the area or is planning a trip to Northern California would be well advised to grab a copy of this guide to one of the state’s most intriguing wine regions. For more on this and the McKowen’s other travel books, check out our interview on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio.

And a final word to all those last minute shoppers out there—may your sleigh bells jingle with the ringing sounds of success before your chestnuts get totally roasted. Happy shopping and happy holidays to one and all!