10 Unique Gifts for 2014

No need to worry, if you haven’t started shopping for the holidays – there is still time!

I think the best part about giving is being creative. So I did all the research for you.

Here are 10 unique gifts your loved one never expected, but will go crazy over:

1.     Snow/Swim Camera Goggles

Film any extreme adventure hands-free. This is a hot ticket item so get it soon, or you may be waiting…

http://www.liquidimageco.com/

2.     Bangle with a purpose

This isn’t just any piece of jewelry, it a flask inside the bangle. Perfect for festival goers.

http://www.cynthiarowley.com/accessories/flask-bangle-silver-o-s.html

3.     Not just any dumbbell

Ever wanted a set of weights, but didn’t have space? This is the perfect in-between.

http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/stamina-50-lb.-versa-bell-ii-dumbbell/ID=prod4077135-product

4.     Portable Bluetooth Speakers have never been so fancy

It’s a clutch with a mirror, pocket for your lipstick and a Bluetooth speaker. And it’s SUPER cute.

http://www.stelleaudio.com/index.php/stelle-audio-mini-clutch-dazzling-diamond.html

5.     Adopt an olive grove

You can adopt a puppy or cat…but that is risky if the person isn’t ready for a pet yet. Here’s another idea, adopt an olive tree in Sicily. The best part? You don’t have to be there for the TLC, and you get the olive oil in return. 

http://www.nudoadopt.com/

6.     A knife unlike any other

Have a fisherman, hunter or knife collector in your family? This screams have to have. 

http://www.bestmadeco.com/products/silver-fish-folding-knife

7.     Funky Nails

Do you know someone who loves to express themselves with their nails? Jawberry makes stickers that last up to two weeks. There are so many designs too!

https://www.jamberrynails.net/shop

8.     Fitbit with style

Tory Burch makes a fitbit bracelet and necklace for your fitness enthusiast. This is WAY more stylish than the rubber bands you see people wearing. 

http://www.fitbit.com/toryburch#1

9.     Head Massager

This peaked my interest when I saw it on Kourtney & Khloe Take the Hamptons. I mean who doesn’t love your head massaged?

http://www.amazon.com/Scalp-Massager-Body-Back-Company/dp/B001IHXFQK

10.  Plan something

I am an explorer by nature. Send me to any town, even Buffalo in the winter time and I can find something fun to do. My advice find a trip to take on Groupon or Travel Zoo (it will be cheaper). Or go to a restaurant that just opened. You can’t lose with “a thought that counts”.

 http://www.groupon.com/getaways

 HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ENJOY GIFTING!

Love advice from Jerry Springer

Love is in the air – no really!

When it starts to get chilly out – you know, sweater weather…singles come out in droves in search of a winter cuddle buddy. It’s called “cuffing season”, as I've learned. Yes, it’s really a thing.

But it’s not forever love, like some of you may be searching for. Usually the cuff is broken when summer rolls around.

That’s where Jerry Springer steps in.

I recently interviewed him for a story about his new show Baggage airing in January on GSN. It's about three contestants who reveal their most intimate secrets before going out with the prospective date. 

Christie Post - The Now Tampa Bay/ABC

Let’s hope you already research the person you are dating anyways. i.e. Facebook stalk

Ok back to Jerry. When you think of the talk show host – you think of chaos.

I asked him what's his most memorable love story? He said, "when a man married his horse, and then the horse broke up with him." Of course, Jerry said he was against it. 

Now you’re probably thinking, why would I take advice from him?

You may be surprised to hear, he thinks the majority of the relationships he sees are stupid. Yeah, he told me that.

Truthfully he said you will find “the one” when you are not looking. 

I know it’s not much to go on, but that can’t eat, can’t sleep, over the moon kind of love – just happens.  

20 things that are so Tampa Bay

I’m a west coast girl now living on the east coast.

Originally from Colorado, I went to college in Arizona. Graduating with a journalism degree, my career took me to California, Texas and most recently Florida.

I kind of feel like Dorthy from the Wizard of Oz.

Here’s what I know so far about Tampa Bay:

1. The local news comes on at 11 p.m. 
I've always watched or worked on a 10 o’clock news show. So this is different…

2. Rollerblades are in! 
The last time I strapped on skates was for an 80's themed party at a roller rink. It’s an every day occurrence on Bayshore Blvd. Guess I’ll have to try it? 

3. A lot of people have “Salt Life” stickers. 
I looked it up and the story behind the sticker is pretty cool. Four guys from Jacksonville started the brand in 2003 to cater to people who love the ocean. I mean, the beach life isn't too shabby. 

4. The sunrise and sunset never gets old. 
It’s almost like Bob Ross painted the sky — you get the picture.

5. It rains a lot. 
Tampa is the lightning capital of the United States. The good news — the rain is usually over in less than 20 minutes.

6. The movie star Winter lives here. 
I got the chance to report on Dolphin Tale 2. It’s story about a dolphin named Winter who lost her tail and was rescued by the Clearwater Aquarium. She can never live a normal life in the wild, but her bravery has touched the lives on millions of people. 

7. Everyone is an FSU or UF fan. 
Where are all the Sun Devils? Go ASU!

8. The Cuban sandwich is the state’s iconic food item. 
Reportedly the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor made one of the first in 1905. It's nothing like sandwiches in Cuba. It's better!

9. Derek Jeter lives on Davis Islands. 
I know there are a lot of Yankee fans in Tampa Bay, but almost every weekend I have heard someone toss Derek Jeter’s name around. I did a story on his charity Turn 2 Foundation. It’s amazing how much he gives back to the community.

10. DJ Kitty is pretty entertaining. 
Have you been to a Tampa Bay Rays game? This cat is the official DJ.

11. Cigars are everywhere. 
Ybor is coined “Cigar City”. Mainly because of its past. Rows of people used to hand roll millions of cigars every year, but the Great depression led to the downfall of the industry. Now old factories are turning into apartments, while some shops still keep the tradition alive. 

12. Jaws is real! 
Maybe not the sharks we saw in the movie, but I’ve already heard a handful of stories about sharks biting people. I prefer the ones at Florida Aquarium, especially during the fundraiser Brews By The Bay.  

13. There is no lack of strip clubs. 
Have you seen Magic Mike? The movie was inspired by actor Channing Tatum who used to be a stripper in Tampa.

14. Florida has more golf courses than any other state in the country. 
I come from a golfing family so this is important to me. There are more than 1,250 courses to be exact.

15. Bern's Steak House is a staple. 
The restaurant takes you back to the 1920’s. It’s an experience you will definitely never forget. There's even a separate room for the best part of the meal — dessert.

16. Palm trees are on every corner. 
It is the state tree so it makes sense. I can definitely get used to it!

17. Craft breweries are on the rise. 
Cigar City Brewing is one of the biggest breweries in town. 3 daughters brewing, Tampa Bay Brewing, Dunedin Brewery, Cycle, Angry Chair and Rock Brothers will wet your whistle.

18. Taco Bus.  
Pull up to the school bus and order. The restaurant was featured on Food Network. It packs some serious deliciousness.

19. Disney World! 
I still can’t believe the happiest place on earth is only an hour away. 

20. Gasparilla is all people talk about. 
It's like Madi Gras, but with pirates. Guess I will experience it come January. Arrrgh!

Embrace Your Nickname

Christie Post - Post, Texas

Nicknames. We all get them at some point. We’ve heard the good...and sometimes the not so good. 

When I was younger my brother out shined me. In school I was always known as Remington’s little sister. I mean who can forget that name!

At the time I never thought anyone would know my name. 

Then high school came around. Some people just called me Post, maybe because it’s shorter? One syllable, who knows? Others called me C-Post or Chris. Never really Christie – at least those close to me.

It wasn’t until college people FINALLY started using my name….I mean my FIRST name.

As I learned that wasn’t my identity...

When I started my career as a journalist Post just worked. Some people still think it's a "stage" name. Nope...it's my real name. 

I've been called the postmaster, poster child, the host with the most. Oh yeah I can’t forget about a viewer in Lubbock who called me crispy toast (still not sure about that one)

What really stuck is "Keeping You Posted".

My friends, family and fans would all tell me, thanks for keeping me posted...then laughed.

That's when I realized that's what I do for my job. 

If I have any advice — sometimes nicknames aren’t really what you expect. So embrace it —  good or bad. You may never really know where it can take you.