Monday, December 9, 2013

Favorite Things

I've wanted to do this post for a while now, and since it's the season of giving (and buying), I thought the time was perfect. This post is a bit self-serving, as I am always looking for good gift ideas.

We really have no idea who, or how many, follow this blog, so there may be a limited response. But my hope is that everyone who reads this post will leave at least one comment and include a "favorite thing." What is a favorite thing? you may be asking. Well, if you ever saw Oprah's Favorite Things shows, it's just that - stuff (and places) you really like. If you can provide a link to the item(s), even better!

Everyone has a product or venue or activity that you enjoy - a breakfast cereal, a dry cleaners, a hole-in-the-wall diner, whatever! Please, please, please take a minute to hit comment and share at least one.

Here are a few of mine - in no particular order:
- The Dapper Snapper: THE BEST way to hold a kid's pants up. It's a small piece of elastic with snaps. I should warn you that it looks like it should cost a quarter - and it doesn't - but it really is worth every penny because it works.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1/186-4854990-5441212?url=search-alias%3Dgarden&field-keywords=dapper%20snapper&sprefix=dapper+snap%2Cgarden&rh=i%3Agarden%2Ck%3Adapper%20snapper

- Seven brand jeans: If you're always looking for "the perfect fit" jeans, give these a try. While not inexpensive, you can often find them on sale, and really, can you put a price on a pair of jeans that make you feel happy?
http://www.7forallmankind.com/Womens_Denim_The_Basics/pl/c/518990.html

 - Scrambled States of America children's book: If you want a child to have a fun way to learn the 50 states - and encourage travel! - this book hits it out of the park. Very clever and educational.
http://www.amazon.com/Scrambled-States-America-Laurie-Keller/dp/0805068317/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1386600265&sr=8-2&keywords=s
crambled+states+of+America

- The Dirty Life book: This book is so well written and has the richest, most descriptive words. If you enjoy non-fiction, pick it up for sure.
http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Life-Memoir-Farming-Food/dp/1416551611/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386594284&sr=1-1&keywords=the+dirty+life

- The United States Marine Corp Silent Drill Team: These incredible men do THE MOST off-the-hook routine (I guess that's what you'd call it) as they march in cadence without command. They flip guns back and forth like they are playing with a stick at the playground - it's AWESOME. DC-area peeps can see them live two days a week all summer long. Non-local peeps, if they're ever in your area, it's worth a long drive, wait in freezing cold or sweltering heat, or whatever - go see them! It's a great reminder why we are so lucky to live in America (check out this video)
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=silent+drill+team&FORM=VIRE1#view=detail&mid=397C6E4259E3AA9F469E397C6E4259E3AA9F469E

- The Whale Tale ice cream scoop: This ice cream scoop can mow through the hardest ice cream with an easy-to-hold handle.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YKTFDO/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=31127913530&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw
=g&hvrand=709405751393839115&hvpone=&hvptwo
=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_1uee1dcn3c_b

- Conklyn's Florist: As a flower connoisseur, I have definite opinions about florists and these guys have excellent customer service and quality flowers.
 http://www.conklyns.com/

 - Café Rio restaurant: As a rule, I don't frequent any chain restaurants; Café Rio (& In N Out Burger) are the two exceptions. Café Rio's chain is fairly new to the East Coast and if you haven't discovered it, I recommend it. VERY family friendly, great value for your money, and extremely fresh tex mex.
http://www.caferio.com

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pancake Mix: BEST boxed pancake mix around. I recommend you buy it at a Trader's Joe's, but you can overpay and get it on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Pumpkin-Pancake-Waffle/dp/B00668LV80

- Reusable grocery bags: Washington Fine Properties has THE BEST reusable grocery bags. Unfortunately you can't purchase them - they use them for marketing - but if you ever meet a realtor from WFP, ask for a bag!

- Casablanca lily bulbs: A lovely gift that returns every spring and some of the heartiest garden lilies I've ever seen. They also grow about 4 feet tall and have enormous blooms.
http://www.amazon.com/BR-Casablanca-Lily-Summer-Bulbs/dp/B00CE5C7EQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1386600221&sr=8-2&keywords=casablanca+lily+bulbs

- Duck Duck Moose apps for children: Good, educational children's apps for your iPad, iPhone, etc

- Clinique Rinse off eye make-up remover: Soft on the eyes and removes the heaviest make-up with ease.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/clinique-rinse-off-eye-makeup-solvent/2808949?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=clinique_rinse-off_eye_makeup_solvent:14458U&cm_pla=makeup:women:makeup_remover&cm_ven=Bing_PLA&mr:referralID=782425bf-60e0-11e3-9f1f-001b2166becc

- The Color of Water book: I have loved this book for years. It's the story of a white women who raised her twelve black children in New York, as told by one of her sons.
http://www.amazon.com/Color-Water-Tribute-Mother-Anniverary/dp/159448192X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386594331&sr=1-
1&keywords=the+color+of+water

6 comments:

  1. Every since you got them for me, I've been a big fan of personalized stationary and its a go-to gift for me!

    ReplyDelete
  2. One of my favorite quick little games is Monopoly Deal. You can buy it at Target. It is easy enough for 8 year olds to play and a lot of fun.
    http://www.target.com/p/monopoly-deal-card-game/-/A-11242753#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=monopoly+deal

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love me some White Balsamic Vinegar. I buy it at Trader Joe's, same price as normal (and same spot). It's not quite as heavy, but still has the tangy sweetness of balsamic. I use it in my salad dressing, but also love a tsp of it in lentil soup.

    Also have been loving 5-day-refrigerator bread. Such an easy dough and makes the best pizza dough.
    http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/Artisan-Bread-In-Five-Minutes-A-Day.aspx#axzz2PyA1KIkD

    ReplyDelete
  4. Starbucks salted caramel hot chocolate changed my life. Love it. grande, skim milk, no whip, extra hot. You're welcome.

    ReplyDelete
  5. 1) Crystal Light ENERGY. Ten little packets of happy powder in every box. Slip one in my purse, add to bottle of water as needed throughout the day.

    2) Botanic Garden Christmas display. http://www.usbg.gov/
    We have an early release day from elementary school in December each year so we head over after lunch to beat the crowds. The kids (and I) are always delighted by the trains, the fairy houses, the elaborate Christmas decorations.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love my swim goggles and have Mike Halstead to thank for the recommendation. They are a great fit and never fog up. You can check them out here - http://www.aquasphereswim.com/us/products/eye-protection/adults. Thanks Mike!

    ReplyDelete

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