Flowers With Pizazz!

Starting to think of Valentine's Day and gifts for your sweetie, family member or loved one? These are neat flowers -fun plastic buds that don't need water, are dust resistant and won’t wilt! Sure to last long for enjoyment!

http://popflowershop.com

Cooking Pots

I'd never heard of Circulon until December of 2009 when I was compelled by an ad in a magazine to visit http://www.circulon.com/. There were lots of great deals on the pots and pans at that time so I decided to purchase the 5.5 qt covered straining casserole pan. I LOVE IT. You can cook pasta in it then use the cover to strain it. It has a lock in cover that allows you to strain the pasta, unlock it, then serve the pasta right from the pan.

Handwriting

Can handwriting actually change your life? According to Vimala Rodgers, an expert in handwriting, author and zealous believer in the spirituality of the letters of the alphabet and their effect on the human psyche, you can. Her teaching is based on the premise that handwriting mirrors your self-image and by improving your method of handwriting you can improve and even change qualities of your life. The author provides a discipline for creating awareness of your own handwriting, deciphering your writing patterns and ulimtately changing the way you live. The information is fascinating and you can learn more at:

http://www.iihs.com

Memory Quilts

When my kids were little and outgrew clothes or even blankets, I remember not wanting to part with some of the items so I stashed them away in hopes of finding something to do with them in the future. In particular, my son had a pair of PJs that had the cutest little frogs on them and every time he wore them it made me smile. I just couldn't part with those PJs! My kids are 15 and 12 now and I still have my favorites of the t-shirts and other clothing items they wear. Finally, I found this website that enables you to send in those items to have a memory quilt made out of the fabrics. The website is: http://www.willowcreekstudio.net/

Hot Tea

Are you a tea lover? Want to make the perfect cup of tea? Here a couple of my favorite tea makers. One is a teapot:
http://www.adagio.com/teaware/ingenuiTEA_teapot.html

...the other a mug:
http://theteaspot.com/tea-steeping-mug-steepware.html?catid=251

Either makes a perfect gift for you or someone else! And while you are on the website be sure to check out the varieties of loose leaf teas!

Kick Start!

Do you have a new idea you want to promote and get funded? Post your idea for a project on http://www.kickstarter.com/ and inspire people to help fund your goal.

Winter Hats With Flare

Looking for some cool winter hats? Look no further than ShredAlert. I love these hats and hopefully you will too!

www.shredalert.com

Creative Books (Cookbooks, photobooks, etc...)

Here's a neat website that can help you turn your photos, stories or recipes, etc... into a fun book. Easy to use and makes a great gift.
www.lulu.com

No More Complaining!

Wouldn't it be great to improve happiness and joy in your life? Then you must check out this website:

http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/

I like the vision of the organization. Here's just one piece of it:

"We envision a positive shift in our world's consciousness.
We see a day when people focus on and speak about what they desire things to be rather than complaining about how things are."

Amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it and act conciously.

Hosting a Party?

http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/ is an idea filled website to make your next party a hit. This website has great ideas, recipes and fabulous finds to make your entertaining in style. Start here next time you invite others over.

Hair Accessories

www.franceluxe.com is a great website for hair accessories. You'll find a vast variety of fun pieces you won't find in local stores. Be sure to click on their sale site for bargains.

Amazing Clubs

Recently I was perplexed over what to give my husband for a gift because he has most of what he already wants/needs. I don't know about you all, but I think men are hard to shop for! After what seemed like forever trying to come up with something unique, I came across this idea- AmazingClubs.com. It's a gift of the month club and is a super gift that gives month after month. The best part-they offer a huge variety of gourmet gift clubs for every person, passion and price range. I purchased the hot sauce of the month club for my husband. He's received one of the shipments and absolutely LOVES it.

Gourmet Marshmallows

Check out plushpuffs.com

OK, I know these are kind of indulgent but what the heck - go for it. I LOVE the vanilla bean ones but right there in second are the caramel swirl ones. The peppi-mint ones are great around the holidays and "pep" up hot cocoa. YUM!

Kiva

Are you feeling charitable? Kiva.org is an amazing website that enables you to "loan" funds of $25 or more to people in all different parts of the world who are trying to start up businesses or keep current businesses going. Often these businesses are the extent of their livelihood. The program is very unique in that you can choose who you wish to fund, watch how much of the loan request they've received and how much they pay back over time.

Nonnie's Traditional Southern

For you Guys out there, here's a lovely gift idea for the special lady in your life. Or Ladies, if you're looking for a special gift for a friend or mom, this is it!

It's Nonnie Waller's Traditional Southern pound cake that comes with a beautiful nosegay of flowers all packed into a gorgeous keepsake handmade hatbox. The hatboxes come in several different patterns to choose from and in various sizes. Absolutely feminine and indulgent!

And remember...Valentine's Day is just around the corner!

29 Gifts

If you haven't already come across this book and/or its author's website, I'm here to tell you to most definitely seek it out! The title is 29 Gifts and I encourage you to take the 29 day giving challenge. It will not only change your life but I believe the way in which you live it. It's an amazing eye-opener with such a wonderful lesson in what the act of altruism can bring into one's life. I'm hooked and have already started a second cycle of the challenge. Let me know if you try it and what you think!

Paperback Swap

I love this website! For readers like me it's the perfect way to share your books with others while earning credits which in turn can be redeemed for more books! Best of all, it's free to use. Other than the cost of mailing your book to the requestor you have access to thousands of books posted by members. Just yesterday I got three books that have been on my read list for a while! Enjoy!

Paperbook Swap

Flat Belly Diet by Prevention Magazine

Seriously people, this diet (or I call eating plan) works! I've tried it and so has my husband as well as friends who in turn have also spread the word. What I like about it (besides the fact it literally melts fat) is that you don't deprive yourself of good foods, you eat healthly and often and keep your energy levels charged. It changes the way you think of food and dieting. Get to know MUFAs and what they can do for you. It will change your life! Give it a try. You have NOTHING to lose but fat!

Flat Belly Diet

My List of Favorite Things

Yes, admittedly, I'm a research junkie!

I love finding new and fun gadgets, the latest trends, interesting websites, books and more. Best of all, when I find these, it's more fun to share them with others and offer a one-stop place for you to see these items too!

Think of me as your eyes and ears to things you may not come across on your own. Who knows, you might just find that perfect gift for someone, great new item for yourself or unique product.

Yes, while Oprah has her list of favorites and I am just a "somebody", I think you will find mine just as interesting. Let me know what you think!