Swirl Girl's Favorite Things

I love Oprah's Favorite Things episode.  This year, she aired a 2 hour special that took us behind the scenes of favoritie things!  It was very cool!  Well, I'd like to share some of my favorite things with you.  I think some of them make great gifts for people!  Hopefully, it will help you as you shop this season.  These items are not in any particular order.

Harry Connick Jr. When My Heart Finds Christmas - this is my favorite Christmas CD. Harry mixes some fun, upbeat tunes with traditional classics.  I have given this CD as a gift many times!



BeautiControl Instant Manicure - this is one of the best beauty products out there!  It is a hand scrub that leaves your hands silky smooth.  I try to use it twice a day during the winter.  When I am good about using it--I never have dry hands or cuticles during the winter.  (If you'd like to try it--let me know--I can order it for you at a discount!)



The Body Shop Mango Body Butter - I have used this product for years.  I use it at least twice a day and it truly softens your skin!


"Can You Keep A Secret" by Sophie Kinsella -- I LOVE this book.  I have read it at least three times!  It is laugh out loud funny.  The book is not deep or try to solve world peace--it is simply a romantic comedy on pages. 



Smart Touch gloves by Isotoner - I just bought a pair of these last week and LOVE them.  You can keep your gloves on and use your touchscreen phone.



Unreal Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars - Okay--they market it as "healthy" candy--I get it--there is no such thing!  However, these are yummy.  They claim there are no artificial ingredients, no preservatives, no GMOs, no hydrgenated oils and  no corn syrup.   So lets just say they might be a tad healthier than  a Snickers bar?  They are individually wrapped little squares--so it is just enough to quench that chocolate craving when needed.

Venus Disposable Razors--Once you go Venus--you can never go back. There is just something about a Venus razor that makes me pay a little more than I need to for a razor.  What I do love about Venus is that I can buy the "heads" to the disposables in bulk at Sam's Club.  I appreciate that they make replacable heads for their disposable razor.  Swirlgirl's guy also loves them. After I bought him a bulk package of Gillette men's razors--my shower razor was still disappearing to his sink.  He finally confessed he liked my razors better.



Naples Valley Brand Strawberry Pineapple Jam -  I order this jam by the case because it is the only brand I have found to combine these two flavors.  I discovered at a crafts many years ago and have been hooked ever since.  It is my favorite pairing with peanut or almond butter.



Barney's Almond Butter - speaking of almond butter--so far my favorite is Barney's.  I like the way it spreads and it is yummy. (Available at Whole Foods)



SpiBelt Running Belt - This is great for the walker/runner in your life.  This tiny little pouch wraps around your waist and holds your cell phone, license, money and even keys.  (Bulky key rings not so much but one or two keys, yes.)  This is available at Dick's Sporting Goods for $19.99.

 

Walking Food Tours of NY - This is a great gift to share with people.  You can buy gift certificates.  I have done the tour of Greenwhich Village, but I look forward to doing another location in NYC.  I have given my inlaws gift certificates 3 times--hopefully they are telling the truth when they say they enjoy it!!  The link to the site is below.
http://www.foodsofny.com/greenwichvillage.php

Bobby Brown Cream Eyeshadow - This is the reason I venture to Nordstroms.  This is the best eyeshadow I have ever used.  It is also a great base to use with powder eyeshadows.  I use "Heather". It is very neutral.  (the one on the far right in the picture.)



Sequence - I love games.  It was hard for me to choose one.  I chose one that (I think) appeals to everyone.  This is a fun game of strategy.



BeautiControl Lip Balm -  A product I use at least twice a day.  It truly protects the lips and wards of chapped lips. (Again, if you'd like to order, let me know.)




From The Earth To The Moon Box Set-- I love this series.  It is a great fictional depiction of the space program.


Maybelline XXL Collasal Mascara - I like this because it has the primer on one end and the mascara on the other.  I rarely use mascara, but when I do, this is my product of choice.



24 Cup Cupcake Pan - It is no secret that I love to bake.  Well, when I first saw this product, I thought to myself "OMG--why aren't all cupcake pans made like this!"  A cake mix makes 24 cupcakes, why have we been putting them in two different pans for so many years???!!!!

Pampered Chef Large Bar Pan - I use this pan for anything and everything.  However, the primary use for this pan is BROWNIES.  Many people seem to love the brownies I make in this pan. They ask me my secret.  Well, there is no secret, except for the pan.  It takes two boxes of your favorite mix.  (My other secret is I use "dark chocolate" mixes.  I do not like dark chocolate--but in a brownie mix--it is awesome!)  The brownies come out thick, chewy and delicious!


Mini Speaker for your iPod.  I am not even sure which brand I have, but it does look like this.  It is perfect when you want to amplify your iPod speaker a bit.  This is a mini speaker--it will not work for your next Rager.  (Yes, I just used the word Rager.)

Pumpkin Spice Eggos - Yes, I love them--all year round!




UGGS-- an annual favorite on Oprah's show.  I truly think UGGs are UGLY!!  However, they are so warm, cozy and easy to wear.  You are technically not supposed to wear socks with UGGS. That is why I love them.  You can just slip them on without trying to find a pair of matching socks in the house!  I know they are VERY expensive, however, they will last forever and will forever keep your feet toasty warm.  If you want to treat yourself, splurge a little on a pair.  Do not try the "imitations". Some of them are expensive too and they do not last as long.  I know many who have tried and then just bought the real thing.

Lastly, my most favorite thing:  A VACATION!  Specifically to Disneyland or Disneyworld!!


 I hope you enjoyed this list!  I am sure as soon as I post it, I will think of something I forgot!! (Please note:  not one cleaning product made this list!!!)

America: Take A Chill!

America, please take a chill!  So your guy lost.  Get over it.  If you have truly followed politics in the last 30 years, you should know that it does not matter who truly steps into the role of President.  Don’t get me wrong, I get it, leader of the free world, blah, blah, blah.  As a President, you have the house and senate to deal with—you are not making all the decisions by yourself.  The items that concern the American public on an everyday basis are not simply decided by the President.  However, on truly big issues, I think it does matter who fills those shoes.  For me, big issues include immediate threats to our country and natural disasters.  If you think the President is solely in control of gas prices, outsourcing jobs overseas, etc. you are delusional. Do they have an influence and impact? Yes.  I  believe 30 years ago they had more of an influence than they have today.  Today, they are dealing with two parties that absolutely refuse to get along and go out of their way to slander and demean each other.  Seriously, I’d rather deal with Regina George and the Plastics than the whining politicians of the Republican and Democratic parties.   I have said it before; I am unaffiliated for a reason.  I want to look at each candidate as an individual and I do not want to fit myself into a box. 

I’ll be honest, I typically vote for the Democratic presidential candidate.  However, there was one time since 1988 that I did vote for a Republican candidate.  (I wonder if you can guess which one. ) In 1988, I wanted Dukakis. I was a huge Dukakis fan!  In 2000, I wanted Gore. (Let us not forget, he won the popular vote!!)   I voted for Clinton too, but I don’t remember being as excited about him. I just wonder if the sting of Dukakis losing caused me to be cautious. 

When Dukakis lost, I did not rip Bush apart, call him names or vow to move to Canada.  I showed him the respect a President deserves.   I truly do not understand the “hate” people feel towards Obama.  I do not feel that type of hate towards anyone I know, let alone, someone I do not know personally.   I think everyone feeling that type of hate toward a man they do not know personally and towards a man who literally has the weight of the world on his shoulders should sit back and reevaluate their life. I am also speaking to those who felt such hatred towards George W. 

The worst part about the Obama haters is the ridiculous stories they cling to, for example:  he wasn’t born in this country and he is a Muslim.  First, my question is so what if he is a Muslim?  I thought I lived in a country where a person of any religion could be elected President. Secondly, if you are going to rip on him, don’t cling to urban legends.  Criticize his policy or practices. 

I am not the biggest Obama fan, but I do believe he has the best interests of our country in mind.  As I believe Romney did.  They just have different paths to achieve those goals.  I believe multiple paths can lead in the right direction.   I actually worry about those I consider “infatuated” with Obama.  Just as I do not understand the bitter hatred, I do not understand the blind love.  However, those that know me, know I do not like to put anyone on a pedestal.  We are all humans with strengths and weaknesses.   I think they are blinded by his charisma.  Look, I voted for him both times.  (Now you can figure out where I did not vote for a Democrat).  However, he has not had an effective or impactful four years.  Yes, I know he inherited a mess, but still, he does not have a lot to show for the last four years.  He brags about passing health care reform. Well, I truly disliked the way that happened.  He bullied his way to pass a plan quickly.  It is convoluted and complicated.  If you want true reform it has to be less than 1600 pages.  I cannot blame him for the 1600 pages; I have EVERY elected official to blame.  They play this game: well, I will vote for that if you include this, etc.  Politicians, chill, focus and think about your constituents, remember us? 

Okay, back to the infatuation factor.  I recognize he is charismatic and one of greatest orators of our time, but I want to see progress and vision.  I do not just want to hear about it.   I am infatuated with Seth Meyers and George Clooney, not the guy who has his hand on the red button.   (Remember the red button? Cold War flashback.)  I think the infatuation factor leads to people liking someone for the wrong reasons or blindly defending anything they do.  Instead of hatred and infatuation, we just need to keep an open mind.  Accept differences of opinion.  Show Tolerance.  Be kind. 

Romney fans, you know what really hurt his campaign? The right wing extremists known as the Tea Party.  I believe the Tea Party is the biggest threat to our country.  They are expanding the wedge between conservatives and liberals to the point we refuse to tolerate other ideas.  We cannot survive as a free country this way.  I truly worry for the future of our country if we cannot pull together.  Greater empires than ours have collapsed throughout history.   (I also think tying his dog to his roof didn’t help either.  I mean really, what was he thinking?) 

If Mitt ran against Barack in 2008, I may have voted for him.  I wanted Barack to run in 2012, I thought 2008 was too soon for him.  I wanted someone with business experience and Mitt does have that.  However, the Republicans gave us McCain/Palin.  Truthfully, I wanted Hillary in 2008, but that didn’t happen either.   I do not care that Mitt is rich.  Guess what?  Obama is pretty wealthy too.  Have you seen pictures of his house in the affluent Chicago suburb?  It is pretty nice.  Who cares how much money they have?  If I did not vote for Mitt because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth it would be the same as not voting for someone based on their skin color or religion.  We need to learn to vote based on character, practice and policy.

Another big difference between the two is their views on gay marriage.  I fully support gay marriage, so you’d think Obama would be a no brainer for me.  Well, call me cynical, but one person has to be for it and one as to be against.  I believe Obama truly does support gay marriage, but I do not think he is going to do anything on a federal level to facilitate equality laws for gay marriage.

So, I have digressed from my original topic.  Romney supporters, get over it.  It is okay to express disappointment, but do not express hatred and resort to calling names like bullies do on the playground.  You have more class than that, don’t you?

(P.S.  Just think, the next presidential election cycle starts in 24 months!)