Every year, Oprah does a show of her “Favorite Things.” From what I understand, tickets to this show are highly sought after, because she gives away all her favorite things to everyone in the audience. That is sort of the premise of this blog, only I’m much less interesting than Oprah, and I can’t give away all my favorite things to my blog readers, although I WISH I could. It’s the thought that counts, right? No. I don’t think so either. However, maybe these things will inspire you to make a change, or get a great idea. I trade ideas with my friends recommendations, so here are mine, for what little it’s worth:
Springhill Nursery: If you are a gardener like me, this, in my opinion is the best mail order nursery. Why? Because they have a lifetime guarantee on all their plants. I know, I’ve used it many times. Chances are, if you live up North where it’s freezing, you’re going to lose some plants, and Springhill will replace the plants you order from them, anytime, no questions asked! I’ve had plants die 3-4 years after I ordered them and I just pulled out my receipt, called Springhill and had either a replacement plant shipped right away, or my money refunded. Plus, they always have great coupons like, Buy $25, get $25 free. Visit www.springhillnursery.com
Swapstyle: Ok, this is my new “sister’s closet.” I just read about this one in a magazine. www.swapstyle.com is really a cool idea. It works sort of like eBay (which I also can not live without), but without any monetary transactions. Basically, you put pictures up on your page of stuff you want to get rid of (clothes, jewelry, bags, etc.) then if you find something you want of someone else’s you ask for a swap. If they like something on your page, you swap! You pay your shipping, they pay theirs. There are tokens you give each other which are like the eBay feedback ratings to keep people honest. So far I’ve swapped for a really nice pair of Ann Taylor Loft jeans and a DKNY sundress, among other things.
Make-up: A girl can’t live without her make-up. So. My favs: BareMinerals. Awesome, can’t say enough about it. I just switched over to BareMinerals and I am in love with it! It’s worth the initial price; just do it! L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara. Everyone who’s tried it loves it. Get the waterproof if you’re a crier like me! Maybelline Eyestudio eye shadow. They are a square container with a round duo of shadow. The complementing shades have a marbling effect, so it’s impossible to mess up your blending. At last! Perfect smoky eyes! I have about 6 different colors; I’m hooked.
Language of Hair: And while we’re on the subject of looking good, go see Amanda at Language of Hair on London Road. Seriously. She’s awesome. Love her to death! For those of you not in Duluth, bummer.
Wechter Guitars: I love my Wechter guitar. My friend had one, I played it, fell in love and immediately bought one too. For a girl with little hands, I was sold on the low action and the skinny neck. It's easy to play and has a gorgeous sound. And I got it in black. www.wechterguitars.com
Chester Creek Cafe/At Sarah’s Table: Again, for those of you not in Duluth, major bummer. My most favorite restaurant here in Duluth. On the corner of 19th Ave. E and 8th St. Organic and mostly local foods, they make the most amazing, good for you flavors. My current favorite is the Red Sea Fish Sandwich and their raspberry peach pie is out of this world! Anyone want to have lunch, I’m there!
Hannah Johnson Fabrics: Oh my! How did I miss this store for nearly 8 years!? I’m so glad my friends told me about this place and someone finally took me!!! My current favorite quilt store of all time. Located on Superior Street at 45th Ave. E. She has very funky, modern fabrics, cool oilcloths, and tons of cute bag patterns. Check out her website at www.hannahjohnsonfabrics.com
The Food Network Panini Grill: After doing my research, I decided this was the best panini grill out there. I love paninis. Yum. This one is heavy duty, and has three interchangeable plates and lays flat so it can be a panini grill, a flat grill, a griddle and a waffle iron. And if you’re looking for good panini recipes, my sister got me 200 Best Panini Recipes by Tiffany Collins to go with it. My all time fav: A bagel, thinly sliced apples, bacon, cream cheese, brown sugar, and cheddar cheese. Oh my!
Giada de Laurentis Everyday Italian: All of Giada’s cookbooks are amazing. Her food is soooo good. And best of all, it’s not difficult to make. Usually most of the recipes are made with just a few simple ingredients and take 20 – 30 minutes. After making her marinara sauce several years ago, I’ve never used jarred sauce since.
Toyota Sienna: Of course, Oprah always ends by giving everyone, A NEW CAR!!! But, my Sienna isn’t new. The great thing about Siennas are that they keep their resale value better than most mini-vans. Which is also a bad thing if you are like us, and prefer to not make car payments. But, the other great thing about Siennas is that they are Toyota’s, which means they run forever, so once you scope out a good deal, you can do well with an older one. Open up the back of a Sienna (or Honda Odyssey) and you mini-van moms will be amazed by the cargo room. I love the captain’s chairs which keep my children separated and the split back seat I can fold down when I have oodles of groceries. But, in my opinion, the best thing about a Toyota? They pump the heat! And in Northern Minnesota, nothing beats a car that gets up to 80 degrees in 5 minutes when it’s –20 outside!
So, there’s my, not so complete, and very, very silly list. Feel free to add your own!
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