Today, a list

I’m no professional shopper. But the other day in the shower, as that dreamy Clarisonic ran circles all over my face and neck, I thought, this is one of the best things I've ever done for myself!

I thought of calling this my Top Ten but I can’t be pinned down so I’m calling it The First Ten That Pop Into My Mind:  

 

1.      Clarisonic. Pricey but worth it. I bought it last year with my Christmas money, feeling very indulgent and vain. Within a month, my skin was visibly more vibrant and those micro-bumps were gone. Almost a year later, I am still a convert, bringing it along even on overnights. I’ve used it on Fluffy on occasion and he thinks it’s a huge treat, tickly and fun.

 

2.      Isogensix. Again with the cleanse, but I must say, if anyone you know if wanting to loose weight, inches, and that old farty feeling, then jump on a cleanse. I’ve tried others but so far, this is my favorite. It’s expensive but made of lacto-vegetarian quality ingredients, and organics, and works. It may be a perfect for that new year’s leaf?

 

3.      HyperDash. Neither Fluffy nor I are big outdoorsy folks when the temperature drops below 50 degrees. I know, I know--there’s no such thing as bad weather, only improper gear but what can I say? We’re wimps. This game has been a perfect way to get a little bounce back in our step.

 

4.    Klean Kanteen. We have become a committed Klean Kanteen family. And now they have them in all sorts of colors so you never have to have another argument about which bottle is whose, or who lost how many bottles at $18 a pop, er--not that we’ve ever had those sorts of fights. You may be able to find these in your local health food store. I know they have them at Whole Foods.

 

5.     Donations in someone’s name. Times are hard everywhere these days and lots of people are asking for donations to be made in their name rather than one more book or tie or scratchy sweater. Your local food bank is a great place to start. Here are a few of my favorites (is it odd to say favorite and charity in the same sentence?) charities:

 

a.     FINCA, an international organization that gives micro-loans to destitute mothers so that they can start their own business.

b.     The Smile Train brings provides free cleft surgery to children, literally saving their lives.

c.     Women's Bean Project helps American women get back on their feet.

 

6.    That said, I do have two favorite books right now, both by Tristine Rainer: Your Life as Story. An amazing book for both professional writers and beginners learning the art of writing personal narrative. Recommended highly.

 

7.     And, The New Diary. Look for the updated version. Even though this was originally published over twenty years ago, it’s a wonderfully inspired guide to journaling in a host of creative ways. For the secret artist in your life.

 

8.     Backscratcher--the telescoping kind. This is the only successful gift I have purchased for Dave, my beloved and particular husband.

 

9.      Body Brush. Many years ago, my childhood best friend met someone on a plane who had the smoothest skin she had ever felt. Don’t ask me how she discovered this (those seats are quite close) but I’ve never forgotten the reason: daily brushing with a body brush. I promptly got one for myself, replacing it, year after year. It does make your skin soft. It has added benefits of releasing toxins and boosting your immune system. And it makes a great stocking stuffer.

 

10.  Rock and Spin Top. Every year, Santa brings something for the playroom. This year, it was between this giant top and a barrel like this one. The top won out for both financial and storage reasons. Great vestibular input and a bit of 'heavy work' thrown in if your guy does a lot of pushing, pulling, and carrying it about.

I’d love to hear your gift favorites! Feel free to list them in the comments section or link to your blog.

 

Comments

[amy]

I am SO glad you posted about the Clarisonic. I have been on the fence for months. I just may take the plunge now.

[amy]

I am SO glad you posted about the Clarisonic. I have been on the fence for months. I just may take the plunge now.

[Marla]

Great list. I have always wondered about the Clarisonic. Hmmmm....I am thinking about getting an electronic toothbrush too. Good ideas here.

[*m*]

For charitable gifts, my kids love donating to the The Heifer Project (www.heifer.org)--buying a flock of chicks, a lamb, etc., in someone's honor.

Kiva (www.kiva.org) is our microfinance organization of choice.

Happy holidays!

[gayle]

5. The Grameen Foundation. Hard for me to explain as well as their web site, but they are about microloans. For a RIDICULOUSLY priced tee-shirt that makes you feel good on many levels, I suggest the positivitee for $50 that helps make the world better.

[gayle]

I have a few gifts to suggest that I love to give. Too tired and crazed to provide links, but all easily googlable... hee hee. These aren't kid gifts... I am just not as good at those as I should be...

1. Listening is An Act of Love. This book is from NPR's Story Corps Project. NPR has lots of GREAT GIFTS. I got the books for teachers this year.

2. Amber Chand candles. Amber Chand has gifts that do good. The candles are jointly made by Israeli women and Palestinean woman. And they are beautiful. Not into candles? Many other cool gifts there at that site that I can't link to at this very moment.
3. Brian Andreas and Story People -- books, poetry, art, note cards ... I like them.
4. Planetjill.com. Planet Jill turns your photos into jewelry. Other places do this, too, and some are cheaper, but Jill's are the BEST. I treasure my bracelet of baby photos.
5. The Grameen Foundation. Hard for me to explain as well as their web site, but they are about microloans. For a RIDICULOUSLY priced tee-shirt that makes you feel good on many levels, I suggest the positivitee for $50 that helps make the world better.

[M]

For Christmas? I want a new mind. Someone elses. Anyone's, really. If I could just pop this one out, run down to the store for a new one...purr. That would be nice. I hope Santa is reading this.

[Michelle O'Neil]

That top has my kid's names written all over it and the Clarisonic? It might just be my year.

Thanks for the nifty ideas!

[Betty and Boo's Mommy]

I am loving the idea of the Rock and Spin Top! I might have to email Santa and let him know that this might be fun to find under our tree.