These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Okay, since FluffyKnitter Deb and several other folks on various blogs have posted their Favorite Things, (see Deb's December 13th entry for her favorites),I decided to join in the fun and post mine as well.

Many things occurred to me over the past week or so as being among my favorites, but these are ones that immediately popped into my mind this morning, I may be adding more later as they occur to me. They are very trivial, but fun things that hopefully will spark in you some of your own favorites, or spur you to try some new things:


Favorite all-time music album, Carol King's Tapestry. I sang this album, over and over, by rote, by memory and with deep emotion all throughout my teen years. It still stirs bittersweet coming-of-age memories in me.


Favorite mindless book I read as a girl that I still treasure and love: A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford. A great long soap-operish book that I thoroughly enjoyed - it's total brain candy but sweet and enjoyable, nonetheless.


Another old time book I loved and still re-read every few years for the romance, history, suspense and mysticism is Green Darkness by Anya Seyton.

Volume Express mascara by Maybelline must be mentioned. I like this mascara because I have thin, almost impossible to see eyelashes, and I like my lashes to be noticeable, even when I wear my glasses. It's is really easy to use, glides on smoothly with just a couple of swipes, and stays on all day. It's a bit hard to remove, but it's waterproof, so that is all part of wearing waterproof mascara. I've been looking for something this good for several years and this year, I found it. Yay!

Favorite movie seen this year (it's cheating because I actually saw it just before the turn of 2007, it's called "Pursuit of Happyness" with Will Smith and is available on DVD now.


Favorite relaxing balm for body and hands: Gardeners Body Butter by Upper Canada. I bought this at Beauty Brands but think you can buy it cheaper all over the web. I use it mainly as hand cream, but it soothes dry skin anywhere. Also, it smells pleasant and minty, but not overly strong. Clean pleasant smell.


Favorite oldie but goody "get a kick of it" book (for the excellent zany and hilarious based-on-true life characters) forever - Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. And no, the movie just ain't the same - you need to read the book. Even though it was a bestseller years ago, in 1997, it is still one of the most deliciously gossipy and fascinating sort-of-based-on-truth books I've ever read.


Favorite place I've ever visited, no surprise there, Savannah Georgia. Not just because of the book, but also because it's one of the most beautiful, friendly and fascinating places I've ever been. Granted, I'm not well traveled, but it's truly memorable.


Favorite candle: WoodWick soy candles that Mary told me about. You can buy them at Cracker Barrell restaurants in the gift shop. They are the most delightful candles you will ever experience - they have a wood wick (and thus the name), they smell delightful, burn twice as long as a normal candle and give off a wood cracking sound that reminds you of a crackling fire. My personal favorite scent is RUM RAISIN. It's delightful, but they have many scents to chose from, including Fireplace. Speaking as a bonafide candle fanatic I can testify to the fact that these are the --- the best!!! Made even better by soaking in a big bubble bath at the same time as burning the candle. It would make a lovely and affordable post-Christmas gift for $15.99 if you haven't found a special gift for someone on your list.


Best (natural) and helpful headache remedy and stress reliever: Origins "Peace of Mind." You can buy it at any Origins store.

Favorite coffee drink to make at home: Michaels coffees, but my special favorite is Chocolate Raspberry Dream. I buy it for cheap at Gordman's discount store, but they are available online at Michaels website.


Favorite place I've never been but long (deeply) to go: How about anywhere in Alaska? You name it, I'd go there. I want to take one of those cruises where you go from Seattle or Vancouver and travel up through Alaska. Speaking of Alaska, another movie I really loved was: Into the Wild. Another based-on-true-life story that was just fascinating, and frightening. And emotional. All at the same time. I loved it! It ought to be out on DVD soon, if not already. Made me want to go to Alaska even more.


Favorite "How to" or self-help book this year (and I read a LOT of them) is definitely, "This Year I Will" and I'll be re-reading this one this week as the new year approaches.


Favorite styling tool: Chi hair straightener.

Favorite nail polish brand OPI, favorite colors, "More Time for Me" and "Abbey Rose." Yes, superficial but painted nails make me happy!!!



OPI - Abbey Rose NLB22OPI - Abbey Rose


Favorite Knitting Book of 2007: Definitely, Victorian Knitted Lace by Jane Sowersby. Read this interesting article about her and her heavenly shawls here at Knitting Universe. I have a confession to make: somehow this knitter, author, designer intimidates me to no end. When we were at Stitches Midwest last summer, I enjoyed her display and presentation of her shawls better than probably anything else (except for sitting around in the lobby of the hotels and knitting and chatting with strangers). But of all the total strangers who I met and enjoyed talking with, when I met her in the Marketplace and had a chance to talk with her, all I could do was admire the beautiful green shawl she was wearing and stutter when she tried to explain which one it was, and how she made it. Yes, she actually tried to patiently explain how she made it, and where I could find it in the book. Do you think I remember a thing? Nah. But I don't know if there are any specific shawls in there I actually want to make - flipping through the pages of this book makes me wnat to knit lace, definitely, but I have several shawl pattern projects in my shawl notebook that I'm actually more in love with. So I don't know if I will ever make a shawl from this book or not.

Favorite old TV laughs. Sure to make me laugh, with fond memories: watching old Fawlty Towers and old Carol Burnett reruns. And my favorite old TV show -- I used to LOVVVVEEEEE (and still do) watching Johnny Carson reruns of The Tonight Show. Go to his website here, and see the video of the world's only fruitcake . . . he has this theory that there's only one in the world, and it's been passed and passed around to unappreciative recipients. Oh, just go there, it's really funny!