A few gift ideas...

I love sites like Uncommon Goods, Fred & Friends and Etsy. I desperately want to purchase something from their sites for people on my holiday gift list. Here are a few things I've stubled upon that are great gift ideas for specific folks I know and perhaps for someone you know as well!

It's called the EDC (Every Day Carry) Pocket Tool Kit. Perfect for the Theatre Technician, Carpenter or Handyman in your life. I know a LOT of people that this would be a perfect gift for. Check out the article I found about it.... EDC article at dornob.com

Diamond Candles. Yeah. Each candle has a ring inside. The ring can be anywhere from $5 to $5,000. Either way, folks I've heard from have said it's incredibly fun to see what kind of ring you're going to get! Check out their site to learn more... Diamond Candles

I'm hoping to try one of these out someday and see how fun it actually is. If you've tried it, let me know!

Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book is pretty cool. I was introduced to this book when I was in high school. If you could believe that fairies are real and can be pressed into a book like flowers... well, that's what this book is like. A journal with fairies pressed inside. Warning: some images may not be appropriate for small children.

How to Steal a Million

One of my favorite movies of all time is "How to Steal a Million" with Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole.

film poster by Robert McGinnis

  I suppose I could say that I love this movie because Peter O'Toole is dreamy and Audrey Hepburn is classy and stylish, etc. But, the reason it's reappeared in my life lately is that I can have this movie playing with my 1 year old daughter in the room. In fact, my little one has even crawled up in my lap to watch a bit with me here and there. There are no bad words, no real violence (execpt when Peter get's shot in the arm, but it's just a flesh wound and my daughter coos about his 'boo boo') and the most the lead characters do with each other is kiss. I mean, pretty safe territory here. But Audrey Hepburn is classy and Peter O'Toole is really dreamy. And it's cute and fun and classic. Not to mention a pretty fabulous supporting cast.

I highly recommend it.

My use of chapstick...

I find chapstick to be comforting. At times, when stressed or on the edge of losing control, I take a moment and put on a bit of chapstick. Perhaps it's my way of "counting to ten" or "taking a breath". A break from the cause of my stress.

Lately, I've found that "chapstick" is taking on new forms. Sometimes it's getting a cup of coffee from the shop around the corner from work at other times it's taking a walk to the bank or post office. There have even been times when it means going out for a drink and snack at a restaurant across the street.

Interested to see what my means of dealing will develop into in the coming weeks.

Wait and see...