These are a few of my favorite things in 2009… 

Williams-Sonoma Mini Croissants – Next Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter morning, make life oh so much easier with these yummy treats.  The regular size is too big, go with the minis.  It may seem a bit pricey until you eat them – then you’ll be looking for excuses to have these in the freezer all year long.  The croissants can be made individually, it’s just the ‘sitting out overnight’ that requires just a little touch of forethought…

 Large Bar Soap – Maybe you are scratching your head, but hear me out…Instead of saving the pretty soap for guests – use it yourself.  Try a lavender or linden scent.  What you will discover is it feels special, luxurious to use nice soap.  A touch of the spa every morning, hence you feel special all day long…

 Francesca’s Collections – A girlfriend and I discovered this store (online) shopping awhile ago.  It is best described as like Anthropologie minus the massive price tag.  The clothes are hip and artsy.  They get shipments in three times a week and there are ridiculous sales aplenty.

 Costa Rica – When I first saw pictures of Costa Rica, I immediately thought of Hawaii (without the long plane ride and high costs…)  Hummingbirds, butterflies and dragon flies abound in this lush paradise.  The people are great, the food/water is clean, there is no violence to speak of and it is unbelievably affordable.  The ocean is warm and the sun is hot.  Perfecto – going back in March…

Blind Pilot: 3 Rounds and a Sound – This CD is a playful mix of quirky, vulnerable lyrics with unexpected pacing and instrument choice (horns, banjo, xylophone – what???…)  The boys of Blind Pilot are storytellers – twisting words and meanings, such as in “One Red Thread.”  It is haunting, hypnotic and sexy all at the same moment as the narrator reflects on early selfish love…Or in “Two Towns From Me” with it’s dreamy, sing-along quality…Or the toe-tapping rhythm of “The Story I Heard” melded with pleading, longing words…Love this CD.  Sounds like: The Thorns.

Capri Blue Aloha Orchid Candles – Slip into heaven and light this candle.  It truly makes any space smell like fresh flowers and the islands – add gentle music and an umbrella drink, you are on vacation…

VRBO.COM – I have had fantastic luck renting homes internationally and in the states through this site.   The prices are great and you can let your own tastes/desires be your guide.  A word of caution – chat with the owners before picking a place, you’ll be surprised how much of a difference this can make later if you run into any issues…

That Old Cape Magic by Richard Busso – Surprisingly this is the book that stayed with me all year.  It’s about a married couple and how things can all change in an afternoon…The characters are complicated and hilarious.  The pre-wedding supper is without question – priceless.  Russo perfectly illustrates how perception, memory and reality don’t always add up…

Homemade Jams – This year I’ve become a bit obsessed making jams. from blueberry to cranberry to raspberry and lots of berries in between…It’s all good.  I never knew how easy jam was to make and what a perfect gift for sharing…Downside: once you go homemade, there’s no going back to stores (expensive habit depending on the time of year!)

Wii – Everybody has fun and the kids play for hours and hours – leaping, twirling in the air.  I never laughed so hard getting beat by a seven year old!

Mad Men – Sure it’s slow and slightly depressing, but the characters are awesome.  Strangely, it sometimes feels like I’m witnessing what my own family used to whispers about  years ago – illegitimate kids (couple uncles passed off as cousins), affairs (everywhere), alcoholism (everywhere)…I swear I feel like I am finally coming to understand my own past better as the stories of my grandparents/aunts/uncles come alive watching this show.  I knew they drank/smoked a lot, but I didn’t know how normal it was back then…And finally the mean things my relatives did to each other long ago make sense.  Geez, they were all drunk in fantastic clothes playing hard…

Mad Men often illuminates the masks we all wear every day to make our own separate peace with the decisions we make each day…

Sprungli Chocolate – Let these miniature truffles in the flavors hazelnut, plain, champagne, cappuccino and bourbon vanilla (contains alcohol) melt in your mouth.  These chocolates are unbelievably tasty – so worth the long distance order…I finally understood what all the fuss was about Swiss Chocolate when I tasted these – Yum!

What became one of your favorites this year????

Some of my favorite things that made life in 2008 just a little bit better… 

1.       Aura Cacia – Natural Aromatherapy Bubble Bath.  Without a doubt, the best bubbles I have ever encountered – creamy, luscious and long- lasting (you will still have a tub full of bubbles in 15 minutes).  The product is so good you don’t have to use a lot of liquid for each bath – so it could last awhile, but because the experience is so awesome, well, bubble baths become a nightly affair – thank GOD.  Price: $10 a bottle.

 2.       RJ’s Natural Licorice – Black.  You either love black licorice or hate it – I’m a lover and was wowed to discover this licorice.  It is soft, chewy, with an unbelievable taste and just the right size so one piece satisfies your craving.  Side benefit – good for your tummy.  Price: $6 a medium bag.

 3.       Olay Quench Therapy Body Lotion.  Last February a friend told me about this lotion as I complained of dry, scaly winter skin and miracle of miracles – it works.  Here in Colorado, it is dry, dry, dry and I had been a fighting a losing battle with itchy winter skin for years.  That is until I found this lotion.  Tip: apply every day and within a week your skin will feel soft again all the time – not just after application.  Price: $7 for large 22oz bottle.

 4.       Italian Ice Sodas.  This is a light refreshing drink I would always order when out…then I realized I could make them at home too!  Fill your glass to the top with ice, pour in the mineral water to the brim (Pelogrino is what I use) and add a dash or two of any flavored Torani Syrup (can buy at World Market).  Yummy, refreshing and low-cal.  Total cost: Less then $5 for 3-4 glasses.

 5.       Morning Joe.  During this year in elections 2008, I became an avid watcher of all things politics.  Being an early riser, I discovered Morning Joe and soon it became part of my regular routine.  I am a democrat through and through, but what I like about Morning Joe is he (Joe Scarbourough) is not, nor are many of his guests.  They argue, debate, joke – sometimes heatedly, about the issues of the day.  Yes, there are some mighty egos on the set, but I like hearing all points of view in a variety of issues.   

6.       iTunes.  I was a late to come to the iTunes party, but now, to have all that music and movies available in moments?  Heaven.  Price $.99 and up.

 7.       Angels by Victoria’s Secret Lace Trim Bikinis.  Want to feel better and a little sassy?  These undies are a delight – so pretty, comfortable and no rising up.  Price: $16, however there is a big sale going on right now…

 8.       Cuisinart Ice Cream.  My husband received an ice cream maker this year and much to my pleasure, it makes fantastic ice cream and so easy to use.  If you are an ice cream lover – this is a must-have.  Price: $49.99 and up.

 9.       Hotel Collection at Macy’s – towels.  There is nothing more decadent then wrapping up in a soft towel upon exiting a shower or bath…As my friend exclaimed when she touched the towels, “Oh my God, that is like velvet!”  Need I say more?  And the best news is, they have a “Slightly Imperfect Selection” that costs less than half the regular price.  (The imperfects have not measured to be exactly the right size for the bath towel, hence they are imperfect and an amazing deal…)  Price: $25 per bath towel, imperfects – $10.

 10.     Hats.  Bad hair day?  Please put on a Newsboy Cap.  Suddenly, instead of being appearing slightly disheveled, you are instantly hip and look about 5 to 10 years younger.  The caps are everywhere and are so much fun to wear.  Hint: Try on a lot of hats and when you find a goody – buy it no matter the price.  Finding the right hat is worth the $38 – $50 because not all hats look good on your head, but once you find a gem, you will be surprised how often a hat becomes a simple solution to those inevitable bad hair days.  Price: $10 and up.

 11.     Anthropologie Stores.  A new Anthropologie Store opened near me this year and basically, it’s like walking into my closet – the nicest version.  Absolutely everything in the store is my style – feminine, sexy and keen on detail.  Only problem – ridiculously over-priced, but again – sales abound.  This is the place to find unique pieces to spice up your wardrobe or reward yourself for any job well done…Price: variable.

 12.     The Passionate Marriage by David Schnarch.  This book will change your perspective forever on marriage and relationships.  How many of us read marriage, self-help books with a mindset of “if my partner would just get it…he/she is holding me back from my best life…if I could just figure out a way to make her/him see how they need to change…”  One of the most startling and truthful revelations in this book is that your partner is not the only one not getting it.  You are stumbling just as much – it just may not appear so on the outside.  Be fairly warned though, this is an emotionally exhausting book because you are faced with the truths of your own behaviors and how they impact your life – for better and worse.  The good news: your life and all your relationships will improve after reading this book.  Price:  $13.

 These are just a few of my favorite things of 2008.  Please feel free to share some of your favorite things of 2008 in the comments below…