Blogs

[#1]

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I'm reminded of my childhood in Michigan. It's comforting the way holidays take you back to those times. I used to wake up to the smell of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls baking in the oven (they never came with enough frosting though) They were so doughy and melt-in-your-mouthy. Mom always bought several tins bc we all feasted on 3 or 4 per person. And we'd watch the Detroit Thanksgiving Day parade (if I didn't sleep in and miss it. Why r parades always on so early?) And it was fun bc on commercial breaks, we'd toggle through all the other stations and watch the parades going on in Hollywood, Hawaii, and Orlando. Mom makes the best mashed potatoes (bc she puts a brick of butter in them) and though stuffing has gone gourmet these days, I still think the best is Stovetop. And my Dad, for some funny reason, loved this black cherry Jell-o Mom would make with weird balls of cream cheese floating in it. I actually think it sounds delicious now but when you are a kid, you don't want weird balls of anything floating in your Jell-O. And we always used to gather around the TV and devour the James Bond marathon that was on every Thanksgiving. No matter how many times we saw those movies, we never tired of watching them like it was the first time. And of course, then there was the day after - leftovers! Something about stuffing and green bean casserole the second day is even tastier than the first. I love Thanksgiving. OH!!! And one year, I was in the Thanksgiving day parade. I was an elf. I actually had the option to wear one of those huge mardi gras style character parade heads instead...but I had an attack of claustrophobia putting it on so they gave me elf shoes and a beanie hat instead.

Black friday is around the corner too. I don't ever remember doing the whole crazy shopping thing the weekend of Thanksgiving. I love the festive store decor, and how every store is pumping out Christmas songs. But somehow the rest of the chaos and the mania makes me more nervous than elated. I must tell you, online shopping rules. I think it's the only way to go. Standing in lines, getting competitive with parking spots, trying to tuck into a mall restaurant when the whole world is too and waiting 3hrs for a table...it's not my bag. So in my annual overshare of what I'm gifting this season and without giving away names so the receivers don't catch on to what I'm giving them ... here are my personal pickups for gifts: I'm getting my dentist and all of my doctors, Cheryl & Co cookies. The nurses in particular just love them. I sponsored a few kids thru the Y angel tree and I grabbed a ton of cool stuff for them on QVC.com - Flashpad, world floor puzzle map, Little miss matched socks, rainbow in my room, and Heys kids Disney luggage. Dad wants a watch winder...but we don't have that at QVC so am going to plan B. (I don't know what plan B is yet) Am giving girlfriends Judith Ripka earrings, Philosophy gift sets, Loccitane gift sets, a CHI volumizing iron, and one very good friend who has been an angel to me this year is getting a Dooney bag (thanks to EZ pay!).

As for me, I'm not pining for anything specific. Must be the getting older thing, bc lately, when bdays and holidays come, I struggle to make a wish list. Am just glad to be healthy and employed and have good people in my life. Have always loved giving more than getting. (Although I could do with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, I hear they rock.) If I didn't already own it, I'd def be asking for the ring that has been a year in the making - Shawn's Sterling Inscription Ring. As you probably know by now, it's based off of a ring my Mom bought me at a jeweler in England when my brother lived there. The ring has an inscription, 'Tempest of Stars' on it from a famous frenchman's poem. I have loved and worn the original for years and now QVC has awesomely allowed me to design a replica with my own favorite quote, 'Hear My Soul Speak', for you. I can honestly say the replica is almost better than the original. It debuts in my gift show Friday 11/23 at noon. I'm so excited for you to see it and get it. It is exceptional. And I swear I'm not saying that bc I'm partial in the least. You will love it.

I have already begun Christmas decorating...even though I'll be in Nashville for Christmas. I am currently addicted to VPH's mercury glass Christmas tree trio - I own every color. They have the most magnificent glow when the lights are off at night.

And I have every poinsettia pre lit potted plant Bethlehem Lights has ever made! I bought the most adorable twig reindeer at Marshall's for my front porch, and I have already begun listening to my two favorite Christmas albums non stop - Michael Buble and Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown. It is a magical season.

No matter what is going on in life or the world, I always find the holidays have this comforting and warm way of lifting the spirits and ushering in such hope. I love to make a list of all the things I did during the year. Reading it feels so gratifying. Some things make me laugh, some cry. Some make me feel courageous and accomplished. And all make me feel like life is this crazy wonderful thing sometimes best understood and appreciated by looking at in the rear view mirror.

Ok, gotta run. I wish you a happy safe warm blessed Thanksgiving...

s