A Few of My Favorite Things

This story begins many, many years ago. You know when Julie Andrews sang, “Raindrops on Roses,” –A Few of My Favorite Things”.

One of my favorite songs. And one of my favorite movies. Over and over I have watched it. Sang along with every song.

So, when my baby sister was born, it was natural to sing “Raindrops on Roses” and so many favorite “Sound of Music” songs to her.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens..

Every night. I would lay in bed with her and sing to her.

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens…

One Christmas, in true “favorite things” fashion, she went shopping for me and picked out HER favorite things and wrapped them up and gifted them to me. Random things. Some became favorites, like the mascara. Others, like the toilet bowl cleaner, brought a roar of laughter.

Her laughter is the best. She is truly the only person that when we begin laughing, it is contagious. Such joy. No containment. Full, giddy, loud laughter. The “I can’t breathe” laughter.

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings..

This year has taken on a whole new dimension to giving favorite things. You see, she is moving. Not to another location across town. But, to Alaska. I helped her with her “to do” list to get ready for the sale of her home. A beautiful home with lots of memories. Both good and difficult. Now Sold. Items packed, gifted, sold, and given away.

What appeared in my home? In reality, her favorite things. Her cozy sectional, rug and coffee table that have transformed my family room. An upholstered bed for my guest room. Even into my kitchen, sweet reminders of her with mugs and an amazing cookbook stand.

These are a few of my favorite things.

What she doesn’t realize is that her favorite things will bring me so much joy while she is gone. I will think of her with each conversation in my family room; each use of those sweet mugs; sharing my guest room and with each page turn of the cookbook sitting on that stand.

This year, her favorite things have become MY favorite things. And will become precious reminders of her while she is away.

Even though you probably aren’t moving, giving of yourself might be a different way to look at gift giving this year. A new way to share yourself to others when you aren’t able to be with them.

For those struggling for ideas for last minute gifts, I thought, how perfect this theme would be. How personal. How sweet. You know we always buy people things that are THEIR favorite things. Because we know them. But, sometimes, when gift selection is hard, perhaps just sharing what are YOUR favorites might just be an intimate reflection of who you are. A reminder of you each time they use that gift. How sweet.

To help you out, I’ll start with a few of my favorites. With affiliate links to help you shop. See my disclosure policy here.

MY FAVORITE THINGS

So here they are. Perhaps you will learn a few things about me that you didn’t know!

Most used and loved cookbook: P. Allen Smith’s Seasonal Recipes from the Garden. So many of the recipes are my true favorites.

Happiest places to visit: Biltmore at Christmas time or for that matter, any time of the year! Moss Mountain Farm, Magnolia Market at the Silos and any beach in the Gulf!

Best sheets: Casper sheets. Love the wide elastic fit and feel of these! I have found these also at Home Goods, too! A win!

A fun family game: Azul. for starters. What would be yours?

A most loved plant: Rabbit Foot Fern. A plant now always brings life and joy for me in January.

A must have mini muffin pan. Because mini muffins are a thing here!

Absolute favorite Christmas cookie recipe.

Great molds for: Hot Chocolate Bombs. On my to do list for New Year’s.

Such a warm wrap instead of a robe: UGG poncho. I can’t tell you how comfy this is. Bought locally!

A wonderful candle: Watkins Lemon Soy candle. Lemon is always my go to scent for the new year.

Right now’s most loved cooking piece: Lodge Cast Iron Pizza Pan. Yal, I am not even kidding here.

Most favorite chili: sweet potato chili. Hope you have tried this one.

I love to shop local, too. One of my most favorite things to do. These are my local favorites:

Frenchtown Station, House to Home Creations, BBQ and More, Charlton and Park, Paducah Olive Oil Company, and Learning Railroad.

And if you aren’t local…you can order online!

Think about your favorite things. Your favorites to grab locally. Things that make you happy.

But most of all, friends, share of yourself.

Give things that you love. Heart gifts are always the best. But, when time is running out, your favorites may become reminders of you. And, perhaps, they will become their favorites, too.

And if all of your shopping is complete…just keep this idea for the next gifting time. Valentine’s Day and birthdays are just around the corner.

Happy last minute shopping friends. May joy be yours as the giver and for those you bless with gifts.