a tasty morsel

So I’ve talked about gift recommendations and charities that I recommend, but what if you’re wanting to get something a little different? Well I’ve got suggestions for that as well.

If you have been around me in the last five years, you’ve probably seen me sporting my fling. I LOVE my fling. But what is a fling? I’m glad you asked (or at least were able to read what I wrote on your behalf). It’s the common name for a double ring made by my friend, Margarita, and found at pixieprincess.com.

Despite the look, it’s very comfortable. Plus, it’s kind of like of wearing girly brass knuckles… made out of silver. She can put different stones in them. This one has an amethyst, and it is going to put you back $150. I highly recommend it, but if you’re looking to spend less while still getting something a little different, perhaps this next recommendation will be the right choice.

One man’s junk is another woman’s… jewelry? Since typewriters are practically extinct creatures, their remains can be made into jewelry. Junque Drawer Studio takes the keys and turns them into bracelets, earrings, rings and necklaces.

I have a J necklace ($15), but you can get any key(s) you want. They have numbers and symbols in addition to the letters. If typewriter keys aren’t your thing, they also have bottle caps, rulers, Scrabble tiles and lots of other junk drawer items they make into prettys.

But if you’re not buying for a jewelry wearer, you can try something else like these glass block lamps from Waste Nots.  Ooooh… ahhhhh.

They are super fun, and come in lots of different designs.  Much more of a decor item than an actual light giving piece, but still. You can buy them from the site for $46 - $57.

One of my friends from college is now recognized for his fabulous illustrations. He recently came out with a book on the Kansas abolitionist, John Brown.  It’s a children’s book, but I will warn those of you that slept through history class that John Brown was hanged. So it’s not one that you’re going to want to give your 4 year-old nephew (unless he doesn’t read and you tell him the man is wearing a nice, rope necklace).  For those that can handle a little execution in their stories, it’s got brilliant illustrations and a great story.  You can buy John Brown: His Fight for Freedom on Amazon.

Yesterday I talked about a few gift ideas, but if you are able to put your relatives and friends under the tree, you may want to consider other options… like putting them in stockings. Plus, you may want to give charitably in lieu of giving gifts. So today, I’ll talk about 5 organizations that would be good options. These are obviously five out of many worthy organizations, but you have to narrow it down at some point.

Kiva

As they say on their site, “Kiva is the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe.” For $25 you can help out a woman in Peru to buy fertilizer for her pea and corn crops or you can lend to a man who needs car maintenance for his taxi business. And the repayment on these loans is at 98%. Not bad! And gift certificates make great stocking stuffers (convenient since your friends and family are already there)!

Love 146

“Love146 works toward the abolition of child sex slavery and exploitation through prevention and aftercare solutions, and contributing to a growing abolition movement.”  This great organization helps some of those most vulnerable. It’s a great place to give, and no need to even have a stocking. They have fabulous holiday e-cards that explain to your friend or family the donation made in their honor.

Community LINC

“Community LINC provides transitional housing for homeless families in the Kansas City area.  Our mission is to develop self-sufficient families and communities.” Tenants go through an application process. Once admitted, they are given budget and life-skills training, counseling and children’s programs. With 83% of the graduates continuing to live independently, you can be sure that your money is being used well.

UMCOR

When asked why I love my church, one of the reasons I give is that our church places a priority on helping the community and the world. As a part of the United Methodist denomination, we support the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Their mission - “grounded in the teachings of Jesus, is to alleviate human suffering—whether caused by war, conflict or natural disaster, with open hearts and minds to all people.” Another thing that I love is that 100% of the money donated goes directly to the program you designate, not overhead costs.

Lawrence Humane Society

We have three incredible cats, and all three came from rescue shelters. Franny had previously been abandoned and Zoey was saved by a non-kill shelter on the day he was supposed to be euthanized. I can’t imagine our lives without them. One of the best run shelters is the Lawrence Humane Society. It helps provide homes for cute, little critters like Bessy.

If these aren’t what you’re looking for, you can always give to the Janelle Vacation Fund. Give, and give generously.

The countdown is to my favorite holiday is on. Just 99 short days until March Madness begins! Until then, let’s talk about my 2nd favorite holiday… Christmas.

As you know, Christmas isn’t about the gifts. It’s about family, friends and most of all - the celebration of when God came in flesh with the gift of salvation. But since you can’t put those under the tree (unless your friends or family have dwarfism), there’s a chance that you’ll be giving a gift or two. And because nobody likes getting crappy gifts (and unless you live in Antarctica or weigh enough to have your own special on Discovery Health, there really is only so much lotion you could ever need), let me give you five tasty morsel recommendations for those on your list.

Simplehuman motion-sensor refillable soap dispenser $36.99

This dispenser is great in the kitchen, especially if you’re dealing with messy food and uncooked poultry. Another plus is that you feel magic every time you wash your hands.

Collapsable Colander $23.95

Colanders take up way too much space in the cabinets… unless they collapse. It’s very handy (or at least Brandon says it is) and it’s fun and compact.

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers $9.86

I’m not a huge reader, so if I recommend a book, you know that I really like it. Such is the case with this one. It’s not for everyone, but if you have a medical curiosity and can handle the past tense of the subjects, you’ll find this to be a stellar read. Roach’s knowledge and wit on the roles that cadavers have and do play is fabulous. A must read… this side of the daisies.

Fraggle Rock on DVD $26.99 for the complete first season

Because who doesn’t like to dance their cares away?! Perfect for those of us that like to remember our childhood or for an actual child… not nearly as annoying as The Wiggles.

Ray LaMontagne - Trouble c.d. $8.99

Great c.d. for sipping coffee or your drink of choice. Plus, listening to it gives you the false sense of coolness that we’re all searching for. I need it since I’m one of the few people in my generation that still buys c.d.s. It should be noted that this music also comes in cooler, downloadable forms.