Ever since Julie Andrews sang the infamous words “raindrops
on roses and whiskers on kittens”, we have had a fascination with favorite
things. According to the song, we just need to remember such things and then we
won’t “feel so bad.” Oprah took this concept a step further and hosted Favorite
Things shows where the lucky participants received all of Oprah’s latest items
of choice.
In the spirit of giving, I am going to pretend to give all
of you readers my favorite things. Here is what you are going to receive in our
land of make believe.
1) Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper— I’ve never been able to
navigate a bag of microwave popcorn without burning the bag and let’s face it,
nothing says stink like a burnt bag of popcorn. I refrained from giving you the
new Deluxe model due to unfavorable reviews on Amazon. I’m going to stick
with my tried and true undeluxe machine without all the bells and whistles. It will develop a crusty, melty patina
after several years of use which will only add to its charm and flavor
development. It will definitely make you feel not so bad when the munchies hit
on a cold winter’s eve.
2) Heating Pad—Never mind the disclaimers on the package
that “burns can occur on any setting” and “not to be used with pets or invalids”,
I’m going to continue to live with my little square of risky behavior. I
confess that it will probably take a 12-step program to wean me away from my
heating pad dependency, however, there is just nothing as cozy as a fresh
crossword puzzle, a sharp pencil and a warm heating pad. Cheap entertainment
and no need for a leopard print Snuggie.
3) Penzeys spices—I should rue the day I received my first
Penzeys catalog. But I don’t. I love the quality of their products. I also love the fact
that their home base is in the Midwest rather than some exotic locale. Your
gift package will include my favorite go-to group: Italian Herb Mix, Garlic
Powder, Ground Pepper, Greek Seasoning and English Prime Rib Rub. And since
we’re still in fantasy land, I’ll throw in a few vanilla beans for your next
Crème Brulee and some Grey Sea Salt for whenever you need a bump up on the flav-o-meter.
4) P.D. James series of mystery novels—I’m usually reading
non-fiction, but when I have a yen for something less didactic, I switch to
mystery novels. The very British Ms. James is still penning books at the age of
92 and she knows how to spin a tale of intrigue without a lot of mushy romance
and goopy sensationalism. And who doesn’t love a spot of tea and a plate of
crumpets with their murders?
5) Turkish Terry Cloth Bathrobe—Nothing says luxury and
relaxation like a plushy new robe. I have texture issues so I prefer the heft
and weave of terry cloth. I would probably keep my robe on all day if it wasn’t
socially unacceptable so I just wait for the sun to go down and then scramble
for my evening wrap. No zippers, snaps or buttons allowed.
Merry Christmas to you all and I hope your schnitzels are served
with noodles and your apples are baked into strudels.
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