The Best Gifts

Malls are everywhere - in every town, city, village and nook. They house thousands of storefronts and assorted units. The products they stock are numerous and array is mind-boggling. There are items for home, clothing, jewelry, plants, furniture, and gift assortments to pick and choose from. All these offerings lack one very special component - a personal touch. There is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing a ready-made item - we are not all carpenters, gardeners, and artists. All people are not gifted with same talents and abilities. We are unique and what we produce or create is a shadow of ourselves. But mass-produced items are nameless, and machines will never add that very "special" touch that makes a gift item or home decor piece something that reflects person who bought it, person it is intended for, or lifestyle it is to be a part of.

The key to all this - best option, of course, is to make an item for someone else yourself. If you sew, quilt, write, or draw you have potential of dispersing treasures that are not duplicated, but are a memory in making. With time restraints and family and job commitments, many times making "things" yourself is out of question, or basically impractical. So, what does a person do then - simple, add a "touch" to whatever you buy whether for yourself or someone else. Look at your purchase as a base, a canvas that is incomplete and needs a little "help" in becoming a beautiful gift or addition to your home. Just adding a ribbon, or ornamental "pick" that matches Holiday Season or a touch of nature, such as a dried flower or leaf arrangement, will allow your purchase to cross over to "special". There is a coldness to just buying something, wrapping it up and handing it to someone. Take time, just a moment or two, and write a short verse, a favorite saying, sign a book with a date and occasion, etc. A simple, affectionate "touch" that will add so much value to whatever it is you are giving or placing in your home. a quick tuck here or there, a touch of glitter, or sparkle, and you have a "work of art", a symbol of friendship, or a token to hold near to heart.

Football Season - Home Stadium

Football season - a nip in air and a feeling of excitement, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of fun. But all that cheering, whether in stadium or in your living room means that food will be a main requirement to keep momentum going. A sit-down dinner is out of question and buffet-style is as good as it gets. Lots of finger-foods and snack-items so that during intermission, plates can be filled up and not a minute of action will be missed. Decor for all your football parties is simple and should not be too "busy." After all, game will be highlight of event. Choosing team colors, banners, and other paraphernalia that represents your favorite team, who you are rooting for, or colors of teams that are currently playing will, of course, dominate your choice of "decor." Fall flowers (mums, dried flowers, etc.) can grace your table as well as pumpkins and bowls of fresh apples and Indian apples. Hot foods can be kept at serving temperatures in chafing dishes or in casserole dishes over tea candles.