gifts

Ten Fun Finds and Things

In the good name of procrastination, I’ve complied this post of fun things instead of writing about restaurants.

1. Cooking Wild in Missouri cookbook
Unexpected gifts are the best kind. The other day a friend sent us a copy of Cooking Wild in Missouri, a cookbook focused on using seasonal, local ingredients and meats. Chronicling their adventures of hunting, gathering and scavenging to work their way through all the recipes, they started their own blog, Woods to Food. Read their stories of true woods to table meals.

2. Zoya nail polishes
While scanning the deal headlines in my feed reader, I saw a post advertising a code for two free Zoya nail polishes for the cost of shipping. Normally $8 a piece, I got polishes in Jem and Dea for $6.95, a total savings of $16. I love those bargain blogs.

3. Pinkberry
Torn between feeling crushed and relieved, the nearest Pinkberry is two and a half hours away. I could eat it every day especially after being easily swayed by the numerous so-called health benefits. We had it twice in the same day in New Orleans, it’s that delicious.

4. Appetite for Jackson
On Saturday, January 28 from 2-9 p.m. I’ll be at the Art Garden downtown eating great food, listening to live music and maybe even sipping on a beer. Andrew Zimmerman from the Travel Channel will be there. The proceeds benefit the Craig Noone Miracle League. Can I say awesome?

5. Mississippi Warrior Dash
I was suckered in by the pit of fire and the Nordic helmet. Jackson hosts Mississippi’s Warrior Dash on April 21, and you can find me sinking in a mud pit or hurling myself over a wall.

6. Australian Open
Although there never is a true winter in the South, at least not to this Northern girl, I am excited it’s warming up outside and tennis season is starting up again. And nothing is more motivating to get back on the court than watching a little of the Australian Open.

7. Thirty-One umbrella
One a snowy evening in January many years ago, I arrived in the United States from South Korea and was welcomed into my family. Each year my mom commemorates my “Coming to America” day with a thoughtful gift and this year it was a personalized umbrella. Timing was perfect because it poured the next day.

8. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
Please go read this book by Mindy Kaling. She writes likes she’s having a conversation – a hilarious conversation – which is an amazing feat. Her story felt so familiar and I believe we could be friends. You’ll want to be her friend too. (If you’re not convinced, she’s the Indian girl on The Office who writes, produces and acts.)

9. Prima Donna’s Closet
In New Orleans I scored the best find at a consignment store, Prima Donna’s Closet. Hiding among the racks was a Banana Republic black blazer, similar to the one pictured above. An equal original is currently selling for $158, I paid $19.

10. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Everyone needs to read this book. The story is nearly unbelievable except that it’s very much true and Louis Zamperini lives on. Laura Hillenbrand masterfully narrates Zamperini’s childhood, Olympic running aspirations and survival through World War II. I stayed up until 1 a.m. on a work night to finish this book because it is riveting beginning to end.

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Ten Food-Centric Gifts that Give Back

The holiday season is here!

And while we’re in the giving mood, consider selecting a gift from one of these ten organizations so your gift can keep on giving. I highlighted the food items for purchase, and in turn part of the proceeds go to support a variety of countless missions throughout the world. If you have a suggestion or something to add to the conversation, please leave a comment below!

1. Equal Exchange | coffee, tea, chocolate, almonds, olive oil
Close to my heart is Atonement Lutheran Church, my home church, where I was welcomed into the choir despite questionable vocal abilities and cultivated a love for the hand bells. In addition to being musically forgiving, they have a large focus on outreach including selling Equal Exchange fair trade items in between worship services. These sustainable products help support small scale farmers in developing countries and many are organic.

2. FEED | bags galore, accessories, t-shirts
For a more in-depth explanation of FEED read my previous post, but basically FEED works to feed hungry children. They have a slew of items to choose from, so now would be the perfect time to purchase a gift or bag for the holiday season, which in turns goes to help support their mission.

3. Heifer International | an ark of animals such as sheep, goats, camels and honeybees
Heifer is one of my favorite charitable organizations because they help people to to help themselves. By providing livestock and training to struggling people, it empowers them to use the gift to support and feed their families, as well as passing on animal offspring which strengthens the community. If you purchase an animal in honor of someone, you can print customizable cards in recognition of the gift.

4. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital | hot chocolate, cookies, various other items
As quoted from the website, all profits from these products go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a facility on the forefront of treating children with life-threatening and terminal cancer.

5. Oxfam International | manure, worms, crabs, etc.
Similar to Heifer, Oxfam enables you to buy a gift for someone in need and a card for the honoree. For the person who has everything, consider planting 50 trees or a vegetable garden in their name.

6. Project 7 | coffee, gum, mints, water
Project 7 exists to give. When you buy any of their products, they give back in one of seven areas of need. It sounds complex but is truly simple, they do a better job of explaining than I do so please visit the website.

7. Compartes Chocolatier | organic, gourmet chocolate
I have a deep weakness for chocolate. No reason is necessary for me to consume it on a daily basis, but having the proceeds to go Relief International in Darfur is a fabulous extra benefit.

8. Ten Thousand Villages | tabletop items, place mats, napkins
Reflective of the name, Ten Thousand Villages offers goods from disadvantaged artisans around the world in fair trade partnerships. They don’t have animals or food products, but you can stylishly outfit your kitchen or dining area while simultaneously supporting struggling artisans in impoverished countries.

9. No Kid Hungry: Share Our Strength | holiday gift tags
Working to end childhood hunger in America, Share Our Strength also aims to educate and provide ways for children to have access to nutritious food. Read more about the four key components on their website. It’s the gift giving season, so make them extra meaningful with these tags.

10. Greyston Bakery | brownies
I’ve never met a brownie I didn’t like, but these go far above and beyond fixing my sweet tooth. Greyston Bakery was created to assist people to self-sufficiency and in turn, supports local community renewal. Check out their story and just see if you aren’t tempted by those brownies.

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