The Art of Gift Giving

I knew I found a best friend when he said to me, "let's have pancakes for dinner tonight." And then, we did. Of course, we were in Las Vegas working on a project when he said that, and in Las Vegas...most anything seems to make sense—even breakfast at midnight. That doesn't change the fact that pancakes with maple syrup brings a smile to most people—Even when you are in the worst mood ever. And there are all sorts of pancakes to choose from too. Sometimes I like a stack of pancakes that cover the middle of the plate...other times I...

All of a sudden, adult coloring books are all the rage. Every time I pick one of them up, I want to grab my coloring pencils and fill in the lines. It's a childhood thing.  I had actually forgotten all about how much I loved them until recently when I went to the SF Gift Show.  I tried to find coloring books for CAREBOX, but come to find out, everything I looked at was backordered for months. Somewhere along the line I discovered Johanna Basford and her gorgeous pen and ink drawings.  I simply had to have them. They had the kind of quality...

When I first started writing a blog, I was healing from the unexpected loss of both parents.  All I could think about were different ways to comfort people suffering with an illness—and I created a line of gifts to address their discomfort. I still miss them everyday, but I have had a chance to get back to my own life which is filled with places to see, gifts to give and the beauty of everyday life. Please join me in my travels as I search the globe for inspiration and do my best to develop creative gift ideas that complement every situation.  ...

Do even remember trying to sleep as a kid? Probably not because it was completely natural, as grows older, sleeping gets tricky. I have a few tricks that can help:  1. Understand that sleep comes in 90 minutes cycles, so when you stay up late and know you will get little sleep, try and time your sleep for 1 1/2 hrs, 3 hrs, 4 1/2, etc. You will feel more rested if you sleep within this cycle. Even 3 hours is enough, but 3 1/2, doesn’t work, 4 doesn’t work either.  2. Eat a baked potato before you go to...

I was noticing last night that there are so many holiday movies that just get a little too close to the heart.  And because they are movies that come around and around, they remind me of my parents in some way—well that’s good, and a little bad, because I am not shopping for them this year. So here is my choice for the top 5 movies that are just fun, for the holidays: 1.  25th Anniversary of Saturday Night Live 2.  Meet the Fockers 3. 40 year old Virgin 4.  Some Like it Hot 5.  A Fish called Wanda The...