Ready in a Jif

Sick of turkey yet? Oh, you will be. Make something with my favorite ingredient. Not bacon, although that's good too.

Peanut butter. Everyone knows how to make a sandwich or a dessert with PB. (Please tell me you do.)

I've got a great peanut butter pie recipe. Some day, I might share my grandmother's peanut butter eggs recipe. (Don't worry, they're not really eggs, more like homemade peanut butter cups.)

But how many times have you used peanut butter in soup? Or with tacos? Check out Jif's web site for all the ways you can cook with PB. It stretches the imagination. All the new possibilities...

Although if you're inviting me over, substitute with Smuckers. Sorry, Jif. Everyone's got their favorite.

Jif

TravelSmith

Going somewhere for the holidays? Without me? Well, I'll let you in on a little tip anyway.

Buy some locks for your luggage from TravelSmith. They're TSA approved, so airport security won't have a fit.

The best part? They're letters, not numbers. You create the combination using an easy to remember word.

But don't use O-P-E-N, OK? Unless you want someone pawing through your clothes. Eww, you're not into that, are you?

Order now so you get them before the holidays arrive. Oops, too late for Thanksgiving.

TravelSmith

Donuts and Bacon

OK, who misses the election? Tell the truth. Life has been a little quiet since the first week of November. I mean, who really cares about the cabinet appointments or transition teams? Friends and families aren't being torn apart by Obama's pick for press secretary. Well, not yet, right? Give them a few drinks.

Bring back some of those fun times with an Obama spoof t-shirt. Donuts and bacon. That's the party ticket for me. I think everyone will agree.

As you've heard me say before, everything tastes better with bacon. And donuts. That goes without saying, right?

Zazzle

Flipbook your Videos

So you finally figured out how to use the video recorder on your cell phone. That's great, but now what do you do with the darn videos? I mean, who really wants to watch your cell phone? Pass the phone should not be a new party game.

Upload your video to Bob Books to create an old fashioned flipbook. The video can't be more than eight seconds (and really, your friends would just get bored with anything more). You get to design the front, the back and spine on the cover. All for the low price of about $20.

They are based in the UK, so you better get bookin' if you plan on giving one of these babies as a Christmas gift.

Bob Books - Flipbook

Make Your Own Muppet

For Halloween, a group of us went as the cast of Avenue Q. The theme was Opening Night and it was hosted at the local performing arts theater. We wore black pants and t-shirts and carried puppets similar to those used in the Broadway show.

Let me just say this. The puppets were a hit. People kept talking to the puppet and ignoring me. And frankly, the puppets got drinks from the bartender faster than I ever could.

FAO Schwartz must have been watching, because they now host a Build your own Muppet page on their site.

Pick your body. Pick your eyes. Pick your hair. Pick your nose. Yes, I did say "Pick your nose".

A few short clicks and the Muppetized version of you will be shipped to your home.

FAO Schwartz

Le Viette

Look good, don't they? The web site Le Viette offers swiss rolls, chocolate mousse, french toast and sundaes.

Before you start salivating, keep this in mind. They're towels. Yep, towels.

The site offers hand towels that are packaged to resemble desserts. Buy a couple as a fun hostess gift for the many holiday parties you'll be invited to next month.

It's better than a fruitcake. And no, Le Viette doesn't offer fruitcake.

Le Viette

Colorstrology

People tend to gravitate to me. I have a truthful and cordial manner that increases my popularity.

Oh yeah, it's completely true. I read about myself on the Colorstrology web site. Sponsored by Pantone, the color experts, the site features your color (I'm shell coral-no, really. Coral, who would have thought?) and a very accurate description of you. Choose the month, then the day you were born. Then sit back and bask in the glory of you.

There's a disclaimer that says it's all for fun, but I totally believe in it.

What's your color?

Colorstrology

Edgecomb

There's a company in Maine (yes, again with Maine) named Edgecomb Potters that has three stores along the coast. While they have very beautiful pottery, Edgecomb also creates glasswork and metal sculptural pieces.

This dragonfly bench can be found on their web site, along with other garden items, such as benches, chairs and bird baths. These babies aren't cheap, but you won't find Edgecomb's pieces in everyone else's backyard, like garden gnomes.

Well, until everyone else starts reading Snackworthy too. But at least you had first dibs.

Edgecomb Potters

Spoiled Chiens

My dogs, spoiled? You better believe it.

Look at these dog beds. The bone shape frame holds a soft cushion insert which come in blue or pink. They aren't cheap, but they sure are very cute.

Next thing you know, dog beds will be made of memory foam or adjustable with a remote control.

But if it avoids the 5:00 AM breakfast call from the dogs and gives me a chance to sleep in, they would be totally worth it.

Spoiled Chiens

Green Designs

While visiting Maine last month, we stopped by the showroom of Green Designs. While the furniture is produced in an environmentally friendly manner, the company is actually named for designer Douglas Green.

His works are pieces of art, not just furniture. Each piece is handcrafted of American black cherry in Portland. Check out the curves on this baby!

If I had a desk that looked like this, I might not mind working. I might even keep it clean. Well, maybe I'd just really enjoy the desk.

Green Designs

Voscher Luggage Tags

When most teens graduate from high school, their parents give them wonderful gifts to commemorate the achievement. My parents? They gave me luggage. I think it was their subtle way of saying "Get out."

Voscher Home Collection has a new line of luggage tags that help you easily identify your luggage. Using a graphic from their Tampa landmark art series, they've created durable tags. You know, a little bling for your suitcase.

Buy some for family and friends as stocking stuffers for this holiday season. And, better get a couple for yourself, unless you want to lose your own luggage.

Voscher Home Collection

Vote Tomorrow

It's finally here. Well, tomorrow it is. The presidential election. And barring any strange accidents, hanging chads, recounts, etc., we should finally know who our next president is by Wednesday morning.
Do you find yourself in need of some last minute political information before tomorrow? (At this point, who really is undecided?) Or are you afraid that you'll find yourself missing the non-stop campaign coverage?

Click on over to Real Clear Politics. It has everything you need to bore friends and family who are already sick of politics.

Want a more interesting perspective on the elections? Go to Cafe Press to see which candidates have sold more merchandise.

Now get out there and vote.