Even more of Leslie's List

Beautiful gift wrapping - Simply beautiful package accessories and table setting goodies too.

Personalized cereal bowl - Everyone needs their own cereal/ice cream bowl.

BlueNile.com - Diamonds work everytime!!!

Retainer case - A must for you child to keep their retainer safe. It's certainly better than digging through the trashcan to find it. :)

Domain name - For the person who has EVERYTHING, get them their own domain name. (I bought leslieyoungstrom.com)

Custom photo gift wrap - Make it a truly special present with a personal photo on your wrapping paper.

Firefly - Cell phones for kids. It has parental controls and no cell phone plan. Check it out.

French Selections - Everything french (food, gifts, accessories), all from the Modesto, CA area. Who would have thought Modesto had such a place. (Thanks for the link Mom.)

More of Leslie's List

Silicone basting brush - The cool new gadget is soooo much better that the old brushes where they would "shed" on whatever you were using it for. These are much easier to clean too.

Photo books - A perfect gift for those special folks on your list. It's actually very, very easy to do. My nine-year-old did one this summer.

Kiss My Face - All natural facial and body product that are reasonably priced. (Thanks Cyndee!)

Sweetcakes.com - Great source for soap-making and lip gloss-making supplies.

Elegant Cheescakes - These are simply yummy works of art. You must check out.

Overstock.com - A necessity site for Christmas. $1 shipping on everything, who can pass that up. Check for deals.

French lotions and cleaning products - I can't live without my lavender laundry powder.

Thinkgeek.com - Great stuff for the "geek" on your list.

Leslie's List - Cool sites for Christmas Shopping

This is the first in my series of posting cool Web sites for the Holidaze! If you have any sites that you'd like me to add, please send my way.

Personalized M&Ms - How fun is it to have your name or sentiment printed on the yummy candies.

Currentcodes.com - A compilation of discount codes for many, many Web sites.

Personalized garden rocks - For the "hard-to-buy-for" gardener in your life. Or just for the person who loves rocks.

wild iPod cases - Wild, fun, crazy and artisitic iPod covers and cases.

iGuy - Don't forget your iPod iGuy.

iPod accessories - More fun iPod accessories.

Imagesnap - Put your favorite picture on a puzzle, mousepad, mug, tin and other fun things.

Jones soda - Customized labels on funky colored soda bottles. Very fun and unusual.

Flip flop style - Very fun accessories for the 'tween girl in your life, or just for yourself.

Life is Good - Ahhh...what can I say about this wonderful line of clothes and accessories...simply great.

Ain't it great...38

On the day you were born, you begin to die. Do not waste a single moment more.

A reflection on Zen :)

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.
- Buddha

Amazing Cooking Classes

My mom is now teaching some wonderful cooking classes at Noni's Cucina. You must try it; absolutely fantastic!

Next class held: October 17, 2005
6:30pm to 9:00pm

Menu:
+ Apple Pumpkin soup
+ Shrimp salad with Tangerine Dressing
+ Rosemary Rack of Lamb
+ Haricot vert with Pecans and Lemon
+ Orange Sorbet with Grand Marnier and Mandarin Orange garnish

Dodger Fan all the way!

How do you know when you are raising a true Dodger fan? Well, in the first assignment in Kindergarten, Will is to make a paper gingerbread man to accompany a story they are reading. Without hesitation, he states that he wants to make a gingerbread man in a Dodger uniform. It's a family project so we all get to help. He gets a huge kick assembling it. When asked which Dodger he just made, he states in a matter of fact, 5-year-old voice, "Well, it can't be Eric Gagne because he is out on the injured list. So I guess it is Jeff Kent." Ahhhh, out of the mouths of babes. :)

Mama loves Mango

One of my favorite summer fruits is the mango, but they aren't the easiest fruit to eat. Here are some helpful hints to be able to enjoy this exotic fruit:

Slice the mango length ways close to the seed. Now cut that slice half way lengthwise. Now simply peel the skin back on either side of the slice with your fingers and teeth as you eat the pulp. Now repeat the process with the other side of the mango. You are left with a mango with the two sides cut and eaten. Simply peel the skin from around the mango and eat around the seed.

I also came across some great mango nectar at Costco. It's not too thick like some nectar, it's a little lighter and more refreshing. Even try it with a splash of soda water for a refreshing summer spritzer.

Handy for the hands

Check out these great matchbooks nail files and a really cool file, shaper, buffer and shiner all-in-one. Perfect for those week long business trips to the mid-west or just to keep in your purse for everyday emergencies. I can usually find these at Target in the Dollar bin near the travel toiletries. This company also has fun pedicure products.

Just say "no" to cell phones in the restroom!!!

EWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

What is it with people who have an incessant need to talk on their cell phone while conducting their business in the public restroom? I know this brings about visuals you'd rather not think about, but c'mon, it's inappropriate, unsanitary and completely unnecessary. The worst thing is that these aren't life or death conversations happening, these are purely social calls. (I'm not encroaching on the private conversation, I cannot help but hear it....they are invading MY privacy.)

Maybe this is why I’m seeing airports and other public places installing antibacterial lotion dispensers. You can’t wash your cell phone with soap and water, but I suspect you could rub it down with Purell. Either way, it’s just icky, please stop.

Watch Out Martha

Two batches of plum jam and two of pear jam down; only four - six more to go to stock up for all of the PB&Js the kids will consume throughout the school year. Martha eat your heart out, this stuff is really good. The fruit is all from our backyard and I didn't have the hundreds of assistants that Martha has to help her make it all.

A Poem for a Way of Life

Some days just call for pause and reflection. When this happens I always read my favorite poem by Max Ehrmann written in 1927; Desiderata. I hope it brings you the sense of calm and purpose that it brings me. For years I had it pasted into my Dayrunner, but now I have it download to my Palm. :)

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even to the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals,

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love,

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Starbucks Model Search

If Starbucks wants to start marketing its non-coffee drinks to the younger generation, don't you think is handsome, young chap should be the spokesperson. What a cutie!

Refreshing new drink

Lipton Green Tea with Citrus
This new, refreshing thirst quencher is a must try this summer. The diet version is good too. Plus, it has these "protective flavonoid antioxidants" that remove free-radicals due to stress, pollution and smoking from your body. Dang, what could be better than that. :)

UPDATE: My friend Dana picked me up some of these cool "Green Tea To Go" single use packets. You just add one little packet to a bottle of water and you have yourself some refreshing, flavorful, flavonoids. Thanks Dana!

Carpet spots - a thing of the past

If you are looking for some good carpeting cleaning products, these two might be helpful:

Folex
I've used this product for a few years and it works really well on carpet spots ranging from red wine, red dirt and the unknown ick that shows up on carpet out of nowhere. I usually get this at Target, but some of the local grocery stores are now carrying it.

Nature's Miracle Stain & Oder Remover
My friend Dave says this is the best product for removing pet accidents from carpet. I've not tried it, but he says it can't be beat. You can purchase it at PetsMart.

Lip Balm - unveiled

For as long as I've known my friend Cyndee (going on five years) she has been a connoisseur of lip balm. I think she's tried about every brand and flavor out there; even homemade ones. Addicted? Yes, probably! I'm proud to offer you her top three lip balm picks. Thanks for sharing Cyndee, our chapped summer lips appreciate it!

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Lip Care Stick
I have a tube of this in my purse too. If you need a chocolate fix and want to save on calories, this is the perfect treat. (Available online, at your local Body Shop store or through Body Shop @ Home Reps. My friend Tina is a Rep for the company, so let me know if you are interested in having a party and I can get you in contact with her.)

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
I've been using this one for years and years. You can't beat the cool, refreshing mint flavor that perks up your senses with each application. For the ladies, they also make this in a lipstick, complete with the same great flavor. (Available online or at many local drugstores.)

Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine and Breath Freshener
I have not tried this yet, but how cool is a lip shine AND a breath freshener all in one. (Available online or at Bath & Body Works.)

Dyson, my best friend

When all semblance of cleanliness is gone from the house, whom do you turn to? Why your handy dandy Dyson, that's who. Hopefully my buddy Dyson will save my carpets from being ruined with imbedded tile dust and stains. Watching it remove remnants of the days work is satisfying...scary, eh? Don't let me down Dyson!
http://www.dyson.com/homepage.asp

Tornados must give birth to hurricanes

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/stormcenter/2005-07-15-emily_x.htm

Bestill my heart...a chip off of the ol' block!

The floors are a mess, oh me, oh my....

Have you ever had the floors in your entire house ripped up and tried to live in the house at the same time? Let me tell you, it is not fun. The tile dust constantly circulates the air. If you are bit OCD like me, you could stay up every evening trying to rid the house of dust, just to have it all return in the morning when the workers do. I have to tell myself that it will all be better in the three weeks...four weeks...six weeks when it is all complete. Until then, if the Tornado gets riled up easily, please know that this too shall pass.