Our Favorite Things - 2019 List, Updated 2020

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The holidays are almost here! We hope you are as excited as we are, however, we all know
that with the holidays there is a lot of shopping to do for our family, friends, and extended community. Brainstorming for gift ideas can be difficult!

In the 1990's Oprah Winfrey began "Oprah's Favorite Things" -- yes, a spin-off of the Sound of Music song, "My Favorite Things" ♫. Since then, every year Oprah shares a list of products with her audience that she feels would make a great gift.

This year, we have asked our wonderful team for some of their favorite items and we hope you will become re-inspired with gift ideas for your loved ones!

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AMAZON'S ECHO DOT + SMART BULB

"Although Amazon Echo has been on the market since 2014, I was late to the game and joined the 'Alexa' crowd this month! With Alexa's many capabilities, it has quickly become one of my "favorite things" around our home.

Of course, as a musician, I love being able to request any song or genre of music to play automatically. I have also created multiple playlists which can be retrieved by voice commands. In addition to music, I've discovered that Alexa can make phone calls, share the latest news, tell me a joke, access multiple games (including Jeopardy, Price is Right, Trivia, and Would You Rather and more!)

Echo Dot:
https://amzn.to/36Aw3z2

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SMART PLUG ADD-ON

... Finally, the 'smart plug' allows me to designate a voice command within the Alexa app for any item in the house. Currently, our Christmas tree is plugged into the smart plug. It's nice to walk into our home and say 'Alexa, turn on the Christmas tree' and voila! It lights right up!

In my opinion, the Echo & accessories are quite a bargain and the perfect gift for anyone of any age!"
​
​- Holly

Smart Plug:
https://amzn.to/3nhAK7j​

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CAPRI BLUE VOLCANO CANDLE

"My favorite thing I have received this year would be a Capri Blue Volcano candle, usually found at Anthropologie.

​They smell AMAZING, and I would have them in every room of my house if I could! The scent is exotic, but somehow cozy & homey at the same time. I absolutely love it!"

- Sara

Capri Blue Volcano Candle:
https://amzn.to/36z3G4h

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SIMPLE MODERN TUMBLER

"For the longest time, I would always drink coffee in a mug while driving stick shift. How I managed to do it, I have no clue, but regardless it was a struggle, and it was this year that I decided to buy a tumbler for myself so I wouldn’t risk spilling coffee on myself.

This tumbler has become my favorite buy of the year. I went online and they have a variety of colors and designs, so I had many options to choose from, and it also comes with two straws and two lids: one for cool liquids and one for hot.

Simple Modern Tumbler, 24oz:
https://amzn.to/3ps4Ozj

This is a perfect gift for anyone who loves a cup of coffee for the road, whether it be on the way to school, work, or a long road trip! I would gift this to my friends or if I had kids and make it a stocking stuffer. I use it every morning, receive numerous compliments, and intend on buying more for my friends and family." - Adelaide

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ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER

​"I quickly fell in love with essential oils because of their smells and benefit to health. Being a Taurus, I LOVE senses - I like things to smell nice and feel cozy. 

My favorite season is fall due to the crisp air, cozy blankets, essential oils in my home and the holiday spirits. 

​Essential oils have brought a lot of comfort in my life and I am grateful for them!"

- Riley

Diffuser with Essential Oils Set:
https://amzn.to/38M289u

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BLACK CHARACTER SHOES

"I love wearing my black character shoes to perform, because they look dressy with the heel on the back, but they stay secure because of the strap. They are designed for dancing, so they are extremely comfortable if you have to move around in them a lot.

For instance, I have to cart my keyboard and equipment for numerous events, and these shoes have been a life saver for my heels! I wear them to almost every performance because they are dressy, versatile, and very comfortable!"

​- Rachel

Black Character Shoes:
https://amzn.to/3lFutCk

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BREVILLE BARISTA ESPRESSO MAKER

"By far, this is my favorite thing I own!
Why? I have four espressos every day." - Ramiro

If your loved one enjoys a fresh brewed hot latte, this is the gift for them. It is your own coffee shop!

This espresso maker grinds the beans for you each time you make a cup for that freshly brewed taste we all love, micro foam milk texturing technology for those Pintrest worthy latte art (and of course for drinking pleasure), and has a smooth stainless steel build looking clean and sharp in your kitchen.

Breville Barista Espresso Maker:
https://amzn.to/3ptcy3U

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Presto 6 or 12 Cup Coffee Percolator

"My husband and I, like most people, enjoy our coffee each morning. However, we were concerned because our coffee maker, and all coffee makers that we found, were made with plastic strainers, which required paper filters for where the coffee grounds were poured. As most of us know, the latest news about plastic products is that we should not heat plastic and then consume out of it since the heat releases those toxins that we are then consuming. So, we looked all over for a metal coffee maker, but aside from a French Press (which makes coffee way stronger than we wanted), we just couldn't find one. 

Presto Percolator:
https://amzn.to/3eZWQbP

We were frustrated and thought, if you can now buy metal water bottles, why can't we find an all-metal coffee maker? ​Then we remembered those coffee percolators from back in the 50's and 60's and wondered if those were still around? And do they still make them metal? And the answer is YES! And they are all metal! And the coffee they make is even better than that from a Mr. Coffee!

Amazon sells a Presto Coffee Percolator in both 6-cup and 12-cup sizes. You just
plug them in after adding the ground coffee and water, and you have delicious coffee
made without plastic! AND - Bonus - the percolator is a lovely serving piece to pour
your coffee directly from if you want to serve on the table (you just unplug the cord
from the unit, very simple!) We have found that the 6 – cup size is enough for us!" - Kim

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This is the most “Wonderful Time of the Year,” so whether you need inspiration or a
helping hand, we hope our team has given you some unique gift ideas for the holiday
season! 

Stay Warm and Happy Shopping!
Adelaide Lovelady