A Few of My Favorite Things: A Gift Guide

I hope you’ve been able to take advantage of some of the great sales and coupon codes I’ve shared with you this month. If you’re like me and still sorting through what you have and shopping for what you need, then maybe this little list is for you!

Here are a few of my favorite things, perfect gifts for Christmas or any time of year. {Maybe you’ll find a thing or two for yourself.}

Shootsac Products

Every time I open a new Shootsac product, the first word that comes to mind is quality, followed by functional and attractive. I own a Shootsac lens bag, a Tote & Shoot camera bag, HipSlip laptop bag, and two of the new Ruffle Wraps, the cutest, most practical gift ever.

The Tote & Shoot ranks as my favorite camera bag ever. I love tet zipper pocket on the back that unzips at the bottom so that your suitcase handle can slide through. I keep my lenses in my original Shootsac lens bag (minus the cover), which slides inside the Tote & Shoot. On airplanes I can stuff my purse and iPad inside, reducing the number of carry-ons!

The new Ruffle Wraps are made of a lightweight, wrinkle-free microfiber material that will keep you warm and stylin’ at the same time. They come in cute little wristlet bags that you can tuck your keys and cell phone in while wearing the wrap.

I’m cold-natured and have already used my new wrap in restaurants and at the movies. I’m sure I’ll carry it year round!

Currently Shootsac is offering a free Ruffle Wrap with the purchase of a Tote & Shoot (check out the red!) and special combo packs with the original Shootsac lens bag. I don’t know how long these deals last.

[Reviews I’ve posted of the Shootsac and HipSlip]

EZ Bean Cooker

I’m not sure if I should call the EZ Bean Cooker a revolution or a revelation. It’s a bit of both for me. I know I should cook more bean meals, especially since my husband is diabetic. The soaking and prep time usually defeat me, but not any more thanks to this speedy pressure cooker for beans.

It takes beans from dry and hard to cooked and ready to eat in a fraction of the usual time. You don’t soak them in advance, just rinse dried beans and put them straight in the EZ Bean Cooker with water, a small amount of oil, and seasonings (save the salt until after they cook, or it will toughen them).

I can make black eyed peas in 35 minutes. Larger beans like red kidneys take about an hour and a half. This is from dry to fully cooked!

No more canned beans for us. I made chili last week and cooked both red kidney and black beans in the EZ Bean Cooker before adding them to the crock pot.

In a word, the EZ Bean Cooker ROCKS.

Books

Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide-Eyed Wonder in God’s Spoken World is one of the most fascinating books I’ve read in years. The author, N. D. Wilson, shows me the world like I’ve never seen it.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Through Him were all things made . . .
Welcome to His poem. His play. His novel. Let the pages flick your thumbs.”

A thoroughly thought-provoking read. Get the video, too, for the full experience. (I’ve borrowed a friend’s copy—can’t wait to watch after reading the book!)

Stephen and Alex Kendrick, who wrote The Love Dare for couples, now offer us The Love Dare for Parents. My husband and I just started it and hope to see a positive impact in our relationships with our children.

Easy to read and work into a busy schedule, The Love Dare for Parents is designed to “turn the hearts of parents to their children and turn the hearts of children to their parents” (Malachi 4:6) so that moms and dads can more fully enjoy and delight in their children while maximizing the positive impact they have on their lives long term.

I hope I introduced you to something new today!