favorite things: random loves #3

1. Two hands are better than one and that's why cross-body bags are a growing hit at my house and across the country. Other bags slip and slide off your shoulder leaving you annoyed and ready to trade in for a man's wallet. Keep your femininity and sanity with this chic style update.

2. Scarves have been hot for the past several years. Frills, lace, and shimmery trims are still on center stage. This romantic and hyper-feminine look will surely maintain it's popularity for quite some time. With that said, I forecast that the new cowl design will be stealing some of the lime light. This simplistic and soft design adds volume and warmth and can be seen around the necks of tweens and grandmothers alike. The only thing that could make this accessory better is if I could figure out how to knit one for myself.

3. Candy cane flavored hot chocolate. What a delicious way to meld Christmas and my favorite treat!

4. Rembrandt^® Plus Peroxide Whitening Mouthwash send strips and trays to the trash can. I like this form of teeth whitening because all of your teeth are quickly whitened and I've yet to experience in sensitivity.

5. Mrs. McQuillan Masters Meals! http://mrsmcquillanmastersmeals.blogspot.com/ is an delicious blog that shows you how to prepare real life food that real people actually eat.

6. The Samsung Fascinate rocks an ultra bright AMOLED screen, swype technology (no more pecking out texts), and the capability to just about anything your little heart desires. Solitaire, Tetris, and Mobile Coupons are my top app picks. Obviously this phone costs more than your standard flip phone, but you'll never have to buy another camera or GPS system again. You won't be printing coupons either- simply show the cashier the coupon and voila!

7. Netflix on Demand equals never renting again. It also equals being able to see many of the shows that play on premium channels.

8. Smuckers Natural Peanut Butter. Peanuts. Only peanuts. No crap.

9. Recycling. http://recyclelink.net/ Here in Nebraska you can toss all of your recyclables in together into a full sized container. We earn one point for each pound we recycle and have recycled over 500 pounds in just a handful of months. Those points can be redeemed with local merchants for things like discounts or free sandwiches. This is an excellent investment in our world for $50 every three months.

10. I've written about my love for Mary Kay before and I still feel the same way. I recently experimented with their amethyst eyeliner ($10) and I was pleasantly surprised with how a little color made my eyes stand out. Contact Melinda Pearson 402-432-5507 www.marykay.com/mpearson(for you Lincolnites).