I won't stress you out over listing the dwindling days till Christmas, but we all know it's coming down to the wire -- ARE ALL YOUR GIFTS BOUGHT AND READY TO RUMBLE???  I know, that was mean. The Magpie just got bumped to the Naughty List, to be sure. But I'll make up for it -- forget wrestling with mall traffic or contemplating Chia Pets for yet another year, use the magic of subscription services to make your gifts feel unique and ones that will last well into the new year! 

Valentine's Day is upon us! This Bird isn't much of a stickler for the hearts n' flowers stuff -- truthfully, I have a hard time taking a greeting card-invented holiday all that seriously, but I do appreciate the sentiment. It's a good idea to recognize a special someone in our life. But what's with the red rose fever?? It's the one day of the year that the price of roses triples, and as beautiful as they are, there are so many other gorgeous flowers out there that still say "I love and appreciate you," all the same. 

I had to show off one of my favorite photos I took on a recent visit to Maui. Orchids are incredible flowers, no? Difficult to grow in colder climates, true, but what a showstopper. I haven't had the best of luck keeping these delicate beauties alive, but I do love them for their color, exotic and fluttery shape, and frankly, they give any ol' rose a run for its money! So as you're considering heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and wondering if that bouquet of roses is worth the holiday upcharge, take a stroll outside the Valentine's Day box and consider a living plant, something a recipient can enjoy and care for, much like a beloved relationship. 

The Birdy wishes you all a very happy Valentine's Day -- you don't need a sweetheart to feel loved and appreciated, and don't be shy about letting someone else know they are loved and appreciated.    


Jaunty Fine Print: Photo by Denise Sakaki

The Bird couldn't help but share this latest antique store find! I came across a cache of vintage Stratton compacts at a little antique store along Monroe's Main Street. Monroe is the small city "as the crow flies" about twenty minutes from Duvall, where I live. I do enjoy browsing the sparkly finds in both cities, as they have their share of small vintage shops dotting their respective Main Streets, but I've probably found my most favorite things along Monroe's Main Street, including my very Jaunty jewelry box, an old tool/fittings storage box that was just made for holding all my sparkly finds. 

I love the look of old compacts. Aside from the fact that they're more sturdily made than the contemporary ones, which are either built for disposal or novelty use, the designs of vintage compacts are a little touch of classic, ladylike glamour. This particular one has a pheasant design that came out around the early to mid 1950s, as best as I could research on the interwebs. Stratton is a British company, and has been making compacts and mirrors since the late 1800s and they have a long history of being favorites for collectibles, since they've had so many different designs over the years. The shop had some of Stratton's signature "Princess" compact shape, which has a floral scalloped edge and had more of a classic-era look to them, but I went with this smaller, more modern round shape with the pheasant design. It had more potential to be used as an elegant pill box, the inset space for where the powder sits could cradle a few aspirin in a very ladylike manner. And it could still be used as a working compact, as this still had its original puff, although I would think one would want to keep that intact.

I loved this, but it wasn't meant to be in my possession for long, as I gave it as a birthday gift for a good friend's birthday. I have a corny birdbrained notion that objects contain a little bit of a past life, and when we can make a connection with that past life with someone's current life, there's a bit of magic that happens. So here's to magic and lost treasures being found. 

Jaunty Fine Print: Photo by Denise Sakaki

You're thinking... it's only days from Christmas. The malls are like a battlefield. Aisles are already picked clean of all the good stuff. Online stores may not be able to guarantee holiday delivery. No need to panic. Instead of something that shows up in a box or a gift bag, why not give the best gift, one that needs no wrapping, and can be purchased any time of the year, including the wee hours before Christmas: the gift of charity.

People always say, "give the gift of giving" for the holidays, and it can seem  generic, like an empty platitude. And this Birdy agrees! It means more when you can find a charitable group that really represents both you and the recipient. There are a million and one good causes out there in the world, so choose as you see fit, but since we're talking giving with sincerity and a personal connection to the cause, I thought I'd share some of my own favorites, in the hopes that you are inspired to support their cause and search out some for your own, spreading the word to others.

These are some of my favorite local Washington-area groups I support:

Homeward Pet: It's a no-kill shelter, providing safe haven and care for animals, giving them the second chance to be adopted by loving folks like you and me, servicing the Greater Seattle area. They help over a thousand animals a year, rely heavily on volunteers, and have very particular requirements for adoptions to make sure animals are placed in "forever homes," and not just back into the shelter system, or worse, abandoned. It's a labor of love, it's a small organization, and every little bit helps, which they are very grateful for. It was so nice to get a sweet thank-you call from them after sending them a small donation. If you love animals or have a friend who loves animals, this is a way to give everyone the warm fuzzy feeling of doing good.

Rise n' Shine: The effects of a disease like AIDS is not just hard on the person afflicted, but their loved ones, especially children. It can be a scary place, and having a strong support system can help them deal with their fears and emotions. Started in the late 1980s, Rise n' Shine is a nonprofit agency devoted to creating that support system for children who are affected by HIV/AIDS. They provide counseling services, mentorship programs, holiday sponsorships and summer camps for children both infected and affected by the disease. Personal comfort and well-being is just as important as physical health - for anyone who has dealt with illness, it would be a thoughtful gift to donate in that person's name, knowing it will go towards helping a child feel secure.

FareStart: Everyone deserves a second chance and the ability to make a change in their life, and FareStart is one of the best programs in Seattle. Going nearly twenty years strong, they provide culinary training and job placement services for homeless and disadvantaged men and women. They operate a full sized restaurant, small cafe, and they have catering services. It's part of an ambitious goal to eliminate homelessness by 2014 in King County. Instead of managing the issue, FareStart is about ending homelessness in a sustainable way, creating a whole new workforce of skilled, motivated individuals eager to show off their culinary talents. Take your foodie friends out for an amazing meal at their restaurant, or the next party you plan, consider using their catering services.

If you want to think global/national, these are some really wonderful groups:

Heifer International: I've mentioned them several times, but Heifer is one of my longtime favorites. It's not because they take a global approach, helping wherever they can, but they take on a sustainable approach towards charity, giving people solutions for the longterm. The saying, give a man a fish, he eats for a day, teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime, is what Heifer is all about. You can gift livestock, crop seeds, and training to families around the world. One of the greatest evils in the world is poverty -- it breeds a sense of helplessness and anger that only grows. People want to be in control of their life, especially if they have a family. For anyone who has a family of their own, knowing their donation is helping a mother or father provide a better life for themselves and their children is a priceless thing. 

Share Our Strength: Hunger is a problem worldwide, but it's even worse when it's something in our own country, especially when it affects children. Millions of American children are nutritionally disadvantaged. Their lack of proper nourishment leads towards illness as well as difficulty in everyday tasks like staying focused in schools. Many of these children are all around us, schoolmates of your children, but their families are unable to have reliable access to healthy, affordable food. This is a basic need that cannot be ignored, which is why Share Our Strength is one group taking an active stance against childhood hunger, with regular resource programs and nationwide events reminding people of the issue and how they can help. Until Dec 31st of 2011, donations will be matched by their No Kid Hungry program partners. A dollar can make all the difference, especially when it's doubled!

ShelterBox: This group came to my attention after the disaster in Japan, and I think they provide an amazing service. Japan's devastation was shocking, especially for a place with such a modern infrastructure, and it emphasized the fact that when disaster strikes, regardless of the nation, the first few days are critical when it comes to aid. ShelterBox provides emergency shelters and basic supplies during catastrophic events where it's all about getting the immediate needs of surviors taken care of. Delivered in a big green box, the kit has things like a tent large enough for a family, blankets, water storagae and filtration equipment, a stove and basic tools. There are even activity packs for children. It's not just about providing a temporary shelter, but a sense of dignity to anyone who has endured something as heartbreaking as the loss of a home and loved ones.
 
I hope you are inspired by these amazing organizations and all the good they provide, as well as the potential for good you can do by adding your support. The best gifts require no wrapping or bows -- and if you have a favorite charity, please add it in the comments section!
 

:Jaunty Fine Print:  logos from listed charities - the most important part is up to you now!

You always have one of those friends or family members who's a total nut for food and trying new flavors, right? Or maybe it's someone who's hard to buy for, but has an adventurous palate. Consider giving Foodzie a try. I got a bunch of tasty things from them last Christmas, tracking down unique, small food crafters, both local and abroad, buying items that would ship well and be a memorable gift for the recipient. A sweet and spicy quince jam, specialty breads and cheeses, jam made with bacon and caramelized onion! They specialize in conversation-worthy treats like this, perfect for a person who truly savors every bite of something special.

Originally Foodzie was sort of like an edible Etsy, with small businesses being able to create a mini storefront presence on their network, but they've since changed their setup -- much less products, but still an eye for interesting things. They've definitely curated their offerings, fewer items, very seasonal, so usually within 30 days, it's all new, and there's also a subscription service, for small Tasting Boxes with samples of diffferent items are shipped to your home every month. That's a nice gift idea, since it's like getting a different care package.

I genuinely like what Foodzie does, specializing in showcasing discover-worthy items, and when it comes to gift-giving, food is a nice choice. It's a way to find out more about a small, independent business who really puts their heart and soul into something handmade. These are small-batch products and they have a charm all their own, something to consider when you're doing holiday shopping and want to support smaller companies.

Jaunty Fine Print:  imnages from Foodzie website

I know what you're thinking: It's not Halloween, Birdy -- get over it! The kitty Trick-or-Treat pendant so cleverly made on a Scrabble letter piece was a gift from a friend around All Hallow's Eve this year. It wasn't because we celebrate Halloween in any big fashion, it was one of those just-because gifts from a friend that just happened around the holidays. I feel very fortunate to have sweet friends who bestow such thoughtful things like that, no holiday required, like the gold leather-bound notebook from a friend's trip to London, and a copy of Bubbly On Your Budget, from another friend's trip to the new local bookshop in Ballard, Book Larder. I can't express enough how grateful I am for such things, not because they are so lovely and enriching, but because you know there was a lot of heart put into their selection. It could have been a shiny rock someone picked up on the ground and given to me, because, "ooh shiny!" That's me! But I'd place it on the mantle like it was a king's crown.

We're getting into the fever pitch of the holiday season, where advertising and media inundate us with the pressure to get bigger, better, over-the-top gifts for our loved ones. Take a moment, take two moments -- deep breath. Your loved ones appreciate your presence more than presents, as the saying goes. And if you feel the desire to give them a token of your love during the holidays, there's no need to "wow" them, they love you for exactly who you are. You'll see something passing by a store, a small and thoughtful bauble you know they would appreciate, and no matter how humble it may seem to others, it will likely mean the world to its recipient. Consider a journal with a heartfelt note on the first page. Or bake a batch of their favorite cookies. It's the un-holiday gifts from sweet friends that are a reminder that it is indeed the thought that counts.


Jaunty Fine Print:  photos by Denise Sakaki, lovely gifts from lovely friends - merci!

'Tis the season, says the Magpie, to start thinking of thoughtful gestures to bestow upon our loved ones... like a bar of soap that says "Filthy Cougar." Bwah-hah-hah!! Oh, come on, you laughed. At least a giggle or two.

It's also the season for us to make the commitment to buy local, small and independent, and/or Made in America, as much as possible. The tricky thing about an economy in peril is, you can't be such a Scrooge that businesses aren't allowed to thrive on much-needed consumer dollars. We've got to do our part! Which is exactly why we should use our Jaunty Powers for Good in the form of responsible consumer choices! Think of it as an adventure, exploring new places to buy gifts for loved ones, versus that care package of Chia Pets and hot pink Snuggies. 

For the month of December, I will be featuring fun, independent-minded businesses or sources for gift ideas. This one is one I've mentioned before on the blog -- meet Filthy Farmgirl, a lovely little handmade soap company that's in the tropical wonderland of Hawaii. I've frequented their table at the Hilo Farmers Market before, gathering up as many soaps as I can fit into my carry-on bag. But don't worry if you don't live in Hawaii, you can order their products online and they've got Free Shipping right now! Their soaps are all natural, promising "No Yucky Stuff," made with herbs and spices from local organic farmers and the products are vegan-friendly. Since I met them over a year ago, they've expanded their cheeky-named soap "flavors" to naughty number 69, and added Smoochie lip balms. They're an example of a little company that could, growing and thriving as an independent small business that supports its community, offering a really unique product that is most definitely made in America.  

I love that you can see whole bits of the ingredients they use in their soap, like grounds of coffee in their Mocha Minx, or lavender buds in their Lavender Rose Dreamland. And don't let the saucy names make you think it's too blush-worthy a gift for your Great Aunt Maude -- there's plenty of soaps whose names are as sweetly-named as the scents they carry, like Coconut Lime Slice, Sassy Honey Oatmeal, or Awesome Blossom. But let's be honest, don't you want to give your LOL-worthy friends a bar of soap named Filthy Beaver, Filthy Cock or Filthy Ass? And wouldn't your nerdy pals love a bar of soap with a Filthy Zombie or Filthy Flying Spaghetti Monster on it? They'll think it's so awesome, and smell so wonderful, they won't even want to use it. When I give these soaps to friends, they often keep them as sweet-smelling silly showpieces in their bathrooms. And the ones that do use them are very pleased with the results, loving how they're getting clean with something Filthy.

So when you're making your list, checking it twice, put Filthy Farmgirl on the shopping list and order now, before the holidays!


Jaunty Fine Print:  photos by Denise Sakaki, soaps by Filthy Farmgirl