HEATHER'S TOP 5 FAVORITE THINGS

I'm sure millions of YOU tuned in to watch Oprah's Favorite Things show this past Friday! I was no exception - I sat on the couch, glued to my t.v. to see what gorgeous gifts Oprah was going to bestow on her unsuspecting audience. It was just as exciting as watching The Academy Awards!!! Well, she certainly did not disappoint this year! Everything from Ralph Lauren cashmere sweaters to a Breville panini maker, to an an all-expenses-paid Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean cruise lines - HOLY COW! I was especially happy to see jewelry designer Judith Ripka on the favorite things list this year too. Every audience member received a pair of Judith's canary crystal & diamond cocktail earrings - absolutely stunning. I am a huge fan of Judith Ripka designs and I actually just bought myself a canary crystal & diamond cocktail ring for my 50th birthday present to myself in October.

Judith Ripka Canary Crystal "Eclipse" Earrings
http://www.judithripka.com/

Okay, well enough about Oprah's Favorite Things. After watching the show, I was inspired to write about MY favorite things and give you some wonderful gift ideas for the Holidays based on some of MY favorite options. These are all products and services I have personally tried or purchased and benefitted greatly from and want to share with others. Sooooooooo, here goes:

FAVORITE THINGS #1 - KAYA YOGA

Yoga Classes at Mesa Rim Climbing Gym. Yes, that's right! I recently started taking Yoga once a week over at San Diego's brand new, awesome, biggest rock climbing gym. I take the 12:00 noon class on Friday's by Michelle and it's amazing. Michelle is a wonderful instructor and she helps you go along at your own pace. I have only done 4 classes so far and can already feel a huge difference in my inner balance, peace and flexibility. You can drop in for a class anytime - you don't have to be a member! Better yet, why not purchase a gift certificate &/or a series of classes for someone you love this Holiday season?

Yoga at Mesa Rim in San Diego
http://www.mesarim.com/

FAVORITE THINGS #2 - ZAPPOS.COM

Have you heard about Zappos? I would have to rate Zappos as THE BEST website on the internet for shoes! They have the biggest selection I have ever seen and more importantly, the best prices and the BEST customer service. Zappos makes the ordering and the return process so easy! I think every woman should own a pair of hot red shoes for Holiday season! And check out these adorable rain boots from Kate Spade.

Kaly Shoes from Zappos
http://www.zappos.com/rsvp-kaly-fuchsia?zlfid=111

Kate Spade Rain Boots

FAVORITE THINGS #3 - ROMANTIC DINNERS FOR TWO

BY: DINING DETAILS

If you're like me, I don't always feel like getting dressed up and going out for dinner. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a delicious, organic, home cooked meal prepared in your own kitchen and served to you tableside in your own dining room? I have just the company for you! Dining Details Personal Chef Services. Owners/Chefs Robbie and Julie Frans have the most creative, delicious menus to choose from. All of their produce is fresh and organic and their food is always bursting with flavor. I had the priviledge of working for Julie and Robbie last year and helping them get their organic lunch program (CHICKPEAS) off the ground at Notre Dame Academy in Del Mar. They pay attention to every detail and provide food that is visually stunning as well as delicious. If you have a special couple in mind that you want to gift with something very special...gift them a home cooked Romantic Dinner For Two from Dining Details! Or, another idea... purchase some of Dining Details Family Dinners that you can just pop in the oven when you get home from a busy day at the office.

http://www.dining-details.com/index.php/live-in-home-gourmet-services

FAVORITE THINGS #4 - BARLEAN'S OMEGA SWIRL

Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love and promote these products and supplements from Barleans. I am so passionate about them that they even have my photo and testimonial on their product tag! I use Barleans Flax Oil, and Forti-Flax in so many of my home cooked recipes and I also take their delicious Omega Swirl on a daily basis. I could probably write a recipe book just for Barleans! This year, I plan on making up my own customized gift baskets for friends and family and yes, Barlean's products will definitely be in them! My personal favorites are the Orange Cream Swirl and the Peach Mango Swirl. They also have many other delicious flavors to choose from. If you have any trouble getting your kids to take fish oils - rest assured, they will not fight you on this one! It is absolutely delicious and there is no fishy after taste. My kids are my guinnea pigs and they love it!

Strawberry Banana and new Blackberry Omega Swirl
http://www.barleans.com/

FAVORITE THINGS #5 - JUDITH RIPKA COCKTAIL RING

Since I do not design rings, I am very happy to promote another jewelry designer who does! Judith Ripka has an amazing personal life story and in my opinion makes some of the most gorgeous, reasonably priced rings that every woman can afford to own. I recently purchased a canary yellow crystal cushion cut cocktail ring as a present to myself for my 50th birthday. I was so happy with the quality of this ring! The thing that I love about Judith Ripka is that she has price points that start at around $200 and go up to $10,000. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a beautiful ring that will last a lifetime. Here are some of my favorites: