My husband has been giving me Godiva Chocolate for Valentine's Day and
Christmas for decades.
We first discovered this brand while shopping in a mall and seeing the
Godiva store. Back then, they boxed their candy in beautiful tin
collectible boxes. In recent years, they started using decorative
boxes covered in fabric, some have even had lovely embroidered
designs. I keep the tins and decorative boxes and use them in
my craft room. The boxes alone have been gifts, but the chocolate is
divine.
Over the years, I started getting headaches when eating chocolate.
Some of my favorite things like chocolate ice cream or candy bars have
become a thing of the past for me. However, Godiva chocolate stands
out as the one chocolate candy I can still enjoy. For some reason,
perhaps the type of cocoa they use,
Godiva chocolate does not give me headaches. That is pretty
fantastic! It is a way for me to still delve into the world of
chocolate without paying a painful price.
Now, don't tell my husband, but I saw the package of Godiva chocolate for
Valentine's Day delivered yesterday. I left the box on the porch and
acted totally ignorant. Our
Ring doorbell doesn't really allow me to be ignorant, but we can pretend.
Godiva Chocolate for Valentine's Day
We have to purchase Godiva Chocolate online these days. The store in
the mall shut down years ago. As of 2021, there are no Godiva brick
and mortar stores. Fortunately, the candy is still available
online. They still have a few tins available, but most of the larger
boxes of candy now come in a gold box with a decorative
ribbon.
No matter how the chocolate is packaged, the candy is
delicious!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Gift Review of soft toy sea animals with cute carriers
Sea-themed toys for babies and toddlers come in several varieties, each with a collection of soft plush toys which fit inside a related carrier. The carriers make it easy for tiny tots to carry them from place to place.
If you live near the shore, or have vacationed at the beach, these sea animal gift sets make fun and appealing gifts.
Seaside Gift Sets
Four ocean animals in a large plush whale carrier.
The package contains 4 smaller animals (starfish, dolphin, octopus and a ray) which fit inside a large whale carrier. The carrier is in the design of an Orca whale with a zipper design and measures about 17 inches long. The starfish and the octopus measure close to 4 inches in size, with the dolphin and the ray close to 5 inches in size. Cute soft snuggle buddies in an ocean theme.
Plush Shark Toy and 5 Sea Animals Set
Another ocean-themed plush playset is this Amazon’s Choice plush shark toy carrier with 5 sea animals. The sea animal toys include a turtle, a whale, an octopus, a stingray and a crab which all fit inside this zippered shark carrier.
This sea creature plush toy set helps children explore marine life while they are enjoying a playtime of cuddly fun. An ideal gift for birthdays and holidays.
Plush Seashell Gift Set
This cute seashell carrying bag set comes with 5 cute sea animal plushies, which include a Mermaid, a seahorse, an octopus, a crab and a sea turtle.
The shell-shaped bag has a zippered opening and a sewn-in handle to store the sea animals for easy storing and carrying.
This soft toy Mermaid and her sea animal friends toy set is a darling gift for birthdays, holidays and baby showers.
Six Piece Turtle Stuffed Animal Set
This 6 piece sea turtle set comes with a 12 inch stuffed plush Sea Turtle mom and includes 3 Baby sea turtles and 2 Eggs.
A green mother turtle plush has a zipper belly under the shell which holds, 3 baby plushies and 1 cute baby turtle egg, plus 1 baby turtle that broke out of its shell.
Summary
These seaside-themed plush playsets will give your little ones hours of cuddly fun as they learn about the marine creatures that live in the ocean. Choose from a whale, a shark, a seashell or a sea turtle set. All are cute cuddle buddies for little ones.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Drink your coffee with your cute canine. Sip your tea with your favorite feline. Coffee mugs that remind you of your favorite furry friends are fun.
Need a great gift for a friend who has pets? This selection of pet-related coffee mugs will definitely please the pet owner who will appreciate your thoughtfulness and recognition of their love for their pets.
*All photos of cats and dogs on this page were taken by me (Wednesday-Elf), unless otherwise noted. They are family pets, past and present!
Dog Lovers
Dogs are considered 'Man's Best Friend'
The phrase "Man's Best Friend" has been around since the 18th century, referred to in many ways, as shown in this Wikipedia article. Basically, it refers to a dog's loyalty, and companionship to us humans. No matter which breed one chooses, we all love our dogs.
Perfect Gift for My Brother and Sister-in-Law - They Love Their 'Abbi Girl' Boston Terrier Puppy
This design is printed on both sides with strong, vibrant and long lasting colors.
A darling gift for someone special or your favorite Boston Terrier owner.
My brother & Sister-in-law, owners of Abbi, told me I needed to get them this mug to keep their attention on her, where it belongs! I agree!
A Kitten Named Stormy
I once spent 6 weeks 'fostering' this kitten until his "Forever Home" could be found.
Tuxedo Cats
As the name implies, a Tuxedo cat is named for the fact that it is bicolor - black and white - resembling 'formal wear', like a tuxedo.
The tuxedo cat has been very popular in cartoon form over the years, including Felix Cat, Tomcat from Tom & Jerry, and Sylvester (Puddy Tat) cat.
A tuxedo cat is also one of the three types of cats in the popular video game Minecraft.
Maine Coon Cat
Meet "Mister", the Maine Coon Cat
When Mister came to live with his owner as a kitten, she wanted to wait and observe him for a few days before deciding on a name. Sometimes a kitten's personality will suggest the perfect name. Well, several days went by and the kitten's 'antics' produced the following responses frequently from owner: "You better stop that now, Mister", "You better watch out, Mister, you're going to be in trouble".... :).
After a week or so, she realized that she was always using the word "Mister" in sentences to the kitten... and thus his name evolved! :)
A tabby (or gray tiger as they are sometimes known), is any domestic cat that has a coat featuring distinctive stripes, dots, lines or swirling patterns. A Tabby cat is not a breed, but instead is a color pattern.
Usually this coat pattern will appear together with a mark resembling an 'M' on its forehead. This type of cat includes the Maine Coon Cat, which we think 'Mister' is.
Summary
I love coffee mugs (have collected clever ones for years to use regularly for my morning coffee times). When it comes to pets, I'm primarily a cat person, but there are also several dogs sharing space with others in my family.
What Kind of Pet Do You Live With?
Cat
Dog
Both Cats & Dogs
Multiple Pets
Other Kind of Animal
Tell me in the comments below. :)
Grandsons and Their Pets
Grandson Tyler with Pepe the Poodle Grandson Ryan with Missy the Cat
*Coffee Mug Gift Guide for People with Pets originally written by Wednesday Elf on 11/24/2012 on another site.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
When parents, grandparents, aunties and besties need to shop for a baby gift, taking into consideration the time of year and subsequent holidays often sparks helpful ideas for a unique gift.
For October, Halloween is a fun holiday to coordinate into the planning
of a baby gift.
The following are a couple of suggestions for a Halloween-themed
gift.
My First Halloween Pumpkin Toy by Genius Baby
Plush playhouses are popular toys for babies and toddlers as they are
handy as a tote to carry around the toys and animals they come with, as
well as a place to store them. The cute plush toys in the totes
introduce babies to various textures and sounds making them adorably
educational.
For a fun Halloween gift for a baby in your life, Genius Baby, a
mom-owned company in Charlotte, North Carolina, created this
My First Halloween plush pumpkin filled with a set of four
sensory Halloween themed toys.
The four plush toys include a black cat that meows, a squeaky ghost, a
purple spider that rattles and an orange & yellow crinkle candy
corn. These toys are just the right size to fit in small hands and they
all fit inside the plush pumpkin basket which features hand embroidery
and a gingham handle.
The plush pumpkin playset measures 7 x 7 inches and unzips to reveal
the toys inside. A darling pumpkin toy gift for a baby's first Halloween
or first Autumn / Fall. It can also be used as a trick-or-treat basket
as they grow up.
No need for a Halloween costume for your baby with this adorable
First Halloween Outfit.
Celebrating Halloween for the first time! How very exciting. Dress baby
up in this My 1st Halloween
outfit.
Your little pumpkin will look just adorable in this baby romper. You
can also choose the personalized pumpkin hat to complete the look and
add personalization to the outfit.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Ireland, The Emerald Isle, is known for its lovely green countryside; one of the reasons that green is associated with Saint Patrick's Day.
Since the Saint Patrick's Day holiday occurs right about the official start of spring, people are ready to see some green after a long cold winter.
Gold is another color associated with this holiday, as it represents wealth, luck and prosperity. (Remember the Irish legend about finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?).
Let's review a few green and gold gifts for the holiday of Saint Patrick's Day.
Green and Gold Gifts
The Shamrock (the symbol of Ireland) and the expression “Luck of the Irish” are both associated with St. Patrick's Day.
Lucky Sweatshirt on Etsy
This embroidered Lucky sweatshirt by Franky B Studios on Etsy, with the word 'Lucky' and a 'shamrock' would make a perfect gift for your Irish friends.
St. Patrick's Day Teddy Bear
Firsts for baby are always fun. This My First St. Patrick's Day Teddy Bear in green plush, personalized with baby's name, would make a darling gift for your own baby or that of a relative or friend.
Created by The Gift Chicks (Harley Hayes and Pam McDanial) for their Etsy Store. They also create many other personalized bears for birthdays, anniversaries and many holidays.
Leprechaun Soap on Etsy
We've all heard the Leprechaun legend from Irish folklore about this solitary fairy who ~ legend tells us ~ will reveal the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But ~ only if you catch him. :)
Have your own Leprechaun in this gold Leprechaun Soap, handmade by Sarah for her Etsy Store BubblesandBaubles
Wear a symbol of luck and good fortune with this Real Solid 10k Gold Four Leaf Clover Pendant. A lovely gold lucky charm for the lady in your life. A St. Patrick's Day Gift handmade by Michael of California for his Golden Fire Jewelry shop on Etsy.
Summary
So, for St. Patrick's Day, or any gift occasion, think Green or Gold for a delightful gift.
*Green and Gold Gift Guide written by Wednesday Elf
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Throughout the year, there are numerous occasions when a gift is needed. Naturally, when we think of buying gifts, Christmas and Birthdays come first to mind. But there are numerous other times too, such as weddings and anniversaries, a new baby, a graduation, or a retirement.
There are always the standard gifts of clothing and toys, tools and sports equipment needed or wanted by the person you are gifting. But for someone difficult to buy gifts for, or for that special someone, a unique gift that exactly fits the personality of that person will be remembered forever.
How to Find the Gift that is Perfect and Unique
To come up with that unique gift idea, all you have to do is listen to, or observe, your children, relatives, and friends you are shopping for. Perhaps they have a favorite sports team and would love a T-Shirt or hat with their team's logo. Maybe they collect certain things and would enjoy an addition to their collection.
But to be truly unique, I've found that a word or phrase often becomes associated with people, or seem to suit someone's personality to a 'T', and these can make for very unique gifts.
A Few Fun Examples From My Past
Many years ago a luncheon was given for my youngest son and his fiancee where the future in-laws came together to meet one another. The couple had often been heard to say to each other “I'm doing the best I can.” One of my favorite books featured an English Manor House known as 'Quantum' because the Latin inscription carved into the Lintel over the front door read “Quantum in me fuit”. Roughly translated, the phrase reads “I did the best I could”. I thought it was the perfect phrase to have put on a pair of T-Shirts for the couple.
One recent Christmas I came up with the perfect gift for my oldest son. He and I regularly played cards on Wednesday evenings. His favorite phrase to tease me when he was on a winning streak was that his 'Mojo' was working for him. So, at the Mall, I bought a T-shirt and had a shop put decals on it of a hand of cards and the word “Mojo”. My son absolutely loved it and would often wear it on 'cards' night.
One year I bought a pink sweatshirt for my mom and had the names of her 7 grandchildren printed all over it. Another uniquely individual gift no one else had thought to get.
Gift for the Boss
One of my favorite unique gifts had to do with what the office got the boss one Christmas. I was in charge of the shopping, so ended up getting a collection of coffee mugs with unique sayings. You see, we worked for the Director of twenty-seven Pathology Labs in a hospital. He often had numerous meetings throughout the day for one lab or another. He was also a big coffee drinker and frequently filled a cup before going off to a meeting. Just as frequently, he would 'forget' his coffee mug after the meeting, with people often returning said cups to his office. To help in identifying which cups were his, we got him mugs with sayings that were unique to his personality. My all-time favorite, since he was also the County Medical Examiner, read “Don't take life too seriously, it's not permanent”. :)
Summary
So, listen to the people you want to find a unique gift for and you'll discover exactly the right one.
*This article is brought to you by Wednesday Elf. A unique gift for me would be this 'Elf' Mug. LOL.
*Unique Gifts Ideas – review written by Wednesday Elf
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I recently came across Pocket Hug Tokens on Amazon and I absolutely love them. There are about 50 different sayings that you can get on them and to me they are perfect as a little gift for all the special people in your life.
I was looking at the different sayings and I wanted to buy so many of them as they spoke to me for various friends and family members. It is such a simple concept, but I think it's brilliant.
Who Would Love a Pocket Hug?
People who make daily affirmations would definitely love a pocket hug.
People who are away from their loved ones would really appreciate a small reminder that they are loved.
People who need something to physical to draw mental strength from would love that you thought of this for them.
So Exactly What is a Pocket Hug?
Pocket Hugs are a little stainless steel, sturdy, round token with a saying on one side (there are 50 to choose from) and on the other side it just says "A little Pocket Hug" and has a love heart on it. Also with this token is a piece of PU leather keychain and a bag to store it in when it's not in your pocket.
It is small and light enough to easily fit in your pocket, your wallet, bags etc.
Why Did I Fall in Love With the Idea of a Pocket Hug?
I love reading daily quotes and saying personal affirmations. Also when I have a lot going on or I have to go into situations I'm nervous about I like to carry a crystal in my pocket to hold and remind myself that I am strong/awesome/know what I'm doing/whatever it is I need to feel at that time. I know I'm not alone which is why I think these pocket hugs are amazing.
If you're looking for a small gift I hope you'll consider the Pocket Hug Token and if you already have one (or have gifted someone one) please let me know below.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Many of you may know that in the last two months my life has changed drastically. Not in a bad way, but in a drastic way none the less. What happened? Well my almost 92 year old mother fell, was hospitalized for a month and then it was decided that she could no longer live on her own.
So, our family has shrunk over the years and now it is growing again. My mother has come to live with us! There will be some challenges ahead. Mother's Day is coming up quickly and it will be the first one she is spending in her new "home"! As always we are looking to make it special.
After 70 some years of Mother's Days under her belt, you would think there is nothing in the world she could truly want. Right?
Wrong! It seems that during her fall, her watch broke! We have had it to several watch repair places and they all say the same thing - "It's not worth fixing!" This was a watch that my father had purchased for her on one of their many trips home to Switzerland. So she really did not want to give it up!
So this Mother's Day we are on the hunt for a watch! This may seem like a no-brainer, but, when you have a lady who is used to having a "nice" watch, it's not so easy anymore. We are hoping that one of our choices will be close enough to her old watch, that she will enjoy the new one as much as the old.
There are so many new-fangled watches that keep track of steps taken, pulse rates, oxygen levels and so much more and she's not interested in any of that "nonsense"! Personally I think she could use the extras to make sure she gets some walking in, but that's me and not her!
She wants a replacement for her watch that told her the time and the date! She wants nothing more and nothing less. And none of this Plastic or Silicone bands for her! It has to be a metal bracelet type watch that is big enough for her to read but still looks nice. Nothing that is heavy and /or bulky!
As you can see there are lots of options available for someone who is looking for a "simple" but elegant watch. Sometimes all the new electronic watches with their multi purpose uses are just not fitting the bill. In her 92 years she has seen a lot of time pieces go by and the new ones just don't do anything for her at all.
Simple, straight-forward and useful are her main needs and nothing more. Truth be known, I think she'd be overwhelmed with the new digital watches/fitness trackers. She would have to learn how to use that kind of watch! I could see her jumping out of her skin if it started to vibrate or flash or sound an alarm. She just doesn't want to do that!
I get it and I'm so happy to report that while watches have been taken to a whole new level of usefulness, the old trusty analog watches are still there!
Now it's just a matter of choice! I don't think we will surprise her, rather, we will give her the option of choosing the one she thinks she'd like best!
For all those Mother's out there, may I take the time to wish you all a Happy Mother's Day, may it be a timely one!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is an absolute gem of a movie. I
discovered it while perusing American Airlines' in-flight entertainment
selections during a recent flight home from California. This comedy/drama was
released earlier this year and received enthusiastic positive reviews from
film critics and audiences alike. However, likely because it wasn't promoted
heavily or well, it had only a short run in theaters and I hadn't heard about
it before. (Such a shame to stint on the marketing for such a terrific
picture!) It deserves a much wider audience.
I am delighted to share my review of this wonderful, delightful, inspiring
movie, which is available to purchase or rent via DVD or streaming media.
Based on the First of Paul Gallico's Bestselling 1958 Novel
Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris
Paul Gallico started his career in the 1920s as a sportswriter, sports
columnist, and sports editor of the New York Daily News. After
switching to writing fiction in the late 1930s, the prolific author wrote 41
books, numerous short stories, 20 theatrical movies and 12 TV movies and had a
TV series based on his Hiram Holliday short stories. Two of Gallico's most
famous works were the short story The Snow Goose (1941) and
the novel The Poseidon Adventure (1969), which was also
adapted for the big screen.(Source)
Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris (1958) was the first of Gallico's four
novels about the adventures of Mrs. Ada Harris, a war widow and hard-working
charwoman for London aristocrats. Mrs. Harris's adventures continue in the
subsequent books in the series, Mrs. 'Arris Goes to New York (1960),
Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Parliament (1965), and
Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Moscow (1974).
Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris has been adapted multiple times for stage and
screen:
A 1958 American TV episode for the television series Studio One starring
British comedian Gracie Fields.
A 1982 West German TV film, Ein Kleid von Dior (A Dress by Dior) starring Inge Meysel.
A 1992 television movie starring Angela Lansbury, Diana Rigg and Omar Sharif
(produced by Lansbury's production company and directed by her son, Anthony
Shaw).
A 2016 musical-theatre adaptation, Flowers for Mrs Harris (the
Gallico novel's UK title) produced by Sheffield Theatres in May 2016, with a
new production mounted in 2018 at Chichester Festival Theatre, which was
streamed online in April 2020.
The 2022 feature film adaptation I am reviewing, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (note the tweak to the title).
A Fabulous Cast of Characters
Here are the main characters of this charming movie set in the mid-1950s:
Ada Harris (Lesley Manville), a charwoman in London who cleans up the
messes of her well-heeled, arrogant clients. She learns that her beloved
husband, Eddie, a soldier who had been missing for seven years, was killed
in action.
Violet Butterfield (Ellen Thomas), Ada's best friend, who also works
"in service." Vi encourages the grieving war widow to try to enjoy herself
and get on with her life now that she finally knows Eddie's fate, taking her
out to a dance club in the evening and to greyhound races on their day off.
Archie (Jason Isaacs), another friend and bookie who takes their bets
at the races. Although he fancies Ada, she thinks it's too late for her to
love again and makes it clear their relationship is strictly platonic.
Giles Newcombe (Christian McKay), a womanizing bachelor and house
cleaning client.
Pamela Penrose (Rose Williams), another of Ada's clients, is a
beautiful but spoiled, scatterbrained, pouty and self-centered actress who
is also a slob, tossing and leaving her clothes and accessories all over the
floor for Ada to pick up and put away.
Lady Dant (Anna Chancellor), another client who spends lavishly on
parties and clothes (including a one-of-a-kind, beaded and sequined
Christian Dior dress that Ada falls in love with at first sight), yet
repeatedly deflects Ada's requests to be paid her long-overdue wages.
Christian Dior (Philippe Bertin), the world-famous
haute couture fashion designer whose first collection under his
own label in 1947 was dubbed "The New Look" by the editor-in-chief of
Harper's Bazaar.
Claudine Colbert (Isabelle Huppert) is the directrice of
the house of Dior and guardian of its refined, elegant, exclusive image. She
is offended and supercilious when an English charwoman invades the hallowed
halls of Dior, mistakes Madame Colbert for a shopgirl and naïvely assumes
she can purchase one of the master's iconic, one-of-a-kind
haute couture creations just because she has brought enough
money to Paris with her to pay with cash.
Marquis de Chassagne (Lambert Wilson), a wealthy, aristocratic
widower whose late wife used to enjoy attending the exclusive Dior couture
shows. He continues to attend in her honor and, when Ada is rebuffed by
Madame Colbert, the marquis invites her to attend as his guest. He
subsequently buys her roses and invites her over for tea.
Natasha (Alba Baptista), Dior's top model with an Audrey
Hepburn-eque, waif-like beauty. She would rather be at home curled up on a
couch, wearing a plain black sweater and reading Sartre than parading around
as a fashion model.
André Fauvel (Lucas Bravo), an accountant at Dior who has ideas about
how to save the fashion house from its (fictitious) financial woes that
Madame Colbert refuses to discuss with Monsieur Dior. André falls in love
with Natasha, with whom he shares a superior intellect and love of Sartre,
but doesn't pursue a relationship with her, feeling she is "above his
touch."
Monsieur Carré (Bertrand Poncet), the head of Dior's atelier and a
fussy "artiste" who shares Madame Colbert's snobbery and
lack of respect for the pedestrian Mrs. Harris.
A Feel-Good Movie
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is a story about how kindness, courage,
honesty, hard work, a willigness to dream big and a single-minded commitment
to achieving your goals can, indeed, make your dreams come true.
It's a modern fairy tale grounded in some historical fact. Director Anthony
Fabian takes some liberties with Gallico's story. In an interview for a
July 22, 2022 article in Town & Country magazine, Fabian said, "The key to this story is that it is magic realism, so it has
to have an equal dose of magic and reality. If you go too far into magic, you
won’t believe it; if you go too far into the realism, it wouldn’t have that
uplifting fairy tale quality."
Check Out the Official Movie Trailer
If you are reading this on a mobile device and the video player doesn't
display, you can click on this line to watch the MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS Trailer (2022) on YouTube.
Stream, Rent or Buy This Heartwarming and Inspiring Film
There are multiple options for watching this movie, including:
This wonderful story encourages us to dream big but also keep our priorities
straight. I definitely plan to rent or buy the movie so I can watch it again
and plan to get the audiobook as well. Both the movie and the book would make
a lovely gift for any occasion, as well as a great stocking stuffer.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris: A Wonderful, Delightful, Inspiring Movie — Reviewed by Margaret Schindel
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
