Since Joy seems to be in short supply this year, I thought perhaps some shopping could help. Writing about fashion finds and products of interest is a creative outlet for me that I find to be restorative.

In a “normal” year, by now I would have written several blogs about what you should be adding to your wardrobe and what you simply could not live without. Boy, this year has certainly crushed all of that. But, there are still things you can add to your closet even in these shelter-in-place times.

First things first. For the most part you are being seen waist up. Let’s call it dressing for the zoom. You need to make sure that you do give some attention to what you are wearing. Determine what your best colors are. What are you wearing when you get the most compliments? Figure that out and then you and your zoom callers will be uplifted. You can even add something with sparkle and perhaps some daytime sequins to really get festive. Even though you may be drinking wine in the happy hour time or coffee if it is a morning call, don’t forget lipstick. You remember lipstick, right? We would never leave the house without it, but now we don’t want it to be smeared all over our masks. But, having it on for a zoom call is a must do. I found just the right product. It is from Tarte cosmetics. It is Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip. It smooths and plumps your lips. It adds moisture to your lips and gives you a mirror shine that is not sticky. It is available at QVC, Sephora, and Macy’s.

There are days when you can venture out for a proper socially distanced lunch. This might be either in the park or at a restaurant that is accommodating what we need by giving us outdoor seating under a tent with heaters and cross ventilation. But, let’s admit it, now that it is December even with the addition of the heaters it can get pretty chilly. So, your outerwear needs to be just right. Puffer jackets continue to be best sellers along with Sherpa -Teddy Bear knits. I ordered a very well priced sherpa jacket that reverses to polar fleece from Susan Graver at QVC that is very toasty. Pop on a knit hat and a pair of fingerless gloves and you are ready for lunch.

The holidays are upon us so ordering gifts is a high priority now. For the women on your list I would recommend body lotions and bath products. Giving a beautiful scent can turn the shower or bath experience into a mini escape which is so well deserved. I have two favorite brands in this category. Philosophy has been a favorite line for me for many years. My favorite scents in bath and lotion are Gingerbread Man, Fresh Cream, Sweet Vanilla Fig, Apricots and Cream and Lemon Custard. Another line I am now using is Korres Olive Oil products. My favorite in this line is Olive Blossom. I got hooked on olive products after being in Greece in 2019. For skin care I recommend Rodan+Fields. Their multi function eye cream is sensational.

The mainstay of my gift giving searches are for my favorite little humans (AKA- my grandchildren). Of course I rely heavily on my daughter-in-law’s suggestions but I have a couple of extra gifts this year that were not on their list. One is PicassoTiles which are magnetic 3D building blocks. (available on Amazon in a variety of sets) I can’t wait to see this. It should arrive soon. This may drive my daughter-in-law crazy because there are so many pieces. I also found stuffed prayer animals for the two little ones. Press the tummy and prayers are recited. I got these at The Catholic Company on line.

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Books make great gifts. I have several suggestions for a variety of tastes. Waves of Hope by Ronald Edward Negra is a true story about Agnes Negra who was a wave of hope for so many families of prisoners of war in WWII. She would listen to her short wave radio and pass along information to families of servicemen. It gives me goosebumps to think about how a family felt when she would give them information. The story is so well done. (available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble). For a mom, I recommend Octopus Mom by Jill Goldberg. This book is a complete delight. Some days I think my grandchildren believe their mom is an octopus. I gave this to my daughter-in-law and she and the kids loved it (available on Amazon). A fun “chick book” is Girls Who Wear Glasses by Jennifer Inglis (available on Amazon). And last, but certainly not least is Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty (available on Amazon). I am in the process of reading this one. It sounds like a book I can use right now to help me find my purpose and shift my focus after all I’ve been through this year. Tom would like knowing that I’m going to work on getting my mojo back.

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I’m still working on gifts for the rest of the family. I’ve gotten several thing already but they may read this and I hate to spoil any surprises. Of course as Tom would say, my boys like anything green!! I know that, but I still like everyone to have packages to open and not just an envelop.

Wishing you all a blessed holiday and let us all look forward to 2021 and a vaccine. That will be the greatest gift of all.