All in Products & Gift Ideas

"See Ya Later" Pinches

"See Ya Later" Pinches

Barb Pellicer Paton
Food & Beverages, Healthy Family, Products & Gift Ideas

The invitation for the “See Ya Later” party that my friends threw for me said, “No gifts. “ We all know how that goes. And admittedly, I am the biggest rule breaker whenever I see that phrase on an invite. Fortunately some friends read my blog post that mentioned gifts for someone moving. I didn’t open any gifts immediately after the party because I needed a few days to let that party sink in. Since there was a lot of thoughtfulness that went into each rule-breaking gift, sharing the thoughtful pinches may be helpful. The next time there is a need to say “See Ya Later” to a friend who is moving, you’ll be ready!

Spring Tea

Spring Tea

Barb Pellicer Paton
Food & Beverages, Healthy Family, Products & Gift Ideas, Seasons

I love that the three ladies in the picture above gathered their friends from the club and hosted a tea party. It was a lovely time. Some of us hadn’t seen each other in two years due to the pandemic. Typically, not seeing each other at the club is only at most, a season or two in between. Therefore, we appreciated the opportunity to attend the tea party because it was a reunion for many of us

Coffee, Tea or Bubble?

Coffee, Tea or Bubble?

Barb Pellicer Paton
Food & Beverages, Holidays/National Days, Products & Gift Ideas, Travel & Leisure

While we were in Denver a few weeks ago, I found myself totally clueless about bubble tea. We had been looking for houses (my least favorite thing to do) and it was suggested that I reward myself by having a bubble tea. Yes, please! Due to Covid, we had to use the drive thru at the bubble tea shop named Mini Moo’s Tea Shop because the walk-in or dine-in options were not available. Looking at all the options on a billboard, while in a car, knowing that there are cars behind me, made me panic. I didn’t know what to order because I didn’t know what bubble tea was. Everyone else in my car knew exactly what to get. I ended up getting a watermelon flavored milk tea with bubbles.

Pretzel Pinches

Pretzel Pinches

Barb Pellicer Paton
Food & Beverages, Holidays/National Days, Products & Gift Ideas, Politics & Religion

When I recently learned that there was such a day as National Pretzel Day, I searched my file of gift ideas to look for a certain pretzel company to help with this special occasion. My cousin Jay-Jay had sent us a “You Lucked Out” gift pack of pretzels this year for St. Patrick’s Day and it was such a bit hit. For National Pretzel Day, I am using the same company, Eastern Standard Provisions Company. A few days ago, I ordered some thoughtful pinches and I’m hoping that the pretzel gift packs arrive in time to celebrate!

National Pencil Day

National Pencil Day

Barb Pellicer Paton
Holidays/National Days, Products & Gift Ideas, Travel & Leisure

Many people, including myself, consider me “old school”. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that I would get so excited to learn about National Pencil Day. Pencils are so my jam - I can’t wait to celebrate this national day. I use pencils to write so many notes that I go thru them like water. Every Fall, when it’s time to buy new school supplies, my kids do not need pencils because their school provides them. But that doesn’t stop me from taking advantage of the low “back to school” prices and buying fresh packs of No. 2s.

National Floral Design Day

National Floral Design Day

Barb Pellicer Paton
Food & Beverages, Healthy Family, Holidays/National Days, Products & Gift Ideas, Travel & Leisure, Seasons

Besides flowers being considered a gesture of love and care, they represent beauty and remind us of hope. Think of all the occasions that flowers are a part of - weddings, funerals, births, dinner parties, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Spring, tea parties, Thanksgiving etc. Not to mention the scents of flowers are so naturally intoxicating. As obvious as it may seem that flowers can set the tone for any event, to me, the mystery about flowers has always been in floral designs. I know nothing about which flowers go well together and which certain positions of the flowers look pleasing to the eye. People, professional or layman, who know how to arrange flowers in a way that can make us feel certain emotions should be celebrated.

Umbrella

Umbrella

Barb Pellicer Paton
Healthy Family, Holidays/National Days, Products & Gift Ideas, Travel & Leisure

I cannot even say the word umbrella ella, ella, eh, eh, eh without singing it like Rihanna. What I love about an umbrella is that its function is both necessary and thoughtful. When we hold an umbrella over our head to shield off the rain or the sun, we are less bothered as Mother Nature does her thing. Thoughtfulness happens when we share an umbrella. Together we are safer and more comfortable than we are without one. My heart sings to see someone hold the umbrella over another’s head so that they can walk to/from the car in the rain without getting wet. So sweet!

World Nutella Day

World Nutella Day

Barb Pellicer Paton
Food & Beverages, Holidays/National Days, Products & Gift Ideas

Do you know what Nutella is and if so, do you like it? The hazelnut and cocoa combo is spreadable, like peanut butter. Some don’t like it but most people really love it. I first learned of Nutella when my hub and I were dating. Before I met him, he lived in Milan, Italy, where Nutella was commonly found in baked goods. He said he would have a jar or two at his apartment so that he could spread it on fresh bread when he wanted a snack. When I tasted it for the first time, I remember thinking , “Where have you been all my life?”.

Hot Chocolate Day!

Hot Chocolate Day!

Barb Pellicer Paton
Holidays/National Days, Food & Beverages, Products & Gift Ideas

I miss hot chocolate. It’s not really the chocolate that I miss, although chocolate is a big part. I miss the feeling that I get from drinking it. I miss the snuggly, sweet feeling of having a beverage that warms my body and calms my mind. I am a tea drinker but there is something different about a cup of hot chocolate versus a nice cup of tea. I am tempted, especially during these uncertain times, to throw the “no chocolate” (a.k.a. caffeine) restriction out the window and just drink a cup of hot chocolate. This would mean risking a night of no sleep but it may be worth it.

The Passion Pinch

The Passion Pinch

Barb Pellicer Paton
Healthy Family, Products & Gift Ideas

I accidentally watched a video that I posted on Saturday, January 2, 2021 and I am so embarrassed!! I said two things that need explanations. First I thanked my stylist for doing such a wonderful job in picking out clothes that give me grace if I gained weight (which I did). Then, I actually said, “I still feel pretty.” UGH!

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