Favorite Things

I saw this cool article on "MommySavers.com" about favorite things. Oprah's included a$500 Ralph Lauren sweater--the author of the article mused that $500 is a whole new wardrobe from Old Navy. Here are some of my indispensables from a woman addicted to lists. (Note: many of these are technology based, but most of them were gifts, so I don't feel quite so worldly.)

Bath and Body Works Foam Antibacterial Hand Soap
--I refill the dispenser with diluted soap refill. It has to be way watered downto make the foam, so it's economical, too.

Viva paper towels
--These work so great I spend the extra money on them

My digital camera
--Inspired by Ms. Nomer, I am learning to anthropologize my day with the camera. Keeps the grandparents happy, too.

My laptop and wireless unit
--I spend a lot of time nursing, and this helps me feel connected to my loved ones. Steve is building me a Frankenstein laptop to replace my work laptop.

My $5, 8-year old flip-flops
--I can walk 6 miles in these without my feet feeling a thing. Best $5 I ever spent!

Tivo
--This was a gift to us, and has been invaluable! I can catch all my cooking shows, and we don't end up channell surfing as much as we did. I think we watch less tv this way.

Netflix
--Again, a gift. Great variety (things the video store doesn't carry) and no late fees. Hoo-yah!

Ipod/Audiobooks
--I don't all asleep well on my own, so it's like being read a story to fall asleep. My ocean sounds got me through part of labor. =)

iTunes
--I can't remember what it was like when I couldn't just buy one song if I felt like it, or a whole album for $9.99. When I get a song in my head, I can go buy it for only a dollar!

Organized files
--I went through all our old files and tossed out everything older than 3 years (shredded). Now I can FIND stuff, and I feel like I have a very do-able system. The file cabinet is in an accessible place, so I actually use it.

My crochet supplies
--Absolutely necessary for scary movies or watching 24. Plus makes for nice, personal touch gifts.

The Sling
--Given to me by my sister-in-law, I could NOT have returned to a normal life with a baby without this thing. She loves it and it gives me 2 hands. She hates her car seat, but this makes it possible for me to shop!

Kitchen gadgets, as afore mentioned
--I think I will sum up favorite kitchen gadgets in another list sometime.