Unfortunately, I’m ending the year about the way I began, with my health dominating. I just had ankle reconstruction and have not gotten through all the products I’ve gotten the last few months. Truthfully, this is the only story I’ve done since the surgery and painkillers do not go with wine and spirits, so I’m afraid most of those are going to have to wait. Here’s what I have enjoyed lately. Coconut for a purpose… The benefits of coconut oil can go on and on. The top of the list for me is as a moisturizer. I’ve yet to find anything that can make my skin retain moisture like it.  It’s also a great hair conditioner, sunblock, cooking oil and more. Dignity Raw Coconut Oil does all these things as good, or better, than the rest, but its history makes it much more in need of purchase. As the name suggests, it’s about bringing dignity to by helping those living in poverty with a sustainable business. A partnership of engineers from the Philippines and the United States work...

It’s time to go holiday shopping.  I’m a little late with this, but Spoonies tend to be late with a lot of things. I’m going to make up for it by offering a ton of great ideas for you to give — and some you may want to keep for yourself.   By kids, for charity… I love things created by children and this one is extra special because the kids are using their talent and ability to help others. They even have special socks for illnesses and organizations, such as autism and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. The kids in charge are Brandon and Sebastian Martinez. They are now 15 and 13 respectively, but they first started their company in 2014! It was first done for local fundraising and then they took it national. The socks are adorable and well made. They are also quite comfortable. As of now, Are You Kidding Socks has raised $350,000 for charity. Pick up some pairs for gifts and help them out at the same time. You can purchase on their website .   Gentle scents for th...

It feels like summer has been here forever already, but it’s only the start. This heat makes me think of comfortable clothing, cool drinks, and barbecue. Comfortable Pants for a Good Cause… I will be wearing these One Tribe Elephant Harem Pants a lot this summer. They are cool and comfortable. At first, I was looking at them to just wear over my bathing suit, but I got so many compliments on them I’ll be wearing them out. As if the comfort isn’t enough, there are other reasons to purchase from One Tribe . Products are made in Thailand by local workers paid a fair wage. Also, for every pair of elephant pants sold, the company makes a donation to the Elephant National Park in Chang Mai, where they rescue endangered animals. The Best Burgers in the Country… In the 2017 Harris Poll, Five Guys dethroned In-N-Out as America’s Favorite Burger Chain. It’s the burger that’s the star here and that comes from Schweid & Sons , a family run ground beef company now in its ...

Whether you are looking for celebratory drinks, gifts, or just ideas for the future – Valentine’s Day is just around the corner – you’ve come to the right place. Reds for Your Table… I’m not a big red wine drinker, but I’ve learned to recognized what makes a good red. Sometimes I even find one that I really want on my own dinner table. I found two that fit that category this month: George Dubceuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2015 This wine is a meal in a glass. You’ll get the spice in the front and the fruit in the back, while it’s rich and jammy throughout. You could pair this with just about anything, but I prefer to sip and savor. Best of all, it’s under $15! Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d ‘Abruzza DOC I love to cook Italian food and I’m always in search for that Italian wine that will complement the meal. I opened a bottle of this Montepulciano (an Italian grape) and it worked perfectly with my Baked Ziti and Italian meatballs. It’s not too dry and full of f...