2012 Birthday wish list

Recently I posted on Facebook that this year I tried to create my annual wish list but realized that this year it was harder for me to come up with one. I am at a point in my life where I am blessed with so much that I actually already have all that I need. And the things that I just "want", I know I probably don’t really need. Of course, even with those realizations, I still wouldn’t mind getting presents … so here is this year’s list. (It’s just really fun to do them even if I don’t really get everything on them!).

Crate and Barrel – Thermal Mirror Carafe (I’d like two please).
I’m obsessed with silver carafes – I think they are so elegant and they make even plain old drinking water seem more special when served from one of these.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/dining-and-entertaining/pitchers-and-decanters/thermal-mirror-carafe/s666645

SodaStream Genesis Soda Maker – In Black, please.
Saw the commercial and I thought to myself “My own soda maker, cool!”. It promises to be quick and easy to use. Plus good for the environment (no more soda bottles and cans to dispose of) and better for us too (no more high fructose corn syrup or aspartame). Need I say more?
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=128034

JJ Cole System 180 diaper bag – Black Damask
Yes, it’s my birthday and should be my present but a good diaper bag for my daughter would make MY life so much easier!
http://jjcolecollections.com/system-180-bag

Twilight Saga (boxed set).
I must confess I am a Twilight fan. It is a guilty pleasure. Read the books while in Manila (my sister’s friend lent us her paperbacks) now I want my own. Why? I don’t really know, just thought it would be nice to have them as part of my book collection.
http://www.amazon.com/Twilight-Saga-Boxed-Collectable-prints/dp/B001LYBYQS

Komachi Knife Set with Block
First of all, a budding chef (like myself) always needs good knives. Just look at how pretty these are (bright colors, cool block). But more than pretty, these knives are serious tools for any kitchen!
http://www.amazon.com/Pure-Komachi-9-Piece-Knife-Block/dp/B0029XAAQ0%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJFDWI7DARHXWAJGA%26tag%3Dgiftscom07-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0029XAAQ0

Beverage dispenser
Picture this – a balmy Spring evening, family and friends around the patio, steaks and sweet corn on the grill, and free-flowing freshly-made lemonade right from our very own tree served in one of these dispensers. Life would be good.
http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/templates/HP4.jhtml?itemId=cat2840732&parentId=cat000032&masterId=cat14540735&cmCat=&view=&page=1&filter1Type=&filter1Value=&filter2Type=&filter2Value=&filterOverride=&sort=&altFilter=

Also, one could never go wrong with giftcards. Some people think they are impersonal and mean that the giver didn’t want to exert any thought or effort in picking something out. I happen to think they are an easy solution that makes everyone happy. The giver is safe in gift-giving etiquette by getting something that will be used and appreciated. The receiver is happy that he/she gets a present (the thought is there) and that he/she can really get what he/she likes. I think it does matter though to get giftcards to a store that the receiver actually likes to shop in! In my case, giftcards to Barnes & Noble, Homegoods, Kohls and Target would be much appreciated!