Faux-Prah's 2nd Annual Favorite Things Giveaway

Oprah! That lying fool!  She swore that she was all done doing her "Favorite Things" episode and I positioned myself to become the next Media Cajillion-aire by declaring myself "Faux-prah".  Then Oprah brought back her "Favorite Things" episode as a special.  She is a total liar, but of course, I'm a total sucker, fell under her spell, and I watched the special.  I cried, cheered, and screamed right along with the ladies on the TV.

This lady loves Faux-prah! 

My absolute favorite thing about Oprah's Favorite Thing show was watching the ladies get whipped into a frenzy about everything they were getting.  Then I would call one of my friends who absolutely hates the show but watches anyway and we would go over the details.  I would tell her all the things I just HAD to have and she would tell me how many ladies fainted clutching their free loot. 

Even though Oprah brought back her show, I'm still going to carry on building my "Faux-prah" empire.  Which, lucky for you, includes my annual "Faux-prah's Favorite Things" giveaway.  I pick a handful of my favorite things and you get to win them! Hooray!  You can see what was on last years list here, and details on how Faux-Prah got started.

I had the best time coming up with this list and a hard time narrowing it down.  

#1 - The Our Best Bites Cookbook by Sara Wells and Kate Jones

I've made some terrible meals in my lifetime, I come by it honestly, my mom was a mediocre cook.  She tried and we were always on some crazy diet that the latest medicine man or village healer was prescribing my family.  Oh the stories I could tell just on that subject alone.  I also find that I just don't really have the enthusiasm to plan and cook a meal every night, especially if it's just going to be ho-hum.

Then last year while shopping at Costco in LA, I stumbled upon a cookbook called Our Best Bites:  Two Mormon Moms in the Kitchen.   I picked it up and had to think for a moment, "Wait, am I in Utah?  Idaho? No... what in the world is this book doing in Los Angeles?"  I bought it, just because I was curious to see why these Mormon Moms were in Costco.

I tried the Spicy Honey Chicken (page 119 and on their blog) and my family cheered!  We grilled up the Pineapple-Ginger Flank Steak (page 136) and my family raved about it.  One day I made these ladies homemade breadsticks to go along with their Lemon-Zucchini Fettucine and Mr. Man said, "Wow, this dinner is great!  Where did you order it from?"  He was taken back when I said, "I made it all myself!"

This Thanksgiving, I tired Kate's Thanksgiving Turkey, and it was the best Turkey I've ever tasted.  It was out of this world.  When people asked about our Thanksgiving, my family would chime in with, "The Turkey was my mom's best EVER!"    Mr. Man is probably the "Our Best Bites" ladies #1 fan.   I haven't made anything that my family didn't love and I haven't been slaving in the kitchen for hours.  I love it when I come out looking like a champ and I didn't have to put in much effort. 

Even better, the food tastes fancy, but doesn't require me to hunt to the top of a mountain during a snowstorm to retrieve 2 quail eggs from a white dove like Mrs.Mother-in-Law's cookbook.   (In the off chance you already have this cookbook, I'll happily supply you with their 2nd Cookbook, Our Best Bites: Savoring the Seasons.)

#2 Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm

Lip Balm?  Yes, really.  This is more like a "lip experience" than a lip balm.   It's no secret I've been getting what my dermatologist likes to refer to as a "35,000 mile tune up" on my skin.   I have had some laser treatments done to my face to remove sun damage and erase some fine wrinkles.   People can tell something is going on because every other month I seem to channel Jackie O for a few days while I heal.

One of my favorite compliments I've received was, "Madamoiselle, tell me... did you have your lips done?"  I haven't had my lips "done" but I have switched to this fabulous lip balm.  I don't know what it is about this stuff but it makes your lips look just a bit plumper, smoother, and gives it a subtle hint of color.  I have given this to all my friends and said, "I love this.. try it!"  They all love it and I'm pretty sure you are going to love it too!

#3  $25 Amazon.com Gift Certificate
 

Amazon is a repeat offender on my Faux-Prah giveaway.   I just didn't see how I could do the list without it.  With my prime membership, everything from applesauce to the worlds best screwdriver is delivered to my door.   I rarely have to leave the house, thanks to Amazon and now the Amazon delivery man and I are BFF's.   Amazon has really enabled me to become a crazy recluse who talks to deer as though they were actual friends.   My only beef with Amazon, is the fact that I have unsuccessfully been able to bribe the Amazon delivery man to pick up bread and milk.   If he did that, I swear I'd never leave my house. With the gift certificate, you'll be able to qualify for free delivery and maybe you might use it to pick up some of last years favorites.

 Like Mr. Seven Hands...  who I just can't keep my hands off of.

#4  The Book Thief 

This book was one of those books that once I got past the first 25 pages I just couldn't put down.  Then after I was done with the book, I missed the characters like they were friends.   It is narrated by the Grim Reaper during the Holocaust and gives such an interesting point of view.  I don't really want to say too much about it, other than I loved it.  It was my favorite book I've read this year, and I'm dying to discuss it with someone.

#5  The Snap Leash  

*Dog not included

This leash is my new favorite because of it's versatility.   When I have one of the dogs with me at the park, I usually end up tying them around the bench or a tree while I help a kiddo on the equipment.  This leash is a snap! I can adjust the length of the leash to any length and I can wrap the leash around any size tree or bench.   Miss AK likes to walk Zoey, and I can make the leash super short for her to have a short lead.   It's been super handy and it's the leash I always leave in my car because I can use it anywhere.  

To enter the contest:  All you have to do is leave a comment in this post.  You can tell me your favorite things or favorite holiday activity.  To receive an additional entry, you can share this giveaway on Facebook, just leave me a comment below that says you shared it on Facebook.

The contest runs until Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 11:59pm. The winner will receive all five of the items listed above.   Winner will be picked via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond. The winner will be announced Thursday December 13th, 2012.

*Disclaimer: I received zero compensation for this post or any of the items in the giveaway.  All opinions are my own, and this giveaway is not affiliated with any of the companies listed above or Oprah herself.