Edible Gifts
While I prefer to make "food" gifts, I don't always have time. I have finally accepted the fact that it's perfectly OK to let other people do the work for me. Here are a few suggestions for edible gifts that only require the time it takes to drive to the appropriate store.
From the Artist's Hands
The Jackson area is filled with tons of creative folks offering handmade items that would make wonderful holiday gifts. Each item carries the essence of the person who made it. What a wonderful way to connect with community. Each piece is a labor of love that you can pass on to a special person in your life. Jingle your way over to this week's JFP Issuu for more merry fun.
Spiritual Exploration
Check out these titles to learn how different people worship (or don't) and how to co-exist harmoniously with your newfound knowledge. All books available at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55, Suite 202, 601-366-7619)
Gifts of the Spirit
Looking to seek the inner within? Or perhaps a journey to Nirvana? Each of us seek to to find the peace within ourselves. Or at least enjoy the road trip. Light some candles and head over to the latest JFP Issuu for gift ideas and some spiritual enlightenment.
Church Lady
In times past, tradition dictated that a woman of a certain age cover her head when entering a church on Sunday mornings. It all started with the biblical apostle Paul. In a letter he wrote to the Corinthians, he said women should cover their heads during worship service. It's a commandment many women, especially black women, have taken to heart.
Mythic Paint
Across from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg sits the retro-logoed Mythic Paint national headquarters and lab. A spattering of Mini Coopers is in the parking lot among the regular cars. The cars are driven in locations around the country to advertise the Green Wise certified non-toxic, low order and zero VOC paint, developed at USM's School of Polymers and High Performance Materials after six years of research.
DIY Bibles
Even the best of us need a good help book. The real problem is to find one that matches your style. Fortunately, we've already did the hard part for you.
Drowning In Wallpaper
I'm pretty sure I have permanent neck damage. It happened when I decided it was time to take down the wallpaper in my daughter's bathroom. It wasn't bothering my daughter, but the water spots, on what used to be a lovely patterned paper, were just more than I could stand.
The Headboard Blues
When one door closes ... you build a headboard.
You Can't Imagine
I was enjoying my late morning leisure. The kids were in school, and Kitty was at her office. This was Tom Time. I was nestled into the sofa, Café Cubano in one hand and TV remote in the other, toggling back and forth between MSNBC and The Food Network.
Laid Back Style
Nate Berkus—you know Nate, the interior-design god of Oprah Winfrey fame—says, "Your home should rise up to greet you." But sometimes after being greeted, you just want to lounge. You don't want to entertain. You just want to sit in solitude and enjoy the lovely space you've created for yourself.

Urban Oasis
Michele Escude's dream is coming true this month in Fondren. circa., the new retail venue that she and her husband, Craig, created, opened for its soft launch in early November and will enjoy its grand opening during Fondren Unwrapped on Nov. 18.
Nandy's Candy: Land of the Sweet
From the moment you walk in the door, bags of candy greet you. Behind wooden candy cases are assortments of green, yellow and pink candy jars, and as many chocolates as one person can imagine. American truffles, caramel and pecan treats, caramel popcorn, mint ice and English toffee are just some of the sweets you'll find in Nandy's Candy.
Melanie's: The Sweet Story
The smell of freshly baked cookies hits you as you walk in. To your left are biscotti; to your right are muffins, cupcakes and lemon squares. Directly in front stands a lady whose fancy gold earrings pale next to her big smile and hot-pink polka-dotted apron.
Fright Night Fashions
There's nothing wrong with dressing up in a costume to have a little Halloween fun if that's what you're into. But if you're like a lot of folks, you'd rather avoid the tricks, and go for the treats, and pay homage to the ghosts and ghouls holiday by just drinking a little witches brew.