Keep Your Cat Happy With FUNKitty Toys From Premier

Our cat Cosmo is very picky about the toys he plays with.

Really, he doesn't like anything. He does like empty cardboard boxes and bags and the occasional olive or grape that rolls off the table excites him for a few minutes, but it's like living with a moody actor - he just doesn't want to do anything.

So when I saw the FUNKitty series of toys by Premier, I thought, ooh, if we had a different cat, I bet they'd love this!

But despite his occasional grumpiness (it's not his fault - he was mistreated before my fella got him), he is a wonderful guy whom I want to bring much happiness to. So I thought I'd give it a try.

We started with the Twist 'n Treat (pictured above). This awesome little invention is like a spinning top. You unscrew the top part and fill the bottom with treats and/or food. You screw it on, leaving a little opening. The cat then is to bat it around and with enough force, a treat or two will come flying out.

I have to say, Cosmopolitan took to it right away! He's been bunging the thing around for a couple of weeks now and he's still interested in it. This is a first, ladies and gentlemen. Usually he is so over something in a few minutes like a bored teenager rolling their eyes at something you think is cool, but is clearly already lame.

Not only does he like it, but we love it because he's getting exercise while he's playing with it. He runs around the house with it, batting it against the bookshelves and sometimes even under the couch ("I'm coming, Cosmo!").

You can get Twist 'n Treat Teaser that comes with a feather as well.

The Egg-cersizer is similar in design, but different enough that should Cosmo tire of the Twist 'n Treat, we have a backup to keep him from getting cabin fever and from driving us crazy.

And we've got the FUNKitty Doorway Dangler on standby for a little change of pace when Cosmo is looking for attention.

Look, if Cosmo is enticed, this means it's a helluva line, through and through.

Shop Premier's FUNKitty and give your cat a joyous holiday!

Shop at Ten Thousand Villages and Make a Real Difference!

Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit Fair Trade organizations that sells stylish, ethnically-inspired and ethically sources products in stores and online.

They provide vital, fair income to Third World people by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America.

By shopping at Ten Thousand Villages, you can buy gifts with meaning, green gifts and shop ethically for you and your home all in one convenient location. Just imagine how meaningful a graduation, wedding or anniversary gift when it's been handcrafted with such love, care and dedication. And they have a gift registry, which is wonderful.

You can choose from personal accessories, home furnishing, textiles, books and stationery, plant and garden, jewelry, skin care, food items, toys and musical instruments, some of which are made from reused, reclaimed, sustainable or organic materials.

Here are some of my recent favourites:

The Cotton Ikat Tablecloth w/ Gingham shows off the season's biggest trend and is just in time for patio season. Your backyard barbecue never looked better. On second thought, you'd better get the matching napkinsfor a truly complete look.

We use a Bamboo Folding Table as our coffee table so that our living room can work in a number of different ways.

I think the Natural & Lime Kaisa Basket is the perfect accent piece for my breakfast bar. And the Reverse Painted Serving Tray (pictured above) is a wonderful time saver when entertaining.

For no-fail gift giving, Portraits is a stellar choice, as is The BitterSweet World of Chocolate. Bookends are always useful and what about a wine rack that folds up? Perfect for taking up to the cottage for the week! And who doesn't love jewelry as a gift?

Being an avid cook, I love how fresh the food and ingredients are, as well as the fact it is all fairly-traded and much of it is organic - all at completely and affordable prices! I get my spices here (like their wonderful curry and za'atar) and I pay LESS for them than at my local grocery store!

Last year, I bought over half of my Christmas presents at Ten Thousand Villages and for once, I felt good about shopping. My purchases really meant something.

You can visit them online via the US or Canada or go in person to one of their many store locations.

Hide Your Valuables in Style with Poke n' Stuffem Handmade Lovelies!

At first glance, you might think they are awfully strange looking.

But Poke n' Stuffem, lovingly handmade creatures made by Rachel, are heartwarming little guys that will win you over with their soft, cushy goodness and individuality.

And just like you, there are no two alike. You've gotta love a completely original and that makes them an especially tremendous gift, don't you think?

They are "made by hand paying special attention to detail, with some help from the sewing machine. Because they are hand-made there is a possibility of some imperfections which only adds to their individual character."

There are different lovable kinds to get, or adopt.

There are Monsters, Tame Ones, Shameless and On the Loose, each with their own purpose and design.

Monsters come with their own pocket so that you can hide your valuables, or simply have it hold onto your remote as it keeps you company on the couch. If you don't want a pocket with yours, you'll want a Tame One.

My little guy is so darn cute, don't be surprised if you start to tote yours around the house with you. His name is "The Three Stare Bear" (or as I call him, TSB for short) and his tag says:

"What's that peeking out behind the bush? Oh it's just the lovable, cuddleable, cutesy, tootsie, mutant bear. All three eyes on you, you dirty bear."

TSB is a warm milk chocolate colour with the tiniest threads of silver. He has 2 yellow felt eyes and an orange one, finished with brown buttons and a yellow "xxx" mouth. He has an orange tail and kind of looks like a version of a teddy you might have had as a kid, but with a handmade, soft-edged futuristic twist.

And he is insanely soft. So soft that you may just wanna rub him all over your body.

But don't - that's bear abuse!

There isn't one on the Poke n' Stuffem site that resembles him (I told you they are completely one-of-a-kind!), so I photographed TSB (picture above) so that you can see how amazing he is.

Don't you want one of each design?

Me too!

Thank you, Rachel, for creating these fun-loving little guys. They are a real treasure, as are you.

Order a bunch of 'em now.

Relax and Have Fun with Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty

A couple of months ago, my fella brought home this blue, sticky stuff that you use to put up posters. It had been at his office and he wanted to use it for something around the house.

There was a little torn off piece that was extra from what he'd needed. While watching TV one night, I started rolling it between my hands and fingers. Suddenly, I became very relaxed.

It's probably because both my parents are artists and when I was little, my Mom took me to this amazing art store and loaded me up with putty of all different colours. We spent years molding things into shape. My Mom was incredible at it - she once made a complete farm with realistic cows and horses!

After feeling such a sense of serenity out of rolling this substance in my hand, I knew it would be even better with the real thing.

Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty is just that.

First of all, it comes in a crazy amount of colours and varieties, such as:
- Liquid Glass - Heat Sensitive Hypercolours - Glow in the Dark - Supermagnetic - Colour Shifting Illusions - Electrics - Metallics - Primaries - Classics

You can mold it, tear it, stretch it and bounce it at home, while traveling or at the office to destress in between meetings.

I got my hands on Electrics Emerald Green, which is really the most beautiful colour, and Chameleon, which changes colour when you touch it.

And it's non-toxic, so you can work it and not worry about fumes and chemicals.

It's so much fun.

I'm taking a tin over to my Mom. I think we have a few farm animals left to make...