Santa, your elves are merciless this year; they want to know what’s on my list before the Thanksgiving turkey comes out of the oven. That’s a tough request when one has just finished unpacking every last earthly possession into a thankfully large and forgiving house- the idea of more things just seems asinine. However, because I am spoiled within a quarter inch of rotten, I do have a few requests this year. We’ll forgo that uncomfortable discussion about which list of yours I belong on.

A warm-weather comforter would be lovely- something with a botanical print, or maybe a floral, if the flowers were tiny.

My travel schedule for 2012 is coming along nicely, and it would be so wonderful to have a few things that make it easier. I need something to carry my jewelry in, something that zips and fits easily into my purse. I only carry a few precious pieces, and I want to keep it with me if my carry on bag is checked at the gate. It should be soft enough for my pearls, please. I could also use shoe bags or boxes- something that protects my clothes from my shoes, and my shoes from my clothes. Some of those travel-sized bottles would be awesome. I like the ones that are squeezable and prefer pull-tops to push-tops. Target has the best I’ve seen. Travel-sized makeup brushes would also be lovely.

Circular knitting needles might help me consume some of my vast yarn collection. I’m low on needle caps and those big metal things you use to take unfinished projects off the needles without undoing your work. I do a lot of taking unfinished things off of my needles.

My sister would be especially grateful if I found a few full slips under the tree- a light one and a dark one- because her campaign to get me to wear something under my dresses is consistently foiled by a lack of options.

Something that boils water in a fireplace without letting all the moisture up the chimney would be very helpful in reconciling my love for a roaring fire with dry, unhappy sinuses. Plus, you’d be helping me maintain my youthful complexion.

There’s a windowbox herb garden in my future, and I’m still obsessed with growing strange things in glass containers. A seedling mat would further both of those endeavors. Wildflower and herb seeds, charcoal and maybe even some lilac root would be awesome. There are things that grow here that also grow in the Midwest, but I can’t find them easily this far south.

We’re working on a household project, and I can’t explain, but fine-tip dry erase markers would blow it wide open.

Spin pins- those corkscrew bobby pins- are addictive.

I miss my adding machine. Sometimes there just isn’t any substitute for running a tape.

A small clutch or two in black or brown, something that also has a thin shoulder strap, would prove useful. I love my baggalini, but it doesn’t do anything for a cocktail dress.

I haven’t lost my affinity for sweaters, pens, coffee and dark chocolate hot cocoa. You might also be interested to know I’ve gained indirect access to an employee discount at Old Navy, so gift cards are magical there.

Should you find that I’ve been an extra-good girl this year, and want to share some of your Christmas magic?

You could top off my Ipad fund, though I probably won’t wait till Christmas to spend it, or contribute to next year’s Bloggers in Sin City trip. I certainly wouldn’t complain if I found a Cannondale Quick 4 hybrid bicycle under the tree. That Delta Sky Club membership would ease the sting of my occasional standby failures…

These two things are probably outside of your jurisdiction, but if you’re looking to prove a point, send my Uncle down here for a visit and leave a long list of interesting and well-funded clients in my stocking.

I’ll leave your cookies and bourbon in the kitchen nook. Don’t mind the cats.

love,

me