"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings"

...Forget these I’m gonna tell you a few of Char’s favorite things.

The holiday season is upon us. Well not quite, but CVS seems to think it is so I suppose I need to keep up with the times. After last night’s hilarious episode of “30 Rock,” guest starring the wonderful Miss Oprah Winfrey and an afternoon spent perusing O Magazine, I have been inspired to create my own list of “Favorite Things” for winter. While, unlike Ope, I can’t afford to give away all of these goodies, I’ve considered budget friendly ways to have a classy semester.

So, with out further ado…I give you a few of my favorite things:

** Can be purchased at Target/most local supermarket

**Glade scented candles: While these are forbidden from most dorms (I won’t tell anyone), they are really a lovely way to cover up any nasty/unknown odors coming from the other half of the room. They advertise scents for “the perfect expression of every mood or occasion.” My personal favorites: French Vanilla, Apple Cinnamon and Moonlit Walk & Wandering Stream.
Tip: Peel off the sticker to make it look expensive. ($3.99 +)

Sebeka Wines of South Africa, Shiraz: A “fruit-driven wine with jammy blackberry, dark cherry and earthy notes as well as subtle hints of brown spices, cinnamon, and toasted oak.” Think Yellow Tail for quality. (Price varies)

**Magic Hat # 9: “A sort of dry, crisp, fruity, refreshing, not-quite pale ale. #9 is really impossible to describe because there's never been anything else quite like it. Our secret ingredient introduces a most unusual aroma which is balanced with residual sweetness.” Basically, it tastes like apricots and is lovely with cheese (which brings me to my next favorite thing!) ($6.99 +)

**Dubliner Cheese: “It combines the sharpness of mature cheddar, the nuttiness of Swiss, and piquant bite of Parmesan.” (4.99+) **Brie Cheese (Alouette will do 4.99). Spread over wheat crackers with a couple of drops of honey. Upon a recent experiment, I discovered that honey brings out the flavor of the brie quite nicely.

Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa: The salty and sweet combination is surprising and delightful—perfect for those cold Binghamton nights.

Godiva Dark Chocolate Raspberries: Made from real dried raspberries, this snack can be purchased right on campus in the Binghamton Barnes & Nobles. Don’t forget, dark chocolate has antioxidants, so really…it’s kind of good for you. ($3.95)

Metallic Vincent Van Gogh prints: Café Terrace at Night is currently hanging on my wall. These innovative twists on the classic pieces of art are perfect for the dorm room without risking being cliché or like everyone else with those Joker posters. (BeyondtheWall.com, $9.00+)

The Vitamin String Quartet: Enjoy tributes to your favorite artists/songs through a truly amazing “high quality string quartet.” I love to listen while I’m studying or reading. Familiar songs with no words to distract you make it easy to relax and get work done. They’ve got everything from Coldplay to Led Zeppelin. (itunes, vitaminrecords.com)

**Aussie Hair Products: Aussie products promise a “strong hold with touchable hair.” My entire suite has been using a variety of the shampoos, conditioners and hairsprays, and we couldn’t be happier with the current state of our hair.

**The holidays wouldn’t be complete without these gender neutral classic films: Home Alone, Love Actually (I swear guys, it’s not a chick flick), A Christmas Story, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (The cartoon). I personally like to sit down and watch all the “Friends” Thanksgiving episodes.

**Hapi Snacks Hot Wasabi Peas (Wasabi coated green peas): They’re healthy and addictive. Keep them at your desk when you’re writing a paper or Facebook stalking. Also, with cold season just around the corner, you can count on these to clear your sinuses.

Rosebud Strawberry lip balm: I’ve been using this product for years, and my lips are always moisturized and shiny. (Sephora.com $7)

**Tazo African Red Bush Tea: Made popular by Starbucks, this red tea is wonderful with honey and lemon.

Victoria's Secret Pink lounge pant/boyfriend pant: They’re baggy and warm and I wear these constantly around the dorm, and when I dare venture out to the dining hall. Easily the most comfortable item I own. (Victoriassecret.com, $35+)

**Dove Refresh Body Wash (waterlily and fresh mint scent)

In Cold Blood, Truman Capote: After reading this for my Love and Death in Modern Literature class (Pindell), This has easily become one of my new favorite books. The non-fiction novel is both addictive and disturbing—something every college student dreams of! (Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles)

Burberry The Beat: “Eau de parfum. a sparkling, floral and woody fragrance contained in a metal and glass bottle with iconic Burberry.” This is my favorite scent this season. While it’s definitely on the pricey side for us frugal college kids, put it on your holiday list. ($50+)
 

Dillinger's Wings:  Starting at 5 p.m, Thursday nights, you can get a dozen wings for only $3 at Dillinger's (State Street).  They're a delicious and cheap way to stay warm this winter.