VIRTUAL IS OUR REALITY

'Tis the season for mail-order shopping, ZOOMED white elephant exchanges, and Door-Dash delivery of holiday meals. It's virtually impossible to enjoy the company of our loved ones like we did just last year, but it's been a joy to see so many friends, clients, and colleagues live up to the challenge of finding festive and fun alternatives. I, too, have discovered a few new favorite things during the last nine months of lockdown - many in brown paper packages tied up with string - that I'd like to share with you in IdeAlchemy's First Annual Winter Wishlist below. As we all countdown to the New Year and our places in line for the COVID-19 vaccine, I wish you all a healthy, happy, socially distant holiday season. Warmly, Jenie Founder & Chief IdeAlchemist IdeAlchemy LIVING ROOM CONCERTS

The Soraya, the Valley's Center for the Performing Arts at Cal State Northridge offers a rousing Tribute to Linda Ronstadt with electric performances by Aida Cuevas, La Marisoul, David Hidalgo, Sara Watkins and more! The Philharmonic Society of Orange County snagged a virtual residency with Sheku & Isata Kanneh-Mason. You might remember him from the Royal Wedding of Meghan and Harry. This weekend, they perform Rachmaninoff.

COZY COMFORTS

Serendipity led me to the artisan tea company Artful Tea in Santa Fe this December. I've gifted this tea sampler several times - and sent one to myself. Nothing like a cuppa to provide comfort and joy as we weather this storm.

Nippon Kodo's devotion to making fine incense follows a long and honored tradition that started more than 400 years ago! My husband Mark and I love the soothing scents of sandalwood and palo santo. MAGICAL READS

When reality bites, I escape into historical fiction. Madeline Miller brings to life Greek goddess Circe and her knowledge of sorcery in her riveting book of the same name. And (spoiler alert) Circe turns her would-be rapists into swine. You think we have it rough? Imagine it's 1617 in Norway when an evil storm washes away all the men of a little fishing town. NPR raves "in every wind-blown crag and damp crevice of The Mercies, women find ways to survive and live or die on their own terms."

WORTHY CAUSE

Due to COVID, more than 50 million people may experience food insecurity in 2020 and beyond, including a potential 17 million children. For more than 40 years, Feeding America has responded to the needs of individuals struggling with food insecurity in this country. Because of all we have and how many are in need this season, Mark and I donated to this amazing charity in honor of our friends and family this Christmas. Consider making your donation here.

MY GIFT TO YOU Begin 2021 with a free marketing & communication consultation! Email me at jeniedahlmann@gmail.com to schedule today.