Birthday in T-minus 35 days

My birthday is in 35 days. One month and 5 days. While I'm not getting ready to celebrate or even declare it as my birthday month I am starting to brew some ideas for presents. I like to think about my wish list for a while so that when the time comes I will have really thought out my options and not ask for something on a whim.

Chris is surprising me with a little mini-vacay the weekend of my birthday. He's planning a trip to some unknown local! He's going to try and keep our destination a secret for as long as possible. But, I think he will have to give it up once we get to the airport.

Since Chris is taking me on a trip the only presents I will be receiving are from my parents. Here are some of my ideas:


A copy of Swallow Magazine (which, yuck, totally sounds like a porn but is actually a foodie mag)



Bon Appitie describes Swallow Magazine as unlike any other food magazine. "Distributed biannually, each issue focuses on a different region of the world. One part service journalism, one part ethnography of culinary cultures, and one part art project, Swallow reads as intimately as a backpacker's diary but thrives on experimental aesthetics. Each issue features lush and often bizarre food photography and stories. The graphic depictions of some food prep techniques--like hunting, butchering, and cooking marmots with Mongolian huntsmen--might cause you to squirm. (Or maybe they'll cause you to buy a plane ticket and get the experience firsthand.)"

Read more here

A new point and shoot camera-- Olympus Stylus
My sweet little pink nikon was broken a year and a half ago during a camping mishap. It would cost more to fix than just to get a new camera (so much for being green). Since I am really hard on cameras I am desperately wanting the Olympus Stylus. It's crush-proof, water-proof, freezer-proof (does anyone REALLY need this?), and shock-proof. The big question is if it is Meredith-proof. I have a larger camera but I this would be perfect to throw in a pocket or take to (or into!) the ocean.



And really that's is. Only two items? And one is only $25; this list is so boring! Help! What amazing items am I missing? Maybe an iPad? Cash? Clothes?

What should I add to my list?