I never thought the books were well-written, but I did find the story engaging. The movie, on the other hand, was done very well. And Robert Pattinson? Mmm.

Not surprising, then, to show you what I’ve just ordered: the two-disc special edition of Twilight- which means more Edward and Bella around here. And just look at what’s included:

Audio commentary by Catherine Hardwicke, Kristen Stewart, and Robert Pattinson (!)
Muse music video: “Super Massive Black Hole”
Paramore music video: “Decode”
Linkin Park music video: “Leave Out All the Rest”
Five extended scenes with director introductions
Five deleted scenes with director introductions
Seven-part documentary: “The Adventure Begins: The Journey from Page to Screen”
Comic-Con “fandom” piece
Comic-Con NY sizzle reel
Three trailers
Penelope trailer

The two-disc Twilight Special Edition DVD is $22.99 from Amazon »

P.S. While you’re at it, go ahead and order the Twilight Soundtrack- an awesome collection of tunes, and one of my favorite soundtracks ever.

With the world economy being what it is, however, I have to admit that I was a little wary of the new film based on the first book of the series. Would the subject matter be in poor taste, in these days when even Vogue is publishing lists of “gifts below $10″?

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about: the film – like the book- is fun, smartly done, and most importantly, entertaining. As I sat through the movie, watching the adorable Isla Fisher being adorable, I forgot about my own- er- shopaholicness. Some things were over the top, yes, but the book prepared me for that. I’m looking forward to the sequel(s) now.

Did you see Confessions of a Shopaholic? What did you think?

That’s right, it’s not long now until Sex & the City: the Movie hits the big screen! I’m excited. Can you tell?

These videos cover everything from artful holiday gift-wrapping, to non-alcoholic party drinks with garnishes, to Holiday Hanukkah recipes. Download from Amazon at $1.99 an episode:
DIY’s Holiday Workshop

It’s a Wonderful Life
The number one Christmas film, for me. Frank Capra’s classic story reminds us of what’s truly important in life- and never fails to make me cry. Buckets.

Peanuts Holiday Collection (A Charlie Brown Christmas/A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving/It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown)
These cartoons are a must-see every year, I don’t care if you’re seven or seventy! The music is pretty awesome too.

Miracle on 34th Street
I love this movie any time of year. When I first saw it as a child, I believed in it so much that I made my mom take me to Macy’s to see the “real” Santa Clause. Hey, I was three

A Christmas Story
“You’ll shoot your eye out!” Need I say more?

Elf
Seriously funny, and a good choice for both kids and adults. Just looking at that photo of Will Ferrell makes me laugh.

The Nightmare Before Christmas
My regular readers already know that I’m a fan of this excellent animation by Tim Burton. Lovely if you want a change from the usual Jingle Bells-ian sort of Christmas.

Scrooge
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been made for the screen numerous times, but this, the musical with Albert Finney, will always be my favorite version. A glorious story, amazing acting, and music that takes me back every time. If you’ve never seen this, please, please do.

But what if you’ve done all that (or, uh, haven’t gotten around to it), and you’re still stumped on what to get? Here, some stylish finds that should please any couple. And since they’re all available from Amazon (or through our Amazon-affiliated Store), buying them is just a click away:

for The Traditional Couple

Churchill China Chelsea Blue Willow 45-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 8

Based on a legend of two star-crossed Chinese lovers, the pattern of this dinnerware features intricate double borders with a combination of geometric detailing for a fabric-like visual texture. The central imagery depicts a Chinese landscape complete with bridges, a river, trees, and houses. Two doves – reincarnations of the fugitive lovers – hover above the scene.

A 45-piece collection that includes eight place settings, each with a 10-inch dinner plate, an 8-inch salad plate, an 8-3/4-inch rimmed bowl, a 5-1/2-inch saucer, and an 8-ounce teacup. Rounding out the set, the five completer pieces include an oval platter, a vegetable bowl, a creamer, a sugar bowl, and a sugar bowl lid.

Chelsea Blue Willow dishes are made from high-fired earthenware and have a chip-resistant glossy glaze over the transfer-printed pattern. Designed to stand up to frequent use, the line is safe in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.

for The Practical Couple

Black & Decker PD600 Pivot Plus 6-Volt High Performance Screwdriver

Decidedly unromantic, but oh-so-practical- this is the type of gift the bride and groom don’t usually know they need, but need very badly- especially if they’ve just moved into a new home. This tool is powerful with a capital P. It’s got a 2-speed gear box that gives you a low speed for screwdriving and high speed for drilling, superior “pivoting action”, and- this is a nice touch- an integrated light with separate on/off switch to illuminate dark work areas.

for The Pythonite Couple

The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Megaset

If the bride and groom are the type who suddenly quote bits from “Fish License” and spew insults like “Your mother was a hamster…”, they’ll love this DVD “megaset”. It contains all 45 episodes- in chronological order- of Monty Python’s Flying Circus. That’s three-and-a-half seasons of dead parrots, cross-dressing lumberjacks, loonies, upper class twits, and spam, spam, spam, spam, spam, spam, spam, baked beans, spam, spam, and spam.