My friend and I have been exchanging odd gifts for the past couple of months. Our little gifts have ranged from My Little Ponies, parachute men, and Play-doh to sashes and tiaras. My mom and I recently visited the thriving Mecca that is Laughlin, Nevada and I found this little bedazzled frog in one of the Premium Outlet Shops. It was simply too amazing of a gift to leave behind, and far too awesome to not share in this public forum. This little froggy even has a name - he was dubbed “Oswaldo.” Enjoy.

- Kelli Skye

What is more decadently comforting than gooey cheese and/or chocolate fondue?!

I was reminded of this at the opening party this week for the new Melting Pot restaurant in Brea, the third Orange County location (Irvine and San Clemente are the other sites).

I’ve always loved the traditional Swiss cheese fondue at Melting Pot (Grùyere and Emmenthaler Swiss cheeses blended with white wine, garlic, lemon and even a bit o’ nutmeg), but at this party, I was introduced to the Wisconsin Trio ( Fontina, Butterkäse and Buttermilk Bleu stirred up with white wine, scallions and a hint of sherry). Yeah, sure, you betcha - I’m a sworn cheesehead after tasting that luscious blend.

But when it comes to the chocolates, I can’t pick a favorite. All of them are blissful - the raspberry dark chocolate, the silky white chocolate swirled with Disaronno Amaretto, the Cookies ‘n CreamMarshmallow Dream … with big, fat strawberries to dunk in them.

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JESSICA

Other people’s abs: I think it’s safe to say I’m obsessed now with turning my stomach area from flab to fab. I’m going straight to the horse’s mouth and interviewing some athletes who can give me the secrets to their ab success.

CYNTHIA

Bubblegum ice cream (in a cake cone): I can’t get enough of it these past few weeks (lots of trips to Baskin-Robbins). It’s the perfect summertime treat, and you never get too old to enjoy it.

Big Love: I’m captivated by this HBO series about a polygamist family living in suburban Utah.

LAILA

Ali Farka Touré: His last album, “Savane,” is a relaxing mix of American blues and African music with hypnotic acoustics.

Vegetarian recipes: Two at the top of my list to try are Scalloped Parsnip Baja Tacos and Tofu-Spinach Lasagna, compliments of vegcooking.com. Mmm!

ERLINA

“Super Sweet 16” on MTV: Yeah, so?

DEGEN

Personal watermelons: Sweet, delicious, and just the right size for one. Even better: getting them at 99 Cent Only.

French press coffee: Especially with the “High Octane” blend from It’s A Grind.

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If you missed The Hootenanny this year, have no fear. Mike Ness and the rest of Social Distortion are gearing up for their yearly House of Blues stint. Tickets for all three nights of Social D at the House of Blues Anaheim are now on sale for $27.50. They always sell out fast so altough November 19-21 seems like a lifetime away, buying now is a must.

If you miss out on the Anaheim tickets, Social Distortion is playing the House of Blues Sunset Strip on Nov. 24 & 25. If you’re feeling lucky, check ‘em out at the House of Blues Las Vegas on December 2.

Want to know what Mike Ness is up to? Read SqueezeOC’s interview with him here.

- Kelli Skye

Here’s what we were digging last month:

DEGEN
1. Kiwis. Simple and delicious. Buy ‘em cheap at Mexican markets, trim off skin, enjoy!
2. Switchfoot. "Awakening" off the group’s new album, "Oh! Gravity," is the best song I’ve heard so far this year.

KFAD
1. "I Love New York." Possibly the best-worst television show in history. The VH1 spinoff of Flavor Flav’s "Flavor of Love" reality show has kept me watching week after week.
2. Naked Juice. The all-natural fruity drinks are super delicious. I must have a "Mighty Mango" juice smoothie at least four times a week.

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Our obsessions and fixations this month:

STEVE

1. Watching Jim Furyk play golf. Yes. Tiger’s winning streak is phenomenal and his wife is really hot. But there’s something everyman-ish about Furky’s gritty style of play and his loopy swing that makes you want to root for him.

BRIAN

Dragonforce, a U.K. metal band with double bass drums that pound your eyeballs into the back of your head and guitar solos that can substitute for a hit of speed or coke.

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