The Checklist

SEE "Pan's Labyrinth" on DVD. From Mexican director Guillermo del Toro, this film blends a fantastical fairy tale with the harsh reality of Franco's Spain just after the Civil War.

HEAR "Release the Stars," by Rufus Wainwright. His flair for the dramatic is still intact, with grandiose arrangements on songs like "Do I Disappoint You?" Fan fact: "Tulsa" was written for the Killers' Brandon Flowers.

BUY Karma Creatives (karmacreatives.com for stores) This line of refreshing sprays, lotions and lip balms (from $6) has been a hit in Los Angeles. And they bring good luck, too.

READ "No One Belongs Here More Than You," by Miranda July. The only thing you need to know about this collection of short fiction is that the author, a filmmaker and performance artist, really knows how to tell a story. The heartbreaking kind and the funny kind.

SURF Weather.com/travel. Find out what to pack for every trip, rain, sleet, snow or shine.