10 of My Favorites
Here are the chart-toppers in the my life right now.*
1. Nashville {the TV show} I recently got season 1 from our public library, and I've been watching episodes here and there when I can. I watch it on my laptop, so I can have it on while I'm cooking or take it with me to the basement to sort and fold laundry. Ever since I watched "Friday Night Lights," I've been a big fan of Connie Britton. I think she's poised and beautiful and that hair- I want it! On "Nashville" she portrays a country music star that's been on the scene for many years who's now trying to bring fresh, new music to the world and her label wants her to stick with her classics. Being a huge fan of country music, I love all the music on the show! I've never been to Nashville, but hope to visit a very dear friend who recently moved there very soon. Watching the show gives me a glimpse of Music City.
2. L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-tanner. It's January in Iowa, I'm pretty pale and I hate it. I wish it didn't affect my self-confidence, but it does. When I have a little color on my skin, I feel better about myself. I don't need a deep tan, just a tint to remind me of what my summer, sun-kissed skin looks and feels like. I found this in the clearance section of Target and thought I'd give it a whirl. Like any self-tanner lotion, you have to make sure to wash your hands really well after application. It has some sparkle to it when you first put it on, but that goes away quickly after it dries. I haven't noticed any streaking, but the first time I put it on, I didn't rub it in around the base of my feet so I had a few orange spots there. I was much careful the next time. Oh and don't forget to scrub your nails clean after applying. I learned that the hard way too.
3. Faith, Hope, Love bar necklace. I got this necklace as a gift from my mom and dad for Christmas. I love it. It's simple and sleek and I love the words inscribed on it. I wear it by itself or pair it with other necklaces of differing lengths. My parents are always such great gift-givers, and they hit it out of the park with this one!
4. Walmart Grocery Pick-up. Game-changer period. This nifty little feature allows me to grocery shop online and pick up my groceries at a designated time. Saves time, money and my sanity! We've been using it for a few months now and we love it! Here's the low-down: go to grocery.walmart.com, pick a time frame of when you would like to pick up your groceries, then start shopping. I usually have a detailed list before I start, so it's pretty easy. Search for item, select item, choose quantity, add to basket. I love that I can see my running tally as I shop. It helps me stay within the budget. When it's time to pick up the groceries, they give you a courtesy call. You go to the store to their designated pick-up spot and call the number. They come out with all your items and load them into your car. If they couldn't find the specific item you ordered, they will substitute it usually for something higher priced (name brand or bigger quantity). Slick and convenient. Check your local Walmart for availability. We use the N 16th St store in CB.
5. Plantlife essential oils Focus blend. I love essential oils. I'm not stuck on any particular brand, but I have had really good luck with the Plantlife blends. I order them from Amazon. The first one of their blends that I fell in love with is called Calm which is a blend of Lavender, Bergamot, Palmarosa, Patchouli and Lemon. My current obsession is Focus. It is a blend of Basil, Clove, Eucalyptus, Black Pepper and Rosemary. It was super strong the first time I smelled it, but I put it in my diffuser and was instantly hooked. It's earthy and spicy. It helps with mental fatigue, depression, stress and forgetfulness. It's like it was blended just for me. Love.
6. Workout tank/bra combo. For Christmas, my lovely sister got me a workout tank with the bra built in and let me tell you, it's the bees knees. It's from the active wear line sold at Maurices. I love the pattern and the colors, but most of all I love how I feel when I wear it. One of my passions is yoga. When I wear this tank for my practice, I don't feel like I'm wearing a bra at all which is magical. The straps don't cut into my shoulders, the fabric is lightweight and breathable. It's just all around great. Thanks, sister!!
7. Dr. Teal's Foaming Bath with Pure Epsom Salt, Eucalyptus & Spearmint. I'm a bath person.
All of us in my household are. In fact, I am reporting to you from the tub right now. It's quite relaxing actually. This Dr Teal's is adding to the relaxation of the experience. I usually splurge on a bottle of foaming bah from a popular bath (and body) store in the mall ;) but when you're a family of four on a necessity-only budget, some things have to go. I found Dr. Teal's at a quick trip to Walgreens last week when my daughter and I were stricken down with the upper respiratory crud that's been going around. I thought a Eucalyptus bath would help clear the airways. It smells good, it's inexpensive, and the bubbles stick around for the entire bath. Sick or not sick, this one is a keeper!
8. Bergamot Waters candle from Bath and Body Works. You can see a running theme here with my favs. I love things that awaken my sense of smell. This candle has a very masculine quality to it, but also it smells like one of my absolute favorite perfumes- D&G's Light Blue. This is another chart topper that was a Christmas present thanks to my awesome sister-in-law! I'm feeling a bit spoiled writing about all these wonderful gifts I received this year, but I truly appreciate everything I was given. I love burning this candle in my room. It's cozy and sexy. Perfect for a bedroom.
9. My Fluffy White Scarf. This scarf is so warm and soft. Yes, I know it's huge, but it is insanely warm. During these long winter days when all we can think about is summer sun, it's nice to be engulfed in super soft fabric and forget our current barren situation.
10. Ethiopian Coffee from A Hill of Beans. First of all, A Hill of Beans is my favorite place to buy coffee, so it tops the chart every week, but this week in particular it was my turn to buy the office coffee. I got a Winter Spice blend and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. I'm really not even sure how to describe this coffee except really, really good. The ultimate. The smell is intoxicating and then you take the first sip and it's heavenly. Hill of Beans describes it is as "a medium roast with a tea-like body and a hint of citrus on the finish." Amazing is what that translates as. If you are in the Omaha metro, pop on by to A Hill of Beans at 144th and Center in Harvey Oaks Plaza. Everyone there is so effortlessly cool. I could listen to them talk coffee all day long. Or check them out here. "Life is too short to drink bad coffee."
Honorable Mention: Fine + Mellow playlist on Spotify. A little bluegrass, a little soul, a little indie rock. I play it at my desk; I play it in the bath; I play it when I need to chill. My jam of the moment.
Thanks for letting me share my favorites of the moment with you!
Happy Weekend Eve!
~S
*This list are my favs aside from the obvious: my family, my friends, our dog, our home, cars that run, electricity etc.
