Books, Fashion, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts, Makeup, What is saving your life

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – January Edition

Happy 2024! I am so thrilled for this brand new, fresh year. Let’s make it worthwhile shall we?

Here are a few favorites that helped get me through the last 365 days.

Trip to Vermont

I will do a whole separate post on our trip to Vermont this fall. It was absolutely life changing! I love every single thing about fall and Vermont, including this adorable book store! I could have spent a whole day here, but settled for an hour. The husband doesn’t read many books, but was super patient while I lived my best life amongst the pages.

Fuzzy Slippers with Arch Support

These slippers have turned me into the lady who wears houseshoes in public.  I love the rubber sole of these that insure I can wear them inside and outside.  They come in so many fun color options, and a fuzzy sole as well. When I come home every day, I hum along with Mr. Rogers in my head while I put my slippers on.

Triple Twist Gold Bracelet

This bracelet is a new favorite. It’s always on my left arm, along with her single sister. They can be found at Textured Threads inside The Collective or online here.

imPRESS Press-On Falsies Eyelash Clusters Wispy

Due to dry eyes, I had to stop getting eyelash extensions.  Which was a grieving process for my laziness and a growth process for my lashes.  Even with lash growing serum, I feel like it took forever.  When I found these press on falsies that are pre-glued, I was hooked!  They are SO easy to apply, they apply under your lashes rather than over….game changer for not weighing down your eyelid!   I started with a whole kit that has the applicator as well, and now just order this refill pack (in the wispy).  Even with my own lashes grown out, I still use them occasionally when I need more drama.  

Twist Me Pretty Bag

I’m so glad I got suckered in by Instagram. This 6-in-1 bag, can be used to organize all of your small accessories – take it traveling, keep it in your bathroom, fill it full of hair accessories, your children’s items, your items, the options are endless!  It’s a great gift for friends too!

Jennifer Miller, House of Colour

Not all Color Experts are the same….Jennifer offers such a gift in her knowledge and expertise! Prior to Jennifer opening House of Colour Lorena in the Waco Area, I drove out of town to get my colors done. I left wanting to know more about what my season looked like for me. When a friend introduced me to Jennifer, I booked an Advanced Color Session to dive into it a little deeper. It was an incredible experience! I never understood why certain colors washed me out or why. She even took the time to explain makeup colors. Once I wrapped my head around my color palette, I booked a Style Consultation with her. As she writes on her website, “Your clothes should be a reflection of your personality, honoring your lifestyle, preferences, and body architecture beautifully. You’ll learn the cuts of clothing, accessory scale, pattern type & scale, neckline, hem lengths and features in clothing that best suit you. This equips you to curate a beautiful wardrobe that suits YOU!” HIGHLY recommend booking a color appointment with Jennifer! My closet feels nicer to me now.

Triangle Makeup Puff

These little triangle makeup puffs are PERFECT for blending under-eye highlighter. The shape is great for getting in the corner of the eye, the other end is great for blending or softening a look.

The Murphy Shepherd Series (The Water Keeper, The Letter Keeper, & The Record Keeper)

This series is one of my all time favorites! It is exciting and heartwarming, I couldn’t put them down. All of Charles Martin’s books are great reads, another favorite is When Crickets Cry.

Celebrate with Babs: Holiday Recipes & Family Traditions

I love this grandmother, Babs. I am one of the masses who follow her tips and tricks on Instagram. I suspect she knows everything. Her new cook book is a delight. I like to pretend she is my grandmother too.

Garden of Life Olde World Icelandic Cod Liver Oil Liquid – Lemon Mint Flavor

I take so many vitamins a day, anything I can take in liquid form that doesn’t taste horrible is welcomed. The lemon-mint flavor of this guy is delightful. Fish oil to keep the joints moving and the skin/hair soft!

Youthing Strategies Face and Body Sesame Oil

My skin is so, so dry. I have a plethora of favorite remedies for this, so don’t be surprised when I share another next month. I feel like my skin tricks me, just when I think I’ve found the solution it changes up. So, the tricked became the tricker, and I started changing up my routine. Using this oil right after the shower (on dry skin) has helped a ton. I don’t want to state the obvious here, but it’s oily, maybe don’t use right before getting dressed for the day. Best to use at night!

Phil My Pharmacist Instagram

This guy is hilarious and SO knowledgeable! I love his explanations of how our body works, life hacks, tips, and links to help our bodies operate more like the machine they are!

Wishing you a smooth and sweet 2024 dear ones!

Brooke

January 11, 2024 by
Uncategorized

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – JANUARY EDITION

Happy 2023! May this year bring you all the barefoot-in-the-grass moments to stay grounded and remain in loving peace. Here are a few things bringing me joy…

Blue Hills Ranch

So many fun adventures at Blue Hills Ranch with all of their animals! Giraffes, camel, wild mustangs, mini donkeys, otters, kangaroos, zebras, highland cows, bison, fallows, axis, black bucks, oryx, “Disney” cows, and more! Such a cool place to visit in McGregor, only 13 miles from our house! The cabins are so fun, down to the tiniest details. (We stayed in the Kraken cabin, adorable!) Highly recommend! Start with the ranch adventure, and make sure to swim with the otters and dine with the giraffes, Blue & Google!

Personalized Decanter from Rec-Etch

My husband and I don’t usually do gifts for holidays. There is nothing we need, and we’d rather save money for traveling. However, when I purchased a personalized decanter for a friend, and knew I had to get Hubs one for our anniversary last year. If you are looking for a good gift for your Valentine, this is a great option! Shipping was quick too!

Hulken Bags 

These totes on wheels have saved my back, shoulders, and sanity this year! Why I didn’t think to create them myself is a real shame.  They are perfect for large, heavy. or awkward loads!  The wheels are strong, sturdy, and haven’t said no to any load I’ve put on them yet!  I’ve moved house house items, boutique displays, and even a body (just to test it), they are a superhero!  I love the large and medium options!  They come with the option to purchase lids, but I haven’t found a use for those yet. 

K-D Combo Capsules (Vitamin D) 

Most of us have a Vitamin D deficiency.  When I broke my ankle last spring, my Vitamin D level was the first thing my orthopedic doctor tested.  After covid, most of his patients have been deficient in Vitamin D, which has lead to slow healing. When my results came back, I was named the Vitamin D Queen because of the supplement I religiously take.  I’ve proven to forget to take the liquid form, so I opt for the K-D Combo capsules from Hormones by Design. They work wonders!  You can pop in anytime to purchase them, even if you aren’t a patient! 

A Saint a Day Devotional

This is a 365-Day Devotional featuring Christian Saints. I found it locally at Fabled Bookshop (favorite place in Waco!). The devs is for kids, but I’ve actually enjoyed learning about the long history of people of faith. If you have young kids at home, it would be so fun to do with them! Maybe I’ll add in a pup or 2 to study this with in the mornings.

Get the Hell Out of Debt: The Proven 3-Phase Method That Will Radically Shift Your Relationship to Money

I have a great relationship with money.  I like to spend it.  Thank goodness I met Dave Ramsey years ago and learned how to stay away from debit.  For that reason, I almost didn’t pick up this book.  I’m thankful I did, nothing has helped/is helping me understand money like her!  (There is some language in it, she is very blunt, so if that is offensive or triggering, maybe skip this one.) 

Womens Sweaters Long Sleeve 1/4 Zip Pullover Polo

This sweater has been a staple favorite for the fall/winter season. I love a good collar and have slowly bought another, and another, and now own it in 4 colors. It’s on the heavier side and good quality. It’s simple and perfect to throw on with jeans. I’ve dressed it up with my nicer jeans and worn it with joggers. It’s basically perfect.

Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler with Lid and Straw

I love my Stanley cups, but these tumblers truly tie for my love. They are just as good as Stanley’s with keeping the drinks cold, but in a slimmer version. They also come with two different lids, a straw lid and a flip lid. They have several color options, but this sage one is the one used the most here.

Favorite Podcast Of The Week

I’ve never listened to this podcast, mainly because the host kinda gets on my nerves. However, a favorite instagram account I follow, the Cheese Gal, recently shared her story on this podcast and I am still flabbergasted at her “Dirty Jane” story! It’s crazy! If the gossip at the beginning bores you, fast forward until you get to where the actual interview with Cortney LaCorte begins (around minute 30). Thank you Casey for sending it to me! I forgive you for saying I sound like Heather McDonald when saying hello. 🙂

January 19, 2023 by
Clothing, Gifts, Grace, Growth, Lessons, Love, Priorities

Jesus Storage

I dreamt of Jesus last night. 

He had come down to live with me. And was hanging in my closet. On a hanger.

I don’t know exactly why, but my guess is I was hoarding him there to add to my collection of special occasion outfits.

He was there, but out of the way.  Not an active relationship, but still there just in case. Kinda like a fur coat works for Texans, you don’t really need it but on the rare occasion you do, its great to have. I didn’t want to wear Jesus everyday, but on the rare occasions I desperately needed him, He came in clutch.

Seems to track. 

In my dream, someone kept coming to get him and He would sadly nod, and start walking away with them. 

Then I would yell after Him, “Wait!  You can’t leave, you said you were always going to be with me!”

Jesus would put his head down, drop his shoulders and walk back to hang himself back up on a coat hanger in my closet.  His face was sorrowful, his movements heavyhearted, and even though He wanted to spend his days walking alongside me, He knew I didn’t have the same desire. So He willingly stayed where I left him, collecting dust in my closet.

This happened several times. 

Until I realized how wasted He was there and gently told him He could go.

I told him He had done his job. He had loved me well and taught me unconditional love. 

I let Him go. I’ll never forget the mournful look in his eyes. His heart was broken for me, but He did as I ask.

I let Jesus go.

Rather than take Him out of the closet to clothe myself in Him every day. To be clothed in His strength, grace, dignity, and faith. For Jesus to live alongside me and not tucked away in a closet. 

Why have I forgotten how amazing it feels to live life with coordinating footsteps?

I want to take Jesus out of storage, blow the dust bunnies off, and steam the coat hanger wrinkles out of his shoulders. Not just for His upcoming birthday celebration, but for always.

I hope the closet will remain a visual for me. I hope to look up to the place Jesus was hanging, take Him down, put Him on like the finest garment I own, place my hand in His and tackle every day together.

Jesus, you are welcome here.

December 12, 2022 by
Fashion, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts, Textured Threads, What is saving your life

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – SEPTEMBER EDITION

Hi Friends! I am coming to you from an Empty Nest. Which feels uber weird, but we have settled in nicely. Most days are great, some moments are sad. I just wasn’t done raising kids, but Father Time didn’t ask me, so I’m learning to find joy in the newest season. Here are a few things currently keeping me happy. 

Completely Smooth Moisturizing Shave Gel

Due to my OCD, I cannot go a day without shaving my legs. At least not until I’m done with laser hair removal. I’ve literally used every shaving cream on the market, this gel is BY FAR the BEST I’ve ever used. Zero exaggeration here. If you love a smooth, moisturized feel…this gel is made for you too.

Always Welcome Diffuser (and Candle)

A sweet friend gifted the Always Welcome diffuser to me in April, and I STILL smell it when even walking by the door to the room it is in, strong as ever! It’s seriously the longest and strongest diffuser I’ve experienced. The candle in this scent is just as amazing! I (lovingly) blame Kate for this addiction.

Gold 4-Step Folding Step Stool 

I got this as a gift off of a registry, and then had to purchase one for my own closet. This step stool is so easy to fold up and store, I don’t worry about pinching my hand or fingers when folding it up (like the last one I had, made by Satan). It is super slim, only 2.4 inches when stored. It’s tall enough (54.7″) to reach all the way up to the top shelf in our closet, solid and sturdy.

Mixologie – Perfume for people who don’t usually wear perfume.

Lots of scents for oodles of combinations! I love a fresh new approach to fragrance with Mixologie’s alcohol-free roll-ons and spray. Soft, subtle, and long-lasting scents that are customizable. Each scent can be worn alone or layered to create a custom mix. My favorites are Risque, Adrift, and Sultry, although it’s interesting how everyone has their own favorites to blend!

Neck Posture Exercising Cervical Spine Hydrator Pump

Due to several bulging disk in my neck, I have desperately paid $100 for decompression treatments when in pain. I always feel amazing afterwards, I swear it’s like cool air rushing into the newly stretched parts of your spine that were compressed for 79 years. I used this at my chiro-bestie’s house back home, and was so happy to find it at the same time I was grieving the lost money on treatment appts.

Boat Scuff Erasers

These Boat Erasers are a serious life saver! Our boat never got a deep cleaning this summer until the end of it, so it was a mess after Labor Day weekend. These were in Hub’s Christmas stocking, so we drug them out and was about to get out every single tiny scuff, with just one sponge! They are kinda addicting, smudges that I thought were just part of the boats decor now, came out! It is safe on fiberglass, leather, vinyl, plastic, aluminum, gelcoat & metal surfaces.

Face & Body Sunless Serum

I’ve really loved this sunless tanner for my face and hands. A gorgeous instagram friend (who I excitedly attacked when chanced upon at Joe T Garcia’s and claim as a bestie now.) shared her application method on instagram, so I ordered and was hooked! View her tips for applying on hands here, and applying on your face here. When you order, use her code for a discount! RACHEL25

Sunglass Holder for Car Visor

My new vehicle doesn’t have specified holder for my sunglasses, so I searched until I found this one that works perfectly. Slim, essencially out of the way, and keeps my lens clear from scratches.

Vanity/Desk Fan Battery Rechargable Fan

We live in Texas, similar to living on the surface of the sun, therefore most of my mid-age friends own a hand held fan. I love this one for holding or setting it up on my vanity while getting dressed. It has several speeds and is rechargeable.

The Art of the White Shirt: Over 30 Ways to Wear a White T-Shirt, Blouse or Shirt

I’ve hardly met a white shirt that I don’t like. This book is super cute, all the ways to wear a white blouse, illustrated beautifully.

Ransom Notes – The Ridiculous Word Magnet Party Game

Such a fun game that our family has a blast playing! “Ransom Notes is a game of hilariously terrible sentences. Players use word magnets to respond to outlandish prompts like “Tell someone you’ve clogged their toilet at a party” with just their limited pool of words.  With 250 absurd prompt cards and a new pool of words every time, this party game has infinite hilarious combinations and feels fresh every time you play.”

Happy September friends!

Love & Light,

Brooke

September 29, 2022 by
Fashion, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts, Makeup, Organization, Podcast

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – JULY EDITION

Summer is such a flirt. We think we are going to have all the time to do the things, while relaxing and living in the moment. Then June peaks and we realized we were duped again! And yet, I don’t ever want to be numb enough to lose hope that one day….summer will be chill. Until then, I still love it and enjoy every moment.

Finishing Touch Flawless Pedi Electronic Tool File and Callus Remover

This is a dream come true, a kryptonite to calluses. It’s safe and easy to use. Our feet are not cheese, so they aren’t meant to have graters used on them…ewwww. This electronic file and callus remover is gentle and effective. Friends, please throw your foot graters away! Unless you just love bandaids.

Prepara Herb Savor Pod 2.0

Waste herbs no more! This baby can triple the life of your fresh herbs. By 3 weeks! This container is designed to prolong the life of your fresh herbs, while being easy to use and fit into any fridge door. The advantage of the design is the clear windowed, hard shell which protects leaves from being crushed by other items in the fridge. You can see what’s inside, while letting them breath at optimum hydration levels. I use this for green onions as well.

It’s in the Cloud, OPI Nail Lacquer

I’ve had the same manicurist for 100 years now, we are basically family now. She is insanely talented at being a gentle therapist and at creating gorgeous nail art. The later gift is wasted on boring ol’ me. I love a classic nude nail or a pretty soft white. This is my current favorite white polish. I never expected one could trump Bubble Bath or Funny Bunny, until It’s in the Cloud came along.

Spinning 3-Tier Lazy Susan Caddy

I am late to the Lazy Susan game, I just feel like it’s mean to assume Susan’s are lazy. Not true. This guy has a base that is tall enough for hair products etc. It’s also pretty. Big points for that. Do I love that it’s is out on my counter? No. But I do love this is a system that I use, keeping the bathroom counter clean. Chad appreciates this as well. He is a fan of the Organized Susan.

Boho Floral Long Skirt

If you need a day to feel good about yourself and get lots of compliments, buy this skirt. I’ve never enjoyed wearing a skirt more. Or gotten more compliments. Gracious.

Vegan Verb Ghost Oil

Bambi brought this hair oil to the house and mentioned she loved it. The bottle was almost gone, so I knew she wasn’t exaggerating. (Our shared love language) We are both Oribe hair product snobs, but thought I’d give this one a shot for my daily hair treatment. It truly is weightless and not only smooths but softens like nothing else I’ve used. They say it locks in moisture and promotes radiant shine and they do not lie.

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Patches

I’ve dated a lot of eye patches and these are hands the one to marry. MVP. They aren’t the gel patches, which give me the creeps and fall off my face. These are a foiled paper material that hydrate and soothe like nothing I’ve ever used. If you don’t believe me, they are an Allure Best of Beauty Winner. “In a consumer study 100% of consumers said our gold under eye patches leave their delicate eye area more soothed and hydrated than before application. 93.8% said dark circles are less noticeable. Our soothing eye patches are the ideal gold eye patches for puffy eyes and eye mask for puffiness.”

Beach Towel Clips

Beach towel clips, close pins, quilt drying clips, whatever you use them for…finally! Simple, pretty, and hefty ones! I ordered these to hold the beach towel on my chair, my old Flamingo clips died and I wanted to replace them with something a little more subtle. Good quality.

FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Liquid Killawatt Fluid Freestyle Highlighter

Because I don’t love Rihanna’s attitude, I’ve never given her makeup a chance. Not even when Mason told me I “needed it”. I stumbled on this fluid freestyle highlighter and enjoy it. It’s not my fault, its just that good. I put it on cheek bones, tip of my nose, and right above my cupids bow. I use the HU$LA Baby 2.0 shade, a name that reflects my character well. In case you didn’t understand my hesitation, now you do.

I leave you with a recent podcast I loved…I adore Ann Lamott dearly while Kelly Corrigan makes me laugh and helps me feel more human with her honesty.

Wishing you all an amazing, relaxing summer.

Make it happen.

Brooke

July 6, 2022 by