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texturedsoul

Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts, Textured Threads

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – November Edition

I’m back! Been a little busy doing a thing…

In late September, I opened Textured Threads Boutique, which has been fun to make a longtime plan/dream come into fruition! It’s a whole store full of my favorite things…brands, clothing, and jewelry. I won’t duplicate a lot in this space, but feel free to check out the online shopping, follow us on Instagram or if you are local to Waco, swing by the Textured Threads Boutique inside Sironia! Until then, here are a few of my favorite things…

Stainless Steel Bangles

These are the PERFECT bangle bracelets…the layered look without the weight. They are so light and easy to wear, I cannot stand heavy jewelry as I am no Mr. T. These beauties are tiny springs, they stretch and rebound to an extent, but will lose shape if pulled with force. So, you roll them on and off a few at a time.  They come in Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Black options. They come $25 for a set of 20. I wear 3 sets daily, only to live up to my “extra-ness”.

COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

This spray is the only Anti-humidity spray that has ever worked for me. It not only prevents frizz, but makes my hair silky. I use it on towel dried hair, right before I blow-dry in sections.

Zoey Lane

These Handcrafted Oyster Shells are so gorgeous! They make great gifts as well. I have one by every sink to hold my rings, or to just stare at lovingly. A friend of mine creates them with her tiny hands and magnificent talent. Check out Zoey Lane to see all the beautiful designs! This new endeavor and her creativity is just getting started… Follow and stay tuned for more!

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask 

I got Invisalign Braces in March and have struggled with chapped lips since. I’ve tried everything. Literally everything. My friend, Tiffany, introduced me to this last weekend and it quickly became a favorite. I know it’s only been a week, but I can already tell a difference. This product has a great texture. I also wear it when not sleeping.

Bella Grace Magazine

A precious friend gifted me this magazine for my birthday and I absolutely fell in LOVE. It’s my favorite magazine in life, a combination of a good book and best friend. “Bella Grace is meant to be savored. To get tossed in your beach bag, or tucked under your pillow to enjoy before bed. It is meant to be read over and over again. It is meant to be written in and dog-eared. To inspire you. To discover magic in ordinary moments and accompany you on this beautiful adventure that is life.”

Clear Plastic Tumblers

I am very particular. There. I said it. I don’t like drinking from glass. The sweating just makes me cringe. I wanted pretty cups for dinners at home. Found these on Amazon and they are perfection. My sipping game is happy.

Vitamin C Gummies

We’ve tried a lot of Vitamin C, and these seem to be everyone’s favorites in our house. The boys don’t complain or require force feeding for these vitamins. We eat them like candy. We passed them out in place of candy on Halloween. I’m kidding. But I am saying if we had, we would have been voted Best Candy and Most Healthy this Halloween.

I’ve missed you friends. Until next time….

Onward,

Brooke

November 12, 2020 by
Books, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Friendship, Laughter, Organization, Podcast

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – September Guest Edition

Meet Casey Tuner, the Most Interesting Woman In The World. Or at least that’s what I refer to her as. Casey is hilarious, just when I think I know her, she surprises the heck out of me with something more audacious. She is brilliant, cheerful, adventurous, kind hearted, and the best human dictionary/encyclopedia. Casey lives in Waco, Texas with her husband Cody and two precious girls. She is the owner and operator of the beautiful and historic Waco Hippodrome, which not only is it the best place to recline, dine and watch a movie, they have a great restaurant and gorgeous rooftop bar, and host the best live concerts around! One of her best party tricks is while chatting with people she will try to figure out what blood type you are based on your personality (more on that shortly!). So happy to share my friend and her favorite things…enjoy!

Greater Movie (2016)

An incredible true story about the Arkansas walk on Brandon Burlsworth.  I watched this movie because it was on, and I’m so glad I did!!!  Brandon was truly a good human who loved Jesus and led by example.  He shows us how comfortable he is in his own skin, even though he doesn’t fit the “cool” mold (yet all the “cool” people want to be more like him!).  This is one of those movies that you think about for days, weeks, months and probably years after you watch it. 

Organic Wine

I studied abroad in college and lived in Florence, Italy.  It was there that I discovered my love for wine and all things Italian culture. However, as I have aged, the hangover (even from just ONE glass of wine) has become unbearable.  I recently discovered organic wine. This is a whole new world of wines that I had no idea about. I started using Dry Farmed Wines from a subscription service online. I prefer Dry farmed Wines because they are way tastier and they give me 0% headache from drinking.  However, organic wines are way easier to get your hands on! Currently, I am doing the local Wine Shoppe CSA – this just means you join their club, receive a few different picks of their choosing and you also get a little break on any of your purchases if you’re in the club! I have been in their tasting club for a few months now, and am really enjoying the recipes they give you with your wine picks for the month, the explanations of the wines and where they’re from, and the uniqueness of this little club. 

Tubing Mascara

I have hooded eyes and just a weird eye shape I guess. So, everytime I wear normal mascara, I look like a raccoon by the end of the first hour I have it on. For some reason it just rubs off beneath my eyes. My eyes are sensitive to waterproof mascara. ENTER TUBING MASCARA HERE!!!! OMG. It’s basically waterproof, but you just need warm water to pull it off.  It comes off in little tubes. It does NOT rub off under the eyes. I’ve tried many different brands, my favorite drug store brand is Revlon Mega Multiplier (blue cap) and my favorite splurge is Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula! 

The Bobby Bones Show

One of the several podcasts that I listen to is The Bobby Bones Show. It is the largest nationally syndicated country show in the US.  They’re located in Nashville, and basically – it’s just a bunch of friends. I have been listening since they were just a small morning show that graced Waco’s presence years ago….. like before my kids were born.  I couldn’t quit them once they left- these people (who are the best friends I have never met) are hilarious, real and actually really informative! 

Hot Yoga


Yoga is a no brainer if you’re chronically stressed, like yours truly.  I have always done yoga, but not consistently and never hot yoga. I just started this like, LAST MONTH at Yoga8 *shoutout*.  I had no idea I needed this in my life. It is 95-100 degrees in the classroom and you do a yoga workout- simple as that. I noticed that in the poses I normally do, I can get far deeper because of the heat in the room.  I feel so good after I finish a workout, like I really did something because I’m soaked from head to toe in sweat! I still need to master the art of fixing my hair after a hot yoga class but until then, the general public will have to accept my messy, sweaty top bun.  Yoga really helps me focus on my breathing and getting oxygen to my super cramped up muscles.  It does wonders for my overall mental wellbeing too!

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Makeup Lotion

For a quick tan in an emergency situation, say hello to your new best friend. YALL, this stuff is insane. It lasts for one night. You put it on your legs (or all over your body) then scrub your hands!  I have even put this stuff on and GONE TO THE POOL! The sweat and chlorine will not make it come off. A LITERAL MIRACLE FROM HEAVEN. Only soap and warm water will remove this lotion. Not only does it give you a beautiful tan, it also covers up bruises, spider veins and makes your legs look literally airbrushed, hence the word in the title. 

Eat Right for your Type by Dr. Peter D’Adamo 

To me, this book is super juicy.  No, there isn’t your typical “Real Housewives” drama in this, but it’s very interesting to see how the foods we eat affect our bodies based on our blood type.  Do I follow this diet? No, but have I used the information in this book for almost a decade and was I changed by reading it? YES. Dr. D’Adamo goes as far as describing habits and personality characteristics of people with certain blood types, as well as helps you understand how your blood works and why it is affected by certain foods.  The big picture makes perfect sense, and to this day, I can talk to people and guess their blood type….. I would say I’m right about 85% of the time!!!!!

Car Seat Gap Organizer

Always a sucker for Instagram ads.  As soon as these popped up in my Instagram feed, I searched them on Amazon immediately because, DUH.  They  come in different colors to match your car interior and literally just become an extension of your center console. I LOVE THEM.  I never had enough room and now I do!

September 10, 2020 by
Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – August Edition

Happy August! One of my favorite months…it means some form of a schedule is on the horizon. Although the fall ahead looks different, I’m always grateful for the next season. Here are a few of my favorite things, (in addition to the hope of a football season…)

Caudalie Vinosculpt Firming Body Cream

I feel like I’ve tried every single firming cream on the market. Genetically, I’m on course to crepe more than wrinkle. Super excited about this, so I’m doing my best to prolong it. This cream came as a recommendation on Instagram, and I’ve been so happy with it. It is the only one I have found that truly works, lifting and smoothing well.

Bird-B-Gone – Bird Repellant Gel 

We’ve had a family of barn swallows (purple martins) nest on our porch for years. As much as I enjoy watching the babies hatch and learn how to fly, they are messy. I can clean up after one nest, but this year word got out about the great location, and a family compound was built. My sweet bird family brought their messy cousins. All of them. A friend of ours told us about this Bird-B-Gone caulk, found at Ace Hardware. The birds don’t like perching on this clear, tacky caulk. One line of this in the seam of the porch ledge and they haven’t even TRIED to rebuild. First time in 82 years. Also, don’t think me to be heartless, they have new birdhouses on the property, far away from the clean porch.

Medihoney Gel Wound

My aesthetician recommended this for some dry spots that my son has been dealing with. I’ve also been using it on some wounds, in place of Neosporin. I’ve even put a thin layer on chapped lips. (Do before bed, as it doesn’t taste exactly like the honey you eat.

Acadian Pride Fragrance Wash in River Ranch

This is what I imagine heaven to smell like. I add this fragrance to my regular laundry detergent to make it last longer. I also add a few of these oil drops to dryer balls. The oil drops are good for adding to car vents too. If you are local to Waco, Pretty in Pink Flamingo Boutique and Sironia carry this brand! Always shop local and support your neighbors if you can!

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

These are current lifesavers. The boys started football practice this week, and we are constantly preaching hydration. Passionfruit is our family favorite, but the other flavors are good too. You can order on Amazon, or get the large bag at Costco.

Home ProjectCalc Do-It-Yourselfers Project Calculator

We have been living through a home remodel. During the blessed-event-that-has-not-been-stressful-at-all, this calculator came in handy for the smaller projects we did ourselves. From figuring how much paint to purchase, to entering dimensions directly in feet, inches, building fractions, yards, etc – one key instantly converts your measurements into metric math dimensions. Which is the hardest foreign language to understand, I’d rather learn Japanese backwards.

Thayers Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera & Rose Petal

I love applying this toner first thing in the morning to wake my face up. The smell is pleasant and light. I can even swipe it across my eyes with zero burn or irritation. It’s wonderful, and for $10 it’s a regimen addition that doesn’t break the bank. Witch Hazel is helpful for removing bacteria while calming your skin. It comes in different scents, Rose Petal is lovely.

JAPONESQUE Velvet Touch Eyelash Separator

This little guy has taken the place of the sharp end of a safety pin used to separate any clunky parts on my lashes. I feel super grown up actually having a safe, rounded tool to do this now. I hope my insurance safety rating improves after this switch. I’ll text our insurance guy shortly…

Good News Movement

Just watching the news or scrolling down social media can leave me so depleted of joy, the sadness and hopelessness can swallow me like a biblical whale. This Instagram page finds the sweetest stories. Sharing the simple GOOD NEWS that sometimes isn’t as flashy as the scary headlines. Give them a follow for a daily smile!

Sending you all Love & Light,

Brooke

August 6, 2020 by
Family, Gifts, Grace, Gratitude, Growth, Lessons, Love, Patience, Rest, Stillness

Grounded in 2020

God speaks to me strongest through his creation.  I love nature – rocks, animals, trees, water, crystals, grass…all the simple beauty.  Chances are, when you see me, I have some form of nature in my pocket reminding me to stay grounded.  A rock, a feather from a bird, a seed from a plant…they bring me peace.  We can all get a little too full of hot, stagnant air from time to time.  We allow monkeys that are not from our own circus to jump on our back. We worry, and then we worry. When that doesn’t work, we worry some more.

Nature is a way of remembering what is mine and what is important.  Staying grounded is vital for my own spiritual health.

There is often a mantra being repeated in my head, “What’s mine is mine. What’s yours is yours.”

Keep your crap over there Karen. 

Nature reminds us to be steady. Nature is audacious in its perseverance. In its bounce back ability.

This is definitely a time to focus on staying grounded, as nothing is solid. We are in a time where everything in our country and counties are changing by the hour. No rhyme or reason or warning. Just when we think we have a plan, the rug is once again pulled out from underneath our feet. It’s like trying to stand up on a lily pad. Everything is contradicting. We are left grasping on to the yin and the yang.

Nothing is certain or permanent.

Everyone’s pain is relevant. Everyone’s confusion is relevant. Grace is required and appreciated.

We need to get good at loving. We need to get resilient at surviving heartbreak, accepting what we can and can’t control. There is a peace and freedom in letting go of our plan and picture of what we envisioned 2020 would look like and savoring the joy that we can find in the wake of it.

The funny thing is, we’ve never had full control, in any year. Life can knock us down at any point, and just when we get our footing again, it’ll knock you from the other side. We know this, as we’ve all been knocked on our own behinds. Perhaps that’s why there is extra cushion there. Clever God, that guy thought of everything. I’m positive that’s why my backside has grown as I’ve aged, continued training for bounce back ability.

The one certain that hasn’t changed is the love and nature of God.

We can stay grounded in that. And on the hard days that knock us on our padded bottoms, get outside. Walk barefoot in the grass. Sit by some water and listen to it. Find a tree and lean against it in the shade. There is a reason tree huggers are happy. Find a pretty rock and hold it in your pocket. If you don’t have a pocket, put it in your bra. (Pro tip – take it out before going through airport security.) Lift your face up to feel the sunshine. Watch the moon glowing on our sweet world. Let the outdoors slow you down. Take a lesson from God’s nature and become a Champ at loving.

I’ll leave you with the weekly words from our boys Lorena Athletic Director and beloved Coach Ray Biles,

“Don’t worry about the things you cannot control, focus on the things you can control. It may change tomorrow. It may change the day after that, but you know the good Lord is in control and we’ll all be okay.”

Sending you love, light, and pretty rocks,

Brooke

July 28, 2020 by
Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Podcast

Friday Eve Favorites – July Guest Edition

I’m so excited that Nicki Wilson is here to share her favorite things! SUMMER = Pool time, which is a favorite hobby of hers! Nicki is all about body confidence. She is one of the happiest humans, brimming with JOY, which you learn quickly just by visiting her Instagram. Her yearly #justgetinthepool challenge has encouraged the hearts of women far and wide, motivating our spirits to jump in. Nicki transforms women, helping us become strong and confident in our own skin, while encouraging us to stop obsessing and LOVE our bodies! Making peace with our body relationship, freeing up space to THRIVE at the important things in life! Which is what she is most passionate about…living fully! Here are a few of her favorite things…

Summersalt Sidestroke Swimsuit


“This swimsuit is literally every woman’s dream. It’s cut to perfection and nothing is slipping out. I love to do athletic things and feel like these piece makes me feel totally confident playing Spikeball on the beach or waterskiing on the lake!”

Knixwear

“I LOVE THIS BODY POSITIVE COMPANY! They have mastered the art of leak-proof underwear that are super cute! I love the option that even if it is that time of the month, you can still wear comfortable, pretty panties! AND while you are browsing, check out their waffle robe, which is a staple in my world!”

GoodR Sunglasses


“Listen, I LOVE a great, pricey pair of Raybans, buuuuuut, when I am at the pool 90% of the time, I need something of amazing quality and style, but at a price ($25!!) that I can afford if I DO happen to lose them (and with 3 kiddos- that is a guarantee!) These are cheeky and super fun and polarized to protect your peepers!”

Frontgate Pool Float


“These are a bit pricey, BUT they will last several years and are an investment piece if you have a pool! This is how I read every day- hop on one of these and just blow thru my reading list.” 

Waterloo Sparkling Water

“This is THE best tasting sparkling water and trust me, I am a picky one!”

 

Farmhouse Fresh Vanilla Bourbon Body Oil

“I am a sucker for all types of skin care, but in the summer after hours of sun and chlorine on the skin, I love to douse myself in this stuff because 1.) the scent is sooooo smooth and subtle and 2.) it makes my skin instantly softer!” 

Native Deodorant

“Ok, if you are like me- the thought of natural deo might be over the top scary, especially in a state like Texas where it is well over 100 degrees and 100 humidity on the regular! However, the chemicals in standard antiperspirants are pretty potent! I have been on the hunt for a natural deodorant for almost 2 years. ALL of them broke me out and gave me a rash, sometimes after weeks of use when I thought I was all good. I FINALLY found one that works and I LOVE it!!”

The Crazy Confidence Podcast

How fun is Nicki? Make sure to give her a follow on Instagram and subscribe to her podcast! She will definitely brighten your day while infusing your soul with confidence and love!

Nicki’s Website

Nicki’s Instagram

Crazy Confidence Podcast

July 16, 2020 by