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Books, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Makeup

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – JANUARY EDITION

Remember me? I use to have a blog, write some words and occasionally share my favorite things? Football season happened, our last boy’s senior season. It was worth putting most extras joys on hold for this…

State Champion Offensive MVP. Just in case you hadn’t heard…we are kinda proud of him and his team.

Now on to FAVORITES!

The Five Minute Journal

I heard about this from Amy Grant when she was a guest on Jen Hatmaker’s podcast. She was talking about how it literally rewires your brain and I was hooked. It’s a daily journal, each page divided to answer a few questions in the morning and a few at night. I am not smart enough to understand HOW it works, but I’m here to tell you, it absolutely makes you think and live differently based on what you are thankful for and what you are striving for! I could not love it more.

Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift® Undereye Treatment Concealer

If you are on Instagram or Tiktok, then you have recently been informed we are doing highlighter under the eyes wrong. I think it is dumb and rude to take this away from us. I still use my favorite, tried and true under eye highlighter under the corners of my eye (like they suggest), but started using this one under the whole dang eye to counteract the purple bags from under my eyes. A national makeup artist from Trish McEvoy is the one who taught me this. I crawled into Nordstroms and said, “Help me.”, so she did. After 4 months of using it daily, I think she is on to something. I really like it! Step 1 – this under the whole eye for purple bags. Step 2 – this highlighter under the corners as every single video on tiktok suggest.

Dishwasher Magnet Clean Dirty Sign

Sadly, there are only 3 people who live in this house full time now, and only two who load and unload the dishwasher. Yet, we never can remember if the dishes are clean or dirty, without a thorough inspection. I was ridiculed when this magnet was purchased, and yet it has been super handy. We depend on it in an unhealthy way now.

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

Everyone I know has been told that Mitch Albom is one of my Top 5 favorite authors. Some people I don’t even know have been told. I love his writing style and feel his stories deeply. I never want his books to end. His new one is just as amazing. When I first started it, I thought, “This is not how I want to read about Jesus, it’s not neat enough.” I like my Jesus stories with super clean lines. Then realized that most Jesus stories aren’t neat, the messy path being necessary to know Him more intimately. Friend, you need this book in your life.

Colleen Rothschild Intense Hydrating Mask

I finally joined the bandwagon and now fully buy this in bulk when there is a sale. This Colleen Rothchild Hydrating Mask is straight from heaven, maybe made with shed angel wings. I use it 4-5 times a week after all my other nightly skin care. Sleep in it and rinse it off the next morning. Your refreshed skin will thank you.

Gel Infused Memory Foam Queen Mattress 

Family Cult Favorite. And Guest Cult Fav. All of the beds in this house have this mattress topper on them. It’s one way to get our boys to come home often. Just be careful, because their friends usually end up staying as well. (We get the 3″ memory foam.)

Vintage Ink Writech Rolling Ball Pens

I almost don’t want to tell you about these pens. I’m worried you all will buy them up and I’ll no longer have my favorite brown pen. Maybe we can make a deal? You all get the pack and send me the brown ones? I have a soft spot for writing utensils and this is by far my absolute favorite pen every made…how could it not be? Vintage colors? Yes please. (They also have the vintage colored highlighters….now you know all my secrets.)

Happy 2022 Friends!

Wishing you all love, light and health,

Brooke

January 20, 2022 by
Books, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts, Growth

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – JUNE EDITION

Happy Summer! I’m going to start this Favorites list off with a few ideas for Father’s Day and gifts for the men in your life. They are some of my husband’s favorites, so maybe we can just refer to the first 2 as his list? You’ll understand soon enough…

The Tushy

The Most Thoughtful Bidet in the World. When Hubs said he wanted this I was simply grossed out. Since he never ask for anything, I ordered it. The packaging and clever marketing alone makes this purchase gold. The Tushy fits all standard toilets, doesn’t require electricity or plumbing. Just unscrew the toilet seat, pop the TUSHY on, connect to water (not the toilet water, the water line…this had to be explained to me before I’d even think about trying it!) , and you’re done. I can’t go any further with this one. Every man I know that has one of these, loves it. So weird. Happy Father’s Day to all of them.

Motion Activated Toilet Night Light

Ladies, let your men have Guys Night. This is what happens, they come home with new ideas on how to decorate our toilets. For those who have to potty often in the middle of the night and don’t want to fully wake by turning on the lights….Motion Activated Toilet Night Lights are for you. You can even chose your color. Stay classy friends.

Bondic LED UV Liquid Plastic Welding Adhesive Complete Starter Kit

I got this for the Hubs because I thought it looked cool and he needs more toys. The plastic is the adhesive and the LED UV light cures it to stay in place. It had mixed reviews, but figured if he doesn’t like it then I’ll use it.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow

I’m not patient enough to do eyeshadow, especially everyday. How do other women have their life so put together they can do this?! I’ve recently found these eyeshadow sticks and love them! My favorite colors used so far are Au Natural and Cobblestone. For under my brow bone I use the following product.

Thrive Brilliant Eye Brightener

I use this eye shadow stick in Stella (Champagne Shimmer) for the brow bone and the inner side of the eyelid as a highlighter. It dries to a powdery finish, which I like for that area of the eyelid. The Laura Mercier brand (above) dries a tad more dewy.

The Miracle TimeCube Timer

This guy has been such a task saver. I’m not disciplined enough to use the timer on my phone. It’s basically a “If you give a Mouse a Cookie” situation. If my phone is near, I’ll reply to a text, remember I needed to order gift cards, and tend to 183 other task other than the one I’m suppose to be focused on. Simply turn it on and place the time management cube on whatever time you need to be set. This one is for larger projects (15-20-30-60.) They also offer a 1-3-5-10 minute timer as well. Even a Two Cube deal!

Cylinder Tissue Boxes

I think this officially knocks me over the edge of being old. I have favorite Kleenex. These cylinder tissues are the perfect size to sit in the car door drink holders and anywhere else! (For my local friends, they sell these at HEB!) If you are truly sick and needing Kleenex every 3 minutes, by all means get some tissues with aloe. Otherwise, these are amazing and cute.

Tissues Cylinder Cover 


Cute tissues lead to purchasing adorable Cylinder Covers like this aluminum one.

The Good Life Planner

I am one week into The Good Life Planner, I don’t usually share things until I’ve used them awhile, but this quickly became a favorite! I truly LOVE IT. It is a daily, step by step guide that walks you through what Amy, the author, has found to be the secret to a Good Life, even when life is not so good. The simple, affirming bible verse reminds us we are never alone. Next is the self-affirmation and going a step deeper with a question to ask yourself how you walk out your affirmation. Then move into praying or meditating on the needs of others. It’s been the best way to start my days, you can order yourself one at www.worthyheart.com. Amy is also a Peace/Freedom/Life Coach, and hilarious! Give her a follow on Instagram!

Dolly Parton, Storyteller Book

The perfect book….no matter the genre. It is so fascinating to read and look at. Every coffee table needs this gem.

Happy June Friends! If you are already overwhelmed with the summer, check this podcast episode out….A Soul Minimalist’s Guide to the Next Right Thing with Emily P. Freeman

Love & Light,

Brooke

June 10, 2021 by
Books, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – JANUARY-MAY Edition

Can we just agree to give some grace by overlooking that these favorites cover 5 months? Thank you – grace back at you. We have one Darling graduating next week and I spend all my time just gazing at him, which leaves little time for anything else. Here are a few things saving my life right now….

Hangover Pillow Balm

I’ve literally tried every single thing on the market for dry lips and this was the best I found. It goes on more like a lip gloss than a balm, but I absolutely can’t do without it. When I had Invisalign Braces for the past year, my lips were constantly chapped, this was the only solution that worked.

The Always Pan

Meet your new best friend…The Always Pan. It replaces your frying pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest. My family thought I was crazy when purchasing it, but soon jumped on the bandwagon…even the Chef in the house loves it. It is TRULY non-stick, super easy cleanup, but most importantly TEENAGE BOY PROOF. The Always Pan comes in several colors, I opted for the Steam option.

Oligo Professionnel Blacklight Violet Shampoo

My hair has a huge tendency to turn brassy. I add a little of this to my handful of shampoo every wash to keep the highlights bright. It’s been a constant for years. Love. It.

Takes The Cake, Desserts By Melany

Let’s be honest, I love desserts of any and most kinds. But, I’ve never understood the love people have for wedding cake…until now. Takes The Cake version of this flavor, Wedding Bells, is absolutely delicious! She has a ton of other flavors and desserts that are equally amazing! For those local to Waco, you can like/follow her facebook page and order from there!

Rhonda Allison Cucumber Spritz – Compromised Barrier

My esthetician was noticing that my skin wasn’t absorbing moisture, therefore was in the vicious cycle of being dry, oily, and stressed. As sexy as that sounds, she recommended liberally spraying my face with this cucumber spritz and then rubbing two pumps of this Hyaluronic Serum in every evening. It has been a game changer! In the morning, I do the same spritz with one pump of a Vitamin C/ Stem Cell combo. If you are local to Waco, contact Brandy with Birch Skin to chat about your skin needs. But don’t book her up, her fans wouldn’t be happy with me. Only request skin care info. 😉

The Lazy Genius

There were several no brainers for me in this book, but just as I was about to stop reading, she would say something profound that would make me reevaluate. I’ve streamlined a lot of life, tasks, and chores with the Lazy Genius Way. Definitely worth the read, I just wish it would have been written 20 years ago!

Handheld Mini Fan 

We live in the South, where summer is 17 months long and hotter than Satan’s oven. This little fan is rechargeable. It is small but powerful enough to use at sporting events.

Time with Girlfriends….

Let’s be honest, a good girlfriend is the biggest lifesaver. Spend time with your life-giving friends. Also be one. Life is short and friendships are important. Some say matching pajamas aren’t necessary, but they are wrong and rude. (Looking at you Handsome Hubs)

Happy May Friends!

Wishing all you Momma’s a strong finish to the school year. Just throw all the papers away and head to the pool.

May 13, 2021 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
Books, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – June edition

I have missed your faces! In light of all the world has been through since March, I didn’t feel that it was right to share favorite things until summer. Now we have made it to June, the world is still on fire for different reasons, but in need of normalcy and the sharing of good things…here we are.

#1 in my Friday Eve Favorites….you people. I’ve missed you all and want to hug everyone in the world. We need it.

La Roche-Posay Body Cream

I have had a life time search for lotion that keeps my legs moisturized for more than a minute. I randomly found this on Amazon, and have reordered it several times now. It is SUPER moisturizing, and has longevity for my day. It isn’t greasy, doesn’t have a scent, and is the perfect consistency! Plus, it is under $20! It is on every night stand and bathroom in our house, makes great gifts for girlfriends as well.

Bar Keepers Friend

During quarantine, I made a new friend. This soft cleanser (and its powder and spray form friends) can literally clean ANYTHING. My husband and boy’s have a “deer camp”, aka “The Ranch”, that has an old house on the property where they stay while hunting. It has 3 bathrooms with completely rusted toilets. While social distancing…I joined them out in the country often. I brought a whole bag of this cleanser. I am not as prissy as some might think, but I do have cleanliness standards. I threw some gloves on and started cleaning a bathroom with a tiny thread of hope. Had I known that it would COMPLETELY REMOVE ALL THE RUST, I would have taken a before picture. It literally took a completely rusted toilet and sink, and made them look as new as an old toilet can look. Sparkling white. (*This took several rounds of the Bar Keepers Friend soaking in) You can find it at Target stores or Home Depot/Lowes. It is on Amazon, but is really expensive compared to less than $3 at Target.

Go Clean Co

Warning…This Instagram account is addictive. Even if you don’t like to clean, you’ll soon be addicted. (This is where I met Bar Keepers Friend.) She has a ton of cleaning hacks and tips saved in her highlighted stories. Give her a view and follow. May we all be sparkly clean together.

Portable Power Bank with Charging Cords

This portable charger is my favorite ever. It is always in my purse, and can fully charge my phone up to 3 times before needing a recharge itself. This one comes with all the different charger cords tucked into the sides, and a built in wall plug to recharge it when it needs it. It solves the problem of having a charger, but forgetting the cord at home! I was so tired of sharing my charger, so each son of mine got one in their Easter Basket this year.

Mini Vegan Messenger Bag

This mini vegan messenger bag is a perfect size for a crossbody! They also offer a full size vegan messenger bag if you need something larger. The strap is not included, however you can purchase it separately. They offer new straps each season. Here are some of their original options….there are plenty more on the Social Threads website!

Erasable Highlighters

Hi, my name is Brooke and I’m addicted to highlighters. Especially pretty pastel ones that are erasable! You’ll love these. All the important things you highlight will love them as well.

Fit HQ App

My personal trainer, Jenny, recently created the Fit HQ App with several of her signature exercises and workouts on it! The app is free and the program is less than $20 a month….SO WORTH IT! You can easily do the workouts from home or your gym. She has a Beginner’s Guide, a Breakthrough Body Challenge, Treadmill Runs, and Weekly Workouts. I’m currently on Week 5 of the Breakthrough Body Challenge and am loving the results! I could see a huge difference in my muscle tone and strength by Week 2! If you want an accountability partner, send me a message! I love friends who hold me accountable too!

BOOKS…BOOKS….and more BOOKS

Battery Park Book Exchange Asheville, NC

I’ve read so many books in 2020 and will share some absolute must-read-favorites with you soon. Until then, I always have my currently read saved on my Instagram highlights for book recommendations. I give honest feedback in my stories. There is a 2020 Books and a 2019 Books Highlights tab.

Sending you all love & light…

May we live with open minds and open hearts,

Brooke

June 4, 2020 by