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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
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
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
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