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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

Family, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts, Organization, Parenting, What is saving your life

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – August Guest Edition

To know Beka Gross, is to absolutely adore her! Beka is a literal walking-talking-smiling-giving-loving-beating-heart ANGEL on earth. There are zero people that would dispute this. She is the kindest, most caring friend who thinks of everything and does anything to make her people feel seen and loved. She loves to connect with people by hosting ALL the parties, whether at home or camping in the country! She is the definition of Happy Homemaker, her favorite role of all. She manages her family with great love and complete adoration of her husband and two precious children. If she sounds like a fairytale character, it’s only because she is….enjoy getting to know Beka and her favorite things!

We will call this Favorite Things “A Day in the Life of a Mama of Littles”, starting with the most important sidekick. COFFEE. Waco friends, do not sleep on this piece of information. Common Grounds bottles and sells their secret sauce. Change your life. Don’t worry, I still drive through and get iced coffee in the afternoon, but in the morning, this baby stays right by my coffee pot. 

Now that I am alive and functioning, time to get “ready” for the day. You know, Mom ready. Do you have a part of your body that gets more attention from you than another? I do. My lips. If you know me, you know I always have something on my lips. No color, just moisture. These two I will take to my grave. 

I also sometimes have irrational fears. One of those being that Blistex will stop making DCT. You all know how you feel when your favorite beauty product gets discontinued. Anxiety level a billion to find another product that will live up. Before the days of our glorious Amazon, I would go into CVS and Walgreens and buy out the entire stock of this stuff. True story, on so many occasions. I keep at least 30 jars in my bathroom *just in case*. 

Want to add a little sparkle? I HIGHLY recommend Beauty Counter Beyond Gloss. I love, love, LOVE it! This is the only color I wear… Quartz Shimmer.

Going somewhere today? Gotta put on a bra. This True & Co. Bra will make you feel like you aren’t wearing one. Try it, I promise you won’t ever feel like you have to throw off your bra when you get home!

Before I leave the house to do anything, I have to go check on my flock (chickens, not children) and check on the garden. I absolutely am the crazy chicken lady. I was gifted this egg stamp when my girls started laying and I just adore it. When I gift fresh eggs, I use this stamp for the cutest touch. It can be found on Etsy

Where are my gardeners at? Anyone? Bueller? Here are 3 things I must have related to my garden. First, Modern Sprout pruning shears. Second, the Bounty Basket. Collecting the fresh fruit and veggies with my two littles NEVER gets old. And lastly, custom made stickers (Etsy) for whatever we are making with our haul. Most often, it’s fresh pickles or salsa. 

Y’all, we are finally ready to leave the house. Here are a couple of my tricks to keep my two sweethearts busy on long car rides or on the airplane. We got back from Colorado last night and every flight attendant there and back commented on their snackle boxes. Such an awesome way to keep them busy and not HANGRY. Total life savers. 

Can be purchased @DotsandDashesbyDani on Instagram


We made it through the day. Time for wine. I’m in no way picky about that… find one and pop it open, girls! We did it! 

See Friends? I knew you’d love her instantly.

Wishing you all love, light, and laughter for the remainder of your summer!

Brooke

Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Organization

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – December Guest Edition

Meet our friend Brooke Davis, commonly referred to as “Little Brooke”. (Which would naturally make me “Tall Brooke”. Please note this for future reference, as I do not answer to “Big Brooke”.) Brooke is a ball of joy, she adds fun and smiles to any gathering or group. Always hilariously positive with a smile on her face and a ton of knowledge and life experience to share. She has a beautiful home and is the BEST hostess, seriously making Gaines and Stewart look like they are just starting out. Brooke is also a fellow Christmas lover, making her my kind of gal. I’m so excited to share her favorite things with you! Give Zoey Lane a follow for gorgeous goods!

Ranch Water-Lone River Ranch Brand at HEB

Somebody decided they wanted to take on the “white claw” hard seltzer explosion, bringing an old East Texas tradition, Ranch Water to market for the masses. Traditionally a West Texas style tequila cocktail with lime and  Topo Chico. It s a lighter and more bubbly version of a margarita. Whatever their motivation, I love that somebody put this little beauty in a can!  If I’m not making it homemade- this is my roadie-du-jour

Costco Stretch Tile Plastic Wrap 

I have a love hate relationship with plastic wrap. Who doesn’t?  It’s amazing and  the spawn of satan at the same time. Costco to the rescue!  Trust me….buy this and have one less headache on your plate. With a handy built in cutter- you will never have to attend Saran-wrestle-mania again!  Buy at Costco or Amazon. 

Water bottle holder

Do your cabinets constantly suffer from a tumbler/blender bottle/ water bottle/swell title-wave? You’re welcome!  

Container Store Shoe Boxes

Do yourself a favor and invest in Container Store Shoe Boxes. Spend a few hours ONE weekend and transform your shoe-scapade!  (I promise the time is worth it!) 

Oyster shells

Some might say I have become obsessed with oysters. And that might be true. A little over 2 months ago in a COVID induced state of delirium, I started handcrafting pretty little oysters. Why, I am not quite sure. Maybe for fun…maybe there was some stress. …  Regardless, I quickly realized they made perfect little gifts as jewelry bowls, salt /pepper pinch bowls and just pretty little accents. And a few people bought them!  And then a few more. And now I think I have created almost 300 shells in 2 months with no end in sight. Check out my Instagram page if you need a unique gift for the holidays!

Tile

Have you ever left your purse in an Uber?  Your phone in the middle of a stack of sweaters in Nordstrom’s, your wallet in the middle of the apples at H-E-B?  No?  (Liar……). Insert TILE. Again, you’re welcome. Lost your purse? Open the app on your phone and signal the ringer in your purse. Lost your phone?  Grab the old TILE out of your purse and activate the ringer to your phone. Voila!!   Reunited and it feels so good!  

Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover

If you ever take your dogs on a 24 hour road trip to your favorite vacation spot- In the first 15 minutes you open that bottle of wine you have waited hours for….they will spill it all over 2 cream couches at your lovely VRBO. Or maybe that is just me. You can literally save anything with Wine Away. Couches, suits, white jeans…just ask me. I’ll tell ya. 

Emergency LED Light Bulbs with Rechargeable Battery for Daily Use, Power Outage, Camping, Hurricane, Disaster Planning

Being from Houston I am a self-admitted mini-prepper. I naturally prep for hurricanes, severe weather, flooding, power outages, a zombie apocalypse. You name it…..well maybe not a zombie apocalypse (until 2020 happened).  This to say I LOVE little cheats to make the uncomfortable a little more comfortable. Enter these awesome rechargeable, mobile light bulbs.  If I turn out the lights……no problem. If the unexpected turns out the lights…….INSTANT HYSTERIA. Plug these little jewels into a lamp and they charge while in use. If the power goes out, remove the bulb, add the adapter (which has a little hook for convenience) and you can take the beacon of light anywhere in the house!  Voila!  Let there be light!   

Weck Jars

If you’ve met me, you know I am all about the little details of entertaining. Fancy little monogrammed napkins, a pretty little glass for every cocktail, a dainty little caviar bowl for all those times you bust out the caviar. (Which to date has been exactly ZERO times- but I am ready just in case). Remember- I like to be  prepared for anything. Enter my favorite Weck Jars. These gorgeous little jars come in all kinds of fun little shapes and sizes. They are perfect for storing things in the fridge and immediately transferring to a serving platter. One less dish to clean up right? You can find them all kinds of places online but also places such as World Market, The Container Store and Bearings.

Assets Tights from Target

In the fall and winter I live in short skirts, tights and TALL boots. Just about every day. But tights are difficult thing. They roll down, they bunch up, they cut you just enough in the right place to create the dreaded MUFFIN TOP. But Assets from Target are the greatest! A little control at the top, and a difficult to puncture toe make them ideal!

IKEA VAFFLOR (Heart Shaped) Waffles

Who doesn’t want to eat super cute, easy peasy heart shaped waffles for breakfast?  And they are delish!  Next time you are lost in the sea of awesome-ness at IKEA, don’t forget to grab a frozen box of these on your way out the door! 

How amazing is Brooke and her favorites?!

Happy December friends! Wishing you all love & light,

Tall Brooke

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!

Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts, Organization, Podcast

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – February Edition

Hi Friends, here are a few things that are saving my sanity and life right now….

Neck and Shoulder Relaxer Chiropractic Pillow

My chiropractor friend (truly her official title), told me to order this. It’s so relaxing to lay on after a long day or tough work out. It stretches out the neck in the most supportive way. I’ve actually accidentally slept all night on this, proof it isn’t torture. For under $20, it’s a chiropractic bargain!

Sidekick Pencil Pouch

This little pouch from the Container Store is my journal and current book’s sidekick. I underline and highlight as I read, so I like to have a writing utensil close by. This pencil/pen pouch has a MAGNET ARM that hugs the cover of a book, so one is always close by. Brilliant. As my friend, ‘Other Brooke’ says, “Another thing I didn’t invent…”

Portable Mini Refillable Perfume Atomizer

This is the best for those of you who don’t like using a roller ball for perfume application on the go. It’s the coolest little guy. You simply take the spray lid off of your favorite full size perfume, connect the bottom of the atomizer to the regular perfume bottle and press it up and down to fill the cavity. It travels well and doesn’t leak in your purse like roller balls can!

skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gel

I’ve tried a ton of eye patches to help freshen up puffy eyes. These are my favorite by far. Others that I have tried are jelly (ick) or slimy (gross), and fall all over my face. The inside of these babies is super soothing and so nice while the outside is more like a material…nothing slimy! The best part is that they WORK with puffiness and fine lines. They carry them at Ulta, I’ve linked them here from Amazon as well.

Clear Shelf Divider

I don’t know how to accurately describe these amazing and strong shelf dividers. So just believe me? I was looking for a solution for some closet shelf organization. When I found these, I started looking for other places to use them. The bottom arm is padded, so it won’t scratch the wood or paint that it grips onto. They hold up well, (even strong enough for books!) and divide beautifully.

No Show/No Slip Socks

These made me break up with Nike No Show socks. They are perfect, no slipping and they let you keep the circulation in your feet! The best part...they come in a pack of 6 for under $20!

Podcast….

If you haven’t caught this podcast of Brene Brown, hosted by School of Greatness…. or this podcast of Richard Rohr, hosted by Good True & Beautiful…enjoy!

Several have recently asked me for book recommendations…I have a saved Book Highlight on my Instagram for those! I always love hearing your recommendations as well!

Love & Light,

Brooke

P.S.