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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

December 3, 2020 by 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 Tumbler s

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 texturedsoul

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 texturedsoul

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 Ranc h

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 texturedsoul

Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Friendship, Makeup

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES…June Guest Edition

Meet my very first “Polly Pocket” friend, Shannon Senn Trammell, tiny enough to fit in my hip pocket. Shannon is a real life cowgirl – the prettiest that you’ll ever meet, inside and out. She is the hardest worker, always on a horse, pulling a trailer of horses or cows behind her enormous truck, rescuing farm animals (raccoons) and raising the most adorable family. Shannon is married to Toby, has the most precious son Case, and the funniest/spiciest daughter, Steely. She is the perfect blend of a Tomboy Fashionista, and one of the sweetest friends you could find. When I’m in search of something to wear, she is the gal who directs me. She has an account on the Like to Know It website/app where she shares her amazing finds weekly! Give her a follow here. I’m so thrilled to have her share some of her favorite finds this month!

CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash

Beauty products are huge for me. For a girl who damages her skin on the daily, I need a lot of help for my skin. My first go to is my CerAve facial cleanser. I have extremely dry skin and have seen a big difference since I switched to this brand many years back.

Circadia Moisturizer with SPF 37

I can’t live without is Circadia SPF 37 for every day moisturizer. Luckily you can purchase this locally (to Waco) through Brandy Draper at Birch.

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream

My evening facial moisturizer is extremely hydrating for dry skin. I have used Egyptian Magic for many, many years. It is a very clean and super hydrating product.

Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil

After every shower/bath, I use this organic coconut oil before getting out. Since starting this, I have not bought lotion for almost 10 years.

Beautifive Lighted Makeup Mirror

As much as we travel, I have to have a mirror that is compact enough for suitcases but still has magnifying and led lights. I have gone through many and this one is by far my favorite.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

Nars tinted moisturizer SPF 35 is by far my favorite go-to almost daily… I have very sensitive skin and this is safe. Being in wind, cold, sun and heat everyday having extra SPF on top of my moisturizer is amazing.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Shape tape concealer is by far my second favorite product ever! For a mom, this is a God given gift because is sure hides the dark circles!

IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara

I literally have 7 favorite mascaras but I narrowed down to just 2. Ha! My first favorite is IT Lash Blow Out. It gives such great volume.

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara

Benefit Roller Lash is a huge second place, it’s not as volumizing but gives great length to your lashes.

Framar Detangling Brush

Steely and I have naturally, thin, crappy, knotted hair….. how fun is that?! So, when the Wet brush came out I thought it was miracle until I found this new one on Amazon. We lose far less hair when tearing through our knots.

Rewined Rose Fragrance Candle

I am obsessed over this Rewined Candle in Rose, it smells heavenly!

Fragrance Sachet

These Kirkland Sachets are life savers to make small areas smell better (closets, vehicles, tractors…). I buy multiple, put them in freezer bags and pull out to exchange them. HEB is also selling these, so I’m stocked up!

St. Tropez Tanning Mousse