I’m no Oprah…but I do have a few favorite things this year. I wish this post was going to end with the surprise that every single one of you, and your cousin, would be getting all items mentioned. Spoiler alert – No free candles. However, I would love to share some favs. For shopping and perusing purposes, click on the title of each item to be directed to the link of the item mentioned! (This is not a sponsored post.)
First and foremost – what I’m most excited about really highlights my shallowness and vanity. I hope you guys can accept that, we can get deep later. I can’t even wait to tell you about it….drumroll please.
I know what you are thinking….Revlon? I wish I could credit whatever podcast I heard about this on…because that girl deserves ALL the credit. This blow dryer has changed by mornings and made my hair look like angels brushed it. I’ve always wanted to be the girl who round brushed her hair, but accepted that I was the uncoordinated girl whose arms get tired and whiney when it comes to blow drying my hair. Thank you Relvon, for hearing my cries and giving me volume. Quickly.
A friend of mine recently invited me to do this bible study with her, as she was leading a class at her church. Three weeks after they started, I accepted the invitation. Classic move. Catching up on the study was easy, I didn’t want to put this down. I’ve read the bible my entire life, done countless bible studies and devotionals, yet have never completely understood it. I’ve loved Angie Smith’s simple way of walking us through all the stories and tying them together so well! It’s so good, and the videos for the end of each week can be found on Youtube…or call Kyla. I’m certain she would be happy to drive to you and show you how to find them.
I’m already feeling the urge to goal plan for the new year! I’m old school, and need paper to write on. So, choosing a new planner is a big deal for me. Here are my favorites…
My ol’ faithful….I’m on year 6 with this girl and like the vertical layout. Mainly because I started using these before they gave an option and I’m not prone to change. Hence, the use of paper instead of my phone.
I’m so excited about utilizing this in 2018. I’ll most likely be ready to run for President with a few months of goal planning under my belt. Watch out world. #goalcrushingtime
A Christian planner that keeps you focused on God as you organize your day. Because my bosses in my real job tease me about having a paper planner (they are uber impressive at technology), I’ve had to draw the line at 3 written planners for 2018. However, after I am President, I plan to add another. Because I’ll have proven the power of PAPER! Maybe my slogan will be “Go vintage, use paper! And pretty pens!”
My skin is not terribly oily, but by afternoon I had a shine on my t-zone. Not the dewy shine of youth – but the oily shine of dirty-tired (new word, you moms know). I add a tiny bit of this, after my moisturizer in the morning and it does the trick.
I love candles, candlelight, and lovely smells….who doesn’t? These little babies make it easy to travel with candles, so your hotel room can be cozy as well! This brand comes in all sizes and scents, but I’m obsessed with the Portfolio Collection Travel Tin Candles, my favorite scents are linked below. They make great little gifts or stocking stuffers! Local friends, you can grab these at The Findery!
Pink Peony (Love!), Lavender Chaparral, Luxe Linen, Santa Barbara, Primrose Beach
Seriously, these make me laugh so hard and make the most fun gifts. You can choose from a wide variety of their fun candles or design your own for an extra fee! A great gift for the darling narcissist in your life. Or for the friends that enjoy a good giggle! Just look how natural and happy Dolly looks in our entryway! Gangs all here! (Elvis not shown.)
Let me introduce myself, my name is Brooke and I am a mascara snob. Actually, I am an eyelash snob. I love big, long lashes. I’m from Texas, the longer the lashes…the closer to heaven. Or something like that. I’ve had eyelash extensions, but they are so heavy – I felt like a butterfly just landed on my eyelid. I’ve used stupid expensive mascara and have loved several. The other day I was running through Walgreens and grabbed this little guy. I’ve loved it every bit as much as the costly ones. The wand is awesome and separating while lengthening.
I will never read without these little babies again. Ever. Don’t even try to make me. I’ll take them on a deserted island with my book, chapstick, and lotion. (I’m counting on food being airdropped in for survival.) Book Darts are tiny little book marks that aren’t bulky, they are so thin and inconspicuous. I always feel a deep need to underline and highlight special messages in books – an act that used book stores don’t appreciate. They are so picky. So, book darts to the rescue.
Or your cat. Or your favorite HUMAN! Stop it. I almost didn’t share this good news with you friends, because it might ruin a few gifts. But, I’m a giver…so, you’re welcome. What I can’t share are the ones I ordered for my friends and family members. Stay tuned friends, my social media sites will be BLOWING UP with photos after Christmas. Honey, Bunny, Ryder, Remy, Auzzie, Valentine, and Emma will be famous to more people than just their loving Momma.
Loves, if you’re looking to get me a gift, please bring me Sophie Hudson. If that is too weird, then fine…just read her books so we can chat. This is her most recent book, and how I came to know her. I laughed and cried and cheered all through it. I’ve always been a supporter of women, fully believing that we don’t shine brighter by blowing out the candle of another. What if we could instead reach out, up, and back to invest in all generations of our sisters. We are all just walking each other home. Some ahead of us, some behind us. Let’s just all get there.
I wish these house slippers came in wedges. Life complete. Until then, I’ll collect every color/print of them in effort to trick people that I am wearing shoes. Comfort is so important to me, it should be its own love language. Don’t know your size? Head to Target and try them on!
Don’t let the “after browning” part of the label fool you. My “browning” comes from a bottle (shared below), this is my daily lotion. It feels like conditioner for your skin, and it’s not sticky like some lotions can be.
Get your hands ready to clutch some pearls sister. I am a 39 year old gal who spent her early years in a tanning bed. And loved it. I even owned one. The search to find something as relaxing as laying in that tanning bed, my skin warming while the fan blew on my burning skin…was unsuccessful. However, I did find a solution for a tan that doesn’t give you cancer like the UV rays do. (Please, I don’t want to hear about all the toxins being absorbed through the skin. Go elsewhere Fun&Beauty Police, just let me have my tan.)
I know, I know…you are all tired of me preaching about Chatbooks. I simply have a fierce love for photos and memories, Chatbooks tie them both together. Download the app and upload your photos from your phone, Instagram, and Facebook.
Light a candle, feed a child. For each container candle purchased Bridgewater donates funds to feed a child for one day! These are made in America and sold in boutiques around the country as well, so buy local and support your store owners! (Waco peeps, Salvage Sisters carry them.) My favorite scent is Sweet Grace, the air freshener is amazing as well!
Fox Print is a great app for these fun vintage polaroid prints and magnets – all downloaded from pictures on your phone. Our laundry room fridge is filled with the sweetest faces.
And there you have it my friends. By now, I’m sure you have learned that I get excited about the smallest of things. If we can’t love the small things, how would we ever know how to appreciate the large things?
bareMinerals Well Rested Eye & Face Brightener
