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Friday Eve Favorites

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

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.

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

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

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!