Browsing Tag

Gifts

Books, Favorite Things, Gifts, Laughter, Lessons

A few of my Favorite Things….2017

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.

Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer

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.

Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story

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…

Erin Condern Lifeplanner 

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.

Cultivate What Matters Powersheets – An intentional goal planner.

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

Anchored Press Devotional Planner

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!”

Murad Oil Control Mattifier

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.

Portfolio Collection Travel Tin Candles

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

Illuminidol Candles

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.)

 

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Lengthening Washable Mascara

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.

Book Darts   

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.

Pup Socks 

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.

Giddy Up, Eunice: (Because Women Need Each Other)

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.

Muk Luks Slippers


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!

Maui Babe Lotion

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.

Fake Bake Flawless Tanning System

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.)

Chatbooks…the modern app version of scrapbooking

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.

Bridgewater Candles

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

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?

November 21, 2017 by
Family, Friendship, Gifts, Grace, Hope, Laughter, Love, Prayer, Renewed

Friendship – The Real Stuff

For the times in life where I have struggled to catch my breath, friendship has served as my inhaler.  Stressed?  Better call the besties, because friendship can literally breathe life back into a weary soul.

Learning how to breathe is in direct response to calming my spirit. Calming my spirit is in direct response to letting things go, and accepting that there are just some things I cannot control. Who wants to live like a fish out of water, not knowing where their next breath is coming from? This is called anxiety – the feeling of standing on unstable ground.  During these shaky moments is when we reach for support.

Recently, our family went through a true crisis. I sent a text out to my friends asking for prayers and advice.  They recognized that I was at my capacity for handling the situation, my spirit was stretched and about to bust. What friendship did in that moment, is show up.  Showing up isn’t always literal, but it is always emotional. Sometimes it’s driving two hours to sit with you at the hospital, a phone call, a simple text checking on you or a funny meme to lighten your mood. Friendship is the scaffolding that supports and holds us up during the rough patches.

A gathering of friends for my 30th birthday…just a few months ago. Or 9 years. Same.

We were made to represent the love of God for our people here on earth, that each person we journey with may have a deeper understanding of God’s love for them.  It has been said that we are all just walking each other home.  I couldn’t love that thought more, healthy relationships remind us of the goodness of God, by bringing more divine into our lives.

Friendship can never be authentic unless you are honest and vulnerable. True friendship is the real stuff – not the artificial sweetener that attempts to taste like the real stuff.  True friendship is the pure cane sugar of life -messy calories and all.  When you find that tribe member, the building of a friendship begins.  Growing up, I never had a clubhouse, but this is how I picture the home of friendship.  When one shares something vulnerable, it’s as if she is handing you a brick to add to the building of the clubhouse.  You, in return, share or confide by handing her a stone to build on.  This goes on, in no specific time frame or rhythm, and one day you look up and realize your clubhouse is built.  It’s not a perfect clubhouse made of one single material or straight lines, but it is beautiful.  It is a place for both parties to be nourished under the shelter of friendship.

When one shows up for another, it’s like having a decorating meeting inside your well-loved clubhouse.  Pitchers in hand, ready to pour into whichever soul needs it at the moment.  If you look for fault in your friends, you will find it. We are all human. But if you continue to only look for the lovely, that’s what you will see.  If one can’t be there today, be thankful for the one who is.  They all have their own purpose in your life.  Your friendships will show up in all different ways, like a gorgeous rainbow.

There are few things better than a can’t-catch-your-breath-laugh with girlfriends.  Recently a group of us drove south to hear a beloved author, Jen Hatmaker, speak at the Austin Bass Concert Hall.   Afterwards, we walked outside to wait on our requested Uber.  We stood out front, waiting on Thor, chatting about where we should eat dinner.  I glanced up and saw Jen Hatmaker herself walking out of the building with her entourage, I really wanted to run and tell her specifically what her writing has meant to me, then I remembered the chapter called “Fangirl” in her latest book. She encourages us to fangirl Jesus and our friends instead of famous people who we don’t know. Inwardly, I rolled by eyes, whispered “fine”, and turned back to fangirl my gals.

Perfect timing, as a minivan pulled up, the driver got out and the automatic minivan doors opened.  What service Thor, you have earned yourself a rating of Uber excellence young man.  As Kristy and Patricia started to get in, the side door jammed while in auto mode, which caused a constant dreadful sound, kind of like a possum was stuck in it.  All four of us looked through the car to the driver, who was standing by his door just staring at us. “Sir, what’s wrong with your door?”  Blank stare.  “SIR, can you come fix your door?  Something is wrong with it.”  At one point, Marlo pushed through the other two and started trying to shove it open while saying through clenched teeth, “Oh. I. got. this!” – a word for each shove. Resolved that we weren’t climbing in on that side, we all went to the drivers side, got in and was buckling up when a random lady came over and said, “What have y’all done to the door?”  Not knowing who she was or what business she had in our night, we stuck to the Stranger-Danger rule and ignored her, continuing about the task of getting into our Uber.  Stranger-Danger-Lady wouldn’t give up with the questions though.  Sweet Patricia just kindly smiled at her as the rest of us ignored her.  She said something like, “This is my car.”,  Ugh, lady…go away.  In really slow talk so she would understand and quit asking questions, we replied, “No ma’am, this is our Uber, Thor is our driver.”  Done with the shenanigans she yelled, “THIS IS MY *&$%ing CAR and you broke my door!”  She was further thrilled when we sat there staring at her, as the situation took some time to soak in.  The situation of mistaking the valet guy for Thor, our Uber driver.  No wonder the Thor (who wasn’t Thor) just stared at us without words when we ask him to please fix his door. Just as we climbed into the poor sailor-mouth-lady’s car, we piled back out.  Back out into the rain to once again, to wait for our Uber – in the Valet line.

To be clear – the next car we got into was the correct one – Cliff’s car.  Which sounds a lot like Thor…

Send kindness out in big, generous waves, send it near and far, send it through texts and e-mails and calls and words and hugs, send it by showing up, send it by proximity, send it in casseroles, send it with a well-timed “me too”, send it with abandon.  Put out exactly what you hope to draw in, and expect it back in kind and in equal measure. Sow seeds of affirmation and goodness and grace into others, and you will reap the devotion of well-loved friends.”  Jen Hatmaker – Of Mess and Moxie

Put simply – it takes being a friend to have a friend. I’ve been on both sides of this spectrum. My first years into adulthood were some of the loneliest.  I was in a growth gap, past who I was and not yet grown into who I was becoming.  I don’t like the thought of growing out of a friendship, I’d rather be grateful for the season that we had it.  Not all relationships will make the duration of your journey, some are just meant for a season.

Pay attention to those who show up in big and little ways. Pay attention to those who support you, who defend you, who encourage you to rise above and be better in this moment. Surround yourself with honest and loyal people, those who know when to push you and when to encourage you to pivot.  Nurture your friendships, show up for your people, love on your tribe, and preserve that beloved clubhouse – it can always use another brick or decoration.  We cannot do life alone, we were made to connect.

Life is brutal and life is beautiful.  The brutal doesn’t break us because the beautiful sustains us.”

 

 

 

 

 

October 30, 2017 by
Courage, Family, Gifts, Lessons

The Gift Closet

Everyone is gifted.  But most people never open their package.

With three sets of grandparents, I hit the lottery with all of them.  One couple were sweetly named Tootie and Pippi, a gift from our oldest cousin.  We learned not to get tongue tied while calling for them, their names weren’t near as endearing when spoken wrong.

I spent only a few Christmas and family gatherings with my biological dad’s family, for several reasons that are neither here or there.  When I was twelve, he died suddenly from a massive heart attack, taking any and all of our future time along with him.  My poor grandparents were devastated, and grieved until they joined him.  After his funeral, we all converged back to the family home in Claude, Texas.  Because love requires we gather.  When we arrived at the pink brick house, my cousins were persistent in requesting that our grandmother show me “my closet”.

My cousin Monica and I, Christmas 1978

My precious grandmother and cousins lead me to the hall closet.  Inside, on the side wall, were stacks of wrapped presents with my name written on them.  Presents for every birthday and Christmas I didn’t join the family.  The feeling of being remembered still overwhelms me.  While the rest of the family consoled each other, I sat in the living room floor and opened presents.

Socks and underwear for every year of growth, nightgowns with past-favorite cartoon characters on them, stacks of bracelets in every color, stuffed animals, strawberry shortcake dolls, care bears, a cabbage patch doll, and various other gifts.  Presents that I never knew existed.  Presents that would have remained unopened had I not shown up.

The Pritchett side of the family is a large one, filled with lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles.  I never figured that I was missed at the family gatherings, as the house was always maxed out with people. Truthfully, most of those years, I was too young to even realize I was missing out.  My life was full of beloved family members from the other sides as well.  Yet, my grandparents felt the void, and prepared my gifts alongside the other cousins, in hopes that I would be there. Year after year.

I never thought about how my grandmother must have felt after Christmas until now.  I wonder if she waited until the decorations were being put up to add my presents to the others in the closet.  I wonder if our Creator feels the same way about the growing stack of unopened gifts we haven’t tapped into.


I can’t help but imagine that God has a closet of goodness for us, just waiting for us to show up for.  Answered prayers and gifts that require time spent in His presence to open and develop.  Gifts tied with gorgeous bows, waiting for our arms and hearts.  How many unopened and untapped gifts are waiting with your name on it?

Perhaps we purposely or unconsciously avoid the gift closet, due to fear of the responsibility of a gift.  How many times have we been given grace that we continually refuse to accept or believe deep down that we haven’t earned yet?  How frustrating for the Gift Giver.  How sad for the Gift Giver to open the closet, and add yet another, unopened box to the stack.

As a parent myself, I delight in watching my boys open gifts chosen just for them.  Some they have asked for, and some are specifically chosen.  Nothing random. I can only imagine the divine joy our Creator has when sitting back, watching us open and then use our perfectly chosen gifts.

My friend Casey is blessed with long, slender legs. She jokes that when torsos were being handed out, she missed the class, along with future make-up days for all torsos.  I think torsos are overrated when you can have legs.  We don’t choose the vessel we’ve been given, but we choose what we pour out and what we keep inside.  We can replenish and sharpen our talents and gifts on each visit to the gift closet.  We can show up and sit in the presence of the Gift Giver, hands out and hearts open.

Get ready to receive my friend.  There are piles of goodness with your name written on the tag.

 

 

August 24, 2017 by