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A Few of My Favorite Things


Oprah, step aside! I may not boost the profit margin of these items by sharing them in this post...but some things just simply should be shared. Here's a randomly curated collection, minus the raindrops on roses, just because.


Cue Julie Andrews...


Garnet Hill Asian Wrap-Organic Cotton Pajamas

So it's hard to get overly excited about pajamas as an adult, right? Yet for all the right reasons, I am excited about these. So excited in fact, I've bought a few for myself, sent them to girlfriends, even got my mom a pair for Mother's Day and she loved them so much she asked me to order her more. The fabric is cooling/temperature balancing, washes well, and offers several fun and bright patterns. Choose long sleeve, short sleeve, nightgown-style, cropped length, full length, shorties, or all of the above! Get yourself a matching kimono robe while you're at it -- mine has become my go-to "roadtrip robe." (And so far I haven't mistakenly left it behind.)




Trader Joe's Sesame Honey Almonds

If you don't want to get addicted to something, then don't try these. I'm so serious! Crunchy, simply sweet, semi-savory, even pretty to look at. Can be served to guests or snacked on in front of the TV. Potentially considered seasonal as they don't always have them in stock, so when they do, stock up. Be warned, though...remember the old Lay's potato chip ad? No one can eat just one. Bag. ;)




The Organic Skin Co Skincare
Glass bottles with wood tops

In my gradual migration to more organic products, and after testing several other skin care items that were just fine, I found this cleverly-branded and clean line by The Organic Skin Co. Refreshingly different with comfortable smells and textures, the products I started with (pictured) are all outstanding so far. Also moderately priced (bonus). I use their signature "best seller," called The Good Oil, at night mostly because it smells yummy...kind of like aromatherapy for your face. Love the packaging, too...a well-rounded treat.




Chanel No. 5
Definitely not actual size!

Speaking of smelling yummy, why did it take me so long to try this iconic, legendary, classic fragrance by one of my personal female heroes? Who knows! Maybe because it's somewhat pricey, or maybe because I was lazy and wearing the same stuff I'd worn since college (or no fragrance at all), or maybe I didn't feel sophisticated enough. After Covid, didn't we all just want to feel pretty again? Well, this romantic, delightfully feminine formula featuring jasmine grown in a specific town in Southern France (and only from there) will definitely do it. I went for the original version...a little goes a long way. If you're interested in how Coco single-handedly saved her signature line and survived WWII, read "Queen of Paris" for additional inspiration.




Sur La Table Striped Kitchen Towels
Sold in packages of 3

This is going to sound weird. I really like dish towels. Pretty and practical dish towels. In my kitchen, the "everydays" are rolled up and stashed in a drawer, in nearby reach for a variety of frequent uses. The latest supply came from Sur La Table...and lucky for me...they were also BOGO! (as of today, they still are...) Made of hearty waffle or twill fabric, easy to wash, available in several bold stripe colors. Sur La Table carries other varieties and they look nice, too...these just work well for me...so I bought 12! (well, actually 6...) ;)



Javamania Guatemala Coffee

In my never-ending quest for the perfect cup of coffee, a fellow aficionado who knew I was on a never-ending quest for the perfect cup of coffee gifted me a 5-lb bag of this incredible stuff for Christmas one year. Changed my life! Organic, fair trade, single source, and delicious. Frequent shoppers can also earn "beans" toward future purchases. It's worth noting we have a local coffee shop with excellent joe an elevator ride away...yet we panic when the giant bag of Javamania appears low. Also comes in smaller bags, K-cups, ground, and whole bean (our recurring order). Sumatra and Bali Blue Moon are also quite tasty.




Miyokos Cultured Vegan Butter

I swear if I hadn't tried it, I wouldn't believe "alternative" butter could taste so good! If you're trying to avoid dairy, make this a staple on your shopping list and amazingly, you won't miss the real thing. Literally made of cashews (I don't know how they do it) but I swear if you close your eyes and compare it to real butter, it's hard to tell the difference. You can also cook and bake with it -- you really can -- I've verified! It comes in a block, which feels different if you're used to sticks. Melts and spreads the same, though. (Side note: this company also makes a cream cheese, which I don't love nearly as much.)




Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer
Not expensive, so you can have one on hand wherever and whenever!

These little beauties are the best little balms around! The perfect size, slightly tingly on your lips, a nice array of colors, and great to top off lipstick for a touch more moisture or tad more sheen. I almost always have one in my pocket, purse, or both. Wear alone for moisture with just a hint of tint -- my preferred choice for the beach, morning walk, or yoga class when full makeup isn't preferred. I'm also grateful for the simple color names (which actually describe the color of the contents, unlike OPI nail polish, you know exactly what I mean) and the packaging politely corresponds. The one I reach for most often? Watermelon.




Chocolate Heaven Flourless Cake
The last piece...so sad...

The words "chocolate" and "heaven" side-by-side seem terribly redundant, don't they? Similarly, don't "flourless" and "cake" together seem terribly wrong? Well...absolutely not in this case!! This small delicacy packs so much flavor...rich without being heavy...and yes, gluten free. Pairs well with coffee, herbal tea, red wine, and your best gal pals! Even freezes well. Made with love in Highlands, NC and sold online or at select local boutique retailers. If you need my address for shipping, please let me know.




Don't let the dogs bite or the bees sting! Just simply remember to savor the small joys in life...and then you won't feel so bad.









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