Hello! It’s been a minute since I have posted here! Haha, I am still alive and it’s good to be back. 2020 taught me a lot and I’m sure like many of you, it gave me time to pause and reflect and focus on the most important things, but I’m ready to start posting again and sharing more paint inspiration. It’s coming I promise!
Today I am doing something a little different and am sharing some of my favorite things from this year with you as we gear up for the holiday season. My favorite older sister, Melissa from 320 Sycamore invited me and has a great line up of other friends that are also sharing their favorite things. It’s a party! Here we go! (Some are Amazon affiliate links)
Oofos – I started training for a marathon last summer and as I started ramping up my mileage my feet HURT all the time. My friend, Michelle introduced me to these lovely sandals and they made a huge difference in my recovery and my feet feeling functional after a long run. We joke that they look like prison shower shoes, they really aren’t cute but you put one foot in them and they feel like a dream. Super comfy and worth every penny if you are on your feet for a long time during the day.
Lululemon Fast n Free shorts – I have tried a lot of running shorts over the years and these are my favorite so far. I love how light they feel, they have pockets on the side for my phone, they stay in place and don’t ride up, don’t chafe, and pretty much feel like you have nothing on. 😉
Balega Running Socks – I got these last year for Christmas from my in-laws and they are my new favorite running socks. Great cushion but lightweight, and I have yet to blister. Read the reviews on Amazon – you’ll be sold.
Madeline Moves – This app saved me during Covid! It’s a strength/cardio program that focuses on a different area of the body everyday. The workouts can be accommodated to any fitness level and twice a year there is a program called “Tighter Together” that focuses on toning up and gaining strength as a community. During “Tighter Together” you can choose to participate in the exercise program alone or count macros with the exercises and see results even faster. I did this last January and I had never counted macros before. It was very eye opening to me to see how much junk I was eating. Even if you don’t plan to count macros long term, it helped me to see what a healthy, well-balanced meal looks like and how you can incorporate it into your daily life, still eat what you want, but make healthier choices. Moderation, I guess, is the key.
Lillie Eats and Tells ONE Cookbook – speaking of macros, this cookbook is my absolute favorite. Although I am not counting macros right now, I love the recipes from Lillie because they have amazing flavor, a ton of veggies and lean protein, super fresh and my family loves them too. I made her Egg Roll Bowl and the Chili-Lime Shrimp Skillet this week and both were big hits. You can also try other recipes from her blog if you don’t want to spend the money for the cookbook. I think it’s worth it though. 😉
Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set – my Dad bought these a few years ago and for a while we made fun of him for being too lazy to grind his own salt and pepper. We kind of loved them though and always used these instead of the traditional ones when we were at their house for dinner so he bought me some for my birthday a couple of years ago. I use them every single day and LOVE them, lazy or not. They are great gifts for the person you have no idea what to get.
Cookies n’ Cream Built Bars – from my experience, you love these or you hate these. I LOVE them. Cookies n’ Cream is hands down my favorite. I also love Coconut Brownie Chunk (which was just released again), Carrot Cake, Coconut, and Rocky Road. They have 15-17 grams of protein, zero sugar and 130ish calories depending on the bar and to me it tastes like a candy bar. They are a great afternoon pick me up when you are craving something sweet.
All In Podcast – I love Podcasts and listen to quite a few, but I am always consistent with All In. I love the variety of people interviewed and the lessons I learn from each episode. This podcast has opened my eyes to issues I need to be more aware of and has helped me be more compassionate to those struggling with trials different than my own. Morgan Jones is an amazing host and I have yet to listen to an episode where it doesn’t increase my faith and make me want to be a better person. I love the stories, the faith, and the overcoming that is described in All In and it helps me ponder how I can be completely committed to my Savior, Jesus Christ and His Gospel.
Made By Mary Jewelry – I am a simple girl when it comes to jewelry, and that is exactly why I love these necklaces because I can keep them on forever and they go with anything. I can wear them running, swimming, while I sleep and a few of them I have had for over two years and they still look brand new. They don’t tarnish and are amazing quality for the price I feel. Beautiful and classic.
Buxom Lip Gloss – Kristine, my sister-in-law gave me Buxom last year and I have been obsessed ever since. I love the way this gloss makes my lips feel, it’s super moisturizing unlike other glosses and lipsticks I have used. And it makes your lips tingle. I love it.
Secret Treasures Pajamas – these pajamas from Walmart are sooo soft and affordably priced. I have collected quite a few pajamas over the years and these are always my favorite to put on at night. Next time you are at Walmart give them a feel, you won’t be disappointed. 🙂
Cetaphil Face Lotion – I have tried a lot of facial moisturizers and I always come back to Cetaphil. I love that I can use it on my face and body and that it’s lightweight, yet very moisturizing, and it won’t make you break out.
Antibacterial Hand Spray – I feel like during Covid hand sanitizer got so mass produced most of them smell pretty nasty now. I love the hand spray from Bath and Body Works because it’s easy to put on, smells good and doesn’t leave a gross film on your hands.
Hauser Radio Station on Pandora – my favorite cellist (my Mom) introduced me to Hauser. Have you heard of him?! If you haven’t, you NEED to listen to some of his songs. They are AMAZING. He makes playing the cello sound so effortless – I love listening to this station on Pandora when I need to clear my head and calm my soul.
Last but not least, these are some of my very FAVORITE books I have read this year. I have loved every single one and would highly recommend them, each one for different reasons.
Have a great day and thanks for sticking with me! I hope to be back here again soon.