Name: Buxom Lip Gloss - Dolly Cost: about $18 Where do I get it? www.sephora.com
Why I love it: Have I publicly admitted that I am a lip gloss junkie? It is true, I am forever on the hunt for my next favorite lip gloss. And I just found it. On a recent trip to Sephora (another store that is fantastic!) I had spent enough money to get a nice sized sample (pretty much a full sized lip gloss) of this incredible stuff. It is awesome. It makes your lips tingle, sparkle and shine. It stays on for a long time and really looks natural. I have the color Dolly and it is my new favorite for fall.
Name: Hoover Floormate Spin Scrub Cost: about $140 Where do I get it? www.bestbuy.com
Why I love it: Every once in awhile, I am pleasantly suprised when I buy a gadget or gizmo and it actually works like the box stated. This floor scrubber is awesome! It cleans tile and wood with ease. I don't like to scrub my floors on my hands and knees (who does?). And thanks to this thing, I won't ever have to again. This was the best money spent on a cleaning item ever!
Name: Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Cake Cost: about $5 to make Where do I get it? www.hersheys.com
Why I love it: This one is simple. It is the best chocolate cake I have ever made. Hands down, no recipe is even close. It is light, fluffy and as the title states, it is perfectly chocolaty. Delicious every time.
Name: Yankee Candle Autumn Wreath Cost: about $25 Where do I get it? www.yankeecandle.com
Why I love it: The leaves are starting to turn colors, the air is getting crisp. This candle has the warm fuzzy smell of apple pie in the oven with a hint of spiced cider mulling on the stove. I like the season change, it feels right to me. And this candle makes my house smell like it is ready for fall.
Why I love it: Sometimes the stars and heavens align just so in my life. I was waltzing through Goodwill last week when I stumbled upon this mirror. I immediately grabbed it, gave it a thorough inspection and placed it in my cart. It was coming home with me. I love the way it shines, the little mirrors captivate me. I came home, looked it up on Google and found out this is a very pricey mirror. I was able to score it for about 1/10 of it's retail price. Woohoo!
Name: Foo Fighters Cost: $30 for a killer concert ticket Where do I get it? www.foofighters.com
Why I love it: Where to start? My infatuation started about 8 years ago when my friend (now my husband) took me to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers with Foo opening for them. I immediately fell in love with this band. Their music, energy and groove is infectious. I can't quite decide what my favorite song is, close tie between Everlong (the Acoustic version), The Pretender, and Razor. The concert rocked and I will forever be a Foo Fighters Fan. If you get the chance to see them live, go. It is worth every penny.
Why I love it: That is me on the right. Doing push ups around 6am. I have just completed a 4 week session, 5 days a week of a fitness bootcamp. It was awesome. I increased my strength, endurance and stamina. I learned new moves to tone my body. I feel strong and healthy for the first time in a long time. I might do the September camp. I like my sleep, and getting up at 4:45am to get to class is a challenge, but the results are worth it.
Name: Joey's Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Cost: free Where do I get it? www.allrecipes.com
Why I love it: Have you been searching for the perfect peanut butter cookie recipe? I just found it. If you like your peanut butter cookies soft and chewy in the middle with a hint of crisp on the outside, than this is the perfect cookie for you. My entire family gave it a two thumbs up, that means something! It is super easy to make and clean up is a breeze. You should make them as soon as possible, and invite me over if you do.
Name: Coppertone SPF 50 Continuous Spray Cost: Around $10 Where do I get it? www.drugstore.com
Why I love it: We go on an annual canoe trip every year. And every year I miss a spot on myself with sunblock, and I burn. We float down a river for at least 8 hours in the full sun, so it is easy to overlook a spot and turn nice and red. Not this year. I used this sunblock every few hours and I did not miss one spot. No redness, no sunburn. Finally, a sunblock that is easy to apply and catches all the normally missed spots. Way to work it, Coppertone!
Why I love it: I heard a report today that featured these young ambitious men, and I was instantly hooked. My only problem is that I don't like seafood at all. But I get excited when I hear about a long standing tradition (Lobster men) that is dwindling due to the increasing cost of operating. These entrepreneurs will send you the best catch of the day. No middle man, no wholesaler, straight from their boat to you. And my favorite part, the Lobster Man who caught your lobster will personally CALL YOU to make sure you are happy and to see if you have any questions. Rock on Lobster men, you might make me a seafood lover after all.
Name: Grilled Chicken and Creamy Corn Cost: around $5.00 to make Where do I get it? directions at www.bhg.com
Why I love it: So I am sitting in my dentist's office waiting to pick up hubby. Here was a recipe in Better Homes and Garden that called out to me. We eat loads of chicken in this house, and I love finding new ways to prepare it. The corn is out of this world, and it just so happens that I have a basil plant getting huge in my garden. We have had this recipe about 4 times in the last month, and every time I make it, I get happy.
Name: Huge Clothesline Cost: around $35 to make it yourself Where do I get it? directions at www.groovygreen.com Why I love it: In my mind, I have always thought of myself as being kind of green. To my dismay, our energy bills keep going higher and higher every year. I have always line dried my sheets, and I love the crisp clean smell. I asked my hubby to help me build this and it turned out great. We made it 4 lines deep and I can now hang 4 full loads of laundry out to dry in the warm sunshine. This is my favorite gift to myself (and the Earth) this year. Thank you hubby for your mad sawing skills!
Name: Ped Egg Cost: around $10 Where do I get it? www.target.com Why I love it: Ok, here is the scoop. I have really ugly heels. They are always super dry, cracked and neglected. I finally broke down and bought the Ped Egg, with my head held down in shame and no eye contact to be had with the cashier. It works. And it works well. I try to remember to use it a few times a week. My feet no longer stick to the blanket in bed. My heels are looking better. They are almost approaching the definition of "smooth". Yahoo!
Name: Adele Cost: around $9 Where do I get it? www.amazon.com Why I love it: I am always searching for new music. A great song fills my soul with happiness. We always have music playing in our home, and I love it when I stumble upon a new sound. This girl has a mellow soulful voice paired with incredible instruments and beats. I love her. She makes my soul happy.
Name: Green Bags Cost: around $10 Where do I get it? www.greenbags.com Why I love it: I get so frustrated when the wonderfully ripe fruit I purchase goes bad so quick. I have been using these bags for a week now, and my bananas are still yellow! I think these work well to keep fruit a little longer and I am hoping to lessen the amount I toss to being over ripe. Man, I love things that work like they advertise!
Name: Reef Krystal Sandals Cost: around $20 Where do I get it? www.nordstrom.com Why I love it: I purchased my first pair of Reef flip flops last year. They were a sportier version, but very comfortable. A few days ago I was waltzing through Macy's and stumbled upon these shoes. They feel heavenly and I normally don't like flip flops at all. They mold to your feet and are super soft. And what girl doesn't love some glittery shoes? Summer has officially started!
Name: How About Orange website Cost: free Where do I get it? www.howaboutorange.blogspot.com Why I love it: I check out many websites daily and this is one that makes me happy. First of all, I really do like the color orange. Secondly, she had a great eye for design and inspiration and I am always looking for new ideas and direction. It is a well kept, clean, easy to peruse website and it makes me happy!
Name: Aldi Food Stores Cost: varies Where do I get it? www.aldifoods.com Why I love it: I am getting my groceries now for 30-50% off what I was spending at my local grocery stores. The food is excellent, the stores are simple and clean. I can fill up 4 Chico Bags full of groceries for less than $40. Some things I completely reccomend: chips, milk, eggs, produce, flowers, frozen foods like waffles, bacon, sausages and ice cream. They do have some name brand items too, but the store brand items have been as good as the name brand stuff we were getting before. Bring your own bags, and a quarter to "rent" a cart (you get your qutarter back when you return the cart). Seriously, go check it out. It is crazy how cheap it is!
Name: L'Bri Cost: around $50.00 Where do I get it?www.lbri.com Why I love it: Well, my pretty skin took a turn for the worse about 3 months ago. I had to go through my whole routine to figure out what was making me break out. I have it narrowed down to a few things and in the mess, I tried some new skin care products. Within 1 week of trying L'Bri products, my skin completely cleared up, is super soft and looks great. I dumped all my old makeup and skin care products (expensive stuff too!) and I am solely working with L'Bri now. Sometimes it is good to switch it up when you are in a rut. Sometimes breaking out like a teenager can make you re-evaluate what is working and what is not. I'm digging the simplicity of L'Bri!
Name: Lucky Brand Jeans Cost: around $98.00 Where do I get it? www.luckybrandjeans.com Why I love it: I have had these jeans for 3 years now, and they are just getting broken in. I love the way they fit. Lots of room for my curves, the perfect amount of fading and simple legs make these jeans go from day to evening with a change of shoes. I have two pairs, in two different sizes, one for a more tailored fit and one for a loose and fabulously comfy fit. Go try on a pair, you won't want to take them off!
Name: Organic Flax Plus Granola Cost: around $7.00 for a huge box Where do I get it? Sam's Club Why I love it: While casually strolling through Sam's club one day, we decided to try some of this granola from the little old lady who was manning the silver cart loaded with granola. I am not really a tree hugger, or completely Earthy, but this stuff rocks. Every person in my family loved it and we went back for a second Dixie cup full. It is perfect on cereal, bananas. strawberries or by itself. Yummy!
Name: My new ring Cost: I don't know! Where do I get it? Macy's I believe Why I love it: Well, all I really wanted for my birthday was a bottle of perfume. Instead, hubby surprised me with some new bling. And man, is it gorgeous! Thanks baby, I will buy the perfume for myself, this is much better!
Name: Ed Hardy Perfume Cost: around $55 Where do I get it?www.amazon.com Why I love it: Let's hope my wonderful hubby is reading this. I found this new perfume that I REALLY want, and he knows that I won't buy it for myself. This is a nice blend of sweet, soft and pretty. Just how I want to smell! I had a sample, used it all up and now I am longing for more. Come on hubby, don't let this Mama down!
Name: Hulu Cost: free Where do I get it?www.hulu.com Why I love it: Oh boy, I stumbled upon this and it is so good it's bad, really bad. We are not big TV watchers in this house, but who doesn't love a little old school Fantasy Island? Watching it in bed, on your laptop? I'm not sure how they do it, but you can watch hundreds of you favorite shows, with very limited commercials online. Right now! Currently I am catching up on Arrested Development. Great show and I am hooked. Wahoo!
Name: SouleMama Cost: free Where do I get it?www.soulemama.com Why I love it: This gal is earthy, warm, inspiring and just emits a gentle sense of what a family should be. I learn from her, calm down with her photos and stories, and take some of her ideas and implement them into my day. She is a crafty Mama, and she might just have the coolest name ever...Amanda Soule, or better known as SouleMama.
Name: Apple and Pear Wristlet Cost: $17 Where do I get it? www.ladyjanebags.com Why I love it: I love to sew and make new things. It is my hobby and my outlet. I found this darling fabric and whipped up this perfect little wristlet. I just opened a shop on Etsy, which can provide for some serious browsing pleasure. Check it out!
Name: Blue Bunny Ice Cream - Chocolate Cost: $4 Where do I get it?www.bluebunny.com Why I love it: Late last night I had a craving. I needed something sweet and chocolaty. I found the answer in my freezer. This ice cream is so smooth and creamy. Hubby bought it by accident, and now it is a staple in my freezer. I have always been loyal to other brands, but now I am loyal to a blue bunny. Seriously loyal to a bunny.
Name: Absolut New Orleans Cost: $22 Where do I get it?www.absolut.com/us Why I love it: We hosted a party this past weekend, and some wonderfully insightful guest brought this to share. Absolut has created an incredibly flavorful vodka with a hint of mango and black pepper. Doesn't sound like it would be good, but put it with some Cran-Tangerine juice and this goes down way too easy. Next time you are out, try it, you won't be disappointed!
Name: Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Beach Honey Cost: $22 Where do I get it?www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com Why I love it: Happy Valentines day to me! I was wandering aimlessly through Macy's when I decided to stop by the Bobbi Brown counter and check out some fresh make up. I found this little pot of eye shadow and knew immediately it would be my favorite "perfect color" for day and night. It goes on super smooth and stays put. Love it!
Name: Nikon D40 camera Cost: around $480 Where do I get it?www.amazon.com Why I love it: I had been wanting to move up to a nicer camera, and I did just that right before Thanksgiving. I love this camera. It is very simple to use, takes lovely photos that have a crisp feeling you just don't get from a regular digital camera. This is the perfect entry level Digital SLR for under $500.
Name: Slick Deals website Cost: free! Where do I get it? www.slickdeals.net Why I love it: I am the girl who researches everything to death before I buy it. I like my money. I like to save my money. I don't like to spend my money. This website will SAVE YOU MONEY! I have scored some great deals from them, like, say, my KitchenAid Artisian Mixer for $80! Oh yeah, say it with me....Show me the money!
Name: Kite Runner - The Movie Cost: $9 at a theater Where do I get it? www.kiterunnermovie.com Why I love it: I don't go to see movies often. But when I love a book like the Kite Runner, I feel compelled to see if the movie can do the book justice. I thought this movie was very well done. The cinematography is spectacular, the acting superb and although they leave out a few chapters from the book, they sum it up nicely. I recommend spending the $9 to see this one on the big screen.
Name: Philosophy's Microdelivery Peel Cost: $65 Where do I get it? www.philosphy.com Why I love it: I am aging. No doubt about it. New wrinkles are popping up, sun spots, freckles, dull skin are all abundant here. I did receive a sample of this amazing skin peel, and within minutes my youthful radiance was attempting to peek through. I bought the kit and have been using it twice a week for 2 months. Honestly, I see a difference. My skin is softer, wrinkles are still here, but less deep and there is an overall smoothness that I have never seen before. I like it. It is working for me!
Name: ChicoBags Cost: $5 each Where do I get it? www.chicobag.com Why I love it: I realized that I am part of the problem with our landfills. Every grocery trip resulted in a mountain of plastic bags on my kitchen floor. NO MORE! Here are nice, clean, sturdy, perfectly sized bags that I use instead of any bag at any store. They compact so nicely that I keep 5 in my purse at all times. I feel better about the way I am treating the Earth. There is a one year warranty on each bag, and their customer service rocks. Baby steps, baby steps.
Name: MAC Lipglass in Viva Glam V Cost: $14 Where do I get it? www.maccosmetics.com Why I love it: I am an admitted lipstick/lipgloss junkie. I have tried them all, spent hundreds of dollars over the years searching for the perfect lip flair. I keep coming back to this one, a simple shimmery pink with enough gumption to make my pout fabulous. You can layer it over lipstick, wear it alone, blend with other colors. I have one in each of my bags, and my car. You can't go wrong with this one, and you can feel good about your purchase, from the website: "In the spirit of all VIVA GLAM, every cent raised goes to the M·A·C AIDS Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS." Woohoo!
Name: Everything I can't have by Robin Thicke Cost: download for 99 cents Where do I get it? www.amazon.com Why I love it: This is currently my favorite song. You know, the kind you play over and over again until is seems as if you can't play it one more time, but then you do and the stars and the heavens align. I just happened to stumble upon it, and I swear, it make me dance every time. Every artist has one song that really shines, and hands down, this is his song.
Name: Toyota Highlander Cost: Varies widely Where do I get it?www.toyota.com Why I love it: This SUV is perfect for my family. It has all the bells and whistles I could dream up, is very dependable, has excellent traction in the snow and has a stellar safety rating. It is a joy to drive, smooth, quiet and refined. It has a huge cargo space when the seats are folded flat down and also comes with the option of a pop up 3rd row. I know a mini van is very practical. But sometimes I don't really want to go the practical route, I want to pretend I am cool for just one more day and this is a great alternative.
Name: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Cost: around $15 Where do I get it? www.amazon.com Why I love it: Are you looking for a book that you can't put down? This is your book! Perfect for bedtime reading. A beautifully written story that plops you down in a time and place far away from here. This writer is vivid and eloquent, her words had me longing for more. This is a story of friendship, hardship, sisterhood and sadness. Read this book, you won't be sorry.
Name: Confessions of a Pioneer Woman Blog Cost: Free! Where do I get it?www.thepioneerwoman.com Why I love it: This gal can really write, she takes incredible pictures and I find her life fascinating. I could read her every blog every day like a novel. She is clever, witty, talented and shares all of this with me for free. Oh Pioneer Woman, you are one of my hero's! Did I mention the wicked recipes she shares? Check her out, you won't be disappointed!
Name: Keen Malibu Cost: Around $75 Where do I get it?www.onlineshoes.com Why I love it: Take a classic Mary Jane, add in some sport, add in some funk and you get this wonderfully comfortable shoe. Easy on the heels, nice support and completely fashionable. These tend to run a smidge small, so go up a half size if you will be wearing them in winter with socks.
Name: The Secret Life of Bees Cost: $9.00 Where do I get it?www.amazon.com Why I love it: This book grabs you on the first page and doesn't let you put it down. Colorfully written, wonderfully descriptive and just a good book. This is the perfect book for a lazy summer afternoon.
Name: Mc Dondalds Rap Order Cost: Free Where do I get it? www.youtube.com Why I love it: Um, these kids are funny. What a fabulous way to spend an evening. Innocent fun which is truly hilarious. Makes me giggle every time!
Name: Danskin All Women Triathlon Cost: Around $80 Where do I get it? www.danskin.com Why I love it: I am not an athlete and can't run worth a ding dong. This triathlon is the most inspiring scene for women of all ages, sizes, and types. This is my second year participating in this tri, and I plan on doing for many years to come. It is non-competitive, wonderfully inspiring and just plain old healthy fun. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Put it on your calendar for next year, you will be so proud when you cross that finish line!
Name: Rate My Space Cost: Free Where do I get it?http://ratemyspace.hgtv.com Why I love it: Do you eve wonder how other people decorate their homes? Looking for some fresh new ideas for your abode? Check it out, but be prepared to spend lots of free time as it can be addicting!
Name: Postsecret Cost: Free Where do I get it?www.postsecret.com Why I love it: New secrets are added every Sunday. People from across the world send in their secret and some of them are posted here every week. These secrets reinforce to me that my life is wonderfully blessed. There are some messed up cookies out there. I hope that by writing their secrets down they find some peace.
Name: Secret Clinical Strength Cost: $6.99 Where do I get it?drugstore.com Why I love it: Let's just start by saying that I am not exactly the stinkiest girl on earth, but when the temperature hits 80 degrees in the summer, I'm not the freshest kitten on the block either. I have been using this for 2 whole days, and I have to admit I am very pleased. My title for this deodorant pretty much sums it up...
Name: Craigslist Cost: free to browse Where do I get it?craigslist.com Why I love it: No matter what you are looking to buy or sell, I am sure you can find a way to purchase or unload it on Craigslist.com. This is one huge on line rummage sale sorted by your location! Need to get rid of some old baby gear? Than list it for free on Craigslist. Want to buy a retro lava lamp from the 60's? Find it on Craigslist. What a wonderful concept, and the best part, no fees to pay if you are listing or buying. Find a job, house, car or lamp in one stop. Love it!
Name: Burberry London Perfume Cost: around $58 Where do I get it?sephora.com Why I love it: Happy Mother's Day! My wonderful hubby surprised me with this perfume and I love it! This nice light floral scent with some fruity undertones is perfect for day or night. I smell nice. Woohoo!
Name: Ménage à Trois Red Cost: usually under $12 a bottle Where do I get it?folieadeux.com Why I love it: Great name, great taste, and easy to drink which equals yummy warmth in a bottle. A blend of fruity, spicy and smooth. You can pair this with any number of meals, or drink the bottle on a summer night in your back yard. I love this wine!
Name: Bare Escentuals Mineral Make up Cost: Starter Kit $49 and up Where do I get it?sephora.com Why I love it: I thought it was all fluff. I thought it was all too good to be true. I went to the Bare Escentuals store and walked out a believer. It is easy, simple and makes my skin look lovely and flawless (or as close to flawless as I am getting). Seriously, you just swirl, tap and buff your face. I am impressed and can't believe I waited so long to get hooked on this stuff. Who knew?
Name: A Fine Balance Cost: Around $10 Where do I get it?amazon.com Why I love it: In the past few years I have read a few books that I think about almost daily. This book has stayed with me. It reminds me how very blessed I am to have been born when, where and who I am . You won't want to put this book down, it will draw you in and hold you in utter suspense as you read about a world that seems whole heartedly unreal. A great summer read.
Name: Buxom Lip Gloss - Dolly
