Category Archives: Stuff I Like

Remember When I Told You to Live the Crap Out of Life?

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Remember this post about Gran?

Well, exactly one week after I published that post, one of my most favorite people on this planet surprised me with the sweetest gift.

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My heart overflowed with happiness because of the thoughtfulness and love I felt when I opened that package.

And I cried.

And now these adorable note cards are available for sale. I absolutely love this!

Thank you, Jenna!

Do you love these, too? Would you like a set of your own? Tell me what you’re doing this week to really live, and I’ll pick one lucky commenter to receive these adorable note cards on Friday night at 9 p.m. EST

{Three of} My Favorite Things

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This post is long overdue!!

Welcome to My Favorite Things….um, Random Edition?

Enjoy!

Swivel Sweeper
This has been on my wish list for around three years, and this Christmas my mom bought one for me. (Thanks, mom!)

I’m pretty sure the swivel sweeper couldn’t be any more amazing than it is, and the timing for such a product in our house couldn’t be better. Picture this: 16 month old makes huge mess while eating, then three-year-old is thrilled to help mommy after dinner by using the swivel sweeper to clean up the mess while mommy does the dishes.

It’s a beautiful thing, friends.

The verdict: If you must sweep your floor more than once a day to keep up with the crumbs, I highly recommend you add this to your wish list. And if you have a three-year-old who loves to help? Don’t even bother adding it to your list. Just go get one now!

Amazing Grace by Philosophy
I received Amazing Grace perfume as a gift for Christmas 2011. I’ve been wearing it {almost} daily ever since, and it’s by far my favorite perfume ever. It has a light, pretty scent that is perfect for day or evening.

The verdict: If you’re in the market for a new scent, be sure to smell Amazing Grace on your next trip to Sephora.

Oil Cleansing
I can’t believe I’m posting this, but….I recently heard Zooey Deschanel say she just uses an oil cleanser to keep her face so pretty. Well, then. That’s all the recommendation I needed to try this so-called “oil cleansing method.” I did a little research (Hello, Twitter), and before I knew it theBOY was mixing up an oil cocktail for my face. (Fifty percent castor oil, fifty percent olive oil in case you’re wondering.)

I am no expert here, so please click the link above to learn more. However, I can tell you that for the past four weeks, I’ve been washing my face this way, and I doubt I’ll go back to soap or special cleanser anytime soon. I feel like I’m getting a little facial every night. Love!

The verdict: If you’re not currently loving your skin, give this all-natural method a try! Warning, though…it may take a week or so for your skin to get used to the new treatment!

So? You know what’s next. It’s your turn! What are your current favorite things?! It’s been too long, and I need to know!

Gift Ideas from theGIRL

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I’m not even close to being done with my Christmas shopping. I’ve hardly started, in fact. But I have discovered a few fun gift ideas to share with you!

1. The Uframe - perfect for someone with a special little artist in their life!

2. One Line a Day Memory Book - for the sentimental, non-writer on your list!

 

3. A Custom Board Book - for any little cutie who likes to read.

About a year ago, I wrote a children’s book about the name we chose for bigSIS. I thought that I’d eventually illustrate it myself (ha!) and order from Pint Size Productions. In August, I decided I should just find an illustrator willing to take on my small, custom project.  I found a really fantastic illustrator via Twitter. (I could write a whole separate post on the world of Twitter and all the connections I’ve made. Love me some Tweets.) 

Ordering from Pint Size Productions was as easy as pie. I’m already brainstorming a second book. bigSIS has a middle name, too, you know.

Oh, and lilBRO must have one of his own. I think the possibilities are endless.

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Image from my upcoming children’s book. Or something like that.

4. And I leave you with this – a super simple homemade gift. I’d be making these myself if not for lilBRO’s new-found peanut allergy. They are delicious.

Source: madebymike.wordpress.com via Michael on Pinterest

Enjoy your Christmas prepping, everyone! And remember, if it’s not bringing you closer to the peace of Christ, it’s not really Christmas prep at all.

One Thousand Gifts

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I finally read One Thousand Gifts.

I received the book last year as a Christmas gift, but didn’t have time to pick it up until our vacation last month.

Which means I’m late to the party, as usual. I could blame it on being a busy mom, but I’ve always been this way. Is it too late to read The Hunger Games?

I’m glad I didn’t decide to forego reading it just because I missed the hype. (Hello, Friends? Never watched it. I missed the first season and it was just too much to join in during the second season.)

Anyway, like I mentioned, I’m glad I read it. Ann Voskamp writes like no one I’ve ever read. I underlined much of the book.

Rejecting joy to stand in solidarity with the suffering doesn’t rescue the suffering. ~Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

She dares readers to keep a running list of the gifts they receive each day. From mundane to major. These gifts {grace} bring joy to the everyday.

Because remembering with thanks is what causes us to trust – to really believe. ~Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

Recognizing them, naming them, by writing them down forces you to acknowledge them as gifts. And do you know who the giver of all good gifts is?

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

God is always good and I am always loved. ~Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

 

So, once again I’m late to the party, but this time I consider myself fashionably late.

On my way to 1,000 gifts…

10. the changing season, a reminder of last year’s hibernating with a newborn
11. a boy just beginning to walk more than crawl
12. a friend taking pictures of my clan

Buy a Book, Make a Difference {A Special Guest Post}

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I’m so happy to introduce you to Miss Katie Orr today. I “met” Katie when I started participating in the HelloMornings Challenge earlier this year. I could go on and on about how Katie’s Focused15 Bible Studies have changed the way I study the Bible (but I won’t today). Now I’m reading Savoring Living Water: How to Have an Effective Quiet Time, a book written by Katie and Lara Williams (another beautiful, inspiring woman). I’m telling you, if you want to get the most out of your time studying the Bible (or maybe you just want to know HOW to study the bible), these women have the heart and passion to equip you! 

Today, all profits of Savoring Living Water are going to a great work.  Here’s Katie with the details…

 

It has been a year since Lara Williams and I first launched Savoring Living Water: How to Have an Effective Quiet Time. I thought we might sell a hundred or so copies of our little e-book. Yet here we are—thousands of copies later—with the book in print and a leader’s guide right around the corner.

God has chosen to use our little e-book in a big way to help end Bible Poverty. We set a crazy big goal last year to bring 104 verses to the Vidunda people, through OneVerse, a Wycliff Bible Translators affiliate.

Today, we stand with only 16 verses left.

Sixteen!

To celebrate all the Lord has done, and to reach our goal near our one-year mark, we are going to give ALL PROFITS to OneVerse for every sale of the e-version sold today, and we would love for Y-O-U to be a part of the work God is doing in the lives of the Vidunda people!

Every PDF, Nook, and Kindle version sold on Thursday, October 4th will bring $5 to the Vidunda people.

If you already have a copy, will you consider gifting a copy, or donating directly to the Savoring Living Water OneVerse project? Any gift amount is welcome!

Thank you for helping us bring God’s Word to the nations!

Link Love :: September 28

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This week I have a beauty blog, a Starbucks swap out recipe and a life changing perspective to share with you. Sound good? Let’s go…

I discovered Maskcara on Pinterest when I saw this before and after picture:

Source: maskcara.com via Brenda on Pinterest

 

Then she posted this film strip tutorial for gorgeous twirl curls.  Now I’m hooked.

Last weekend, one of the blogs I read included a link to this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Then I kept seeing it pop up around the Web, so last night I borrowed a can of pumpkin from my mom (thanks, mom!) so I could give it a try. YUM. YUM. YUM.  (As a side note, I have to say that the Keurig is mighty handy for whipping up a latte. I always hated when a recipe called for such a little amount of coffee when I had a regular coffee pot.)

Finally, several weeks ago I stumbled upon this Francis Chan video. You must watch it. You must.

Now that you’ve watched that video (What? You didn’t watch it? Do I have to beg you to? Please WATCH it!!), I’d love to hear what you think in the comments.

That’s all for now, but I have a few “real” posts rolling around in my head.

I.just.need.time.

Wishing you a weekend full of beautiful things.

~theGIRL

More Favorite Things

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Time to spread the love again. This time I’m only sharing three things, but they are good. Trust me!

Nike Training AppNike Training App
This little app has completely changed my workouts. I mean, I knew my iPhone was good, but this takes it to another level.

My favorite workouts so far are in the “Get Focused” section. Mostly because they are only 15 minutes long yet they still kick my booty.

A few of my favorite things about the app include:

  • You can choose music from your iPhone to listen to and the instructions talk over the music (instead of interrupting)
  • While you’re working out, you can view a video of the current move to make sure you have good form
  • I can do the workouts without leaving the house
  • It’s FREE!

It takes awhile to download the Nike Training App, so do it tonight before you go to sleep. Tonight, I say!

Focused15
This Bible study method has completely changed my Bible studying.

(Are you seeing the trend yet? This round of favorite things has been life changing.)

Before I downloaded the Focused15 study on 1 Corinthians 13 (I got it on sale for a steal at .99 cents!), I was just reading through different books of the Bible on my own. The Focused15 method helped me go beyond reading to really studying the text. And in just 15 minutes each morning.

After four weeks in 1 Corinthians 13, I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to my studies of other chapters.

20120611-194112.jpglinique’s superbalm moisturizing gloss in Black Honey
Okay, I guess this one doesn’t exactly classify as life changing, but I’m still super excited about it.

A couple of weeks ago, theBOY and I went on a day date that included a trip to Sephora. I played with a bunch of different makeup and found myself at the Clinique display. I hadn’t seen Black Honey in years and was surprised to see they make it in a lip gloss now in addition to the Almost Lipstick.

Black Honey is Clinique’s “universal” color that’s supposed to look great on everyone. I’m a fan because it takes your lip color and just kicks it up a notch. So natural. So pretty. Give it a try next time you’re near a Sephora or Clinique counter and let me know what you think!

Next on my list? I’m saving up for Clinique’s Black Honey Shimmering Tones powder.

Okay, your turn now. Have you discovered any new favorites to share? If so, do us all a favor and leave a comment!

Did You Catch the Comments?

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I’ve said it before. The best parts of my “favorites” posts are your comments. Do you read them?

Melissa left a great tip…

Method all purpose natural surface cleaner…grapefruit! Whatever you do, don’t try the lemon verbena! After cleaning the counter 20 times during the day with 4 kids, I actually read the label of a previous brand I was using and it said something along the lines of “do not use around food or food surfaces” and to “disinfect area
after spraying” if I wanted to use it around FOOD. I don’t eat off the counter, but I am sure all of my kids drop food and eat it. I threw out that bottle and switched to the non toxic spray, and the grapefruit smells incredible! Target sells it for less than $3

And if you have flat hair, check out what JoAnn suggests…

1) Aquage Uplifting Foam. Flat hair no more!!!!!!! Spray at the roots, massage in, dry your hair, tease it up a little bit and there you have it! It’s even good for the next day when I don’t wash my hair (I wash every other day and thank you for the Suave Dry Shampoo heads up…I was using the expensive Bed Head stuff until you mentioned Suave!)

Good stuff! Thanks for playing along, ladies.

More great favorites can be found in the comments section of all of my “favorites” posts.

Like squeezable herbs!?! Seriously, be sure to read them!

~theGIRL

Favorite Things: Early Morning Edition

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It’s time for more of my favorite things. For some reason, I feel the need to wait until I have five things to share. Seems silly now that I’m sitting down to write this monster post. Maybe I won’t wait so long next time.

Oh, and please remember: I only tell you these things so I can guilt you into telling me about your favorites. (I’m totally using a Revlon foundation thanks to a comment from Melissa last time around!) So share the love by leaving a comment!

There seems to be a bit of a theme this time around…wake up, make coffee, drink coffee, cram in a workout. Oh and have gorgeous fingernails while doing it.

Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock iPhone App
This app is the best thing to ever happen to my early morning routine. Totally worth the ninety-nine cents they charge for it. Here’s how it works…

You set your alarm for the time you must get out of bed, then put your phone on you mattress by your pillow (I turn my phone on airplane mode). The app senses your light and deep sleep cycles throughout the night, and wakes you up during your lightest sleep stage within 30 minutes of your wake up time. That way you wake up feeling rested instead of like you got hit by a bus. There’s even a bunch of gentle music to choose from to wake you up – no blasting alarm buzzer. It’s a beautiful thing!

Keurig
You know about this, right? If not, I invite you out from under your rock to learn about this coffee revolution. I received a Keurig as a surprise gift after dropping a few hints. (Very few, mind you. In fact, I was only days into my three-month campaign to receive one for my birthday.)

Let me tell you, besides the amazing coffee the Keurig brews up, it doesn’t need daily washing!! As you may recall, I am the dishwasher, and it was a struggle to keep my old pot clean!

Shutterfly Personalized Travel Mug
This one made the list because it made me smile everyday, but then I lost it. Actually, I left it at church and it hasn’t turned up in the lost and found yet. I’m holding out hope!

Anyway, I treated myself (thanks to a $25 gift from Shutterfly) to this travel mug shortly before returning to work. During the two months that I used it, it made me way happier than it should have. I carried my pictures of lilBRO and bigSIS around all morning while sipping on my delicious flavor-of-the-day Keurig-brewed coffee.

And, I just-this-second discovered that they have iPhone cases now, too! Stop it, Shutterfly. I just can’t take the cuteness!

16-Minute Workout
When you have to wake up before 5 a.m. in order to fit in a morning workout, efficiency becomes crucial. That’s why I love {to hate} Jillian’s 16-minute workout. Sixteen minutes of pain means that I get to sleep in 14 minutes longer. I’ll take it.

Shellac – CND
If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen my funky manicure several weeks back. If not, I’ll just say, it was a bit out of my comfort zone. But theBOY insisted, so I went for it. Then, the nail technician insisted I try Shellac. Oh, why not?

Well let me tell you, there’s no going back. If you’ve been around here long, you probably know about my nail polish obsession. (Curious? Here. Here. And here.) Well, my quest for the perfect long-lasting polish is over. If you’ve been on one, yours is too. Stop what you’re doing and go get a Shellac manicure. And make it a French one. It’ll last f-o-r-e-v-e-r.

Here I am on day 14.

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Day 14 close-up. You can see that my nails have grown quite a bit, but with the French manicure you can get away with it. I’m currently on day 19, and I’m just now starting to think it’s time for it to come off. (And I’m a little crazy about my nail polish. As soon as I see a hint of something chipping, it all comes off!) Want to learn more about Shellac?

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There you have it, folks. Your turn! What’s your new {or old} favorites!? I can’t wait to hear.

~theGIRL

Some of My Favorite Things

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It’s time for another round of my favorite things.

The way this works: I share some of my current favorites with you, then you tell me yours in the comments. Reading your comments is my favorite part, so please don’t skip it!

Enjoy!

Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Candlelight
I only have time to put on make-up once a day, so the longer it lasts the better. I discovered this little gem-of-a-product awhile back, and it’s well worth the $18 price tag. It’s an anti-crease eyeshadow primer that really works! Usually, my eyeshadow is ONLY in the crease of my eyelid by the end of the day, but my make-up stays put all day when I use Shadow Insurance first.

Best things about Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Candlelight:

  • Makes my eyeshadow last perfectly all day
  • Gives my eyelids a little shimmer
  • A little bit goes a long way

Bath & Body Works Mistletoe Kiss Hand Soap
One of life’s little pleasures is seasonal hand soap. No? Well, maybe I’m easy to please. One thing I know for sure is Bath & Body Works’ Mistletoe Kiss Hand Soap makes me happy. When we first started using it a few weeks ago, I felt a little like Mary Catherine Gallagher from SNL — you know, sniffing my fingers all the time. It smells that good.

Best things about Mistletoe Kiss hand soap:

  • It smells yummy
  • It smells yummy
  • It smells yummy (what else matters?)

Suave Dry Shampoo
This fantastic product was recommended by a commenter last time, so I gave it a try. Turns out, I totally agree with her! It works great and smells good, too. It’s nice to have on hand when you need to extend your ‘do. Also, it smells good. Did I mention that?

Best things about Suave’s Dry Shampoo:

  • Inexpensive and works as well as the salon stuff
  • Smells good
  • Gives your hair extra body – a fun bonus!

Olay Complete Sensitive Skin Moisturizer
When I mentioned that the only thing wrong with Olay Hydrating Liquid is the smell, a smart commenter suggested I give the Sensitive Skin version a try. Genius! No smell AND it has SPF 15. (This post is starting to reveal my obsession with smells, isn’t it?)

Best things about Olay Complete Sensitive Skin Moisturizer:

  • No stinky smell
  • SPF protection
  • Keeps skin moist {you’re welcome for that word, Melissa} without overdoing it

Now it’s your turn! Really, this is my favorite part, so share the love.

Anything goes! What’s the product/website/snack/book you can’t {or wouldn’t want to} live without?

Oh, and in case you noticed, I know I said I’d be writing about 2012 goals this week. I changed my mind, so it’ll have to wait until next week. Happy Thursday!