7 Favorite Things of 2017

I know, I know. It has been... quite some time. School, work, life in general. 2017 hasn't been the kindest year, but Joe and I have done so many cool things. That topic is for another day.

I thought I would stop in with a few of my favorite things from 2017. These are all items I couldn't live without and would definitely recommend purchasing. Some beauty, some home, some fashion.

1. Boxycharm. This is a subscription that I picked up in 2017. I dropped Ipsy about half way through the year because I was NOT happy with it. Boxy offers 5 full sized items for $21 a month. It

offers high end brands- Dr. Brandt, tarte, Ofra, pur-lisse. I've encountered some of my new favorite brands through this subscription. Interested in checking it out? Use my referral link. Click me :)

2. Glade Plugins. Ahh... I've tried many of the plugin air fresheners. These have proven time and time again to be the best. One plugin fills my entire living room, kitchen, and dining room. I used to have one in my bedroom, but it was so strong we had to move it. You can adjust it to less or more, but even on the lowest setting, it was still powerful. There's variety of scents for all profiles. Pick them up at any local store.

3. Zenni Optical. I have a husband who loses everything, and who is also probably legally blind. Glasses are expensive. The last time we actually bought glasses from the eye doctor we walked out spending almost $900. Eek! A friend recommended Zenni, and it is a godsend.  Their cheapest glasses start at $6.95, and the most expensive pair I've ever seen is roughly $35. Now, if you require special lenses, different coatings, or the extras... it will cost you more. When Joe dropped a 5 pound Napoleon book on his glasses during vacation- no fear. We got home and ordered a $6.95 pair that arrived less than two weeks. I scored these glittery, cat eye glasses for $12.95 https://www.zennioptical.com/ 

4. Atkins Mocha Latte Shake. I hit the low carb train pretty hard for a tad bit. I lived on Atkins shakes during this time. The mocha lattes were by far my favorite. Everyone recommended the caramel ones, but they left an awful after taste. I could drink these by themselves or partially poured into my coffee. It made for a great breakfast. The prices vary on these. I often found better deals on Amazon versus in store.


5. Wet Brush. My hair out of the shower is a tangled mess. I dread washing my hair because of the knots and tangles- even after using condition. Coupled with stress... my hair was falling out by the handfuls each time I brushed it. My aunt recommended the wet brush while we were on vacation. My little cousin has hair to her waist, so I knew this was a good product based on her recommendation. I bought one, and I LOVE IT!!!! I can brush my hair without ripping it out. Go buy it now. Check them out here.

6. Audible. This is a newer addition to my electronic devices. I love to read, and I was always against books on tape/cd. I felt like I was cheating on a real book, and I was convinced I would miss physically turning pages. I literally had no time to sit down and read after work and school full time. (Let's face it... I did enough reading for me and you both to complete assignments.) Audible allowed me to indulge in books, but still be free to do other things. I didn't feel bad about not having a book either. Audible is worth it. You get 1 credit a month towards a book for $14.95 (most audio books run $20-25.) Your first 30 days and first book are free. Prime member? You get free access to Audible channels, specific content, and extras FOR FREE! Download the Audible app today.

7. Farsali Unicorn Essence. This is also a recent Christmas gift from the world's best friend, but I SWEAR BY IT! In just a few days my excessive dryness and facial redness has disappeared. It smells delicious and packed with tons of antioxidants. The actual essence is pink and shimmery. And the packaging? Deep purple with gold accents. It has a ton of uses. For me, I just slather all over my face. Pure luxury. Also... you automatically feel like a youtube makeup guru while applying. I'm ready to add the Gold Elixir to my arsenal too! Unicorn Goodness!!!

There you have it. My 7 favorite things of 2017. I could have listed all beauty items, but I was fair to the other areas in my life. What are some of your favorites from 2017?

Font Faux Pas

I came across this article today while scrolling through my Facebook feed. It was posted in on the cricut groups I belong to where we all had a good laugh. Tote Bag No-No For those of you who do not want to click and read.... I'll give you the run down.

 

 At first glance, what does this tote read? If you guessed "My favorite color is Hitler," you are correct. It's actually supposed to say "My favorite color is glitter." Twitter tore apart this post as soon as it hit social media. Most got a hilarious laugh about it, and so far the company has failed to give a response. I've had my Cricut since Christmas, and this is one this I am SOOOO self-conscious about. I read, reread, and usually have a friend or Joe take a quick glance to make sure it looks okay. All I can think of is the shrouded mystery of appendages supposedly hidden on The Little Mermaid movie cover.

Speaking of Cricut, I've managed to not post on project I've completed. Right now, I am faux-screen printing shirts and of course vinyl. I've made several shirts for my household and baby gifts, but most recently I've received a couple of orders from friends and family. I'm tickled with them, as it gives me something to do in my spare time. (Seriously, I didn't realize until this summer how much time school actually consumes!) My all time favorite shirt I've made so far would have to be our Bachelorette Weekend shirts! We went to a Reds game and topped it with dinner and drinks. The shirts were super cute and amazingly perfect. No font faux-pas over here!


Have a favorite or comical font faux-pas or wonky word story? Let me know!

The Reading Backlog: What's on my Nightstand

I could sit here and write about books and reading all day. I've always loved reading, and my collection of books is out of control. Combine that with a husband who also loves to read, and your house is literally a library. Two offices, two nigh stands, four book shelves, and a few storage totes later.... we have a book from every genre and almost every subject. One of my all time favorite quotes comes from Cicero.

Books allow you to go on an adventure without taking a step. They allow you to feel, to love, to cry, to laugh. On my hardest days, I escape with a good book. Some people think naps or chocolate can cure anything... give me a cup of tea and a good book.

I've struggled lately finding a really good book that I can sit and read for hours. I think my last book (I finished) was Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige and Cinder by Marissa Meyer. Also, add some John Greene and some motivational books to the current completed list. My ongoing list though? It is filled with books that are readable and enjoyable, but I haven't been sucked into them... yet. Note that yet? I really, truly plan on reading/finishing these books.

1. Go Set a Watchman- Harper Lee
When this was released, I was almost in tears. TKAM forever changed my teen years and, it will ALWAYS be on my top MUST read list. To hear there was a sequel, I was overjoyed. I picked this up shortly after it came out, but.... haven't read it through. I find myself reading this hours on end and waiting weeks before I pick it up again.

2. The Wicked Will Rise- Danielle Paige
It's the age of fairy tale retellings. This is the second in a series about Dorothy, Oz, and the wicked Witch. Oh my! I blew through the first one in a week. I LOVED it. I may be partial to the story though, as I have always loved classic fairy tales/stories and their modernistic retellings. I bought this as soon as it came out, and I've not even cracked the book open. Guilty. The first book came out in 2014 and if you enjoy this type of reading I highly  highly suggest checking out this series. This is the author's direct page- Danielle Paige

3.  Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles) by MArissa Meyer
This is another fairy tell retelling. And... just like the above I zoomed through the first and could not wait to pick up the second in the series. The first is Cinderella based but with robots, and databases, and diseases. Except, I did start to read this one, I had some trouble trying to sit down and read through it. This one may not get finished, as one of my other book lovers said they were EXTREMELY disappointed by the series. Boo! I try to not judge a book on one opinion, but so far it's not faring so well for this book. Interested- check it out here :)

4. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
I read rave reviews this book while doing some research on decluttering and methods that actually last. I bit the bullet and purchased via iTunes, and it is on my phone/iPad. So far I have read this book and really liked the flow and her thought processing. I will say... some of her methods are a little out there for me, but if you follow the basics, you will see improvement in your life. To date- I've got rid of at least 5 bags of garbage two huge boxes of donations, and made about $100 on eBay selling items.  Yes, you can guarantee there will be blog(s) about my methods and progress.

5. The Tao of Twitter by Mark Schaefer
This is a recent add to my ongoing list. My husband has been after me and after me to read this book. He said it was a really, really good read, and it will help with my twitter/blog usage. Let's face it.... I am twitter-challenged. Well, challenged in the sense I struggle to use it effectively. I am excited to read this book and hopefully grow my blog.

What's on your reading list? Any suggestions for me? I am always looking for new books. After Harry Potter ended I have this huge,hole, and I struggle to find something comparable. :)

What the what?

Have you met those people who when you ask what is your favorite band, song, book, movie, food, etc. it is always changing?Yeah... that's me. I blame it on my desire and need to always learn or explore something new.

Our HR team recently sent out a questionnaire for an activity on an upcoming call. Most of the questions were about you: siblings, hobbies, the basics. I had NO problem writing lengthy answers for each, but when I came to the 'favorites' questions...I struggled. This sparked my mind, and I thought Hmmmm.... I would like to track what I am listening or reading right now. What better place to keep this, than my blog. 

What's your book of choice?

Right now you can find "Orange is the New Black" on my nightstand or in my car. Joe and I were browsing the local bookstore, and he brought this to me and insisted I buy. Myself, like many others, watched both seasons on Netflix in two weeks. I have always been intrigued by criminals and the prison system; however; this gives you the other side of the story. The series follows the book, minus all the theatrics for TV. Some names are different, and the names have been changed from the real life people. I will update once I am farther into the book. So far, I would recommend. 

What's playing in your car?

I've always had a dilemma with music. I could never choose just one band or song, and I listen to quite a broad assortment of music. My current obsession?? The Bollywood Workout Station on Pandora. Definitely picked this love up from being in Zumba. I turn this station on, crank up the music, and usually dance all over the place. Great for cleaning house! Check it out. 

What's on your DVR?

Besides my longtime favorite TV shows. You can find a lot of crime documentaries on my DVR right now. Joe laughs (and is concerned) because at any given moment you can find my watching the ID channel. A few shows I regularly watch on the channel: Fatal Attraction, Devil in the Details, and Deadly Devotion. Don't judge me!! 

What's in your fridge or cabinets?

Ooooh. I have on word for you: NUTELLA. I am currently obsessed. Need I say anymore?

Hint: The Aldis version of Nutella is a few dollars cheaper, and I prefer it leaps and bounds to the other. 

I can almost guarantee these will change next month. Stay tuned...