Well, I realize I am not Oprah and that my "favorite things" list may not send you running to the store, but I still thought it would be fun to do this...
1. 8th Continent Vanilla Flavored Soy Milk. Yes, I know it sounds "yuck" and until recently I would have agreed, but in my new "healthy lifestyle" it fits in nicely. It tastes great in a smoothie, cereal or coffee and with the calorie count being lower and the little twinge of vanilla-sweetness, I can actually trick myself into not feeling deprived.
2. Newman's Own Light Balsamic Dressing. I kid you not, this dressing actually makes me crave a salad every day for lunch. My personal favorite: spinach leaves, a few chopped walnuts, a sprinkling of feta cheese and this dressing. I feel like a queen!
3. Origins white tea moisturizers. I may have the driest skin on record. My face is constantly peely, especially during winter. When I discovered the Origins line of products a few years ago, I went from being self-conscious to hearing comments from my friends of how good my skin looked. It is an amazing line. It is a little pricey, but I have found that I only have to purchase the products once a year, so I think it averages itself out.
4. Cuisinart coffee grinder. I got this for mother's day last year and we have really enjoyed it. I love freshly ground coffee in the morning. It is almost as good as from a coffee shop.
5. Mr. Coffee Iced Tea Maker. Also a mother's day present, I love this thing and use it two to three times a week. I am an iced tea addict and this makes it so easy! The tea is actually chilling by the time it is done brewing, so you can go from tea bags to nice refreshing glass within about ten minutes.
6. Jacuzzi tub. We have been fortunate enough to have one in this house and the last one we were in. There is nothing better than relaxing in the tub right before bed and the jets really soothe sore muscles. (Yes, I am aware of the controversy surrounding the cleanliness of these things and let me assure you that ours is quite sanitary!)
7. Toaster Oven. When Gary and I registered for wedding presents, this was one of the few things he insisted on. I was not sure that it would be useful enough to take up all of that counter space, but I was so wrong. (For once!) We use this almost daily. It is perfect for little things that are not worth heating up the oven for, but that don't do well in the microwave and it makes perfect toast.
8. High Efficiency Washer and Dryer. We bought these when we moved here and the difference has actually been surprising. I can do a full load (which is equivalent to two to three regular loads) from wash to dry in one hour. It is also so quiet that sometimes I check that it is on. The best part? We have really seen a difference in our electric and water bills. Well worth the money.
9. Harold's clothes. This is my absolutely favorite place to buy clothes. I particularly love the sales and the clearance stores/website. These clothes are expensive, but I always buy on sale and get a great deal, cheaper than I could get clothes at Target, usually. The clothes are very classic, very feminine, and fit me very well. My close runner-up for clothes would have to be Ann Taylor, though. They are great too!
10. Swiffer anything. I am a big fan of being able to dispose of things that are dirty and this is why I am in love with the Swiffer products. They are light-weight, work well and then you just throw away the dirt.
11. Clorox disinfecting wipes. These have been a staple in our home for years. I keep a tub in the kitchen and the bathrooms and I absolutely love them. Again, it is the disposible ability. I feel like it is much more sanitary than a sponge! They were especially nice during the high chair days!
12. Dyson vacuum. We bought this a few years ago when our vacuum decided that it was not going pick up anything anymore. Again, it was pricey at the time, but I feel it has been well worth it. (The price on these has gone down lately, also!) I can't explain it, but I actually love vacuuming now. I also am always impressed/disgusted by how much dirt it picks up. I vacuum about once a week and it is surprising how much dirt collects in the carpet. This does a great job!
13. Hoover Floormate. If you have a great deal of tile or wood floors, this is a must. We have a huge area of tile and it is a timesaver. It scrubs the floor and then actually sucks up a good part of the liquid on the floor so it is not wet for very long. (Great for homes with little boys who love to run around.)
There they are friends, 13 of my favorite things. I am sure I could go on and on with other great products, but these are what stand out in my mind right now. These are 13 things that just make my life more enjoyable and comfortable. If I had an Oprah-sized bank account, I would send them home with you all...but since we are living in reality here, I send hugs instead! Have a great weekend!
3 comments:
1. Nothin' beats a vaccuum that you love and that you feel is actually doing something!
2. I should have bought stock in Clorox wipes and Swiffer. I love both as well, for the same reasons. I also love the windex wipes and the stainless steel sink cleaner wipes, pretty much anything in wipe version.
3. I am coveting your washer and dryer.
4. I don't think that I even remember how to make iced tea any way besides with an iced tea maker. I still have mine from my freshman year in college. My Mema gave it to me as a moving in present. She thought it was the greatest thing since you don't have access to a stove top to boil water in the dorm.
I love Lysol wipes too. We go through them like crazy. I also love Harold's! My brother gave me a hefty gift card for there a few months back and I am waiting for the spring line to shop! Send me your address and next time we get Friends and Family coupons, I'll send you one for Ann Taylor Loft.
Your hair looks great. I remember you best as a strawberry blonde, which by the way I thought was a very flattering color for you. I am not so brave. I will stick with brown.
Love you lots!!
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