Favorite Things-2008

My cousin did this on her blog and I thought it was fun to read, so I'm copying her and Oprah's idea. Obviously my favorite things in life aren't things. However, this list is strictly THINGS that I have discovered this past year that have made my life easier in some way or that I have just simply enjoyed! So, in no particular order.....

Chili's Molten Lava White Chocolate Cake
Jess and I were at Chili's several months ago and saw the picture of this dessert. We almost never order dessert when we go out to eat, but for some reason we felt like we couldn't pass this up so we ordered one to share. It all went down hill from there. It is something I frequently crave now and I'm sure it takes the rest of the week to work it off. But OHHH it's worth it!

The original Chocolate one is delicious too, but the white one is still my favorite.

Clorox Anywhere Sanitizing Spray
When it says anywhere, it means anywhere, and that's why I love it so much. I frequently use this to sanitize my fridge, counter-tops, stove-top, high chair, etc. It doesn't leave any harsh fumes like other sanitizers out there, but still gives me the peace of mind that my hard surfaces are sanitized. I also love how mildly fresh it's scented. It smells more like extremely fresh sea water than a cleaner.




BOB Revolution Duallie Jogging Stroller
Hands down, my favorite new product of the year! (Actually, my kids pics come just before this. See below.) This stroller is AMAZING! Ever since I had Jack I've always wanted a jogging stroller. That want turned into a need after I had Jayci and had a much harder time dropping the baby weight, so I started looking and researching. I had been eyeing this stroller for several months, never thinking I could actually buy it. When I started selling Usborne I decided that I would save some of that money and buy the one that I really wanted! It was worth every penny! I have several strollers and none of them even come close to this one. My kids love going for rides in it because the great shocks and large rubber tires provide a smooth ride. It turns on a dime, and virtually glides on it's own so I can effortlessly push it one-handed. I love that the front wheel is a swivel wheel but also has a locking option. We've taken it camping and it does amazing on mountain trails too! It was the best looking one that I looked at too, which was another plus. I know I sound like a sales rep now, but seriously, I LOVE IT!


Vanity Jeans
A girl I worked with at Costco last year is almost as tall as I am, and one day she came in wearing a way cute pair of brand new jeans. Of course I asked her where she got them. (I ask just about everyone who's in the 6ft. tall club where they find pants. Trust me, it's hard!) Anyways, she asked if I ever shopped at Vanity. I don't think I had ever even stopped there because it always seemed sort of teeny-bopper-ish, so I told her no. She then let me in on the best kept secret. They sell 37" inseam jeans, most of which are under $30! For me, this find has been a life saver because money has been so tight this year. And before this I basically thought that only expensive name brands sold jeans that long. I'm sure ya'll know that I'm strictly a jeans and t-shirt gal, and pretty much only dress up for 3 hours a week, so this has been so great to have some every-day, around-the-house, cheap, (last time I went there I bought 2 pair for $30) cute jeans to wear.


1978 Motor-home
This has been a fun purchase for our family; the kids love it! Jack asks me almost everyday when we can go camping in the motor-home even though he already knows the answer is always the same. (It's too cold!) I love that we don't care if it gets dirty. It's old and was cheap, so we can come and go care-free. Who wants to stress about cleanliness while camping? We've already made a bunch of great family memories in it, and have a bunch more to come!


Bare Minerals
The same cousin who's idea I'm copying also put this as one of her favorite things, but I'm really not just copying her list. It really is the best foundation, in my opinion. I don't like a lot of 'stuff' on my face and skin, and this feels so light and natural. It's worth the money too. I bought a starter kit at the first of July and I still have almost half left!





Katie Wells Photography
If you're ever in Rigby Idaho, Katie Wells is worth visiting if you have kids. I've been to a handful of different children photographers, and for what you get from Katie, her price is unbeatable. I love EVERY picture I got back. The editing and quality is beautiful, and I got a perfectly organized copyright CD. (I've received cd's that are so unorganized it takes hours just to find the picture I want to print.) Even Jess thinks another trip in the future will be worth it.


Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa Foot and Heel Treatment/B&BW Aloe Socks
I have what I like to call 'Velcro Feet'. My feet and heels are so dry that they snag on everything, from sheets to nylons to carpet. My heels have cracks equal to that of the Grand Canyon. Not only are they hideously unsightly, but they can be extremely painful. These treatments, when I actually use them, are awesome! My feet don't accidentally pull up my carpet anymore!


Usborne Books
At the end of 2006 I hosted an Usborne Books party and loved the books so much that I signed up to be a consultant. My favorite thing about this is that in March of 07 I was making enough money to give me the assurance I needed to quite my job at Costco! That was definitely one of the biggest highlights of my year. It's been a major blessing for my family to have me be a stay-at-home mom. I know from personal experience why it's divine counsel for women to do all they can to stay home and be a homemaker.


VillaWare Crepe Maker
Crepe nights are fun and easy now! Who doesn't love crepes? Jess gave it too me as a gift, but I think the gift was really for him! :)




Airborne-Lemon Lime
I rarely got sick this past year and I owe most of the credit to this stuff. I swear by it; it really works! I used it all the time and still do. When my kids got sick I'd down some so that I would stay healthy. Sick kids AND sick moms aren't a fun combo. I think the lemon lime is the best tasting too.




Dr. Phelan's 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12
Seriously, this book is like Magic. It changed my whole attitude towards parenting. It's simple, direct, and effective, and I highly recommend it to anyone out there seeking a loving discipline method!