Favorite Things

After getting less than 4 hours of sleep Thursday night, yesterday was an interesting day. With the help of three cups of coffee (I am not advocating this), I made it through. Thus, no blog post yesterday because all my energy went to SURVIVING the day. Still, I got in my kickboxing workout and definitely gave it my Level 10. I may, or may not, have felt like I was going to pass out a few times though....so, if you read regularly, you can tell that I'm not making the best progress on regularly getting 7-8 hours of sleep.

Anyway, today I bring you some of my FAVORITE THINGS! I thought this would be a fun post for the weekend. Some of these things are nutrition and fitness related, and many are just random items. So, here we go:

1. Umberto Beverly Hills Dry Clean Dry Shampoo (Available in Target stores < $10) - I love this stuff and it has changed my life. Especially when I was blonde, I thought I could never go a day without washing my hair because it would get greasy and matted. Then, I discovered dry shampoo. Angels sang that day! What new freedom to get away without washing (which is better for your hair anyway). Since then, I have tried several other brands, at several other price points - but I always come back to this one. It is a waterless shampoo that cleanses and refreshes in moments. It also adds great volume.

2. The Original Bed Buddy Microwave Heat Pack (Available at Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Amazon <$10) - Great for aches and pains (or even if you're just cold) this is a moist heat, microwaveable pack. I like it better than a traditional heating pad because it is easier to contort to place exactly where you need it.

3. Jimmy Choo Eau De Parfum (Available at Nordstrom $70-95) - I fell in love with this perfume just before Christmas, and Chris got it for my Valentine's gift. It has tones of tiger orchid, but isn't too floral. They have a sweet toffee undertone that gives it a warm, sensual smell. It's just wonderful. AND the bottle is beautiful and luxurious.

4. www.polyvore.com - You could also spell this website t-r-o-u-b-l-e, because it makes online shopping so easy! First, you can create or search outfits that have been pieced together, and then with one simple click be taken to the site in which you can purchase the item. You can also type in an item like 'black jacket' or 'printed skirt,' and get options from all over. Fun to browse, AND to shop.

5. Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas (Available at all major book retailers approx. $10) - We received this book as a wedding gift from one of my absolute favorite couples. I once heard the wife share that she had committed to never speak poorly of her husband to others. At the time, I was single and in college, but that always stuck with me. The subtitle to this book is, "What if marriage was designed to make holy more than more happy." I encourage you to read this, it will change your view of and strengthen your marriage.

6. 3030 Coffee Miel (Available in Downtown Peoria) - This drink brings happiness to my soul. If you're not local, you can do an internet search for how to make your own. It is a latte with milk, honey cinnamon and vanilla. If you are local, do yourself a favor - skip making your own and head downtown. This shop just opened late last year. The buzz and attention received so far is TOTALLY deserved. Their knowledge and passion for coffee is contagious, and everything they do is done with excellence. *Stay tuned for my birthday post in April when I indulge in one of their almond butter pastries (provided by Katic breads from Champaign, IL). I have had some solid self-control and not had one yet, but Chris ate one and asked, "Is this real life?" because it was so good.

7. BOSU Ball (Available at www.bosu.com) - You may be able to get a BOSU from other retailers for less, but mine is direct from BOSU. BOSU stands for Both Sides Up. Think of those large, inflatable exercise balls - then cut it in half and put a solid disc base on the bottom. Anyway, the Bosu ball helps with agility, balance, strength and speed. The ball I ordered came with a manual and a DVD which offer a variety of exercises and uses for the ball. Especially if you are looking to strengthen your core and build balance, this is a great tool.

8. Lancome 'Rouge in Love' Lipstick in #322  (Available at your local mall or online, $25) - This shade is stunning! It's a light peach - darker than a nude lip, bright and fun for Spring. The texture is lightweight, yet still provides a solid coverage. *TIP: You change your clothes for each season, why not your glamour shades?


So, just a few fun things that are on my recent favorites list. Hope you are well friends! Take time to enjoy life everyday and live it to the fullest!

I am doing this and SO CAN YOU! Choose to Make it a Level 10 Day!