We made it to Friday! My week included two trips to the dentist and enough Novocaine to knock out a herd of cattle (I swear I’m resistant to it–confirmation that I FEEL TOO MUCH IN LIFE), so I’m doing an especially celebratory weekend high kick today. I haven’t done a Friday Faves post in a while, and I’ve been collecting a list of my very favorite things as of late–things I love so much, I text pictures of them to friends (“You HAVE to get this! GAME CHANGER!”) and use them to start up awkward conversations with people I don’t know (“So, I’ve been using this deodorant lately…”). These simple little things from beauty goods to books are making me happy, so I’m passing them on to you.
1. How to Be a Wildflower by Katie Daisy (which might possibly be the happiest name on the planet). I just bought this life field guide, and it’s absolutely beautiful. I’m saving it for summer for something to look forward to. It’s filled not only with Katie’s cheerful paintings and lettering, but prompts for enjoying life to the fullest–things to do, meditations, recipes, quotes, an empty spot to press flowers and more, more, more. It’s an interactive workshop for happiness and gratitude, all tucked into a book that makes me smile.
2. Gem Gem Just Ginger Mango Candies I can’t find these many places online (the link is an ebay supplier), but I do pick them up whenever I see them at the check-out at Marshalls and TJ Maxx. I’m obsessed. They’re chewy and sweet (dusted in powdered sugar) but have a spicy kick to them with the ginger. I keep them in my glove compartment and inhale them when I’m waiting in car line to pick up Lainey. Can’t promise they’re good for your teeth though–I mean, see post opening paragraph.
3. Cru & Lu Leather Bow Collar (for the littles) NECK BOW! For kids! And the greatest one yet. It’s a leather Peter Pan collar that ties with beautiful rayon sashes, and it’s worth every penny of the $29 because it’s 100 outfits in one. Transform white tank tops into fashion statements, pair with knit dresses, cardigans, graphic tees. It has so much versatility, and it’s gorgeous. Neck Bows for President!
4. Bluewick Leather Tabac Candle You may not know this about me, but I speak fluent candle. Whenever I travel and find a cool shop, I head straight for the candles to look for new brands, good scents and great packaging. And I get the shakes when I walk into Anthropologie and see the candle display–the temptation is real. I may have a slight candle obsession, but nothing compares to my dear friend and neighbor Dede who has an entire cabinet/shrine dedicated to candles–tins, jars, 3-wicks, tealights, you name it. We talk about candles like wine connoisseurs. “The grapefruit undertones! Splendid.” “Mmmm. Earthy with a hint of–what is that, bergamot?” “Burns nice and clean but the scent is weak.” I love Volcano, Nest and Thymes, but Dede got me hooked on Bluewick candles which smell divine and make my entire home smell like it’s not the kind of place with rotting sippy cups hidden under the couch and peed-out kid underwear sitting in the laundry basket. I like earthy musky scents that bring to mind a hot strapping man hauling firewood mid-fall, and this candle does just that–described as “Ripped leather, Oak with Tobac & Mahogany Musk.” While visiting Dede’s last night, I mentioned that I’m out of Bluewick, and she opened her candle cupboard, scanned the inventory, and pulled one out for me. “Here. For you.” One more thing–I never buy these full price. I’m on Bluewick e-mail list, and they have frequent 30-50% off and Buy-1-Get-1-Free sales with free shipping. God, this was supposed to be a quick read faves post, and look–I just wrote a thesis on candles. Come back next week when I write a ground-breaking essay about TOAST. Sorry. Carrying on…
5. Pentel EnerGel 7.0 Gel Pens In Michigan last week, my perhaps-the-most-delightful-person-in-the-world cousin Molly gives me a small wrapped “Oh-it’s-nothing” gift–because this is the kind of thing that Molly does. “I know you like a good pen,” she says. I rip the paper to reveal a pack of pens. Pens that would soon turn into life changers. Pentel EnerGel 7.0 gel pens. Glide like buttah. Perfect ink distribution. Feel good in your hand. Molly knows good pens because she’s a professor and uses them to grade papers. I use them for important things too–like circling cute shoes in the Boden catalogue, making grocery lists I’ll lose and signing my name 17 times in a row on Lainey’s agenda to make it look I haven’t forgotten the past 17 days. You can use them however you like though.
6. Just Between Us Mom & Daughter Journal I should have put this one first. This one’s my favorite. Lainey and I started this journal about 2 months ago–we’re taking our time–and we’re learning so much about each other–things we might not think to talk about. This journal is filled with prompts to learn more about each other–mom prompt on the left, daughter prompt on the right. When I finish mine, I tuck it under Lainey’s pillow, and when she’s ready, she fills out hers and puts it back under my pillow. I cried when I read her “favorite thing about my mom”:
she is creative and cares very much for people with “desabilities.” There’s NO RULES to this book–and its written invitations create a safe place to talk about fears, frustrations, funny stories, passions, loves, similarities, differences and ways moms and daughters can understand each other more and be closer. It’s both intimate and light-hearted and takes a lot of effort out of creating meaningful communication with your kid.
7. Benefit Matte Shy Beam One of my favorite make-up tricks that makes me feel pretty and fresh and awake is highlighting under my eyes and cheekbones. I fell in love with this Shy Beam recently and love the way it goes on and stays, highlighting all the things you want to highlight without being shimmery or cakey. It’s light and pretty.
8. San Diego Hat Company Sun Hat (for the littles) Best hat ever. My kids are big hat wearers, especially in the summer and at the beach. We bought this hat last spring, and I loved it so much I bought another one this year so we can have 2. It’s traveled to Michigan, fallen in the water, been stuffed in suitcases and has donned my kids heads from beaches to gardens to boat rides, and it’s still in fabulous shape. I love the leather strap that can be fitted below the chin, so the hat stays on even on windy days. The sun coverage is perfect, and the best part…it’s adorable.
9. Paper Wai Natural Deodorant I saw it on Shark Tank and got suckered into going online and buying it–then fell in love, and now I’m hooked. It’s all natural (a lot of other deodorants are carcinogenic), smells amazing and it works better than anything I’ve used. Brett and I both use it, and we’re a little bit dorky in our dedication to telling people how much we like it. I just reordered my second jar (it lasts a long time!). A little dollop will do ya.
10. Too Faced Lip Cream in Naked Dolly. When I want a break from classic red lips, I like a good nude. This pinky nude is my current favorite–not only is the color super sexy, but it’s so creamy and rich. Looks amazing with smoky eyes.
11. Aveda Pure Abundance Clay Conditioner. I get all my good stuff when I go to Michigan–found this one in my sister’s shower and came straight home to find an Aveda store to buy it. I have really fine hair, and it can look oily and weighed down, especially in the Florida humidity. My hair feels so light and bouncy with this (I use their Shampure shampoo with it). I’ve never been one to use fancy salon hair products–I’m a drugstore shampoo girl–but this one’s been too good to me.
12. Sunset Lover by Petit Biscuit. Last one’s from Michigan too. Cool niece and purveyor of cool things introduced me to Petit Biscuit, and this Sunset Lover song has been on repeat all week. It does something to me. Hard to find on iTunes, but I linked to the YouTube, and you can download it from Petit Biscuit Facebook page. Music always makes me feel too much, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Okay, enough babbling about favorite things. Now get on out there and enjoy your weekend. Happy Friday!
*These are unpaid, unsponsored favorites, shared simply because I love them and think some of you will too–but as always, if I link to Amazon, I’ll include my affiliate links which kick back a small percentage to our family if purchased.
Michele at Everyday Snapshot says
What a great post for me today. 1) Because those pens, oh those pens, I discovered them about 6 months ago, I’m a pen girl too, and they are the Rockstar of all pens to date. Period. 2) The Mom and Daughter Journal. I have soo wanted to start one but wasn’t sure if my 8 year old was too young. I think I might have to. I just love the idea of it and can totally see the benefits. 3) I am trying that deodorant asap. I love me some good natural deodorant but thus far have only found duds. Thanks ! Have a great day.
ks says
My daughter and I have had that journal for awhile. We’ve gone through periods of regular exchange and also drought. Above all, it’s been good. For my younger daughter we bought a more physically interactive one (there’s one for dads/daughters, too!) Lots of tearing out pages, going and doing stuff in addition to some writing exchange. I’m do glad we have them! I need to find a mother/son one.
Kelle says
Yes! A mother/son one would be beautiful. Maybe by the time Dash is a little bigger, they’ll have one. Fingers crossed.
Gabby says
I work for a big corporation and everyone loves those pens! I put the books in my amazon cart. Thanks!
Molly says
Oh my word, you are too kind! Thank you for saying those kind things! 🙂 I’m glad you like the pens! I don’t want to overhype it, but in my opinion they are THE BEST PENS EVER!!! Now when I see one of my old bic or papermate ball-points, I’m like “what is that trash doing on my desk?!?” 🙂
So good to see you last week! Much love to you, Brett, and the kids! 🙂 xoxo
Kelle says
xo So good seeing you. Come up to Bliss this summer!
Kel says
I have a lovely friend called Katey Love. She’s a graphic designer who does books for babies. Having such a happy names must channel these Katies into creating delightful things.
eLLEN says
Love the pentex gel pens, been hooked for years!!! They have a lot of cool colors. (I love to write is all different colors…)
Tiana says
Hi Kelle,
Thanks for sharing your favourites. Loves the mom and daughter journal idea. Do you have any recommendations for me (am almost 30) to journal with my mom ? Do you have anything like that with your mom? Do you think this would work?
Also since you journal so much, do you have recommendations for good pens to use while journaling so they don’t fade etc, over the years?
thanks,
Sapna
life with Kaishon says
I LOVE a good pen. Gary told me not be ridiculous and spend 11.99 for 5 pens, but I said, it sounds like Kelle knows what she is talking about. I am almost ready to push buy. I put the journal in my cart too. I wish they had a son one. But I could get it for me and my mom. So what that I am a FREAKING old lady.
Thanks for your good ideas on this rainy Monday. I felt like crying all day for no reason, but now I am smiling.
Sending love from Pennsylvania, Becky
Kelle says
Becky, your comments always make me smile. I’ve totally had those days where I feel like crying all day for no reason. Good pens make those days better.
xo
Brynn at The domestic dietitian says
Oh my gosh, your descriptions of your favorite items literally has me laughing so hard I’m crying.
The peter pan collar is so freaking cute! I saw it on your instagram the other day and haven’t stopped envisioning all the ways my daughter can wear it (do you think it goes well with princess elsa pi’s..because that’s what we are working with this week).
I’m going to have to try that deodorant. Do you only buy it online or have you found it in stores too? Because let’s be honest, I’ve tried that Tom’s stuff and it leaves me very sweaty and with a touch of B.O.
Love the post.
Lisa Goddard says
bought 7, 9, 10……thanks for the favorite tips. I can’t wait to start using them.
Christal says
Smiled when I saw the pens… I bought the supplies at work (until I retired last Friday!!) and they were favorites along with the PaperMate Ink Joy pens. Please pass on to everybody that another great thing about them is you can get refills for them.
Kelly says
I’m sooooo with you on those Pentel pens. Amazon just sent me some to review and I fell in LOVE! On a side note, I was wondering why my purse was always feeling so freaking heavy lately. I knew I don’t carry much in it: wallet, phone, keys, lip balm, tiny pack of kleenex, pack of gum and a rosary. Why so heavy though??
Well, it turned out that my obsession with pens had reached the breaking point. As I dumped out the purse to make sure one of the kids hadn’t throw their favorite rock in it, I found a few of my favorite pens. To the tune of 84 pens. 84! 84 pens will weigh a purse down! So the next 15 minutes was picking out 5 of my “must keep” pens, while the others get tucked into a jar.
Ps: I’m seriously going to try that deodorant once the rush is over. But I think there is a typo in your post – it’s Piper Wai, rather than Paper (easy typo to miss!) I probably wouldn’t have noticed if my daughter wasn’t named Piper 🙂
Terra says
Oh, quite a few tantalizing ideas here and I wrote down the info on the pens and will look for some this week. I write letters so I like nice pens.