Friday Favorites: For Your Sweet Tooth

Are you the kind of person who prefers salty or sweet treats?  I like a good salty, crunchy snack just as much as the next person.  But most of the time, I'm going to choose sweet over a salty.  Especially if there is chocolate involved. 

I recently discovered these Moser Roth Dark Orange Almond bars, and Oh. My. Goodness. 

Dark chocolate?  Yes, please.  Orange flavor.  Absolutely!  Almond bits?  Ok!  Orange and dark chocolate is such a delicious combination.  Just so good.  Are you familiar with those chocolate oranges that you get at Christmas?  The ones you smack on the table to break into bit sized "slices" for eating?  Similar to that - but even better.  And without having to beat it to death before you can enjoy it.  

The package looks like one big bar, but inside you'll find 5 individually wrapped singe-serving bars.  Perfect for a little treat with a cup of coffee in the afternoon.  

https://amzn.to/2W26krD

I found my bars at Aldi.  They carry several varieties of the Moser Roth bars.  All of the ones I have tried are delicious, but this is hands down my favorite.  I may, or may not, have a stash of them hidden away for when I am craving some chocolate.  

What's your favorite treat?



Disclaimer:  I have received no compensation for this post.  However, this post may contain affiliate links.  Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click these links and make purchases.  Be assured, this does not impact my reviews. All opinions expressed are my own. Your results may differ.  Moser Roth is not affiliated with this blog. 

Joyful Gratitude: May 30

I Am Thankful For:
The Man of the House waking me up to say "good bye" before leaving to go out of town
Running into an old friend of my parents
Good morning phone calls
Orders mailed
Taco salad
The Man of the House back home where he belongs 
Morning sunlight filtering through the trees
The cat finally sleeps on the bed we bought for him
Feeling pretty
Tacos on Thursday
The grandkid has lost his 2 front teeth
Ear buds
The grandkid playing in the yard
My kids laughing over a shared joke
Easy peasy dinners

You've Lost That Youthful Feeling

Want to feel old?  No? Please? I could really use the company.

Tomorrow my "baby boy" turns 21!

About 16 years ago...

I know what you're thinking - how can I possibly be old enough to have a 21 year old son? I think the same thing to myself all the time!

But it's true.  Not only that, but this is my youngest child.  Which might just make me officially "old:.

They say "you're only as old as you feel".   If that's true - some days I'm 26, and on a few days I'm about 85.  Fortunately,  there are many more of the "26 year old" days.

What do you do to help yourself keep that youthful feeling?

Sunday Inspiration: Light

Friday Favorites: Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner

I like the little extra oomph of clean I get from using a toner.  What I don't like is the overly dry feeling I get from many of them.  Or worse, that burning sensation some can cause on my sensitive skin.

I spent years and years searching for the perfect toner for my skin.  I think I finally found it in Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel toner!  

Made with the long time skin care favorites witch hazel, rose water, and aloe vera, Thayer's cleans, tones, and moisturizes your skin.  Without the use of harsh chemicals.  Just lots of natural therapeutic tannins, astringents and antioxidants. 

After washing my face,  I use Thayer's to remove any remaining traces of makeup or oils.  It always leaves my skin feeling so clean and fresh.  And thanks to the soothing aloe and rose water, I never feel too dry after using it.

I used to regularly get cystic acne on my chin, related to hormones.  Since using the Thayer's I rarely experience it now.

Do you have a favorite skin care product?  Or have you tried Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner?  Share in the comments!


Pssst… in case you're curious - those cotton rounds in the pictures are machine washable, reusable and eco-friendly.  And they can be found in my Etsy shop at  https://www.etsy.com/listing/193323871/




Disclaimer:  I have received no compensation for this post.  However, this post may contain affiliate links.  Keep in mind that I may receive commisions when you click these links and make purchases.  Be assured, this does not impact my reviews. All opinions expressed are my own. Your results may differ.  Thayer's is not affiliated with this blog. 

Joyful Gratitude: May 23

I Am Thankful For:

Pretty bee wind chimes

New pajamas

Leftover BBQ ribs

Chilly May mornings

Blackberry winter

Windy days

Waking up my brain

Completing my to do list by noon

The Man of the House getting home from his latest trip

The Male Offspring taking care of dinner

Gorgeous weather

Sipping coffee while listening to the rain

Starting the work to organize my office

A quiet start to the day

My "reading chair"

The Game of Thrones finale

Self-Care Wednesdays

When your phone battery starts getting low, I'm willing to bet that you immediately start looking for a way to recharge it.  Am I right, or am I right?  I know.  I'm the same way.  So, why do we so often run around with our batteries on low without stopping to recharge?

I've started trying to take time one day a week to give myself a little TLC.  I know a lot of people have a Self Care Saturday, but for me it's usually Wednesday.  I like doing it mid-week while everyone else is out of the house and it's just me, myself and I.

I usually do a clarifying wash to remove any buildup from my hair, if needed.   Followed by a good deep conditioning treatment.  Sometimes it's a store bought treatment.  Sometimes I create my own with a mixture of my regular conditioner, coconut oil and honey or avacado, banana, coconut oil and honey.

I may also paint my nails or apply a face mask.

I think it's so important for each of us to take a little time to be nice to ourselves.  Maybe your thing isn't a beauty treatment or two.  Maybe you prefer to go for a hike, or a bike ride.  You could do some meditation (this is usually another part of my self-care Wednesdays - as well as a few other days of the week)  You can draw, or paint, or write.  Color in a coloring book.  Sit outside in the sunshine.  Savor a cup of tea.  Read your Bible.  Read some other book.  

Do whatever it is that refreshes your soul.  

Sunday Inspiration: Always

Joyful Gratitude: May 16

I Am Thankful For:

A good start to the day

Washcloth orders

Homemade Ramen bowls

Getting all the laundry done

Pretty new top

Cinnamon donuts

Historical fiction

Afternoon tea

Planning for Mother's Day

The Female Offspring has a new kitten

Rained out soccer games

Dinner out with the Female Offspring's family

The Man of the House making 3 trips to the store for me in one day

Mother's Day dinner

Strawberry shortcake

Silly card games

A wild turkey at the bird feeder

New pajamas

Bbq ribs

Rising Above

"Zacchaeus was a wee little man

And a wee little man was he

He climbed up in a sycamore tree

For the Lord he wanted to see"

If you ever attended a children's Sunday school class, or a vacation Bible school, or attended a church-based pre-K program - you've probably heard the story of Zacchaeus.  

The short tax collector wanted very much to see Jesus, but was having trouble seeing over the crowd.  So, he went and found himself a Sycamore tree to climb overlooking the road where he knew Jesus would be passing.  Once he achieved that higher vantage point, he was able to clearly see Jesus.  That's when Jesus called to him.  (Luke 19: 1 - 10)

Just like Zacchaeus, sometimes we have to rise above the crowd if we want to see Jesus. 

We have to rise above the opinions and expectations of others. We have to rise above our own egos.  We have to rise above the selfishness, greed and pettiness of society.  We have to rise above what others tell us is "right" and look to what the Word says.  Even if that means sometimes having to rise above the rules, opinions and attitudes of our fellow Christians.  

We have to rise above it all and keep our eyes on the Lord. So that we can hear Him say “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

Sunday Inspiration: Happy Mother's Day!

Friday Favorites: Deva Curl

I have written about my love/hate relationship with my curls in the past (HERE).  A few years ago, I decided to finally embrace them.  Just ride the waves.  (Pun intended)  However, I found that I still found them a challenge more often than I wanted to admit.   Probably because I was still using shampoos with sulfates and styling products that contained silicones and all sorts of other ingredients that are not so curl friendly. 

Late last year, that changed when I decided to fully follow the Curly Girl Method.  I'll talk more about the Curly Girl Method some other time and the journey I have been on there.  Today is about a just a few items that have changed my hair for the better!

DevaCurl Low-Poo and One Condition Delight are my new go-to cleanser and conditioner.  These - along with the Wave Maker styling cream - have put the spring back in my curls.  I couldn't believe how much of a different I saw after just one use!  

I had been using curly girl approved products that can be found at many drugstores, and was getting good results, but I was ready to try something else.  DevaCurl was created by Denis DaSilva and Lorraine Massey.  Lorraine is also known as the author of Curly Girl: The Handbook.  So, I decided to give them a try!

The Low Poo Delight takes some getting used to if you've been using a sulfate shampoo because it's, well... low poo.  Meaning, it's low lathering.  But it still does an amazing job of getting my hair clean without leaving it feeling stripped.  The One Condition Delight gives my hair plenty of slip and conditions well, without weighing down my curls.

My favorite may be the Wave Maker.  I used to love the Not Your Mothers Kinky Moves curling cream, but alas - it is loaded with silicones.  Now, FINALLY, I have found a new favorite! 

Since switching to the DevaCurl products, I'm getting a little better definition.  And I'm seeing a difference in the volume also.  And best of all, if I protect my curls while I sleep, I am now able to get at least a full 3 days from one wash day instead of needing to wash every other day.

I'm hoping that the glycerin in the Wave Maker doesn't become an issue as the humidity levels increase during the summer.  I've had some issues with frizz using products that have glycerin in the top few ingredients.  So... fingers crossed.  

Do you have a favorite line of hair products?

Disclaimer:  I have received no compensation for this post.  However, this post may contain affiliate links.  Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click these links and make purchases.  However, this does not impact my reviews. All opinions expressed are my own. Your results may differ.  Deva Curl is not affiliated with this blog.

Joyful Gratitude: May 9

I Am Thankful For:

An open sun roof and music blasting

Morning tea

The first hummingbird of the season

Spotting an Eastern Towhee at the feeder

Strawberries

Tickets for the Carolina Panthers season opener

The cat "stalking" a lizard (which is on the other side of the glass door)

Dinner and a movie with the Female Offspring

A new month

S'mores frappucino

Making the Man of the House laugh

Avoiding traffic

Getting matching fortunes

Washing the pollen off my car

Movie matinee with the guys

Bbq sandwich

The Man of the House making coffee for me

Morning rain showers

Game of Thrones Oreos

Closer to 50

Last week was my "half birthday".  You know, 6 months between one birthday and the next.  (Apparently, for some people that 's a thing.)  Even though I don't normally observe half birthdays - this seems like a good time to give an update on how I'm doing on my "Before 50"  list! 

 

1.  Finally lose that extra weight that I have been carrying

2.  Visit at least 1 new destination.

3.  Read at least 5 books I've never read before from this list
So far I have read:

•   Anna Karenina
•   Fahrenheit 451

  
4.  Be vegetarian for a month
We did this for two weeks, rather than a month.  I think the Man of the House and I could have gone the full month, and may still give that a go later this year.  But after going along for two weeks, the Male Offspring was ready for some meat-based protein.  

  
5.  Take one of the specialty tours at Biltmore

  
6.  Join a crochet/knitting group

 7.  Learn to meditate
I used "The Basics" on Headspace to help me get started. After that I switched to an app called Insight Timer for another series on meditation basics and now use it as a timer for most of my meditation sessions. I like that the timer includes options for nice ambient sounds and bells. Occasionally, I use a Christian meditation app, Reflect, for some Scripture focused meditation.   I practice meditating several days a week and I am really enjoying the quiet time to give my mind and spirit a chance to clear out and refresh.  

  
8.  See a play (or two. I adore live theatre and don't know why I don't go more often)

  
9.  Get my office organized once and for all

10.  Take a yoga class

11.  Get a really good haircut by a curly hair specialist

12.  Go to a movie by myself

13.  Go to bed super early and get up super early for one week.  Or a  month.
I tried to do this last week, but life got in the way and I never seemed to make it into bed until 10pm every night.  So, now this week is the week!

14.  Send postcards whenever I go out of town or visit somewhere new

15.  Overcome my fear of heights

Sunday Inspiration: Nothing Better

Friday Favorites: My Favorite Lip Balm

Welcome to the first edition of the NEW Friday Favorites!  I am so excited to share some of my favorite items, new finds, delicious recipes, and other things too good to keep to myself. There might even be some "not-so-favorite" items tossed into the mix from time to time.


If you're like me,  you are rarely without some lip balm.  My passion started waaaay back in the day with little tins of flavored lip balm and increased once I discovered Lip Smackers.  It only grew from there, although my preferences have matured a bit since then. Over the years I have gone through oh-so-many tubes!

My current favorite is the Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm

I found this lip balm before Christmas when I was reading articles and blog posts for stocking stuffer ideas for members of my family.  I thought it sounded interesting, so I added it to my own wish list.

And I am so glad I did!!

This balm makes my lips feel so soft and moisturized.  Just a little bit goes a long way.  The smell is amazing!  It's minty enough to be refreshing but not overwhelming.  I hesitated a little over the "rose" part, but it's not really very rose-y.

While it appears pink in the container, it goes on mostly clear with just the barest hint of color.

I like that the little tin fits so easily into my purse, even if I'm carrying a smaller handbag.  And it reminds me of those little tins of lip balm that I loved all those years ago.  My one and only complaint about it would be that the lid can be a little difficult to get off sometimes, especially if my hands are wet or I have just applied lotion.

Over all, I'm in love with the Smith's lip balm.  In fact, I'm already thinking about how soon I might need to order more!

Do you have a favorite lip balm?




Disclaimer:  I have received no compensation for this post.  However, this post may contain affiliate links.  Keep in mind that I may receive commisions when you click these links and make purchases.  Be assured, this does not impact my reviews. All opinions expressed are my own. Your results may differ.  Smith's is not affiliated with this blog. 

Joyful Gratitude: May 2

I Am Thankful For:

A huge blue jay sitting on the porch railing

Good-bye kisses in the airport drop off lane

Adding books to my TBR list

The last of the jelly beans

The Man of the House calling from his hotel

and texting from the airport

Pretty yarn

A beautiful morning filled with the sound of singing birds

Welcome home kisses in the airport pick up lane

Yummy new recipes

Educational webinars

Crochet hooks

The NFL draft

Overnight rain showers

Morning sunshine

Delicious cornbread

Laughter

Sunshine filled days

A walk at the park 

Currently... May 2019

Happy May, y'all!!  I can't speak for the rest of the country, but it has finally started to feel like spring around here.  And except for some crazy rains which let to a lot of flooding on Easter weekend, the weather has been absolutely perfect.  This is the best time of year. As I mentioned last month, I love this weather when it's sunny and warm, but it's not too hot yet.  Like the baby bear's porridge - it's not too hot, not too cold.  Just right.

Reading:  I'm close to finishing Becoming Mrs Lewis by Patti Callahan.  (Because apparently, I have developed a fondness for fictional stories about the wives of famous men)  As soon as I wrap this one up, I'll be starting Where All Light Tends to Go by David Joy.  (Because I also have a fondness for books by local authors and/or are set in local places)  My nonfiction, self-improvement type book right now is Genius Foods by Max Lugavere.

Celebrating:  The month starts with my nephew's birthday and ends with the Male Offspring's birthday. I can't believe my baby is going to be 21 this month!  In between the two, we celebrate Mother's Day and Memorial Day.

Working on:  Cutting added sugars out of my diet.  I did this a while back, but the typical back sliding happened and now I am back to full-on sugar junkie.

Enjoying:   The final season of Game of Thrones.

Anticipating:  Summer fruits.  I get so excited when the weather starts warming up because I know that means fresh fruit season is starting.  Strawberries. Blueberries.  Blackberries.  Cherries.  Peaches and nectarines.  Watermelon.  Mmmm…  I can't wait!

Needing:  Well, since I never got around to it last month - I'm going to have to say that I still need to declutter and organize my closet and dresser.

Wanting:  To find healthy snacks.  I get such a craving for sugar in the middle of the afternoon, no matter what I have for lunch.  I want to find an alternative that is healthier, but still yummy and satisfying.

Making:  Dietary changes.  The Man of the House and I started intermittent fasting last month.  We've been doing the 8/16 method for him and the 10/14 method for me.  (meaning he consumes all his calories in an 8 hour period and then "fasts" for the other 16 hours each day, I eat for 10 and fast for 14)  This has been easier than we expected - mostly since we're asleep for a large portion of the fasting period.  The problem now is that we are eating needs to improve.  This month we're focusing on cutting back on processed foods and added sugars.

Feeling:  A little tired.  I'm definitely not getting enough sleep these days.

Favorite Things:  

1.  Going for walks and hikes with The Man of the House
2.  Having the windows open
3.  DevaCurl Low-poo cleanser and One Condition Delight