Friday Favorites: Max

Just over a year ago when we lost our sweet Oscar dog to canine lymphoma, my heart was so broken - I couldn't imagine ever having another dog.  Ever.  But as we know, time heals all things.  Which explains why I recently, I found myself missing - even craving - the sort of companionship he offered while I worked from home by myself.

Although I still wasn't convinced that I was ready for a new furry friend, I would frequently find myself drawn to the websites for the local shelters.  I sent a few pictures to the Man of the House.  I guess I was dropping hints, but I didn't want to admit it at the time.  And he was picking up those hints. He had actually stopped by the local shelter.

Fast forward to last Friday evening, when he started showing me some postings for puppies he had found on Craig's List.  Almost before I knew what was happening, a couple of quick emails were sent and we had arranged to go see some dachshund puppies the next morning.

Long story, short (well - still kind of long, but shorter than it could have been) - that's how this little guy came to be part of our family!

His name is Max.  He's a smooth-haired dachshund.  And I'm pretty much completely head over heels for him already.  How could I not be?  I mean - look at him!

Isn't he just the cutest?  He only weighs about 3 pounds and he's so teeny tiny!

Although I received several nice things for Christmas - he is by far my favorite gift!



via GIPHY

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. 

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.

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. 

Friday Favorites: Welcome Back!

Happy Friday!!

If you've been around the blog for a while, you may remember that in the past I attempted a Friday Favorites/Friday Finds series.  Back then, I would share a few items I had discovered - on line or in person.  But to be perfectly honest, it got to be a bit much for me to come up with 3 to 5 items each week that I really wanted to share.

However, I feel ready to bring it back...

This time, I'll only be talking about one item per week.  I plan on sharing anything from products to recipes, books to movies.  It may be an old favorite - something I've been using for a while and love.  Or it may be a new discovery I'm enjoying.  From time to time, it might even be something I have tried that hasn't worked out for me. A not-so-favorite.

I hope you'll stop by to see what I'm talking about each Friday.

The sharing begins next week - the first Friday in May!

Friday Favorites: In The Summertime

It's summertime and the livin' is... well,  really freaking hot!!  Anything approaching 80 degrees is too hot for this gal.  90 and above days make me feel pretty much like this...

Wicked Witch GIF from Melting GIFs

And that makes me very grateful for being able to stay inside with the air conditioning running and hide from the heat!

I really shouldn't complain.  I know other parts of the country have had it much worse than we have here.  My sister sent me a picture from her car the other day showing the outside temp as 105 degrees.  YIKES!!

Despite the summer heatwaves, there are still plenty of things about the season to enjoy.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Seasonal Summer Fruit:  Oh, how I love all the fresh, flavorful fruit of summertime!  The watermelon, the peaches, the cherries and all the various berries make my mouth and tummy so very happy!  I think I could probably survive on fresh fruit and ice cream during these warm weather months and be very content doing it.

Summer dresses:  Let's be honest.  I love a dress any time of year - but, especially during the summer months.  They're so easy, breezy and comfortable to wear.

Summer Vacations:  A vacation is another one of those things that you can enjoy any time of year.  But there's something special about the summer vacation.  I especially enjoy a get away where I can relax next to a natural body of water and do nothing all day long.

What are your favorite things about the summertime?

Friday Favorites: Cause I"m Random Like That

I couldn't decide on a theme for this edition of Friday Favorites.  The items I had in mind to share with all of you were just too diverse.  And since it's been a couple of weeks since I shared some favorites with you, so I didn't want to skip again.  Which is why this week's list is going to seem kind of all over the place.  Let's be honest here...  some days are just like that - a little of this and a little of that.  In fact, most of my days are kind of like that.

OxiClean White Revive:

I wasn't sure what to expect the first time I used it.  To be honest, I wasn't expecting much more than my regular OxiClean delivers.  Then I went to remove the load from the washer and BAM!!!   My whites haven't been this white since they were brand new.  (btw... there's a printable coupon for $1 off on the product website right now)



Talenti Coffee Chocolate Chip Gelato:

Coffee. Chocolate Chip.  Gelato.  Um... Yes! Please!  The container I bought of this stuff is hidden so far back in the freezer.  Not just because I might hurt anyone else in the family who tries to eat it, but so I don't see it and want to eat the entire thing every time I open the freezer.  I think I've found my new go-to PMS comfort food!


The Jersey Swing Dress:

These dresses from Old Navy are my new summer uniform!  I have the sleeveless version in black and orange, and the short sleeve in black and white stripe. (I wish I had the foresight to have bought it in several more colors)  They are SO comfy, and can easily be dressed up or down as needed for different occasions.  They've been on sale for a while, and many sizes and colors are selling out fast.  So, if you want one - you better hurry!!

Have you made any great discoveries recently?

Friday Favorites: Good Taste

Yesterday I made chili for dinner.  Which seems like an odd choice for June.  I usually reserve it more as a cold weather meal.  But, for some reason, when I made the menu for last week it just seemed like a good idea to have chili one night.  And wouldn't you know it - by dinner time the weather was cool and rainy.  A perfect chili night!

The lesson?  Always listen to that little voice inside. It knows what it's talking about!

Besides the yummy chili, a few other tasty things crossed my path this week:

Um... have y'all tried these?  Because - Oh. My. Goodness.  They are so, so yummy.  I finally found an M&M to replace the great void left when I could no longer enjoy the peanut ones.  If you like M&M's and caramel - go get a pack.  Like, right NOW!  The only problem I have with them?  They don't perform well on ice cream.  The caramel freezes up and gets too hard to chew. Otherwise... yum!

Earlier this week I tried this recipe from Moms With Crockpots.  It is so simple to make, but tastes like you spend hours over a hot stove.  The mushroom gravy turned out better than I imagined it would.  We enjoyed it served over brown rice with some green beans on the side.  And I am sure it will become part of my regular recipe rotation!

I wouldn't suggest eating this one, even though it is made from edible/food items.  Though, I guess it could be called "food for your skin".  I found this on Pinterest, but unfortunately the link indicated in the pin takes you to a skin care product company and I can find no reference to the masque on their website.  But regardless of that - I have tried this a few times and I am so happy with it!  My skin feels so clean and soft after I use the treatment.


Have you discovered any tasty treats recently?  Share in the comments!

Favorite Finds Friday: Spring Essentials

Welcome to another Favorite Finds Friday!  Spring has been in full swing for a couple of months, but if spring where you are us anything like spring here - that means some rather erratic weather.  Even in the middle of May we can get some cool mornings.  With blazing hot afternoons.  And back to chilly for the evening. All this back and forth can make dressing more than a little complicated at times.

Despite that, there are a few items I consider my "Spring Essentials"...

Scarves:  I know what you're thinking...  "Scarves?  I thought she was talking about Spring essentials.  Not winter!"  Scarves, for Spring?  Uh... YES!  I love a good scarf year 'round.  Especially with a cute sweater or tunic and boots during autumn.  But once the weather turns warmer, I put away the knit scarves for lighter and brighter materials.

Scarves are perfect for adding a not-too-heavy layer on those cooler days when you need a little extra to keep the chill off.  Plus they can add a fun something special to a tshirt dress or a simple shorts and top combo.

Fun Nail Polish:  After wearing darker shades for winter (think navy, deep grey, and rich wines), or being downright neglected because they're hidden away inside my boots - my toes are ready to come out and play!

This means a wardrobe change to fun, bright colors.  Bring on the corals, the teals, and the bright pinks!

Dresses & Skirts:  I find pants a challenge any time of year.  It's difficult to find a comfortable, well fitting pair of pants.   Which is why I lean heavily on skirts and dresses once the weather warms up. (And I no longer have to worry about a winter wind finding it's way up my skirt...  brrr!)

Easy.  Cool.  And comfy.  That has Spring into Summer written all over it!

Speaking of being comfy pants challenged - I am crazy curious about the pants at Betabrand.com .  They have these Crop Dress Pant Yoga Pants which look perfect for Spring and Summer.  I am dying to try!  If I could look dressed, while having the comfort of yoga pants... yes, PLEASE!!  Check 'em out for yourself!  And while you're there, have a peek at some of BetaBrand's suggestions for Spring Essentials:

What are your Spring Essentials?  Share in the comments!

Favorite Finds Friday: Mother's Day

Mother's day is in two days y'all!  If you have a mom or are married to one, you have a couple more days to get prepared. And while all we really want is to know you appreciate us, and would be perfectly happy with a handmade card and breakfast in bed - we certainly aren't  going to be disappointed with a little something extra.

Target.com

If there is one thing every mom needs, it's probably more sleep.  And a comfy pair of pajamas to do it in.  Right now Target has select pj's on sale. Like these super soft (and adorable!) pants.

target.com

I am always happy to hear the words "mani-pedi".  A little relaxing that ends with cute toenails?  Yes, please!  Or, you could put together a fun little set for a DIY mani-pedi, including a bottle of polish in her favorite color.

Etsy.com

Jewelry is usually a safe bet for Mother's Day (and most other gift giving occasions).  And in my case, if it involves a bee or a crown - even better!

Lesliefreemandesigns

If mom is a coffee or tea lover, consider a beautiful handcrafted pottery mug.  I am completely infatuated with this mug by Lesliefreemandesigns on Etsy!


Of course, you can also find lots of great gifts at Queen B's Busy Work (wink, wink!)

 Unfortunately, you procrastinated to the point where it won't arrive in time for Mother's day. But sometimes a nice handcrafted Spa Bath Set is worth the wait!

Favorite Finds Friday: A little of this, and a little of that...

Welcome to another Friday y'all!

This week really has been a total blur.  I don't think i have taken more than a few minutes at a time to look up from my yarn and crochet hook!  Because of that there was no time to plan an actual theme for this week.  As a result, you are being treated to a fun little hodge podge of things I came across in my inbox throughout the week.  

homedepot.com

I just love this succulents wreath tutorial I found in an email from  this week!  Will I ever get around to actually making it?  Probably not...  

lionbrand.com

This mug would make a fun little gift for your favorite. crocheter or knitter slash coffee lover,  wouldn't it?   All I know for sure I'd that it made me laugh!

stellacarakasi.com

I saw this sweater featured by another blogger earlier this week; and I just love everything about it - from the lightweight knit to the asymmetrical lines.  Gorgeous!

recyclart.org

I am always fascinated when I find cool glass insulators in antique stores, but I never know what in the world I would do with them.  Until now!  Something like this would be so pretty for my mantel.  I may need to pick some up the next time I find myself in an antique shop.

Next week we'll talk about some last minute ideas for Mother's Day.  

What interesting things have you seen this week?

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

My Favorite Finds Friday: Easter Eggs

I am a total geek when it comes to coloring the Easter eggs.  I always boil many... far too many... eggs.  The family gathers 'round the table with our cups of Paas egg dye and various coloring tools.  (The male offspring grumbles a little)  and we set to our creative work.  Much hilarity ensues.  A good time is had by all.  (Ignore the male offspring's grumbles)

According to the Internet, there must be about a billion different ways to decorate your eggs.  And thanks to Pinterest, I have seen examples of roughly half those ways.  Here are a few of my favorites:

craftymorning.com/

This looks like a very fun - and very messy! - way for the little ones to color eggs.  Maybe as an outside project?

ourbestbites.com

I wish I had found the directions for these "Dinosaur Eggs" when the male offspring was young!  You know, before he turned too cool for Easter eggs.

cutesycrafts.com

These silhouette eggs are simple to create with stickers and Sharpie markers.  A little more of a grown up look.  Or if you don't want to deal with cups of dye.

countryliving.com/

Would I love to find these beautiful eggs tucked into my Easter basket this Sunday?  Yes, please!!  Especially that bumblebee.  Gorgeous!!

Do you color Easter eggs?  Share your favorite method in the comments!

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

My Favorite Finds Friday

It's Friday, y'all!  This week has been a total blur, and I think I may have lost a few days in the middle there.  I'm not even entirely sure how that happened,; because I really wasn't all that busy.  But no matter... with the exception of some grocery shopping tomorrow, my big plans for the weekend consist of sitting for too long, watching too much Netflix, lots of crochet, and painting my toe nails a bright Spring-ish color.

But first... Here are a few of my favorite discoveries from the past week:

Fashionable Romance at Biltmore

This new exhibition at the Biltmore Estate appeals to me on so many levels by combining history, romance, costume design, and Biltmore.  Featuring wedding dresses and attire from popular films throughout the house as well as a special display with a recreation of Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil's wedding gown and the actual wedding veil worn by Jackie Kennedy and her cousin Mary Lee Ryan (Who married the grandson of George Vanderbilt).  The exhibition runs through July 4.

Photo credit:  Indulgy.com

Speaking of historical fashions: When I saw this exquisite Edwardian Era "bumblebee gown" on Pinterest, I became a teeny tiny bit obsessed.  Edwardian fashion AND bumblebees?  Yes, Please!!

And while we're sorta, kinda on the subject...  if you're wondering what to do with yourself now that Downton Abbey is over, I recommend the above series from the Smithsonian Channel to scratch your Anglophile itch.  I didn't exactly discover it this week, but it seems to fit pretty well with the theme I've got going here. It showcases some of the real life American heiresses married to land-rich,money-poor English aristocracy in the late 1800's  and early 1800's.  Aka - the inspiration for Downton's Lady Grantham.  I have been watching full episodes on the Smithsonian Channel website and quite enjoying it!

And while you're at it... You might as well read the book behind the show (because: the book is always better, right?)

To Marry An English Lord

And there you have it.  If you enjoy history, costume design, romance, Downton Abbey, Anglomania, uber-wealthy Americans, or reading - I've got you covered!  You're welcome.

Have a wonderful weekend.

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Friday Favorites - The Tim Tam Slam

Maybe you're like I was not so very long ago.  Maybe you're not familiar with the chocolately treat known as a Tim Tam.   Let alone ever heard of a Tim Tam Slam.  Well, let me tell you - we've been missing out!

I first became acquainted with the concept thanks to Good Mythical Morning.  And if you're not familiar these guys either - check them out!  A couple of Carolina boys who make my family laugh, and inspire some amusing, but slightly disturbing, games around our house.  But I digress... this isn't really about Rhett and Link.  It's about the wonder which is the Tim Tam!


How best to describe the Tim Tam slam?  Well... you could watch the above video. But in a nutshell... you bite off the opposite corners of the Tim Tam, use it a straw to suck up your coffee until it gets nice and mushy soft, then slam the whole thing in your mouth before it falls apart.

After seeing the video of the GMM guys learning the correct way to do a Tim Tam slam, I was intrigued by it.  And wanted a package of Tim Tams for my very own!  Sadly, I could not locate the treats at any of my local stores.  And that's where the  amazing fellow known as The Man of the House stepped in and provided me with Tim Tams as part of my Christmas presents.  (yeh, he's pretty awesome!!)

It. Was. On!! (No.  There is no video footage of me doing a slam.  Because.  There's just not.  Honestly, I didn't even think I would ever be writing about this)

Sadly, once my package of Tim Tams was gone - the fun had to end.   After searching everywhere he could think of, the Man of the House had to order them online.  And the price was well.. not cheap for a little package of cookies.  But - it's an Easter miracle! I just found them in the seasonal section at my local Target!  YES!!!

I grabbed two packages that day. And I will be heading back for more. Can we say "stock-piling"?

Have you ever had a Tim Tam?  Or done the Tim Tam Slam?  It's one of my current favorite things!

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups