Friday Favorites: February 5, 2016 Edition

Happy Friday, everyone . . . enjoy!

Stacey's Favorites:

So one of my favorite laughter go-to's (and the one responsible for coining my favorite phrase, "Difficulty is inevitable; DRAMA is a choice!") is Anita Renfroe (seriously, I even bought the shirt). She is so unbelievably talented, funny, and so on point! For women and mothers everywhere--she's got you covered! The first time I got to see her live was at a Women of Joy conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. Of course, along with her comedy, she has numerous books and DVDs. One of her books is co-authored by her husband, who is a pastor (the fact that she was at one time a pastor's wife is quite humorous to even her!) He is now by her side as they travel the globe making women laugh in Jesus' name.

This book is one of their couples' devotionals. It stuck out to me when she spoke about the book to the crowd because she mentioned its very intimate possibilities. She told ladies who were interested in purchasing it that they would be checking for wedding rings at the book table--it was hysterical! Check it (and Anita) out at http://www.anitarenfroe.com.

I'm on a book kick this week I suppose (I love a theme . . . just can't help myself . . . ask my friends).  In thinking about Valentine's Day--my favorite holiday--I would be remiss if I didn't share this one! The Valentine Bears by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Jan Brett (if you're a children's book nerd like me, it really doesn't get much cooler than these two together!) is such a sweet story of a bear couple who share their first Valentine's Day. Of course, bears always sleep through during hibernation, so clocks are set to wake up for the special day. I love the underlying theme of pure love for one another by both husband and wife. My copy is a little more than worn as it was also my mother's favorite read-aloud to her kindergartners for so many years.  Just pure sweetness!

Andrea's Favorites:

Seven years ago today, I became a mother for the first time. As with many women, I anticipated a quick and easy delivery and a short hospital stay . . . I'm sure you can guess that THAT was not the case, so I was glad to have this packed in my hospital bag:

My sweet grandmother bought me an Aimee nursing gown and matching robe. Girls, you know those promises that you hear that you know are simply not true? ("See, you'll be able to wear this bridesmaid dress again!") Well, miracle of miracles, I can tell you that their claim that you can wear these gowns long-term is true. Now, I am not willing to tell you how much weight I gained during my little boy's incubation time, but I will tell you that my size fluctuated quite dramatically and quickly after delivery, and I still love and wear this gown and robe. These sets are soft, comfortable, flattering, and forgiving. The gown is perfect for nursing (no nursing bra needed--a nursing pad stays put fine), but even now that my nursing days are in the past, the gown is still pretty and modest. By the time I had my daughter, I had acquired three of these gowns and two robes. If you are planning to have a baby or if you're looking for a gift for an expectant mother, she'll love these pretty gowns.

So now that Mr. Groundhog is ready for spring, you might be too--and if so, you'll need a bottle of this at your kitchen sink:

I was at Bath and Body Works earlier this week with the intention of buying some hand soap and a candle . . . I walked out with a heavy bag and more than $40 poorer, but I could not resist this scent. Blushing Tulips and Peonies is a clean, fresh floral that shouts a big welcome to spring. It begs you to put on a yellow dress and go sip tea on your porch. (It has a lot to say.) Besides the foaming soap, they also have this scent in the hand sanitizer.

Finally, like Stacey, I love Valentine's Day. Not only does the day provide an occasion to romance your partner, buy treats for your friends, and break up the boring mid-winter, but it also provides a great opportunity to talk to your children about love and friendship. My daughter is in kindergarten and my son is in the first grade, and both have at least one classmate who isn't a favorite to play with; yet, both children know that it's important (well, okay, it's also mandatory) that they share a Valentine card with those children. We'll be working on those cards this weekend, and we'll talk about friendship as we decorate cards.

It won't be all about them, though . . . after more than 17 years with the same man, I still dearly love to flirt with him. Here's how I do it:

Love is in the air, everyone . . . celebrate!

--Stacey and Andrea

Friday Favorites: January 15, 2016 Edition

From Andrea:

Happy New Year! Along with the majority of the world, I’ve started 2016 with a little self-improvement vow—but really, this vow has more to do with buying new beauty products than clean eating and sugar reduction. Along with trying beauty products, I’ve run across a few other gems that I thought I would share.

I believe my feelings toward winter are well-documented; I don’t like it, and it doesn’t seem to care for me either. I normally go barefoot all year ‘round, but apparently I’ve entered the elderly years, and I just can’t hack it with the cold floors and bare feet anymore. Enter these little honeys:

If you think that they’re on my feet right now, then you would be correct. I bought them on a total whim, and I was right back at Target less than a week later buying a second pair. They’re cute, machine-washable, super soft, and warm without being hot. I think I may need them in the grey and purple to complete my snuggly collection.

While I was at Target preparing my feet for what I feel is probably going to be a brutal February, I also picked up some jewelry cleaner. I have several silver necklaces that are looking dingy, and I normally use the silver cleaning cloths. This got good reviews, and now I see why.

I dunked my silver bead necklace into the cleaner, counted to 10, and removed it . . . gave it a rinse, and just like that, it looked as sparkly as the day I snagged it (from the cutest little store that has, sadly, gone out of business since then). I can’t believe how well this cleaner works. I think I’ve said farewell to those wimpy cloths.

And then there's this (which does fall into the previously mentioned beauty product category):

I got this as a stocking stuffer for Christmas, and I’m a big fan. One end is for hydration, and the other end is for renewal. I have to tell you that I can’t tell the difference between the two—both feel smooth and creamy without being sticky. But I tend to lean toward using the renewal side more because I feel sure that something amazing must be happening to my lips with a word like that printed right on the tube.


--Andrea



From Stacey:

2016 is proving that I am still quite in love with some of my favorites from the last few years. Just this week as we were discussing our Friday faves, I couldn't help but notice my favorite cookbook of late right in front of me on the counter. I refer to it often, but for more than just the delicious noshes . . . Bree Drummond is a fabulous photographer and children's book author! As soon as I read that lil' nugget in the intro of her cookbook, I was hooked; as it turns out, her books are some of my favorite read-alouds in the classroom as well! Anywho, her dishes are easy, beautiful, and so yummy. Definite crowd pleasers!

These little gems are also filled with amazing shots of her family's ranch and family. Her passion for family--and her husband especially--is evident in all she does. Enjoy!

As a family, we are most often found outdoors, but when the weather gets cold, family games are our go-to some nights. This game is just fun for everyone! Simple, yet mind-blowing all at once. I'm not a math person, so the fact that every single time there is a matching object no mater how you mix 'em up BLOWS. MY. MIND! Our kids received this as a gift years ago, and ever since we've collected quite a few others with varying themes. Spot It is fast-paced and different every time you play. Of course, we get a wee bit competitive with this one . . . and laughter always ensues!

Uno and Monopoly also tend to reveal the competitive spirit in each of us. I'm pretty sure we do NOT play by the rules!

2015 was a difficult year in our home state. Through prayer and love for one another, we came out strong (a bit soggy and sad but not surrendering)! Long before we were all wearing some state pride, I ran across these shirts in royal blue for my kids at Mast General and just fell in love with the simplicity, color, and soft fabric. (My children fell in love with some candy cigarettes . . . but that is a story for another day!)

Though there are many out there with the state theme, this one remains my fave! Love it!

--Stacey