Warm Woolen Mittens…4th Edition of my Favorite Things

Raindrops on Roses; Whiskers on Kittens; Bright Copper Kettles…and yes, Finally, Warm Woolen Mittens.  I present to you the 4th (hopefully Not final) Edition of My Favorite Things!  More items that I love, and want to share with you.

1.  Groupon!  Ok, I have gotten Groupons for Pinstripes; Whole Foods; Massages; Facials; Restaurants; Car washes, and have bought Headphones, iPod speakers; Hotel-quality sheets; Movie passes, watches, and much, much more.  I received an $80 wine.com voucher for $40.   A $30 restaurant certificate for $15 (no terms and conditions and no minimum spend).  I bought a $450 watch for $69 and the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, hardbound, for $29 as well as an instructional yoga mate for $12.   That’s just a small sampling of some of my purchases.  One word to the wise, don’t buy it if you don’t love it or need it, otherwise it turns into an obsession and you’ll end up buying things your really don’t need.  Don’t ask how I know this.  Groupon goods is actual merchandise that you purchase; and Groupon is for services or a restaurant that you redeem after you purchase the Groupon.  It’s my understanding the consumer is the biggest winner here, since the retailer or merchant are really giving very deep discounts and if they don’t  receive return customers, it’s not always worth their while.  If you get a groupon, and have a great experience, revisit that merchant again.  www.groupon.com.  Another great site to check for great deals is http://www.hip2save.com.  This posts a listing of all the “hot” deals available.  I’m rather obsessed with that site as well.

2.  Curly Girl Designs – I have snazzy iPhone cover skins and an equally snappy iPad skin. I am always asked about them and figure this is the best way to help spread the word.    They have the cutest cocktail napkins and cards as well.  I love their cute sayings, and here is a small sampling with the first being my life mantra:

Check them out:  www.curlygirldesign.com

3.  St. Ives Collagen Elastin Moisturizer – This fabulous little moisturizer, which I heard about from Dr. Oz, costs about $6 for a Huge Tub…and this is truly one of the best facial creams I have ever used.  And again, it’s $6!  

4.  Tiffany Sunglasses – I guess this is what you get the girl who has everything (or your wife who has everything)…Kevin hit the jackpot giving me these sunglasses, which come with a Fabulous tiffany-blue hard case, and smaller tiffany-blue draw string bag.  And, again, he did not break the bank with these.  While they are much more pricey than others I own, I don’t wear them everyday, and make sure I put them in their glass case when I throw them in my purse or on the car seat.  $345

This is the fabulous case they come with…and a smaller draw-string bag as well.

5.  Sequin Clutch – I wear this All the time.  Not just for evening.  It gives my outfit a bit of a pop…and it holds a ton of things!  I also throw it in my laptop bag, so I have a purse in a bag!  I have the Black, but I also adore this Gold one.  It basically goes with me everywhere except a Bears game!  I found mine for $100 at Ann Taylor.

6.  The Someecards desk calendar!  I was just given this for 2012…I cannot Wait to read what they have to say daily!

7.  EOS Lip Balm – I keep this in my car and balm my lips all day long while driving!  It’s less than $4, and cute and round and comes in a variety of colors and flavors.  Costco has a “gift pack” for $12 that is complete with 2 balms and hand cream.  Would make a great stocking stuffer.

8.  Kirkland Brand Sonoma County Chardonnay – I like, make that love, chardonnay.  Because my friends Linda and Tom had the world’s best stocked wine cellar, they introduced me to wines such as Cakebread, Far Niente and Freemark Abby.  I became used to the better wines.  Imagine my delight when I tried the Kirkland brand chardonnay and it rivals Simi Reserve.  I am not exaggerating.  And, the price is $6.99 vs $23.99.  I love it, and highly recommend it!  You can only get it at Costco.

9.  Tory Burch Silver Cuff – the kids gave me this for Christmas last year.  I think it’s a Show Stopper.  You can dress it up or down, and its timeless, and will never go out of style.

10. Suave Professionals invigorating Mint Shampoo and Conditioner:  These are less than $2.50 a piece, and there are Always coupons for these…I’ve always been a huge fan of Aveda Rosemary Mint shampoo and conditioner, just didn’t like the $18 per price tag.  I have gotten a shampoo and conditioner, After coupons for $1 a piece…and this shampoo and conditioner Rocks!

11.  Fekkai 3-minute hair mask – This does Miracles for your hair…at least it did for mine.  It’s typically $34 at Nordstrom or Target, but I found it for $14.99 at TJ Maxx.

12.Famous Dave’s Signature Spicy Pickles – these are the Best!  I like the spears and “chip” version…and while I’m not a fan of relish (as I request “hold the relish” when ordering hotdogs ,the 2x/year I cave and get one), I do enjoy the spicy relish as well!  You can find them at Target and Costco!  You will thank me for introducing you to these spicy gems!

13.  Lily Pulitzer Large Agenda – As much as I”m addicted to my iPhone, iPad and Laptop…I still need a planner with real paper.  This Agenda has monthly and weekly calendar views;  daily view; interior pockets (where I keep cards from my parents); and area for Notes; Dates to celebrate…and even has cute stickers!  I plan on using this planner indefinitely (of course while getting a new one yearly).

Here are some of my favorite Blogs

http://www.cupcakesandcashmere.com

http://www.atlantic-pacific.com

http://www.kimsingletary.com

http://www.smokymountainviews.wordpress.com

http://www.clevercreekstudio.me

http://www.jdunkle.blogspot.com

One of my all-time favorite Sporting moments…Derek Redmond, the runner in the 1992 Barcelona olympics, who tore his hamstring, and finished the race, with the help of his father.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZlXWp6vFdE&feature=related

My top 5 Favorite Movies

1.  Brian’s Song

2.  Rudy

3.  Heaven Can Wait

4.  Terms of Endearment

5.  Sound of Music; Sleepless in Seattle; You’ve Got Mail – these are all tied at 5.   In other words, I couldn’t narrow it down.

My Top 5 TV Shows – currently on TV

1.  Modern Family – hands down, Best Show on TV

2.  Mad Men – not for youngins’, as it’s rather raunchy, but it’s very addictive, and I wish it was on more.

3.  Nashville – my new favorite.

4.  Bachelor/Bachelorette – it’s a guilty pleasure, and yes, I’m also judging myself…and Sean from the Bachelorette will be the new Bachelor, so I’m teeing up to watch that come January!!

5.  Football.  Football.  Football.  Go Bears!

My Top 5 TV Shows – recommended to rent

I have gone through hundreds and hundreds of hours on the elliptical watching these.

1.  24

2.  Arrested Development

3.  Nip Tuck

4.  Royal Pains

5.  Lipstick Jungle; Swingtown (only 7 episodes and I still miss it); Cashmere Mafia

Favorite Books/Authors

1.  John Grisham – anything by John Grisham

2.  Fifty Shades of Grey  - yes, I’m a cliche, but I really did enjoy all 3 books.

3.  Hunger Games – all 3 of these books as well

4.  Janet Evanovich – the Stephanie Plum series – you can basically read a book in 2 days.  Great beach or plane reads!

5.   Sophie Kinsella – Shopaholic series, but also love the book , Can you keep a secret.  I suggested it to Meredith and she read it this summer and loved it as much as I did.  Apple.  Tree.

5 Simple Rules for Happiness

I’m running out of verses of this song, so not sure I have many more editions left of My favorite things (yes, thankfully some of you may be thinking), so I’ll have to find out new ways to share my favorite things.

My favorite picture of Chicago…my favorite town

And my favorite pooch…

Murphy

And the Ying to my Yang…Along with my Favorite things, my Absolute Non Favorite thing, EVER, is Non-responsiveness to my emails.  Hands down.  And you know who you are.  And I’m referring to Work emails, not witty banter, which I rock at, btw.

My first 3 editions of My Favorite Things are listed in Related Posts at the end of this blog.  Happy Reading!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

T.

Related posts:

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/category/favorite-things/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/10/28/bright-copper-kettles-3rd-edition-of-my-favorite-things/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/whiskers-on-kittens-2nd-edition-my-favorite-things/

Bright Copper Kettles…3rd Edition of My Favorite Things

Since I am done preaching about Jay Cutler and why he needs a Life Coach, at least for this week, since my beloved Bears are on a Bye Week,  I present to you, my 3rd edition of my favorite things:

1.  Reebok Easy Tones – OK, I know these shoes are “under fire” for not doing what they say they do…as in work your muscles more than regular shoes…but you truly can tell a difference while wearing these all day long.  Your legs feel invigorated, and my muscles feel like they’ve had a more intense workout.   I,  however, caution you against wearing these while playing tennis, as they will wreak havoc on your toes!  These shoes come with a warning for good reason.

2.  iPhone and iPad - those who know me , know I carry 2 phones.  An iPhone and a blackberry…and no, not because my “boyfriend” has the number of my 2nd phone (and I have been asked that at least 58 times…Kevin frowns upon me dating, btw), but I still, after one year, cannot master typing on my iPhone, so I also carry my blackberry torch, which although has a touchscreen, but also  a true keyboard…However, I Love my iPhone and iPad  apps…Facebook, AA (American Airlines), Shazam, Twitter, LinkedIn, Fashion Journal, WordPress (for my blog), J. Hilburn, Confession App (approved by the vatican) etc…you get the picture.  I am totally addicted to Angry Birds.  And travelling with my iPad, is so much lighter than carrying my laptop around.  I can just throw it in my purse, and it’s always with me.  I can’t write long emails on it, because it’s too tedious, but can do most internet functions, (including going to confession)… and that I love!  Because my iPad is 3G-enabled, I can get my emails and get on the internet anywhere!   I remember Bruce once said that he feels badly for people who don’t have an iPhone…I have to agree, and that also goes for the iPad!

3.  Lincoln Park After Dark – nail polish for my toes.  When I first heard about nail polish that looked “black”, I thought that was way too “goth and dark” for me…I mean, I was one of the first to wear a french pedicure, and back then, in the late 90′s, it turned heads (and not in a good way)…but I have to say, on my toes, I love it.  It doesn’t chip, and still appears clean.  Plus the color is so neutral, it goes with anything.  These are not my toes, as my toes are unsuitable for photo!…but I wanted to show how fantastic this color looks!  Thank you Lee for signing the release so we can use your feet in this photo!

4.  Mac Chic Lipstick - this is the lipstick, I wear everyday, regardless of what I’m wearing.  It goes with red, pink, black , anything.  It’s a pink/berry color with a pale gold shimmer…And while I’ve mentioned this already twice in previous blogs, I was asked about my lip color 3 times this week, so hence, yet another mention!

5.  Dior Show Iconic Mascara – I’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating…I basically have No eyelashes.  My sister Megan and Mer Mer have hit the jackpot when it comes to long, lush eyelashes.  So, in trying to do the best with what I have, I’ve used Rapidlash Eyelash enhancer to strengthen and lengthen my almost non-existent eyelashes…I also use Dior Mascara base and Dior Show Mascara.  When used in conjunction with Rapidlash, it’s almost like I have long eyelashes!  You can buy both Dior products at Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com) and Rapidlash you can find at www.drugstore.com.  All of these products are in the $25-$35 range.

6.  Keurig Coffeemaker.  I am a believer!  I first tried it when they had it at the Conrad Hotel in Indianapolis (one of my very favorite hotels, btw)…and had hot chocolate, green tea, and coffee…each pod goes in this little compartment, and Voila…within 40 seconds, you have a fabulous hot beverage.  You can also make iced beverages.   I got the Platinum version at Costco, which comes with its own filter, so you can put your own coffee in it, and don’t have to be bothered with buying the little pods…But here’s a tip – you can buy a box of 80 Keurig coffee k-cups at Costco for $36.00, which is about a 30% savings off the $51.99 price if you were to buy it in bulk at the Keurig online store.  And since I make the coffee cup, by cup, I end up drinking less!

7.  Coach red patent leather satchel handbag.  I typically don’t carry Coach handbags.  Not because I don’t like them, but I tend to gravitate towards more “unique and one of a kind bags”, but I could not resist this purse.  It’s a deep red patent leather, and since I wear so much black, it gives me a pop of color.  Tt has a strap as well as handles, so I can carry it either way.  It’s not too large, but holds everything I need (including iPad)…and I haven’t seen anyone else carrying it, which is a huge bonus.

8.  Tory Burch Slippers - Genuine Shearling, and they make my feet very happy!  And even happier, they were on sale at Nordstrom!  Oh, and the Tory Burch flats did Not make my feet happy…as my friend “D” says, “the most uncomfortable shoes ever”.  I do not disagree.  Avoid the Tory Burch flats, at all costs…even at a sale price…but indulge in these fabulous slippers!

And in keeping with the Tory Burch theme…the wristlet.  I can use it as a small purse, which holds by my phones, lipstick, small wallet (and I emphasize small) which holds driver’s license, credit card, debit card, and $50 (always 2 $20′s, $5, and five $1′s).  And, when I feel like carrying a larger purse, like my coach red patent leather satchel, I throw the Tory Burch in the larger handbag!  And, I got it, on sale, at nordstrom.com. 

9.  Rusk Worx Atomizer hairspray… This is the Only hairspray that holds my hair, and Mer Mer uses it as well…Horror of horrors, it has been discontinued.  I have had to stoop down to the level of buying it on eBay.  In bulk!  I mean, I really like this hairspray!

10.  I’ve saved the best for last:  Modern Family!  Hands down, the Best show on TV…Wednesday nights at 8PM on ABC.  Truly one of the funniest, best written, wittiest shows on TV…It reminds me of Arrested Development, because of the clever writing.  I’ve turned a few people onto this show, and they’re also hooked…and funny enough, I’ve found out that this is also the favorite show of some of my all-time favorite people!  You can catch past episodes on www.abc.com.  You can also buy the first 2 seasons on DVD.  Watch it this weekend, since the Bears are on a Bye Weekend!  Heck…Do yourself a favor, and buy them on iTunes and put them on your iPad, so when you travel, you can always guarantee yourself lots of great laughs!  Here are a few of the hilarious one-liners:

Phil: “I’m hip, I text. WTF – why the face”
Mitchell: “may I take your multi-colored coat and bejeweled cap?”
Manny: “oh, it’s okay for YOU to take an older lover?”

Claire: One minute you’re just friends watching Falcon Crest and the next minute you’re under the air hockey table with your bra in your pocket.

Phil: I brought my own snacks, not because I’m cheap — it’s a matter of principle. Plus I get a little rush from the danger. Be cool, be cool, be cool! Just look straight ahead… I’ve never felt more alive. Woo Woo!

Cam: ”I’m like Costco, big, cheap and everyone loves me”

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

T.

“When in Doubt, Wear Red“  (Bill Blass)

Related Articles:

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/11/12/these-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/whiskers-on-kittens-2nd-edition-my-favorite-things/

Whiskers on Kittens…2nd edition my Favorite Things

Since I am recovering from celebrating St. Paddy’s Day, I thought I’d draft up a quick Friday blog, so I present to you…The 2nd edition of my favorite things, hence, whiskers on kittens…:)  Of course, I still think it’s a mighty fine blog!  And, I’m really not in recovery mode, either.

1.  Make it Work – a Fashion Lover’s Journal!  I received this fabulous journal from my friend Colleen.  “This is Your book and it’s time to make fashion work your way.  Express yourself; Document Idea’s and Be inspired”.  It’s chock full of fashion quotes, room for fashion journaling, and motivation for design…Also will prove inspirational for future blogs.

2.  My Black Knit Uggs!  I wear them round the clock, in and out of the house, as boots and slippers.  My uniform for winter, when I’m just hanging low is black knit Uggs, jeans rolled up, and black turtleneck…And as much as I’m looking forward to spring, I’m going to be sad to put away my Uggs!  You can find these Uggs anywhere, but I got them at nordstrom.com (and did it via the ebates portal, and received 5% cash back).

3.  Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats – I received these from my friend Laura, and they are a godsend, after a long day (or evening) wearing high heels.  They are in a small gold bag, which fits in a purse, and when you are at the point where you cannot walk another foot (or dance another minute), you can put these on, and you are good to go.  My friend Janet’s daughter got married, and she had a 100 pair of flip-flops at the wedding for people to use while dancing.  There’s nothing like hurting feet to put a quick stop to a fabulous evening or event…so happy feet make happy guests.

4.  Tide with Spring Fresh Febreeze – ok, I really mean this, my clothes smell Fabulous!  My sheets and towels smell fantastic and stay that way.  Not sure if it’s because we are on well water, but there isn’t always the freshest smelling water in South Barrington, especially when clothes come out of the washer.  My laundry room is on the 2nd floor, right off the master bedroom, and the fresh smell permeates into my bedroom, and I love it!  Try it…it’s great.

5.  My christmas gift from Kevin and the kids…Tiffany diamond bangle bracelet.  Light, delegate, and I don’t think Kevin broke the bank with it.  And I receive compliments all the time.  Truly I can wear it daily, and I do.  I absolutely love it!

6.  Brussel Sprouts!  Yes, I love these, and eat them at least 5x/week.  I mention these, because No One believes me… I wash them, cut off the stems, cut them in half, toss them lightly with EVOO in a ziplock bag, toss in some sea salt, and put them in a roasting pan.  Sprinkle with chopped prosciutto (you can buy the chopped in the deli area), and  roast for 25 minutes at 350.  You can also saute them in a pan, sprayed with non-stick spray, and a small amt of EVOO.   You will think differently about Brussel Sprouts, and that is no BS.

7.  Bose noise-cancelling headphones.  I use these when I fly, and you really cannot hear what is going on around you.  Those who know me, understand I am the most chatty person you will ever meet…but when I fly, it’s “my time”…I like to work on my computer, do Sudoku’s, read People magazine, and be left alone (unless I have Mer Mer and Paddy with me)…and when I’m wearing these headphones, people “get it”, and don’t expect to chit-chat.

8.  Echo Touchscreen Gloves – I can wear gloves and still type on my iPhone.  Of course, I still make typing mistakes, but I do that without gloves.  And thanks Donna for this great gift!

9.  Neutrogena Body Oil – Sesame formula.  I started using this when I was in the hospital after Meredith was born.  It must have come in a sample bag.  You can buy it at any drug store, it’s affordable, and is the Only lotion that solves my dry body skin problem in the winter.  I cannot even tell you how dry my legs are in the winter…but without this lotion, they truly bleed…(I know horribly visual, but I needed to make my point).  Not sure if it’s my irish skin, but I really suffer from dry skin, especially on legs and arms, and this never fails me!

10.  Kate Spade plates and serving platter…received these from my friend Nancy.  I love them so much, that I don’t just use them for serving guests (as they truly are perfect for when the girls come over)…I use the platter to hold my jewelry on my dresser, and use a plate by the sink to hold my rings when I wash my hands.  That way I always use them.  And these plates make me happy!

“photographs and movies have always been my inspiration”.  Kate Spade

And, since we are on the subject of favs, some of my all time favorite bluntcards!

Disclaimer…Blunt Cards posted are not the views of this blogger…but she does find them really funny.

xoxo,

T.

These are a Few of My favorite Things

I admit it…I have some really cute stuff.  People give me cute things, and I love shopping for cute, fashion-related stylish items and gifts.  People  ask how I have to the time to shop and find just the right things.  Well, I love to shop on the internet, and find certain websites, that are Cannot Miss!   Nordstrom, Abernook, Ballard Designs, Z-Gallery…plus, I have a few stores that I know I can always find just the right gifts:  G. Whiz in Barrington,  Nordstrom (see a trend here),  Dressed to a T (of course)… I also am very loyal to stores and vendors…and thought I’d mention some of the things that make me happy and I love.  Plus, this will be the first of many more installments.  Yes , I know, how exciting!

Abernook Gifts – I got the cutest ever, high heel shoe bottle opener…for the woman who has Everything.  Makes a great gift, with a 6-pack of Stella Artois, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, or bottled root beer!   I just received a new box this week of gifts from Abernook, and they are all fabulous.  Check them out:   www.abernook.com

Some of the cutest flowers I have ever received were from my friend Mary on my birthday.  A picture is worth a thousand words…not a thousand calories.

1-800-FLOWERS

Free e-cards, for every occasion.  www.someecards.com.  I send these daily for birthday’s, anniversaries, fantasy football, and just to cheer people up…even if those “people” are me.  And yes, again, they’re Free.  And Free is good.

Where does one store all their jewelry, when you’ve run out of drawer space?  I have just the ticket… a standing mirror, that doubles as a jewelry box!  It’s $199. at www.hayneedle.com

 

Those who know me,  know I Love to give Cocktail Napkins,with Sassy sayings.  It’s a great hostess gift with a bottle of wine.  It’s an immediate ice breaker, and a great conversation starter.  You can get these at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Abernook Gifts (www.abernook.com), G-Whiz (Barrington), Mik Wright, thekitchenoutlet.com.  Some of the sayings make me howl with laughter:

It’s our ability to shop that separates us from the animals; Cheetah, is the new black; Fashion before Function; Just because I flirt doesn’t mean I”m interested; WARNING: Consumption of Alcohol may lead you to think people are laughing WITH you.

My new Tiffany handbag that I received from Kevin for our anniversary…I have mentioned this before in a previous blog, and here is the long-awaited photo.    My friend Karin told me “it will be an heirloom”.  and she is correct!  The Tiffany Bracelet Bag:

Vistaprint!  I use this website for business cards, invites, and notecards.  I used them for Meredith’s graduation party.  You cannot beat the price, and you always find exactly what you are looking for.  And did I mention you cannot beat their prices?

I have (had) no eyelashes.  I always had a hard time wearing mascara, because it would  flake off, because I had No Eyelashes…Until now.  Rapid Lash.  You can get it at CVS, or drugstore.com.  It retails for $50.  You can get it cheaper on eBay, but I caution buying something you put on your eyes from eBay.  Warning.

Let’s give another plug to my go to song, shall we?  Build me Up Buttercup.  This song makes me happy.  So shoot me.  Can’t help it, whenever I need a little pick me up, I play it.  I use it as my cell ringtone, it’s the most played song on my iPod and my iPhone…And, the piece de resistance…on my birthday, out of the blue, it was played on the morning news.  Just like that.  And that my friends, is called karma.  Really good karma.  Even Wisconsin students got into it.  Go Badgers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mP6Y8kXp7I

xoxo

T.

Don’t be into trends.  Dont make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live…Gianni Versace