My Picks

These are some of my favorite things...I thought I'd share.

True Lemon packets

Brandi and Tris introduced me to these little satchels of joy. It's basically dried/crystalized lemons. I think one packet is the equivalent of one lemon and it's so fresh and delicious. You can cook with it, use it in dressings, or just put it in a drink. I pour it straight into water. I'm trying to be extra good about drinking plenty of water, because usually I don't. And having this stuff really helps. It doesn't make it sweet or lemonade-y, but gives it a nice, refreshing flavor. And lemon helps detox your body, so...that's good. They also have orange, grapefruit and lime. They do have lemonade packets, too, sweetened with Splenda. I don't know if you'll be as happy as the girl in the picture, but this stuff is really great. If you order from their website, you can get all four regular flavors in 32 count boxes for $14...free shipping...booyah!

Handmade sock animals

Looking for a super cute and unique baby gift? Go to Jocelyn's website...The Nesting Spot...and wander in awe at the adorableness. Everything is homemade and very high-quality...a.k.a. durable. I ordered two of the unicorns for the girls and they LOVE them. You can customize colors, too! Hey, Shane, I bet she could make Finn a shark.

Fruit Buddies

The brand is actually Buddy Fruits, but for some reason, we've always said Fruit Buddies. Lots of different companies make these now. Sprout, Happy Baby, GoGo Squeez, and a few others. There are vegetable and fruit mixtures, just veggies, just fruit. All of them have no sugar added, no preservatives, no nothing but fruit or vegetables. Sometimes, it's the only way to get vegetables into your kids. But, these are great because they can hold them themselves without making a mess. They're perfect for car trips or if you're out shopping and they need a little snack. We take them everywhere. I always have several in their bag.

Chocolate

Just chocolate.

Tom's Linen Pinstripe Botas

THE most comfortable shoes you will ever wear.

Autoslash.com

Renting a car somewhere? Go to this website and rent through them. They have the exact same rental agencies as Travelocity or Priceline, but you book through them and if the price ever goes down, they'll rebook you at the lower price. They'll keep doing that until you actually pick up your car. We've already saved $30 for a rental in October.

Noise-cancelling Headphones

They come in handy.

Jell-O Mousse Temptations in Mint Chocolate

If you're trying to be good, like I've been trying to be, these things do the trick. After supper, I want something rich. These suckers have 60 calories, but they're filling and oh, so yummy. The mint chocolate is my favorite, but they have other flavors, too.

Soft Lips

These things do what they say. They're small enough to carry in your pocket. They have SPF and the "flavors" aren't gross or fruity, very mild. I've used this stuff for years. Love it!

David Babaii Hairspray

I don't use a lot of hairspray, because I think I use too much and it makes it look like my hair's been starched. But, when I do need something in the summer humidity, this is the best stuff I've ever used. I found it at a Sally's on sale and thought I'd give it a try. It's so light and it's like there's nothing in your hair. And it doesn't smell bad. And my heavy trigger finger doesn't phase it. Now, I've tried the shampoo and conditioner, too, and I gotta say...it smells weird to me. But this hairspray is nice.

Sound Machine

If you're a light sleeper like me, having some constant ambient noise helps drown out the random night noises. I started using one in high school and all through college. David knew it was coming when he married me, but he never had a problem adapting at all. The girls have their own. There's just one wall that separates their room from the living room, so I think it helps with that some, too. We don't turn ours on really loud at night, but just enough to have something steady. When we're on vacation or if the girls aren't with us, we turn that sucker up. Thank goodness for the burglar alarm because someone could totally sneak in, steal everything, kill us, and I'd totally be oblivious. In a deep, happy, sleep.

Brookstone Nap Blanket

The only blanket/snuggler you'll ever need. Period. It's so soft and cozy, but not heavy. I would like an entire bed made out of this, please. And carpets. And walls. Hmm...that sounds like a place for crazy people. Or people who appreciate comfort.

I have other favorite things, but someone in Florida is calling my cell phone and I have to ignore it because I don't recognize it. Busy, busy day!