Have you ever visited the inspiring blog 320 Sycamore? She always has such great ideas and I love the whole concept of her blog with the title. The name refers to the old abandoned house that Mary makes a wish to live in with George in "It's a Wonderful Life". He refers to it as "that old Granville house??" Well she sure does fix it up and makes it their wonderful home and Melissa at 320 Sycamore is so creative in doing the same in her home.
Every year she hosts a "Favorite Things Party" so I thought I'd link up and join the fun.
So here a some of my favorite things in no particular order, just random:
Blogging
This is obvious. Such a fun and therapeutic way for me to share thoughts and creative ideas I may have or come across. I love sharing pictures of my family and all our doings.
My Camera
I'm studying photography right now and find it very challenging but rewarding as well. It's a great outlet for me. I'm so glad my husband decided to go with my wishes a couple of years ago and splurge for me, although, now that I've started, I'm wanting him to splurge a little more! It is an expensive hobby!
These can be found on my desk most days, as I challenge myself to understand more about exposure and also editing.
Speaking of editing, I am in LOVE with Florabella actions for Photoshop and Elements. Vintage, dreamy, nostalgic photoshop actions and fine art textures for photographers. Just hover your mouse over the images on her site and you will be mesmerized by the before and afters. I love her style and want to set up shots like that with Maddie all the time! It's like playing dress-up and Florabella actions make the pics look incredible. I can't wait to get my hands on them!
A Utah based company that provides gorgeous, modest, affordable clothing for women and girls. I love everything they have and love shopping for Maddie too! Isn't that picture above just too cute!
I was watching ShopNBC one day and couldn't help being impressed with this whole product line. I love how this matte gel reduces the appearance of pores and imperfections and keeps moisture and treatments in your skin all day. I'm not a big makeup wearing gal, but using this with a good mineral powder is just enough for me. It's a perfect "no-shine, under-makeup base" that helps keep your skin looking matte and fresh, without a lot of makeup! I recommend ordering it through ShopNBC with a set to make it more affordable.
A lot of the other "Favorite Things" link-ups mention their favorite coffee or drink. I'm not a coffee drinker, but I absolutely love this herbal beverage tea:
Calli is a non-caffeine herbal tea beverage high in antioxidants that assists in the body's natural cleansing processes. I try and make up a huge pot of it in the mint flavor every day and love it! It makes me feel so much more energized, less sluggish, and helps cleanse out any toxins or infections that we're exposed to everyday! You can find out more about it here or at Sunrider here.
Books
I love to read and Goodreads is a great social website to use to see what you're friends are reading, keep track of what you've read and what you'd like to read, and a place to share book recommendations. It can be very addicting, but fun!
Decorating
I love decorating and one of my favorite things to do is get cozy on the couch and browse through a new Ballard Designs catalog for inspiration.
No, my house does not look that way, but I would like that look in my dining room. I love anything French Country style and love the ideas I get from this catalog. I really have a hard time parting with any of them!
Celtic Woman Music
Can be found here:
Or the Celtic Woman Christmas CD is wonderful!:
They sound like angels! Whenever it's shown on PBS, I am mesmerized and cannot turn it off! My daughter loves them too because they wear such pretty dresses and sound like angels! She and I love to watch them:
Aromatique candles and fragrant oils
One of my favorites is Orange and Evergreen.
It smells absolutely divine and is hands down, the strongest candle scent I've used. I love The Smell of Christmas it combines the delightful aromas of citrus and spice with naturally festive botanicals... red berries, evergreen sprigs, nuts, pinecones and cinnamon sticks... creating a warm and joyful ambiance in the home. Perfect huh! I love using these for the holidays. I usually get them at a local gift shop, but they do carry them at Nordstrom as well, or online.
Well most of these favorites are just things, but last and definitely not least, are my favorite people. My husband and kids that I'm so grateful for!
It' been fun listing my favorite things. You'll have to go check out the link at 320 Sycamore!
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