My Favorite Things

I've been thinking about this post a lot lately. There are so many things I use that I completely enjoy--and I decided I'd post about them, just in case someone else could like them as much as I do! Here's the list, (not in any particular order):

1. Cetaphil Cream - This cream has been a LIFESAVER for all three of my children. My love for this began when Kallie got baby acne so badly that her face was crusty and oozing. The Dr. told me to use Aquaphor--which didn't make one bit of difference. A mom from my ward recommended Cetaphil Cream (not the lotion, but the cream in the jar) and as soon as I found it, the acne cleared up immediately. With both Whitney and Clayton, I headed the acne off by using this cream before it could even get going. It's the best stuff ever! (And, I love to use it on my dry, post-pregnancy skin, too.)

2. My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow - Where was this thing when I had Kallie? This is the greatest nursing pillow of all time. Instead of a rounded pillow, like the Boppy, this pillow is made from squared off foam so the baby doesn't roll out or in. And, it has a buckle so I can strap it around my body. I love this feature! It's very supportive and extremely helpful when Clayton has to eat on the run, meaning I'm running around the house taking care of my 2 other kiddos. Everyone I've talked to about "My Brest Friend" has shared the same appreciation for it as I have. Not to mention, the women's center at the hospital where Clayton was born ONLY sells "My Brest Friend." They stopped selling the Boppy because it just wasn't as good for nursing moms.

3. Nature's Valley Roasted Almond Granola Bars - I've always been a fan of Nature Valley's crunchy granola bars. And, I love the flavor of almonds. So, what could be more delicious than those 2 things combined? They're my new favorite snack. I have to ration them to myself. (I just saw on their website that there's also a "Pecan Crunch" flavor. Haven't tried them, but those could also be a favorite thing!)

4. Scentsy - I love my Scentsy warmers and bars! For those who aren't aware of what these are, they are a wickless candle which is melted in a warmer powered by a low-watt lightbulb. The bars come in amazing scents and you can change out your scent any time you want. I recently got a plug-in warmer for my Master bathroom. It makes my bathroom and bedroom (and the entire upstairs) smell heavenly! (P.S. If you're interested in Scentsy, let me know--I plan to host a Scentsy party soon...)

5. Kirkland Diapers - Ryan calls me a diaper snob. When Kallie was born, we tried every possible brand of diapers that was out there. And, I hated them all, (yes ALL), except Pampers Swaddlers or Pampers Cruisers. They simply had all of the features that I liked. However, once I tried Costco's Kirkland brand, I was hooked. They have most of the features that I loved about the Pampers, but aren't as expensive as the name brands. Since that time, we have been loyal to the Kirkland Diapers. I was thrilled when they came out with their size 1-2 box, which wasn't available with my first 2 kids.

6. The Books of Bayern- This book series, written by Shannon Hale, includes "The Goose Girl," "Enna Burning," and "River Secrets." All three books provide a wonderful escape. While I have enjoyed all the Shannon Hale books I've read so far, (some more, some less), this series tops the list. Apparently, there's another book in the Bayern series that recently came out called, "Forest Born." Haven't read it yet--but I'm pretty sure I'm going to like it. Another Shannon Hale favorite? Book of a Thousand Days. Right up there with the Books of Bayern.

7. Cook n' Serve Tortillas - When I was a missionary, one of the popular things to do in my mission was to make our own tortillas. They were easy to throw together, but required a lot of rolling. And, our circles never turned out quite right. When I came home, I made them a few times, but they lost their appeal, since it was just easier to buy them. A few years ago, we discovered the Cook n' Serve tortillas at Costco. (Costco itself should be on this list.) It was the freshness and flavor of the homemade tortillas combined with the ease of buying them from the store. We will never go back to pre-cooked tortillas again!

8. Sotto Voce - The first time Ryan and I went to Pike Place Market 5 1/2 years ago, I discovered a store called "Sotto Voce." They sell gourmet flavored olive oils along with all sorts of vinegars. Each olive oil is infused with garlic, then various herbs are added in to the glass bottle enhance the flavor. Not only are they delicious, they are beautiful! I love to add mine to just about anything I'm cooking or sauteing--and I'll even use it to dip bread in every once in a while. It's something I just can't get enough of.

9. Paperbackswap.com - I first heard about the Paperback Swap a few years ago while I was living in Wymount. At the time, I didn't think I wanted to part with any of my books. However, as I sat staring at my bookshelf a few weeks ago, I realized there were books on there that I didn't care if I ever read again. So, I joined the swap. You begin by listing your books (usually by ISBN number) on their website. Once someone requests your book, you wrap it up and mail it off to the requester. When they receive it, they inform the website and you earn one credit. Each credit is good for one book. The books must be in good condition--no highlighting or marking and you are responsible for paying the shipping, (which is usually $2.38, since they're shipped via media mail). It's a great way to get rid of books you're not planning to read again and find a few that you would like to read. I've already mailed off 2 books and requested one. It's a great way to recycle those old books!

10. The Children's Place - I have loved this place for a few years now. I'm pretty sure I've posted about them before. Their customer service is awesome! And, they have a birthday club that sends you a 15% off coupon in the month of your birth, as well as the month of birth of each of your kids. It's good for the entire month, online or in their store. And, you can use the coupon on sale items as well. Plus, shipping is only $5 from their website. Depending on how close you live to one, that's cheaper than gas! (FYI--Grandparents also qualify for the birthday club.)

So--there is my list. It's not comprehensive, just a few of my current favorite things. My challenge to you now is to think about your favorite things and post a list on your blog! I always have room for a few more faves.