Top 10 Favorite Things from 2011

(and January 2012, and 2008, and...well, just some favorite stuff)


1. Favorite Hair Product/Shampoo:

Big Sexy Hair Big Volume Shampoo and Conditioner

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The first time I used this, I was in love. The second time I used it, I was deeper in love. Then I started only shampooing every other day, with this shampoo, and I am completely smitten. If you couldn't guess, I love this stuff! It does magical things to my hair.

2. Favorite Skin Care combo:
Deep Action Cream Cleanser & Mary Kay Day Solution
 
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So this face cleanser has been on my favorites list before. I've been using it for about 3 years. I believe  cleanser to be a very personal thing for every woman's skin. Something that works wonders on one person may cause another to quarantine herself to her room for a week because of the breakouts. I've tried many, many different cleansers and combos, even higher end products, and this has been the one that has consistently kept my break outs away. For about $5 a tube, it is definitely worth it! Plus, it must be good because our local Walmart can't seem to keep it on the shelves!

In addition to that, I found that when combined with the MK day solution as a moisturizer, I have a winning combo for my skin. The day solution is absolutely silky smooth and incredibly light weight. I love it. When my bottle ran out my heart broke a little. I just can't bring myself to pay $30/ounce at this point in my life. But, when I can, I sure as heck will! Because it is truly, absolutely, incredibly, amazing. Maybe I'll start saving up...

3. Favorite Shoes: 


Sperry's.

















Over Christmas I traversed to DSW with my sweet sister and mom. I had no intention of buying shoes since we'd just had Christmas. However, I had been dying for some flat shoes that were not tennis shoes, but a little more dressy, yet still casual. I found a pair of clearance buys for $20 that fit okay and were kinda cute. In the same aisle were a bunch of Sperry's. My mom urged me to try some on, saying they'd be way cute on me and I could pull them off because they're kinda preppy, but I couldn't decide if I thought they were cute or not. Then I tried them on. Instantaneously they became much more cute and felt uber de duber comfy! I hemmed and hawed about getting them, not sure if they were really awesome or not, and I felt like I couldn't spend the money right at that moment, so I passed.

I took home the clearance buys (really lame sorta-Sperry's-knock-offs) and tried them on the next morning. So. Not. Comfy. They went right back to the store. The Sperry's had been nagging my brain all day so I decided to try them on for Mr. Man. He approved, and they were suddenly in a bag and going home with me.

Later, I talked to my super cute and trendy other sister about them and she said she had a pair of Sperry's and loved them! She highly recommended them and assured me they were very cute.

Since my pair came home with me, I have not regretted buying them for one single tiny second. They are hands down the most comfortable pair of "flats" I have ever worn. Including tennis shoes. They are also super versatile and go with everything! I didn't get the traditional tan colored ones, mine are dark grey, and I feel good about it. Also since purchase I have seen people everywhere (especially in Chesterfield) wearing Sperry's. Funny how that happens.

Now I can't decide if I think Toms are really cute or not. Sometimes I love em, sometimes I hate em. I think I'd have to try them on and get my own pair to make an honest and fair judgement.

4. Favorite Foundation:

Mary Kay Matte Wear Liquid Foundation

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No, I am not a Mary Kay rep. Yes, I used to be.

Last summer I reluctantly went to a facial party because I needed new foundation. I used MK liquid in the past, but I hadn't heard of this new kind before. The rep, who I'm now friends with, had this foundation to sample. I was pretty confident I would want my previous kind, but after sampling it, I decided to get a tube. I paid the extra 5 bucks and loved every drop of it. When it was gone, I decided to save a buck and get my previous type. After a week or two of wear, I hated it. So I called up my friend, switched out for the Matte Wear, and I've been a happy camper since!

MK also has this same foundation in Luminous wear for people with normal/dry skin. I've heard amazing things about it. Since my skin is combo/oily, the matte wear is perfect for me.

5. Favorite Make Up Trick:

Contouring and Highlighting your face.
 
before & after (this is not me)
                                  
I found this blog post over the summer about makeup application. It took me a couple tries to get it right, but ever since then I apply my makeup this way (not necessarily the eyes, just the face). I cannot believe the difference it makes to contour and highlight your face! I had no idea. All you need is some base, good bronzer, blush, and some white eye shadow or highlighter. It helps to have an eyebrow pencil and eyelash curler as well. Check out the blog and try it yourself. The results are amazing!

6. Favorite Trader Joe's "find":

Quick Steel Cut Oats



Let's face it. How many of us love steel cut oats and realistically have 30-45 minutes in the morning to whip up a batch for breakfast? Not me. Enter: TJ's Quick Steel Cut Oats. They cook in about 8 minutes or less and they are delicious. I may actually venture to say I like the texture of them better than regular steel oats. Top with some fresh or frozen blueberries, sliced banana, a pinch of sugar, a generous dose of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla, a dot of butter, and a dash of milk, and you've got yourself a very quick and easy, healthy, hearty, and delicious breakfast!

Even my baby goes crazy over these oats. He loves them.

7. Favorite Home Work-out:

Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30


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You've already heard how much I love the DVD, but I'll say it again: I love JM's Ripped in 30!!! Every time I do these workouts, I see and feel results. It's an incredible, full body workout, including cardio and strength, in less than 35 minutes. So doable for a mom with a tight schedule! If you want to focus on abs, check out her 6 Week Six Pack dvd. I saw a huge difference in my abs after doing the workout only 3 times a week for about 4-5 weeks.


8. Favorite Mixing Bowls:

Oxo Good Grips Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

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I confess, I've had these bowls since we got married 3 1/2 years ago. But I've never talked about nor featured them. I use these bowls almost every single day. They still look brand spankin' new. If you're in the market for new mixing bowls, have a couple extra bucks to spend, and want something amazing, buy these. You will not be disappointed. I would be surprised to find a bad review written about them.

9. Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe:


Dodds Family cookies



So here's the deal folks. I tried these cookies when Mr. Man and I were courtin'. They were to die for. He told me that when I became a Dodds I would have to learn how to make them as good as his mom. Well, I did just that. And boy are they amazing! Then I took it a step further and made a few tweaks and changes to fit my personality. Because of that, I have created my most favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe in the whole world. I have yet to try another cookie that I like better. Yes, I sound prideful, and maybe I am a little, but I need to give a whole heck of a lot of credit to my amazing mother in law who provided me with the bones for my cookies. As you can see from this picture, her recipe is well loved and dripped on. For me, when I turn to a page in a cookbook that is crinkled, wrinkled, stained, and smeared, I know it is one of the best recipes in the book.

So, thank you, Mom Dodds, for this amazing recipe and an amazing son for a husband!

If you want to check out my version of the recipe, click here 


10. Favorite Toddler product:

Munchkin Snack Catcher

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Before Bubs was born, a friend of mine had these little snack cups. I thought they were cool but I didn't realize how cool until I got them. You see, my child likes to eat...sometimes. But he doesn't like eating snacks in his highchair, it gets too messy if I put a pile on the couch or floor in reach, and I don't have the time or patience to sit and hold a handful of snack for him to walk over and eat every 5 minutes. Enter: Munchkin Snack Catchers.

Two words: Life Saver.

He now runs around happily clutching his cup, dipping his hand inside whenever he feels the inkling to nibble. He loves it because he can eat when he wants, where he wants, and I love it because it's mess free and I don't have to be the snack holder anymore! Please try it if you're looking for a snacking solution. You should not be disappointed.



And that, my friends, is my list of 10 favorite things! What are some of your favorite things? I'd love to hear from ya!