A Few of My Favorites

As a list-maker, this seemed like a natural journey - a list of a few of my favorite things.  Of course, all of these things, come after the main things that are favorites... Chris, Skylar, Rhylan & the crazy dogs.

1. Medicis Jordan Almonds
 

These are my very favorite Jordan Almonds.  Not only do they have the best flavor of any candied almonds, but they are beautifully made.  Their matte finished pastel surfaces make them a feast for the eyes in addition to being a gastronomical delight.

2.  Scottish Smoked Salmon

 If I could afford it, I would eat it every day.  Currently, I am investigating how to make smoked salmon so that one day, Chris can add it to his smoked-meats repertoire.

3. Music

 

Music is the background of our lives.  We listen daily to a variety of styles and genres so our children have as broad an experience as we do.

4. Old Bibles

 

I love old things that have a purpose.  I have 2 very old, worn and well-used Bibles that belonged to deceased family members, but I would love to find more.  Bibles are literature in their own right and over the centuries they have transformed into our more modern and acceptable language, but it is fascinating to read and visualize the transformation personally. 

5. Wine

 

I am not sure an explanation is needed, but I will say that Chris and I are in hot pursuit of the best tasting table wines under $10.  Maybe we will publish our findings one day... if we can find where we put that list.

6. Real Butter

 

I am a butter advocate.  I use it daily and liberally in my cooking for our family.  There is nothing wrong with something that can be made from shaking cold milk.  There is something fundamentally wrong with using anything that is a molecule off from being plastic, though (thank you, scientists, for giving us margarine so we can slowly kill ourselves with it's plastic-ness).

7. Homemade Organic Sugar Scrub

 

Easy to make and with readily available house-hold ingredients, Sugar Scrub is a savior of winter-dry skin and a support to a summer glow.  Chris will advocate consistent use for dry skin on the feet, as well.

8. Tea Time

 

I have been a coffee drinker for years.  I still do throw back a cup of Joe, but recently, I have embraced my inner tea lover.  A cup or two a day really does a lot to set a mood, set an environment or set me up to conquer the day of homeschooling two young ladies.  Hot or cold, tea is an integrated staple in my routine that I have come to love.

9. OPI Nail Lacquer

 

Why bother polishing if it flakes and chips and peels off in the first day? Not only does OPI carry the most beautiful array of lacquer colors around, but the polish actually has staying power - enough staying power to last between pedicures, typically, which really says a lot.

10. Lip Shimmer

I have been a fan of Burt's Bees for many years and have been wearing their lip shimmer for at least 10.  Subtle colors and a minty zing are a unique and natural experience with this line.

11. Cheese

I have been referred to as a 'turophile' by a good friend of mine.  This is essentially a lover of cheese, which I am.

12. Books

I love to read.  Books help with this.

13. Seared Ahi Tuna

I love sushi, but I crave tuna steaks.  We have seared Ahi tuna steaks at least 1 time every week on our lunch menu that is marinated in bourbon, orange juice, honey, soy sauce and some spices.  Truly a divine experience for the taste-buds.

14. Cornflowers

 

They're pretty.  Enough said.

15. Palazzo Pants

Somebody, please, bring back the palazzo pant!  They are comfortable, flattering and they don't sit low on the hip like modern pants do (which is not so flattering to those of us with hips, thankyouverymuch).