Favorite Things- Exercise Edition

My neighbor has talked about this cream of hers many a times. "It burns like hell but damn it works" I was a little skeptical to say the least. Sensing my disbelief she gave me a trial size of it. And let me tell you. It works! It really really works. And it has made the aches and pains of the last 2 weeks but a brief feeling. My right knee is not liking all this "get healthy non-sense" and I slap a pea size amount on and bye bye cranky knee. My back was tweaked yesterday and after a little rub down, it really loosened things up. I can't recommend a product more it's retailing for about $16.00 but considering you use only a smidgen of ointment at a time it's an absolute steal!!

Order it on-line now, you will be so glad you did

My Favorite Things (of late)

I'm a simple kind of girl and I tend to gain great pleasure out of the little things. Last week I discovered an even better version of my favorite chai tea. The Stash - double spiced chai. This is an outrageously cheap way to get delicious chai whenever you want did I also mention that you also enjoy 1/100th of the calories of a starbucks chai. Pick it up immediately if you are a chai fan. Make sure to get the DOUBLE spiced. Letters of thanks can be sent too...

Also as the insanely cold winter weather starts to settle in so do the thermostat wars at my house. Ned likes to keep things a hair or two below freezing and well I like to be warm you know like a normal person. But he has a point when rants and raves about not giving our money to the electric company so It can be better spent on more important things like chai and sushi. Recently I picked myself up a pair of fingerless gloves and oh my do I love them. I mean seriously folks these things have been a godsend.

this is a stunt hand I wish I had fantastic fingers like that..

Granted I look like a hobo with my wool socks, fleece robe, multi layer shirts, gloves and sometimes a toboggin or scarf. Yeah did I mention I get cold very easily? But hey I've never been toastier. Now If I can only convince the hubby that I'm still attractive when I look like this then we'll really be cooking with crisco. where the hell did that come from?

And let me tell you, with the many hours my ass has been glued to this very chair in front of this very computer for one work related reason or the other this week, the odd zen these little things bring have been oh so welcome. ommmmmm-chaiiiiiiii

Bloggy Love

I don't shout from the rooftops nearly as much as I should the deep love I have for my blog roll. Each day (or every other day-sometimes week) these spectacular people offer a glimpse to all those who care to listen into their spectacular (despite the humble or self depreciating mumblings) lives.

Without further adieu let's get to the bloggy lovin! .

Luna over at Secrets Of A Black Heart, hers was the first blog(not by a real life friend) I ever posted a comment on. She's incredibly smart, cool, funny and damn sexy. Everything I would look for in a lesbian girlfriend if I were in fact a lesbian (sorry to crush your dreams Hubby) It's important to her to be as honest as possible and that makes for one spectacular blog. I've been so lucky to know her and to watch our friendship grow. Raw, funny, incredibly real and fantastic eyebrows to boot she will never disappoint.

Melissa over at This is it? Seriously?! . A sister, and one of my best friends in real life, Melissa holds no punches and makes no apologies. She lives her life on her terms and I've always greatly admired her spirit and her seemingly effortless ability to accomplish each and everyone of her goals. She doesn't post NEARLY as much as she should. One of the most passionate and loving people I know and I will always feel incredibly lucky to call her my friend.

Some Guy over at Some Guy's Blog . I've been a lurker for a few years and whenever I'm having a shitty day I am guaranteed a pick me up by giving Some Guy a visit. His hilarious posts are absolutely priceless. Hence why I am incredibly intimidated by the prospect of trying to come up with something equally as witty in my comment. I think if Ned hears "honey come read this post by Some Guy" one more time he's likely to divorce me.

Heather over at Dooce. The mother of all blogger moms I will always be grateful to Melissa for introducing me to her blog during my pregnancy. I will always be grateful to Heather for making me feel less alone during my postpartum depression. And for helping me understand on so many levels how to love someone who suffers from depression. Not to mention she's wicked funny.

Angie over at Gathering Up The Pebbles . She in so many ways is the mother I aspire to be. Teaching her children to be involved in their community. To be involved in their government. Teaching them period (she's a homeschooler) I admire her more than she will ever know. A genuinely good person, I see a long friendship between Angie and I. Another reason why I will forever be grateful for my blogging experience.

Girl over at For A Different Kind of Girl. By far one of the funniest blogs I have ever read! I think I just adore her because well she's such a saucy... naughty girl! A quality I admire greatly as our kind should stick together. She is such a spectacular writer... I have to say that I can see her publishing a book (if she hasn't already) in the very near future. And let me tell you I'm sure it would be one of your favorites.

Rebecca over at Girls Gone Child I've been a longtime follower of her blog. She is an absolutely amazing storyteller. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to buy the girl a drink. And we will all be forever grateful for her website (true mom confessions) I have poured out some of my deepest secrets on that site and I'm grateful to know that there are other moms out there just like me. Another kick ass no holds barred blog (seems to be a theme in my blogroll)

Stephanie over at Where The Heck Is Barbie Stephanie is one amazing woman and an absolute inspiration. 1st Stephanie lost over 240lbs WITHOUT surgery. Did it all on her own. She's inspired so many others (including myself) And then recently she's become an inspiration for those with PCOS infertility. After a year of treatments and countless doctor visits she's found success. Just hilarious and so very good, she's a dear dear friend and I'm a better person for having found her.

Cocotte over at Suburban Musings she doesn't post near as often her readers would like. I just loved her recent open letter of advice to her newly college bound daughter. She's new to my blog roll and I'm so very glad she's there. Now if I can just get her to post more....

Danny over at Dad Gone Mad he reminds me so much of Ned. His observations on just about everything are friggin hilarious. What's great about him is that when you least expect it he can be quite touching and flat out insightful. He makes a lot of dads in the world very proud. If you've never read Dad Gone Mad I would highly recommend your first post be this one.

Karen over at A Day In The Life... She is so beautifully open about so much of her life. Talking frankly about her long struggle with infertility, her life as a mom, a wife, Sister and Daughter. Oh and she has fantastic taste in music and clothes. ANNNND she lives in Canada (I'm so Jealous!) Wordless Wednesdays, Weekly Winners, Fashion Fridays, Thursday Thirteens it's Just a sweet & wonderful blog.

And finally the newest edition to my blogroll...

Martha over at Surviving Baby one of my dearest friends in Real Life. She is without a doubt my hero. Surviving the loss of her children, being so unbelievably open about all of it, Sharing with friends and strangers alike her journey of healing, has left me beside myself with pride. I don't think she will every fully comprehend how many people she has touched and will touch now that she has created her blog. One of the reasons I love Martha is her ability to find humor in the toughest of times and that just shines on Surviving Baby. Hers is one of the best examples of how profound blogs can be.

He May Be A Big Diva

But I have fallen madly in love with Ryan Adams. I've fought it for so very long because I've heard more about his ego and tantrums but if it means that maybe just maybe you get to be part of something this magical it's well worth it. Seriously... the more I discover the more I'm upset with myself by not getting to know him sooner and for believing the hype about his attitude (I have yet to find anything that spotlights such acts of diva-ness). Discovering his music has been just the escape I've needed these past few weeks.

This one just transports me, I just had to share it with you.. I also highly recommend "gimme sunshine" that one is just heavenly.

Everything Old Is New Again...

How Freakin Cool Is This.... The mix tape is back baby!




Oh I'm so gonna start mailing my friends mix tapes again... Beautimus!

I freakin love it!

So one of my vices is celebrity baby blog.. why I don't know but I do have to give them credit for not being snarky but quite sweet about everyone they report on. I mainly enjoy it for the links to the occassionaly awesome kids clothes and shoes. Often they are way out of my price range. But every now and then they report on some real awesome finds. Like these tees from tuttibella

These are some that are going on the christmas list for the little one. (I only wish they made them in big kid sizes)

My particular fave is the "my mom is the bomb" and "knowledge is power!" (because schoolhouse rock was Aaaawsome!-man they don't make them like that anymore!)

I like big butts and I cannot lie...

Okay I'm not going to relay just how I came across these in my interweb searching today but I found these spectacular pieces of art by Sarah Bishop that I just had to share. She is just amazing. And I think I shall put her on my "when I win the lottery I will fill my home with great artwork by the likes of..." list

here are some of my favorites..But PLEASE check out the whole collection they are just amazing!

My favorite things...

There have been lots of little discoveries of late that I must share with you. I said to myself "Self, these are some very cool things you would be a bad friend and blogger if you didn't share the knowledge with your blogger friends" and my self said "BRILLIANT" (it says that a lot it gets me in trouble most times but there's never a dull moment)

A la Julie Andrews (not Oprah) These are a few a my favorite things..

This toothpaste is the BOMB. Do you remember those pearl drops commercials with the cheesy model licking her teeth? I've been doing that non-stop for the past 2 weeks upon discovering this toothpaste. My teeth? never been whiter my friend. The best part about said whitening, no sensitivity. Hallelujah! Seriously my teeth don't feel this clean or this good after a Dental Visit.


Have you seen these baby Ben & Jerry pints? OH.MAH.GAWD are they awesome. They even come with this itty bitty spoon. Eat the baby pint with the baby spoon and I promise you'll feel like you just ate a grown up pint. Only without consuming the 1000 calories. (only 200 in this one) So far I've been able to find Cherry Garcia, Cookie Dough, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie. The Best!


Last but not least are the cover girl lipslicks. These are not a new discovery but I've been all around the lip color block and nothing makes sweet sweet love to my lips in the perfect shade of red than this bad boy. (my color is DARING) Sure you must reapply from time to time but it's worth it. Light, easy, full of moisture, and just the perfect shade. With 15 colors to choose from one is bound to please.



When I think of these favorite things
(enter von-trapp family)
Then I don't feel Soooo bad