Some of My Favorite Things

I have a lot of favorite things, including my family, friends, and faith. The things on this list are just some fun extras I enjoy. 

One thing we've enjoyed lately is taking Ranger on walks around the neighborhood. It's so interesting to see things through his eyes and see him experience new things. 

Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner
This brand is the least expensive I've seen that doesn't have parabens, sulfates, etc. It doesn't even market itself as "paraben free", I had to browse their website to see for sure. I found it at Target and I love the smell! 

(image source)

Kind bars
A co-worker introduced me to this brand and they're gluten and dairy free and SO good. I've tried these three (along with their "fancier" bars) and they're all good. I eat them as a mid-morning snack after my breakfast smoothie. 

Vanilla Blueberry
(source)

Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut
(source)

Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt
(source)

Vitamin E Oil
This one has made the list before too, but I love adding it to my lotion and getting great moisture out of it. It also helps heal scars, etc. Here is some info about the benefits of it. 

(image source)

Physicians Formula Eye Makeup
I've had quite a few compliments on this eye makeup my mom got me for Christmas. It's Physicians Formula shimmer smokey eye set for hazel eyes. It helped teach me how to do the smokey eye and has so many color combinations. Love it! 

(source)

Nut Thins
I take these to work every day as a snack. They are just so good. There are many flavors, but I like Smokehouse - it's gluten/dairy free (not all flavors are dairy free) and I never get tired of them. So good. I put them in my lunch every day.

(source)

Enjoy Life Cookies
I get these cookies a lot and enjoy their other flavors too. I really like the Enjoy Life brand - they make the chocolate chips I use for baking too and are very easy for the top food allergens. 

(source)

Aloe 80 Spray
I've used this styling spray for a few years now to get the beachy spray (quick and easy in the mornings is my priority) look. It doesn't get as firm like hair spray, but I find it gives it volume and body. It doesn't have a scent (I bet you could add an essential oil to add fragrance - I should try that!). I'm not uber picky, but I like this product. We used to get it at Sprouts or our co-op in Minnesota, but we've been ordering it online too. 

(source)

Honeybee Gardens Water Based Nail Polish
I've used this nail polish (in Burlesque - red) for just about a year now. I was excited to find a "cleaner" polish that doesn't make my nails yellow after a while. This kind doesn't have the chemical smell either. Many people like these kinds (or Piggy Polish) for their kiddos too. I will say it doesn't last as long, chips easier, and is tougher to remove, but I still prefer it to the big bag of other polishes I have. 

(source)

Here's the one I have, though the color is much more of a true red than this photo shows:

Two Months Until Christmas
I know many of you may be in the one-holiday-at-a-time boat, but Christmas is my favorite time of year and this time of year is when my excitement for the season starts to build. I think I'm ready to get my Pandora Christmas stations back on next week:)

We stopped by Pier 1 last night to check out the holiday decor... swoon... I love Pier 1 during the holidays especially. Ps.. I'm wearing my Burlesque nail polish in this photo too. 

Comment with any things you're enjoying these days!

Today's Pinspiration:

Yes, this. Exactly:) Being content in this world isn't easy, let's get there together. 

(Pinterest Source (sold on Etsy))

Words

Talking with a friend recently, made me think about the power our words have on each other. Especially these days with social media, people can break each other down behind the safety of their computer/phone/device so easily without even realizing it's happening. I've noticed it specifically lately, seeing people with chronic conditions judging others on Instagram, seeing moms judging the way other moms do things on Facebook, and it saddens me since we could be using those words and building each other up. Imagine if we could be a light to those around us, be the source of encouragement to someone who may be really needing it. It may be our spouse, our friends, co-workers, or the cashier at the grocery store. 

 

 We all have our own storms in life or difficulties we're trying to overcome. 

Let's stand alongside each other and work together - on the same team. 

I heard this song on my way home and I've heard it many times before, but with that conversation in mind, this song really hit me. Our words have power to help or hurt, to build up or break down. We don't know what others are going through, and they may need to hear love, why not speak love to them?

If the video doesn't pull up, you can click here to get to the YouTube link.

I'm in this with you and think we could really change lives by the words we speak. Let's let our words be those of love, encouragement, acknowledgement, affirmation, and inspiration. 

Today's Pinspiration:

Source

Quick Iowa Road Trip {Beautiful Wedding & Fall Colors}

We had a wedding in Iowa to attend last weekend for Nick's cousin. I loved seeing the fall colors as we traveled through the midwest and seeing family is always great. I even got to meet my friend's brand new baby:) A weekend of love for sure! And this was Ranger's first long road trip. 

Since we're not completely done with his puppy shots, we made a restroom for Ranger to use on the road. Job well done for my creative hubby! 

 This guy did such a good job on the trip. 16 hours each way and he really did better than we expected. He even got to meet his dog cousins and Nick's family for the first time. 

If you didn't know yet, let me tell you, Iowa is so beautiful.

The wedding was at a campgrounds, it was such a great day and great time of year to capture fall's beauty. 

Also a great place for photo ops! 

I love this photo of them. 

The wedding was so beautiful.

Leaves and sunshine in the grass gives me warm and fuzzies. 

Love this handsome man of mine. 

 I always enjoy this quiet small town, and when it's covered in fall colors is even cozier. 

 My date and I at the reception site.

These cuties.. so precious. I can see some similarities in their faces too:)

Hank and the beautiful bride. 

We love our Hank-man

 Could Hank be any cuter? My goodness. Those eyes, lips, fingers, just everything. Too cute. 

More beautiful fall colors.

Saying seeya next time to this guy is never easy - they grow so fast and I don't like to miss it. With social media though, we can keep a close eye on this one.

At the pancake breakfast the morning after the wedding, another beautiful site. The air was crisp, but the love of family was cozy.   

And just like that, we were on the road again. 

After a quick stop in Des Moines to meet this precious lady, we were on the road to home.

 Adalyn Grace is so precious and I love seeing my friends become parents. 

I had Ranger on my lap for a while and he fell asleep on me when, behind the seatbelt. So sweet. He's usually too much of a busy boy at home to fall asleep on me these days, so this was precious for sure.

 Sleepy cuddles on the road.

 We've had some cooler temps back here this week, but there's always beauty. I'm soaking it up and enjoying our fall transition. Saturday morning coffee, pajamas, and puppy play has been my day so far. Tonight: Iowa State vs. Baylor. Go ISU!:)

Today's Pinspiration:

Don't let the world change who you were made to be. 

You were made to be you, not to be anyone else. 

Source