1. $1 re-usable Starbucks cup
I bought this back in the winter because, let’s be honest, plain old Kroger brand coffee just tastes (and looks) better in a Starbucks cup, and it was only ONE DOLLAR. Since then, despite the plethora of “expensive” coffee mugs and tumblers we have around the house, this is my cup of choice for my “to go” coffee every single day. I love that it is light-weight and my coffee doesn’t get that metallic taste some of the other cups give it. Basically, this is on constant dishwasher cycle around here. Come to think of it, for only a dollar, I really should just buy four more. 😉 *You also save 10 cents a cup when you bring it with you to have it filled at Starbucks.
2. Fresh tulips
I think I’ve already mentioned here that tulips are my flower. (Because I was born in late March, my mom has always called them my birthday flower, and the bouquets at my wedding were made only of white tulips.) From March to June, I love that they are so easily accessible (and inexpensive) at the grocery store etc. I try to keep a vase full in the house at all times – they just say “spring” and “happy” to me!
3. The Nester’s New Book
“Nesting Place” was one of the very first blogs I ever read, and I’ve been inspired by more than one of the beautiful (but totally practical and do-able) ideas there for my own home. (In fact, I’d say the Nester’s style has probably inspired me more than any other blog or designers I follow.) I love that she is a mom to teenage boys, has rented most of her houses, and doesn’t have a staff of professionals or a ton of money to decorate with. She is the kind of blogger/writer that you really feel like you could be friends with in real life – sincere, relatable, kind – and, when I had the chance to actually talk to her at the Allume Conference last fall, I was not disappointed. 🙂 The Nester’s heart – and the message behind her blog and book – is all about making a home you love that is full of the things and people you love and not getting caught up in perfection. “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful” is a mantra I have adopted in my own decorating, hospitality, and housekeeping, and it has been very freeing and refreshing. A few weeks ago, I picked up her book for my own coffee table and have loved looking through it in the evenings and reading more of her story. In addition, I got a copy for my sister and sister-in-law too, and it has received rave reviews from them as well. I think it’s a pretty book to have sitting out all the time, a great source of inspiration for your home, and makes an awesome house-warming or wedding gift. 🙂
4. Special K Chocolate Mocha Protein Shakes
As you know, I’m participating in the #littletoofluffy challenge with some blog girls and attempting to complete the 6-week SHRED right now. One of the things I’ve found that help me a lot are these coffee-flavored (and caffeinated) protein shakes from Special K. This one, in particular, served over ice as my “3:30 meal” with a piece of fruit, feels indulgent and gives me the kick I need to get through the afternoon/evening. Plus, with 10 grams of protein and only 190 calories, it is still 100% on plan. These will definitely remain a part of my life even when the challenge/diet is over.
5. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream
I’m not a big make-up girl, but I do like a little something to even out my complexion and help my make-up stay on. Most of the time, I wear a foundation from Benefit or Bare Minerals, but this time of year, I like to switch to a lighter BB Cream. This one, from Maybelline, gives my skin enough coverage and a healthy glow without looking “cakey” and masked over my influx of freckles when I get a little sun. It is also SPF 30 which is SO good for everyday use.
Short and sweet today! What are your favorite things right now?
Have a great holiday weekend!
E
* This post is not sponsored and contains no affiliate links – just things I like.
** Linking up with…
P.S. This is completely unrelated, but for those of you that are book-nerds (or want to be) like me, you should know about a great deal I ran across from Barnes & Noble: The book How to Read Literature Like a Professor is on sale right now for just FOUR dollars!! I read it a few years ago and think it is SO great – it really breaks down the process of analyzing literature and reading below the surface in a way that is easy to understand and even enjoyable. It’s required reading for most of the seniors in our school district, and a great resource for anyone just wanting to be a stronger reader/get more out of books. Again, not sponsored, just a good deal I wanted to share.
