Everyone is sharing lists of their favorite things. From Oprah to the hosts of my favorite podcasts to, of course, Julie Andrews. I decided to jump on the “favorite things” bandwagon. Here is a list of a few of my favorite things, in no particular order. Enjoy! Please share your favorite things in the comments!
Roge Fitness Fold Back Wall Rack
Rogue’s Wall Rack system has changed our lives! My husband and I used our rack almost daily—we don’t usually have the same rest day. It’s a great system, and if you need more room in your garage, you can fold it against the wall. If you want to see the other parts of our system, you can go to my gear page here. This is definitely one my most favorite things that we got in 2017.
Verilux Happy Light
I don’t know how I lived without my Verilux Happy Light for so many years in the Pacific Northwest. As a California girl originally, I need my sun! I can’t make it through a PNW winter without my happy light. This is one of my favorite things that I use every morning. It’s also a great excuse to relax before I start my day. I grab my coffee and a piece of dark chocolate and sit in front of it for at least 30 minutes. I usually catch up on a TV show, shop online or listen to a podcast while I’m chillaxing.
CND Shellac Nail Polish
If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I am a nail freak! Up until a few years ago, I had terrible nails. I would pick them until they were super short. I finally was determined to change that obsessive habit. I did, but I created a new one: my nails have to be perfect. I cannot stand chipped polish. If I even see chipped polish on someone’s nails on TV, I get uncomfortable. So, I was going to the salon every 3-4 weeks to get shellac polish. The cost adds up quick. A couple of years ago, my husband got me my own nail lamp and some of my own CND Shellac polishes. I now have an extensive collection of colors, and I change my polish every 2-3 weeks. In fact, I have too many colors. Because it stays on so long, I feel like I don’t get to wear them all.
I get my colors from BeyondPolish.com because it’s a little cheaper, but Amazon does have CND Shellac polishes here. But, in my opinion, Beyond Polish has a better inventory, fair prices, and pretty fast shipping. (Doing your nails with shellac is not a quick process and there is a learning curve. Removal is sort of a hassle, too. But, for me, it’s work it because at least I’m guaranteed a perfect manicure for at least 10-14 days before any chipping or lifting starts to happen. And, really, only some colors chip that early—some last way longer and I simply have to change it because my nails have grown out so much. If you need tips on using shellac, feel free to message me!)
#FastPhysique
I think we all know one of my favorite things is to work out. I am looooving the #FastPhysique program from Jill Coleman. It has helped me change my ideas about what I want my body to look like. I’m less worried about fat loss and more interested in being strong and changing my body to reflect that.
Focusing on strength has taken away some of the obsession with knowing my weight. I didn’t weigh myself for a month. The other day, I decided to check in because I thought I might be going up (due to the holiday treats) and I was actually down! If you’re at all interested in this program she is holding a sale. #FastPhysique is 50% off right now!
Orgain Peanut Butter Protein Powder
Not sure if Orgain’s Peanut Butter flavor is a favorite thing or simply a necessity. Can’t. Live. Without. It. We just ordered a bunch to stock up. I like it better than the chocolate even! (I make a smoothie almost every day, so my protein powder is super important. LOL)
How Did This Get Made? Podcast
I started listening to the How Did This Get Made? podcast shortly after it came out in 2010, and it quickly became a favorite. I used to listen to it on my commute and just laugh and laugh. Now I listen to it while I’m working out or going for a walk. The podcast is hosted by husband and wife actors June Diane Raphael (Grace and Frankie) and Paul Scheer (The League), and their good friend Jason Mantzoukas (The League). It. Is. Hilarious. They watch a ridiculous move and then discuss it with a special guest all the while trying to figure out how the thing actually got made and financed by someone in Hollywood. They also do live shows now.
Some of my favorite episodes are the Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles episode—the actual writers came on to explain what was going on during the making of the film—and the Reindeer Games episode—a classic. They did an episode on the bonkers movie, “The Room,” which you may have heard of because there’s now a pretty fun-looking film called, “The Disaster Artist” with James Franco that is in theaters now. It’s all about how “The Room,” got made, and Raphael, Shceer and Mantzoukas all have parts in the film.
Walt Disney World
I’m a Disney freak. In fact, we all are. Walt Disney World Florida has become our favorite place for family vacations. We love it there because we can forget about real life for a while and just be together. I grew up going to Disneyland, but as an adult have mostly visited Disney World.
Many people ask us why, when we live on the West Coast, do we go to Florida instead of California. There are a few reasons: 1) Disney World is bigger with more parks and we just feel we get more for our money there, and 2) because of where we live—in the upper-left-corner of the U.S.—the plane tickets are typically almost the same cost…so, why not? If you have never been to Disney World, go!
Bitch Sesh Podcast
I know, another podcast. I enjoy a Real Housewives show or two…or five. But part of the fun is listening to Danielle Schneider (The Hotwives of Orlando) and Casey Wilson (Happy Endings) discuss them on the Bitch Sesh podcast. But part of the fun is listening to them talk about their lives. They are very open and honest. That was an understatement. Wilson and Schneider run in the same circle of friends as the HDTGM pod, so I would consider June Diane Raphael sort of a third host, although she’s only on every once in a while. If you like trashy Bravo shows, you should def check out this pod.
One of my favorite guests that has been on the show was Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty)—she’s been on a couple times (here and here) and she’s hilarious. And, of course, I must mention my favorite Housewife. That’d be one Ms. Dorinda Medley.
Of course, New York is my favorite franchise.
Mac Red Rock Lipstick
I love red lipstick and it has taken me a while to find a favorite. Mac’s Red Rock is my favorite so far! I got the Mac Prep + Prime Lip Base, too, so it goes on nice and smooth. It doesn’t dry out nearly as bad as some of the other red lipsticks I’ve tried. I wore it out to dinner the other night. It had just a little fading. But I always bring the lipstick with me to reapply when I wear reds.
Ol’ Santy Eggnog
Ol’ Santy Eggnog is my beverage of choice this season. I never really liked Evan Williams—it’s too sugary and makes my tongue tingle. This on has just the right amount of creaminess and booziness for a chilly night in front of the fireplace. This is my favorite adult eggnog! We get it at Total Wine and More.
I seriously could keep going with this list. I have a lot of favorites! What are some of your favorite things that I need?!