Nicole's Favorite Things

I'm not really materialistic. I always knew it, but when I moved out of the country and sold everything I owned is when I came to the realization that "things" mean nothing to me. I parted with things I loved with no problem whatsoever. I often watch hoarders and shows of the like, and feel so sorry for those people that cannot let the littlest thing go, because they have an emotional attachment to it. I also am in the minority of women that hates shopping. But even with this, I do love some things. I figure if Oprah can have a favorite list, so can I. Although mine won't be nearly as extravagant as hers, some things on my list are under $3!

1.) Fleece Sheets - I stumbled across these at Walmart while looking for flannel sheets. These felt unbelievable, so I got them. They are soft, thick, and warm. They're never cold when you get into bed, and they are so comfy.

2.) Kaboom Shower, Tub, and Tile Cleaner - This stuff actually works great. You just spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes and wipe clean...seriously, no scrubbing. And even on a shower that looks to be relatively clean to begin with, will sparkle and squeak after using this stuff. It's not strong and stinky either, which is a huge plus!

3.) Nice perfume - Why I love it, I have no idea. I don't often wear perfume because it usually gives me a headache. But I love owning it. Maybe it's the beautiful bottles. I don't know. I can buy a perfume knowing good and well it will sit on my shelf and rarely, if ever, actually get worn, and I am totally cool with that. Some of my favorites are my Cartier Delices, Armani Mania, Armani Sensi, Amor Amor, Escada S.

4.) Gharirdelli Chocolate Caramel Turtle Brownies - I don't think this needs explaining!

5.) Blue Goo Cracked Heel Skin Softener - This is under $3. It comes in a small jar and you put it on your heels before bed and then cover with a pair of socks. It is amazing at how soft this stuff gets your feet! I don't have cracked heels, but we all know our feet can get hard if we don't do regular pedi's - and I don't - so this stuff is awesome.

6.)  Fabric - I could not care less about clothes. I really could shop at Walmart or Macy's or Goodwill for that matter. But I love good fabric. I am just beginning at sewing, so I can't really make clothes yet, but I can make things for around the house. Pillows, curtains, tablecloths. I recovered my breakfast room chairs in silk. Obviously not ideal considering there are two kids who love to spill stuff on everything, but they look so pretty that I didn't mind. I can still usually get a good deal on the fabric, so I don't feel bad about it! And there is such a feeling that you get when you made something yourself, instead of buying it, that makes it all worth it.

7.) Towel Turbans - I hate having a huge towel on my head after the shower. The second you lean over the sink to brush your teeth, it comes unraveled and the bottom of the towel ends up in the sink. You have to re-twist it on your head and try again. Towel turbans are much smaller than a regular towel, yet still fit my hair (and I have a lot of it). You secure the end of the turban with a piece of elastic sewn into it and you can go on about your business...washing your face, plucking your eyebrows, brushing your teeth...with it still in place. Genius!

8.) Aloe Infused Socks -  I usually don't like sleeping with socks on. I don't like my feet covered at all, but these socks feel so good. They are warm, yet they're not to heavy. It doesn't feel like a sock. It kind of feels like you have slippers on. They are super soft and fuzzy. I'm not sure if that's from the aloe or just the type of material its made from, but these things are great. I love them!

9.) Oil of Olay Microdermabrasion and Peel System and Daily Regenerating Serum - This stuff was a little more than I'd like to pay, but I used CVS bucks to get it for almost half price! When you do the peel once a week your skin feels like silk. It is amazing how soft this stuff gets your skin. I have a problem with dry skin right between and above my eyebrows. The Microdermabrasion takes care of that and the daily serum is one of the absolute best facial moisturizers ever! I don't know that its combating wrinkles setting in or whatever the claim is, but I do know I love the way it makes my skin feel!

10.) I saved the best for last....

Argan Oil (pure organic argan, not "Moroccan Oil"). Hands down best product ever invented. Thank you Moroccan people. The Argan Tree only grows in Morocco and it is hand processed, which explains the high cost of the oil. There are two types of Argan. One for cooking and one for beauty reasons. I use the latter. I was introduced to this when I lived there and I absolutely love it. It can be used on your skin, hair, and nails. It's known to treat eczema, psoriasis, and acne. I use it on the kids when they get rough patches of skin. But the main thing I use it for is my hair. I have unruly, frizzy, curly hair. I like to wear it straight but took forever to straighten because I'd have to dry it and then flat iron it. My hair was damaged from all the heat. Then I was told to use the Argan in my hair and I'd be able to blow it out straight with a hairdryer. Prior to using the Argan that was never possible. Even at high end salons, they could not blow my hair out straight and frizz free. Now I put the Argan in my hair and blow it out straight and shiny (not greasy) and frizz free in about 20 minutes. Miracle product!!!

There you have it....a few of my favorite things!

Bye Bye 2010

I had high expectations for 2010. Yeah, I was gonna get a great new job, maybe win the lottery, maybe lose some weight, maybe get a new car. Well, it's now December 20, 2010. I've had almost a whole entire year for these things to happen. Guess what? I am still at the same job, I didn't win the lottery, I actually gained a little weight, and I still drive my same old 10 year old car. I didn't have a new addition to my little family. I didn't take an amazing vacation around the world. I didn't even get more than 4 consecutive days off from my job. I didn't really do anything remarkable.

But....

I can't write 2010 off as a failure. Nope, the opposite actually. In looking back, 2010 was pretty great. I got a date or two with my husband - alone. We got snow a few times. We went to a few basketball games. We got to welcome my inlaws to our new house. We went to Six Flags, the Aquarium, Renaissance Festival, Rock City. Cain got a great new teacher for the new school year. I won some money at my company picnic. Zayd turned two. Cain turned 9. Went to The Great Wolf Lodge for Cain's birthday.

I'm really happy in knowing that in just 2 minutes I can name several good things that happened over the past year. But I'm mostly counting 2010 as a great year for what didn't happen. We didn't have any major illnesses this year. Other than the common cold we were all healthy. And any year that  my kids, my husband, and I are not sick....is a memorable one.

I am so looking forward to a great 2011, and I hope everyone else has a great new year as well.

blog challenge

I changed my mind...I don't want to do this "challenge", I just want to write about random stuff!

Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name

Ummm, this one's kinda self explanitory. No deep meaning.....just my opinions on different things.