A Few of My Favorite Things

This time of year a bunch of people make up lists of things to buy for people. Here's a few of my favorite things, in no particular order, in random categories. They may or may not work as gifts but it makes a great blog post, right?

Kitchen:

•  My apple pie recipe is actually Robin's. You can find it here.

•  I adore my pie accessories: a serrated edge pie server and a crust keeper (the metal thing that you put over the crust for the first half of baking that keeps the crust from burning,) both by Pampered Chef. 

•  I also love the Pampered Chef glass bowls with lids. They come in 2 or 3 sizes and, while not too expensive, they are worth every penny to get some of each size. Microwave, fridge, measuring marks, oven-safe, they do it all. 
• I have no need of fancy cookware when I have Revere Ware copper bottom pans. Honestly, I've had them since I was maybe 23 and they never wear out. I got them at WalMart, I think.

Beauty: (Debatable, but we're going with it.)

• Moisturizer: Cetaphil. I use the thick cream kind. I've always had dry skin, but now that I'm in my mid-forties I really need the thick stuff.
• I swear by John Freida Frizz Ease for my thick curly hair. I use 1 squirt on my shoulder-length hair, rub through the length of hair, avoiding the roots. Brush/comb. I can then dry it straight or scrunch it to be curly. It comes out perfect either way. If I do it curly I also use Aveda's Liquid gel to define the curls.
• My stylist might kill me for this but my hair color? I use Loreal Feria, usually color #61 (or #63 if I can't find the other.) I continue to get compliments on the color even when it's past time to do it. Somehow it even does subtle highlights. At less than $10/box it's more than worth it!
• Garnier BB Cream- It's a moisturizer/foundation that I love. While I do like a little more coverage for nighttime, this is perfect for any daytime situation. It lets my freckles show through but evens out my skin tone.
• Last but not least, I swear by Neutrogena Body Oil. I hadn't been able to find it for about 3 years and just ran across a huge bottle at Nordstrom Rack (Or was it Off 5th Ave.? Can't remember.) I'm so happy!

Clothing: (ok, a weird category but I never said it was all going to be perfect)

• I love Hanes socks.
• And Maidenform bras.
• And swear by Jockey for Her underwear. (I do, really. I've been wearing the same style for about 30 years .)
• I love my Lucky jeans. They are just about the only brand that I can find the right length!

Do you have anything to add to these categories? I've probably forgotten about a dozen things!

Vintage Belle

There has to be someone super difficult to buy for on your shopping list this holiday season. We all have them, right? Well, I don't know who you will buy one of these for, but you should work this Etsy shop into your list. I mean, just look at this stuff!!

American Folk Art Broken China Bracelet

Old Country Roses Broken China Ring

Broken China Spode Christmas Pendant

If I were shopping for myself I would have a hard time deciding on something but I bet I could decide on something for someone else pretty quick. Especially if they were a Spode collector! This shop also has earrings and pins in addition to the types of jewelery above. I just love looking at their collections. Since I'm not so crafty myself, I can't imagine the work that goes into each piece-especially how they break (or cut?) each piece of china into such tiny pieces. Amazing.

Vintage Belle Broken China Jewelery on Etsy (Link to the home page of the store.)

If you buy anything there, let me know? I'm dying to see a piece in person!



I have no relationship with Vintage Belle Jewelery. I stumbled across their Facebook page and fell in love with their stuff and thought you would too!