Most Favorites

I feel like I must say up front that this is not any sort of sponsored post, and I'm a good two years behind the rest of the blogosphere for any sort of Five Favorites link-up or another. But I had a truly beautiful experience with fave #1 not too long ago, and I felt it would be a disservice to the rest of the world if I didn't share it. But a post all about just one thing seemed like it would be sort of short and awkward-ish, so I figured why not pretend I'm like the other cool blogesses and throw in four other things that make me extremely happy? Happy is always good, yes? Indeed.

#1 - Chuao Honeycomb Chocolate

My husband brought me this nugget of perfection on a night when I had a work call that we both knew would be a total steamroller. I was totally stoked by the idea of a new dairy-free* chocolate bar since my options are so limited--though I admit, when I first saw the honeycomb part, I was like "ehhh...I don't know about this..." But oh my word, let me tell you. One little nibble and it was a goner. And while that work call still totally flattened me, the effects were short-lived because of this joy-filled little masterpiece that picked me right back up. Of course, since there was nothing left to take a picture of by the end of the evening, it necessitated an immediate return trip to Le Tarjay for a few more bars...because we all know how necessary that is. Always.

*These bars aren't advertised as dairy-free, but this specific kind didn't have any milk in the ingredients, and I happily had no adverse reactions. I only have an intolerance, so I can't speak to their safety for those with more serious allergies.

#2 - Wrenn Jewelry Ring

I don't often buy jewelry, but when I do, it's usually on a whim. As an exception, this ring was a total premeditated purchase. Ever since I started seeing friends wearing these druzy beauties and gushing about the shop, I wanted to find out more. It turns out that every piece is handmade with lots of love and skill and care--one reason why the lovely ring I immediately picked out wasn't in stock at the moment I fell in love with it. But it was definitely worth the wait, and I dare say I will be a returning costumer soon...just as soon I can justify another purchase, that is. Once again, not sponsored (although if you ever do happen to come across this post, Alissa, thank you--I love it!), I just really am that excited about the way this lovely ring transforms my otherwise-plain mom hands. What can I say...at this stage of life, it's the small pleasures. 

#3 - Essential Oils

Over the past year I've slowly acquired a decent collection of essential oils for different purposes. The ones pictured are some of my most-used, followed by peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, grapefruit and a laundry list of others.

Now, I have plenty of friends who are distributors, I mean consultants, for one or another of the well-known brands, but thus far my sole distributor has been the place of the Whole Paycheck. Essential oils are great of for sorts of things, like topical application for health benefits and cleaning and bathtime bliss and treating mosquito bites when your daughter is howling about them and making the house smell pretty. [Also killing ants, which I may or may not have found out when I waged an all-out war on them recently.] Some say you can ingest essential oils, but considering their extremely high concentration, I have not and don't plan to. (I read at one point that one drop of Peppermint EO is akin to something like 70 cups of brewed peppermint tea, and my sensitive digestive system ain't about that). That, and I accidentally got a drop of peppermint oil in my eye one night and was pretty well convinced for a good 30 minutes I was officially blind in one eye. Not recommended. But properly diluted topical uses--including a drop added to shampoo as my fabulous friends once taught me--can result in some fabulously shiny hair, among other benefits. 

#4 - Brian Regan

A little odd for a 5 favorites list I suppose, but since we've already established that I'm making up my own rules, my favorite comedian it is. I'm not a comic junkie or anything, this guy has long been a staple in my family. Many of his lines have worked themselves into our daily vocabulary, and hardly a day goes by without some Brian Regan reference, like "both favorites" and "most favorite," which occurred today. Occasionally this results in some confused looks when we forget that the rest of the world doesn't also speak in Brian Regan-isms. At any rate, now you know the reason I might say "you too!" rather loudly and annoyingly, or why I giggle when someone is asked how they like their coffee. <-- I super promise if you click on that link that you'll be grateful that you spent two minutes of your life on it. Pinky swear.

#5 - Colorado Sunsets

I realize this is a bit unfair since you can't exactly go out and buy yourself a total stunner of a sunset from the great Centennial State.

 But you can always move here (or at least visit) and make these sunsets your favorite, too...I'll even show you the best spots!

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So there you have it--at least until I get another itch to share a few more of my favorite things/people in the future. Until then, if you have Julie Andrews stuck in your head singing "My Favorite Things," just remember, it's not my fault that she chose more than five and you can't remember all of them. [Not that I would know.] Alright now it's your turn--you know I won't complain one bit if you're also nice enough to share your favorites for the rest of us to discover and enjoy!