These are a Few of My Favorite Things, Part I

A little shout out to my all time favorite musical..... The Sound of Music .....in case you weren't immediately jolted up right and shouting "when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad. I simply remember by favorite things and then I don't feeeeel soooooooo baaaaad!"

Yes, I was singing as I was writing. It's a gift really.

Anyway, I have had this on-going list of "my favorite things" on my desk that I have been meaning to post for several weeks now; Truthfully probably more than a month. But the upside to procrastination is that I have been able to add to the list as more things pop in my head.

I always find that I am way behind on a lot of the coolest and hippest and hottest "things" and always wonder why people don't share their cool finds. I am up for sharing so here it goes....

Well not actually. I should get out in the open that these are a few of my favorite "things" not "people". So I'll go ahead and quickly post some of my favorite "people" and then get on with the "things".

A few of my favorite people....

Now on with the "things". (Sorry for all the quotation marks but they are kind of fun.).....

Life is Art Creations is one of my new favorite finds. The best way to describe them is to show you an example of what they do.

We ordered one for each of our boys with their own special verse as well as a 10th Anniversary Canvas for our company. Some of which are featured on their website. You can read more about their story here. They were wonderful to work with and very affordable. They often run specials which you can know more about my liking them on their Facebook page.


We started using the Jesse Tree Advent Book this past December. It was a great way to keep the focus of Christmas on Jesus and not "things" under a Christmas tree. I believe you have to subscribe to Ann Voskamp's blog in order to gain access to the book but her blog is completely worth it!

The Cradle to the Cross wreath was a center piece on our table this past December and remains their still. It was a constant visual reminder of the coming birth of Jesus and can also be used for the time leading up to His death on the cross as well as His ascension. Ann Voskamp's children make these wreaths and when I purchased mine, 100% of the profits went to Compassion which is another one of my favorite things. I am not sure if this is still the case.

A friend forwarded me her friends blog, Table tops truths, where they make special placemats that are designed to be used as a springboard to biblical knowledge, spiritual growth and great family conversations.

Moment of truth, I have not gotten around to ordering any yet so I cannot attest to their durability but I love the concept and will be ordering some.

One day I ran across Made On Skin Care Products as I was looking for a way to help my #2 son with his eczema that flares up during the winter months. I purchased her ebook and went to work on making my own hard lotion bars. These dry winters are so harsh and these bars are so great. Genius really! It has helped my son so much this winter. We use them for hands and feet as well.

Just three great ingredients; Beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil. There is also a whipped lotion that you can make from her ebook that we also love and is made from shea butter and coconut oil. It is a real blessing that she publishes these ebooks with her recipes so that we can make them at home. Some of you may have been fortunate enough to receive one for Christmas from me....smile!

Although, you can order all of her products directly from her website if you do not have the time or desire to make them. This "find" gets a special award for having the simple factor!! I love being able to read and pronounce all ingredients!


And while this is not the last of "My Favorite Things" (hence the Part I), I will leave you today with a favorite quote from Ann Voskamp from her blog...

Contentment isn’t a state of organization, a weight on the scale, a state of better: better kids, better marriage, better health, better house. Contentment is never a matter of circumstances; contentment is always a state of communion — a daily embracing of God. A thankfulness for all the gifts – and moments and life, just as He gives it. Trying harder may only bring harder trials and contentment, it won’t be be found in the resolutions, but in the revolutions – in the turning round to God.

While I am preparing my Part II (and maybe Part III if I'm being honest), What are some of your favorite things? Please share! Don't hold back!