Today I’m a part of a really fun blog hop hosted by Melissa at 320 Sycamore and the theme is My Favorite Things 2014. Oh my gosh. I decided to give you my top ten and it was hard to narrow it down! These are in no particular order and a few are affiliate links. Mostly they are links to things I love and wanted to share with you. Some of these things make the perfect gift so keep that in mind too.
1.) Nordicware Bundt Pan – I told you about this pan a few months ago when I made my Zucchini Bundt Cake. Honestly I don’t think you can buy a better bundt pan. It cooks evenly and is a cinch to clean. At just over $42.00 it’s a little pricey so if you want one, put it on your Christmas list!
2.) Pandora app for iPhone – Not sure I could get through the day without my Pandora fix. I hardly ever download music anymore because I can get if for free with the Pandora app. The way it works is you make your own “stations” based on a particular song, artist or genre. It’s very easy and very fun.
3.) Aveda Firmata hairspray – I have a little story to tell about this hairspray. A few years ago when I quit my day job and became a full-time blogger, I really had to crunch my budget to make things work. I wasn’t making much money and some things had to go. My hair care products were the first on the list. Good-bye Aveda, hello Suave. Anyway, this Firmata hairspray is the absolute best and boy did I miss it. I went around with flat hair for months until I finally caved and started buying it again. I decided some things in life are just worth it and this hairspray is one of them.
4.) Keurig Mini – I got my little Keurig for Mother’s Day and if something like this can change your life, this did mine. I never have to dump another coffee filter again or wash another coffee pot. It makes excellent coffee, one cup at a time.
5.) Outlander –Â Available on Starz on Amazon Prime Video.
6.) Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil – One thing I don’t talk about much here on my blog is my not-so-great health. Not that I don’t try to be healthy…but it seems that pain and I are destined to be friends. Last winter my migraines were escalating and I had trouble (at times) functioning. Nothing (prescription or over-the-counter meds) was working. Pretty much out of desperation I ordered a bottle of Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil on the recommendation of Melissa at The Happier Homemaker. After using it every night for a few months, my headaches got better…and then they went away altogether. I apply it with my finger over my ears (where my glasses set) and on my temples. I also put some behind my ears. I am generous with it so the cooling sensation lasts for a good 30 minutes. I haven’t had a headache in months and in my book, that’s a miracle. I’m sure like anything out there, results will vary from person to person. This worked for me and if you are struggling with pain, why don’t you give it a try? Here is the link to purchase the oil: YOUNG LIVING PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL. You have to create an account but it only takes a minute. I highly recommend purchasing from this site to guarantee you are getting the real thing.
7.) EOS Lip Balm – This stuff is amazing. It’s lip balm in the shape of an egg. The top screws on and off which I love. How many times has the lid to your Chapstick come off in your purse? Ugh. EOS comes in a bunch of different flavors and would make a great stocking stuffer.
8.) Limelight Hydrangeas – I’ve talked a lot about my bad luck getting hydrangeas to bloom. Last winter killed my boxwood so in their place, I planted some Limelight Hydrangeas. Not only did they bloom the first year, but the blooms were gigantic and gorgeous. You can see a couple of pics HERE. So when spring rolls around and you need something to plant, keep these in mind.
9.) Chobani Key Lime Greek Yogurt – I know yogurt is good for you but truth be told, I don’t really like the taste…or I should say the after-taste. Over the years I’ve tried different kinds but never found one I actually liked…until I tried Chobani Key Lime. It is so good and has the most refreshing taste. Sprinkle a little homemade granola on it and it’s filling enough to eat as your lunch. Yum.
10.) Danskin Now – One of the things I love about being self-employed is that I can wear whatever I want. Most days I can be found wearing a version of the Danskin Now line of bottoms. I have shorts, capris and long pants. They are at Walmart, under $10.00, they wash up great and don’t shrink. They come in a “short” version so I don’t have to hem them. They are perfect for every-day and at that price, how can you go wrong?
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Thank you for making it to the end…I hope there’s something here that will make your day. There is more fun waiting at Melissa’s so stop over there and see the rest of the line up. KariAnne at Thistlewood Farms has posted her list (it is awesome) so hop over there and check it out. On Thursday there is a linky party at Melissa’s so if you have a blog and want to whip up a post on your Favorite Things, head over there to link up.
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Before I go I want to let you all know that we’ve listed more clay tags and handmade ornaments in the shop. I’m working hard to get all current orders shipped so if you have not received your package, it will be coming very soon. It’s undecided whether we will be re-listing either of these two items so if you are interested, please don’t wait!
I just love all of your favorite things Ann and the peppermint oil has definitely helped with my migraines too!
Loved reading your list, Ann! I have been intending to plant some Limelight hydrangeas but somehow I didn’t get around to it this year. Thanks for the lip gloss suggestion. I am addicted to Blistex, but the granddaughters would love some, I’m sure.
I love your list! I am going to try your hairspray after my Kenra is gone and see if I like it. I’m very interested in the essential oil. I’ve been getting more headaches since I’ve gone through menopause early, and the migraines make me completely useless for the day and then the next day I feel exhausted. I’ve heard other bloggers talking about these oils for awhile now, so I’m almost ready to pull the trigger!
Hi Lynne! My headaches have come and gone my whole life. At times, I think due to hormonal changes (like you) they have been worse than others. Last year was bad and when I ordered the Peppermint I wasn’t very confident it would work. Like I said, it took about 2 months and then the headaches were less frequent. I know it sounds like a crap shoot but it really is worth a try. I hope you have good luck! Happy Holidays, Ann
Ann,
This is a great list. I was very interested in the Young Living Essential Oils. I have been reading about them a lot on several different blogs. Is Peppermint the only oil you use? Do you purchase them through the web site? I would love more input. Thanks, Francy
Hi Francy! Yes Peppermint is the only oil I’m using. I would like to try a few others but the Peppermint is working so I am sticking with that for now. I do order directly from the website. The shipping is a little pricey but to me it’s worth it because I know I am getting genuine Young Living. I am not an affiliate nor am I making any money from this…I am so happy that my readers are finding out that there is help out there. If you have any questions I can put you in contact with Melissa at The Happier Homemaker. She’s been wonderful to me and she knows her stuff. Good luck!
Thanks so much.
I found you via the “Favorite Things” post. I was intrigued by the Peppermint Oil recommendation. They I did a “cursory” stalk of your home tour. I am in tears. You home reminds me so much of my favorite home. We have moved 8 times in 31 years. But I swear you are in my old home ( well, the home I dreamed it could become had I had a bit more time living in it!) Cannot wait to read more of your blog!
Thank you Barb and welcome to On Sutton Place!
OK! The peppermint oil sounds too good to be true! Would this be helpful for chronic arthritis pain? I’m tired of being in pain & tired of taking pills! Thanks!!
Hi Diane…I am not an expert but in my opinion it would be worth a try. There is also another essential oil called Panaway that is good for pain as well. I have neck pain sometimes and when I use the Peppermint it almost always goes away. Good luck!
I had read about the Young Living Essential Oils and I am thinking I just might have to give them a try.
Ann, Thankyou so much for letting me know about Simply Jane! I have read all but the last of the Outlander books and like you I don’t have Starz. I did see the first episode that Starz had online for free. I just thought I would have to wait until they were on DVD. Now I can watch the series. Yeah!
I love your sight and am always glad to see a new post.
Thank you for the refreshing list of your discoveries. Good to share what gets you through the day. Definite love my Keurig, zip, get great coffee nothing to clean or waste, just started liking yogurt (what was the big deal so I thought) I will try the key lime. I am a blue jean girl , I am inmy sixties ,so a flashback to my hippie days, have an old bundt pan, hard to clean will keep your suggestion in mind. Enough rambling , thank you again. It was fun reading.
Great list Ann! I want to try the Danskin Now pants and the Aveta Firmata hair spray! Also the peppermint oil! If you think the “Outlander” Starz series is good, you really should read the books; they are even better! I am going to check out Simply Jane site right now!
I think I’m going to try Firmata hairspray. My hair is”flat city.” :) I love Danskin pants. I, too, have a bunch of them. These are way better than all the expensive ones I’ve purchased, over the years.
Thanks for sharing your favorites.
Hello, Ann! What a wonderful list – I want to plant limelights this year! I’m not a huge fan of greek yogurt, I’ll have to try this one :) Thanks so much for joining us!
Thanks so much for the list,got my eye on some of them.Have a great day.
Ann,
Thanks so much for mentioning the peppermint oil & the details on how you use it. I just placed an order. I’m going to check out a few other new-to-me items on your list too :)
You have the best list of all. Can’t wait to go to Walmart. And I think I will give Outlander a try.
ACK!!!!!!!! HOW IN THE WORLD DID I FORGET OUTLANDER???? LOL I am going to edit my post right now to include hot legs Jamie! Great list, Anne! I love those EOS lip balms, too! I need to figure out how to make my own with some peppermint essential oil! ;) I bet it could be done.
Hi Ann- could you please tell me where you order the Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil fro. Thank you.
Here is the link: http://bit.ly/1fEgqbl
To purchase directly from the Young Living Site you have to create an acct. but it only takes a minute. I recommend ordering from there to make sure you are getting the real thing.
THANK YOU for sharing Ann! I love to try new things especially those recommended by a friend!
I enjoy Pandora as well. I have not tried the other things, but plan on it now.
Just got out my two tabletop burlap Christmas trees you made…absolutely love them! ;-)
Thank you for the list, especially the link to Simply June! I have read all of the Outlander books and do not subscribe to Starz. I am going to spend some hours today watching them!
Oh Penny it’s addicting…enjoy!
Thank you, for all of the great tips and advice on the products that work for you, can’t wait to try some of them.
I am so glad to hear about the limelight hydrangeas! I actually picked up three of them at 75% off (about $6 each!) at Home Depot a couple weeks ago and they are planted along a fence now. I was hoping they would bloom the first year but I haven’t had a lot of experience with hydrangeas so I didn’t know what to expect. I plan to check out the hairspray too :>)