A rundown of my favorite things autumn edition that includes make-up, clothing, gift ideas, dog treats and more. Easy to shop links with details.
Welcome to an Autumn edition of My Favorite Things! I’m sharing things today that I like and use myself. It’s sort of a mixed bag so I hope there’s something for everyone.
I’m not receiving any compensation for this post. Some links lead to shops or websites where I am an affiliate which means that if you purchase something, I may make a small commission. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.
Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
This Banana Oatmeal Smoothie is my current favorite thing to have for breakfast. I eat it later in the morning after my shower, and some days I can hardly wait. It’s delicious, easy and healthy. Click HERE for the recipe and all the details!
L’Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream
Not technically foundation, this BB cream moisturizes and evens out your skin tone. It does such a good job that I actually use it as foundation. I apply it with a knock-off Beauty Blender or if I’m in a hurry, I just use my fingers. It’s light and doesn’t feel like you have a think layer of foundation on your face. There are only four colors to choose from so it’s pretty easy to figure out what color would work best. I use Fair or Light, depending on if I’ve been out in the sun or not.
JJill Ankle Leggings
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to jump on the “leggings are so comfortable” band wagon or not…but I figured if I didn’t at least try, I might really be missing out! I didn’t own any at all until a few weeks ago when I purchased these amazing leggings from JJill.
Oh my gosh…I have been missing out! They really are so comfortable, the knees don’t lose their shape, and they look very nice. Not like yoga pants or sweats at all. JJill has a few different styles of leggings but these are the Ankle Length Leggings. They come in Misses, Petites, Women’s, and Tall. The one thing that I figured out very quickly was that I absolutely HAD to wear a top that completely covered my bottom. I splurged on a few tunics and instantly felt so much better about myself. I went on a bit of a shopping spree that included the cute gray shoes pictured below. I got lucky and was able to get all the JJill purchases on sale so my shopping spree was less costly than it could have been!
If you are interested, just go to the JJill website and sign up to receive their emails. You’ll not only get a discount on your first order, you’ll receive advance notice of all their sales. Click HERE.
Rocky Mountain Oils Mind Alive Essential Oil
I’ve talked about using Rocky Mountain Essential Oils here before…usually as part of a project or recipe that I’ve shared. I believe that essential oils improve your quality of life, but I also believe that you don’t have to spend a fortune to use them. I found RMO on my own by doing research and a lot of reading. I was looking for two things. High quality and a reasonable price. RMO is both. The added bonus is that I can get them on Amazon and use my Prime free shipping. The newest oil I’ve added to my collection is Mind Alive. I use it in the morning behind my ears and on my wrists. I also dab some on during the day if I need a small pick-me-up. It smells wonderful!
Other favorite Rocky Mountain Oils:
Click for my ESSENTIAL OIL PROJECTS & RECIPES.
My Favorite Baby Gift to Give
Sometimes it’s hard to know what to give a new baby…especially if you don’t know the parents all that well. My favorite gift to give is this hardback book, A Beatrix Potter Treasury, along with this Royal Doulton Bunnykins Baby Dinnerware Set. It seems to make more sense, at least to me, to spend money on something that will keep and be used for years to come. This works for both boys and girls too. If this is over your normal price range for baby gifts, simply give one or the other. Either way, the parents (and the baby) will love it!
Kelly’s Favorite Treats
Even though she’s a very picky eater, our dog Kelly loves treats. Our rule is that she doesn’t get any treats unless she eats a meal first, so many days she’s getting her first treats at bedtime! Seriously, sometimes she goes all day and doesn’t eat a thing until late evening. I keep them in the kitchen island cupboard…and when she thinks it’s time for a treat, she trots into the kitchen and sits right in front of the cupboard door. Even though she knows she has to eat first, some days she still tries!
Here are her current favorites:
- Hills Ideal Balance Soft-Baked Naturals in the flavor chicken and carrots.
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treats Jumpin’ Stix.
Favorite Etsy Shop
I talked about this shop in my Fall Home Tour but I wanted to mention it one more time. Farmhouse On Boone is a delightful place to visit if you love grain sack inspired pillow covers. I think this Merry and Bright pillow cover just might be my next purchase!
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope you found something you love or that peaks your interest and decide to treat yourself…happy shopping!
BettyLou says
Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at 12:14 pmPer your suggestion I am now a committed J.Jill customer and ordered several things after one of your posts. A top had to be returned as it was too large and much to my surprised I found that a J.Jill store had recently opened about 8 miles from my house. I found a dress (actuallytwo) to wear to my granddaughters reception later this week. Still not trusting their sizing I ordered the same dress in the larger size——too big, a big boost to the ego. With so many style tops which do you find the best for everyday wear? I would like to take advantage of the current sales and if I order through your J.Jilllink do you get credit for the sale? I thought you had posted recently so e of the J.Jill tops you owned, but I can’t find the post. You can email me if appropriate.
Ann Drake says
Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at 5:04 pmThe sizing runs large which I agree is a good thing! I almost always wear a large for other brands but at JJill I wear a medium. I am short-waisted, so the tops with a gathered or full waistline don’t look right on me. I like the straight tunic tops the best. Here is the link to my shop page and it features some of the tops I have. I’m not sure if all of them are still available. One of my favorites is the denim shirt. https://www.onsuttonplace.com/the-osp-market/
Donna Marie says
Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 7:11 amAs always, you have such classy finds.
Julie Briones says
Friday, October 13, 2017 at 4:58 pmThanks for sharing these! Love the leggings and tunics on the site! Also, love Farmhouse on Boone products. BTW, I get LOTS of complements on ‘your’ pillows I purchased for the fall from Society6. My designer cousin was even impressed! ;-)
Norma Rolader says
Friday, October 13, 2017 at 4:07 pmOh my you have given us so much beauty I have to star this one so I can continue to reference Thank you and God bless
Carol says
Friday, October 13, 2017 at 7:36 amLoved all your favorites Ann! But can’t overlook little Kelly and her desires for treats! They have their own little timeline when they think they deserve a treat!
Sherry says
Friday, October 13, 2017 at 12:15 amLove seeing all your favorite things! I got in on the leggings trend with tunics recently also. Jjill has become one of my favorite places to shop. The older I get the softer I like my clothes to be, but I want to look pulled together and fashionable. Thanks for sharing everything!
Debbie Jones says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 6:00 pmAnn, I ALWAYS find inspiration of some kind from your site. Today, it was chocolate chip cookies and leggings. When was the last time someone wished you laughter and grace? That’s what I wish for you and your family. Thank you, have a GREAT day, and happy Autumn!
Caroline says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 3:01 pmI think that giving Beatrix Potter books is one of the best gifts you could possibly give a child or a young family! And we have always had some charming children’s china sets also, Bunnykins or Beatrix Potter or Brambly Hedge (which is hard to find now). My girls (now 15 and 24) still use them!
Jackie Stewart says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 1:44 pmI always love hearing your favorite things! You have such good ideas. Last year for my birthday I asked for the leaf blower you recommended. I love it! I will definitely be looking into the leggings. Tank you for sharing!
Nancy says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 11:32 amWe share some of the same favorite things. I love JJill. I haven’t tried their leggings yet. BB is a favorite. Believe it or not, I haven’t ever made a smoothie. But they always sound tempting. Kelly is so cute. I always enjoy seeing her. Thanks for sharing your favorites.
Nan, Odessa, DE says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 11:17 amKeep your favorite things coming!
Love, love your Kelly!
Doreen says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 11:05 amLove your recommendations especially the leggings and boots.May have to try the L’Oreal BB cream.
Will check out those baby items since I have a new granddaughter.
Jane says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 10:16 amYes, it’s tunics all the way now!!! I love and use the same BB cream, and I appreciate the recommendations on the dog treats. Our Lucy has developed arthritis in her hip and is getting shots now. She deserves some treats!
Ann Drake says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 5:05 pmThe Jumpin’ Stix are for healthy bones & joints so I think Lucy needs them. :)
Libby O’Day says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 9:51 amGreat list Ann. Wish my dog didnt want to eat 24/7, but he’s a Lab!
Yes to tunics, and love your gray shoes.
Kellyann Fleming says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 9:44 amI love this season , love my leggings with long tops and boots . Essential oils are great . Lavender for calming and tea tree oil in a spray to deter lice on my kids head with school time being here. Love that pillow and will be checking out the site .
Sheran Steading says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 9:11 amGreat post! I felt like we were having coffee together! I have loved JJill for years and their leggings are the best!
Debby says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 9:10 amLove your favorites! Where did the cute gray shoes come from?
Ann Drake says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 5:15 pmI got the shoes at Dillard’s but they are available at Nordstrom too. Here is my affiliate link: http://rstyle.me/iA-n/cs32ckb4svx_
Debby says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 7:21 pmThank you so much! I’m going to have to get a pair. Sooo cute!
Sharon says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 9:04 amAnn – Your blog always brightens my day. I will definitely give the leggings and tunic a try.
Love the gray shoes too. Where did you find them?
Ann Drake says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 5:16 pmThe shoes are from Dillard’s but here is a link (affiliate) to Nordstrom for the exact same price. http://rstyle.me/iA-n/cs32ckb4svx_
Lucy says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 8:25 amThanks Ann, love your blog. Always a joy to see you in my inbox!
Betty Lou says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 8:17 amI always love it when you share your favorites, thank you. Haven’t tried leggings yet but think I’ll give them a try as I’m in yoga pants as soon as the weather is cool enough. Time for son and I to go home as our trip to Ohio is coming to an end. So many memories of the past as I was born, raised, and married here. So much to see but especially liked Amish country. Took picture of son and I in Amish hats will post later on blog. Hugs and stitches, B.L.
Linda says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 8:12 amI love, love, love your Favorite Things blog …. you once told me about Simply June. I’ve been a member of her blog since then ….. THANK YOU!:)
Coleen says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 7:55 amTotally agree with you, jjill leggings are the best. I have both capri and ankle length. So comfortable and do not lose their shape. I am also a wearer of the tunic. :)
Heading out to purchase the unsweetened almond milk to give your smoothie a try. Thank you for the recipe!
Deb Porter says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 7:37 amI always enjoy your blogs! A great way to start off my day.
Michelle says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 7:35 amIt’s always fun to see your favorite things! Kelly is darling! Is she a schnauzer?? Will have to give her favorite treats a try for my Schnoodle. Be sure to find some fleece lined leggings for winter. They are so warm and cozy!
Sandi says
Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 7:27 amAnn
I love this blog. I may have told you this before and if I have forgive me. My daily morning routine is my daily devotion,coffee and reading your blog to see what’s new.
I always get some great ideas and inspiration.
Thanks
Cindy in Oklahoma says
Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 4:24 pmI just discovered L’Oréal’s BB crème last week and I will never go back to the liquid foundations and the Bare Essential powders I’ve used before. Hands down the best my face has looked in years. I also bought Cover Girl’s BB crème and I like it, too… because there is a bit more tint, maybe even slightly smoother formula… but I think the L’Oréal version looks slightly better.
I also suffer from dark circles around my eyes – I think it’s a family trait! … and if anyone else has spent a fortune on concealer, please give Naked’s color corrector crème. It is fantastic.
Cindy in Oklahoma says
Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 4:26 pmoops… give the corrector ‘a try’….
Lori says
Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 12:09 pmKelly is adorable! That face is sooo sweet. Please share more about her in the future!
BTW, we keep our dog treats in a mini-closet under the stairs that serves as a pantry. The door is squeaky, and every time our dog, LuLu, hears the door, she believes it’s for her! We’ve dubbed it “LuLu’s closet.”
Sandy says
Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 12:08 pmWill definitely try your oatmeal banana smoothie. I am in the middle of choosing breakfast menus for our November house guests from South Carolina. Any suggestions?