Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes? That's not exactly what you'll find in this post, though that's the very song that inspired the title. You see, I have a serious love of "The Sound of Music." Ser.i.ous. As in I know every song, every word, every dance move, every breath of the movie. As in, I once walked right into one of my favorite stores and bought a dress without even trying it on because the colors and pattern reminded me of the infamous drapery outfits Maria makes for the Von Trapp children. (It does not even remotely resemble lederhosen, so don't worry.) Still, my love for the movie isn't normal. I even got Seth MacFarlane's Oscar joke/skit during his introduction of Christopher Plummer, who played Captain Von Trapp in the movie. It was lame, but I understood it and could at least appreciate the fact that he did quote the movie accurately. But I digress.
I considered not starting up this little series because several other bloggers--ones I love and respect--do exactly the same thing. I don't want to be a copycat. But the truth it, I really enjoy these types of posts. I always learn about new books, new apps, new kitchen gadgets, and sometimes even new shoes and jewelry (hello!). I love, love, love sharing my passion for food around here, but as my years as a blogger has continued, I've formed friendships with so many of you. We've talked about so much more than just cooking and I've loved it. Plus, friends share when they find fabulous things, right? So here you go, friends. My first Favorite Things post.
I'm not sure if I've really mentioned this before, but I love to read books other than cookbooks. I KNOW, right?!? I've just recently finished two great ones. Dearie is a biography of the incomparable Julia Child. At 557 pages, it's a bit of an undertaking, but one that was well worth it. Other than tv clips here and there, the voice, and seeing her kitchen recreated at the Smithsonian, I really had very little idea of who Julia Child was. Let me tell you, that woman was a force! After finishing this book, I have a much deeper respect for her contributions to the culinary world and I am so sad I wasn't her friend. She was one heck of a lady.
Like pretty much every American teenager, I read To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. I remembered really loving it. When I saw it in a recent book order I sent home with my fifth graders, I wondered if they were ready to hear the story of Scout, Jem, Atticus, and all the others. I promptly ordered the book and got to reading it. What I remembered from high school couldn't even come close to the emotion, depth, and humanity Harper Lee created and shared through Scout's eyes. I was--and I don't used this term lightly--completely floored. This tale absolutely deserves the title of Greatest Novel of All Time.
I've been needing a bit of a change and update with my wardrobe lately and I recently took the plunge. My mom and I took my bargain hunting skills out for a spin one weekend and did quite well, if I do say so myself. My best bargain? Two pairs of Ann Taylor shorts for---wait for it--94 cents each. Yes. 94 cents. I also scored these completely fun and fabulous Color Pop Super Skinny Jeans in sea glass at LOFT. The color makes me smile, the stretchy denim is lightweight and uber comfortable, and the fact that my mint skinny jeans came from an actual adult store keeps me just this side of wannabe college coed or high school mall rat.
Another fun update for me was this nail polish from MAC. It's called "Impassioned" and I think it's the perfect blend of pink and coral. The shade has me utterly ready for spring. It's bright without blinding me and playful without being unprofessional. Love.
As much as I've been loving my fresh updates, my wardrobe will always be primarily based around the classics. Unfortunately, my life as a teacher doesn't exactly lend itself to wearing heels. The Perfect Leather Kitten Heels from Ann Taylor changed that. With a 2 1/2-inch heel, I would've considered them way out of kitten heel range and would've told you they were way too high for a day spent standing and walking around from student to student. But they were on super sale, so I tried them on. They are so comfortable! The inside lining is very soft and the footbed is well padded. I can't wait for them to be on sale again so I can snatch up one of the more colorful pairs!
To round out my current favorites, I 've just got to share my new perfume. I first smelled it at the Michael Kors store at the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and instantly fell in love. When I entered the store, it smelled amazing and I made a comment about it to my mom. The associate on the floor overheard it and told me it was their signature scent. I love the slightly sweet, slightly spicy, well-rounded notes of it and I love that the scent lasts the whole day. I've been wearing it every day since I got it.
I considered not starting up this little series because several other bloggers--ones I love and respect--do exactly the same thing. I don't want to be a copycat. But the truth it, I really enjoy these types of posts. I always learn about new books, new apps, new kitchen gadgets, and sometimes even new shoes and jewelry (hello!). I love, love, love sharing my passion for food around here, but as my years as a blogger has continued, I've formed friendships with so many of you. We've talked about so much more than just cooking and I've loved it. Plus, friends share when they find fabulous things, right? So here you go, friends. My first Favorite Things post.
I'm not sure if I've really mentioned this before, but I love to read books other than cookbooks. I KNOW, right?!? I've just recently finished two great ones. Dearie is a biography of the incomparable Julia Child. At 557 pages, it's a bit of an undertaking, but one that was well worth it. Other than tv clips here and there, the voice, and seeing her kitchen recreated at the Smithsonian, I really had very little idea of who Julia Child was. Let me tell you, that woman was a force! After finishing this book, I have a much deeper respect for her contributions to the culinary world and I am so sad I wasn't her friend. She was one heck of a lady.
Like pretty much every American teenager, I read To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. I remembered really loving it. When I saw it in a recent book order I sent home with my fifth graders, I wondered if they were ready to hear the story of Scout, Jem, Atticus, and all the others. I promptly ordered the book and got to reading it. What I remembered from high school couldn't even come close to the emotion, depth, and humanity Harper Lee created and shared through Scout's eyes. I was--and I don't used this term lightly--completely floored. This tale absolutely deserves the title of Greatest Novel of All Time.
As much as I've been loving my fresh updates, my wardrobe will always be primarily based around the classics. Unfortunately, my life as a teacher doesn't exactly lend itself to wearing heels. The Perfect Leather Kitten Heels from Ann Taylor changed that. With a 2 1/2-inch heel, I would've considered them way out of kitten heel range and would've told you they were way too high for a day spent standing and walking around from student to student. But they were on super sale, so I tried them on. They are so comfortable! The inside lining is very soft and the footbed is well padded. I can't wait for them to be on sale again so I can snatch up one of the more colorful pairs!
To round out my current favorites, I 've just got to share my new perfume. I first smelled it at the Michael Kors store at the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and instantly fell in love. When I entered the store, it smelled amazing and I made a comment about it to my mom. The associate on the floor overheard it and told me it was their signature scent. I love the slightly sweet, slightly spicy, well-rounded notes of it and I love that the scent lasts the whole day. I've been wearing it every day since I got it.