From time to time I enjoy posting about some of the things {food, gadgets, design elements, etc.} that I'm currently into. I always like hearing about those kinds of things from other people, and it's a fun record of my likes and interests at any given time. I think it's important for my kids and posterity to realize I'm a real person with real likes and hobbies, so here's some of what I've been enjoying as of late:
Grilled pizza!! Our Best Bites has some great recipes and how-to info in their books/blog (this is their photo). I've been curious about trying this for a long time, but didn't believe it would work. But, with a little practice, we've become pros this summer, and now it's one of our favorite ways of eating pizza, especially in the summer. My tips: keep 'em small (easier to manage on the grill), have all your toppings/sauces handy so you can work fast, use an upper rack if possible to let cheese melt but not overcook your crust, and buy pre-made dough!
Cookie butter ... if you haven't tried this, you need to! I might even like it more than Nutella (I know, gasp!). Try it spread on the chocolate-dipped Biscoff cookies, and you might be in heaven (or sugar shock).
And to offset the pizza and cookie spread, I've gotten hooked on not-so-green (but still green!) smoothies. We get a TON of blackberries off our vines, but they're tart and only good for jam, pies, and ... smoothies! My favorite blend right now is blackberries, banana, orange, and spinach. I know I'm slow on the green smoothie trend, but I'm always surprised by how refreshed and good I feel after drinking one! Lately I've been having one every day at lunch or breakfast. And the best part is the boys knock them down! Eliot even requests the spinach ... nice!
This color toenail polish. Most days I struggle to feel anywhere near pretty. If I manage to get showered and out of workout clothes, it's a great day! But having a bright pop of feminine color on my toes always helps me feel like more than a perma-ponytail mommy!
I've been using the MyFitnessPal website off and on for almost a year now as I've been participating in some health and fitness challenges. A friend of mine teaches online college Nutrition classes, and this is the site she recommends. The database is amazing, and it's really informative to see the breakdown of calories and nutrition facts of what you're eating. My weight has still fluctuated and I'm actually in a bit of a weight slump right now, but I think I'm learning a lot about my eating habits and counting calories. I think I'm definitely better about getting more fruits and veggies in my diet. If you're working on weight loss or just improving or monitoring your nutrition, I definitely recommend this program!
Speaking of nifty technology tools ... I LOVE the improvements the Church has made to the Gospel Library app!! I love being able to toggle back and forth among several references at once during lessons and look things up right on the spot! One of my favorite things about Gospel Library is being able to listen to the scriptures and lessons. I've slacked in my scripture study, and recently confided the fact at a visiting teaching appointment. My VT companion mentioned she listens to the scriptures every morning when putting on her makeup, and I took her suggestion and have been so much more successful ever since!
And I just love these bluetooth headphones Grant got me for my birthday. I love maximizing my time by listening to audio books while I clean the house, and it is so nice to not have cords from my headphones getting in my way! (I also love them for running and exercise, too.)
And now on to the dreaming portion ....
One of my favorite HGTV shows right now is Property Brothers, and on a recent episode, I found myself coveting the couple's retro appliances! They were the answer to my appliance dilemma ... I like shiny and sleek but after owning a stainless steel fridge, I don't love the upkeep! Tada!! The retro appliances the couple had were perfect and beautiful and unique! I had a hard time finding anything exactly like they had, but these kind of give the idea ...
This fridge is a lot like what they had, and with the finished kitchen, it looked so awesome!
And I love the creamy, buttery look of this range!
Topped off with a gorgeous, character-filled, functional butcher block island, you've got my dream kitchen!
If only, right?!
There you have it, some of my favorites and wish list items ... for this year, at least! I'd love to hear your comments on your favorite products and/or wish list items!
2 comments:
Oooh, fun! I think I might have to do a favorite things post of my own! I'm inspired!
Yes, that fridge is beyond fantastic. All the appliances are, really.
Those headphones look fantastic, and I need to be better about listening to the scriptures. It's such a great way to squeeze in some more uplift time into our busy mommy days.
Great ideas!!!
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