My Favorite Things

predictable afternoons.

2012-01-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

My afternoons, five days a week, may vary slightly but are often predictable from start until the last child is snoozing. It is comforting and mundane at the same time. Afternoons are often my least favorite time of day, except for the fact that we are reunited with Tyler, life of the party that one is.

Benjamin will oft complain about the fact that we have to wait FOR-EVER in the school pick up line to get brother. The moment the whining starts, the day begins inching downhill in a rather predictable sourness.

So when 4:45 showed up on our clock yesterday, I knew I needed to remedy the grumpiness stat or else the whole day would be a bust. I called a timeout on the wrestling and bickering and told the boys to saddle up, we were going on a scooter ride!

I hoisted Nicholas up on my back and said a quick prayer to the heavens no one got hurt. My boys are notorious for landing themselves in the ER when dad is away gallivanting on business. And we totally hit the streets... all three of us (four if you count nic nac on my back) ~~zooming~~ slowly scooting through the neighborhood. The fresh air did us some good!

I proclaimed it "cereal night" for dinner and a slightly later bedtime for the older two.

And then I zonked out at 10pm after having taken a Tylenol PM.

How predictable are you afternoons?

protection.

2012-01-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you need protection from the older brothers. Life is rough with all this wrestling going on!

bed head.

2012-01-26T06:50:00.000-08:00

can you see it? it's barely there. fuzz up top. fuzz in the back.

This is what bed head looks like when you are lacking in the hair department. Such fuzzy sweetness!

sponsor love | tiny prints.

2012-01-26T06:47:00.000-08:00

design by Tallu-lah for Tiny Prints

For those of you who didn't know, Tiny Prints is a superb choice when you are in need of, let's say, party invitations or birth announcements. They boast a beautiful array of designs and their quality is nothing but the best.

Right now I have my eye on their Valentine Cards. They have classroom cards for kids that are tempting me at the moment. I've got one in kinder and one in preschool and I need to get crack-a-lackin' on their school valentines.

Tiny Prints is a MFT sponsor. My thoughts. My words. My opinions. Interested in sponsorship? Email me for details. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

motherhood | birth order.

2012-01-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

me. older sister. younger sister. older brother not pictured.

Birth order --- does it play a part in our personality?

Now that I am a mother to three, yes count them... One. Two. Three. boys, I have had the opportunity to watch birth order in action. I think we take on certain personality traits and attributes according to the order we were born and then blossom into our own.

Tyler, our oldest. He leans towards being bossy. He is a take charge, go get 'em type of kid. I see it every day in the way he interacts with his brothers and peers. He is a leader. He is driven and hardly every gives up.

Benjamin, our second born. The middle man. He does not like confrontation. I have watched him give a toy to Tyler or let him go first in a game. He does not like to see his brothers become upset and likes to please them, well, most of the time.

Nicholas, our youngest. The baby. Although he is still a little he is such a delight. Happy go lucky my little nic nac is. And I am sure the older two will accuse me one day of spoiling him. Isn't that the way it goes? The youngest is far more spoiled than the rest?

What number are you in the line up?
Do you notice certain birth order traits in your own children?
Ready, one two three... comment!

MadeByCassandraSmith.

2012-01-25T05:30:00.000-08:00

Little by little, bits of "animal" art has trickled into our home, or that's what the mister calls it. A picture of antelope here. A silhouette of a stag there. And let us not forget the golden pig. But my newest fascination is antlers. I've wanted some for a while. My home reckons it needs a set or two but alas, I have not found any worthy of my love.

Every so often I would search for my beloved antlers. This is where internet browsing becomes dangerous. Idly whittling away the minutes, just because, is a deadly game to play. Many an impulse buy has happened because of this. During a particular browsing session I stumbled upon MadeByCassandraSmith and knew that this shop was worthy of MFT and a giveaway.

Cassandra is an artist and freelance curator who happens to also have the knack for painting antlers. Gorgeous color combinations in striped patterns adorn these antlers. I knew you guys would love them, so lets conclude this post with a giveaway!

Fancy yourself an antler lover? To enter, please visit MadeByCassandra and favorite her etsy shop. Be sure to leave a comment (with email) letting me know and tell me why you like antlers. This giveaway is open to US readers only and will end Tuesday, January 31st.

P.S. the antler pictured above is the antler you will win :)

link love.

2012-01-23T05:30:00.001-08:00

by Someecards | found via A Cup Of Jo

Happy Monday friends! Hope you had a relaxing weekend. Lots of wonderful links to share but here are a top few from the last week that made my favorites.

I'm totally guilty of this.
Looks like a game my boys would enjoy.
A fun DIY bracelet.
Chocolate mousse!
Pretty family pictures.

currently crushing.

2012-01-23T05:30:00.000-08:00

image credit | all images taken from THE GLOW | photography by Kelly Stuart

I was completely drawn in the first time I visited THE GLOW. The images of mother and child(ren) are breathtaking.

my pretty mommy wish list.

2012-01-20T08:54:00.000-08:00

all images were taken from Pretty Mommy and linked below.

It goes without saying that I adore having Pretty Mommy as a sponsor of MFT. Michelle's shop is full of all sorts of gorgeous. I decided to share a few items that are currently on my wish list.

matta fulki skirt : Can you tell? I am ready for spring and this skirt looks completely comfortable while still maintaining impeccable style.

odette arrow cuff bracelet : I am typically not a bracelet girl. I wear a watch and that is all that usually adorns my wrist. With that being said, I might be able to make an exception. This arrow cuff is stunning.

matta dupatta embroidered bagh shawl : Who doesn't want to wrap up in a lovely scarf?

marais USA chelsea boot : These boots are the perfect amount of casual. I wonder if they are comfortable?

kathryn bentley gray sapphire ring : Need I say more? Beautiful!

interested in becoming a sponsor? email me for details! we have lots of fun at MFT. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

the handbag switcheroo.

2012-01-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

And this is why I stick to one bag. I carry around far too much rubbish. Who needs all that, really?!

I am a creature of habit and certainty. I like to be prepared and organized and planned. It is a bit of a sickness and hinders my ability to be spontaneous. I am a nerd at heart.

So when it comes to my handbag, I cling to my favorites. The familiarity. I have two that I am currently toting around (not at the same time silly) --- my fossil & my clare vivier. Both can be worn crossbody, which is a major plus in the mom department when you need all appendages free to grab squirmy children or wipe a snotty nose.

I am dedicated to these handbags. I know that they work solo or while I am mommin' it up with my brood of boys. Practical and stylish, my handbags get the job done. And that is precisely why I don't deviate. I have more options to pull from. I have a little stash of hangbags in my closet, quite lonely and forlorn because they are sadly not a favorite at the moment.

My handbag choice seems to change with the seasons of my life. I've always yearned to be able to switch between purses and totes and clutches day to day but I can't.

Tell me what your handbag style is. Do you stick to a certain one and hold on for dear life? Or do you live it up and switch it up often? Do you gravitate towards a certain color or does anything go?

my favorite and my best | beauty edition.

2012-01-17T08:58:00.000-08:00

My little sister was asking me the other day what are some of my favorite beauty products. And so a post is born. I told her I would compile a list of my tried and true favorites. Herewith are a few products I just can not live without.

1. mint candy apple by Essie - I go back to this color often. It works great in any season and looks fantastic on your tootsies!

2. super by dr nicholas pericone Bright Eyed - I've been on the search for a favorite eye cream. I am not sure if I have found it yet, but right now I am loving the eye cream from the super line. It's pretty super y'all.

3. hot tools curling iron - My absolute favorite brand for a curling iron. Hands down wins my vote!

4. love forever by Mac - Favorite bright pink lip color! Goes on smooth and the color lasts.

5. fekkai sheer hold hairspray - I like this hairspray because it gives you a good hold but can be brushed out easily. I just hate a sticky mess.

6. oribe dry texturizing spray - This gives you awesome volume when you want a little uumph!

7. retro pink by bobbi brown - My most favorite pink lip color of all time! It glides on, moisturizers and delivers the most beautiful shade of pink evah!

8. mia clarisonic - My skin has never felt so clean. Which is a good thing right now, because it is acting like I am in HS again. Shame on you skin!

9. i want candy by tokyo milk - I am so completely picky when it comes to wearing a scent. And this is a keeper.

10. rosebud perfume co. lip balm in minted rose - Keeps my lips from becoming chapped. I am only slightly addicted.

11. tweezerman - All time favorite tweezers. I do my own brows most of the time and these are a must, must, must!

12. lash love by mary kay - After searching and searching I have found my most favorite mascara! This stuff works ladies!

13. dr hauschka normalizing day oil - Delivers just the right amount of moisture without ever making my skin feel oily.

14. pale pink blush by bobbi brown - Best color! I wear this color of blush ever day and sometimes use it as a base blush and layer another color on top.

And there you have it! My beauty routine is constantly evolving but the above have been in rotation for quite a while. What are a few of your beauty products you can't live without?

currently crushing.

2012-01-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

What are you crushing?

1. bobbi brown papaya (I have this color. much brighter in person. LOVE!)
2. clare vivier weekender
3. tory burch ballet flats
4. areawear gold pig bank
5. fossil mila skirt

friday favorites : by Marie.

2012-01-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

image credit | jcrew.com

a few of Marie's favorite things

coffee

blogging

j.crew

cooking

minimalistic design

any time spent with my Husband

learning

blueberry crisps topped with natural vanilla ice cream

searching for hidden gems at the thrift store

going to plays & stage shows

thanks Marie and happy happy friday!

Listen up, I am running low on friday favorites and I want your submission. Find the details here!

jbella.

2012-01-12T09:24:00.000-08:00

image credit | jbellashop.net

I really, quite possibly need this top from jbella. It looks perfect for the mild Texas winter we are experiencing. Jbella is filled with all sorts of lovelies for you. Yes, I am talking to you ladies. If you are not one of the gals who swore of any purchases during the first 90 days of 2012 as a resolution, then may I suggest heading over to jbella. You'll like the selection you. Pinky swear!

pssst... jbella is a current MFT sponsor. Don't worry. These are my thoughts. my opinions. my words. Interested in becoming a sponsor? email me for details. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

are you a lefty or a righty in the bedroom?

2012-01-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

As I slipped into bed last night a thought occurred to me --- I wonder what side of the bed the female population typically sleeps on? Completely random and obtuse but that is how my particularly tired brain was thinking at the moment.

Way back when, I use to be a lefty. There was no compromise. I needed to sleep on the left side of the bed. You know, when you stand at the foot of the bed and look at it. I needed that left side. But somewhere along our (almost) ten years of marriage I switched. Well fancy that!

After our hotel living days, (we traveled for the mister's job and lived in hotels --- sounds much more glamorous than it actually was), after our apartment living days and sometime in our first home, I kicked the mister off the right side and claimed it as my own. I believe it happened sometime after the birth of our second. I realized the right side of the bed had more floor space for all the baby paraphernalia and decided, huh, I should move on over.

And ever since then I've taken up residence on the right side. I've been known to flip flop back, say, if we are staying away on holiday and the bed has a side table on the left and not the right. I'll claim the left with said side table because I am greedy like that.

So tell me, do you sleep on the left or right? Does it matter to you? Have you always slept on that particular side?

neighborhood friends.

2012-01-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

image credit | auburn soul

I remember my neighborhood friends fondly. We would take our bikes out on sultry summer days and cruise around and through the houses navigating our own course to wherever our imaginations could take us.

I've been waiting for that to happen, with some trepidation. I knew once Tyler started kinder, it would only be a matter of a short time before the requests came flooding in.

Just last week Tyler came to the realization that one of his good classmates lives a street over from us. Let the fun begin!

Do you have rules around friends coming over?
Rules around letting your child go to a friends house?

Do tell! This is all new to me.

doTERRA.

2012-01-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

I have found that doTERRA essential oils have quickly become well, essential in my own home. I have already had to replace our top two favorites because we use them frequently, as in --- every. single. day.

Lavender scaled the rapidly, quickly becoming not only my favorite but one that my boys request before bedtime. All three of my little guys suffer from eczema to some extent. I mix lavender with the fractionated coconut oil (it helps the oils glide on smoothly) in a small roller-ball top vial. After showers and baths each night I roll the lavender on any questionable "itchy" spot. It has also worked great for chapped cheeks. Plus my two older love that it helps them relax and fall asleep easier.

And coming from a person very sensitive to smells, I have had no qualms with the essential oils that I currently own. They all boast a very clean, very pure scent.

Are you a fan?

Pssst... doTERRA is an MFT sponsor. My thoughts. My words. My opinions. I only post what I love! Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email me for more details. info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

currently crushing.

2012-01-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

I'm considering making "currently crushing" a weekly feature here at MFT. What say you dear readers? Would you like to see? Do you like individual pictures or collages?

image credits

1. jieldusa.com
2. stelladot.com
3. anthropologie.com
4. maccosmetics.com (love forever)

link love.

2012-01-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

image credit | fifiduvie

Happy Monday friends! Hope you had a relaxing weekend. Lots of wonderful links to share but here are a top few from the last week that made my favorites.

A list of beauty resolutions.
Five simple rules for happiness.
A good quote.
A picture an hour.
Moroccan rug anyone?

happy happy friday!

2012-01-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

Can I just say how happy I am that Friday as arrived in all her glory! My oldest has been having a terrible time getting reacquainted with school. There have been many tears this week. But now the weekend is here and Saturday night has been declared movie night around these parts. Popcorn! Candy! And snuggles! Sounds pretty perfect to me.

What will you be doing this weekend?

keepsake box.

2012-01-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

image credit | paloma's nest

When my oldest lost his first tooth, it was magic! I wanted to make the occasion extra special. After all, growing up is a big deal folks. We used this certificate the first time, which was fantastic. But I'd love a little keepsake box to put his tiny teeth in. You know, make it easy for the tooth fairy and all.

What does your child use when the tooth fairy comes for a visit?

a new year. new goals. new habits.

2012-01-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

A stream of thoughts rushed into my head this morning as I showered and got ready to take on the day. I haven't yet formulated all of my goals. All of my habits I would like to put in place. But I will soon. Very soon.

I do know a reoccurring thought that keeps nudging at my heart and my mind is to be present with my little family. I had a bit of a hard time balancing blogging and mother hood last year. That is do partly to a lot of personal events that took place. 2011 was rocky and faith testing. But we are stronger for it. At one point I felt as though I wasn't blogging for me anymore and when that happened, the passion died. I am here to reclaim it.

I've decided that I will get back to the roots of why I love blogging. I love to discuss what weighs on my mind and hash it out with you dear readers. And I also love to share my favorite things with you. It curbs the shopping appetite (most of the time). I believe once that happens, it will free my mind, my spirit and my body to focus on the most important thing to me in the universe. My children. My husband. My family.

The mister and I make a pretty stellar team when it comes to parenting. We have our disagreements. I tend to get bossy. The mister comes across (to me) as a know-it-all but at the end of the day, we have each others backs. Our core mission with our boys is to instill in them a deep rooted sense of who they are, their divine potential. I want to armor them with confidence that no matter what life throws their way, they are loved. They are enough.

We've recently been watching Friday Night Lights and the thought that keeps replaying in my mind is --- oh the teenage years will do me in for sure. And then a light bulb went off! What I do now as a parent, the choices I make, the values I teach, the love I give, the moments I create, will make all the difference when the teenage years show up banging at the door. I want my children to always trust me. To talk to me. To share with me. And I want to trust them. Let them test their wings and fly and ultimately know that they will return. That no matter what, there is a road back.

If I accomplish nothing but one thing this year, this will be it. To mother with my whole heart. My whole being. Even on the hardest days, where exhaustion settles in and tempers begin to flare, I want to rise above that, because my boys deserve nothing less.

I'll be sure to share the rest of my goals soon. In the mean time, share of few of yours with me whydontcha?

if I only had a brain.

2012-01-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

I am sorry, so sorry! The sickness and holidays threw me for a loop and I 100% completely forgot to announce the Shabby Apple giveaway winner. Read on to find out if you were the lucky lady.

If not, no worries, be sure to enter the Olay giveaway for a $50 gift card.

Congratulations Amy! I hope you enjoy the skirt. Please email me your shipping info ASAP!

motherhood | education.

2012-01-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

image credit | Gabo Morales | via flickr

Lately my mind has been pondering thoughts of education and exactly how I want my boys to be educated as they continue to grow.

I made the decision long ago to only have my boys attend one year of preschool before kinder. I want to be the greater influence in their life. To help cultivate. To guide. To encourage. And now that my oldest is half way through his first year at public school, I start to wonder if this is the path I want them on.

I have yet to dive in and "really" research. I plan to. I've read some interesting articles on home schooling, unschooling and the Waldorf method.

Parenthood is such a magnificent and sometimes scary mantel to carry. I have three little people depending one me. Depending on me for so much more besides the obvious food & shelter. I want to do them right.

Chime in. How were you schooled? How do you plan on schooling your children?

I'd love to line up interviews with a few bloggers on the different methods I've mentioned. If you know someone that would be a good fit, send them my way!

ding ding. pat bells.

2012-01-03T06:00:00.001-08:00

Nicholas has been having the time of his life making music on his new pat bells! I on the other hand am reconsidering my decision (not really). Our house may be full of noise but it's good. Oh so good.