My Favorite Things in 2016

Hello there, dear readers! Last year I participated in a fun Favorite Things post and thought it would be great to do it again this year. You can see last years post here. I love reading blog posts like this, it’s so great to get a few gift giving ideas this time of year. The holiday season is upon us, after all. This is in no way shape or form a sponsored post. Just a collection of products I have loved over this past year. There are a few affiliate links included, just so you are aware of that.

On to the list!

Rachel Ray Silicone Oven Mitt with Quilted Liner

I received one of these wonderful oven mitts as a gift last year and absolutely love it. I seriously have issues with oven mitts and am constantly getting them dirty when handling hot food from the oven. This mitt is a dream because the silicone covering washes up so easily with just a little hot soapy water from my sink. I also love how thick and protective it is. You can handle hot things that are a little bit wet with no problem at all. Highly recommend this one!

Anchor Glass Measuring Cups

I don’t know what I would do without these fabulous glass measuring cups! If you have followed my blog for a while now you most likely have seen them in many of the instructional photos, I use them for all kinds of things. They are prefect for melting chocolate or caramel in the microwave, measuring any liquid, combining and measuring sauce ingredients or heating water or milk.  My kids use them to reheat soup or cook ramen noodles in the microwave.  They are a must have in my kitchen and make a great wedding or shower gift as well.

 Steralite Ultra Seal Bowl Set

I love this bowl set for many reasons, but top on the list are the lids. They snap over the side of the rim and keep the contents of the bowl contained and air tight. Great for transporting salads, fruit (love it for watermelon chunks!) and can be used in the microwave, fridge or freezer. They are light weight and very inexpensive. This set is less than $10 at Walmart.

Amope Pedi Perfect Wet and Dry Rechargeable Foot File 

I can’t say enough great things about this amazing electric foot file/heel sander. As one who has heels as tough and rough as a jagged mountainside, this tool has been a lifesaver to me this year. It is rechargeable, you can use it dry or wet (use it in the shower if you so choose, amazing!) it will take all those rough, dry and cracked spots on your heels off with ease and precision. I noticed this particular box set will be on sale at Costco on black Friday for $20 off of  $59, a great deal considering it includes three roller heads.
I’ve also seen them at Walmart and Amazon.

Sensational Gel Polish Starter Kit with LED Lamp

My daughter Emily got one of these fun Gel Polish kits for her birthday last year and wow, have my girls and I ever put it to good use. It comes with a LED lamp and one color of polish. I’ve seen this brand of polish at Walmart, Smiths and on Amazon. We’ve had the best results with it, though there are many other gel polish brands available. One of the great features of gel polish is…once the application process is complete your nails are completely dry. They generally last for 1-2 weeks, which is great as well!

 
Ice Breakers Ice Cube Gum

Ok, seriously. This is the best gum ever. The pieces are just the right size, the flavor lasts a long time, they come without a wrapper (my purse has never been cleaner!) and come in a cute little container with an air tight cap, so they stay fresh a ton longer. We love this gum. It’s available all over, I usually buy it at Walmart.

Hawaiian Sweet Maui Onion Kettle Chips

Have you seen these amazing chips at Costco? My sister brought some to a family reunion this summer and we all fell in love with them. They have a sturdy crispy texture and a very mild, slightly sweet and salty flavor. Yum! Fabulous with a sandwich, burger or just to snack on. Highly recommend.

Tombow Dual Brush Markers 

Handlettering is a hobby I’ve picked up over the past year or so. (Mostly as a form of relieving stress, if I am being honest! 🙂 I love learning new things and working my way into the ins and outs of different art forms. It seems to clear my mind and for that I am grateful! I wish there were more time in the day to spend on this kind of therapeutic luxury. Ha! I figure, that will come in time as my kids move away from home.)

These Tombow Dual Brush Markers are awesome and fun to practice brush lettering with. They take a little bit of instruction; lucky for me (and any of you who are interested!) there are some fantastic online resources out there.

Dawn Nicole Designs posts free printable practice sheets every so often and frequently gives tips in her Instagram feed. She also has a fun Facebook group where she posts a different prompt each day.

Handlettered Designs has a beautiful instagram feed and offers some great online courses. They often offer free coloring pages (pictured above) and other fun things as well.

Scripture Study Made Simple The Book of Mormon

I came across this beautiful book one day while at the library. I have been using it as a companion for my study of The Book of Mormon and can’t say enough great things about it.  The entirety of the actual text of The Book of Mormon is contained here, with the addition of  interjected passages from prophets and apostles (mostly from conference addresses) that correlate with many of the specific verses through out each chapter.  It has been very insightful to me and has seriously enhanced both my study and testimony of The Book of Mormon tremendously.