I’m Obsessed! 35 Things That Make Me Swoon

There are some things in life that make me weak in the knees. Seemingly insignificant, they bring me much joy, make me smile, and feel peaceful or excited. A few weeks ago, I started carrying around a notebook and making my list. I could probably keep going but I’ll stop and share. Because today is a great day and I’m only focusing on the positive. Perhaps tomorrow Snarky Lizzy will return.

Exploring new places

I love going to places I haven’t been before. Just this past week was Spring Break and we discovered new parks in our own backyard. Fun!

House of Cards

 

I am completely obsessed with this Netflix series. My mom and I watched the entire two seasons in less than two weeks. Kevin Spacy and Robin Wright are phenomenal. Ruthless and shocking. The writing is superb, the character development fascinating, and the story line never predictable. Plus, it’s set in Washington, DC and all about politics. Which brings me to my next obsession…

Claire Underwood’s style

 

I wish I had the cash to dress just like Claire from House of Cards. Polished and tailored; impeccable taste. Her shoes and dresses make me swoon. Her hairstyle makes me (almost) long for the days that I had really short hair. Bummer I can’t afford to splurge on endless Theory shirts, Laboutin boots, and Burberry coats. But a girl can dream, no?

Surprise gifts
On Sunday, a very special man in my life surprised me with beautiful earrings. It was so unexpected! It wasn’t about the earrings (well, it sort of is—they’re my favorite, that’s how pretty they are), but about the thoughtfulness.  

Outdoor walks
Just yesterday, I took a very long walk along a river and in the quiet, I noticed as much around me as I could. The smell of nature, birds, a big fat black feral cat, and even a dead snake. This is where I find God. It’s almost a spiritual experience.

Organic apple slices
I buy these at Costco. So easy to open the fridge, grab a bag and nibble on their healthy goodness all day long.

Samsung Galaxy Note
Best phone EVER with a big screen that I can actually see without searching for my glasses. Love love love.

Flip flops
I own 18 pairs of flip flops and, no doubt, I’ll buy a few more this summer. So easy to slip into and so many pretty styles from which to choose. I always end up buying fun colors or those with some bling. The more “out there”, the better.

Junior Mints

VitaMix blender
Not a cheap appliance but it’s priceless. I make smoothies almost every day with it. A banana, organic frozen berries, coconut milk, flax seed oil and chia seeds. Yum! I feel healthy just typing this out.

Reach dental floss (with elasticity!)

I found a dental floss that has some elasticity to it and it just gets to all the crevices in my teeth and gums. I now carry some of this floss in my bag so I have some with me all the time. I sneak a floss break in the bathroom stalls when necessary.

Neiman Marcus Last Call
On stop it I am so in love with this site that there are just no words. It’s my favorite online shopping experience. Amazing prices, cutest clothes, super fast shipping. I check the site out many times per week and have indulged too many times.

Falling asleep with the TV on
I love the luxury of being able to start watching a TV show and if I’m tired, just nodding off to sleep. For me, this is incredibly relaxing and feels a little indulgent.

Bath time
Taking a great book into the tub and soaking in hot water and Epsom salts is a perfect way to end an evening. Nothing bad in life can happen when I’m in the tub.

Essential oils
A friend introduced me to Doterra essential oils and I’ve become a serious addict. Peppermint, bergamot, lavender and eucalyptus I use daily. They smell amazing and are highly effective in naturally treating many of my ailments, like headaches, congestion and bug bites. Besides the oils I just mentioned, I think I own all of them– from lemon to grapefruit to clove. Big huge fan, I am.

InStyle magazine
I buy an issue every month and try to emulate many of the outfits.

Hair extensions

When I lost all my hair thanks to chemo and it started growing back, it was a happy day. But I had very short hair once I decided to pitch my wigs (see photo above). I waited until I had just enough length (three inches, I think) and then got hair extensions. All of a sudden, I went from short to long, just like that! I cheered. I looked like the old me pre sickness. Whoohoo! Added bonus? Kelsey, my hairdresser, is phenomenal. I see her once a week and not only is she a great stylist, she’s one of my favorite people on the planet. Double bonus!

Sourdough bread

Handbags
Kate Spade and Michael Kors are my favorite handbag brands. My guilty pleasure! Fun, whimsical, colorful and great quality.

Groupon
I love a great deal and this site is so fun to peruse.

Bras
Pretty, sexy and feminine bras makes me feel, well, pretty, sexy and feminine.

Hiking trails
There are few things I love more than outdoor hikes. I love exploring by foot.

Travel options
I have my bucket list of places I want to visit and I’m endlessly searching for my next vacation spot.

My thoughtful stepdaughter
Today is my daughter’s fourteenth birthday and my (former) stepdaughter, Kelly, sent her a birthday gift and a beautiful card. I got teary just reading it. And for good measure, Kelly also sent a small gift for Siena, my eight year old, too. Kindness is one of the best things ever.

Sundresses
The best part of summer? The ease of getting dressed. And sundresses are the easiest way to look fashionable in, like, two seconds. A pair of panties, bra optional, throw on a cute sundress, a pair of flip flops and sunglasses. All done! (Add a colorful handbag and a bottle of Smart Water and no additional accessories needed.)

Hating Fifty Shades of Gray
I seriously have no idea how this book was ever published. It is literally the dumbest book I have ever read. The writing was so terrible that I pulled out my red pen and started editing. I want to choke Anastasia and Christian is a true sociopath.

Vintage décor and shabby chic decor
I love this look. Painted furniture, international prints, and vintage inspired accessories. I discovered a cute shop in my neighborhood that’s all things shabby chic. Whenever I need an emotional pick me up, I just go browse. It’s free and fun.

Eos lip balm 
I love the shape of Eos, it’s not toxic, and smells yum. I think I have 20 of these all over the house, in my car, and in my bag. My daughter, Siena, tries to steal them from me but every time I catch her, I take them back and give her a good old fashioned Mommy lecture. They are MINE.

Afternoon catnaps

Crio Brew
Similar to coffee, Crio is simply a coco bean that’s brewed. Add a little cream and this is not only delicious, but a super food. It’s a healthy alternative to coffee.

Fit & flair dresses
So figure flattering no matter what your shape. It’s a little Mad Men in style, another show that I’m obsessed with.

Massage
A trip to the spa? Bliss.

Cleanliness & order
A messy home gives me anxiety attacks. My home must always be clean with laundry put away, and smelling delicious. This makes my children a little nutty but the alternative makes me nutty, and that’s far worse. (A little sidenote: When I was married and in the depths of a horrible relationship, I was seriously OCD about cleaning. I would literally take out a toothbrush and start scrubbing the floors. I am not that bad anymore! I’ve recovered from that insanity, thank goodness!)

Radar Online
I have to get my celebrity gossip fix every day. This is my favorite gossip site. I like the layout better than TMZ, though I visit that site often, too.

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