It's birthday week around here and I wanted to continue last year's tradition and share a list of things that made 27 great.
TimerCam app for iPhone / for sure my most used app. I've talked about this over and over but total go to for getting self-portraits with the iPhone.
Essie Ole Caliente nail polish / this was my color last spring and summer. I didn't even notice how frequently I wore it until I saw all my gardening photos together in this book. I can't wait to use it again this summer.
eggs over easy / I haven't been eating runny eggs since I found out I was pregnant, but these were my go to. For a long stretch there, when Paul came home for lunch we ate cheese quesadillas with two eggs over easy, sour cream and sriracha. So good. Runny eggs are my favorite and I can't wait to eat them again.
Chemex / We bought a Chemex shortly after Paul got home from deployment and never looked back. I even gave away our old coffee maker. See a video we filmed about the Chemex works here.
Sons of Anarchy / this show is so good. Almost too good. Paul got hooked on deployment and then got me hooked when he returned. We are caught up through season five and on the edge of our seats for next season. I can't think of a show that has kept me so enthralled for five seasons (and yes, that includes Dexter).
gardening / by far my favorite new hobby. I was so excited this spring to grow my first garden. Basil and tomatoes were my stand out favorites. I learned so much about plants and what works and what doesn't. I cannot wait to dig in (pun intended) again. Hoping to get plants going mid-March this year.
backyard tomatoes / these deserve their own mention in addition to gardening. I have never been a big tomato fan. And now that I have tasted backyard fresh ones, the way they are intended to be eaten, I understand why. I could eat backyard tomatoes like candy and will look forward to the two months every summer where that is possible from now on.
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver / probably my favorite non-fiction book of the year. Inspired my eat local experiment and so many other thoughts about whole eating.
my taped desk / this was such a fun experiment. I think when I set up my new office it might go (it's starting to look a little worn) but I LOVED the bright color while it lasted.
Talenti salted carmel gelato / by far the best frozen treat you can buy at the grocery store.
diagonal stripes / pattern of the year for sure. :)
Great with Child by Beth Ann Fennelly / I have mentioned this book many times now, but it has to be on the list. Such an inspiring book about pregnancy and motherhood.
quilting / I was making quilts before this year, but I hit my stride with this hobby in the past six months for sure. LOVE pulling patterns. Love cutting fabric. Love sewing. But most of all, love cuddling up under a handmade quilt.
maxi dresses and skirts / I know. These would be on a lot of peoples' lists probably as they were trendy this past year. Love the comfort, love the ease. Love that they work on short folks and continue to work through pregnancy.
the Olympics / Paul and I watched almost all of the coverage this year. It was such a fun bonding experience and one of my favorite memories from the best summer ever - for sure.
Bloody Mary's / I became hooked this year. And then once I became pregnant enjoyed the non-vodka version just as much.
rubber stamps / the stamps are my favorite product and project ever. I have had so much fun creating functional designs that I want to use. Excited to see where this product lines goes in the future.
Les Miserables / finding out that the movie was coming out renewed my love for the soundtrack. I listened to it almost non stop in November and December. I enjoyed the movie very much, but I think the anticipation of it was even better.
Shirley Temples / totally my drink of choice since becoming pregnant. I had forgotten how great these are. And how fun they are to order at fancy restaurants.
yoga / this activity snuck back into my life and I am so grateful for it. Making time almost each evening to light candles and stretch has been good for my mind and good for my body.
Josie Maran sunscreen / this has become my go to. Natural, eco-friendly and fantastic. Not sure I'll ever change this up.
the Seafoam kit / I can't not include this. I worked on it for a good part of the year and now have the pleasure of using each week in my Project Life album. One of my favorite projects ever.
FaceTime / I can already tell this is going to make a huge difference in keeping Paul and I connected. Love walking up to a face-to-face chat with Paul every morning. It takes away the sting of him being gone just a little bit.
the big bookshelf / we had this before I turned 27, but I have really loved it this past year. By far my favorite piece of furniture in this townhouse. Based on the layout of our next place, I am not sure if I am going to be able to use it again in the same capacity but I am so glad that I finally got to live out my dream (from 2006!) of having one. ;)
grilled cheese sandwiches / now that I am not eating undercooked eggs, I am eating a lot of cooked sandwhiches. We've started making them in the oven open face. Right onto the top rack goes two pieces of wheat sourdogh, both with cheese and deli sliced ham or turkey on top. The bread toasts, the cheese melts and deli-meat gets cooked. After about five minutes (at 450*) I pull them out, stick them together and enjoy.
beach rocks / collection of the year. So glad I'll have a jar to take with me to our next house to remember the 15 months we lived on a beach.
"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be." - Groucho Marx. / my favorite quote this past year and one I have returned to often.
