My Favorite Things

For a while now I have been focused on what we've eliminated from our life.....pop (since 6-1-08), dairy/coffee (5-1-09), and TV (7-8-08) but as those habits fall by the wayside I've been focusing on the things I'm enjoying these days - some are little indulgences, others are a special part of our lifestyle here in BearCountry, and a few are things that I've recently discovered....

Like #1 on my list (which by the way is not ranked at all):

Homemade relish - onions, cilantro, Italian seasoning, a drizzle of Italian dressing, chopped tomato, and sometimes lettuce. YUM!



#2 Eating on our big wrap-around deck - especially when it includes flowers from home and lemonade...
#3 Pita Pockets - I've bought these in the past, but on a recent trip I found some from the Damascus Bakery that are incredibly soft and quite GOOD! I have some checking on a few of the ingredients to do yet but at least they aren't hot dog buns or filler bread. The bag on the right definitely a healthy option, but of course, they are a tad dry.

It is so nice to be able to keep the kids sandwiches from falling apart and not spend $4 on a loaf of bread that isn't very healthy. (PapaBear only likes white and then I fight the battle with the kids about which kind of bread they have to eat...) This way we just don't have bread in the house. Period.

Another new taste at our house is #4 on my list: Almond milk. Rice milk didn't go over all that well, but we're doing OK with unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
I love that I can buy a bunch and keep them in my cupboard until I need one. Saves room in my refrigerator and trips to the store.


Speaking of going to the store... This handy little bag is #5. I keep it in my purse for those times when I end up having a lot of extra little things to haul home from wherever. Today we used it when we made an impromptu stop at the grocery store to pick up lunch to eat at the Mall. I was glad I didn't have to carry a Cub Foods bag through Von Maur.

Sometimes I use my Chico bag to hold this bag.... #6 - My Wahmies Diaper Bag
"But I thought you were done with potty training?" I am, but a mom always has to be prepared! I use this bag to contain wipes, spare training pants, and an extra outfit. It's waterproof since it was designed to hold wet cloth diapers so if Julia has an accident I have a place to put her wet clothes without having to worry about the smell.

The few times I flew with the kids while they were in diapers we used this same set up, only with diapers. It's SO much easier to grab the bag with all the supplies in rather than digging for each individual item.

Speaking of bags, #7 is my purse, a Christmas present from MckMama, I don't know how I survived without it. Before this beauty came into my life and turned me into a grown up, I was content to schlep around my trusty EddieBaur backpack diaper bag with all the necessities crammed inside.

Isn't it funny what makes us suddenly feel all grown up?

Like seeing my daughter in her swimming suit this year sans swim diaper - #8 on my Favorite Things list for the summer of 2009.

Already she's been spending lots of time outdoors in her various suits. One of my favorite places to hang out is over there...
...under the giant willow trees - #9 on my list. Growing up I always wanted to spread a blanket out under huge willows and read.

When we're not down by the willows we're enjoying #10 - Our hammocks
Or over there watering my garden. This is my #11. I love tending to the plants that are growing in the straw. PapaBear often offers to water the garden for me, but I enjoy doing it.

My final favorite thing is Bit-O-Honey - #12 We may be eating tons of fruits and veggies , but this little treat reminds me of my childhood and hits the spot when I need a little something sweet...


The kids have a few favorites right now as well...

#1: Awesome Grandma Garage Sale finds....


#2 Running through the sprinkler

I suppose I could count these as my favorites too...the kids are playing together and good about entertaining themselves. It's going to be a fun summer!!!!

Now it's your turn - what are some of YOUR favorite things?

(I had intended to post a Mr. Linky, but the site is not cooperating so it'll have to wait)

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