my favorite things. . .

Around my birthday and Christmastime, I always start thinking about my "wish list" and if there is anything that I need. The answer is always no, but it gets me to thinking about all of my very favorite things that I could not possibly live without. right.


First things first. Ugg boots.


I was first introduced to Uggs when I saw a photo in PEOPLE magazine of the characters from SATC wearing these boots in between shooting their scenes (in 5 inch heels). This was back in 2004, and I snatched up the first pair I could find in Nordstrom. Soon after, they became a very hot item and were incredibly hard to find. I'll never forget going to NYC that Christmas and having people walk up to me constantly asking where I was able to find Uggs. I felt very hip in the big city. Then, Cari brought me a pink pair from L.A. and I became even cooler. After moving to the Windy City, I discovered the functionality of Uggs (who knew!) and my collection increased. My new favorites are the Bailey Button (mine are grey), and even though they aren't as functional in the Great State, I wear them ALL the time.


Thorlo walking socks

I don't know what it is about these socks but they are just so darn comfortable! They fit like a glove and offer a LOT of cushion. I've never had to worry about blisters or any foot problems during my workouts when I wear these socks. Unfortunately, they are a little more than I like to pay, so they are perpetually on my Christmas list.


Mary Kay Subtle Tanning Lotion



Several months ago, I (like a lot of people) stopped visiting the tanning salon, not just because of the health risks (which should have been enough to deter me) but also because I wanted to spend that money on a gym membership instead. Once my (awesome) summer tan started to fade, I asked my sister for something that would give me some color and she introduced me to MK subtle tanning lotion. I love it! It has no smell, doesn't stain my hands or clothes, absorbs just like regular body lotion, and gives me a great natural, bronze glow. I even put it on my face sometimes and it works wonders!

Signature Cafe Soup from Tom Thumb


I love, love, love soup, and could eat some every day. I think I got turned on to soup after spending so many hours studying and writing my dissertation at Panera. I am way too impatient to make soup as often as I'd like - luckily, Tom Thumb (my local grocery store) makes delicious soups that taste homemade (because soup out of a can just isn't the same). I stay away from the cream-based soups and stick to the broth based or black bean soups which are fantastic. Of course, the sodium is a little higher than I'd like, but they still make for a great meal once in awhile.


Scentsy flameless candles


My friend Natalie turned me on to these candles last year and I've been hooked ever since! I love candles anyway, but these are a much better alternative due to the fact that they are flameless, therefore it is much more difficult to burn your house down because you forget to blow out the flame. They have a wide variety of scents you can change as often as you like, and the wax is heated by a small lightbulb! I currently have the giraffe print and a small black warmer that plugs directly into an outlet in my bedroom.


The Nail Bar


Oh, the Nail Bar. My home away from home - I love this place! I went here for the first time in Chicago with my friend Ashley and loved sitting up at the bar next to her as we got manicures and chatted while enjoying a beverage. Then, I loved it even more when my manicure lasted DAYS longer than at other places. You can't imagine how excited I was when I found out there was a location in Dallas very close to my house. Seriously, the only two cities that have a Nail Bar are Chicago and Dallas - what are the chances? My friend Brooke goes for weekly manicures and I try to tag along - not as often, but every once in awhile. There's also an Orange Cup right around the corner, so it's like hitting two birds with one stone.


Juicy Couture velour jogging suits

If you're going to wear a jogging suit, this is probably the only acceptable one. And who doesn't love jogging suits? They are SO comfortable. I love having these suits because you can actually wear them outside the house and not be embarrassed to be in "sweats". I got my first JC jogging suit back in 2004 and I still wear it all the time. It's in great shape, and the style hasn't changed at all in 5+ years. Even though I have to get the pants hemmed, the pieces fit me well (though I buy mine a size bigger to avoid the bare belly like the above picture). I've even been lucky enough to snag a few at Nordstrom Rack for half the price.


Pureology Shampoo & Conditioner


I was introduced to Pureology by my hair stylist and was first intrigued because of how good it smells. Then I loved how it made my hair feel. Now I love how healthy my hair is AND this stuff lasts forever! I think it took me about 5-6 months to go through a small bottle.


Clarisonic PRO skin care system

I think I've written about this thing before and how awesome it is. It pretty much feels like getting a facial every time you wash your face! Apparently it was one of Oprah's favorite things a few years ago (though I must have missed that show), then I started seeing them at Bloomingdales and Saks, then my friend Dana got one and raved about it, then I kept hearing more about it and finally caved and bought one (after doing some research, of course). The company claims that you remove 6x more makeup when you use the Clarisonic, which sounds good to me! The way it makes my skin feel after using it was enough to get me hooked!


I might have to make a 2nd edition of this post one day, because there are so many things that I love.