My Favorite Things {2012 Edition}

Hey everybody!  Melissa at 320 Sycamore is hosting her annual Favorite Things party, and I'm back for the fourth year in a row to join in on the fun!  {ETA: I’m joining The Nester’s $15 and under party, too, since the majority of these items fit that category.  So fun!}  I love browsing other people's favorite lists and getting neat gift ideas - so if you're participating, too, definitely leave your link in a comment so I can come visit you! 

It's funny - as I was thinking of this year's list I decided to look back at my previous posts from years past.  I have to say that everything I've liked before I still really like and/or use.  At least I'm consistent - and honest!  haha :)

So without further ado, here's what I'm loving in 2012:

 

{1} Leopard Flats from Target

I blogged about these flats before, but I really am obsessed with them!  Such a fun and inexpensive way {$15!} to add a little something extra to an outfit.  I'm a traditional-style dresser all the way, so I love when I can find a pattern that also acts as a neutral.  

 

{2} "Lovely" by Sarah Jessica Parker

 

 

This made the list in 2010, but I'm bringing it back because thanks to an amazing Living Social deal I have a big bottle of it again!  I have absolutely NO idea how to describe a perfume scent to you {?} but it really is lovely.  Promise. ;)

 

{3} It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product, Mane and Tail Shampoo and Conditioner, and John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon

  

 

I’ve had very fine, damaged hair since I had Luke in 2009.  These products, plus a round brush and my hair dryer, are my trifecta of hair products.  Believe me, I’m not gonna win any hair awards in Texas, but my hair is a LOT fuller looking than it was 3 years ago (aka no more drowned rat look for Mommy!).  

 

{4} Old Navy Maternity Jersey-Stretch Tanks

 

I can’t tell you how much I have been loving these tanks for this pregnancy.  I have 4 different colors, and I appreciate them for the fact that they actually COVER my belly all the way and allow me to wear all my non-maternity cardis over them.  They’ve really helped stretched my maternity wardrobe this time around (no pun intended! ha.ha.)

 

{5} Indigo Blue Straight-Cut jeans from Motherhood

 

One more maternity item: I love these jeans (I got them for only $29.99 so maybe wait for a sale?).  I am really short and I love that the panel on these comes all the way over my belly and very comfortably.  I’m usually not a fan of Motherhood’s products – to be blunt, I think they’re cheaply made and ridiculously overpriced – but these pants actually fit my body type and don’t fall down my hips and butt.  WIN-WIN FOR ALL, my friends.

 

{6} Downton Abbey

I feel like I was the last girl on planet earth to get into this show, but I’m soooo glad I did.  OBSESSED.  I love that it’s so interesting and sucks you right in but – hey novel idea here! – there’s no raunch factor.  They don’t have to keep upping the ante each time to bring you back – it’s good enough on its own.  LOVE.  {Also I know that Season 3 isn’t coming out until January on PBS but I may or may not have watched it already online which according to friends may or may not be legal?!  lol  But I mean you can order all 3 seasons on DVD if you want…I’m just saying…}

 

{7} Salted Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Bark

{via The Legume Loyalist – recipe here}

People, according to my BFF (and she’s right!) this should be re-named Christmas Crack.  It’s killer.  And so easy!

 

{8} Pampered Chef Paring Knives

I haven’t always had the best luck with Pampered Chef products, but I got these paring knives (they come in a set of 3) from my sister-in-law last year and I still love them! I use them every day.

 

{9} Bloom {Kelle Hampton} & Heaven is Here {Stephanie Nielson}

 

This year two of my favorite bloggers came out with books, and they did not disappoint.  Kelle writes at Enjoying the Small Things and Stephanie writes at NieNie Dialogues.  Both fabulous books and I highly recommend!  {My local library had both so check yours out, too!}

 

{10} Alexia Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Fries

 

One of the downfalls of eating a mostly unprocessed and whole foods diet is the lack of convenience foods – unless you want to pay an arm and a leg.  These fries are some of our favorites – I like them dipped in organic ranch or organic ketchup (or…maybe sometimes both?! haha).  You can find them at Target or most grocery stores.  Yum-o. 

 

{11} Anthropolgie’s Latte Bowls and Homegrown Initial Mug

 

   

I’ve joked before that Target is my happy place, but Anthro is like the store equivalent of my Christmas and my birthday rolled into one.  While paying $238 for a sweater has never appealed to me, their kitchen section is super affordable and when you're in the kitchen as much as I am, having their products just makes everything so much happier.  I have their latte bowls in mint {I think the color got discontinued?} and their “J” intial mug.  Love!

 

{12} Thirty-One Utility Tote

I bought this Thirty-One Organizing Utility Tote last year at a friend’s home party (I have the brown dots pattern) and I LOVE it as a Mom.  It’s big enough that I can put my entire purse and my 3 coupon booklets in there when I head to the grocery store, plus Luke’s cup and snack in the sides.  It’s so practical and durable! 

 

So there’s my 2012 list!  Visit the parties to see what other people are loving this year!