Favorite Things 2019

 Nespresso Evoluo

Our dear friend Kate treated us to this incredible machine and we have fallen in love with it.  It makes a crazy good cup of joe that rivals any coffee shop. Make sure you get the milk frother for those almond milk lavender lattes –> my fav!

 

 

AirBnb

Be a traveler, not a tourist!  Part of that journey is living like a local and there is no better way than staying in the home of a local resident.  We love to travel this way.  So much so, we have become super-hosts to a few vacation rentals of our own.  Check ’em out or sign up HERE!

 

Blonde Batiste

This is my favorite dry shampoo.  It’s amazing… especially to lighten dark blonde roots.  Also avail for brunettes.

 

 

 

RHOA

This year I finally discovered The Real Housewives series from BRAVO.  I don’t have cable, so I watch it on Hulu (commercial free – yesssssss)  I’ve binged through Bev Hills, the OC, and NYC.  But my favorite, BY FAR, are my girls from Atlanta!  They keep it real and I love their fashion.  Plus, NeNe and Phaedra have the best quotes.

 

 

Rover.com

Dog-sitting has become something we really enjoy.  Especially since losing our boy Monty in October.  If you love pets too, but don’t want to commit to adopting a pet, Rover.com is an amazing opportunity to host doggie day care and overnight stays in your own home.  Please sign up through my link HERE!

 

Scaffold

This scaffolding is a game changer for anyone who is remodeling a home.  Much easier to maneuver than a ladder.  I just can’t imagine cutting-in anymore without it.  (Thanks again Steven! 🙂

 

Teal Roller Skates

I used to love roller skating as a kid… so why not give it another whirl 30 years later?  While I’m not quite up to ‘speed’ on all of the tips and tricks I used to know, I’m still trying and having fun.  After a bunch of research, trying several different styles, etc… these were the winner!  They are super comfortable, fashionable, solid in construction, AND at a great price.  I added red laces to mine;)

 

Brooke’s Birthday

Brooke has been my bestie since highschool!  Being the ‘new kid’ is never easy, especially as a freshman – but Brooke definitely made it easier for me.  I’ve appreciated her love and support throughout all of these years and just couldn’t help but want to capture a little piece of what makes her so special.  She is, by far, one of the most doting and loving aunts I’ve ever met.  Her niece and nephew are so important to her and it shows.  Same goes for her friendships.  See the gifts on the table???  Those are for her friends – on HER BDAY!   That’s just Brookie and only a few of the reasons she is the BEST.  Happy Birthday Brookie!  Love you gurrrrl 😉

Favorite Things

Please use the blue links below to purchase any of the following fabulous items…

 

Blue Q Socks – Women & Mens

For the peeps in your life that have everything… I guarantee they don’t have a pair of these socks… so many awesome pairs to choose from for Guys and Gals.  Thanks to my friend Ems for introducing this brand to me with a pair for my bday.  I think of her every time wear them.

 

 

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Get stronger!  Make one of your New Years resolutions to read this book!  I am going to put it on my Audible list again – it was ‘that’ good;)

 

 

Silpat Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat, Half Sheet Size, 11-5/8" x 16-1/2"Silpat Baking Sheet

My mother-in-law bought this for us a couple of xmas’s ago and we just love using it.  It makes baking easy with non-stick surface.  Definitely saves on foil and scrubbing.

 

 

My Heat Buddy

As you may know from my past fav things, I’ve been obsessed with the Bed Buddy for years.  But this year I found an even better option at WI State Fair!  I use it everyday.  Warmth lasts for hours, which is much longer than my former Bed Buddy AND it doesn’t smell like the rice filled Bed Buddy either.  Double-win!

 

 

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Elements East

I started taking free meditation sessions at this home store in the Third Ward.  The owner has curated a collection of beautiful things.  I love the incense and the candle selection.  Just spending time in this space is a dream.  Treat yo self!

 

 

Image result for prius vPrius V

When we had to replace our commuter, we picked the Prius V.  It drives a bit different from the standard Prius.  You sit higher up like a crossover and it’s a lot more spacious than the tradition compact.  It has almost same storage as our BMW X3!  Averaging 40mpg, we save a ton when we are going long distances.  Don’t get me wrong, I still love our X3, it’s just great to have a commuter to offset the premium gas costs of the beemer.  They actually discontinued this line because the highlander did better for them.  So the V is definitely a hot commodity.  Hopefully Toyota will bring it back when we need a new one!

 

 

Clazzio Seat Covers – with HEAT!

We love leather seats in our cars, so when our Prius V didn’t come with leather, we opted for this much less expensive option.  Easy to self install and look just like factory installed leather.  Actually… better!!!  For an extra $100, you can get heated seats too.

 

 

Michelle Collins Show

This morning show on Sirius XM is my new fav next to Howard Stern.  Michelle is hilarrrrrrrrrr!  If you don’t have XM, don’t try it.  Once you do, you will never be able to live without it;)

 

 

Image result for vanderpump rulesVanderpump Rules

I kept hearing Michelle Collins talk about this show on her show so I had to check it out.  Steven and I binged the entire 5 seasons and can’t wait for the new season to start next month.  I also started watching the Real Housewives of Bev Hills since Lisa Vanderpump is among the cast.  However Steven does not watch that one;)

 

 

 

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Truvani Tumeric

The food babe, Vani Hari, started her own company of ‘food without lies’.  Her tumeric tablets are the best you can find.  They help you feel good from the inside out.  Seriously, ven Steven takes them.

 

 

 

Maggie Rogers

Saw her on SNL and haven’t stopped listening to her since.  She is a brilliant artist!  Pre-order her album from the link above.

Wood Ranch

What an incredible experience… while out West to shoot a wedding, our bride and groom invited us to tour the groom’s 80,000 acre family ranch.  We were so honored to capture the history here.  This place is majestic… and EXPLOSIVE!  YeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaw! Special thanks to the Woods for hosting such an amazing day!

Favorite Things 2017

1.  Health Coachmke mindbody wellnessOne of the most important investments I made in my life this year was hiring a health coach.  This is NOT a therapist – that is separate.  This is someone who helps direct your life forward and encourages you to keep that momentum.  It’s not just a relationship with food, or with others, it’s the relationship you have with yourself.  My health coach Kerri Weisoff at Milwaukee MindBody Wellness championed me out of my comfort zone and helped me tap into the parts of myself that really nurture my mind, body, and spirit.  I’m so grateful.

 

 

 

2.  Suja Green JuiceAs you know, I love our juicer!  But when I need a quick green juice, I reach for this one.  You can grab an entire cleanse for under $50.  If you like it, get the big bottles at Target;)

 

 

 

 

3.  Pure Barre ClassesI’ve been doing Pure Barre dvds on my own for years, but this year I treated myself to the studio sessions and I LOVE it!  Not only do they give you personalized encouragement, you also get the position corrections that you just don’t get with the videos;)

 

 

 

 

4.  Infrared SaunaSuffering from seasonal affect disorder?  Try a sauna session at a wellness studio, or buy one. Here is one like we purchased – for more room! (A cheaper version here:).  We used to have an old school one in our last house (heated rocks), but this year we bought an infrared one and it’s on an entirely different level of detoxing.  Infrared bakes you from within, rather than traditional saunas that bake you from the outside.  Seriously, I don’t sweat, I ‘glow’, but this sauna makes me drip in detoxing sweat!  Yes!

 

 

 

5.  Loving Kindness Meditation

Another cue taken from my health coach…  At first, meditation made me uncomfortable because I am so fast paced.  This new exercise has really helped shape me for the better.  I actually enjoy listening to them in the sauna.

 

 

 

6.  Loreal Longwear Lipstick

My fabulous friend gave me a bunch of lipsticks and I was so surprised by this one!  It lasts as long as my coveted (and unfortunately discontinued) MAC pro longwear and it’s a third of the cost!  I get lots of compliments on my color 107!

 

 

 

7.  EMPIRE

I love me some hip hop.  So it’s no surprise that I fell in love with this series. The soundtracks are free to stream on Amazon Prime!  This is my fav and so is this one featuring ‘Drip Drop’.  So check out the 1st bingeworthy season and if you like it as much as I did, also check out the spinoff show from Empire, called ‘STAR’.

 

 

 

8.  Dave Ramsey

I remember syndicating Dave Ramsey for AM620 WTMJ back in my late night radio days.  I loved what he had to say then about money and have used his principles since.  Definitely get the book!  I’m really loving his station that airs on Sirius XM’s online version – totally worth the extra cost to buy the internet version in addition to your car access.  It works with Alexa too  (now only $30!) – bonus!

 

 

 

9.  AUDIBLE

I’ve used this books on tape app SO much this year.  One of my favorite books is THE 5 SECOND RULE.  This book will change your life.  If there are things you never have time to do or procrastinate, or keep telling yourself ‘someday’ – this book is for you!  5,4,3,2,1 is something I find myself doing every day now.  Such an incredible book to get on Audible and listen to while you work out or walk the dogs:)

 

 

 

10.  Benefit Brow Pencil

My Mom and I are always looking for the best brow pencil/pomade/wax/etc.  This pencil is a game changer!  The difference with this pencil is that you are able to make the most skinny strokes and it really looks like hair!  It’s more natural than just filling them in with other products.  Seriously, I just stocked up on 4 of them with my Sephora coupons!  For a more dramatic/evening look, I like to add the brow volumizing fiber.  Deepens the tone, while still looking natural and translucent.

 

 

 

11.  Pit Paste

There are SO many harmful chemicals in your deodorant.  After trying a few ‘safe’ ones (and NO, Tom’s brand is NOT safe), this works THE BEST!  Especially for someone who pits-out like I do.  Seriously, THE BEST!   Pit Paste is for men and women.  My favorite is the Lavender, but they also have a Coconut Lime I can’t wait to try!  Not sure when that will be though because this stuff LASTS FOREVER!  I’m not kidding, I’ve had my stick for months!!!!!  Amazing product!  Amazing!

 

 

 

12.  Mate Factor Tea

As you know, I am a huge proponent of organic foods.  Tea is actually one of THE most important foods to buy organic.  Know why?  Because non-organic tea is not rinsed when processed.  So you literally are injesting all of the nasty chemicals.  It’s basically like drinking round-up.  SICK!  So of all organic teas, this is our new fav – Mate Factor.  Steven’s Nana introduced us to the brand and I can’t explain it better than to say the flavor is just incredible.  Truly ALL natural and good for you.  The Digestive tea is the best, but we also love the Ginger Tumeric & Mocha Mint after dinner – so yummy!!!!

 

PLEASE US THE LINKS TO PURCHASE AT THE BEST PRICES – HAPPY SHOPPING!

Friends Forever

2017-06-22_0023Celebrating decades of friendship!  Tony & Gerda were our neighbors 25 years ago, when we lived in Belgium.  Robin and Pam (both life long friends of Mom) flew up from Florida to join in the festivities. So happy to have enjoyed the company of all of these fabulous people.          Love you forever, Sarah2017-06-22_0024 2017-06-22_0025 2017-06-22_0026 2017-06-22_0027 2017-06-22_0028SPO_7166

Favorite Things 2016

  1.  Breville Juicerscreen-shot-2016-12-21-at-11-50-45-am

After watching ‘FAT, SICK AND NEARLY DEAD’ Steve and I decided to start juicing regularly.  Not only is this juicer amazing, it makes us feel amazing too!  Our favorite lemonade recipe: 4 Granny Smith Apples & 1 Lemon = YUMMMMMMY!

 

2.  Weleda Salt Toothpastescreen-shot-2016-12-21-at-11-54-58-am

When FoodBabe.com uncovered the carcinogens in just about every mainstream toothpaste, including TOM’S, I thought this would be worth a shot.  It was worth it!  We are hooked.  Not only is it better at cleaning, it makes your breath fresher, longer.

 

3.  Gilmore Girlsscreen-shot-2016-12-21-at-11-58-31-am

After this series came out with new episodes, I figured it had to be good enough to have done that.  So I’ve been binging through this winter weather on Gilmore Girls and loving every minute!  Perfect for every girl who calls her Mom her best friend.

 

4.  Amazon Primescreen-shot-2016-12-21-at-12-04-41-pm

In addition to purchasing a lot of our gear for Asia from Amazon, it’s been a go to for just about all of my online shopping.  Prime includes free shipping, movies and tv shows, so it’s definitely worth the money.  You can even send flowers through Amazon – total bonus!

 

5.  Anastasia Dip Brow

screen-shot-2016-12-21-at-12-06-27-pmBeing blonde, I have to fill in my eyebrows or look like ‘night of the living dead’.  This stuff is fantastic!  Not only does it look natural, but it stays on ALL day!  An item I couldn’t live without on our Asia trip.  Nothing else compares.

 

6.  TIM FERRIS Podcastscreen-shot-2016-12-21-at-12-14-46-pm

This guy is the king of being productive.  Known as the human experiment, he has opened my mind to so many new products, ideas, and ways of doing things.  Check out his best seller ‘The 4 Hour Work Week’.

 

7.  Chrysler Town & Country Mini Vanscreen-shot-2016-12-21-at-12-18-02-pmYep, you heard me right, I said mini van!  Since my BMW was totaled by a drunk driver (at 3pm in the afternoon by the way), Mom lent us her fabulous van until we could pick out a new car.  I don’t have kids and find this vehicle tremendous.  It has SO much space, great pick up, ALL of the amenities I could ever want AND I get some street cred from the other moms in the parking lot.  Can’t say that Steven will officially cross over and buy a van, but it sure is something I suggest to everyone now.  Special thanks to my amazing Mom for giving us the best loaner ever!

8.  Sirius XMscreen-shot-2016-12-21-at-5-02-14-pmAnother bonus to using the incredible mini van is Sirius XM radio!  There is ALWAYS something ‘good’ to listen to.  My favorite channels are Howard Stern 100 and 101 <— don’t judge 😉

 

 

9.  Qalo Wedding Band

screen-shot-2016-12-21-at-12-20-37-pmI wore this during our trip to Asia and just can’t seem to take it off.  It is beyond comfortable and I love the simplistic style.  Goes great with my Fitbit BLAZE watch too! I feel like inspector gadget getting text messages on my watch.

 

 

10.  LOLE Winter Coat

screen-shot-2016-12-21-at-12-24-41-pm

This is the warmest coat I have ever owned, outside of my furs.  The craftsmanship, fit and attention to detail is immediately apparent when you put this coat on.

Sylvester Cellars

So thankful for our special Canadian friends, the Sylvester family, for sharing their incredible love for each other (and wine) with us.  It is always a treat being around these incredible people.  We love you Paul, Audra, Len, & Gina!  Thanks again.  Always, Steven & Sarah  View more photos from our trip on our travel blog HERE and HERE.

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