motherhood | oh the adventures.

Nicholas Gray came (almost) four years after my Benny.  I had almost forgotten what babyhood was like.  Life doesn't quite run like clockwork with a baby around.  Nic likes to switch it up a bit here and throw me for a loop over there.

Each new milestone is a grand adventure, even the third time around.  Two new teeth (even though he already has six), big deal!  Giggles when we eskimo kiss, like winning the lottery!  Nicholas is my last babe and is a constant reminder for me to live in the moment.  To be present.  And to love deeply.

Last night as Nicholas and I escaped the ruckus down below, I readied myself for his bath.  This boy loves himself a bath.  As soon as my fingers flip the light on, N gives me the signal to get moving and get that water flowing.  He croons in delight and claps his soft baby hands.

All he needs to entertain are two abandoned lidless sippy cups.  The green in the left, blue in the right and he is ready to be soaped up and scrubbed down.  Tonight was especially delightful.  N would position himself on his tiny tummy, pant like a miniature dog, tongue lolling about and hover his face mere millimeters from the water.  N discovered that he could blow bubbles, which he happily did until he inhaled a mouth full of water.  We chatted about how that was not conducive to breathing and he threw back his head in defiance and ducked down for round two.

A few minutes had only passed from the time we entered the bathroom but we had an adventure.  My boy and me.  And what a grand adventure it was.

helpful hint | homemade salad dressing.

I have a killer salad dressing that my friend introduced me to.  It has been tweaked a bit and has resulted in my favorite thing to pour sprinkle on my spinach.  One night, as I was about to make it Stephanie was about to make it, I realized I did not have a jar to mix it in. 

That's when a spotlight fell upon the lonesome baby bottle, used no more.  We poured the ingredients, gave it a few shakes and cut the nipple for a larger opening.  It's perfect!

recipe
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced red onion
3/4 teaspoon poppy seeds
3/4 teaspoon salt

simple gift wrap ideas.

image credit | auburn soul photography

Packaging is almost as important as the gift itself.  Yes?  I know I am not alone on this.  I swoon over expertly wrapped presents and packages. 

But what are you to do if you don't have an arsenal of supplies on hand?  And no spare money to splurge on packaging supplies?  Nab a roll of brown paper, score a handful of inexpensive items at your local target and rummage around your drawers.  Ta da!  Pretty for pennies people!

I believe I spent a total of $15 and still have supplies left over :)

date night with the mister.

Date nights are a priority at this house.  After the sitter arrives, we shed our mama and dada title and hit the town to paint it red.  We might not actually paint the town but we do enjoy spending a few moments away, as husband and wife.  It all started that way and if it is to keep going, we need time together.  Just the two of us.

This past Saturday night we shopped a bit and then grabbed a burger and pumpkin spice root beer at the Twisted Root.  If I could have kissed that glass of bubbly delight I would have.  Pumpkin spice root beer is now a favorite!  After that, husband wanted to drop by Best Buy.  The visit resulted in staying past our welcome (by 45 minutes) but ended with a surprise Christmas present.  For me :) 

And then the night got out of this world glamorous.  It went a bit like this...

ME "We need a gallon of milk babe."
Mister "K."
ME "Let's hit up wally world.  Ugh, I hate wally world".

And so we ended our date with a short stop at Walmart.  I do.  I hate that place and only ever go there after a date with the husband.  It's the only place open.  And I get bad vibes from that monstrosity.  Don't judge.

what are your date nights like?

giving thanks GIVEAWAY!

To say that I am behind is an understatement.  Moving is some tricky business during the holidays with three boys underfoot.  I've come up for air and will dive deep for another round of organizing and all sorts of "stuff you do after you move".  To-do lists keep creeping up all over the place and I am struggling to keep up.  That my friends was the long-winded version of why I didn't post this giveaway last week.  I was knee deep in boxes with no internet.

I love this little blog and I love you even more.  MFT wouldn't exist without you lovely readers visiting me day after day.  I relish your comments (please leave more!) and get excited to share my favorite things.  That may come across as cheesy but I am singing the truth!

This giving thanks giveaway is for you.  I've pulled together some of my tippy-top favorite companies.  Three goodies for you ladies and one for your darling child.  A little bit of love for everyone.  Go forth and feast your eyes.

If you so choose to enter, you will have the chance to take home the following goodies.  Choose to keep or choose to gift.  I'll let you decide that part.

 image credit | pretty mommy

Up first is Pretty Mommy, a favorite sponsor of MFT and also a favorite shop.  Michelle has curated the perfect place of all things lovely.  Honestly, I wish I could discover a money tree.  Clare Vivier.  Laura Lombardi. Object & Totem.  I know, I'm drooling too.  Michelle has so graciously donated a Matta Maya Necklace, winner selects the color.  I have one and it was love at first sight.

image credit | f is for frank

Next on the list is f is for frank!  Yes friends, I adore Casey and Shannah.  Their jewelry is beyond awesome.  Mister surprised me with a few pieces on our anniversary.  He done good ladies.  And now you have the chance to take home a pewter hickory 2-tone necklace.  You'll swoon and then you'll fall in love and then you'll go back for more.

image credit | HOUSE & HOLD

Third item up for grabs if from House & Hold.  Now it's time to show your home a little TLC and dress it up with a Ferm Living Little Geometry Pillow.  You choose the pattern.  If it were up to me I would go with the mint pillow.  Lucky you!

image credit | kickboard USA

And last but not least, Kickboard USA wanted to join in all the fun!  They offer the best scooters around town people.  We own four!  My boys adore scootin' around our neighborhood, zipping along the sidewalks and basically just having a good time.  Kickboard USA will be giving away a Maxi scooter with a T-bar and pilot stick.

Now listen up for the rules and ways to enter.
The giveaway will be open for a whole week this time.  It will run today through the following Tuesday (December 6) and end at 11:59 CST.  You can enter multiple ways so be sure to comment for each mode of entry.

Leave a comment (with email) and tell me what is the best gift you have ever given.
Follow MFT on twitter and tweet about it using @favorite_things.
Like MFT on facebook.
Blog about it.

Ready, set, good luck!

UPDATE!!
The winner of the giving thanks giveaway is...

  You have 48 hours to contact me, otherwise a new winner will be chosen on Thursday.  Thanks for reading!

back to normal broadcasting... almost!

 a little peek inside my bedroom

I am here.  I am alive.  And I do not have internet!  Thanks for being patient.  Normal posting should resume tomorrow, pending the internet guys know what they are doing.  And I have a whopper of a giveaway lined up with a few of my most favorite companies.  Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving friends.  See you soon!

hello goodbye.

Yesterday was moving day.  To say that I am exhausted would be quite an understatement.  We still have a few more loads to tackle before all is said and done but we officially spent our first night in our new place last night.  We will not have interent at our home until Saturday!!!  Yikes!  Maybe that's a good thing.  Posting will be sparse but I will pop on when I can.

If you are in the states, have the happiest of Thanksgivings friends.  Thanks for hanging out with me here at MFT.  I sure do like you.

help my hair with Head & Shoulders.

Friends I have a secret. A dirty little secret.

I suffer from itchy scalp and dandruff.

There I said it. Whew! Now I can move on with life. But really, besides it being a bit embarrassing, it is downright annoying.

Not only do I have oily hair, but I also have an itchy scalp and white flakes. My older sister always tells me that I am not allowed to be tiny and have perfect hair. That just wouldn't be fair. To that I say why not? I don't necessarily want perfect hair (although that would be extremely awesome). At the end of the day, it would be nice not to want to scratch my hair off.

I have tried everything on the market. Okay, that may be stretching the truth a little, but I have tried a slew of products. If it boasts that it will alleviate an itchy scalp and control dandruff, I have most likely purchased the product and crossed my fingers that it will work. It either works but smells terrible or said product helps control the itch but does little to decrease the flakiness. It is a battle I have dealt with for quite a while.

In comes Head & Shoulders Eucalyptus Itchy Scalp Care products. It claims to...

1. relieve itchy scalp
2. leave you with healthy beautiful hair
3. control dandruff

So naturally I put it to the TEST!

Did you know that dandruff is caused by a combination of factors? Three to be exact. Scalp oils (yep, I've got 'em,) a certain type of fungus (eww gross,) and a sensitivity to skin irritation. Unlucky for those of us who have all three, but at least there is a solution.

I am a "wash my hair every day" gal. It is a must. Too much oil. Too much itch. Too much flake. It is frustrating. And so, for a week, every time I showered, I would reach for my Head & Shoulders Eucalyptus Itchy Scalp shampoo and conditioner. I lathered up and crossed my fingers. Here are my results.

First off, because Head & Shoulders uses naturally inspired scents, my hair smells lovely. There is no trace that I just washed my hair with a dandruff control shampoo. The eucalyptus fragrance is perfect. The first test was to see if my hair was left feeling soft after I dried and styled it. Check, it passed.

Two, did I go to bed every night with a not-so-itchy scalp? Check! By the end of the day, the desire to scratch my head off had decreased greatly. Hip hip!

Three, did Head & Shoulders Eucalyptus Itchy Scalp Care products decrease the flakes? Check. Every morning I would part my hair and look at my scalp. Usually once I did that, all hopes for not washing my hair flew out of the window. But honestly, the dandruff had decreased. It wasn't completely gone, but I could get away with a pony tail day and skip the whole washing the hair business.

I was pleasantly surprised at the results I found and even more excited that I could ditch some of the pricier products I had been using. It seems that when the seasons change, my skin & scalp take on a life of their own. Thankfully, now I have a solution.

I believe after having to hear me go on and on about my itchy scalp problem, a giveaway is in order. How would you like to be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card? Yes? Of course you do!

Just tell me --- How do you change your beauty routine in the colder winter season from the warmer seasons? Leave me a comment to be entered for a chance to win the gift card generously provided by BlogHer. Good luck!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 11/21/11 - 12/22/11
Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggersí reviews and find more chances to win!
Want more great tips for winter hair care? Check out the newest ìLooking Your Bestî post in the Life Well Lived section of BlogHer.com.

dove beauty.

Sometimes having the title “mom to three young boys” is exhausting both physically and mentally.  I sometimes need a reminder that I am not only a mommy but also a Molly, a “ME” so to speak.  Trying to find the balance between the two is tricky business.  Fortunately, I have found that when I carve out time for me, I am an all around better mother.

By taking just a bit of time each morning to focus on my well being, my day starts off on the right note and sets the tone for how the day will unfold.  I’ve realized over the years that “taking care of me” is a three-step process.  Physical.  Mental.  Spiritual.  When I look my best, I feel better about myself and I tend to radiate confidence from within.

I have always been concerned with my skin and the products I choose to use.  I am picky, but being picky doesn’t necessarily mean spending insane amounts of money on skin and beauty products.  Often times, some of the best products are hidden gems tucked away at your local drug store.

Dove is my go-to product to nourish my skin.  I grew up using Dove products (of the bar variety) but was just recently introduced to the body wash.  It is silky smooth but doesn’t leave a residue behind.   Your skin is moisturized while you shower and you are left feeling clean but not dry.  I also love the fact that Dove does not have a strong scent, which often can be irritating.  I believe it to be such a great product, I even use it on my older boys.

Stealing away those few minutes, alone, in the shower --- not only nourishes my skin but my body and my soul.  My husband can often find me soaking in a bath after I have tucked all my boys in bed.  I wash the worries of the day away and relax.  A handful of stolen minutes alone can be quite rejuvenating, yes?

So tell me, how do you nourish yourself each day?

Be sure to keep reading to find out how to enter the random drawing for the sweepstakes prize of $100 SpaFinder gift card!  The sweepstakes will run from November 21st through December 21st.  And for even more chances to win, be sure to visit the Prizes and Promotions section to discover how.

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.


This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be
selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

Good luck!

closet favorite.

Today I am thankful for my 1969 Always Skinny Gap jeans.  They are my closet favorite.  Always there.  Always look great. 

Play along!  What is your closet favorite?

Happy happy friday friends!  I'll be moving all weekend :)  What will you be doing?

pretty paper | Binth.

image credit | binth.com

I have an important announcement to make to all you lovers of paper...
Binth has a very lovely line of note pads out that you will want.  Make sure you tell Santa to stuff a few in your stocking.  I hope you've been a good girl this year!

9 designs
3 colors
Lots of happy people waiting to scribble a note.

All of the designs are screen printed on textured paper, filled with 100 pages waiting to be written on.  The note pads hold true to the Binth standard.  A modern design that is sure to win your heart and your hand.

I'm sort of taken with the fawn note pad.  What's your favorite?

This is a sponsored post.  My words.  My thoughts.  My opinions.  I only post what I love.  Interested in becoming a sponsor?  You should!  We have lots of fun here at MFT!  Email me for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

stuff your stocking with GlassesUSA.com

I never really thought of glasses as an accessory.  To me, they were always a need and something I quite often found annoying to tote around.  I've worn prescription glasses ever since I was a little girl in grade school, except back then I had big round multi-colored spectacles.  I sort of cringe when I look at pictures.  But I will argue the fact that they were hip back in 1993, or so I thought.

image credit | glassesusa.com

The one big ole enormous downside to wearing eyeglasses is that they cost so darn much.  Once you select your frame (which I always seem to be drawn to the most expensive, go figure), you then have the decision of what type of lens.  Oh and that's where the price keeps on rising!

Let me clue you in on a little secret... order your glasses online!  You will save, save, save and still have multiple designs to choose from.  GlassesUSA.com offers a fabulous selection.  I've gone through the process from start to finish and it is easy!

A lot of people today seem to sport glasses as a fashion statement but if you are like me, ordering a pair with your eyeglasses prescription is just as easy and won't break the bank.  A complete win/win, yes?

If you happen to be in the market for some new frames, you definitely want to take advantage of the fall sale.  Simply enter Blog10 at check out to receive 10% off any order or spend $120 or more on a pair of glasses and receive a pair FREE!  Just use the code 2ndPair at check out.

Happy shopping friends!

This is a sponsored post.  My words.  My thoughts.  My opinions.  I only post what I love.  Interested in becoming a sponsor?  You should!  We have lots of fun at MFT!  Email me for more details.  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

my bathroom favorite.

Sometimes it is the smallest of things that make me happy. 
Yesterday I took a bubble bath at 10:30 in the morning.  Extremely happy.
And I am completely in love with my Mia Clarisonic and Candy Candy bubble bath!

Now your turn?  What is currently making you happy (in the bathroom)?

ps every day up until Thanksgiving, I am going to try and post a little something that is currently making me happy! join in :)

drowning in boxes.

 

I promise I am around here somewhere, among the boxes and tape and brown paper.  Packing is the pits people!  Although I do love a good purge and what better time to get rid of unwanted junk.  I'm trying to remain positive and not go completely crazy.  I'll let you know how I fare at the end of the move.

Last night, after I tucked all the littles in, I made my way to the dungeon office.  It is a most scary and unwelcome place.  Husband has not kept a tidy space and I detest going in there.  But alas, someone must pack up all the crap and I was the one to do it.  Because trust me, you don't want to experience how Matthew packs.  Even scarier.

But back to why packing with three children is not conducive to actually accomplishing anything.  Each boy was asleep or supposedly so.  I scooped up the necessary instruments to carry on with the packing and lugged it up the steps to the office.  I recall running out of something or other and as soon as I emerged from the dungeon office, I heard Tyler crying.  Enter interruption #1.  The crying began because he came looking for me and I was no where to be found and so he climbed back in bed and cried.  It apparently worked because he found me.  I calmed the tears and re-tucked him in beneath his cozy blankets. 

Now back to packing, which didn't last long because here comes interruption #2.  Baby N decided he needed to get in on the crying action.  We rocky rocked for 10 minutes or so and back to sleep he went.

And so I decided to brave packing yet again for the third time that night and ta-da --- I ran out of boxes.  The story of my life.  Those children of mine are hindering my progress. 

What's on my agenda for tonight you ask?  Why packing of course!

rise and shine.

Motherhood often looks like this.  For me at least. 

rise and shine at 5:30 in the morning.
with children seeking my undivided attention all the live long day.
and repeat.

I hope some of you moms out there get to sleep in a little later than I do.  Just lie and tell me you do.  It will make me feel better :)

children inspire design GIVEAWAY!

 image credit | children inspire design

Do your recall the My Roots Collection from Children Inspire Design?  Let me help refresh your memory because you have a chance to win one today!

Beautifully modern maps of countries, continents, states and the world that help to remind you where you came from, your roots.  An easy way to teach children about who they are!  But honestly, you don't need a child to have a reason to hang one in your home.  They are gorgeous.

Today you have the chance to win a My Roots customizable world map.  Hip hip!  You can choose from blue, gray or brown.  We all know I would choose gray.  There are a few ways to enter so be sure to leave a separate comment for each mode of entry.  Giveaway is open to US & international readers as well and will run through Saturday, November 19th at midnight (CST).  Winner will be announced Sunday.

Leave a comment telling me where you are from. (please leave an email)
Tweet about it. (make sure you use @favorite_things in the tweet)
Post about it on your facebook wall.
Blog about it.

Good luck friends!

P.S.  I also want to mention that if you sign up for the Children Inspire Design newsletter, you will automatically join the FREE print of the month club.  On the first of each month you will receive a PDF in your inbox!

UPDATE : and the winner is....

a million and one.

 

At this moment my to-do list is a million and one things long.  Actually, I am quite certain that is not the absolute truth but my brain would tell you otherwise.

You see, we are moving this weekend and I am trying to successfully pack up our home while still mothering our three little boys.  I am achieving about a 50% success rate here but what's a gal to do?  In between the everyday hullabaloo, packing seems to fall in between the cracks and late at night and as the weekend draws near, I must kick it into high gear!

Not to fear, MFT will prevail through the chaos and I am excited that the next two weeks will boast two new giveaways!  See, I take care of my people and my sponsors are pretty awesome so make sure you spread a little love.

Wish me luck (and sanity).  I definitely need both!

to you, from ME.

One year we have rocked.
You now stretch so long.
Head rested into the crook of my neck.
Hands patting my shoulders softly.
Legs sprawled across my lap.
Your warm body resting against mine.
I can not pause.
So I will cherish every moment.
I will soak in every smile.
And breath in your intoxicating soul.
Until the day you wiggle away and fly on your own.

there is beauty all around.

Today I am going to remind myself of all the reasons to be happy.  This picture is one of them.

stripes with Kate Spade.

These beautiful Kate Spade heels would be the crowning glory to my slight obsession with stripes.  We belong together.  Who wants to make that happen?  Anyone?  Anyone?  Is this mic on?

thanks for the tip April ;)

tilted.

My thoughts are swirling and tumbling around my tired and sleepy head.  That is never a good thing.  For when I am tired and sleepy self doubt creeps in.  Self doubt is negative.  She is thoughtless and unkind.  And still I welcome her in.

Do you ever feel off --- as though the world has tilted ever so slightly but you see, you are the only one with this realization?  Your life feels paused while the masses go about their day.  Drinking their Starbucks.  Driving down the streets.  Filling their cars up with gas.

I suppose one can never really be paused, for if we are not moving forward we are slowly sliding back, no?

My life may looks perfect through the eyes of a reader but I want you to know I'm real.  I hurt.  I cry.  I laugh.  I fail.  And then I try again.

Now this is the place where you impart upon me your wisdom.  What do you do to turn a down mood right side up again?

molding mates GIVEAWAY!

Listen up blog readers!  A new week.  A new giveaway.  A new company.  All for you!

Molding Mates, do you know 'em?  Well you should, so let me make a proper introduction.

image credit | molding mates

Molding Mates has created a one-of-a-kind product line of vinyl wall decals that helps bring the loveliness of the great outdoors inside to your own home.  They are easy to use, rearrange and use again.  Watch your room take shape as you have fun with the plethora of possibilities.

Would you like to transform your house?

 image credit | molding mates

The lucky MFT winner will take home a variety pack including 22 Birds, the Cat & Mouse and the Puppy Sit pack (valued at over $25).  All you need to do is tell me what room you would use them in.  Please consider leaving your email for easy contact. You can also earn more entries for tweeting about it, linking to the giveaway on your facebook wall or blogging.  Please comment for each method of entry.  This giveaway is open to US and Canada readers.  You have until Saturday at midnight (CST).  The winner will be announced at the bottom of the post on Sunday.  Good luck!

This is a sponsored post.  My thoughts.  My opinions.  My words.  I only post what I love.  Interested in becoming a sponsor?  Email me for more details.  We have lots of fun here at MFT!  info AT a fewofmyfavorites DOT com


UPDATE!
The winner of the Molding Mates giveaway is.....

 

how do you decorate?

 image credit | all images taken by auburn soul

Welcome friends!  This is my home.  My humble abode.  It is where all the crazy happens.  The blog posts go from brain to fingertips.  Where I spend most of my days.  Chasing boys.  Scooping up babes.  It is where all the magic happens.  Because my family is magical.

Stephanie (of Auburn Soul) snapped these photos.  How she captures.  How she frames.  What she does is art.  See, best friends.  I have the best friends.  Don't be jealous.  She can take your picture too.

I giggle a teensy bit when I glance at these photographs because with three boys it is impossibly impossible to keep a tidy house.  I may go over board with my OCD organizing but tidy is in another category.  There are usually crumbs lingering on the floor, sharing space with mrs. grass and mr. dirt.  And legos, oh the legos!  They are there too.  Just remember, the pictures may appear perfect but my life is a perfect pot of chaos.  And I wouldn't have it any other way.

How do you decorate your home?

would you help a friend? i would.

This is the month of giving thanks.
How do you give back?
time - money - service - food

image credit | Amy Meeker

I have a story that you will want to read and no doubt, help in the end.  My sister's dear friend Amy is a lovely lady married with two gorgeous children.  Her little boy Timmy was adopted from Korea and has fit so comfortably into their sweet little family.

---As a side note, Timmy just had a whopping 9 hour open heart surgery!  The Meekers have big hearts and kind souls.---

Amy and Bob want to open their heart up even more and adopt another little one, this time from China.  Her name is Ji and her living conditions will break your heart into a pile of tiny pieces.  She is two years old and does not have the strength to sit up on her own.  At just four days old (can you imagine) her parents abandoned Ji at a middle school.  Left alone.  And now she has a warm and loving family who want her.  Who need her.  But you know what, I think they need each other.  Help make that happen!

image credit | permission to post from Amy Meeker

Did you know adoption is extremely expensive?  It is friends.  It is.  And so The Meekers (Amy & Bob) will be working and volunteering on a widow's home to help raise funds in hopes to ease the financial burden a bit.  On November 12th (this Saturday), Amy & Bob and a handful of volunteers will be working together to help a widow in need.

Would you like to know how to help?
Please consider donating, even if it is just a small amount.  Every. Single. Bit. HELPS!  And guess what, they have a matching grant!  Dollar for dollar --- up to $4000.  If you ponder that, it really means $4000 turns into $8000.  Amazing, yes?

Read more of the story and donate HERE!

You can also read more about Amy and her family over at her blog.  You'll fall in love with her adorable children!

Ready. Set. Give!

P.S. I always boast that MFT has the best readers.  Don't let me down friends :)

how do you stay healthy? hello doTERRA.

 image credit | doTERRA

Cold and flu season has landed in the most unwelcome way.  I promise you I have the all time worst immune system.  Unfortunately when I feel like death and want to burrow in bed, motherhood calls and I must answer.

I am a big believer in vitamins and supplements and taking the holistic approach before seeking the medical route.  To me, prevention is key.  I try my best to take care of myself (and my family) now, in hopes that we will stay healthy amongst the germs.

My sweet baby N has been sick and suffered from the most awfullest of diaper rashes.  It was sad.  So so sad.  I had a friend who overhead me and mentioned that I should try lavender oil.  He is a big believer in doTERRA and so nicely offered to drop a sample off at my home.  I was desperate, Nicholas' bum was a mad red blotchy color and I wanted this diaper rash to hit the road.  And you know what friends?  After a few days it started clearing up.  His tiny little bum was once again happy and he smelled nice too.

Do you know what essential oils are?
They are natural aromatic compounds.  You can find them in the seeds, roots, flower and many other parts of the plant.  doTERRA is the only company with the seal of Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade.  In layman's terms that translates to the safest and purest out there.

I just placed an order for the Family Physician Kit to put it to the test.  I was surprised at how pleasant each essential oil smelled (remember, I am super picky about scents) and at the numerous uses each one possessed.

Would you like to find out more about doTERRA?
Are you in the Dallas area?

There is a FREE event in Plano at the South Fork Hotel on Wednesday, November 16th.  Registration begins at 6:30 and the event is from 7-9pm. 
South Fork Hotel
1600 North Central Experessway
Plano TX 75074 

UPDATE --- Be sure to tell Doug MFT sent you and receive a free sample of lavender oil.  You'll love it.  I promise :)

Do you use essential oils?

This is a sponsored post.  My thoughts. My opinions. My words. I am not a medical professional and am only sharing what I believe.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor email me for more info!  We have lots of fun here at MFT :) info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

my nemesis! i can't stop at just one.

Oh the holidays make my heart sing.  They do.  They truly do.  I love the music.  The lights.  The spirit that fills the air. 

And I L O V E candy cane taffy!

What do you love?

link love.

image credit | barefoot in the kitchen

Happy Monday friends! Hope you had a relaxing weekend. Lots of wonderful links to share but here are a top few from the last week that made my favorites.

did you know this mama had her baby?  beautiful.
perfect stripey scarf.  perfect.
did you know caramel apples could be gorgeous?
a sneak peek at some awesome jewelry.
golden is such a beautiful color.

psst --- don't forget to take my poll in the sidebar.  i'd surely appreciate it!

fur. to do or not to do? you tell me.

I know, a post on the weekend is completely out of the norm for me.  But the children are bellowing in the living room and N is upstairs jabbering to himself when he should be napping.  So I made the executive decision to share my newest favorite shoe.  Shoes are a necessity and a pleasure and so I can rationalize any pair as a need.  Sound advice, yes?  My newest love just so happens to be adorned with fur.  Do you do the fur?  I want to know.

in the (not so) still of the night.

I am guaranteed at least three nights alone (sometimes more) to tackle the nightly (or sometimes nightmarish) routine of three boys by my lonesome.  I try not to complain, as the husband is out slaying dragons working terribly hard for his little family.

With boys, there is no level of quiet.  There is rambunctious. Loud. And even LOUDER.  Sometimes I feel alone, until I meet other moms of (all) boys.  I again realize that my level of crazy is normal and remind myself to embrace it.

There is usually wrestling involved.  Racing to see who can tear off their clothes and clamor into the shower first.  Because everything is always a race.  Always.  Then, because my boys are amazingly talented at creating mayhem, water somehow finds its way outside the shower walls.  Which is a feat in and of itself because there is no curtain.  My boys are surrounded by glass but they win somehow.

Then comes the moment when I think maybe we can succeed without any tears.  And that is when the wails begin.  The pointing fingers direct the blame.  And the tears turn into sobs.  We are tired.  All of us.

I gather my patience (which has almost been depleted), pull up my bootstraps and walk into battle.

Nicholas is the lucky one, for he is tucked away into dreamland, untouched my the war going on below.

And that is why I cheer inside when Friday finally shows up.  The husband will be home and I can quietly snicker in the corner while he takes his turn on the battle field.  Poor guy doesn't stand a chance.  He is not well acquainted with how the night rolls out.  Usually there is a casualty.  I'll let you guess who that may be.

happiest of friday friends!
hip hip hooray!
what do you have planned for the weekend?

friday favorites : by Heather.

image credit | Ben O'Bryan | via flickr

a few of Heather's favorite things

my glasses twin (and my fiance) Andy

yarn and knitting needles

watching 30 Rock

reading a great book

learning how to do something new

garage sales!

great hair days

playing with my nephews and nieces

singing at the top of my lungs on a road trip

unplugging and not using a computer for a whole day

 

thanks Heather and happy happy friday friends!

want to be a friday favorite feature?  go here to find out how!

my favorite halloween costume.

 image credit | Auburn Soul Photography

Rizden takes the cake on most adorable costume.  He wins in my book.
Two thumbs UP!!

hello Children Inspire Design.

 image credit | children inspire design

I would like to introduce and welcome MFT's newest sponsor, Children Inspire Design!  Not only will you find fantastic art & posters that boast modern & colorful designs but at the core of each creation is the belief that "if we teach the importance of global responsibility at a young age, carrying that responsibility into the future will be second nature for our children...".

Rebecca's main goal is to inspire in children the love and beauty that different cultures have to offer.  And as you browse through her shop you will discover that rings true in each of her creations.

One of my favorites (because I am all about favorites) is the Roots Collection.  Simple and stylish maps of continents, countries, states and the world, that not only look lovely but serve a purpose.  It is a great way to explain to children where their "family roots lie", where they come from.  I love the deeper meaning that is infused into the art besides just being beautiful.


You'll also notice how easy it is to browse the website.  There is a whole mountain of categories to get lost in and you may even want to take the time to click on the links to Rebecca's blog and the section on giving.  She does amazing things friends, in a big way.


This is a sponsored post.  My words.  My thoughts.  My opinions.  I only post what I love.  Interested in becoming a sponsor?  Right now I am offering a holiday discount of 10% off any three month sponsorship package.  Drop me a line to find out more, okay?  info AT afewofmyfavorites DOT com

motherhood | time.

 image credit | toni elmer photography | Nicholas Gray just days old.

The years speed by as the days drag on. 
Does this ring true for any of you mothers? 

I find that each year zips by at warp speed but some days tick-tock by at a super slow rate.

As I sat upstairs in our playroom last night, I gazed at my three boys in awe & wonder.  They are growing.  No matter what I do or try to do, I can not slow down time.  I am filled with both excitement and ache.

It is amazing to compare my one year to his older brother who is just about coming in at six and a half.  In that five year gap so much has taken and will take place.  Little N will soon learn to walk.  Talk. Run. Climb. Jump. Color. Draw. Write. Sing. Read.  He will grow from baby to toddler to little boy to big boy.  And I get to watch each of their lives unfold.  The possibilities are endless.  It is magical.  The only limitations they have are the ones that I set.  A bit scary.  I don't want to hold them back but at the same time how do I let them go?

Motherhood is something you can't quite describe to another.
It must be felt.
Experienced.
Lived.

I love being a mom of boys.  To know that I took part in their creation is humbling.  I count my blessing each night as I lay my head to rest.  Believe me, I know I am lucky.

What does motherhood mean to you?

happy one Nicholas Gray.

one year.
my heart smiles & aches at the same time.
you are my last.
my baby.
the year disappeared.
and now you are one.

My absence yesterday was due to this little guy.  We celebrated his one year with pumpkin sugar cookies and trick or treating!

Happy birthday Nic-Nac :)