8 Favorite Things this Week that have Nothing to do with DIY

I’m taking a few days off from DIY. ::gasp!:: I know. lol Well, to be honest, de-cluttering and cleaning is do-it-yourself when you haven’t hired someone for the task but there’s nothing glamorous about dust, spiders and junk. We’re in the long tedious process of cleaning out the basement. KEEP • TRASH • DONATE/SELL is the mantra. Anyway… here are a few favorite things I’m loving in the meantime because I’m experiencing a bit of blogging withdrawal. 

1. This decanter/glass bottle. Served up a little lime/berry sangria (and may or may not have refilled it about 4 times). Cute, isn’t it? And I forgot to take a picture of it “in use” because I was entertaining and believe it or not, not one of the 4 of us touched our cell phones (i.e. camera) the entire 3-ish hours. Sweet! 

diyshowoff favorite things

2. Purge is the word of the week. Yes, the basement but my laptop has been leaving not so subtle pop ups that my disk is full and throwing wonky tantrums. :/ Time to transfer some of the 43,323 photos. This is the external hard drive {<— that one is an affiliate link} that’s new to me. Sleek, isn’t it? 2 terabytes, you guys! I think I’m good for another good long while, let’s hope! 

diyshowoff favorite things

3. THIS obsession. Not healthy but I.can’t.stop.myself. Triple chocolate brownie. Need I elaborate? Didn’t think so. 

triple chocolate brownie 

4.  I looooove this top. Crochet and t-shirt? Comfy combo and pretty too. However, I am still waiting to hear back regarding 2 missing items and exchanging 1 wrong size from my order. Not such a happy first impression. Online shopping is sometimes risky, huh? Great prices so hopefully the company responds to my ‘support ticket’ soon. I’ll edit my post with an update. 

Update: My two missing items were shipped separately (although it didn’t show that way on my tracking). Also, I ordered two pairs of sandals and did heed the chart converting Chinese size. One pair is correct, the more expensive pair is 2 sizes to large (I was sent a size 6 and size 8). Exchanging is a hassle. I’d have to pay for the return shipping. So, I’m just out the $32+ dollars for the sandals (hopefully I can find a friend who wears a size 8). I don’t recommend ordering shoes. Another thing to note is the sizing conversation. Since I placed a large order, I am pleased with most of what I received. However, 1 bikini is too tight, one romper (and the 1 pair of sandals) too large. Therefore, I feel the inexpensive items are just brought up to normal pricing with the the loss of things I can’t wear. Make sense? 

diyshowoff favorite things

5. Lime essential oil (Don’t have any yet? What are you waiting for?! Learn how essential oils can benefit you. Experience wellness. Go get yourself some…NOW! It’s part of the DIYShowOff wellness promo HERE)…

lime essential oildiyshowoff favorite things

6. Okay, this favorite IS fun DIY related: This blog crush…and I happen to have the pleasure of knowing Susan from Oh My! Creative in real life. She’s sweet, smart and crafty. Love her blog, love the creative crafts, love her fresh new blog design! ::inspiring:: Pop on over, check things out, pin some fun ideas and say ‘hello’. 

Oh My! Creative

7. This cutie (no affiliate link available)…but the adorable outfit he’s wearing is from here. I can’t get enough of that cute face!

diyshowoff favorite things

8. Magnolia blooms are filling the air with heavenly perfume…

diyshowoff favorite things

Enjoy the rest of the week! See you Sunday for That DIY Party (there is still time to link up this week AND browse the links already shared for inspiration) – you can show off your creativity, rub it in my face, stick out your tongue and make me all envious that all I’m sort of accomplishing is creating chaos into piles at some attempt to achieve peace & harmony and a bare basement/clean slate up for remodeling…finally. Maybe. Fingers crossed. 

What are you loving lately? Care to share? 

Metallic Gold Favorites

Hello Gold! I am loving it! While I’ve been doing a little birthday wishing, I’ve collected a few pretty gold treasures from my wish list to share with you. *Hey, there are a few Amazon affiliate links sprinkled in below. The others are not. 

gold home decor trend @diyshowoff

Go for the gold…

  1. Big Ben alarm clock
  2. gold wire basket
  3. cup & saucer
  4. gold cake stand
  5. triangle wall decals
  6. deer head wall art
  7. metallic gold spray paint
  8. unscented ambiance candle
  9. wooden box with gold lid
  10. Nate Berkus embellished pillow

 gold gift ideas @diyshowoff

All that glitters is gold….

  1.  hashtag gold earrings
  2. gold aviator sunglasses
  3. wonderland of whimsy bracelet
  4. Rifle XO note cards
  5. antique gold stag head jewelry stand
  6. Starbucks gold polka dot travel mug
  7. glam jam earbuds
  8. Jude Phone cover by WallFlower 
  • You know my passion for essential oils? Well, it’s true what they say. “There’s an oil for that!” Egyptian Gold™ includes the biblical essential oils rose, cinnamon, balsam fir, and lavender, renowned for spiritual sensitivities. This transcendent blend gently enhances moments of devotion and reverence. Must try! 
  • Ever since I made up that metallic gold #blogger t-shirt last year (which I still LOVE), I’m obsessed! 

What about you? Take it or leave it? What’s your current favorite trend?

My Top Ten 2014 Favorite Things

Today I’m participating in a Favorite Things blog hop and what I really like about it is getting ideas from my blog friends for my own wish list. Since we have a lot in common, reading their top choices gives me ideas for things I might enjoy too. It goes without saying that family, friends, good health, etc. and a brand new sweet grandson…are at the top of my list!

my favorite things blog hop 

After taking a look back, here are some of my top favorite material items and purchases: (*This post includes a few affiliate links.)

2014 Favorite Things @diyshowoff

10. Wool Dryer Balls – with the addition to essential oils in our home, I’m now using these wool dryer balls in place of dryer sheets. I love that I can control the type and amount of scent I want to add to our freshly laundered clothes and bed linens. 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

9. Lush Shampoo – it’s a splurge but I love this shampoo. I ordered back in March, use it about 4 times a month and am just now ready to place another order. I think I’m going to give one of the shampoo bars a try this time. 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

8. This Rifle Paper black & gold polka dot iPhone 5 case…love it! It has protected my phone during many a fall and it’s pretty! 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

7. Hooded knit poncho – I believe I got mine at TJMaxx but here is a similar one at Boscov’s (on sale too).  It’s my favorite sweater to grab for cooler weather. 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

6. Minnetonka double fringe ankle wedge boots (I found mine at Ross) – these are the footwear you’ll see me wearing this year. I love them and they’re my ‘go to’ boots every time I leave the house! Comfy!

my favorite things @diyshowoff

5. I always have a lot to carry around. I use this Lucky brand Covina tote bag as a purse. I’ve about worn it out so I’ll be on the hunt for something new. Any suggestions? What do you carry? (Ps. A Google search shows it’s available on eBay.)

my favorite things @diyshowoff

4. My daughter’s handmade jewelry at The Lunar Fae. I love this one: Red Jasper with Gun Metal Wire Wrap. Red Jasper brings problems to light and provides insight into difficult situations. An excellent worry stone, it calms the emotions when played with. It stimulates the base chakras while cleansing and stabilizing the aura, not to mention the sentimental value of having something special and handmade from someone I love.

my favorite things @diyshowoff

3. Aria Ultrasonic Diffuser – this was a gift to myself this year. Diffusing essential oils has become a routine part of our daily life and this beauty is amazing! It transforms my room into a spa by diffusing my favorite essential oils, has spa sounds (or I can plug in my iPhone and listen to iTunes with the speaker system. There are options for different colored lighting and a timer. It’s so soothing and pretty too. 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

2. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 / Mac (download) – I can’t believe I didn’t get this sooner. Game changer! A must have for blogging photography and now with a new little grandson in the family, I’m definitely getting even more good use of this awesome photo-editing software. 

my favorite things @diyshowoff

Here’s a sample photo that I’ve edited…because this little guy is one of my favorite things of 2014 too:

Aaro - 2 weeks old @diyshowoff

1. I am new to Young Living this year and essential oils have been life changing for our family. This is by far my #1 favorite thing. No regrets other than “why didn’t I get started sooner?!” No joke. My newest blogging partner. I’m starting to make healthier, more natural choices for my family. I love creating a comfortable beautiful home … and now I’m working to provide a safe, poison/chemical-free environment for my family too.  Read more about them here. My Young Living essential oils are also my newest business venture and so popular/loved that they’re sponsoring my blog. Thank you, friends! What a blessing! Interested? You can enroll by clicking here or contact me to learn more. 

Young Living premium starter kit

Follow along and see what these blog friends loved most in 2014:

Chris – Just a Girl

Beckie – Infarrantly Creative

Beth – Home Stories A to Z

Brooke – All Things Thrifty

Rhoda – Southern Hospitality

Sarah – Thrifty Decor Chick

Stacy – Not Just a Housewife

my favorite things blog hop