Sometimes there are things I want to tell you about that don’t fit neatly into a recipe post or otherwise. Things I love, enjoy or make my life easier. Thought provoking or beautiful things. Things that bring me joy. Stuff that simplifies my life. What I made in the kitchen yesterday or what I’m thinking about today.
So I’m writing occasional, informal, quick posts to fill in the gaps called Favorite Things. Taking inspiration from Julie Andrews: “These Are a Few Of My Favorite Things”. Do re me fa so la ti do. Minus the raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. (You’re welcome.)
Favorite Things here might include a book I’m reading, a movie we liked, a story that moved me etc. Whatever’s spinning my world at the moment.
Here are a few of my favorite things today …
So many have been sick with the flu. It’s a real concern and it’s been deadly here in NH too. And apparently flu season still hasn’t hit its peak yet. So hard. If the flu has visited your family recently, I’m so sorry. My Hudson and Charlie both had Influenza A last week and it was tough. I was super nervous about getting it. (So far so good.)
Last year my friend Maria who is a pulmonologist told me all the doctors in her practice have their chemo patients on turmeric to build up strong immunities. She said it’s the best thing they know of to build up the immune system. Since the body doesn’t absorb turmeric well on its own, it’s formulated with black pepper extract to boost absorption. Here’s the kind I take: Turmeric.
Thought provoking movie we really enjoyed: Mr. Church. Eddie Murphy will surprise you.
Saw The Darkest Hour at the theater on a date night w/Jon recently. Wow! Loved it. (And just heard it was nominated for six Academy awards.)
Reading: Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Loechner
Got a fun package in the mail this week. My new 2018 Personalized Planner from Plum Paper . Love all the affordable customizations available. If you still don’t have a planner for 2018, build your own on-line, starting with any month. YES!
There are customizable pages available to track fitness, holiday planning, photography, blogging etc. Whoever you are, whatever you do – it’s easy to get organized fast. I hear Plum Paper has big discounts on Black Friday for future, FYI. Check out a review here.
This loopy phone case – so you won’t drop your smart phone anymore like I used to. I got it when I upgraded my Iphone and it’s been a game changer. No more phone drops or cracked screens. Love it and highly recommend.
Here’s what I’m baking this afternoon. Yum.
And here’s a blog I really enjoy. Mary is a sweetheart.
Last but not least… if you have to be home sick, it’s always nice to have company! – Charlie and Chloe
Have a great weekend and stay healthy!
Anjy Tichenor says
Totally enjoyed this, hope you continue and add more and more!!!
Allie says
Hi Anjy – thanks so much for the feedback, glad you enjoyed it. Will definitely do this again. Have a super week!
Nancy Hammett says
Sorry Charlie & Houdson has been sick hope they are feeling better. Praying for you’ll. Love you’ll and miss you’ll.
Allie says
Thank you friend, so appreciate the prayers and thoughts. We miss you too. The boys are better now. Hudson had some medication reactions but he is doing much better. We miss you too. Stay healthy! xo
Leslie Edwards says
Loved your favorite things! These are a few of mine: time of sharing with like-hearted friends, a cup of coffee on a cold morning while studying God’s word, watching my kids laugh together, spending time with my 93 -94 this month – mom sharing memories and loving being together, watching the birds on my bird feeder. Thank you for making me stop to think and being thankful!
Allie says
Dear Leslie – I love your favorite things list – many are my favorites too. I like that they are all free! One that stands out is watching the birds at the feeder. On a recent trip away to Jackson, NH before Christmas – Jon and I got a wild bird feeder. We’ve never had one. WHY? I don’t know. But we are loving it!!! And Hudson is loving it. There are very few things he takes interest in, but all we have to do is say “Hudson there’s a bird” and he comes running. I’ve been trying to catch a great shot for the blog but I just keep missing the bright and colorful ones. The prettier they are, the more skittish they seem. So glad you can spend time with your precious mom. XOXO
Rosemary says
Allie, thanks for sharing some of your favorite things! I’m looking into the “loopy”!
I didn’t care for the button thingy; too bulky and awkward!
Hope the boys are better and avoid any other illnesses this winter. Many have been sick with the flu and stomach virus in Easley.
Allie says
Thank you Rosemary. Hope you like that Loopy. I like it for walks and when I have a stack of books or water bottle in my hand, I can just hook it on my finger and not worry about it. I have seen that there has been a lot of sickness in Easley, too bad. Hope you and all your boys can avoid it. xo
Barbara Child says
Thanks for the great suggestions! Loved your post! Hope all of you are well now! Bad flu season..
Allie says
Thank you SO MUCH Barbara – everyone is well at the moment. Knock on wood. You stay well too! xo
Lynne says
I totally enjoyed this post! Thank you for sharing! I now have a couple new movies to check out, a new book to read and I look forward to your next post on your favorite things! 🙂
Allie says
Hi Lynne – thanks so much for this feedback! Always fun to hear if readers are interested, esp. the first time around. So glad you dropped by, have a great week!
Tracy says
I love this blog idea!! I think everyone would love to hear about your favorite things. I know I do! Thanks for the recommendations I will definitely check them out. My favorite one is your last one…. Charlie and Chloe!😊
Allie says
Tracy – thank you for this, friend. My fave was definitely the last one too. Would love to hear some favorite things of yours. Great to get recommendations from trusted friends! Hope you and your guys are enjoying the Super Bowl tonight. xo
Christy Smith says
I love your favorite things post! It is so fun to see what new things you’ve discovered and connect with a few to try. I was all set to have a My Favorite Things Party after Christmas with a few of my favorite girlfriends and my back went out so had to cancel. Will do it next year around Christmastime.
Great tip on turmeric…found a half used jar in my pantry but will save for later the one you recommended on Amazon. Your oatmeal raisins are a favorite of mine…need to make those again, and my mom brought your three cheese Mac n cheese to a dinner party here last Saturday…Um…YUM!
Already looking forward to the next Favorote Things post!
💕Christy
Allie says
Super to hear from you Christy – thank you so much. Glad that mac and cheese made it into your house!!! Yay for awesome moms. (Especially yours.) I’m so curious, what is a My Favorite Things Party? Inquiring minds want to know. Sounds very FUN! Love to all, including the dishwasher repairmen! xo
Kellie says
I love this idea!! And I loved reading about all of your favorite things. I can’t wait to see that movie…this will be our 3rd year in a row that Lars and I watch all the best picture nominated movies and vote on the winner…then watch…it’s been fun!!
Allie says
Thanks Kellie – would love to hear your fave things too! And what a fun thing you and Lars do… GREAT IDEA! Have a super week my friend. xo
Susie Mandel says
What a great blog. I was making notes as I was reading, as well as watching movie trailers, etc. I heard Gary Oldman is spectacular as Winston Churchill, but I don’t remember hearing about Mr. Church. It looks fantastic (well, a little sad in some parts, but a good cry is always cathartic). I take turmeric, too, and have since 2007 and I don’t think I’ll ever stop taking it. I also take a bioperine supplement with it. Maybe I should look into the combo. 🙂 I love your beautiful planner and that loopy phone case is awesome. Just wonderful and practical information here. Thank you, dear friend. I’m going to do some online shopping on a certain flour store’s web site today. 😉
Allie says
Thank you Susie – happy shopping at KAF. Yes Gary Oldman was amazing as Churchill. You’ll all enjoy Mr. Church too. Grab your tissues. I’m not surprised you’re on turmeric and bioperine – it’s obviously doing its magic. Woot woot. Have a super week Susie! xo
Linda Jenkins says
Hi Allie, Thanks for reminding me not to miss those simple things, but to savor every one of them. One of my favorites: attending basketball games today for both Lucas and Landon. The best part was arriving at the gym and having them run over to hug me. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Allie says
Linda – so sweet. I can see your precious boys headed your way in the gym. Priceless! So good to hear from you my friend. xo
Carol says
I love this post!It is so great to hear someone appreciates things that make life fun too! Sometimes it seems like everyone is too busy to really stop and take notice of what brings us joy. I cannot wait to get a day planner like the one you display here, too Hope you have an awesome weekend, Ohhhhhhh, I also wanted to tell you that we just sold our truck. Remember me from when you wrote about the scammers on craig’s list. So all is great!
Allie says
Hi Carol – great to hear from you again. I’m SO glad to hear about your truck sale. Boy does that make me happy. So have fun designing your planner! I thought it might be tough to put together, but the process was pretty straight forward. The hardest thing is all the great choices. It’s like a candy store. I’ve only had it for about week or so, but really enjoyed it so far. It was a good purchase, hope you love yours too. It’s the little things. Have a super week!
brigitte says
Merci Allie de partager avec nous des moments de vie, pour le curcuma,je confirme,c’est top! Gros bisous,belle journée!
Allie says
Oh merci Brigitte, tellement bon d’avoir de tes nouvelles. J’espère que tout va bien dans ton monde. Je suis content que vous connaissiez le curcuma. Avoir une super semaine mon ami! xo
Shashi at SavorySpin says
Awww Allie – such a delightful post – I sure hope Hudson and Charlie are feeling better this week… and Mr. Church has been on my list of movies to watch, just the trailer has my eyes leaking… and WOA – that “loopy” case! My sis so needs that as she drops her phone way too many times – I hadn’t heard about it till I saw your post so thank you so much! Turmeric is amazing for all kinda ailments – have you heard of selenium? It’s been a bit controversial here in the US… I came across it awhile back and now my daughter says that when she takes a selenium tablet when she feels the sniffles coming on, she’s all better in 24 hours… everyone is different so it might just be her…but worth looking into? BTW Your house is gonna be smelling lovely with those delicious oatmeal cookies baking – it’s a rainy and cold day here and we will be heading to church in a bit – might have to come home and get baking this afternoon after reading your post – also thanks for the into to Mary’s blog – her apricot bars look so darn good! Happy Sunday sweet friend!
xoxo
Allie says
SHASHI– Great to hear from you my friend. Yes, Ch and H are doing much better, thought H had a little relapse –
a medication reaction yesterday – but has bounced back again, thankfully. I am certain you will like Mr. Church – but grab your tissues – you’ll need them. I’ll check into selenium – glad to hear about this and many thanks for sharing. I’ve heard of selenium but not as a cold remedy. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead…we are watching our Pats tonight with just 4:52 left on the clock… saying a few prayers here! xo
Daniella says
So funny…as I was reading you post I was sipping a cup of turmeric latte. Almond milk, honey, cinnamon…and of course my turmeric are a part of my recipe. Not sure if it has helped me to avoid the flu when Nina got it…but it sure brings warmth to my body and soul. That, and apple cider vinegar have helped me staying healthy this winter (have you tried it?). Let’s hope it stays this way.
XOXO 🙂
Allie says
Friend, I loved reading this. You always know the best health remedies and how to stay healthy. Sounds like a delicious latte I’d love too. So the apple cider vinegar I know about, but I’m not doing it. Should I be taking a tablespoon or so in a glass of water? That is what I’d like to know. I’ve had several people suggesting I take it and I’m just not sure how to take it. I can google too, but how do you take it? I’m glad you’re staying healthy and I’m sorry Nina was so sick. Poor thing, and especially on vacation. It’s terrible to see your children sick and suffering. I hope she is fully recovered and back to all her studies and busy schedule at Syracuse. Love and miss you much. xo
Adina says
I loved to read this! I hope your kids are better, the flu can take a while to cure completely. My daughter had scarlet fever last week and my son is coughing like a donkey… the whole day and night long. I can’t wait for the spring to come.
Allie says
Thanks so much Adina, my kids are doing so much better now. And so sorry to hear your daughter had scarlet fever (!) and your son is sick too. It’s so hard to see the kids so sick. Yes, spring can’t come soon enough! Hav ea beautiful week my friend! xo
puja says
You are right Allie, turmeric is the best cure for many diseases. In India, it is considered good for healing and hence is recommended during fractures. BTW lovely post my friend.
Allie says
Thank you Puja – so good to hear from you. I know that turmeric is widely used in India and actually thought of you while I was writing this post. I didn’t know it was customary to take for fractures in India. Hoping you are all doing well there! xo
Julie Hipke says
YOU are one of my favorite things! This is s great list. Looking forward to reading Chasing Slow. Thank you for it. J
Allie says
Awwww…thanks J. The feeling is mutual. Always, xo