Erin's Favorite Things

Well, I know I haven't updated this blog in awhile, and for that I am sorry. It was a bit busy the last two months with the holidays. We had a blast seeing family and friends from near and far. One of my favorite traditions during the holidays is annual showing of "The Sound of Music". One of my favorites. It never get's old.

I like when Maria sings about her favorite things. I have a lot of favorite things. The problem is I have champagne taste on a beer (a cheap beer) budget. But when all the bills are paid, and the kid is clothed and fed, I like to treat us to a little something that makes life fun.

So, now, in a new year I want to tell you about a few of my favorite things I bought, gave or did last year. Hopefully if you're looking for something new in your life I can give you some ideas.

1. The Lodge at Grand Canyon - I would go back here in a heartbeat. It's on the north rim of the the Grand Canyon and if you're looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation I highly recommend it. We stayed in an adorable little log cabin. Ella says "one of the best mother/daughter experiences was when we sat on the edge and looked down at the beauteous Grand Canyon"

2. Crossfit - Anyone that knows me well, knows how much I hate to exercise. Many years ago I was introduced to crossfit by friends Nell and Jeep. I guess I wasn't quite ready for it because I stopped going after a few months. Somehow, this past July, I got sucked back in. I have been going to the gym 3-4 nights a week since then to do these quick - hard - but with results torture sessions. We're trying to get Ella into crossfit kids but the 6 minute workouts seem to be too much for her ;)

3. Toad Hollow -  A lovely little sparkling white wine that I find delicious. Sure, I'd prefer some Veuve Clicquot, but again, cheap beer budget. Last year I took some to New Year's Eve and now several friends enjoy it too. I asked the liquor store to carry it last spring. As I was in there the other day picking it up for this New Year's the lady told me "People say this is pretty good" yeah, you're welcome lady liquor store owner. It retails for around $15.99

4. Lush - Ella wanted to take this one over, but I'll toss my opinion out first. Love. I saw a blurb on this store on Kare 11. I started some research. Since this year I have really started to watch what I put on my skin I was happy to see that Lush is completely organic (I'm already a faithful user of Aveda and Origins). I'm not a fan of weird chemicals all over my body. I told Ella to get me something from there for Christmas. She did. I love. We ended up getting friends gift's there too - there was something for everyone. My favorite item is their ultrabalm. Thank's to crossfit I have callousy man hands. It really helps soften those up. Now here's Ella - Well, my personal favorite is "fun". It's an awesome molding shampoo and soap. As you take your bath you can mold it into any shape you want and all the people that work there are really nice. And I love the bath bombs. They smell very nice and turn my bathwater pink.

5. Knoke's - A cute little candy shop that happens to make some fabulous truffles. It's located in Hudson, WI and I love a little treat from there now and again. The best chocolates I have ever consumed were when I was in Belgium, but these come in a close second.

6. 1448 California Red Table Wine - Again, beer budget, but I also happen to have a friend in the wine business. Occasionally I receive a bottle of this gem from him and man is it delicious. If you like a strong red with your red meat and/or chocolate then this is the one for you. I don't know where you find it or how much it costs - but if you run across it you might want to pick it up.

So my friends, it is my wish that you have a year filled with favorites. Here's to enjoying the little things in life.