The last time I did a Favorite Things post was in July. Almost 6 months ago. I was just about to leave for a summer vacation and was talking about how many bathing suits I was going to pack. Now? It’s currently 24 degrees in Boston and I may have just let out a “whoop!” because tomorrow is supposed to be 39 degrees. Practically tropical after this morning’s temperature of 12. My, how times have changed. I’ve obviously had a million favorites since this summer, but I’ll focus on just a few here.
Also, right now I’m so tired, I’m tempted to just take a photo of my bed and label it my number one favorite thing in the world. Thank you and goodnight.
Erin Condren Life Planner (WANM-style!):
Though I’m an electronic girl through and through, I’m also a bit of a mess online. I always have a million tabs open at once and I’m constantly jumping from project to project. Keeping my schedule organized online? Not an option. Plus, as a writer, there’s something that’s always felt so gratifying about picking up a pen and writing stuff down. I know a lot of you can relate. Type a to-do list and I’ve got no motivation. Write a to-do list and I’m checking things off like nobody’s business. So, I was pretty excited that my sister and Adam got me an Erin Condren Life Planner for Christmas. I mean, this thing is the beast of all schedules. It’s like 20 different calendars in one, plus to-do lists, plus pretty colors and inspirational quotes, plus stickers. Yes, I was obsessed with Lisa Frank in 4th grade and may not have fully grown out of that phase. OH and PLUS, the one they got me looks like this:
Yup. IN LOVE! And here’s to a very organized 2012.
My New Starbucks Mug:
I consider myself very, very lucky that Starbucks sends me a delightful gift box full of goodies from time to time. For the holidays, they sent me a fabulous box filled with Christmas Blend Coffee, the She & Him holiday CD, notecards, and this absolutely perfect mug. When I first got it, I instagrammed it and no fewer than 12 people commented on it, something along the lines of “that is amazing.” I KNOW it’s holiday-oriented. But only really because it says “Falalalala” all over it. And I mean, some go us are perfectly content to go about our day happily singing, “Falalalala” even when it’s not the holiday season. Therefore, I will be using this ceramic mug all year round. Blame me?
Cole Haan Shoes:
I’m a girl (duh) so, therefore, it’s only natural that I’m a shoe lover. I’ve never had a very large shoe budget and I’ve always been more of a TJ Maxx and Marshall’s shoe shopper. Well, I still don’t have a large shoe budget, but now that I’m working in an office I wear shoes way more than I used to. That may sound weird… But what I mean is that I used to wear my slippers a lot. As in, putting on an actual pair of shoes was a big deal. Unfortunately, I can’t wear my sneakers to work (cry me a river). But I can wear Cole Haan shoes, which are basically like slippers. But way cuter. And more socially acceptable.
I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever buy another brand of shoes. Besides my wedding shoes, which is a whole other story all together (sparkly Jimmy Choos, please?). My point is, Cole Haan shoes are the most comfortable shoes you will ever find. Many of them have a Nike sole in them, which obviously means comfort. But I just wore a new pair today sans Nike sole and was feeling fine by the end of the day. And that’s saying a lot since my feet ALWAYS hurt. I can run around the city in Cole Haan shoes and don’t get the urge to throw my shoes off and run barefoot though the Boston alleys. Also, you should know that Cole Haan has outlets. Since the shoes are a bit pricey, this is totally necessary. And clearly dangerous for me. But I’m pretty sure comfortable feet are one of the keys to happiness in life. So… Justified.
Promise I didn’t buy these all at once. I’ve been collecting… Also, Cole Haan leather goods are heavenly as well. Chris got me a new CH bag for Christmas and I just want to snuggle it and smell the fresh leather. Speaking of Chris, he just got his first pair of Cole Haans and he’s now officially in love, too. And now he kinda has to support my addiction.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks:
I always want to start a “what I’m reading” series here on We are not Martha, but I constantly have so much food stuff going on, it never seems like there’s space. But that might be one of my goals for 2012. I read A LOT. Like a ridiculous amount. I’m really not happy if I don’t get at least a little reading in every day (which really isn’t much of a problem since I’m on the T for so dang long).
Anyway, I just finished a book I’ve been wanting to read for a long time: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. It was a seriously awesome and enlightening book. It’s about Henrietta Lacks, an African-American mother of five who died in 1951 from cervical cancer. When she was sick, a sample of her cancerous tissue was taken without her consent and this tissue spawned cells that could live forever. From these cells, called HeLa, the polio vaccine was developed, AIDS treatments were devised, and so much more was done in the world of medicine. Basically, every scientist was using HeLa cells (and still are!) and people were making massive amounts of money off them. Meanwhile, Henrietta’s family was living in poverty and had NO idea their mother’s cells were aiding in so many awesome discoveries. Rebecca Skloot does a really outstanding job telling Henrietta Lacks story and it brings up a lot of interesting points. Like that most of us have our own tissue floating around in some lab somewhere. Also, even if you’re not a “science person,” you can totally follow along and learn a lot. I’m the girl who took nutrition for my science requirement in college because uh, chemistry? Did not agree with me so well. And I got this book and loved it. I absolutely love a book that is engrossing and extremely educational. Read this!
I have about a million more favorite things that I could go on and on about, but like I said, my bed might be #1 right now. Really, my favorite things are not “things” at all, but the people in my life. Chris deserves a million bucks for putting up with me and my ridiculous schedule the past couple weeks and, of course, I absolutely love my family and friends to pieces. And am so, so thankful for everyone good in my life. But stuff is fun sometimes, too. And shoes. Oh, how I love shoes.
What’s your favorite “thing” right now?
[Sues]
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Hi Sues, I am so envious of your shoes! My sister recently bought a bag from that brand too and I was already green with envy…I am certainly going to check out their shoes! Happy New Year to you, albeit a bit late:P
jealousy on all fronts. those shoes… i’m way more of a shoe girl than a handbag girl. are those wedges? please tell me they’re wedges. beautiful.
I loved that book too! Reading The Crimson and The White now so I can watch the BBC mini series of it after.
I just picked up the Henrietta Lacks book at the library today, now I’m even more excited to read it.
Totally would love if you did some book posts- i love to read as well- read the immortal life of henrietta lacks this summer for book club- great read:)
okay on my to-do list now: go to the cole haan outlet.
@Emily- Yes, they’re wedges! And I love them.
i totally agree about cole haan shoes! i have two pairs now, both purchased at an outlet store on clearance/sale/with coupons. one pair i paid $30, the other $40 – such bargains and they’re super cute, comfy and well made. the company is also based in maine, so at least for me they’re kinda local.
laura
Love it all. Cole Haan shoes are my favorite too.. Basically completely stylish and professional Nikes! You should review more books, I’m always looking for new reading material!
Those are pretty shoes! I like the planner, too.
I loved that book too! I’m reading The Crimson and The White now so I can watch the BBC mini series after.
oops sorry I wrote the same comment twice! It’s blocked at work and i thought it didn’t go through this morning.
Fully agree with you on all these, except the book bc I haven’t read it- just added it to my “to read” list though. Are you on goodreads? It’s a great place to share books you read and make yourself a “to read” list
We should be friends on it so I can get more ideas from you!
i have been obsessed with planners since forever, even though i have an iphone, it’s just not the same as having a physical to-do list.
my fave thing right now is probably my super warm winter coat from jcrew. this is necessary in the freezing temps of michigan.
Shoes shoes shoes shoes! Want all of those! CH is the bomb!
I have the same mug! I got the Jonathan Adler one last year, and broke it and I’ve been dying for a nice ceramic Starbucks mug ever since. I just ordered The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, looks like a great read, especially for someone who works in Biotech with an arts degree (Me!).
I’m a Cole Hahn girl too! I also love their outlets and definitely check out Nordstrom Rack if you haven’t looked for them there yet! And I really enjoyed that book last year as well
thanks for including us! enjoy!