My Favorite Things

I know, it's been awhile. There are so many reasons I haven't posted in weeks--schedule, sadness for a friend's terrible loss, and a head brimming with so many thoughts it's hard to isolate one single post. Anyway, I figured it was time to get something up here before I lose forever my very small group of readers! I saw this post on my sister-in-law's blog and thought it would be a good way to jump back in. I give you My (Current) Favorite Things.

Cargo Better Than Waterproof Mascara -- If you are a mom, or if you are emotional and cry during commercials, or if you go to the beach a lot and still want to look good, basically, if you are a woman you should run out and buy this mascara. I consider myself somewhat of a mascara afficiando and this is hands-down the best. It will never come off. Ever. It would have lasted through labor I'm sure. And, yes, I'm the kind of person who cares about that kind of thing.  I get mines at Ulta. It's pricey, but so worth it.

Trader Joe's -- Oh, how we could not live without thee. They know us there. We love them for their awesome employees and balloons and daily tastings that keep Nicky from crossing the line to complete nightmare-in-a-grocery-cart. Most of all we love TJ's Apple Carrot Crushers and Freeze-dried Strawberries and Blueberries and Frozen French Toast and Omega 3 Carrot Juice. Parenting would be difficult for us without those items.

Hearts of Palm -- I like to say it and I like to eat it. Sometimes I forget, which makes the reunion that much sweeter. On a salad with baby greens and cherry tomatoes and tiny marinated mozzarella balls.

The Light Wedge -- This is the most incredible reading light ever made. I give it as a gift frequently. If you need to read with a baby sleeping beside you or travel on planes or in cars or just read a lot in bed, you have to get this. Everyone I've given it to has given it to someone else.

Michael Stars tees -- They're the best ever and that's why they cost so much. They last forever. Every season I tell myself I will buy three of these and nothing else. It never works out, but maybe one day.

Hannah Andersen PJs -- For the Nickster, not for the whole family. Above comment on the Michael Stars tees applies (the best so $) EXCEPT when you find them at Costco for $10!! Happy day. My son wears these for a year, and my son is one solidly growing boy! Even after all that wear they look plenty good to be worn by other Robertsons to come. We go through other brands in a matter of months.

My husband -- He's not for sale at any store. Gotta getchyour own. But mine's so great and I don't blog enough about him. This weekend he built a tree house for my son and outfitted it with a super cool captain's wheel and telescope, he helped and encouraged me through a ridiculous painting fiasco (pictures to come), he learned how to play Nicky's favorite Jack Johnson song (Upside Down) on the guitar, and he got hot dogs for my friends' kids and read them stories at a reception this weekend. He is a wonderful father and husband and tells me and my son that he loves us and that we're so beautiful so often that we almost take it for granted, but we don't.

My neighborhood -- There are homes available and we'd love to have you all as neighbors! Nearly every time I drive to and from home I think I am so lucky to live here. It's all trees and gentle hills and golden retrievers and thoughtful gardening and kids' toys in the yards. To me, it's what home should be and, thankfully, is.

My girlfriends -- I got mine in high school. These models are sold out, though I would expect a reissue due to popular demand. More on this in another post, but this weekend I spent some time with my very best friends and every time I see them I think how lucky I am to have friends like this in this world. If something good happens to me, they are the people who are without question happy for me and cheering me on; in the case of something bad they would be quietly and generously casting a net to catch me if I fell.

My son -- Also not for purchase, even when crabby and throwing Buzz Lightyear dolls at water glasses in Thai restaurants. Anyone who reads this blog knows about my love affair with my son. He is amazing and the light of my life and my wonderful little companion. His barnacle hugs and sweet little kisses mean more to me than anything I've ever known. He's a gift and I cherish him.