So I hear Christmas is right around the corner…😂 Are you kidding? My kids actually scream it at me every single day. 📢“Mom!  Did you know there’s only 10 days until Christmas??!! TEN DAYS!!” So since it’s that time of year, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things. 

If you know me in real life, you know I’m always talking your ear off about a new podcast I’m listening to, a book you should really read, or a great new makeup I tried. Oh, you’re not in this FB shopping group? Well, let me add you. I can’t help myself. Sorry. (Not sorry.)

And since I get to slip into your inbox each week, it makes me super happy to have all of you to share these things with too!  Here we go!

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I love to read…at least I used to. I always have at least 3 books stacked on my nightstand. But also having 3 kids makes it really hard to ever have both hands free. And to be honest, when I do have the time late at night, I really just want to collapse on the couch and watch Netflix. 

So these days I turn to podcasts and sometimes audiobooks…things I can listen to when I’m driving or washing dishes. 

Here’s what I’m listening to…

Crime Junkie: Love true crime? Already watched every Dateline episode? You can’t go wrong with a podcast that’s tagline is, “Be weird. Be rude. Stay alive.” It’s my #1 favorite listen this year.  (I may or may not have the theme song as my ringtone.) 😬

Calm Parenting Podcast: Have a strong willed little wild one with a motor that never quits? Yeah, me too. The host of this podcast gets me. I flip it on when I need a little parenting pep talk and really practical advice.

Everything Happens (for a reason) AND Terrible, Thanks for Asking: Want to escape the petty noise of the world? Both of these podcasts ponder real life pains and experiences. Great for a rainy day or a long drive alone when you’re feeling a little melancholy. (P.S. My husband thinks I’m super weird for purposely listening to things that make me cry.) 🤷‍♀️

Hunted: Ok, so you may have figured out I love crime shows. Fun side effect: It also makes me super paranoid and jumpy. I’m convinced that guy in Target aisle 9 is following me. But…anyway, here’s another great crime podcast to listen to. This one is actually fictional and made by the same guy who created Law & Order. It’s like a TV show for your ears. 

Coffee and Crumbs: My pick when I need a break from all the true crime. This is the polar opposite. Three moms talking about navigating marriage, motherhood and faith. It’s good for the soul. 

Levar Burton Reads: “Butterfly in the sky, I can fly twice as high!” 🦋 Raise your hand if this was one of your favorite TV theme songs ever. If your hand is in the air, you’re just the right age to really enjoy hearing Levar Burton read short stories to you (not actually for kids).

Stories Podcast AND Story Pirates: These are the perfect alternative to letting your kids watch iPads in the car. Instead, let them use their imagination and listen to really great children’s stories voiced by talented actors. My son asks for them on the ride to school. 

Everything is Figureoutable Audiobook: A great read (or listen) when you need some motivation to get going on your dreams. To try something new. To figure something out. 

The Moment: Love a love story? Me too. This is a really fun podcast with a new couples’ love story in each episode. Some are funny, some really unique, some surprising. 

This American Life: A solid, standby podcast that I return to over and over again when looking for great storytelling and a new perspective. There’s something for you there. 

If you can believe it, these are just some of shows in my podcast library. If you haven’t gotten into podcasts, you’re missing out. They’re totally free and you can find some really great stuff out there for any interest. If you have an iPhone, go to your podcast app to get started. If you don’t have an iPhone, well…I can’t help you. 😂 (But you can still definitely listen to podcasts.)

When I don’t have earbuds in…

Hair Care: Deva Curl-If you have curls, you need this in your life! But you need to learn how to use it, so pick up the Curly Girl Handbook while you’re at it. Game changer.

Makeup: Maskcara-Tried this for the first time this year and fell in love. Practically all my makeup in one easy to carry pallette? Perfect.

Skin Care: Got some spending money? Drunk Elephant  Looking for something more affordable? LilyAna Naturals

Facebook Group: What Kristin Found. Your husband’s gonna hate me for this. But…if you’re not already in this FB group, here’s the link. This girl finds the best Amazon deals and posts them all day long. Did you know Amazon has lightning deals that only last a certain amount of time? I had no idea..but now I’m all over them. Don’t blame me when you’re on a first name basis with the delivery guy.

Shoes: Rothy’s  I have worn my black pair of flats almost every single day for over a year. I’ve worn them on 12 hour wedding days, to parties, and to carpool pickup. They’re seriously the most comfortable and versatile shoe I’ve tried. Plus when they get dirty, I can just throw them in the washer. If you use this link, we both get $20 off. 🥳

Jeans: Absoluion by Wit & Wisdom Moms, you need these. They stretch, they’re high waisted enough to make you feel held together, and they’re super comfy. I think you can only score them at Nordstrom.

Drink: Spindrift sparkling water. I’ve tried ’em all and this is my favorite. My husband and I drink way to many of them. The good news is our kids think they’re disgusting, so we never have to share.

That’s it…a few of my favorite things. (No, these are not affiliate links. Except that Rothy’s link…that’s definitely a coupon code for both of us.)

Thanks for listening…I needed some fresh ears since all my other friends are not currently accepting one more podcast recommendation from me. 🙅‍♀️😆

Until Next Time,

P.S.WAIT! What are your favorite things? What am I totally missing out on? Hit reply on this email and tell me…seriously. I HATE missing out.