Favorite things- #3

Any of you who know me well, know how much I love to bake and cook.  Granted that it often depends on how much time I have left over once I've taken care of the other bagillion things I have on the list. I do pride myself in cooking for my family 98% of the time and really feel like dinner should be more of our prioroty in our families. I love to try new recipes and attempt to bake things I've never tried before.

My favotite baking book of all time is called,

The America's Test Kitchen Family Baking Book

I know not everyone has heard of America's test kitchen. Basically it is a kitchen/group that tests recipes over and over and over again figuring out what makes the best cookies/roast/bannana bread etc.  I am a geek because I always DVR their show on PBS. Check it out if you want to see them in action.

They recommend not only recipes but test different products so they can recommend the best tools for in the kitchen.

I have never made a recipe out of this book that I haven't loved! Each recipe (they're are over 700)  has step by step instructions with  great pictures and helpful hints. I will warn you  that if you do get the book you might say to yourself, "Jamie this book is asking me to do some silly & time consuming things."  Don't be discouraged, they really and do-able, ... and they have tested these recipes sometimes dozens of times to get it perfect. Trust them!!!  Even if you already bake or want to get started check out my favorite baking book. You'll never need another! 

HERE

These are a few of my favorite things: Pt: 2

I have tried a  lot of concealers over the years. Not all, but have to say this is the Best one so far. I don't see any reason ever try another. I have tried cheap concealers and expensive ones. I must say this is a bit more on the expensive side for me, but if it works then..... 

 It also may look like a small amount (which it is I guess) but a little goes a long way.  I use a couple dabs on my ring finger and that pretty much covers both eyes and any other spots on my face that need "erasing."  

So if you are plagued by naturally dark circles or lack of sleep, both of which are me, Consider checking out my favorite concealer from Benefit cosmetics.

thses are a few of my favorite things

Some of my most favorite items/products have come from a suggestion of a friend, or on a blog where someone was raving about something they loved. I thought it would be fun to highlight some of my favorite things that may help or inspire you!

The first one I am going to "feature" is a book that was given to me by one of my best friends, Maurisa years ago.  It is called Sink Reflections. 

I have to say that at the time I didn't think I was in dire need of a book to help me organize my chaotic life. I was not offended at the gift and actually was quite grateful for it, especially after I started to read.  I should admit that I don't follow everything she suggests, and she even says that she doesn't expect you to.  She calls them " Baby Steps" and I love it because she reiterates over and over that you don't need to feel like you need to do everything today... or all at once. 

Some of the biggest changes I have made from the book is finding out what made me feel in control of my life and my home. (She doesn't just talk about your home, but things you can do to feel better about yourself)  I learned that I need to wake up to a clean kitchen. Mind you, it doesn't always happen but I would say that because I've made it a priority it does 90% of the time.  I also have come to the conclusion that my home is not going to be perfectly clean and organized all of the time. Especially when we have young children at home. There are more but you get the idea.  Two of my favorite quotes from the book are

"You can't organize clutter"

&

"Even incomplete cleaning blesses your family"

I won't go on and on but I would highly recommend this book. I know that you can be helped by this book or you probably know someone who could. It is an easy enjoyable read so I hope you'll check it out!

You can order the book HERE 

She also has a website 

www.flylady.net

Stay tuned next time for one of my favorite makeup products!