My Monthly Lifestyle Favorites — February 2019
This is the fourth in a monthly series on my favorite things (check out November, December, January). I love sharing the things that make my life easier, better, and more enjoyable. Each month I include an item in several categories and may even add a few new categories along the way. Let me know if you have category suggestions or item suggestions in the comments!
Favorite Clothing/Shoe Item
Microsuede Western Sock Booties
I love these booties from Target. They come in several colors and the “sock” top is perfect for wearing with leggings and getting a long, smooth look. The heel isn’t too high and they are very comfortable. People more fashionable than me say sock booties are in this season!
Favorite YouTube Channel
AmyTV
This channel has really changed the way I approach my day. She has fantastic videos on calendar blocking, the benefits of waking up early (Still working on this one!), and other inspiring advice to help you be more productive and go after the life you want.
Favorite Beauty Item
O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair Lip Balm
I’m a sucker for buying cute lip balms that smell yummy. They feel nice, but don’t actually repair dry lips. O’Keefe’s is unscented and really works. Like other O’Keeffe’s products, they’re unisex and no-nonsense.
Favorite Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Dip
The “big game” is coming up and this has always been a favorite when I bring it for any occasion.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
3–12.5 ounce cans of all-white meat chicken (drained)
3–8 ounce packages of cream cheese
1 cup of ranch dressing
12 ounce bottle of Frank’s Buffalo Wing Sauce (NOT hot sauce)
12 ounces of shredded Mexican cheese blend
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In large pot or skillet, mix chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and wing sauce on medium-low heat until combined and smooth. Mix in 1 cup of cheese. Transfer to 9 by 13 pan. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Serve with tortilla chips, pita, toasted baguette, etc.
(Note: The original recipe I pilfered from a friend’s ex-boyfriend included diced celery, so feel free to add a cup if you’re a fan. I am not.)
Favorite Gadget
Universal Wireless in-Car Radio Adapter FM Modulator Music Player & Hands-Free Calls for iPhone and Android
I don’t have Bluetooth in my car, so this little gadget has been awesome for listening to books on Audible. Supposedly you can use it for hands-free calls, but I haven’t used it for that yet because I don’t really like talking on the phone while driving. Basically, the FM adaptor plugs in through the 3.5 mm audio jack of your phone and you tune the gadget and your car radio to the same station so you can hear the phone audio through your car speaker system. Look for a channel low on the dial, as it has to be one that isn’t in use. This adaptor is different than 95% of other adaptors because you don’t have to plug it into the car socket (or what we used to call the cigarette lighter). I’d rather have that free for phone charger and Garmin. Anyway, I love this little thing even though I sound 85 years old while explaining it
Favorite Book or Audiobook
Based on a True Story: Not a Memoir by Norm MacDonald
Need a laugh? This book is perfect. I just finished the audiobook because I’m an Audible subscriber and loved it. I’ve seen Norm do stand-up and it’s genius. There are obvious jokes for those who need them and subtle jokes for those who need them. I won’t spoil the part of his stand up act that I enjoyed the most in case he still does it. I was able to go backstage after the show and learn the truth. So good. Anyway, this book has his trademark dry-wit and observations and MAYBE a few true stories.
Favorite Subscription Box
StitchFix
Clothing/sylist boxes have been hit or miss for me, so it’s rare that I recommend them. However, after my THIRD time of giving StitchFix one last try, they hit the nail on the head. A big part of the success this time around was updating my Pinterest board to show my style. I didn’t keep everything, but the prices and pieces were right on point. Your styling fee of $20 is credited back to you with any purchase and you get 25% off if you keep everything. This would have put my total at $127, which isn’t bad for four clothing items and one necklace. If you use the link above, we both get $25 off!
Favorite Dupes
I recently went on a binge of YouTube videos about best “dupes” of expensive designer items. To be clear, these are not items that copy logos or try to pass themselves off as the original. They copy the style. Obviously, quality isn’t the same, but neither is the price. I tried out two items that I now love — Vintage Top Flat Full Rimmed Plastic Cateye Sunglasses (Celine dupe) and Bamboo Pendant Women 18K Gold Plated Initial Choker Necklace (Celine dupe called the most Instagrammed accessory of 2018 — I love the look of it layered with other gold necklaces). I’m not really into labels (by necessity and choice), but I liked these designs enough to check them out.
Note: By using some of the links above, I may be compensated through the Amazon Affiliate program. However, none of this content is sponsored and all opinions are my own.
