Sunday 7+1 (7 Things I Love + 1 Thing I Don’t) – 4.29.18

I haven’t shared a 5+1 or even a 6+1 post recently, so you’re getting a bonus Sunday 7+1 post here today!  I’m sharing a round up of things that I love, plus on thing that I don’t.  Just a fun recap books, products, designs that I think you’ll enjoy as much as I do.  Let’s get things started!

St. Tropez Self-Tanning Mousse

Ok, so I’ve talked about this self-tanner before, but I know that talking about it doesn’t do it justice.  So, I’m putting my horribly unsightly pale (and beat up) legs to prove it to you.  (I think another +1 for the week should be that I seem to bump into things a lot, as I always have mystery bruises).  Anyway, here is a photo that shows the great color that the St. Tropez self tanning mousse provides.  Even on these old stems.  (And please, try not to judge – take a picture of your legs while you’re sitting on the ground before you throw stones.)

St. Tropez Self-Tanner Before and After

I kid you not when people have asked me if I went on vacation as a result of the self-tanner.  It’s that good.  And while I am a former sun worshipper, I still love the glow of a tan.  This gives you that, without the sun damage.  And it’s a beautiful, even color (that I couldn’t get from the sun even if I tried anymore).  It’s the best of all worlds.

I also like the St. Tropez mousse because you can see the color as you’re putting it on (which is a must, if you ask me), and you get color pretty quickly too.  You’ll also want an applicator mitt to put it on evenly and keep it off of your hands.

Dipping Your Nails at Home

I can’t take credit for this find myself, but my friend Kayla from Painted by Kayla Payne told me about it.  An at home nail dipping kit?  My nails take a beating (as do Kayla’s), so I’m thinking this might be my solution for having nails that don’t look like something out of a horror movie.  This kit gives you a super hard finish that lasts.  That means that I can skip the manicure, and just get a hand and arm massage instead (which is really my favorite part of the manicure anyway).

The Paris Architect

I wrapped up The Paris Architect this week, and it was a great take on World War II historical fiction and how an ordinary man becomes a hero in crafting ingenious hiding places for Jews.  You see him evolving as a human being, as he begins as a reluctant participant in this deception.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and loved its unique take on this historical time.

Tape Measure Keychain

I spotted this at Marshall’s recently, and thought it was really cute and a great idea (while also wondering why I don’t have one myself).  While I have been known to have a tape measure buried in my purse, it never seems be there when I need it.  A tape measure keychain would solve that problem!

Tape Measure Keychain

If you want one that it totally inconspicuous, you can go with one like this – perfect for a man or a woman.

 

Outdoor Pillows for the Indoors

While working on my Spring 2018 One Room Challenge project, I have noticed that I find myself drawn to pillows that are intended to be used outside for the inside of my home.  Call me crazy, but I’ve found some pillows and pillow covers that aren’t your typical scratchy outdoor pillow.  They’re in great colors and patterns, and I’m thinking that they would stand up to the messes my crew dishes out on the daily.  If outdoor pillows for the indoors are wrong, I don’t want to be right.

I found these at the Restoration Hardware Outlet – which I’m thinking might be a great addition to my new navy daybed.

Outdoor Pillow Covers

Frontgate Outlet had some great outdoor pillows too.  Super high quality, but yet soft and comfortable.

Navy Outdoor Pillows Frontgate Outlet

Navy Outdoor Pillows Frontgate

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark

This is another book that I wrapped up in the past week or two, and the timing is particularly compelling given the news this week.  I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is about the Golden State Killer, and while I was listening to it, the case was still unsolved.  And now, they finally made an arrest.  I kind of felt “in the know” about this case after listening to the book, and have some satisfaction in knowing that this alleged weirdo is finally in custody.  I hope that the victims and their families can have some peace of mind after all of these years.

Whole Foods Guacamole

Since I’ve been working on eating clean(er), my husband and I have done some shopping at Whole Foods, and discovered their guacamole.  If you’re a fan of guacamole, get to Whole Foods – rapido (that’s me, channeling a small portion of what I remember from my high school Spanish classes).  It’s the best guacamole I’ve had in recent memory.  Aside from a yummy table side guacamole made at an amazing Mexican restaurant in Chicago a long time ago.  And they have homemade chips there sometimes too.  Not clean, but really yummy. 🙂

whole-foods-guac

 

My +1 for the week – Empty boxes in the pantry (or fridge)

My kids don’t seem to see the necessity to throw away an empty box of cereal/crackers/lunch items when they polish off the last one in the box.  Nothing like thinking I have something in my pantry, only to realize, no, it’s all gone.  Between empty boxes and missing silverware, I think these kids are messing with my head.

Here’s to a great week ahead!

Jenny

 

 

10 Comments

  • Reply
    Shelley @ Calypso in the Country
    April 29, 2018 at 9:23 am

    Ah, the empty boxes! I swear I find one every day! Why is it so hard for them to throw it in the garbage or recycling?? I am definitely trying that self tanner…I won’t even post how hideous my legs are looking these days…Enjoy your week, Jenny!
    Shelley

  • Reply
    Sue
    April 29, 2018 at 5:37 pm

    Jenny,
    You are my hero! Any woman who “bares” her legs for all to see, deserves a huge bravo! Thanks for being so real. I am sure you just reached housands who are thinking, “I want to be her friend!”
    Love your work, love this weekly feature.
    Sue

    • Reply
      Jenny
      April 29, 2018 at 5:40 pm

      Sue, you are too kind. And I appreciate that YOU appreciate what a leap of faith it is for me to share a photo like that! My legs are not my favorite feature, let me tell you! The self-tanner definitely makes them easier to bear/bare. 😉

  • Reply
    Lynn
    April 29, 2018 at 8:43 pm

    I have read so many books that you recommend and I’m now going the read the Paris Architect but I don’t think I will read Ill be Gone in the Dark but you seem to always read some really interesting books that I have enjoyed immensley so thank you for sharing. I look forward to these posts. I’m definitely going to try the self tanner and I’ve had Whole Food’s guacamole and it is amazing. Unfortunately, we don’t have a Whole Foods close by so I don’t get it that often.

  • Reply
    Christina
    April 29, 2018 at 10:02 pm

    I love you favorite posts. I always want to try a self tanner but have bad memories of trying one many years ago…it turned my skin orange. I am very fair skin and get very little color. I always wonder if you are to use it on your face as well. Do you run ot on your feet..the top and on front of your hands?

    • Reply
      Jenny
      April 29, 2018 at 10:49 pm

      I’ve had bad self-tanner experiences too – YEARS ago in high school when it first came out. Looked like an Oompah-Loompah. 🙂 Use it sparingly on the tops of your hands and feet, and I personally don’t use it on my face, but I think you can. The color is amazing, no matter what your skin tone – I think they do have different options in terms of the degree of color though.

  • Reply
    Alice J
    April 30, 2018 at 10:14 am

    I just started Paris Architect! If you liked that book and haven’t read Beneath a Scarlet Sky, I highly recommend that book as well!

    • Reply
      Jenny
      April 30, 2018 at 5:12 pm

      I did read Beneath a Scarlet Sky and loved it! Pino’s bravery and heroism blew my mind. I can’t get enough of WWII historical fiction!

  • Reply
    Kristie W
    June 19, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    The little tape measure keychain will make a great stocking stuffer for my husband (yes I already have Christmas on the brain lol!)

    • Reply
      Jenny
      June 20, 2018 at 6:15 pm

      I need to have Christmas on the brain a lot sooner than I usually do! I might actually get to enjoy the holiday instead of stressing out about it!

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