A Few Of My Favorite Things

I’m baaack! And I’m sharing a few of my favorite things. I hope you’re all doing well and having a great summer! It’s been a while since I’ve posted on CG. I’ve been doing more freelance writing and I haven’t spent as much time here, and I’m sorry. I’ve missed you all so much and I’m looking forward to sharing more of what I’m doing and where I’m writing, and if you like this column, what I’m loving, too.

Most of all, I want to let you know how much I appreciate all of you who are still coming here to read my word babies. (I love you. Can I make you a sandwich?) It feels good to be back in my “playground” and I hope you’ll continue to stick around. I won’t lie, it did feel a little strange clicking publish on this blog post. If you know me, then you know I tend to overthink things, so when I began writing elsewhere it felt funny writing over here. But I missed having my own space to create, write whatever I want, and connect with you, so here I am.

Anyhoo, I thought it might be fun to share with you a few of my favorite things since I love to shop and I am always on the lookout for things that will make me, my life, and my surroundings more fun, functional, and fabulous. And I thought you might like it too. Big shocker here – I’m not a fashion blogger, but I do have skin! – so I’ll be sharing some of my favorite beauty products as well. As always, I will only share things that I truly love and use my self.

If you guys enjoy my column, I might make this a regular thing here on CG. I’m curious to hear what you think so please leave me a message in the comments below. I hope you’ll share what you’re loving now, too. So here goes…

But first, where you can find my writing:

If you’re curious about teens, sports, college-prep, and success in college please read my column in Your Teen Magazine here.

If you’d like to read a piece I wrote for the Los Angeles Times about visiting my childhood home 30 years after my father died please read here. This story is dear to my heart and probably one of my most favorite pieces I’ve ever written. My father would have loved it too.

If you’d like to read about Lynne Slater, The Accidental Icon, a 65-year-old fashionista and former Fordham professor who’s setting Instagram on fire, and is quite possibly the coolest women I’ve ever known, please read my piece for AARP here.

If you’re as fascinated with Instagram makeup tutorials as I am and want to hear about how I’ve been failing at my routine and what I learned from watching the pros please read here. (Please tell me I’m not the only one who finds Instagram videos hypnotizing.)

What I’m Loving Now:

Schitt’s Creek on Amazon, Netflix, and Pop TV. Witty banter and full of heart, this is quite possibly the funniest show on television. It stars the SCTV veterans (I’m dating myself!) Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara, and Eugene’s brilliant progeny, his son Daniel Levy, who also co-created and co-writes the show. I am convinced Canadians are the funniest people on the planet.

Schtisel available on Netflix and Amazon, is not just about an ordinary Orthodox family in Israel. This show is about the universal human experience we all share (regardless of religion) of love, loss, and finding our way in the world, has gained worldwide popularity because of the excellent writing, acting and story-telling. Also, major eye-candy alert! – Michael Aloni, is reason alone to check this out.

The Five Minute Journal: A Happier You in 5 Minutes a Day – Truly the best thing you can do for yourself when you wake up and before you go to sleep (well, um, almost the best thing). This gratitude journal encourages you to focus on the good things that happen in your day (large and small) which helps you achieve a happier and less stressful life.

My first love, before David Cassidy or Robert Redford, was (and is) Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Well, I have good news! UNREAL makes a healthier version: Dark chocolate peanut or almond butter cups that’s just as delicious but with less fat, less sugar, and they’re vegan and gluten free. I found them at Whole Foods and I buy them by the bushel full. You can also find them here.

More Things To Love…

Daditude– A hilarious book from Los Angeles Times columnist, Chris Erskine. He is the male version Erma Bombeck. Witty, poignant. I read it slowly so I wouldn’t miss one single word gem. Erskine is a master who can make you laugh or bring you to tears.

Fresh Crème Ancienne Soft Cream – I’m not going to lie, I don’t know how to pronounce it and it is expensive, (as some of the best things are) but it’s one of the best creams I’ve ever tried. Usually my skin is as parched as a sidewalk in a Phoenix heatwave, but after a few little schmears (a little goes a long way) my skin is as soft and dewy as a newborn baby’s. Pro shopping tip: I found a tiny travel size on Amazon which wasn’t too pricey. Your skin will thank you.

Nothing puts a pep in my step quite like finding a new nail polish or lipstick. Sometimes it’s those small changes to our routines that make life exciting. If you feel like taking a walk on the wild side try Essie’s Take The Lead. I love catching a glimpse at my fingers and toes. This vibrant hue makes me feel alive and tingly. When I’m feeling less Carrie Bradshaw and more Audrey Hepburn I wear Essie’s Skinny Dip.

If you want to see more behind the scenes from CG – books, beauty, writing, food, fun and general nonsense – follow me on Instagram too!

(Note: I may receive a small -and I mean teensy-weensy!- affiliate compensation on items purchased through the links that goes into fueling this fun machine, but at no additional cost to you.)