Friday Favorites: A Book, Some Music, the Best Kitchen Appliance Ever, a Rub, and The Ultimate Lip Gloss

Is it Friday again already? Damn, this week flew by. Okay, here for your enjoyment are five things I’m loving right now.

 

 

First on my list of life changers is Quit Like a Woman. Several of my friends (not to mention Chrissy Teigen) say this book convinced them to quit drinking altogether, and my curiosity was piqued. I’m listening to the audiobook now and you guys? Believe the hype. This book is the real deal. Whether you believe you’re an alcoholic and need to avoid anything to do with drinking or you just want to make sure you’re not overly reliant on that glass or two of wine to end the day, this book gives you the information, motivation, and inspiration you need to kick the habit. While I have no plans to give up date night cocktails, Quit Like a Woman has inspired me to eliminate drinking at home, and it has actually made me EXCITED about the change. What’s more, Holly Whitaker’s techniques can be applied to any addiction or habit that’s negatively impacting your life — I’m finding this book very helpful in evaluating what’s holding me back from Living My Best Life and figuring out how to eliminate those stumbling blocks. Give it a listen or a read and I bet you’ll be very glad you did.

One quote I liked from the book: Invest in your healing and it will pay off more than you can even begin to fathom.

We have a newish NPR music station here in Nashville that has truly GIVEN ME LIFE. I can’t even begin to explain how awesome WXNP is, especially for Gen Xers. The DJs play the most intoxicating blend of alternative favorites from my high school and college years and new music that just fits my overall vibe. I’m constantly discovering new artists thanks to WXNP as well as awesome up-and-coming local acts. Best of all? You don’t have to live in Nashville to listen! Pull up the website on your phone and you can hear a live stream of the station (which, incidentally, is commercial-free) — The mobile website even lets you add a widget to your phone screen so that you quickly pull up the livestream any time you want. WXNP introduced me to Big Thief, Tank and the Bangas, Mustafa, Joy Oladokun, and most recently, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (I can’t even believe I just wrote that) to name a few, and my ears have never been happier.

Looking for a food gadget you’ll actually use and adore? I’ve had my Ninja Foodi for a year now and I still love it and use it at least once a week. It’s a 5-in-1, so it air fries, roasts, bakes, dehydrates, and grills. I’ve ended up using the grill the most, followed by the air fryer. Thanks to the grill (and the built-in meat thermometer), we’re able to eat healthier than ever because it does a fantastic job of charring any meat while leaving it juicy and tender on the inside. I usually just put a rub on the meat and that’s it– and it always turns out fabulous.

I use the air fryer to roast vegetables and have discovered that it’s really the only way to make Trader Joe’s Kale and Cauliflower Gnocchi come out crispy on the inside, tender within, and perfectly wonderful. All the parts are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup really easy — and since I’m good about putting everything in the dishwasher after each use, I’ve had no issues with it smoking indoors, even after a year of heavy use. I have zero bad things to say about my Ninja Foodi- It’s got to be the best small appliance I’ve ever purchased.

 

Speaking of rubs, we bought several seasoning blends from the Galena Garlic Company here in Nashville and now are hopelessly addicted. I’ve tried over a dozen varieties of their seasonings and all of them have been wonderful — They make preparing a quick and delicious dinner so easy. Just rub the seasoning blend on the meat of your choice and grill or broil it, and it will come out bursting with flavor. One packet is generally good for two dinners for four and there are SO MANY to choose from — It definitely makes dinner more exciting. Pick some up at the Galena Garlic Company store in East Nashville or you can just order them online.

 

Walgreens carries the best lip gloss I’ve ever found — I love it so much, I always buy three at a time because I’m afraid it will be discontinued! The brand is Soap and Glory, the name of it is Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Plumping Gloss. I love the Spun Sugar color, which I wear over M.A.C. Whirl lip pencil — The gloss neutralizes the pencil color and makes it look more like my natural lip color. The lip gloss looks great, lasts a long time, and it makes my lips tingle. It’s also inexpensive. YAY.

Have a great weekend!