12.28.2011

Favorites of 2011.

Welcome to my wrap-up of 2011.  This year has been a year of discovery.  Maybe since I turned thirty, I was more open for change, more open to change up my "normal".  I found some new favorite things this year, and since I love it when people tell me about their favorite things...I thought I would tell you some of the things I discovered this year.

MUSIC:
There are very few albums that I like to listen to the entire thing, but this year, there were several.
(The release date might be earlier than this year, but I started listening to it in the last twelve months.)
  1. Mumford and Sons- Sigh No More. Awesome album.  I listen to it a lot, however, one of the tracks "Little Lion Man", has the "f" word in it.  We can't find the clean version...any ideas?
  2. One Republic-Waking Up.  This album came out awhile ago, but it is full of really great songs.
  3. Adele- 21.  AWESOME.  I listen to "Someone Like You" on repeat.  I sing it as loudly as I can every time it comes on, which makes the boys laugh.  Good times.
  4. Jenny Oaks Baker- Wish Upon a Star and The Best of Jenny Oaks Baker.  Jenny Oaks Baker is a fabulous violinist.  This music is relaxing, and when the boys are tired in the car, they ask to listen to it.  I saw her perform in person twice this year.  She is a lovely person, with incredible talent.  The Wish Upon a Star is a Disney themed album and one of my favorites is "A Whole New World" as a tango.  Fabulous.

BOOKS:
I love to read, but since I had classes this year, I didn't have a lot of time for reading.  As soon as I finished my classes in August, I started reading.  I have found new favorites:

  1. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.  Seriously an awesome book.  It is long, but well worth it.  There are a lot of philosophical ideas -most I agreed with, some I did not.  Whether you agree with everything, it is a really thought provoking book.  Loved it.
  2. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by 

BEAUTY PRODUCTS:
When I walk into the make-up section of a store, I am overwhelmed by how many beauty products there are.  Here are some of the ones I found that work for me.
  1. Erase Paste by Benefit (Sephora).  This is my very first concealer/under eye cream, and it is a dream.  I feel like I look younger as soon as I put it on.  (I put it on after I use my foundation/tinted moisturizer.)
  2. Tinted Moisturizer.  Seriously, I had not used this until this year, and now I am in love.  I was using Laura Mercier (Sephora), but that was too expensive.  I found some at Target that fit my budget more, it is the Boots brand.  It has been working perfectly, and it is a fraction of the cost.
  3. Luminizer.  This is a great product.  It makes my skin luminous.  I had no idea how to use this, but one of my friends showed me how.  I use High Beam by Benefit (Sephora), I got it as a sample, and am almost out.  I am going to try the Boots brand for this as well.  I have found if there is a product I want to know how to use, head to Sephora (or any make-up counter) and ask.
  4. Coconut Oil.  My friends, it has changed my life.  I use it for EVERYTHING.  Moisturizer, eye make-up remover, lotion, anytime I need moisture, I use it.  I buy mine at Trader Joe's but you can buy it anywhere.  It is in a semi-solid state until it is warmed up.  I know it sounds weird to put oil on your face, but it really is amazing.  My skin has been fantastic since I started using it.  The real test will be using it in Utah's dry climate.

I would love to hear about any products, music, books, anything that you have fallen in love with this year, or ever really.  Go ahead, share the love.




What would a wrap-up post from me be without pictures?  Here are a few of my favorites from 2011.  


 Thomas:


Jack:




Ben and me:









Happy New Year!  May 2012 bring you happiness and adventure.

(At least until the world ends in December)

7 comments:

Jessica said...

Fun post! When will you be in Utah?

Kirk said...

Super year for the Whitakers!

Liz said...

I am so glad that you and your family had a great year! I hope this next year will be just as great or better!

Cait Emma said...

such a great blog xoxo nice to meet you and happy new year!

C

{www.linenandleaves.blogspot.com}

Piril Maria said...

Happy new year from me at The Bookness. I followed too. Maybe you visit me someday.

♥ www.thebookness.com

Kristy said...

Great post! I do totally love hearing about favorites. I totally want to try the highlighting facial product. Those always do wonders. I can't believe your stay in Mexico is over, times flies! So we should be seeing you soon over here, nice! I can't wait to hear about all your adventures in Sri Lanka! Happy New Years to you too! The world is ending in December? Why do I never know about these things?! :)

Brooke S. said...

Love, love, love Mumford and Sons! Two other albums to consider: "The Temper Trap" (only one) and the newest "The National". Amazing. Happy moving!

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