A subject like this can be easy to write about or it can be a nightmare. I'm choosing not to take it too terribly seriously or overthink this. I have a long list of things that are my Favourites in categories that range from shampoo (Pantene Sheer Volume) to shortbread (Walkers), from books (To Kill a Mockingbird) to basketball players (Patrick Ewing forever). Showing you just a few is relatively easy. I'll just pick out the ones that I use most often in a normal Nance Day.
Here then, in no particular order, are
A Few Of My Favourite Things
2. Generic Volumizing Root Lifter: I usually try to get this stuff at Sally Beauty when it goes on sale for 4 bottles for $20. It's like magic. I spray it at the roots of my slightly-damp hair, then blow dry. I don't have to do anything else, and I like that. I'm way past the days of wanting to futz around with my hair. And my once-thick tresses are sadly Not That anymore. This really helps me look nice without a lot of bother.
3. California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Everyday Olive Oil: This stuff is my go-to olive oil, and for the longest time, it was hard to find. They came out with a Destination label, which blended in internationally-sourced oils, and I didn't care for it as much. But my warehouse club had a big stock of the all-California oil, and I got several at a very good price. I really like this oil.
Looks like I'm all done here! You know what to do in Comments, and how I love our Chats.
The simple things make our lives much better. I'm not familiar with either product so thanks for the info. The story of your comforter is a delightful glimpse into how we change our point of view as we age. Use the good stuff.
ReplyDeleteAlly Bean--You're welcome.
DeleteI agree--Use The Good Stuff. Why wait, and what exactly are we waiting for? I know my grandmother would be glad that it comforts and warms me every single night rather than waits, folded in a plastic case.
I’m so relieved to see that you stick with the CA ONLY version of the olive oil. I’ve become a bit of an olive oil snob, and find that I vastly prefer CA olive oil to most Mediterranean stuff. I suspect it’s because so much of the Mediterranean stuff is counterfeit, cut with other kinds of oils. To be honest, I don’t think I would notice the difference when cooking a soup or something, but there are times when one TRULY wants a good, fruity olive oil, so I prefer to have some available.
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt story. My mom had one that meant a lot to her, and was not beautiful in any way, probably made my her grandma or great grandma, but it didn’t make the move with her from California. I don’t know if that’s because her cats destroyed it, or if a box went missing, or if my brother didn’t know its value when he went through her things. That’s one risk of being in the hospital in another city while your apartment is being packed up for shipping from Alaska to California, which is very expensive and space/weight at a premium. I do have a few other Knick knacks around the house that I love, that are absolutely not my taste. OH well, they make me happy.
J--For the longest time, it was tough to find any CA ONLY olive oil anyplace, unless you paid ridiculous premium prices. I use a lot of olive oil since I use it exclusively, so I had to compromise for a time. When I saw this oil at the warehouse club in big bottles at a good price, I jumped on it.
DeleteI'm terribly sorry about your mother's quilt. It's understandable, but still a sad and wistful loss, especially in the face of so much loss. And when it comes to mementos and sentimentality, there is no style, no decor motif to consider. The things in your home should make you feel at home and happy, and that is reason enough for them to be there.
I love the comforter and the story that goes with it. I definitely need to try that volumizing root lifter. I always had great hair but the last few years it's looking flat and thin - getting old is not for wimps! I have all different kinds of olive oils, don't think I've tried that one yet. I'll have to add it to my collection :)
ReplyDeleteMartha--The story is what makes it special, for sure.
DeleteI mourn the days when my thick, thick hair used to break rubber bands or hair elastics. I had so much hair! This product doesn't grow hair or anything, but I find it makes my hair look thicker after I blow dry.
I use three olive oils regularly, depending upon the job required, and this one is my workhorse. It has terrific body and flavour, and its reputation is impeccable. I hope you like it.
Oh that was fun. The 'hideous' colors as you say are so 70's /80s. !!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the hair tip!
I have 3 things for you:that are favorites of mine:
I have a neck warmer that I warm before i get in bed. I put my hands in it. It really helps me fall asleep.
You microwave the thing.
I love my electric assist bike. I really do. It makes cycling fun.
and I love my little one cup ice cream maker. Just enough!! But never enough! you know
kathy--I have a neck warmer, too, and it really helps my cervical myofasciitis. I microwave mine as well, and it contains some dried herbs like lavender and rosemary along with whatever keeps the warmth. Aren't they awesome?
DeleteOooh, a mini ice cream maker sounds perfect! I may have to look into that.
Love your comforter story and the comforter - hideous colors and all - it is great! And, I use the same EVOO!
ReplyDeleteVera--Oh, thanks. Sentimentality can put a sheen of beauty on everything, can't it?
DeleteIt's a great olive oil. I used to like a TJ's olive oil quite a lot, too. I can't recall the name, but it was an unfiltered oil from California, an estate one, I think. Sadly, the nearest TJ's to me is now almost inaccessible. I have to battle traffic AND a multilevel parking garage just to shop there. Forget it; not worth the hassle.
We have a quilt similar to yours that my husband's grandmother made. It's one of the first things I'd grab if I had two seconds to collect my most valued things.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen that hair stuff, but I am now intrigued ...
Bridget--My aunt has very short hair like yours, and she fell in love with the Root Lifter. Give it a try!
DeleteI also have my grandmother's huge dining room table and 6 chairs, which would be tough to grab in a fire. The quilt would be much easier.
My (current) favorite thing: My hair & nail gummies. I can't remember the brand, but I started using them at the beginning of the pandemic because all the hand sanitizer was wreaking havoc on my nails. They really seem to have helped, but the main reason I'm still using them is because they are delicious! I get two a day, except that on Sunday when I fill my pill container for the week I get an extra two as a treat. Ha!
ReplyDeleteWe've got a quilt made by Mike's grandmother - it's got polyester and all kinds of "interesting" patterns. We used to keep it out, but when we moved it got put into a chest & there it still is. I should see if I can track it down!
I have got to try that root stuff! As my hair gets longer it gets flatter, which annoys me (I have wide hips & a pin head so I need a little hair volume to not look ridiculous).
I don't really have a taste for different olive oils (unless I'm dipping my bread & then I have opinions). I'll bet I'd notice if someone did a taste test, but I don't really have a discerning palate.
Bug--I am befuddled by the adult gummies craze. I take my vitamins and medicines like an adult in pill form. What's the big deal with swallowing a pill? Why so many candy-like meds and supplements? The last thing I want to do is chew up and swallow all my vitamins and stuff, or chew and swallow tummy medicine if I already feel nauseated. I just don't get it.
DeleteThis comforter is largely polyester scraps, too. It's all donated stuff, and, I suspect, old clothes brought in by ladies and gentlemen to the Senior Center that were cut up into pieces for these quilts. (I think they chose not to use the term "quilt" since they weren't sewn by hand.) The comforters were huge moneymakers in their store. My dad alone bought at least ten of them in varying sizes. He couldn't help himself.
I get what you mean about the length of your hair weighing it down. I'm letting my hair grow because I honestly don't want to go to a salon, even the little private one-chair deal that I trust. That means one length and no volume-enhancing layers. This stuff helps a great deal.
Olive oil is just one of those things I'm snobby about. I do a lot of cooking, and I do a lot of inventing of recipes and intuitive cooking. And I'm just fussy about food.
I didn't intend to jump on the gummy bandwagon - I was looking for a vitamin for my nails & couldn't find one that wasn't a gummy so I decided to give it a try. Now I'm hooked. But I wouldn't want all my pills to be gummies - sometimes I just want to swallow the thing & be done with it!
Deletedark roast coffee. Milk chocolate. Fantasy fiction. And, not least, your blog.
ReplyDeleteMary--I miss my dark roast, but I have had to get on decaf now. And I'm okay with that overall.
DeleteI love milk chocolate, too. I can eat a little dark, but I vastly prefer milk. I used to be the other way around as a child!
I'm not a fan of fantasy fiction, but it's a burgeoning and well-loved genre full of good writers. I still prefer nonfiction, but I'm getting better at reading contemporary fiction. Lots of fellow bloggers have given me some good titles.
And thank you so much for including the Dept. in your faves. I'll try to write well and often enough to maintain that revered spot.
I remember my mother had made a quilt (last time I ever saw it was my pre-game days. She had every female relative of hers from her mom to sisters-in-law and cousins (in ink) do their signatures on quilt blocks. She then embroidered the signatures by following the ink lines. It was done in shades of rose pink & very. It was a huge quilt covering a full sized bed. Dunno what happened to it. But I've oftentimes picture it in my mind.
ReplyDeleteFavorite things? Earrings...the goodies, the better (one pair I wear a lot is cows - the top part is the head with the pierced stud & the backing that fits on the stud is udders & legs. Today & all season long, egg nog. One more? REAL books (not kindle!).
Sorry...pre-teen not pre game (spell check...one of my LEAST favorite things)
DeleteAnni--Oh, that quilt sounds gorgeous and so special. What a shame you don't know what's become of such an heirloom. I hope it's safely in someone's very appreciative possession.
DeleteI had pierced ears, but I gave up earrings ages ago. Your cow ones sound so fun. My husband is the eggnog fan; I don't care for it at all. But I do share your preference for REAL books, and I vastly prefer hardbacks. Books are a serious love for me.
I too would rather have hardback. Paperbacks print is way too small.
DeleteI love posts like this; we can really learn so much from each other without even going deep.
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is so special and I love that you use it daily. I too am over hiding pretty things away, lets use it all, chip it up, let it rip, etc...Things are meant to be used.
Can I tell you that I read: GERIATRIC root lifter? See, I too don't have as much hair as I had in the past, so it's feeling old. HA. I might need to try this!
I'm all about the olive oils!
BB Suz--Geriatric root lifter is not too far off. I didn't need this stuff until I was in my fifties. Now, at 61, it's my BFF.
DeleteYou make a good point about how little details like this help us get to know each other without being too terribly personal. They're revealing, but not uncomfortable.
I love the story on your comforter and that you absolutely love it despite the fact that the colors aren't your thing.
ReplyDeleteI also love it when you find hair products you like. And they don't discontinue them. That latter part is critical. (I've been trimming the front of my hair and Justine has been doing the back. There is no hair product in the world that can save me right now but I'm okay with that.)
That same olive oil is on my counter. Discovered it quite some time ago and it's our favorite. I was delighted when I learned that we could count on California olive oils to be pure unless stated otherwise. I wish this brand came in larger bottles because we go through it! We've been getting it through Vitacost. People have been recommending Vitacost to me for years and I ignored them but they've been a godsend these last 8 months.
A few of my favorites ...
L.L. Bean moccasin slippers during fall and winter. Croc flip flops during summer.
Constant Comment hot tea.
Seafood. We managed to have steamed crabs several times this summer, even through October, and they were wonderful. Cherished time together on the screened porch.
Mo Mo Mink Blanket. The old school Korean version of a weighted blanket. Sleeping under one is pure heaven IMO.
My homemade corn bag. Shelled corn in one of Smokey's old socks that has been tied close. I heat it in the microwave and then put it at the foot of the bed under the covers. A lifesaver. Because we are sticking with the HVAC system for heating vs the wood stove this winter.
Shirley--Sssshh. Don't give them any ideas about discontinuing this hair product! LOL.
DeleteI buy Rick the Constant Comment decaf tea. He likes to drink it on the weekends.
I am dreaming of steamed crabs. Do you use Old Bay? I haven't had good crab since I was in Maryland last year.
I am off to google your Mo Mo Mink blanket. I often wonder if I'd benefit from a weighted blanket, but I often feel trapped under my heavy comforter in bed. I hate how I can't move my feet. Maybe I simply need to untuck my sheets.
I NEED A CORN BAG. My feet are always cold in bed. Is there any danger of the corn popping, or is it not that kind of corn? Do you just get regular shelled corn from like a feed store? THIS COULD CHANGE MY LIFE! Please email me.
Constant Comment decaf is exactly what I drink! Rick and I already have something in common.
DeleteWe never steam our own crabs. We just pick them up from our favorite seafood guy. He makes his own seasoning blend, which is similar to Old Bay but slightly different.
The Mo Mo Mink blankets can only be purchased in Korea. They come in single or double thickness, which of course, determines the weight. We've had guests love them and guest hate them. I remember one couple saying they didn't feel like they could even turn over under the one I put on their bed. LOL Untucking is definitely worth trying but I suspect that if you don't like a heavy comforter, you might not like a Mo Mo of any thickness/weight.
You do need a corn bag! There is no danger of the corn popping as yes, it is the corn from the feed store. I'll send you more info soon but you can probably find what you need by using Google.