Kay's Faves

"Raindrops on roses
And whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things"


- Lyrics from the Sound of Music 1965
 

I adore a myriad of things, from my husband’s photography that warms my soul...

Dana Point, California

Dana Point, California

… to the frivolous baseball caps I’ve collected from our travels.

(FL: Angkor, Cambodia; Jerusalem, Israel; Machu Picchu, Peru; BL: Athens, Greece; Lion King - New York, NY; Jewel Hat Vancouver, Canada; Wicked - London, England)

(FL: Angkor, Cambodia; Jerusalem, Israel; Machu Picchu, Peru; BL: Athens, Greece; Lion King - New York, NY; Jewel Hat Vancouver, Canada; Wicked - London, England)

While I acknowledge that materialism is associated with greed, one of the seven deadly sins, I believe if you do all things in moderation you can pamper yourself as long as you remember to give and give freely whenever and wherever it is needed.  

After all, we should all have a few things that invoke joyous memories, lend comfort or simply make you feel divine. So, here are a few of my FAVES ~

 

Majestic Horses

I suppose whenever anyone thinks of a stallion, they see in their mind's eye a majestic horse rearing up on his hind legs while his front legs are thrashing in the air and his long flowing mane is whipping in the wind. To me horses exhibit everything beautiful. Their grace, their style, their power seems to speak to my soul. One of the first books I read as a child was Black Beauty by Anna Sewell and since then, I have been in love with horses.

Now, I have an extensive collection of all kinds of miniature horses that I display throughout our home. Wherever I travel I search for a unique horse to add to my collection.

Among my most prized pieces are a white porcelain Native American Medicine Horse with crystals, beads and other authentic objects created by Susan Harvey and a Jenny J. Foster glass horse as well as a lovely piece by Jon Stuart Anderson in polymer clay.

My absolute favorite is a glass winged black Pegasus horse from Spain.

One of my best sources locally is Pinnacle Peak Gallery in Scottsdale. As a matter of fact, I have found a number of wonderful trinkets at this wonderful gallery.   

I have seen things so beautiful they have brought tears to my eyes.
Yet none of them can match the gracefulness and beauty of a horse running free.
— Author Unknown

Vaseline

I can’t think of another item in my arsenal of beauty products that rates higher than Vaseline.

Every woman should keep jars of it in her home.  For over 140 years, it’s been known as the ‘original wonder jelly’ ~ and I never go a day without using it!

Lest you think my loyalty is misplaced, there are many celebrities who are quoted as being equally devoted: Beyoncé Knowles uses it on her teeth to keep them stain free, Jennifer Aniston uses it under her eyes and Jennifer Lopez removes her makeup with it.

But Lena Horne, one of the most beautiful women in the world, when asked how she kept her skin so flawless replied, “Vaseline darling”.

A $5 jar can replace lotion and a myriad of other products that often costs so much more.

Here is a teeny list of how I’ve used Vaseline ~

  • makeup remover

  • lubricant

  • shields and helps heal cuts and bruises

  • moisturizes the skin

  • turns wrinkles into fine lines

  • heals dry skin

  • prevents chapped lips

  • shines your shoes

  • holds your fragrance longer

  • apply sparingly to prevent flyaway hair
  • just a little dab makes skin look luminous ,

  • softens hands particularly cuticles

  • repairs cracked heels on feet

  • apply on fingers to remove tight rings

  • eliminate rub in shoes particularly around the heel

  • when dying hair or eyebrows use around edges to prevent dye in unwanted areas

  • condition eye lashes and even use instead of mascara
  • rub across your teeth to prevent lipstick from staining them

  • rub around your bottom for smooth release and to prevent bowl movement irritation

  • protect a sore nose

  • prevent diaper rash

  • rub around opening of nail polish to prevent sticking

Journals illustrated by Pamela Farrington 

You may have guessed by now that I love to write, so a wonderful journal at my fingertips is pure heaven for me.

These beautiful illustrated journals by Pamela Farrington have wonderful, inspirational sayings sprinkled throughout that will get your creativity working overtime. Found on Amazon, and with a huge variety of quotes, you can easily build a yummy collection.

 

OOO Polish

There is an adage that says, “the eyes are the window to one’s soul”…that may be true…I have also heard people say that a man’s shoes offer a peek into a his spirit…and to some extent, a woman’s nails are her calling card. So, on the topic of nails, I was excited to find a nail lacquer that wears beautifully, and with a plethora of colors with names like Nefertiti and Timbuktu. What’s not to love?

Credit Card Wallet - 

Screen Shot 2017-03-17 at 1.57.24 PM.png

This “Fave” has a funny story. My girlfriend gave me one for Christmas that I decided to sell at my garage sale one summer. Wouldn’t you know she came over to help me and saw her gift on my sale table? Needless to say I had to plead for forgiveness and I am glad I did. This little wallet became my go-to wallet when I traveled abroad or on trips in the states. It is a simple flat wallet with room for five credit cards. It has a zipper pouch for coins and a flap for a few bills.  Since my fiasco, I have purchased several whenever I saw them. They make great gifts and go in your pocket or small purse so nicely.

Chanel

What can I say that will help you to understand my weakness for all things Chanel?

Years and years ago I saw a woman with a small, black Chanel bag. It had a phenomenal leather and gold chain strap and I was simply smitten.

I couldn’t stop looking at how elegant she looked carrying that stunning bag.

I WANTED ONE! 

Sadly, when I found out how much they cost, I almost passed out. But… I saved and saved and saved…and finally purchased my very first Chanel Boy Black Leather Bag!

Since then, I have purchased several more…  

But… you only need one Channel to feel like a million dollars.

Chocolate

I love Chocolate!

There is nothing more to say than to just admit that chocolate is my weakness.

During my travels, I have visited a variety of chocolatiers all over the world but there is one company that I just can’t stay away from, ~ See's Candies.

See’s can be found all over the country but primarily in the Southwest. The company was founded 90 years ago and prides itself on “Quality without Compromise”. For me chocolate cures just about everything!

Cerese D Jewelry

Screen Shot 2017-10-05 at 11.34.27 PM.png
Screen Shot 2017-10-05 at 11.34.40 PM.png

If you have not heard of this very creative jewelry designer let me introduce her to you. Cerese D founded a magnificent jewelry boutique for the fashion savvy in Atlanta, Georgia in 2008.  The necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are all one-of-a kind designs using precious and semi precious stones, pearls, glass, crystals, acrylic, and other metals. The metal may be silver plated, gold plated, rhodium, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, sterling silver, 14K Gold and 14K Gold Filled. Whatever materials are used, the end results are fabulous. I can’t resist buying something from Cerese D whenever I see her at most sorority and other women organization ‘s conventions. Below, are some of the pieces I have purchased. If you want a truly unique piece of jewelry for yourself or for a gift go to www.Ceresed.com