Ok, seriously, y’all. I win.
It is 3:40 a.m. and my eyes are W.I.D.E. O.P.E.N. so I win something.
I’m not sure what that is exactly…perhaps an extra cup of coffee? Because I’m definitely going to need it. 😉
And you can definitely believe that the coffee is flowing this morning, thanks to my new, awesome-and-slightly-obnoxious-aqua-colored, Keurig. Yes, friends…dreams do come true in the form of coffee makers. I finally have my Keurig!!!
Cue happy dance at 3:45 a.m. 😉
So I am completely in love with the Friday Favorites linkup my awesome sister, Crystal, is hosting at the end of each month. I just HAD to participate! Plus, it’s always fun to share my favorite things with you anyway. And I love to give things away because giving gifts is my love language times about a thousand. (Ok, ok, yes cake is my love language, too. And if you’d like to send me some, Please. Do.)
Here ya go…my current favorites. And, keep reading for a fun giveaway at the end! 
Read.
I love books. A little too much, perhaps, which I would realize if I took take the time to count the number in my house or on my Kindle. I guess if I’m going to do something with my free hours, (haha…free?!) reading is potentially the best thing I could be doing. Or, one of them.
The Best Yes (Lysa TerKeurst) is the book my Thursday Morning Moms’ Bible Study is going through. It’s good stuff, and I love the discussions we have. I feel like that book choice was a God-thing as I’m really trying to have better priorities.
Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet: Tasting the Goodness of God in All Things (Sara Hagerty) Oh, good grief, I have cried more than I haven’t cried reading this. (I even broke down in front of the neighbors’ dog during the first chapter and freaked her out a little. Not kidding here.) I’m about halfway done, and it has been a process…each chapter leaves me feeling wrecked and it takes a day or two to be able to pick it up again. And, yet? One of the best I’ve ever read. I can’t put it down even when I can’t pick it up.
The Hardest Peace (Kara Tippetts) I’ve had this book for a few months, but it’s honestly taken me awhile to begin. It’s just been a hard season, and I knew this would be an emotional read. I’m not too far into it yet, which means I’ll need to give you an update next month. Also, would you say a prayer for the author, Kara, and her family? You can catch up on a bit of her story here. Also, the Kindle version of this book is just $2.99.
Back Home (Michelle Magorian) I loved the Disney Channel movie in the early 90’s and can’t find it anywhere on DVD. So I figured the next best thing was getting the book. (I’m a sucker for the used books on Amazon that cost a penny plus some shipping.) Good book and it gives me a change of pace. I normally prefer nonfiction, but occasionally I’ll pick up a fiction book. I like this one.
Watch
I’m not a big TV watcher…I’m just not. Sometimes I’ll turn on a movie just to fill the empty. (Yeah, I’m an extrovert and noise is my friend.) But other than a few guilty pleasures that go in spurts, I’m pretty out of it most of the time when it comes to TV.
Also, Tobin and I have been discussing the kind of things that happen on our TV screen, and we want to be careful and show integrity whether our daughter is in the room or not. We have seen a couple good movies lately, though.
The Impossible was a really intense movie we watched early this month. It’s about the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and a family that miraculously survives it. It’s powerful and a tear jerker and makes my heart pinch because you all know how SE Asia holds such a special place in my heart.
The Good Lie was a powerful one, too. I watched it twice in the span of 24 hours because I wanted to get my money’s worth from my Amazon rental…and because I wanted my hubby to see it, too. (I watched it alone the first time.) It’s one of those that made us stop and remember how blessed we really are. There is suffering in the world that we cannot even imagine…it made me look at some things differently. Just be warned…I’m pretty sure I cried all over the couch the first time. (You’ll need tissues.)
Also, I’ll be watching the Super Bowl. With friends, and I honestly like that part more than the actual game. 😉
Wear
One thing I’ve really started loving lately is eye makeup, and Ipsy has helped with that.
Ipsy a monthly subscription for $10 (free shipping!) and you get a beauty bag with 4-5 items, some sample-size and some full-size. My latest bag (picture above) was awesome…and, actually, I haven’t had a bad bag yet. They sent me some gel eyeliner and an eyeliner brush…those were my favorites this month, some eye shadow, eye cream, and some sheer glo cream. (That was the only product in my bag I was a little meh about…I’m not exactly sure what to do with it. But it was sample size, so I didn’t care too much.) 😉
To sign up, you answer some questions about your preferences and are sent the items from a pool of 20-30ish different options, based on the products available for the month. You don’t get to choose, but honestly, the items are so awesome that I’d be happy with almost all of them. And for a cool $10? What’s not to love?! (But be aware that there is a wait list for this. There are things you can do to bypass the wait list, but I chose not to and waited about two months.) And if you sign up through this link, I get some bonus points for freebies. If you feel so inclined. 😉
Also, I’ve been eying this dress…but alas. I don’t really need another dress. It is cute, though. (And maybe my hubby will read my blog today, too…size M, darling.) 😉
Listen
I’m a music girl, and there are a lot of songs that have resonated lately. This one is probably one of my favorites…and I need the reminder on a daily basis, too. Have a listen.
And…A GIVEAWAY!
So I kind of love to give gifts. I just do. Plus, it’s been a long time since I’ve given anything away here.
So…leave me a comment and share one of your current favorite things with me, and I’ll enter you to win a $15 Amazon gift card so you can order a new book or watch a new movie or find some new makeup. Something fun.
I’ll email the winner on Monday. Good luck!
I love posts like this. It’s good to have a peek into your life. Right now I’m addicted to Rend Collective’s music. Happy Friday, friend!
Love Rend Collective! So good.
I’m reading the Best Yes right now, too….by myself and wishing it were in a Bible study setting. Maybe I can lead a study when I’m done. Man….we need a Maurice’s run together some day, but guess what??? Malia is “our size” these days and loves their jeans just like I do!! So at least I have a buddy to go with!
Most of my reading these days has to do with parenting Tweens/teens…so I am reading Magnetic right now by Lynn Cowell is prep for a weekly study Malia and I are going to be doing. This tweeny/teeny season of life is keeping me on toes — phew!!
Hmmm and the Super Bowl! Last year I pulled off a fun super bowl surprise 40th for Tim!! This year we would’ve been with those same people but here we are and the new youth group is coming over to eat and watch the game. Crazy how life changes.
Hugs!
Happy Friday ????
I was just at Maurices the other day with a friend…found a couple great clearance deals, but I couldn’t bring myself to buy a dress or new jeans that I really don’t need. (I did try on the mint skinny jeans for fun though, and OH. Oh, as in NO! Not for me.) 😉 It would be so fun to go with you!!! Miss you tons…sending hugs.
oh good grief!!
Not Happy Friday??? —— Happy Friday!!!!!!
Read the best yes earlier this month. Good read…love LT. Now reading an eboom for a blogfer friend…Eyes Unveiled…it is Awesome! Just finished Mark in our Bible study. Readung and writing at any hour is good. Enjoy your own FUN Friday!
Hope you have a great weekend, my friend!
Right now some of my favorite things are:
-Mondays in Indonesia
-subscription services like Epantry and StitchFix
– reading whatever I can whenever I can
– sleep
– great friends
*blush* Love you, friend…thanks for being here.
(And, random…have you heard of the subscription called Golden Tote? Look it up…seriously, it looks like something you would enjoy. I’m tempted to try it…) 😉
I LOVE Lysa’s style of writing so I’m glad to hear about another good book from her!! I will probably be getting that soon! Thanks!! PS–miss my old big sister roommate!! 😉
Oh I like this linkup idea. It’s similar to a Friday Randomness/Scattering of Love post I did, which I haven’t kept up with. Maybe, maybe I can try again.
These posts are just fun!! Loved the dress!! Happy Friday!
Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, friend…thanks for stopping by!
(((hugs)))
I love reading your posts, and agree it’s fun to get a peek into Mel’s life! I love that dress you linked, if only I could wear styles like that…sigh.
One of my most favorite things right now is Avon Skin So Soft Gelled Body Oil, the gold one. It really helps my skin to not feel so flaky in the wintertime. Another favorite is Bookbub.com where you can get free or really inexpensive e-books. Thanks for starting my day with a smile!
I have to admit that I might be a little worried about the dress actually looking good on me…it’s just so stinkin’ cute in the picture! We’ll see.
Thanks for stopping by, friend!
Ok..I might need that dress in my life…so cute! Thanks for linking up with me
You’re welcome! Lovin’ the linkup and reading about all your favorite things. So fun.
(And I think we BOTH need the dress in our lives!)
One of my new favorite things is crochet! Picked it up over Christmas and invested in some good hooks and am having so much fun!
I taught myself how to crochet a few years ago, and I agree…it’s so fun! Especially when you can make cute things and not have to pay a ton for them. You should post a picture or two of the things you make…I wanna see!
I would say my new favorite thing is learning the THM way.
Thanks for sharing and stopping by!
Oh such fun. Wish I could say I felt the same way about t.v. although I second what you said about integrity in what we view. Thanks for sharing such good stuff!
Thanks for being here, friend. Blessings!
One of my favorite things? Right now it’s the Georgia Pecan coffee I bought at the Fresh Market. It. Is. Divine. Also, we love the TV show Child Genius on Lifetime.
I need some of that coffee…it sounds soooooo amazing!
One of my favorite things is the smell of something baking. It just feels like home…and I know that I’ll have something delicious soon!
Oooohhh. Yep, I’m there with you! (And now I’m craving chocolate chip cookies, too!)
One of my current favorite things is the Friends complete show on Netflix. Hello marathon!
Oh, Friends. I know if I turn it on, I’ll watch for hours. Such a great show!
Favorite makeup–Alima Pure–my super sensitive skin can handle it and they have seriously great eye makeup. Right now one of my favorites is earrings because I don’t always have time to do my hair and makeup. It is a small way I do something for myself to make myself feel better about being me.
I think that’s so important…even if it’s small, to do something for ourselves each day.
And, earrings…my goal is to learn to love them. I was telling a blogger friend the other day that I tend to shy away from them because my hair is so short and I don’t want them to take over my head. 😉 But I’m determined to start wearing them because they’re so fun! Hope you are doing well, friend…you’ve been on my heart lately. (((hugs)))
Hmm…this is kind of a boring one but I absolutely love Mary Kay Downtown Brown lipstick! It won’t melt in the car. Washing it doesn’t hurt it. It stays on. I just love it. : )
I haven’t started Tippets book yet. Just can’t bring myself to.
Aw, thanks for stopping by, Paula! I know…I feel the same way about the book. I just feel so sad every time I think of Kara and her family. But I know she clings to the Hope she has and that always comes through in her writing…I know it will shine in her book, too. (Picking it up this afternoon.) Blessings and hugs.
I’m probably too late for the contest, but wanted to say this this was such a fun post! We have a lot in common: I have 2 Keurigs (yes, one is in my bathroom!) and love Lisa TerKeurst’s Best Yes. I have 4 sons and the TV is ALWAYS on, but I am hardly ever watching it. I will watch the big game today, but mostly for the commercials. I love to run, but save it for the warmer months, so until then I’m listening to my favorite 80’s songs while sweating on my elliptical.
Thanks for the fun!
Nope, not too late! Ok, I seriously love you for the fact that you have a Keurig in your bathroom.
Ditto on the Super Bowl commercials, too. Thanks for stopping by today! Blessings.
Such a fun post! I’m also reading The Best Yes with a ladies Bible study class and it’s wonderful. My favorite thing this month has been finding a sitcom that both my husband and I like to watch. We fold laundry at night together after the kids are in bed and watch Last Man Standing. There’s just something wonderful about laughing with your spouse!
I agree, especially with the laughter part.
It’s a rare moment when my hubby and I agree on a tv show or movie, but there are a few! That time together is the best. Blessings, friend…thanks for stopping by!
Mel somehow I missed this on Friday so may be to late for the giveaway and thats ok if so .. lol. i popped over because it’s monday and I get so excited about your monday posts!
I loved reading your favorite things post.. so fun!!
right now some things I am obsessed with:
1) doing puzzles. /I forgot how much I love this . I love love doing puzzles– especially the dollar tree 500 piece ones
2) the new Bethel CD .. It’s awesome and I listen to it over and over
3) my guilty pleasure netflix tv show is army wives. I liked it so much I knew God called me to fast it in January but it is Feb 1st now lol
4) spin class.. I have become addicted to it. It’s terrible in the midst of doing it, but it is such a fun new challenging exercise
there you go.
Nope! I’m drawing the winner in just a few.
Love your list of faves…spin is on my must-do list. And, I LOVE the new Bethel CD, too! Thanks for being here, friend. 
My favorite things right now include hot apple cider, slippers, and the book “The Flash Boys”.