Fave Five Friday: Magazines

I’ve been thinking about magazines a lot lately.

In case you missed it, I made a magazine-centered announcement yesterday. My home and my office are both filled with old magazine issues that I’m convinced will later be used for research, crafts or perusing.

I love magazines. I love the long feature articles, the lists, the calendars, the short blurbs, the design, the glossy pages, and, well, I could go on and on, but you get the picture. 

Because of all this magazine talk, this week’s Fave Five Friday post is focused on my favorite magazines. It’s going to be fun.

 

5. Esquire
Yes, that’s right. A men’s magazine made it on this week’s Fave Five list. But to be fair, the articles in Esquire are much more substantial than articles found in typical women’s magazines. The first Esquire article I read was a very thought-provoking piece about photos from September 11. Their Facebook usually has interesting updates as well.

4.  Glamour
My first subscription to Glamour was a gift, or something that came free with a purchase. It’s not something I got on my own. It’s become somewhat of a guilty pleasure. I really enjoy reading the fashion do’s and don’ts.

3. Newsweek
I love the features in Newsweek. They’re a fun way to stay informed of current events.

2. Better Homes and Gardens
I love looking through the recipes and all of the photos of tasty looking foods and beautifully decorated homes. I just subscribed to Better Homes and Gardens for the first time, and I’m very excited to get my first issue.

1. Real Simple
Real Simple is the functional version of Better Homes and Gardens. It’s filled with photos of homes and living spaces that aren’t just beautiful, they’re practical and organized.

What’s your favorite magazine? Leave me a comment, and let me know!

Fave Five Friday: iPad Apps

For the first several months I had had an iPad, I used it to check my e-mail, update my social media accounts, and browse the Internet. There are a lot of apps out there that are a little bit useful and waste a lot of time. It has taken me some time to discover apps that I actually use — apps that have a benefit that outweights what the cost.

This week’s Fave Five Friday is focused on my favorite apps.

5. Snapseed

Out of all the photo editing apps, I’ve had the most fun with this one. It’s easy to use, and I felt like I had more control of how the photos turned out.

4. SketchBook Pro

My favorite thing about this app is its creative potential. Simply put, it’s a virtual sketchbook. What’s great about it is that you can add text and photos to your virtual sketches. (This app is a great way to add handwriting to photos.) There’s also a symmetry option, if you’re needing your drawing to be perfectly symetrical.

3. Draw Something

I tell myself that I’m not wasting time, that I’m practicing my virtual drawing skills.  But, if I was being honest I would tell myself that I don’t need to practice virtual drawing, and if I did drawing the word “catfish” over and over again is probably not the best way.

This app is fun, if you’ve not tried it out you certainly should. Be warned: It’s time consuming.  

2. ESV Bible

Having a Bible with you at all times, without having to actually carry around a Bible is great. You have the option to highlight and make notes, and you can publish verses to your Facebook or Twitter as you’re reading.

1. 60 Minutes

I’ve already posted about how wonderful this app is once. With this app  you can see what was on “60 Minutes” last week, see what’s coming this week, or go back in time and watch classic “60 Minutes” segments. Curling up with this app and a cup of coffee would be a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.

What’s  your favorite app? Leave me a comment and let me know so I can try it out.

Fave Five Friday: News Products

I grew up watching the news every night, reading the newspaper several times a week, and ending every Sunday with “60 Minutes”. I love the news.

I enjoy comparing how different reporters cover the same story. I love analyzing the sources they chose to speak with, the headlines they wrote, and the things they thought were most important.

I think being informed is one of our most important responsibilities as citizens.

So, this week’s Fave Five Friday post is all about being informed. Enjoy!

 

5. Ozark’s Local: “The Morning Rush”
“The Morning Rush” is the last two hours of the four hour morning show my handsome husband works on. (It’s the part I’m awake to see.) Watching packages he’s worked on always makes me really proud of him. “The Morning Rush” is also a great source of local news.

4. “CBS This Morning”
There’s a lot of competition between the three major morning shows right now. All three are working really hard to gain viewers; it’s an exciting time in morning news.
“CBS This Morning” is my favorite of the three. I love the format of the three anchors sitting at a circle table, and I think the anchors’ personalities mesh well together. I also love Charlie Rose.

3. “The Nightly News with Brian Williams”
Coming home to the intro music of the nighty news is one of my favorite things. I grew up watching the NBC Nightly News every night; it’s probably where my fascination with news began. And with a constant stream of news updates on Facebook, Twitter, and 24-hour news networks it’s really nice to be able to sit down for 30 minutes and watch the most important news of the day. It makes news consumption easy.

2. “60 Minutes”
Judging by the commercials, I’m probably not part of the “60 Minutes” target audience. But, I really love the longer, feature segments. And, I think the reporting is extraordinary.

Side Note: The “60 Minutes” iPad app is probably the most expensive news app I’ve purchased, but it’s by far the most fun. In addition to the current week’s segments and behind the scenes information, the “60 Minutes” crew has uploaded several of their most popular segments from “60 Minutes” history, as well as several segments from each correspondent. I’ve enjoyed re-watching everything from Oklahoma City bombing survivors talking about Timothy McVeigh right before his execution to an interview with Jerry Seinfeld from the height of his sitcom’s popularity.  

1. “The New York Times”
The Times is the gold standard of news, how could it not be my favorite. I’m constantly amazed by the high quality of reporting and writing, especially their lighter stories. I love reading their articles on topics like small foods or house cleaning, and thinking about why they talked to certain sources and who I would have tried to interview for a similar assignment.  

What are your favorite news products?

Fave Five Friday: Brand Mascots

Dustin and I had a conversation last weekend about what commercials during our life had affected our purchasing habits the most, and what products we still buy because of commercials we’d seen long ago. That conversation inspired this week’s Fave Five Friday. Take a look at my five favorite brand mascots, then share your favorites with me in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

5. The Two Sonic Guys
These two guys aren’t really a brand mascot, but they have done a lot to help with Sonic’s marketing. You’ve probably seen a commercial (or five or six) of these two guys sitting in their car at Sonic discussing a new product. They’re funny in a simple, random sort of way that always makes me smile.  

4. The Trix Rabbit
Nothing says Saturday morning cartoons quite like, “Silly Rabbit, Trix are for kids.”

3. The Morton Salt Girl
The Morton Salt Girl reminds me of my childhood. The illustration of the Morton Salt Girl was always there on the counter or the kitchen table. 

2. Elsie the Cow
Elsie the Cow (She’s the mascot for the Borden Milk Comapny) is married to Elmer the Bull (He’s the mascot for Elmer’s glue). Elsie wins the number two spot on this list for sentimental reasons. My grandma’s name was Elsie, and my grandpa’s name (her husband) was Elmer.  Every time I see Elsie the Cow’s illustration on a can of condensed milk I get a little sentimental.
Side Note: If you search for Elsie the Cow on Etsy, you’ll find all sorts of wonderful vintage things.

1. The Giecko Gecko
If you’ll think back to 1999, the gecko was on his first Giecko commercial trying to change his name because people were calling him at all hours of the night trying to reach Giecko. In the next commercial, the gecko was trying out to be the Giecko brand mascot.  A little more than 10 years later, the gecko seems fairly comfortable in his role with Giecko.
I love the gecko. That’s really all there is to say. I haven’t seen one commercial with the gecko that I didn’t absolutely love.

 

For a different look at brand mascots, Business Insider put together a list of the 10 brand Mascots America hates the most.

Who is your favorite brand mascot? Leave a comment and let me know.

Fave Five Friday: Date Night Ideas

Dustin and I have opposite schedules. He goes into work at 2:30 a.m., and I leave for work about five hours later. Because of our crazy schedules, it’s really important to get the most out of the time we have together.

5. Do a Project Together
Sometimes we cook. Sometimes we paint. Sometimes we just wander around in Michael’s together until we find something to do. Whatever project it is that we’re conquering, I love working on things with Dustin.

4. Watch the Sunrise
This isn’t really a date “night” idea, but it is still a wonderful thing to do as a couple. Sunrises are always incredibly beautiful and inspiring to watch. It’s a wonderful thing to do as a couple.

3. Ice Skate
Ice skating is something we learned to do as a couple. It is a great way to get a little exercise together and do something a little out of the ordinary.

2. Dinner Out
Admittedly, it’s probably the most stereotypical date night ever, but probably because it’s one of the best. Whether it’s a casual mom and pop cafe or a fancy Italian restaurant, I love trying out new places to eat. And sometimes, just getting out of the house is all you need for an amazing conversation.

1. Photo Dates
One of our favorite things to do together is to pack up the camera, go somewhere beautiful and inspiring, and spend a few hours snapping photos.

Fave Five Friday: Chocolate

Today is my beautiful mother’s birthday. In celebration, this week’s Fave Five Friday is dedicated to one of her favorite things — chocolate. Get your sweet tooth ready!

5. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
It’s not a fancy candy like the other chocolates on this list. It’s casual, simple, and easily attainable. But, you can’t go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate. Really, you can’t.

4. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
I’m not sure what it is about this fruity treat, but I have never eaten a chocolat covered strawberry and not felt extremely pampered.  Brown’s Candy Factory at Silver Dollar City makes the best chocolate covered strawberries. They’re incredible.

3. Salted Caramel Chocolates
Whoever had the idea to add salt to the classic chocolate and caramel combination was genius. If you’re craving this perfect combination in Southwest Missouri, the Candy House can get you your fix.

2. Fudge
Sometimes the simple things in life are the best; fudge is one of those things. Two Dumb Dames Fudge Factory in Eureka Springs, Ark. is home to the best fudge I’ve ever had. If you’re ever in Northwest Arkansas, you should definitley stop in and try it.

1.  Ferrero Rocher
Ferrero Rocher is a delicious combination of hazelnut and creamy chocolate. It’s the perfect indulgent treat.
Fun Fact: Pietro Ferrero, who created Ferrero Rocher, also brought the world Nutella, Tic Tacs, and Kinder chocolates.  

Fave Five Friday: Games

Board games and card games are a great way to break the ice with people you barely know or to spend quality time with people you love. Playing games is one of my favorite past times, so for this week’s Fave Five Friday I put together this list of my favorite games. Enjoy!

5. The Newlywed Game
Dustin and I recieved the DVD version of The Newlywed game as a gift for our first Christmas as a married couple. The DVD allows couples to play against friends or against TV couples who competed on the game show in the ’60s and ’70s. It’s almost as fun to watch the TV couples with their crazy hairstyles and vintage clothes as it is to test your trivial knowledge of your spouse.

4. Bananagrams
I’m a word nerd, so I love all word games. Bananagrams is my favorite.

3. In a Pickle
Players in this card game place cards “inside” other cards. For example, your ”pickle” card can go inside a “jar” card, or your “jar” card can go inside a “taxi” card. But sometimes it gets tricky and players have to use imagination. But, what if your opponents don’t agree with your imagination? Opponents have the opportunity to argue against cards they disagree with, at which point all players get the chance to vote. Even if a card isn’t logical, it can still be voted for if you argue your case well (and if you haven’t angered your opponents by voting down their cards).

2. Balderdash
Creativity is one of my favrorite things, and this game is full of it. Where else do you get the opportunity to make up fake descriptions for real movies and fake biographies for real people?

1. Killer Bunnies
During this game, players collect carrots, kaballa dolla (also known as the bunny money) and bunnies while trying to kill opponents’ bunnies with weapons such as green jello with evil pineapple chunks, killer cheese balls, laser guns, and the ebola virus. It sounds crazy, but the creativity of the game’s writers make this the funnest game I’ve ever played.

Is your favorite game not on this list? Let me know what it is. I would love to try it out.

Fave Five Friday: Sweet Treats

There are some things in life that deserve a small celebration.The completion of the work week and the arrival of the weekend is one of those things. And, the best way to celebrate something small is with something sweet. So in honor of the weekend’s arrival, take some time to enjoy this list of sweet treats. 

5. Oreos

Milk’s favorite cookie. America’s favorite cookie. I’m not going to argue with milk and America.

4.  Apple Pie a la Mode

The sweet and tangy warmth of the pie blended with the creamy coolness of the ice cream, it’s the perfect combination of flavors. And in case you were wondering, this sweet treat tastes a billion times better after midnight. It’s a proven fact.

3.  Cake Pops

Cake Pops are the perfect special occasion sweet treat. They’re incredibly tasty, but they’re too sweet to be an every day kind of sweet treat.

2. Girl Scout Cookies

My parents and grandparents used to buy enough Girl Scout cookies that we could freeze several boxes and enjoy them for most of the year. I’m no longer a 7-year-old trying to earn my way to Camp NOARK, so there seems to be a shortage of Thin Mints and Carmel Delights in the family. It may be the nostalgia or the fact that they’re only available for a short time each year. Maybe it’s just because they’re delicious. Whatever the reason, Girl Scout cookies are certainly one of the best sweet treats.

1. Orange Leaf Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt

I’m indecisive, so I love having the freedom to get a variety of frozen yogurt flavors instead of being forced to pick one. At Orange Leaf, I can have a little cheesecake, a little more pomegranate, a lot of white chocolate. I can sprinkle some waffle cone pieces, maybe some oreo crumbles, and a few fruit slices on top. It’s perfect.

What’s your favorite way to satisfy your sweet tooth?

Fave Five Friday: Warm Beverages

It’s been unseasonably warm in Southwest Missouri this winter, but the weather has been a little chilly this week. The forecast says the cold is here to stay for awhile, so the best thing to do is grab a warm beverage, curl up under a blanket and read. Here are my five favorite warm beverages.

5. Stash Peppermint Tea
I’m not really a big tea drinker, but my crazy-cool husband has been since his summer in Alaska. He’s convinced me to try some of his favorites, and the peppermint is wonderfully comforting and relaxing.

4. Starbuck’s Salted Caramel Mocha
This is the perfect beverage for those days your sweet tooth just can’t be satisfied. Even a tall (Starbuck’s small) will quench your sweet tooth for weeks.

3. White Chocolate Mocha
My go-to coffee shop drink. It’s sweet enough to be enjoyable, but not overwhelming.

2. Caribou Coffee Medium Roast K-Cups
My first visit to a Caribou Coffee Shop was very recent, but it’s quickly becoming my favorite coffee. The medium roast K-Cup is absolutely perfect for waking you up in the morning.

1. Nutella Hot Chocolate
Microwave a mug full of milk, stir in a few spoon fulls of Nutella, top with whipped cream and enjoy. Nothing could be better.

What is your favorite warm beverage? Leave me a comment and let me know!