Favorite Things, Q1

Late last year, I compiled a list of my ten favorite things of 2010. I am slightly embarrassed to admit that, though it is only April, I already have a list for 2011! Since my hubby tends to think of things in quarters in his world, I've decided that my favorites things list will be a quarterly report.

So, below are my Favorite Seven Things of 2011, Q1...

1. Nifty Label Maker... holy moly! As an organizational freak, I have no idea how I have lived without this item! Though I had wanted one for awhile, its purchase became non-optional after my in-laws visited and filled our home with beau-coups of new, early birthday toys for Pookie. I had SO. MUCH. FUN. reorganizing our playroom. I conserved lots of space by eliminating all boxes and storing toys in ziplock baggies. I labeled each bag and created a system for easily identifiying the shelf or basket where each thing belongs. After all the playroom fun, I made labels for all of Pookie's jackets, her backpack, and her lunch box as well as all of her art project supplies. Brothers Label Maker
2. Gel Manis... I have a terrible habit of peeling off nail polish, so I haven't had a manicure in years. (Why would I pay for something that I am going to personally destroy in days?) When a girlfriend of mine told me about this new type of manicure that lasts two weeks (three for me!), dries almost instantly, and doesn't chip, I was totally game. Not only do my nails look nice and pretty, but I also get in a little "me" time every couple weeks! Gel Manicure at 5th Avenue Nails
3. Darling New Drawer Pulls... after spending nearly a year searching, I finally found the perfect bedside tables on sale at a lamp shop last December. Despite loving the unique silver finish, I was still disappointed in the office-looking bright silver drawer pulls that came on them. When I came across these adorable round pulls at Anthropologie, I knew they would be the perfect compliment to the tables. I opted to mix and match two yellow, two red, and two purple pulls since each table has three drawers. I love how a tiny change can completely transform a piece of furniture! Anthropologie Prismatic Spring Drawer Pulls
4. Patagonia Zip-Up Fleece... this item is doubly-good because it was free! Every year when my hubby's company has their annual meeting, they get some type of jacket monogrammed with the company logo, and as a spouse, I get to reap the benefit! This year's cozy comfy style was especially a winner! I wore it, literally, every day for at least two weeks after I got it (with the occasional washing, of course.) Thank you, Excellere Partners! Black Patagonia Fleece
5. Whirlpool Duet Pedastal Drawers... if there's one thing I like even more than shopping, it's finding a great deal; and that's just what happened with this purchase. I have loved my Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer since we purchased them back in 2006 and have only slightly regretted not heeding the salesman's advice and buying the accompanying pedastals. Paying an additional $500+ dollars at the time just to have the washer and dryer be a little higher seemed ridiculous to me. However, while perusing a local store that was going out of business, I saw the pedastals for less than 1/3 of the original price and grabbed up the last pair. I am loving how much easier they make the mundane act of laundry, and the huge drawers for extra storage is an added bonus. Whirlpool Pedastals
6. The IPad... my electronic angel. Before you judge me for giving a tablet a title equal to that of a miraculous, spiritual being, please take a gander at the story of my traveling nightmare from February. Does it seem a little silly that my almost three year old has an IPad? Sure. Do I care? Not at all. The IPad
7. My Sperry Topsiders... since Colorado has been teasing us with the occasional taste of spring, I decided it was time to move the winter boots to the back of the closet and find some good every day shoes. I've always been a little skeptical of the Sperry, not sure they were me. Too preppy perhaps? Well, armed with my 20% off coupon, I picked up a pair at J. Crew; and I couldn't be happier. I love how they are comfy like a sneaker but cute enough to look like I'm actually wearing them as part of my outfit. Sperry Topsider

There you have it. My top Seven Favorite Things of 2011, Q1.

(Why seven? Because it's too early in the year for ten; I couldn't narrow it to five; and seven is my favorite number!)