Friday Favorites: Wish List Items + Ebates Cash Back!

Happy Friday you guys!!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

This week, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

Christmas is almost here and I'm SO excited!!!
It's literally next week folks!
So today I thought I'd share with you
FIVE FAVORITE WISH LIST ITEMS!
And you can get Ebates cash back with ALL of them!!

Yup - you read that right, folks.
All five items I'm sharing today,
GET YOU MONEY BACK!
You just have to sign up for Ebates first.
It's so easy, and a no brainer really.

Unless you don't like free money...

Now let me show you five things I've asked for this year!

ONE
Zella Leggings

Buy them at Nordstrom, through Ebates
and get 3% back!

TWO

Le Creuset Dutch Oven

Buy at Le Creuset, through Ebates

and get 5% back!

THREE

Ray Ban Original 58mm Aviator Sunglasses

Buy at Ray Ban, through Ebates

and get 4% back!

FOUR

Bath and Body Works 3-Wick Candles

Buy at Bath and Body Works, through Ebates

and get 1% back!

FIVE
Clairsonic MIA 2

Buy at Sephora, through Ebates

and get 4% back!

And don't forget to sing up for Ebates folks!!!

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April and Christina's blogs from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!

Favorite Pies!

Happy Friday you guys!!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

This week, I'm linking up with TWO different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

If you're anything like me,
you probably ate wayyyy too much yesterday.
And are still possible full from your feast!!
So talking about more food seems a little wrong, but oh well!

It's not Thanksgiving for my family without a few yummy pies.
so today I thought I'd share some recipes for my
FIVE FAVORITE PIES!
And yes, I've made them all at one point in time!

Dutch Apple Pie

Lemon Meringue Pie

Pecan Pie

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Turkey Pot Pie

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April's blog from 5 on Friday.

Favorite Things About Fall

Happy Friday you guys!!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

And again, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

Last month I posted about ways to wrap up Summer.
If you missed that you can read it here.
And now that it's officially Fall, it's time to talk about my
FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT FALL!!!

I don't know about you,
but when Fall rolls around it's "holiday season" for me!

No, I'm not talking Christmas and New Years.

I'm talking about Halloween and Thanksgiving!!!

Decorating, Celebrating and all that goes with both holidays!

It's time for Pumpkin EVERYTHING!
Local stores have been stocking up on pumpkin "stuff" for weeks.

And that makes me a happy girl.

I pretty much love pumpkin in anything and everything

Pie, Ice Cream, Seeds, Puree and more!!

You can eat squash pretty much all year long,
but something about Fall just screams squash to me.

There are many different kinds and ways to prepare squash.

But three of my favorite type of Fall squash are:

Delicata, Butternut and Acorn

It's been HOT in Los Angeles and I'm ready for it to FEEL like Fall.

I'm looking forward to cooler weather and the leaves changing...

But sadly maybe not in LA just yet...
HAHAHA

And last but not least bring on the Fall clothing!!!
I've always loved Fall clothes and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Even if it's not cool enough just yet,
Bring on the Sweaters, Scarves and Boots!

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April's blog from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!

July Garden Update - 5 Favorites!

Happy last day of July you guys!!!

This month's garden update is extra special,

because it's a Five Friday Favorites post too!

Yup, a two for one on this fine Friday.

And like my usual Five Friday Favorite posts,

I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

If you're new to the blog,
my garden is kinda what got this thing going,
but my cooking has sorta taken over for the most part.

A few months ago I made a point to post about my garden more.
And I even started a monthly garden update the last day of every month!
If you missed them, check out: March, April, May and June.

Ok - now onto the Five Friday Favorites Update!

Jalapeno Plant

When I posted last month's update,
I said I hadn't seen any buds or blooms recently.
Well wouldn't you know - I have a few of each now!!!

Lemon Tree

Last month I pruned the heck outta my Lemon Tree!
It it still looking pretty bare, but seems to be doing quite well.
I want more leaves already, but I know that will take some time.

Herb Garden

I recently added two new plants to the herb garden.
I hadn't had parsley for quite some time,
and I replaced the dying thyme plant I did have.

Coconut Liners

(Photo Source)
I haven't had liners in my window boxes for months!!!
In fact, I STILL don't, but I have new liners and that's the first step.
I'm hoping to have new flowers planted very soon!

Christmas Tree

Now that we're less than FIVE months from Christmas,
it's time for me to start thinking about the holidays
(I'm only partly joking folks...)
And I can't wait to decorate this monster again in a few months.

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April's blog from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!

And lastly, as a quick reminder -

I will be blogging about garden updates 

every last day of each month.

It may not be a complete update each month,

but it will be about something in the garden.

So keep coming back to see what I have growing!

Summer Musts!

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

And again, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

I'm so excited guys - Summer officially started less than a week ago!
I bet we're all ready for the longer days and warmer weather.
And since this is just the beginning of the season, now is a great time to share
FIVE SUMMER MUSTS!!!

SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen is SO important and that's why it's #1 on my list!

Being a redhead, I've burnt more times than I can remember.

And sadly have had a couple skin cancer scares too.

Make sure you're getting annual (or biannual in my case) skin checks folks.

Now I don't leave home without SPF on - even if it's not sunny!

Not only is it important to apply both face and body SPF,

but it's equally as important to reapply as needed.

HYDRATE

Summer months are HOT and easy to get dehydrated. 

Whatever you're doing these next few months,

if it's outside or not,

making sure that you stay hydrate is really important.

Drinking water is key, but I know a lot of people find it "boring".

So why not try hydrating with some yummy watermelon

or even make yourself a batch of watermelon juice???

COOL OFF

I grew up in Arizona, so I know a thing or two about staying cool in the Summer.

Growing up, I was such a little fish.

If there was a pool nearby, I was in it!

And could swim ALL.DAY.LONG.

Heading to the beach is one of my favorite ways to cool down.

Even if you don't go in the water all the way (or at all),

chances are the temps will be cooler and there will be a cool ocean breeze.

I haven't hit a water park in YEARS,

but I remember full days spent at them in my younger days.

Ahhh to be young and carefree again. 

SUMMER VACATION

With school out for a few months, Summer is a great time to take a trip!

Hit the road with some friends for a fun road trip.

Get a group together and go on a camping adventure.

Or hop on a plane and go somewhere exotic!!!

SUMMER READS

I'm not sure why - but I always seem to read more in the Summer months.

I have the two books shown above waiting to be read.

And I always have some kind of magazine handy.

And both are great to take to the pool or beach!

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April's blog from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!

Favorite Road Trip Essentials

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

And again, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

The past few days I've been out of town celebrating my mom's birthday.
I had quite a bit I needed to bring and instead of flying I decided to road trip.
So since I just went on a road trip, I thought it'd be perfect to share
FIVE ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS!!!

COMFY CLOTHES
If I'm going to be sitting in the car for hours,
comfy clothes and shoes are 100% necessary.
I aim to be in pants with a stretchy waist,
a loose fitting top and shoes I'll be comfortable in.
I like to keep a light jacket handy too if it gets chilly.

Pants: Old Navy Compression Capris,
American Apparel Shiny Leggings and BP Essential Leggings
 Tops: Mossimo Loose Racerback Tank and Mossimo Long and Lean Tank
Shoes: Chuck Taylor Sneakers and Old Navy Classic Flip Flops

SNACKS/DRINKS
On road trips, I hate stopping unless I have to.
Instead I try to bring as much with me as I can.
It's easier, cheaper and most likely healthier too!
If I bring enough healthy snacks with me,
it most likely prevents a fast food stop!

Fresh fruit or veggies that are easy to eat like apples, grapes and baby carrots.

And to treat yourself throw in granola bars, pretzels and some gummy bears too.

Regular or Iced Coffee is an absolute MUST for me!

And it's not pictured but LOTS and LOTS of water too.

You've gotta keep your body hydrated while driving folks!

If coffee and water isn't enough for you,

bring along a yummy green juice or grab a smoothie!

GPS/DIRECTIONS
Getting lost on a road trip is never fun.
If you have a phone with GPS - use it!
If your phone doesn't have GPS,
look up directions before departing
and keep a map with you for the drive!

Waze and Google Maps

GOOD MUSIC
Listening to music makes any drive faster for me.
Long or short drive, it doesn't mater.
And I love a good mixed CD for a long road trip too.
There's just something about jamming out in the car
that makes a long boring drive much better!

Some of my favorites at the moment are....
Alabama Shakes Always Alright 
Andy Grammer Honey I'm Good 
Carly Rae Jepson I Really Like You 
George Ezra Budapest 
Jason Derulo Want To Want Me 
Little Big Town Girl Crush
Maroon 5 Sugar 
Meghan Trainor Dear Future Husband 
Sheppard Geronimo
Walk The Moon Shut Up and Dance 

THING TO PASS TIME
Make sure to plan ahead to have things to pass the time!
If you're traveling alone listen to a podcast, books on CD
or even safely (read: using bluetooth) call a friend!
If you have a travel buddy - play a fun game,
like the License Plate Game or even Mad Libs!

License Plate Game and Mad Libs

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April's blog from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!