With only 13 shows left (sob) I knew I had better hurry up and finish posting all of my favorite things before my time and the remaining Oprah episodes run out.  Though I have more favorites than I’ll be able to list, I’ll try to get as many out in the next couple of weeks as I possibly can. [If you want to read the first, second or third editions of my favorites things, you might want to check those out first.  And don’t forget to browse my list of favorite gifts as well.]

So today’s list contains only cosmetics and beauty items.  Like many moms, I don’t always have the time or desire to fuss, or the money to splurge on these kinds of products.  However, there are a couple of things that I love so much that I always try to have them on hand.   See if you love any of these as much as I do…

First up…

I never thought anything off-the-shelf could work as well as Aveeno Ultra-Calming line of moisturizers.  But, after talking to a dermatologist friend who suggested I try it, I have to admit this stuff is great.  It isn’t cheap, running almost $20 for a small bottle, but it lasts a long time if only used on the face and neck.  The built-in sunscreen (I buy the 30) great for where I live but you can buy it with less SPF if you prefer.

Next up, these adorable little Burt’s Bees shimmer glosses.  They’re long-lasting, easy to apply without a mirror after eating out, and small enough to tuck in wristlet, pocket or just about anywhere.  I love the colors (some new ones this year!) and they leave no bad taste in your mouth, either.  Plus, these are all natural and made with beeswax, herbs and oils that make them so smooth and actually good for your lips.  They’re usually around $5 in pharmacies and department stores. 

My next favorite is for hair.  Called “It’s a 10” it really is something of a small miracle if you have curly, dry or damaged hair.  Just spritz a little in your hair or hands and smooth it around before styling.  It really protects against drying, curling, straightening or anything else you do to yours.  Secret tip –  Sally has an imitation that is less expensive and works just as well — even though theirs is only called “7” instead of the full-blown 10.

Next on my list is for nails.  Though I don’t do it often, this is one of those things that when I do, I try to do right.  That’s why I use OPI nail colors, and why you should, too.  Though a little pricier than the alternatives and takes a little bit more effort to find depending on where you live, the colors and lasting power of this polish (or nail lacquer, as they call it) is so worth it.  Reading the names of the colors is a blast all by itself, and finding one to match your style and personality is loads of fun, too (visit the web site and you’ll see what I mean).  The one I use the most is “Fiji Weejee Fawn” but I love each and every one of the little pretties just the same.  Don’t forget to check out the new OPI Pirates collection out now, too – very cool!

And last for today is my newest favorite hand and body lotion from Bath & Body.  Aptly called, “Look Ma, New Hands”, it will really transform your skin seconds after you put it on.  This lotion is thick (which I normally don’t like) but very easy to spread.  It’s completely grease-less, too, leaving you silky and protected with no worry about touching anything after you apply large gobs all over yourself. The best part is the to-die-for scent (explaining why I switched from my former favorite – Stress-free Eucalyptus) which is just so light, fresh and citrus-y that you’ll actually want to eat it (not recommended) instead of wasting it on your skin.

Stay tuned for my next (and possibly final) installment of favorite things coming some time within the next 13 days.  And though I can’t top dear Oprah when it comes to giveaways, I just might be inspired to accompany that post with a little Oprah-finale contest of my own, so feel free to stay tuned here and on Facebook!

[By the way, these companies don’t know I am talking about them and I receive no rewards or compensation for sharing these great favorites with you.]

Short on time but not short on favorites this week!  Spring cleaning, browsing design sites for inspiration plus a terrible headcold has kept me away from my personal blog for a little while.  On the up side, times like this only help to remind me of all of the space-saving, time-saving, and just plain-ol’ fabulous things that make my life so much easier!

So, here goes…my newest favs list.  And if you happened to miss the others, just click on the “I Love” tag below, and you’ll get all caught up!

First up, one of my all-time favorite electric kitchen appliances – the Krups waffle maker.  Hands down, the easiest one I have ever used (including the professional ones) and makes the thickest and crispiest waffles you can imagine in just under 5 minutes.  Best yet (for those who live gluten-free) I have yet to find a homemade or unusual batter recipe this machine can’t handle.  I have even used store-bought all-in-one pancake mixes in this baby!

Next up, the Home Depot hinged (and thus very easily removable) toilet seat.  Have any male people in your house? Just sayin.

Okay, so pie fillings aren’t that big a deal.  In fact, I never bought any of them, ever.  That is, until my lovely sister made a poppy seed cake out of this SOLO stuff some years ago.  Hello.  I was hooked forever.  The stuff is brilliant. Tastes heavenly and so very versatile.  I put it in everything from muffins to crepes to breads to sweet dips to yogurt to oatmeal to dressings and pretty much anything else I feel like adding it to.  And did I mention pie? Yumm-o.  There was even a time when I couldn’t locate this filling where I lived — so my unbelievable mom would send it to me via care package!  It’s just that good.

During my office re-do (or should I say, re-doing…still in progress), I discovered this little winner.  I have used lots of different brands over the years, but have to say that Krylon has always been one of my favorites.  I just recently discovered my newest favorite Krylon color  — Ivory.  Painted all of my old tin containers with it for a shabby yet coordinated effect.  Looks great!

This isn’t my actual cast iron oven. It’s just a photo of a newer model that I borrowed from The Lodge’s web site.   Even if I had a photo of mine (which has a glass lid), I’d be embarrassed to show it to you. Very used. Very black. Slightly greasy.  Slightly rusty. Overall…very, very well-seasoned from many years of dutiful service and producing scrumptious meals.  It lives on a little stack of brown paper bags in a cupboard.  Gives me a reason to use steel wool every now and again.  Browns absolutely anything perfectly.  Lasts forever.  And a real keeper.

Well, there you have it.  Another glimpse into my glamorous [not] life and a couple of new things try on your own.  If I were Oprah, I’d be able to send you home with one of each.  Alas, the best that I can do is encourage you to  run out and get yourself a couple of these goodies soon — they’re fantastic (she would say!)…

Do you love any of these things, too?

I am really going to miss watching Oprah next year.  My satellite plan doesn’t give me access to the O.W.N. network and I only get to read her glorious magazine in the grocery check-out line.   And though I don’t actually watch the show every day, just knowing she is available every day at 4:00 and 9:00 pm to solve mine and the world’s problems has become a very comforting part of my day.

To keep Oprah alive in my heart and on my blog, at least until the end of her last season, I have purposed to post as many of my “favorite things” here as possible.  At least, until her daytime television show has ended, or I have run out of favorites, whichever comes first.

In my second installment, I present my next 5 favorites, in no particular order (if you want to see any of my previous favs, just click on the “I Love” tag at the end of this post). Enjoy.

These vintage sweats from Victoria’s Secret have got to be the most comfortable at-home pants available.  Though I don’t like the price tag and I don’t care for the writing that inevitably appears either down one leg or on the back end, I never wear these out of the house and truly believe that the scrumptious feel of the terry-like fleece is more than worth the need to wear one of my husband’s oversized t-shirts in order to cover up the writing on the backside.  I buy them only in black, but they come in many pretty colors.

As an organization nut, I am always on the lookout for products that simplify my life and make things look neater, too.  That’s why I love these Huggable Hangers by Joy Mangano.  You can buy them online or through HSN; and, you’ll occasionally find them in stores, too.  These babies have literally transformed my life and I will never go back to plastic or wire hangers again!

A few years ago, I discovered this Emeril product at a local grocer and bought it totally on impulse.  Within two uses, I was completely hooked.  It tastes great on just about anything you sprinkle it on and makes the absolute best Thanksgiving turkey you’ll ever taste.  Don’t go light on this stuff – dump it on in large heaps and let it cook a good, long time.  Yum.

Now, I wouldn’t be a french cook if I didn’t own one of these. But despite my heritage and the shame cast upon me if I didn’t have one, this is the kind of gadget I would go out and buy for myself anyway.  The original Mouli Grater and this Mouli cheese grater are staples in any good cook’s kitchen.  It shreds hard cheeses with very little effort into perfect little strands every time, plus it is a heck of a lot of fun for kids who like to help in the kitchen.

Finally, what can I say about my Brother P-Touch that Martha Stewart hasn’t already said before?  There isn’t a challenge that this little guy isn’t up to tackling and it’s the kind of thing that can completely change your perspective on organization, labeling and storage (if you let it).  Refills are expensive, but so worth it.  I have owned another brand but swear by the P-Touch…to me, it’s far better than the others.

[A final note: I liberated each of these images directly from the manufacturer’s web sites.  In advance, I’d just like to say thanks to these good folks for forgiving the fact that I didn’t ask permission to borrow their images (which I justified because I am providing them free advertising). Please don’t tell.]