Favorite Thing #70 - Gifford's Cookies-n-Cream Ice Cream

I was introduced to this favorite thing when my husband and I moved into our new home in Rockville, Maryland - Gifford's Ice Cream (more importantly my favorite flavor - cookies-n-cream). Giffords in an institution in the DC area - it has been around since 1938!

Gifford's is "Washington area's oldest and most distinguished ice cream parlor. We've been making gourmet ice cream and candies since 1938, and our clientele has included President Dwight D. Eisenhower, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, and actress Goldie Hawn. Our founder, John Nash Gifford, an experienced ice cream maker, spent several years perfecting his secret recipes - creating wonderfully unique tastes like our signature Swiss chocolate, Peppermint Stick, or fresh or seasonal peach ice cream. And to this day, we continue to operate as a family-owned business, maintaining the tradition that has made Gifford's a local legend. All of our ice creams, sorbets, sauces, and candies are still made daily in nearby Silver Spring, Maryland, ensuring superior quality and freshness."

Book Review - The Pact: A Love Story by Jodi Picoult

Just finished reading The Pact: A Love Story by Jodi Picoult and as always she doesn't disappoint. I started reading this book last week and finished by the pool yesterday (which is becoming a trend). Again this book kept me very engaged and wanteing to see what was going to happen next. The storyline is like a modern-day twist on Romeo and Juliet.

"Until the phone calls came at three o'clock on a November morning, the Golds and their neighbors, the Hartes, had been inseparable. It was no surprise to anyone when their teenage children, Chris and Emily, began showing signs that their relationship was moving beyond that of lifelong friends. But now seventeen-year-old Emily is dead—shot with a gun her beloved and devoted Chris pilfered from his father's cabinet as part of an apparent suicide pact—leaving two devastated families stranded in the dark and dense predawn, desperate for answers about an unthinkable act and the children they never really knew. "

Next Jodi Picoult book to be read - Nineteen Minutes

Favorite Thing #69 - TV Show: Jon and Kate Plus 8

My husband and I are addicted to this favorite thing - the TV show Jon and Kate Plus 8! The show follows the daily lives of Jon and Kate Gosselin, an average American couple living in Pennsylvania raising a set of twins and a set of sextuplets for a grand total of EIGHT CHILDREN!!! We started just watching the show if it happened to be on when we were watching TV but now we are full on ADDICTED!! We DVR every episode - I think at any given time we have at least 5 episodes for us to watch. New episodes air every Monday night on TLC, and repeats air throughout the week at all different times. We love watching what goes on in this family - they are very real and the kids are ridiculously adorable.

Jon and Kate have a book coming out in November titled Multiple Blessings. It's available for pre-order on Amazon.com for $13.59. I've pre-ordered a copy already so stay tuned for a book review. The first two seasons of Jon and Kate Plus 8 are available on DVD for pre-order on Amazon.com for $14.99.

Product Review - Laura Mercier Face Polish

I was able to try this face polish through a free gift that I was given when I bought some Laura Mercier products. I used all of the trial size that I was given and I love it! It's the perfect blend of of cleansing and exfoliating but also very gentle on the skin. It's perfect when your face just needs a pick me up. Unfortunately it's not cheap - for $30.00 you get 3.7 oz. It should last for a while since you don't use it everyday.

Favorite Thing #68 - Shop It To Me

I was sent an invitation to this favorite thing the other week and I absilutely LOVE it! Shop It To Me is a website that does the bargain/sale hunting/shopping for you. You decide what brands, what styles, and what sizes you want and then they send you an email every couple of days with what items are on sale with links to purchase the items. It's simple, easy and great.

Shop It To Me says - "You can think of us as your free personal online shopper. Select your favorite apparel brands (such as Theory, Prada, Armani, Ella Moss, Juicy Couture, Seven Jeans, DKNY, or BCBG) and sizes. We'll scour the websites of leading retailers like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Banana Republic, Gap, Zappos and Bluefly and email a daily or weekly summary of which new items go on sale in your size."

If you are interested in signing up just post a comment and Iwill send you the invite.

Book Review - Finishing Touches

Here's another chick lit book to add to the list of review - Finishing Touches by Deanna Kizis. This is another book that I read it about two days - several hours by the pool and then an hour before bed one night and this book was done. It was the kind of book that made me actually talk out loud to the characters. Definitely worth the $11 on Amazon (and of course anyone can borrow my copy). Some other bloggers also enjoyed the book - Girl in Nashville Reads and Diana Banana.

Here's a brief synopsis from Amazon:

When aspiring L. A. interior designer Jesse Holtz loses her dearest friend, Cecile, in a car accident, she's sideswiped by grief. Cecile was always the most beguiling girl in the room--the kind of girl Jesse always wished she could be. With no manual for how to mourn when you're a 29-year-old with an eye for flea market finds but terrible taste in men, Jesse turns to the only person who understands--Cecile's widower, Zach. But life takes an unexpected turn: Is Jesse's friendship wth Zach the beginnings of a romance? Or is Jesse just losing perspective as she juggles her grief and her condescending boss? And what if she and Zach got together--is that so unforgivable? A tragic comedy that makes for a breathtakingly optimistic read, this is the story of a woman who just might learn that life, like any good interior, can always use a little rearranging.

Favorite Thing #67 - Gold Bangle Bracelets

This favorite thing was a birthday gift from my friend Lauren and its a must have in every girl's jewelry box - gold bangle bracelets! The one's the I have are from South Moon Under and they are Izumi's 5 Multi Texture Square Bangles (since I like to go all out I have two sets for double the bling - thanks Lauren). These go with almost anything and then add just enough bling to spice up an outfit. What I specifically like about these is that they are square in shape and each bangle is a different pattern. These particular bangles are $18.00. You can go to pretty much any store that carries jewelry and find something similar to these.

Gift Idea Friday - Hand Blown Birthstone Globes

These gorgeous hand blown globes are the perfect gift for a birthday or anniversary. There is a different, colorful, transulcent globe for each month. This gift is a different take on the tradition on giving a gemstone. These globes are quite large - 6in in diameter. You definitely need to get a stand for this item and thanks to my friend Shannon who found the perfect one.

It is from Olive Barn and is $12.95. "This simple black iron hanger is perfect for displaying our friendship balls and witch balls. Hang your favorite glass ball on this heavy weight iron stand. Your ball will be bathed in soft light from all directions. Fits up to a 6.5" diameter ball comfortably."

Favorite Thing #66 - OPI's Passion

This is a great manicure for all seasons - OPI's Passion. It's a very, very light pink color. This was the color that I wore on my wedding day. It's very natural looking which I love because if it chips you can't really tell. The color looks much pinker in the picture than it actually is.

Gift Idea Friday - Politcal Mugs

This gift idea came from one of my favorite catalogs - Uncommon Goods. A colleague of mine, Monica, actually bought a few of these for some of the people we work with. It's the perfect gift for the very political person in your life. And its very affordable - $12.00. There are two versions of this polictical mug.

DEMOCRATIC 'I HAVE A DREAM 2008' MUG

The 2008 election isn't until November, but that doesn't mean that Democrats can't start dreaming today. With this humorous "I Have A Dream 2008" mug, liberals can sigh with relief as the red states slowly turn to blue when a hot beverage is poured into the mug. Featuring stars, stripes, a frowning Republican elephant and Democrat donkey, this mug will offer the hope the left wing needs to get through one more year.

REPUBLICAN 'MAKE MY DAY 2008' MUG

Election year or not, Republicans can always root for their favorite political party with this humorous "Make My Day 2008" mug that turns all the states to red when filled with a hot beverage. Featuring stars, stripes, a Republican elephant and a dismayed Democrat donkey, this mug will offer the inspiration the red states need to keep this country leaning right.

Favorite Thing #65 - Leo Hillinger Pinot Grigio

I found this favorite thing again at FineWine.com. The Leo Hillinger Pinot Grigio is a PERFECT light wine for the summer season. There's nothing better than sitting outside on my deck with a glass of this wine and a good book. According to FineWine.com, "this is one of the best Pinot Grigios outside of Italy. Dry, crisp and clean with plump orchard fruit flavors laced with almond and a bright fresh finish. Enjoy well chilled with scampi, grilled vegetables, sauteed chicken or pasta with white sauce."

Product Review - eos Moisturizing Shave Cream

I was asked to test eos Moisturizing Shave Cream. The company sent me a full-size bottle of the product in their island blue scent. Overall I really do like the product. The scent was very light and fresh and the product lathered well. I was surprised that this really was moisturizing, most products say moisturizing but don't achieve those results. And its in a plastic bottle so it won't rust!

As much as I like this product I do have two negatives -

1. I can't find this product ANYWHERE!!! It supposed to be at Target stores but not at any of the ones I shop at.
2. It took forever to start using the product. You have to pump the bottle over and over and over again to get the first batch to come out. I was pumping it so long that I thought I had a defective bottle. Once the first batch came out it was easy to use. It's the initial process that's a pain.

I have lots of coupons for this product if you or a friend is intersted in using it. Just leave a comment and let me know.