Things I Love Thursday // 1.16.14

My birthday-gifted Anthropologie Calligrapher Canapé Plates {swoon} ~ I thoughtfully received: T, G, J, and P. I cannot wait to fill in for our middle names, favorite letters, states we've lived in… Whatever excuse I can find! LOVE these.
Reaching for my sunglasses instead of an umbrella when I leave the house ~ Listen, Charlotte can get real cold and the fluctuation between the daytime high and the middle-of-the-night low is more extreme than anything I'm used to; however, even when it's 27 degrees at 9am, the sun is regularly out on display--bright and shiny in a crystal blue sky. It's breathtaking and I am trying to be present and appreciative.
Trader Joe's Green Goddess salad dressing ~ This is a rediscovery of an old favorite. I'm not sure what it is… Maybe the tahini? In any event, there is something special that I just love about this tasty condiment.
Becoming a Mall Walker this week ~ It certainly didn't take me long to embrace my fourth decade. Haha! We had some not-so-sunny mornings this week and my girlfriend Carmen and I had been getting into our groove of enjoying a long walk. When she suggested heading to Southpark for a few laps, I was ALL ABOUT IT. The idea of walking around the mall in the early morning hours has always been comically delightful to me. Let me tell you: The experience completely lived up to the expectation. We were by far the youngest walkers in the bunch and this being The South, we really took pains to "pass" our slower-paced comrades with tact and grace. I even demonstrated Prancercising for Carmen, who inexplicably had never heard of it. Good times!
Parking lot dental care ~ Oh. My. Goodness. Haven't laughed like this in ages. When you're out to lunch with your ("retired") dental hygienist friend and you happen to mention a bit of calculus that's been bugging the $hit out of you, watch out! She might suggest hopping across the street to the drugstore to pick up a little $5 dental tool kit. Scoured hands + dental kit + reclined minivan chair + bright sunshine + parking lot = the perfect impromptu dental experience. I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have that tiny nuisance out of my mouth.
Krusteaz Pancake Mix ~ We've really tried them all and this one is hands-down "The Winner." Not only are the pancakes fluffy and tasty, but the only ingredient needed is water. That means that even when you're out of milk, or cereal, or eggs, or bread (which happens ~~often~~ on occasion around these parts) you can still make a GREAT breakfast (or dinner!).
Anticipating the Oscars ~ Boy, do I have a lot of catching up to do this year! Anyone game for an afternoon matinee?

{image via The Hollywood Reporter}
This Fox Pillow that I came across in a magazine recently. I love it. And how fun would it be to actually make it myself? I'm not sure where I'll find the time… but imagine how much more I'll appreciate it if it comes from my own labor. I'm seriously considering pulling the trigger on this purchase.
Jillian Rodgers' Costco tips from SlightlyViral's website ~ Amazing. How did I not know this?
Rediscovering my Wet and Wild gold nail polish in "Fergie-Gold Album" ~ You really can't beat this fun neutral for $3.50!
Anything Hudson Bay ~ I am SO drawn to this look right now. I have a serious case of the "I Wants" whenever I see anything Hudson Bayish… especially these Jack Purcells! (So sad; they're completely sold out of my size!) But this is great. This is fabulous. I'd take this in a heartbeat… I could go on and on.
Geneva's adorable new coat from Old Navy ~ This one is even cuter in-person. The faux fur is soft and not too over-the-top, the material is super-soft, and the price was terrific!
When the monkeygirls sort, fold, and put away their own laundry ~ It's not every time… but when it happens and they perform the task with smiles on their faces and trot around like it's a game… that's good stuff, indeed!