Favorite THINGS!!

In December, 2 cute girls in my ward threw a "favorite things" party. It was a hit! You brought 5 of your favorite item and left with 5 favorite items from 5 people. Get it? Well, anyway...it was so much fun that right then and there Summer decided to do another one the following week. I went to that one and had a blast. I told my mom about it and she thought it would fun to do one in January with all her friends. Of course she went above and beyond the call of duty. She is the best hostess around town. She did a winter wonderland theme (even though it was like 90 degrees that day) and MADE an assortment of mini cupcakes, had fun colorful sodas and great party favors.

The yummy desserts...

In honor of all the favorite things going around, I decided to showcase some of my favorite, must-have things!! They are in no particular order...
#1 Bobbi Brown long wear cream shadow (color: Sandy Gold) - I don't leave home without it. It takes 2 seconds to put on and literally stays all day!

#2 Paul Mitchell Flat Brush 427 - I got it in hair school over 9 years ago and still love it! I have gone through many of them, but I still personally use the one I got in hair school. It still has Katie #49 etched into it.

#3 Williams Sonoma Counter Spray Wasabi Green Tea - Was introduced to this one at my mom's party. I have used it every day since. Thanks Ash!

#4 Nars blush (color: Orgasm and Lovejoy) - Don't be scared of the name. It is seriously amazing. I use Orgasm for my more pink blush and Lovejoy for my more golden blush. Best ever!

#5 Mr. Clean Magic Erasers - The original or bath and kitchen. Both have changed my life. They clean up everything!

#6 Kenra hairspray - It smells like gardenias and has the perfect hold. Not too strong, but just enough.

#7 Diet 7up with limes (limes not pictured) - Ashly introduced me to this a few summers ago and now I crave it. It's so light and a nice break from Diet Coke.

#8 Trader Joe's shaving cream - I can thank Mikelle for this one. My legs have never felt so smooth. And the honey mango scent isn't too bad either!

#9 HOBO wallet - This doesn't even need an explanation. Susi Samuelian introduced me to it a few years ago and I have been obsessed ever since. Anyone who has one LOVES them.

#10 MAC mineralize powder (color: soft & gentle) with brush #188 - I use this as a highlight powder. Love it because it makes me look like I have a little glow to my face...even during these winter months.

#11 Hair Tassi - Best invention ever! I use it everyday in the shower when I don't wash my hair. I also use it at night to wash my face. It pulls your hair back without leaving one crease in it. I don't think I can ever live without one of these in my life!

#12 Williams Sonoma microfiber dish towels - I bought these randomly in Chicago and am so glad I did. I wash a lot of dishes by hand, and will only dry with these puppies.

#13 Stila lip glaze - I got these from Laura (my stila guru) and ended up loving them. I am still a lover of MAC lip gloss, but these have been a fun change.

#14 Volanco No.6 candle - I will never live in a house without one of these candles! I think this is what heaven smells like. Seriously.

#15 TIGI Afterparty - As a hair stylist, people always ask me about product. This is hands down the one product I can never go without. It smoothes down my crazy hair and makes it feel so soft. I put it on before I blow dry...actually I would never ever blow dry my hair without it.

#16 OPI nail polish - They have the best colors and they honestly stay on.

#17 Sonicare toothbrush - I started using this after my mission and it has done wonders. My teeth always feel so clean after I use it.

#18 Kevyn Aucion mascara - This mascara does not run at all. It stays put and really coats your lashes. I have never had one flake fall underneath my eyes. I love it!

#19 Oscar Blandi dry shampoo - I started using this instead of Bumble and Bumble's hair powder and I have never regretted it. Ever since B&B came out with the aerosol, I just haven't been impressed...until this. It's wonderful and last forever.

#20 My lover boys - They truly are my MOST FAVORITE THINGS!!

*Can you tell Ryder took almost a three hour nap today and I didn't have a lesson to plan? This is the longest post ever!

Ryder's FAMOUS back bend

This is Ryder's favorite trick. He does it all the time, especially while you are changing his diaper. It makes it really fun for us!! He also uses it to scoot around on his back. He gets in his back bend position, kicks his legs out and shoots across the floor. He is crazy, but we love him!!!!


Do we have gymnast our hands or what?!?

Stats

I forgot to post this guy's 4 month stats

Weight: 15lbs 5oz

Length: 26.5 inches

Head: 43cm

He is dead serious when he plays in his exersaucer. It's so cute to watch him concentrate so hard and play.

a REAL mom

This is me and my baby at 5:30pm. Yep, he's still in his pj's and I'm still in my workout clothes. No showers, no baths, no makeup. Just us. I felt like a real mom yesterday because of it. Too busy to do anything but lounge around with my baby. I could get used to this!

4 months

Really? My baby is four months already?!? We sure do love him so much. He is getting so big and is so much fun! We love playing with him because he interacts so much with us. He still is such a happy, smiley baby. Today Steve said he doesn't think he has ever smiled at Ryder without him immediately smiling right back. It's so great!! He loves rolling over, scooting around like a mad man, doing back bends {I am not joking, I think we might have an olympic athlete on our hands} while lying on his back, touching everything and of course smiling and laughing. He is absolutely the best thing ever!! We love him to pieces!

Here he is in the Bumbo enjoying Baby Einstein on mommy and daddy's bed surrounded by pillows and blankets because I have heard of too many kids falling out of the Bumbo. Look at that face! I love that he looks like he owns the place!

The twins on New Year's Eve.