Things I'm Loving Now

It's been a long MLK weekend - so nice to have a Monday off once in a while, right?  I intended to pull out the old laptop and get something accomplished and perhaps write a post over the weekend, but it just didn't happen.   I've thought of a few things that I'm loving right now, so I am back to spread a few ideas out there.  It's been a while since the Holidays and all of the rush is over, but I got a couple of presents that are making me so happy - just gotta share!First one is these:These Powerbeats wireless earbuds are just the best!  I'm used to having to be attached to my phone to listen to music while workout, listening to a book while taking a walk, and the cord is constantly getting in the way.  I can't count the number of times I've almost done a face plant on the treadmill because I got tangled up in the cord for the headphones.  These little suckers stick right in your ears - and actually stay!  I also have a problem with my ears getting so sweaty that the normal earbuds just slip right out.  Not these.  They stay put.  They couldn't be more simple - just charge them, sync with bluetooth on your smartphone and you are good to go.  I used them the other day around the house and they made vacuuming soooo much more pleasurable - a friend sent me a few podcasts to listen to and how cool that I could clean and listen to a great podcast at the same time.This next thing isn't nearly as fancy or techy as the powerbeats.  In fact, I know it came from our local hardware store, but it makes me just as happy.  The First Son gave me this candle for Christmas.  I keep it in my bedroom and light it when I am there.  It has an amazing, fresh scent that warms up the entire room.  And can you see how it even matches the lamps?  Do you think he even recognized that little tidbit?      Another great gift was a gift card to one of my very favorite stores, Athleta.  It has been burning a hole in my pocket since Christmas morning!  And since I made it through the whole No Shopping until January Challenge, I thought this weekend was high time to check out what is new at Athleta. I used it to get these:        One of  my purchases was these Metro Slouch Pants.  I can't tell you how happy I am I picked these up.  I put them on the minute I got home from the store, wore them all day, and even out to dinner with some friends.  That's how comfortable they are and awesome they fit.  I never try on clothes in stores, so I will tell you that these fit true to size.  And the slouch at the bottom is not so big.  In fact, depending on your shoes you can barely tell there is a little drawstring there.  Love these.Now I'm going off the gifts grid here.  I like nothing better than an organized space.  And I get a little kick out of cleaning out and re-arranging a space.  Call it crazy, I know.  But I bet you know what I mean, even if just a little bit.I used one morning over the weekend to get up before the rest of the house and decided to completely empty our pantry and clean out the entire room.  It is a nice, walk in space full of shelves, a large magnetic chalkboard and table for coffee, etc.  Lots of potential for either holding crammed up stuff or an organized space for each item to have a home.  I am not exaggerating - I took out every single thing from every single shelf.  My kitchen did not have a clean spot for a coffee cup - every counter was full, as well as the breakfast room table, chairs and some spots on the floor.       I won't bore you with more before and after pictures, but here is a little shot of part of the finished product.  It made me so happy, I even showed it off to a couple of friends!Lastly, I just finished a really good, page turner of a book.  In fact, I began it Sunday morning, feeling a bit under the weather and could not put it down.  I finished it this morning!  If you are looking for a "can't put it down" book that will keep you guessing and squirming, check out The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.So, these are the latest things that I am loving right now.I'm in search for another good read, so let me know if you have any suggestions.  And checking in on Dr. Oz's 10 Day Rapid Weight Loss Plan,  I have to admit to having made no huge losses like the testimonies.  I do feel really great, though, and I know that is much more important than the number on the scale that I am not even getting on!  I'm eating clean, whole foods and protein and  drinking lots of water.  Drinking the warm water with lemon has become a wonderful addition to my day. It's really nice on these chilly days.What are your favorite things these days?  What great books have you read?  Are you an organized nerd like me? Enjoy your Day!