Five Favorite Things

{Early October Edition}

Read more about this fantastic book below! (September 2024)

How are you doing this week? Lately, I’ve been feeling some amount sadness or grief in my heart more or less all day. I don’t need to list everything that’s going on in the world, but if you’ve felt the same — you’re not alone. Paired with these feelings is a very strong sense of gratitude for everything in my life. As a white, cisgender, able-bodied American woman from a Christian background, I recognize all of the ways my life is full of many different kinds of privilege. I do my best to keep this in mind as I move through the world and respond to others I encounter.

One of the ways I’ve been very fortunate this fall is that I took some time off last month. My husband and I had our first getaway since becoming parents to Missoula, Montana (thanks, village!!!), and we had a totally amazing time. Thanks to some time away from work and parenting responsibilities, I’ve gotten more rest than usual, which has been very positive for my mental health. I hope you are able to find a little downtime in the next few weeks as well — even if it’s just an evening or afternoon away from your computer or phone, or a little extra time outside.

I’ve wrestled with sharing my 2nd list of Five Favorite Things with you, because honestly, it feels frivolous. In the end, my heart wants to share these with you. Maybe one of them will make you feel a little bit better. Maybe one will make you laugh, or light up a child’s face whom you care about and love so dearly. Whatever it is, I hope this post sends a small ripple of love, joy and calm out into the world — because we certainly need it. Please let me know if you also love one of these things, or if you’re excited to check something out. Let us know if there’s something else you’ve loved lately.

You’re also always welcome to share your heart here, and ask for prayer or support. We’re all on this beautiful, tragic planet together — and you’re never alone.

Sending love and peace to you.

~ Nikki

On our way home from Missoula, enjoying a sunny lunch at the airport (September 2024)

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1. City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

This book was recommended to me by the owner of a local bookstore for my niece, (who was 11 at the time). It sat on my nightstand for six months, untouched, until I devoured the entire thing over our vacation weekend. It is INCREDIBLE. I’m just going to share the synopsis provided on Bookshop.org, and add that it starts out a bit like The Giver (another YA favorite), but takes a completely different turn. I love this book SO much - I thought about it for weeks after finishing it.

“Ember is the only light in a dark world. But when its lamps begin to flicker, two friends must race to escape the dark. This highly acclaimed adventure series is a modern-day classic--with over 4 MILLION copies sold!

The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to dim. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she's sure it holds a secret that will save the city. Now, she and her friend Doon must race to figure out the clues to keep the lights on. If they succeed, they will have to convince everyone to follow them into danger. But if they fail? The lights will burn out and the darkness will close in forever.”

Buy it on Bookshop.org or find it at your library.

2. A Toyota Commercial

This is a really weird thing for me to include in this list, because a) I’ve never bought a new car and 2) I really, really dislike commercials. But, in this one (if you haven’t seen it yet), we see a mom with a plan ask her family to put their phones into a box. She puts the cover on the box, puts it in the back of their shiny new car, and they go on to have adorable adventures together (without their phones).

Kudos for a super cute ad, and also: you don’t need a new car to ditch your phones for a bit. ;)

3. Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara

I’m not big on makeup, at all. Most days I use: under-eye concealer, mascara, and lipstick. Once a month, I might put on eyeshadow. I went through a phase after our younger son was born where I was splurging on those lashes, whatever they’re called, but they were both too pricey and too much maintenance for me to stick with long-term.

This mascara is totally incredible. I’ve never had my eyelashes look the way they do with any other kind. It separates the lashes well, doesn’t clump, and makes them look SO long. This is probably available at most drugstores or places like Target. I think I’ll buy at least two of them next time, in case they stop making it.

4. “Pilates” - SNL Sketch with Kristen Wiig

Ho-ly *$@)#, this made me laugh SO HARD. Even if you have no idea what Pilates is (are?), or have never heard of Kristen Wiig - watch it. She won an Emmy for this Saturday Night Live episode. Watch it now, or the next time you need a good laugh.

5. Little People Light-Up Learning Camper

My MIL suggested we buy a few presents for the boys to open while we were away on our trip, and it was such a great idea (grandmas and aunties are the best at presents and toys!!). I took this assignment pretty seriously, and was delighted to find this toy camper and accessories. Ernest loved it, and my mom wants one too…I very highly recommend this for your favorite kid (no matter what age).

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