While I had been doing a weekly post on my favorite things, it fell by the wayside in the past two months. However, with the dawning of the new year, I think it is high time to bring it back. This is a completely random assortment of items with no real unifying elements, except that I love them all!
1) Beginners
This Indie movie was released in 2011 and it is super cute, interesting, fascinating, and provocative. It has two intersecting narratives set apart in time about a man dealing with the death of his father and the second story line follows his own love story. It features Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer (from Sound of Music!!!). It is definitely more of a “film” than a movie and I loved it to pieces.
2) The Year of Magical Thinking
This is actually the first book by Joan Didion that I have ever read and it amazed me from beginning to end. It was astounding. This is definitely not a sunny,or happy book. If you are looking for glorious chick lit, do NOT read this book. The non-fiction book details grief, mourning, and loss surrounding the sudden death of Joan’s husband and the critical illness of her daughter at the same time. The insight is piercing and brilliant. Since finishing the book I have immediately went out to get every other book written by Didion and her late husband.
3) From the gritty realities of life to the delightful superficialities, I am officially obsessed with chandeliers.
This lovely light is from the Kate Spade dressing room–love.love.love.
This whimsy chandelier is from a cute little boutique in St. Charles, MO.
4) Justin’s Almond Butter and Hazelnut Butter
The Hazelnut Butter is basically an all-natural/un-processed nutella. It is less sweet, but still amazingly delicious! The Almond Butter is combined with a bit of maple syrup and it positively amazing. Currently, I love both on bananas but I am dreaming up more combinations.
5) Real Simple
My mother-in-law bought me a subscription for Christmas and I am loving every page. From the recipes and decorating ideas to the nifty tips and tricks–love it!
What are your favorite things this week?
paleorunnergirl 
My mum loves Real Simple and I always read it at her house! I was also ridiculously excited to find Justin’s at a bit of a discount at Walmart the other day. I’m usually totally anti-Walmart, but I was pretty excited about that find.
I always eye up the big containers of Justin’s at Target, but they’re like $10 & I just can’t justify it! They do sell the sample packets, though, so I’ve tried it before.
Real Simple is probably my favorite magazine!
Hallo my lovely! Im so so sorry to hear you were sick 😦 – am just about back in the land of the living myself and your blog is cheering me up! Cant wait to read that book! I just finished The Slap … which I loved but is pretty dirty/ gritty so less great if you arent into that stuff. Current foodie obsession that is Paleo friendly are beets cooked with butter and salt – SO GOOD! Ill post the recipe super soon. Glad youre feeling better my love – wich me luck with recovery! Ugh. xox
Thanks for suggesting the movie!!! I want to see it!!
EEk and Ive just seen your 7 random facts post – but Ive just written my post for tomo on my NY resolutions (only like a week late!) – there are over 7 of them and some are pretty random – can that count!?!? KISSES!
Justin’s Almond Maple Butter is my absolute FAVORITE, and I’ve had my fair share of nut butters. Dare I say that it might even be more delicious than my beloved Sunbutter? 8)
Those chandeliers are adorable! I love lighting, too!
I’m going to have to check out Beginners!
I got a 2 year subscription to Real Simple from my sister! It is the best!!! …..The husband thinks that is the most ridiculously overpriced magazine in the world, especially because there is always a “saving money 1,2,3” or something like that on the cover. It is THE BEST magazine ever!
I have yet to try justin’s almond butter. They are so expensive for my college budget but I hope to try them one day because I heard great things about it. 🙂
The jars are super expensive but you can buy the little packets for .75 or so. That might be a better option, that way you don’t have to fork over the $6 for a jar but still get to try them. Maple almond butter is the best in my opinion. 🙂
Hi Sally Anne – Just had to pop in to agree with you on Joan Didion! Run River and Slouching Towards Bethleham are some of my favorite books. I just got her newest memoir for Christmas and can’t wait to read it. I hope you love her books – she’s an amazing writer!
Some of my favorite things this week: chai tea, smoothies, protein pancakes and weight lifting! 🙂
Hope your having a wonderful weekend!
I love love chandeliers too. I’ve still never had the Justin nut butters, and it’s a CO company, ha ha.
Oh my goodness! That maple almond butter is to die for!!