A Few of Our Favorite Things

It’s the end of another year, lots of things have come and gone, new products, recipes, websites, gadgets and kids toys. But what are some things that came across your path that you loved? Something that you loved so much you wanted to share it with everyone you know. We here at BirminghamMommy.com have made a few discoveries of our own this year and we thought it would be fun to talk with our Contributors, Writers and Mombassadors to see what they are loving right now and share it all with you. Here is a list of what our team has declared their “Favorite Things”

I would like to note that I instructed all of them to leave Pinterest off of their list, I think it goes without saying that if you have logged onto that website it’s an automatic on the Favorites list. If you haven’t had the chance to check it out yet, you are definitely missing out! So, go there… now.

LK Whitney – BirminghamMommy Contributor and Mombassador and local blogger:

1 – (Place/Eat) PARAMOUNT, the new yogurt shop in downtown Birmingham, located along 20^th Street (known as “Birmingham Green”). It’s just a block away from McWane Center and the perfect spot for both young and old sweet tooths to enjoy a special treat. The modern décor compliments the integrity of a restored (and historical) building in the heart of downtown. And, they serve savory things, too! Totally booking this place for Sweet Pea’s summer birthday party!  http://www.facebook.com/#!/ParamountBham

2 – (Fitness/Baby) MOMMY & BABY YOGA with Krista Jones – Bonding with baby, while nurturing and strengthening your own body! Classes offered throughout the area at times sure to fit your schedule. More info here: http://babybellyyoga.com/Mom___Baby_Yoga.html

3 – (Website/Local) SHOPBIRMINGHAM.COM – A comprehensive, one-stop shop for retail in Birmingham. It’s a great resource for those who love to shop local, and it’s a great way to pick up some new local favorites! www.shopbirmingham.com

Rachel Callahan – BirminghamMommy Mombassador and Local Blogger:

– The Shops of Grand River – I love that we finally have a decent Outlet Mall in Birmingham!! I have done a majority of my shopping here this year, and have gotten some astounding deals for both me and the kids.  My favorite stores are Carter’s, Guess, Learning Express, Gymboree, and Banana Republic. It’s not nearly as far out of town as most people think.  I’ve timed it, and it’s 12 minutes from my house.  Love it!

– Tea Collection kid’s clothes – SO cute – modern without being overly mature.  Their clothes are a little expensive, but they have good sales.

– Amazon Mom – I seriously don’t know how I lived without this with my first kid.  They have the best deals on diapers, give you free two day shipping, and keep you from having to go to the store – ever!!

– Vault Denim – I am not an in-home party type of person, mainly because they’re usually selling things at higher prices than you can buy in the store, and I just feel guilty like I need to buy something for the hostess.  But Vault Denim is an in-home party company that got me excited enough to become a rep.  They sell first-rate designer jeans in all of the major labels — at half price!  Plus it’s one of the most fun girl’s nights possible – trying on jeans with all your girlfriends and helping everyone check out their butt to make sure they don’t have Mom Jeans on?? Priceless.

Shirley Lewis – BirminghamMommy Mombassador:

1. For the mom with no time beauty item it is Tres’emme dry shampoo. It beats out the pricey ones.. and it’s the cheapest i’ve found.

2. For a cheap family entertainment item, Bananagrams game. It’s fast, easy to get, and packs easily when vacationing.

Emi Burton – BirminghamMommy Mombassador:

Hair One is one of my new favorite things of 2011. It is an inexpensive alternative to the Wen Hair System (you know you’ve seen the infomercial and thought about buying it). I searched for a more affordable option and found it. My hair has never felt or looked more healthy.
Psst…. It’s available at Sally Beauty Supply.

Another favorite thing of mine is Crock Pot Liners….no explanation needed.

Trish Bogdanchik- Co Founder BirminghamMommy.com:

Morrocan Oil– best hair product ever! Makes your hair shiny and smooth but not oily.

Angie Cleland – Co Founder BirminghamMommy.com

Boot Cuffs. A discovery from Pinterest. They’re just a cute way to dress up your boots, and best of all they are completely Do It Yourself…  A quick trip through the thrift store and you’ll find more than enough sweaters to make a couple of pair. I don’t sew so I’m limited to just chopping off the arms but if you sew there is a whole new level of boot cuff available for you!

My Iphone. Can’t go anywhere without it.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Clif Bars – For me and my girls. I have picky eaters so it’s nice to have something that I can toss into my bag for them (or me) to have as a healthy snack or alternative for them wherever we go. Most days they will eat these for breakfast.

Chapstick of any kind although after seeing what Dr Oz had to say about it, I do now try to find something based with coconut oil or lanolin. Burts Bees is my go to, and I especially love their new tinted options.

Reality Television – All varieties, no matter how bad I love it. It’s completely mindless and at the end of the day when I can settle in for a little “me” time – I love catching up on DVR whether it’s the Real Housewives of Everywhere or Top Chef. I’m a gluten for reality tv.

What are some of your favorite must have items? We would love to know!