Five Favorites and Two More Things

Linking up with Kelly for my list of Seven Quick Takes and also with Ashley for Five Favorites.  TGIF y'all!!

Some things I've been loving lately...

1)  Pants without buttons. 

 I've told you about some of my fave pull-on work pants before, and now for some pull-on jeans that are just a step up from pajamas but socially acceptable to wear in public:

Jeggings for me (above) and Maggie (below)

2) Active Lifestyle Accessories:

Sweat-proof Bluetooth Earbuds and weighted jump ropes and my secret weapon - high waisted capris.  Again with the high elastic waistbands, Colleen?  Yes, mummy tummy, settle down.

3)  Winter Health Savers:

Probiotics for kids and adults, sanitizing toothbrush holders, and Cara Cara Oranges (don't know if they are actually any better for you than regular oranges, but I love them and therefore I eat them and so they are better for me than regular oranges!)

4)  No Mess Art Time:

We have been keeping the kids occupied with these...big kids and littles fight over them!  You draw on them and then push the button and it erases the screen.  They are great for car rides and Mass too.

Boogie Boards with Case and Extra Pens (you're gonna need them)

5)  Tax Season! 

Ha!

I love filing my taxes easily and early!  I have been using TaxAct for years and it's simple and cheap and I don't know why everyone fears tax season so much.  This just walks you right through it.  I used to prepare taxes at my former job so I know there can be complicated tax returns, but if you don't own your own business - taxes are pretty straightforward.  Dare I even say, fun?  I do.  This year I filed for J-P so he could get back all of his withholdings from his summer job and it was completely free to do his 1040EZ.  Phil says I should make him use some of that refund to pay his accountant (me), but that's why I'm the nice parent ;)

6)  Bloggers who seem to be coming out of retirement :)  

I see you Christie, Rachel, Dwija and Kate!  And there are still some bloggers who write almost daily, like Madeline, Beth, and Rosie, all great ones to add to your feed!

7)  Prayer Warriors Unite!

Mary Helen's son, Patrick, has really captured my heart.  This poor little guy is only 5 months old, was born with a congenital heart defect and has had three open heart surgeries already.  The family just received news that there is nothing more they can do and we need to pray for a miracle through the intercession of Venerable Fr. Patrick Peyton.  Please join me and my family in praying for this little sweetheart!