Hello Dollies, joining all the girls and hosts Narci, Erika and Andrea, today for their popular Friday Favorites, 01.2020 posts. I think a lot of gals make this a weekly series but I am going to try to have a Friday Favorites post once a month, on the last Friday. We’ll see how that goes. What is it they say about the best laid plans?
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Friday Favorites 01.2020
My faves are all over the place. A Bible study, some bookmarks, a free 21 day guide to styling leggings, and a new natural deodorant we experimented with this week. Can you say duke’s mixture?! Let’s get started…I have a vacuum, mop and dust rag calling my name downstairs.
Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study
Last week my dear friend (and former sister-in-law) Metra put an invitation on her Facebook page for friends to join her for the Trustworthy: Proverbs 31 Online Bible study. I am kind of in-between devotionals so decided this was a sign and took her up on the invite. The study began on Monday but my book, available here, didn’t arrive until Tuesday afternoon. So Wednesday morning, I scrambled to catch up.
Oh, girls, this is such a good study. We are working on overcoming the areas where we struggle most to trust God. Our study is based on 1 and 2 Kings. We will be learning to “loosen the grip of trying to control people and circumstances in your life by taking steps today to truly rely on God.” [source] Toughy, tough, tough for this control freak. If you are looking for a new Bible study to kick off your year, come join us!
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My Online Book Club and Bookmarks
I feel like a proud mother about the gals in my online book club. In a little over a year, our group has grown from what I thought was an amazing dozen members to over 75 girls! You know how lost I was when I retired. Loved being with books and children, teaching library lessons. This online book club has provided me the same thrill, ignited the same passion in me. Except this time I am associating with grown up gals who already know the joys reading and a good book can bring.
Right before Christmas I suggested we might do a bookmark swap among members. Had about 20 gals interested in participating and you should see the pretty things exchanged. I was fortunate enough to exchange with 2 of the girls. Received some really nifty bookmarks. No longer am I using my fingers to keep of several books of my Bible marked at one time.
Would you like to join our online book club? It is a FREE, no-pressure club. We vote once a month on our next read, I sponsor a give-away for at least one copy of the winning title, and we do a little bit of discussion on the books we read in our private Facebook group. We will be moving into a new book in February. Come read with me (which coincidentally was the name of my televised reading program!).
21 Days of Leggings
Y’all know what a big fan I am of Alison Lumbatis and the Get Your Pretty On capsule wardrobes, right? Here’s just another reason why I am one of her staunchest supporters. She has put together a free wardrobe capsule based on leggings. Yes, free!! And yes, leggings. Doesn’t get more comfy than that!! You can check it out right here. I had to give away all of my leggings this fall because of the little bit of weight I’ve lost. So I am down to 2 pairs and need to fix that situation prontito.
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This past week Alison shared an easy legging outfit that I am going to try tomorrow. It’s created with 4 closet staples: faux leather leggings (or black), these are mine from Express, a white tank top under a chambray shirt left open in front, and either white kicks or black booties. Will be sure to take pics and share with you in an upcoming What I Wore and Where I Bought It post.
WildRoot
I was invited to collaborate with and review WildRoot aluminum and paraben-free all natural deodorant. To be honest, a friend had recommended a lavender scented natural deodorant from Whole Foods a few years ago. I had found it difficult to apply and wasn’t a big fan.
When I took a look at the WildRoot website, I was pleased with the ingredients in and missing from their deodorants. This deodorant relies on natural ingredients like essential oil and baking soda for their antibacterial properties. No parabens, aluminum or artificial fragrances – all of which are linked to cancer and birth defects. Sounded like good stuff. I decided to give it a try.
WildRoot is available in a performance strength and a sensitive skin option, scented and fragrance-free. I tried the Tall Pine (cedarwood and pine) and Citrus Leaf (lime and sage) from the performance strength collection.
My Thoughts
When I first applied the citrus leaf deodorant, it didn’t exactly glide on. But on the next application, the deodorant went on much easier and was easy to apply from then on. I am thinking maybe it had gotten cold in shipping. Once it warmed to room temperature it was more pliable. The fragrance is fresh and slightly tangy-sweet without smelling like a fruit salad. Very clean. The Tall Pine is a pleasant woodsy fragrance, perhaps a bit more masculine. So I had PC try it, too.
I’ve worn WildRoot now for over a week and been impressed with its effectiveness. Apparently, people who have used deodorants containing aluminum can experience a form of detox when switching to a natural product. They may perspire more heavily and perhaps notice an increase in odor until the aluminum is flushed from their bodies. I think my Prince may have experienced a little of that. I am never a big sweater even after a workout at the gym, so I made the switch to WildRoot without issue.
WildRoot worked well in keeping my perspiration in check. I love the fragrances and can feel good about what I am applying to my body. Win win! Hope you will give WildRoot a try.
Save Our Planet
In my blog reading this week, I came across a post that mentioned a very cool site, Terracycle.com, self-described as a social enterprise on a mission to eliminate the idea of waste. From their website:
In 20 countries, we tackle the issue from many angles. We have found that nearly everything we touch can be recycled and collect typically non-recyclable items through national, first-of-their-kind recycling platforms. [source]
My daughters and their husbands are very mindful of recycling. I am trying to do better. One of the things TerraCycle is collecting is oral care products. This year, I am going to make an effort to save and recyle all of our old toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste. Want to join me?
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I used to tell my students if we all do a little something, together we can make a big difference.
Your Turn
Just occurred to me that maybe Friday Favorites 01.2020 is supposed to be a post where we share favorite things we’ve bought during the week or the month! Ooops. Trying very hard not to buy much this month as I rebuild my bank account after Christmas. Afraid if I shared what I’ve purchased lately it would be some pretty uninspiring stuff. Hope these favorites made for a more interesting read.
Enjoy a pleasant weekend. Do something just for YOU. Even if it is just a soak in the tub or a cat nap. Thank you for taking a few moments to be here with me.
Hugs and kisses,
Donna Connolly
Hi, Leslie – I love how you are involved in so many things and generously share them with us. I admire your energy. Very inspirational! Make sure you do something for YOU this week as well.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you so much, Donna, for the sweet words. And reminder to do something for me. I take my vitamins so can credit them with giving me energy!! Thank you for wrapping me in a hug with your comment.
Nancy
It s nice to read these posts! I use deodorant without aluminium for quite a while now! Have a great weekend!
Debbie Harris
You always have interesting stories to tell Leslie! I love reading your posts 🙂
Deb
I am a very happy member of your book club – it has encouraged me to try different genres of books and it has certainly proved to me that you cannot judge a book by its cover – so many of those I’ve read I would never have picked off the shelf otherwise! Did you know that books have different covers depending on where they are sold? I only just learnt that from my author friend!
Leggings are making a come back? Oh my! That takes me back to when my kids were small and they were the uniform of every young mum at school pick up time. Can’t wait to see how you style yours!
Cindi
Always something very special on your blog. Always a pleasure to read!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you so much, Cindi. That is such a heart-warming comment. Enjoying your pics and post from your winter ‘home’.
Penny Struebig
I love, love, love the book club you started! So glad to be a part of it. And I also participated in the book mark exchange and loved it! Thanks so much for putting in so much effort on making these things successful. You do a great job!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Awww, thank you for the sweet comments about the book club. It has been so rewarding and uplifting for me. Glad you have joined me, my dear friend.
Kellyann Rohr
I say Friday Favorites can be what we like not necessarily what we buy!
The all natural deodorant is really making a splash lately. I keep hearing about it. I sweat like nobody’s business – really – ugh. Not sure how that would work for me but never say never, right!
Your online bible study sounds so good, I love participating a bible study – it really helps me keep my focus on what matters.
A capsule wardrobe of leggings sounds great but darn if I wear leggings all the time I end up gaining weight – ha! I need to button and zip to keep me in line.
Love seeing what catches your eye my friend!
xo,
Kellyann
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I get ya! I need to be careful that I don’t fall into wearing the stretching leggings on a daily basis. They can be trouble just like yoga pants!
Mica
It’s great you are enjoying your book club! it’s fun how we can connect online! 🙂 I’m so interested with the terracycle too – we can already recycle a lot of things like toothpaste tubes and packaging but I didn’t think you could recycle tooth brushes! I will have to look into it! 🙂
Hope that you are having a lovely weekend 🙂
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, doll, for coming by. Isn’t it super cool that we can recycle the dental hygiene products? I have started today. Going to save up until I have a few brushes, a few used up tube of toothpaste and send it in. Every little bit helps, I guess.
ShootingStarsMag
I keep meaning to do more of these posts – and I don’t think it’s just things you bought, so you’re good! Your book club sounds fantastic, and I love the idea of a bookmark swap. 🙂
-Lauren
Leslie Roberts Clingan
The bookmark swap was fun. Some of the folks live out of the U.S. so it took awhile for everyone to get their bookmarks. But we all did. And mine have really come in handy.
Dara
I received a sample of Wild Root with an essential oils box, but didn’t try it yet!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Yes, I think they are related to the Simply Earth essential oil folks. I really do like WildRoot. Give yours a go.
Am
Your on line bible study sounds wonderful. I did an on line FB bible study in November and December, but now I feel like being on my own again.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
The online Bible study has been so good. And it is allowing me to spend time discussing with my niece and sister-in-law. Win-win! Now to get them started Bible journaling with me!
Laura Bambrick
It always bothers me when packaging isn’t recyclable! I didn’t know there was a program that recycles oral care products and empties like that! I am looking into it asap! Thanks for sharing!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Yay!! Glad you are going to check out how to recycle the dental hygiene products too. We can make a difference together. I wish the Walmart/discount store were biodegradable. Imagine what a help that would be!
Anne/The Cajun Couple
I think Friday Favoritisms can be whatever you like. And I enjoyed reading about your picks for this week. Hugs, Anne
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, friend!! Big hugs back to you!
Erica/Erika
Leslie, Assorted, fun, eclectic faves. Amazing on how your book club has grown. This likely says more about the people in the group than the books. Totally true on grown up gals who already know the joys of reading. You always look great, Leslie, especially since I follow you on Instagram. Leggings equal comfort and look great. Win. Win.
Very interesting about waste and oral care products. I was a Dental Hygienist for over 25 years and this discussion plus possible solutions came up daily. Yes, we can all make a difference. Great post, Leslie!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I am excited to start trying to do a little more recycling. My kids are both gung ho with recycling efforts. And I am feeling guilty now days when I throw away something that could be recycled. Going to treat myself to a couple of cute bins for recycling and maybe they will inspire me to really jump on the bandwagon.
Express has their leggings on sale and I think it’s time to add a few more to my wardrobe. Thank you for the sweet compliments. I am not terribly comfortable wearing them but they are so comfy that I think my self consciousness might take a back seat to comfort.