January 5th: Ms. Faux's Fave New Candy... Gin Gins & Ms. Faux's Stomach Battle

Disclaimer:  Ms. Faux ain't not doctor and should you be suffering from any chronic pain or questionable anything... GO SEE A DOCTOR.  This is only my story and things I have found that helped.

So for several years Ms. Faux has suffered with serious stomach issues.  I have been put on no gluten diets, FODMAP diets, and anything and everything in between.  I have undergone allergy testing, thyroid testing, endoscopies, etc..., etc...  People have questioned what it could be... this includes doctors and finally my general physician (Dr. Mc) I will call him, finally figured it out and diagnosed me with GERD (gastroesophogeal reflux disease) and Gastritis (an inflamed stomach).  The cause... most likely stress.  This has also caused an adrenal gland issue that we will get into at another time.

So what is this?  Well for GERD, think of near puking all the time.  That acidic material pretty much seeps out of my stomach and up my esophagus.  Sometimes it comes up to my throat, but most time it lives in the esophagus.  Pretty much like having really bad heartburn most of the time.

The other is gastritis, which just means my stomach is inflamed because it on a pH balance level is more acidic.  See the picture below.  I look like the one on the bottom.

So how did Ms. Faux come to be so lucky that she developed this lovely little condition in her stomach that can alter the way she lives???

That's right.  Stress.  It is a killer.  I know what you are saying to yourself, "it's just your gut."  That was what I thought until my doc asked, "is it going to take cancer to get you wake up."  Mention the big C and well, now my crusade to take better care of my stomach.

Seriously this issue is not a small thing.  At its worst I was throwing up on a daily basis.  That however was during one of the most stressful times of my life.  Many elements of that stress have since been abolished in my life.

While I will likely get into my favorite foods and things I'm doing successfully and such in a latter post the one thing that I thought I would mention today is my new favorite candy.

Gin Gin's $10.72 for a 1 lb. bulk bag at amazon.com.

What are they?

According to their makers, GingerPeople.com...

Gin Gins® Double Strength Hard Ginger Candy are made with all natural ingredients. Enjoy as an after dinner digestive or a throat lozenge to both warm and soothe.

What does Ms. Faux think?

Well although they do have sugar in them, which is an inflammatory that I have to be careful with, I can say that I partook of 1... or 2... o.k. 5 of them last night after I ate.  Usually that is when I feel the most acidic.  It is almost like a burning in my gut.  I ate the candy and... nothing.  My stomach felt great.

Now I'm on a ginger kick and it has so many healing benefits such as anti-inflammatory benefits, aids in digestion, helps with nausea, clearing sinuses and even gas to name a few.

Seriously though The Ginger People have a hit on their hands with my gut and these candies.  They come in a variety of types (hard and chewy) as well as flavors (coffee, spicy apple, peanut and crystallized ginger).

They also have drinks, spreads, and other types of ginger related products that I cannot wait to try given how much my stomach is responding.  So go to www.gingerpeople.com and give them a whirl.  It is Ms. Faux Stomach Approved.

January 4th: Ms. Faux's Favorite Trip Planner - Sygic Travel

This is a FAUX FAVE...

So Ms. Faux is planning another trip with her best friend Ms. MJ.  This year's destination, Ireland, Scotland and England (London to be specific).  

So when I started looking for things to do for this trip, you know that I went to my previous favorite planning site TripOMatic.  Except one thing was different... it is now Sygic Travel.  I'm assuming they were bought by Sygic, but not really sure, however it is the same type of interface that TripOMatic offered when I went to Auckland, New Zealand and Sydney and Melbourne, Australia.

So what is it?

It is an interactive website that helps you to plan your trip to wherever you are going.  Though I probably am only speaking to a very small area of this website's capabilities, here is what I like about it.  Also known as... What does Ms. Faux think?

Well I took a lot of this from their website and added what I think (in bold).

1.  To start simply type in a city.  Fill out the time of your travel (optional) and your hotel (also optional).

2.  You then can go to their recommended itineraries or list of places that you want to visit or simply start looking at the map of your city.

3. You can see all the places you might want to visit on the map. They are also visible in the sidebar. As you move the map or zoom in, the list automatically updates. If you zoom out enough, you will see destinations instead of places. Click them to view the attractions.  This app or website plans days in 12 hour intervals.

4.  If you’re looking for a particular place, you can use the search field above the map to find it. You can search for attractions, hotels, tours or addresses.

You can also filter places by their categories above the map. If you wish, you can filter the places further by tags after you select a category.

5.  You can add a place straight from the map, or you can click on it to read more about it, then click the plus button to add it to your trip plan. This will add the place to the current day you are working with. You can change the day above the map.  I love this option because you can learn about things in the area you are visiting that you may not know about.  Know however that Ms. Faux has usually done her research with Rick Steves YouTube channel and TripAvisor.com, amongst many other books and searches.

6.  If you want to save a place for later, click the heart icon instead to add it to your Favorites.

If you want to add more destinations to your trip plan, use the search field. Type in the name of your next destination and hit Enter. The map will be moved to your next destination and you can start adding places from it to your trip plan.

The favorites tab is my favorite and generally what I do.  I mark everything I want to see and then filter it and start planning my trip.  This way I can see what sights are closest together so that I can plan my individual days.  I have found it is best to have this planned before you visit somewhere so you don't waste time.  Another good way to look at this is through GoogleMaps.com.

7.  For your itinerary... You can switch between days in your itinerary in the menu above the map. When adding places to your itinerary, you always add them to the day that is currently set as active.

You can open each day to see its detail and also see the route between those places. Once you open the day, you can easily add more places to it from the map.

When you add a place, Sygic Travel automatically reroutes your itinerary and recalculates the travel estimate for the day. On the top you can see that the day starts to fill up.

8.  Save your trip by creating an account, or by logging in if you already have one. You will be able to access your trip later and also, each change you make to your trip automatically syncs across all your devices and the web.

After you're done with adding activities to your trip, you can download a neat PDF guide of your trip. Click on the Trip Overview button in the right corner above the map, then switch yourself to the Print / Download / App tab to find the option.

If you have a smartphone, don’t forget to download Sygic Travel mobile app before you go. Once you sign in, it will automatically sync your trip and allow you to follow and edit your itinerary on the go. With Sygic Travel Premium, the app will work even without Internet connection.

9.  The greatest thing, if you are planning with other parties is that you can share this itinerary between parties.

I know it is hard to really explain the brilliance and ease of this app/website, but seriously it has streamlined the way I travel.  Having been to most of Europe, many islands in the Carribean, New Zealand, Australia, Across the USA, etc..., etc... I have found many of my favorite ways to do things and this website is brilliant.

January 3rd: Suck Less: Where There's a William, There's a Way by William Belli

If you are in the market for a ridiculous and hilarious book to read and love drag queens as much as I do, then look no further.  It is William Belli's new book, "Suck Less: Where There's a Willam, There's a Way."  $12.99 for Kindle or $12.98 for Paperback at Amazon.com.  You can also find it on iTunes for $12.99 for the Book or $17.95 for the Audiobook.

What is it?

Well according to Amazon.com, but based on how it is written, I'm guessing this came straight from William herself...

The only lie told more often than "No, that looks totally cute on you" and "I got AIDS through oral" is "It gets better." Well, a lotta times it don't. Sometimes it just sucks less. But I promise you: where there's a Willam, there's a way.

But this isn't all about me (for once). It's about you and how you can SUCK LESS at a variety of things drag queens are so much better at than the average person. I've got clap backs and life hacks and tips on classing up a simple grab-and-run lifting spree to the much more dignified act of larceny. Super-important life stuff with my own special, secret fag- swag sauce. So welcome to Willam's School of Bitchcraft and Wiggotry. Class is in session.

With a foreword from Neil Patrick Harris.

Who is William Belli?

Well according to wikipedia.com...: 

Willam Belli (born June 30, 1982) often referred to as simply Willam, is an American actor, drag queen, model, reality television personality, recording artist and author, who is known for his recurring role as transgender woman Cherry Peck in Ryan Murphy's medicial drama Nip/Tuck and for being a contestant on the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, for which he remains the only contestant ever disqualified from the series. In addition to acting, Belli found viral success with his music video parodies "Chow Down" and "Boy Is a Bottom" with his Los Angeles drag queen pop trio, DWV. However, the group split in June 2014, because of a personal conflict among the groupmates.

So how did he get booted from Drag Race... from William's own mouth, his boyfriend found him and came by to bang him out.  The show itself apparently forbids contestants from outside contact.

It is sad really because though I didn't quite get him completely on the show, William is without a doubt one of my favorite drag queens to come from there.  He is hilarious, irreverent and always up for a good time.  If you are however slightly squeamish or up for a laugh, he is probably not your cup of tea.

What did Ms. Faux think?

Well as I mentioned, I love William.  Her twisted sense of humor and silliness just appeals to me, but I do understand it is not for everyone.  But if you have ever wanted a drag queen to help tell you how to be a woman (Ms. Faux is raising her hand) then this is the book for you.

However if you find the statement below funny...

Then GET THIS BOOK.  Get it now.  Also.... this is one of the tamer quotes that I'm willing to put in.  Gentlemen you to.  William even teaches you how to tuck.

Seriously... hers is the best in the business.  Well maybe also Carmen Carrera.  But for real, this is a book that I could not put down.  It his funny and you get some tips along the way.  And keeping it 100%... William is gorgeous.  One of the prettiest ladies in the business, but more than that she is hella funny and can laugh at herself as much as anyone else.

Get this book now.

January 2: Egyptian Magic

Egyptian Magic

So today is another day of living fabulously and for us Chicagoans that means treating ourselves to either a facial or some really good moisturizer.  If water is the life source, this weather is sucking it right out of us.

So tonight I treated myself to an at home facial with Egyptian Magic.  

  

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream $31.90 for 4 oz. at amazon.com

I first heard of this product after reading an interview with Kate Hudson who swears by it.  Turns out a lot of other celebrities do to.  Check out their webpage at egyptianmagic.com.  But there is no denying Ms. Hudson's skin, though I think she can thank her blessings for the good genes she inherited as well.

So what is it?

According to egyptianmagic.com Egyptian Magic is, "an all natural skin cream made from six of nature's most powerful moisturizing and healing ingredients."

"Our unique process combines six of nature’s most powerful moisturizing and healing ingredients to create a balm unlike any other.  That’s it. No additives, preservatives, fragrances, chemicals or parabens." 

Hydrates and repairs skin from head to toe! Use as a moisturizer, lipbalm, eye cream, hair mask and also works wonders on eczema and skin irritations.

Legendary among celebrities, cult among the fashion press and beauty industry. The must-have beauty tool for professional make-up artists.

So what does Ms. Faux think?

I agree with everything they say, though... disclaimer:  I have never put it in my hair.  I would look like a greased rat and I don't have eczema so can't answer to that.  What I have done is push my hair back with a head band and slather it all over my face, allowing it to soak in while I do something mundane like watch tv or read a book.  When I'm ready for bed, I take one of my favorite microfiber washcloths ($7.49 for a pack of 5 at amazon.com) and wipe off the excess.  You can either then put on your favorite overnight moisturizer or you likely won't even need that.  

You wake up the next day with your skin feeling like heaven.

January 1: Faux's Year of Living Out Loud/Tubshroom Recommendation

Well I'm back.  I'm hoping to post daily for the next year.  We will see.  Life gets to you some times, but this is my greatest intent, because through all my growth and learning I realize you do the best you can do.  Of course I'm already behind.

The idea of my blog will shift.  I will still recommend stuff, but also I will just give my ideas on living this thing called life and things that help me to do that.  I'm sure I will falter, but my goal for the year is just to be present.  Whatever that is.  Be here.  Be in a moment.  Let fear go because that is generally what holds me back.

I don't much believe in resolutions because I think they are setting yourself up for failure or at least perceiving it to be failure, so I thought I would be kind to myself and simply state what I want out of this year.

A few ideas of been swirling in my mind and that is that I'm tired of waiting.  I'm tired of waiting to live my life and for those people to do so with me to do so.  I've spent most of my life taking care of others so this year I plan to be a little more selfish or a better way of saying that is taking care of myself.  So I'm making plans and going ahead with them.

There is a quote that speaks volumes to me and has for years.  It encompasses this idea because I think truly not living your life to it's fullest is a form of self pity.  It is ugly.  It isn't sexy at all and in generally is old crap that holds us back.  In order to be you have to just sit with yourself in the moment.  Not yesterday.  Not tomorrow.  Right now.  So here is the quote.

No apologies.  I am going to live this life as fabulously as I possibly can.  That simple idea allows for lulls, but ultimately just sets a realistic goal that you do your best to do what is best for you.  So there it is.  To live my most fabulous life and to do so by not waiting for anyone else to do it.  This is about me.

So as you can tell the direction of this blog is going to change a bit.  I will still give tips of things I've tried and stuff I've done, but it is going to be focused more on just living, because to quote a very intelligent man...

So how did I start off day one of my most fabulous life...

With friends, a bag of Chinese Food that weighed the same amount as a cinder block and cuddling with my temporary puppy and long term cat Simba.

So Happy New Year!  Also I promise this will have recommendations of things that I feel are pretty great so don't give up on old FauxPrah.  Oh and here is one...

One of my best friends Ms. Lisa gifted her Favorite Thing to me today (since she had to miss my party).  Here it is....

The Tubshroom

$12.99 at Amazon.com

I've also seen them at Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond

What is it?

A revolutionary hair catch that fits into your drain to catch all of your hair from going down the drain thus causing all sorts of clogs.

What does Ms Faux think?

Well when I'm not writing this blog I am a property manager.  One of the most expensive things you can do in your home is call a plumber for clogs.  Also one of the worst things you can do is pour corrosive materials like draino down your pipes as they cause major damage to not only the pipes but imagine what they are doing to the earth.

Ms. Lisa swears by it.  Ms. Faux has used hers and loves it. 

Alright, that is it for today ya'll but I have to power through 12 more of these but they should be coming out quickly.

Ms. Faux's Favorite Things Party

So Ms. Faux just hosted her absolute favorite party of the year and it is an annual affair.  It's my FAVORITE THINGS PARTY!!!  This was the 5th or 6th year that I have hosted and it is just an amazing party.  Here are the rules.

1.  Get a fabulous group of ladies.
2.  Have them bring a gift to the party (about $20ish dollars)
3.  This gift only needs to be something that is their favorite thing.  Something they can't live without.
4.  Conduct a dirty santa.

The brilliance of the party is that even if you don't get a gift that you like (very rare) you will get to see a ton of other stuff that you will love.

Faux Tip for the hostess:  Take a picture of each thing and the person that gave it so that you can catalog for your guests all the gifts given that day.  Below is just such a list.  I have listed these all with links that you can click on for either the products website or in most cases a link where you can get it along with the first name of each of Ms. Faux's friends that gave the gift.

Ms. Marla's Favorite Things

Ms. Marla started us all off and gave the gift of Baby Jesus... chocolate and even better good chocolate with Ghiradelli's Intense Dark Cherry Tango candy bar $2.79 at Target.com.

I have not only seen these at Target but also various other grocery stores.  Also Ms. Marla gave the gift of Tocca Hand Creme (in the scent Cleopatra) $20 at Sephora.com.  A delicious scented hand creme with notes of cucumber and sweet grapefruit, leaving behind a fresh clean scent.

Ms. Marla's last part of her gift was one she discovered in a pinch.  She is the mother of two beautiful children and told the story that one day when she discovered she ran out of face wash used their Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash $8.39 for 12oz. at Target.com

Ms. Dori's Favorite Things

Ms. Dori was next and she gave the most practical of all gifts that for anyone that has had to deal with this will absolutely appreciate.  Ms. Dori gave the story of the time when she traveled and got bed bugs.  Ms. Faux knows a thing or two about this and can attest that they are a pain in the neck and extremely difficult to get rid of, however extremely easy to get, especially if you travel.  She gave Secure Travel Bed Bug Proof Luggage liner $19.99 at Amazon.com.  Ms Faux ordered hers the day after this party.

Ms. Cynthia's Favorite Things

Ms. Cynthia was next and gave the gift of a healthy tummy.  Having dealt with some dietary restrictions in her life she offered up her favorite Vegan Queso from the minimalistbaker.com Here is the Recipe!!! offering the dare to not eat this in one sitting.

Ms. Cynthia rounded out her goodies with El Ranchero Tortilla chips from Ranchero Foods (Ms. Faux's favorite for oven toasted nachos because they hold up.  You can also get these for about $3 in most grocery stores in Chicago as it is a locally run business, though they sell in bulk on Amazon for anyone out of the state.  Ms. Cynthia rounded out her local business food favorites with Salsa de molce jete from Edgewater Produce, located in Andersonville in Chicago.

Ms. Linda's Favorite Thing

Ms. Linda gave something that is Faux approved and I am shocked it has never been one of my favorite things.  It is Lush's Big Shampoo $27.95 at Lushusa.com.

This shampoo is so good to remove all the build up in your hair.  It provides so much volume and bounce and is the perfect clarifying shampoos.  Here is what Lush says about their product.  Ms. Faux says it definitely backs up those claims and smells delicious.

Body-building shampoo for serious oomph

Over half the base of Big shampoo is made with sea salt to help give massive volume to hair in need of a boost. Sea salt is also full of minerals and de-greases hair, removing dead skin cells and dirt without stripping natural oils for a fresh, squeaky clean feeling. We balance the sea salt with seaweed infusion and extra virgin coconut oil for soft, nourished locks. Finally, fresh citrus juices are squeezed in for incredible shine. It's no wonder this one's a best-seller! 

Ms. Erin's Favorite Things

Ms. Erin was next and her gift was truly Erin.  Honestly if I didn't know what gift everyone gave I could have absolutely pointed out hers as it is 100% things I see here in all the time.  They were also bright, fun and of course some candy spliced in there.

Erin started with fun socks.  Knee socks to be exact.  I actually found the exact group she gave at Target.com for $6 for 3 pairs, but there are all sorts of graphic socks on their website.

Lastly she added her favorite Fannie May Mint Meltaways $24 for 24 ct. at FannieMay.com or you can get the singles in most pharmacies and likely grocery stores.  Another favorite were colorful stud earrings.  You can get them for $14.99 (Now $8.99) at Claires.com.  Though the ones below are not exactly the same they are similar.

 

Ms. Alida's Favorite Things

So at my last party at my home, it was saged by none other than Ms. Alida.  So I knew her gift was going to be just wonderful and so her.  She included a 2017 Calendar by Anne Taintor $8.67 at Amazon.com (JUST MARKED DOWN).  A bit of information about the author of this calendar according to Amazon.com...

Anne Taintor created her first images 25 years ago, cutting and gluing images and captions sitting at her kitchen table. Now she and her daughter apply current, slightly twisted captions to vintage magazine clippings from the '40s and '50s. Her magnets, journals, and many other items featuring these designs are in distribution at specialty stores throughout the country. She also has personal care products with BlueQ, and paper napkins and tissues with Paper Products Design. She lives in Portland, ME.

Ms. Alida finished up her gift with a lovely hand treatment called Nourish Organic Skin Cool $20.17 at Amazon.com.  It is a cream to oil hand treatment with essential oils that Ms. Alida says doesn't leave your hands greasy and has a cooling effect on dry chapped hands.

Ms. Jess's Favorite Thing

Ms. Jess gave another gift that is Faux approved as it is something that I use as well.  Benefit's Goof Proof Brow Pencil $24 at Benefit.com.  Benefit knows brows like nobody else and I can even go so far as to say this entire line of brow products is to die for.  One thing they get is that ain't everyone going to have the same color brows so there are tons of colors to choose from.  You can use one color or mix with another a shade deeper to create gorgeous brows.  It also comes with a very helpful spooly on the end to help feather out your brow.  Ms. Faux will put this up there with her beloved Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pencil.  IT GOOD!

Ms. Yvette's Favorite Things

Ms. Yvette was another to do a cluster of favorite things.  Two things warming her tummy a bottle of Korbel Brut California Champagne approximately $14 at most grocery stores.  Click on the link for super fun recipes on the korbel.com website.  She also gave a Faux fave with Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Trees $4.61 at walmart.com.  I can't remember Ms. Yvette's reason for the Reeses trees being her fave other than they are Reeses, but I know Ms. Faux loves them because they have more peanut butter in them.

Lastly Ms. Yvette gave the adorable book called, "I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems By Cats," $9.14 at Amazon.com.  This came about due to a struggle with her own cat that I can attest to as I am also a cat owner and they are weird little creatures.  I have even included a poem from the book below.  

Ms. Caitlin's Favorite Thing

Benefit strikes again and once again it is something Ms. Faux uses.  It is Benefit's They're Real Mascara  $24 at BenefitCosmetics.com.  First of all Benefit is at the top of the mascara game as well, notoriously having some of the best in the business.  I guess they just get facial hair.  This is everything Ms. Caitlin says it is in that it is one that you should not be without for long thick lashes without clumping.

Ms. Kate's Favorite Things

While Ms. Kate admitted her favorite thing would be time in her life to shop for favorite things, she gave nonetheless most women's favorite thing with two bottles of wine.  I have absolutely no doubt that whomever received this gift will enjoy it immensely.  The two bottles included was "Relax Riesling," $11.97 at winechateau.com and Prophecy Pinot Noir California Wine $11.97 at winechateau.com.

According to Relax Riesling's website this wine is best with seafood, poultry, salads and spicy dishes.  It claims to be, "America's favorite Riesling and Wine Enthusiast "Best Buy."  It is a refreshing, crisp, authetically German Riesling.  Slightly dry with an enticing fruity boquet, it shows intense flavors of apples and peaches with a hint of citrus.  Serve Chilled.

According to Prophecy Wines website, "Prophecy Pinot Noir showcases the best of California.  Upon the first swirl, this Pinot Noir delights the senses with a bouquet of toasted oak and ripe raspberry.  Plush and smooth, the mouthfeel is rounded and filled with luscious layers of red cherry and strawberry that are complemented by notes of brown spice."

Ms. Mary Jo's Favorite Things: 

Now I know this favorite thing to be absolutely true because Ms. MJ is one of Ms. Faux's longest friends and talks about these things all the time.  That is Walgreens.com finest Printed and Black Fleece Leggings (Usually $6 or $7 per or 2 for $10).   They are not priced online, but I to have seen these in the stores and they are the warmest things ever.  The picture below is one of the pairs that Ms. MJ gave away and they have all sorts of patterns or plain black.  She gave a few away, but I have put a picture of the patterned ones below as I imagine everyone knows what plain black looks like.  She also included some super cozy socks for those coooooooold Chicago winters.

 

Ms. Rebecca's Favorite Things:

Now Ms. Rebecca's favorite things did not surprise her as Ms. Faux and Ms. Rebecca lovingly refer to each other as each other's wife.  Mainly because we are very similar in taste when it comes to decorating and just loving pretty things and damn if that doesn't include fancy matches.  Though these aren't the ones Ms. Rebecca gave away HomArt sells beautiful ones for $6.95 at Amazon.com that are very similar to the ones that she did.

She also gave another Faux Fave with her Everyone Lotion for Every Body 3 in 1 in the scent mint + Coconut $10.99 at EOProducts.com.  I can attest Ms. Rebecca has this brand of lotion throughout her home.

And lastly Ms. Rebecca shopped local at Alapash.com and got a lovely $18 Soy Candle with the scent New Home.  If you do not want to lose your mind, do not click the link and if you further don't just want to die of fabulocity, do not go into the store.  It is homey realness.

Ms. Faux's Favorite Things:

Next was my favorite thing during the Dirty Santa and I gave a few things that I live by.  #1 was Life Comfort Ultimate Sherpa Throw $39.95 at Amazon.com.  Ms. Faux is a lover of a good throw.  I have had many in my time, but nothing compares to this one.  One is super plush and the other is sherpa.  They are sooooooo soft and warm.  I have these things all over my house including my living room, meditation room and bedroom.  I also give them away as gifts all the time because they are just the best.  Faux Tip:  At this time of year CostCo sells them for about $20 or less.  So if it isn't there for you to spend $40 on a throw, just wait until Costco has them.

The other thing I gave I cannot get on a plane or through a Chicago winter without..  Also please note below the size I gave was about a 5 use super sample size, but I'm putting the full size product here because this sample size is only available usually around this time of year.  That is GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatments.  On planes I wash my face and put a thin layer over my entire face and when I get to my destination, wipe with a face towelette and reapply moisturizer and I get there with hydrated skin.  You can also wear it overnight though the packaging recommends 20 minutes or more.  All you will look like is that you have a slight shine to your face.  For real I got from Chicago to New Zealand and my face was not stressed at all.  Faux Tip:  Buy GlamGlow ThirstyMud at Amazon.com for around $43 rather than at Sephora for $69 for the same amount.  That is a $26 savings and makes this expensive mask a little more doable.

Lastly I gave a lovely princess like tea cup, because nothing is more luxurious than sitting on your couch with a delicious face mask and super warm throw.  My favorites are mis-matched ones that you can get at Marshall's for less than $5.

Ms. Beth's Favorite Things:

Ms. Beth gave the gift of delicious candy and some face soap.  First with Trader Joe's Scandinavian Swimmers gummy candy $2.99 at Trader Joes .

And next with SheaTerra Rose Hips Black Soap Facial Wash $15.30 at Amazon.com.  Ms. Beth described it as one of the best facial cleansers that she has ever used and highly recommended it.

Ms. Melissa's Favorite Things:

Next was Ms. Melissa's favorite thing, a Bodum Pour Over 4 Cup Coffee Maker $33.99 at Amazon.com.  She gave the story of how her boyfriend's coffee always tasted better than hers, even when she bought the same exact coffee.  The reason for this is that sediments back up in your coffee maker and can over time taint the taste of your coffee.  Since you are required to wash this each time, the sediments do not build up and thus a fresher cup of coffee.  Ms. Faux has a similar Chemex, but with that one you have to have filters, so with this one you get a washable filter which makes it even more awesome as it is all reusable each time and more eco friendly.  Ms. Faux used her Chemex the next day because of this party and remembered how amazing pour over coffee is.

Ms. Kat's Favorite Things:

Ms. Kat gave a traditional and very personal gift for her as one of her gifts.  It is her dad's favorite coffee shop in Morehead, Kentucky called the Fuzzy Duck Coffee Shop.  Since they don't have an online store I have linked their facebook page.  So if you are ever in that neck of the woods check them out.

She also kept it local and in Evanston, Illinois with a favorite cocktail mixer from a store called Stumble & Relish in Evanston.  The mixer itself was called Spark Syrup in the flavor Hibiscus + Ginger + Lime.  Again I don't have a place for you to order online, however I have linked their facebook page above should that information become available.  I think the moral of Ms. Kat's gifts is to shop local.  There are beautifully hand made and in this case small batch items that give quality and a personal touch, right in your neighborhood.

Ms. Meg's Favorite Things:

Ms. Meg gave the gift of delicious Spiced Chai from Trader Joes $1.99 at Trader Joes and also the gift of trying new things.  Spiced Chai is simple.  It tastes good.

The gift of trying new things is one that Ms. Meg excels at.  She is constantly on the go and one of the most outgoing people I have ever met in my life.  Someone telling her not to or more so that she can't is one more reason that she will and will succeed.  For new things she gave the gift of indoor rock climbing at First Ascent Climging and Fitness $28 at firstascentclimbing.com.  The sentiment that she wrote on her gift is a good idea for all of us...

"This may be scary or intimidating but YOU CAN DO IT!  This is a gift to remind you that you are never too "fill in the blank" to try something new.  Enjoy!"

Ms. Allie's Favorite Thing:

Ms. Allie gave the gift of reading, with two books that she felt helped her with some struggles in her own life.  The first one, "The Life-Changing magic of Tidying Up," $10.19 at Amazon.com, was gifted to Ms. Allie I believe at last year's favorite things from another party goer.  This is exactly what I like to see, people trying these things and loving them for themselves.  

The second was the book, "Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life," $12.61 at Amazon.com.  Again this is generally a taboo topic in most circles and one reason that I love these parties, because I heard multiple women talk about purchasing this book after the gift giving was over.  I love that Allie introduced us all to this and hopes like the book that she got at the last party, this will help make an impact on others.

Ms. Nicole's Favorite Things:

Ms. Nicole probably had one gift that Ms. Faux has not tried and immediately went online and ordered.  I have yet to use it, but if it makes a manicure faster like she said, sign me up.   She gave OPI's Nicole Drying Drops for Nail Lacquer $6.99 at Ulta.com.  Also werkin' her name into the gift.  I see whatchu did there gurl.

Ms. Nicole also gave her favorite mints, Altoids Arctic - Peppermint $9.46 for 8 Packs at Amazon.com.

And last but not least part of Ms. Faux's favorite things gift from last year, Soap & Glory's The Righteous Butter about $10 at Walgreens.com.  Ms. Nicole loves it for the same reason as Ms. Faux.  It moisturizes like a dream and smells soooooooo good.  

Soap & Glory was one of those brands that Ms. Faux discovered in London while traveling.  They long had their products in their drugstores.  I discovered it at Boots, but for many years it was never sold in the states... up until a few years ago when they started selling it at Sephora for an escalated price.  The brand however got back to their drugstore roots initially starting with selling it at Ulta and now Walgreens.  It is really a lovely brand that ranges from skin care to cosmetics.  I recommend giving it a try.  The Righteous Butter as well as the complementary shower gel Clean On Me $10 at Walgreens.com are my two favorites and super affordable.

Ms. Liz's Favorite things:

Ms. Faux received Ms. Liz's favorite things and was soooooooo delighted to do so mainly because it married her love of cooking and cookbooks with handmade and things that smell delicious.  First I started with a lovely cookbook called, "Everyday Food: Great Food Fast," $16.98 at Amazon.com.  The reasoning behind this is Ms. Liz has two small children and I can't even imagine what it is like to get everyone fed as I can barely do it myself and it's just me.  Well and my cat, but he has an auto feeder that has to be filled every few weeks so yeah... suffice to say she is a dream woman who makes this happen and now I know one of her secrets.  Also...Ms. Faux do love a cookbook so I am looking forward to this.  Also it is from Martha Stewart's company and that bitch be gangsta as hell, having dealt with what many men could never do.

And speaking of the patriarchy Ms. Liz had the best wrapping with a Smash the Patriarchy pen wrapping up a couple of lovely homemade gifts.  Among them was a lovely Wild Sweet Orange & Rosemary Sugar hand scrub made with demerara sugar/olive oil/rosemary/essential oil and Wild Sweet Orange Lip Balm made with coconut oil/beeswax/raw honey & essential oil.  Both were made by hand and with love by Ms. Liz and her adorable daughter Ms. Ida.

 

Though I don't have a picture of the actual lip balm it was a lovely little tin and I can tell you, it works.  It is sitting on my living room side table and has been used nightly.  

Ms. Jill's Favorite Things:

Next was Ms. Jill's favorite things and like Ms. Meg she gave the gift of new things.  In this case her Sephora Play bag.  Sephora Play is a subscription service that you pay $10 a month for and they send you various sample to test out.  Having been both and IPSY and Birchbox subscriber once I can say this is the better subscription.  In this play bag included the following (not pictured but linked so you can look them up).  Keep in mind these are sample sizes.  What I have linked below is the full sizes on Sephora.com 

1.  Clinique Pep - Start Eye Cream $26 Full Size at Sephora.com

2.  Urban Decay Primer Potion - $20 Full Size at Sephora.com

3.  Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - $36 Full Size at Sephora.com

4.  Clean Perfume - Blossom - $72 Full Size at Sephora.com

5.  GlamGlow Gravity Mud Firming Treatment - $69 Full Size at Sephora.com

Faux Tip: Get GlamGlow Gravity Mud Firming Treatment for $46 Full Size at Amazon.com

6.  Jack Black Natural Lip Balm - Natural Mint - $7.50 Full Size at Sephora.com

7.  Sephora Instant Moisture + Cream - $23 Full Size at Sephora.com

Next she gave a favorite Spice with Peg's Salt $4.75 at PegsSalt.com , her favorite Basil Olive Oil from Canaan Fair Trade $78 for 6 bottles at canaanusa.com and Organic Fair Trade Chocolate from Equal Exchange Chocolates $3.50 per bar at shop.equalexchange.coop.  For the olive oil I could not find the Basil but rather other flavors and for the chocolate Ms. Jill gave the Almond Toasted Pieces bar and the Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt.  The link however will take you to all the flavors.

 

Ms. Jo-El's Favorite Things

Next was Ms. Jo-El who told the story of her mother buying her 12 bottles of her favorite Vanilla Bean Noel Body Spray $14 at bathandbodyworks.com (now $3.50) every year.

She also gave her favorite Korean style sheet mask with Sephora's Lotus Face Mask $6 at Sephora.com.    According to Sephora.com this mask is...

Each of these masks is infused with a different active ingredient for relaxing the skin and achieving a brighter, more revitalized complexion. The new lyocell fiber masks perfectly hug facial contours for better and more even penetration of the active ingredients. 

The lotus mask specifically is formulated for the following.

Lotus Face Mask: Locks in water to reduce the signs of fatigue and strain for a stress-free and rested appearance. 

Ms. Robin's Favorite Thing

Ms. Robin again like many of the ladies shopped local at Squasht Botique here in Chicago.

While I could not find the lovely scarf she bought for the party (pictured below) seriously check out their website in the link above.  This store has some seriously cute stuff.  

Located 2556 W. Chicago Avenue, if you are a Chicagoan it is well worth a visit.

So there it is.  All the Favorite things from this years 2016 Favorite Things Party.  But I will not stop there.  I'm going to add a couple favorite recipes from the party, one of which Ms. Faux got her very own batch and that is Ms. Nicole's Delicious Cucumber Dip.

8 oz. cream cheese

8 oz sour cream

Combine the above with mixer.

Add garlic salt and onion flakes (dried) to taste

Stir in 1 Chopped Cucumber

The other is Ms. Faux's mulled wine.  This is the easiest.

In a crock pot add 

Pinot Noir or any other red wine.  I just find Pinot Noir not to be as heavy.  I prefer Redwood Creek Pinot Noir which you can get at Costco for like $8 for a 1.5 Liter Bottle

 

On low heat add the wine and a sachet of mulling spices until it warms.  Add in sugar to taste as otherwise it will be too tart usually.  Voila... delicious mulled wine.  Garnish with oranges, cinnamon sticks and star anise.

That's it for this year's favorite things.  Can't wait for next year and a possible new addition early in the new year.  Check back.