11/27/2025
Happy Thanksgiving!
Whether you're cooking at home, eating out, traveling, or not sure yet,
I pray that your whole week has been filled with gratitude, hope, good conversations, kindness, remembering loved ones already gone, and
maybe a couple plates of good food.
May it be a season of joy, peace, and abundance!
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
14 of My Favorites from 2025:
If you are making a list for yourself or shopping for someone else, here are a few ideas. Click on the underlined/bold item for direct links. FYI: I am not an affiliate and do receive any compensation for these recommendations.
1. Invigorated Water pitchers (http://rwrd.io/jb2whvf?c) --A water filtration system that alkanizes, filters, and mineralizes water for safer and better drinking.
2. Beachbody on Demand (https://www.bodi.com/us/en/s/subscription?b_adgroup=Beachbody%20On%20Demand&b_adgroupid=1228154730736931&b_adid=76759848332206&b_campaign=SEM_Brand_Beachbody_Exact&b_campaignid=425059694&b_isproduct=&b_productid=&b_term=beachbody%20on%20demand&b_termid=kwd-76759869310245%3Aloc-4123&code=SEMB_BODI_BING&msclkid=8785655a8d391d080deb0c7d29b5f651&nb_bmt=be&nb_bmt=be&nb_ci=&nb_ci=&nb_fii=&nb_fii=&nb_li_ms=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=81347&nb_lp_ms=81347&nb_mt=e&nb_mt=e&nb_oii=76759869310245&nb_oii=76759869310245&nb_pc=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_pi=&nb_qs=beachbody%20on%20demand&nb_qs=beachbody%20on%20demand&nbt=nb%3Amicrosoft%3Ao%3A425059694%3A1228154730736931%3A76759848332206&nbt=nb%3Amicrosoft%3Ao%3A425059694%3A1228154730736931%3A76759848332206&utm_campaign=SEM_Brand_Beachbody_Exact&utm_content=425059694_1228154730736931&utm_medium=SEM&utm_source=BING&utm_term=beachbody%20on%20demand_%7Bextensionid%7D) --This platform has been my go-to for over 9 years. It offers a variety of high-quality workouts that range from 25-90 minutes. One year is only $99 this weekend!
3. Alaskan Cruise (https://www.carnival.com/cruise-search?pageNumber=1&numadults=2&dest=A&port=SEA&durdays=7&dates=062026&pagesize=8&sort=fromprice&showBest=true&tierCode=00&pastGuest=true&vifp=9020650131&async=true¤cy=USD&locality=1&pastguest=true&ads_rl=8788446118&=undefined&gclid=0045ceb142c21ed4bfcda796e519289d&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=0045ceb142c21ed4bfcda796e519289d&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CCL%20|%20CCS%20|%20EN%20|%20US%20|%20Search%20|%20Isolate%20|%20BKWS%20|%20Destination%20Alaska%20|%20Phrase&utm_term=carnival%20alaska%20cruise&utm_content=Alaska%20General) --Contact my friend Carrie Childers at magicaladventuresbycarrie@gmail.com for more information. I'd highly recommend spending a day in Seattle and taking a short drive to Olympic National Park if you have time. We visited the Hoh Rainforest, Rialto and Ruby Beaches, and Hurricane Ridge. Let me know if you'd like a few more tips.
4. Unconditionally Guaranteed Socks for Life (https://darntough.com/) --Darn Tough Socks are made out of Merino Wool in a factory in Vermont by a family-owned company that backs their products for life! Yes, please!
5. EMF protection phone cases (https://www.safesleevecases.com/collections/safesleeve-for-iphone?tw_source=bing&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=305142484&msclkid=49fcb7a30a9c1f4cd384de84a644c5fc&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SM_SearchBrand_US&utm_term=safe%20sleeve&utm_content=Safesleeve) -I've been using SafeSleeve phone cases for years. I like the durability, practicality, and protection.
6. Rise and Shine Sourdough Bread (https://www.facebook.com/people/Rise-and-Shine-Sourdough/61551131915826/ #) --At Foothills Family Optical, we've been partnering with Lydia at Rise and Shine Sourdough for several months now. Her goodies have been more than a treat since we've cut back on processed foods and are trying to eat more fresh and local foods and products.
7. Roasted Dandelion Root Tea (https://a.co/d/atOcfvq) --This is one of my favorite teas. It is supposed to be good for your liver. It's mild and a little earthy. I like to let it steep good and long, sometimes, I even use two bags.
8. Magnetic clip-on sunglasses by EyeCroxx (https://foothillsfamilyoptical.wordpress.com/) --These frames were a lifesaver on vacation. They are comfortable, lightweight, adjustable, and have a convenient magnetic clip for a sunglass accessory (see photo with EyeCroxx on taken in downtown Seattle while drinking a decaf iced matcha green tea) :)
9. Breath as Prayer (https://www.amazon.com/Breath-Prayer-Anxiety-Focus-Renew/dp/1400234581/ref=sr_1_1?crid=63A6NOMTMWLC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cC__LVktRPJGYtg6N-I5TajPmO0juxAUXdi4uP4PDMSGS1DYmv5PBowKnGQqoM-vWGlliqkxYh3nTSBAqmOcixIMZPCVqX5V-XeRxgp4Ql5iyPRe-2P6xJHKuRAKl7i-kJdtAivriRHtcTETJ6VrTH3rB7lvewPlTzfvMQQ7uMFOFEb30oH0fLsIAwQKPS3NATsfW6bmHMbUaKG8IhX7XpfsvmIx53J8sIyCkNZeGJg.xjfIwgAG37oSFc0fkC0cGkMhzSaM1LSw-d2yQ5OVBVs&dib_tag=se&keywords=breath+as+prayer&qid=1764208798&sprefix=breath+as+prayer%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1) --This devotional combines Scripture, prayer, and breathing. It's simple, beautiful and would make a great gift.
10. Cutco Knives (https://mycutcorep.app/ #/info?rep_portal_id=79apdwccgy) --These knives are made in America. They are designed to stay reliably sharp or Cutco will replace them...forever...even if you passed them on to the kids. The product is the proof of purchase so no receipts are needed. Go to cutco.com (http://www.cutco.com) to check out the product then contact our family friend and rep, Caleb Collins, Austin's baseball buddy, to help you get a better deal. :)
11. Shop Haitian Made (https://www.rosiesboutiquehaiti.com/) --I haven't been able to go to Haiti since 2018. However, I still like to help by purchasing Haitian-Made products at Rosie's Boutique or at Papillon Marketplace (https://www.papillonmarketplace.com/) .
12. Haiti Education Partners (https://haitieducationpartners.square.site/) --Last but not least. give the gift that keeps on giving for a lifetime, an education! Groupe Action Scolaire/Haiti Education Partners have been helping underprivileged families on La Gonave send their kids to school for over 16 years. Join us! Fill out a sponsor interest form or shoot me a text and we will get back to you as soon as we can (I am the assistant director!).
13. Homebase Company Hand poured Candles (https://www.thehomebasecompany.com/shop) --100% Soy and locally made.
14. The Path Farms Natural Skin Care (https://thepathfarms.square.site/) --Local and made with natural products. A couple of my favorites are the botanical roller perfume and lip paint. We even get them to customize the label for lip balms for the optical shop! :)
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