Things I'm Loving {#6}

Pumpkin buttercream.  This is the frosting that gets smooth on top after you let it sit overnight and crackles when you bite into it the next day. Amazing on pumpkin cinnamon chip cupcakes (yes, I ate two, Hannah:)

Bath n Body Works Twisted Peppermint Body Butter.  I know I already said that once.  But now I'm telling you again:)  It smells amazing and the body butter is the best lotion they have.  To me, peppermint is Christmas, so that lotion not only helps heal my dry skin (yes, unscented is waaaay better, I know, because it doesn't have all those chemicals) but also smells like so many memories of parties and snow and music.  Let's face it, Bath n Body Works is like Target ... you can't go in without spending money. 

That leads into Christmas music!  Guys, I am getting in the Christmas spirit!  I have a jazz Christmas book for piano and I've really enjoyed it. The minor songs like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" and "We Three Kings" give me the goosebumps ... I'm almost finished with both of them. I hope to play Carol of the Bells and Jingle Bell Rock sometime this year as well. Love those!

Square Dancing!  It's one of my favorite events because you can do it with your family and friends, there is no pressures, and it's absolutely a blast. The Virginia Reel is one of my favorites. Partner square dancing was still my favorite overall, although the first line dance was fast paced and had a super fun beat.  (Avery, I still feel bad about that one dance ... I'll make it up to you, promise, 'k?)  Our caller was less traditional than ones we've had in years part and if was fun to have more line dances and other dances we could just pick up. I could spend ever evening dancing and talking with friends. 

Radio Theatre. I really don't like books on tape. Radio theatre is like a movie without a screen and I like the different voices, sound effects, and background music.  I also like how I can use my hands and eyes while listening and I really enjoy visualizing what I'm hearing in my head. For school, I had to read Silas Marner, and I was struggling to find motivation to get through all the plot.  Lo and behold, we had in CD!  I finished the whole book in an hour and a half. And just for the record, it is really good. Especially on radio theatre:)  Focus on the Family has done a fantastic job over the years and has a lot of quality radio theatres, including the Chronicles of Narnia and Les Miserables. 

Running pants and tops. Wow. Those people making the clothes really know what they are doing. I'm glad my grandma invested in them for my birthday gifts!  They've been great, even though last night was really pretty, cool and not very windy. 

Favorites from the blog world:

The Healthy Maven's Mushroom Quinoa Casserole 

Tina's Chic's Mini Cinnamon Crumb Cups 

Inside Brucrew's Life's Pecan Cheesecake Pie 

Honey and Figs's Skinny Apple Pie Parfait with Date Caramel 

So, do you like square dancing?  Are you ready for Christmas music or are you going to wait until after Thanksgiving?  Let me know any other things you're loving this week!

<3 Mary Frances