Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

1. B12 Energy Patches - I've been taking B12 supplements for years. So when I recently had blood work done and discovered my B12 levels were low, I was surprised. My doctor suggested B12 injections, but I asked if I could try B12 patches before we resort to injections. He agreed, and I ordered these patches. They come in a pack of 30, and you wear one a day for 8 hours and them remove it and put another one on the following day. I've been on them for about a week now, and I'm seeing increased energy. I do think the injection would be more immediate than the patches, but I'll give them a try for a month.


2. 100+ iPhone /iPad Tricks You Can Do Right Now by Liz M. Weiman - When I upgraded my phone in October, I realized that there are so many things I can be doing with my phone that I'm not doing. I was sent this book as a gift from the publisher, and it's been an incredible resource. I've learned how to scan documents with the Notes app, how to use my phone as a magnifying glass, how to use your phone as a level, and more.

3. Pond's Cleansing Balm - After my sister raved about this cleanser, I just had to buy it. What makes this cleanser unique is that it's in balm form, so it's solid in the tub and when you apply it to dry skin, it immediately melts to remove makeup and impurities. Once you've finished massaging it into your skin, you simply rinse with warm water and moisturize.

4. Escape At Dannemora - I clearly remember when this story broke in the summer of 2015. Here in New Jersey, people feared the escapees may fled to our state from the prison in New York, so we were glued to the TV anxiously awaiting updates on their capture. When the Hubs told me that Showtime made a miniseries about the inmates and their time at and escape from Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York, I knew I had to watch it. We are about halfway finished, and it's good stuff. This past Sunday Patricia Arquette won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of "Tilly" Mitchell, a prison worker who becomes romantically involved with both inmates and ultimates helps them escape.

5. Dark Chocolate Coconut Butter Cups - I have a serious sweet tooth, but over the years, I've come to realize that the candy I loved as a kid just isn't as tasty anymore. Maybe it's all the preservatives and additives. I've recently started eating natural chocolate products. I love Justin's peanut butter cups, but wanted to change it up a bit and tried these coconut butter cups from EatingEvolved. They are delicious. I order them from Thrive Market. I haven't seen them in Whole Foods or any other natural food store near me, but you can check stores in your area. You can also order them directly from EatingEvolved here.

6. Pacifica Lip Balm Hawaiian Banana - I keep lip balms all over my house, in my car, in my gym, bag, and in my purse (at least 3). I like to make sure there is always one just an arm's length away, especially in the winter. While this one is my all-time favorite, I recently bought one from Pacifica, and I have to say, it's pretty awesome. It's vegan and cruelty-free, which makes it even more lovable. I love how smoothly it goes on and keeps its shape. So many I've used are either too waxy, too hard, taste horribly, or are ineffective. The Pacifica lip balm is none of those, and it comes in a pretty tube for just $5.