My friend Brenda knows the difference between good, better, and best. And when it comes to–well, just about anything!–she has an opinion. I love a strong woman who knows her mind, don’t you?
As promised, I’m going to feature some of the Fabulous Over Fifty women I know and let you in on their favorite things. I love a woman who’s willing to share insider secrets, too!
Favorite Style
Like the rest of us, Brenda emerged from quarantine life with a fresh sense of style! We all want to be comfortable (Yay yoga pants, right?), but it feels good to sharpen up again, too.
One of Brenda’s favorite outfits does the trick–comfy pants and a versatile jacket by J. McLaughlin. She bought the jacket last spring but never got to wear it. (Thank you very much, Pandemic!) Here’s a similar cardigan from this year’s McLaughlin collection.
Here are links to a similar raffia purse and a cute Kate Spade crossbody bag. (It’s on sale right now, too!) You probably have a pair of white jeans and some good white pants, but if you don’t, why not?? Here are my favorite white pants. And I love wearing Old Navy’s white Rock Star jeggings (that word cracks me up…sounds so ’90s!). They are inexpensive but well-made and a good weight. (And they come in talls!) I’m not going to say I feel exactly like a rock star in them, but…
Favorite Beauty Products
- Skinceuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex for Dark Circles Brenda said she wishes she could give it out to everyone who needs it. Well, she might not be able to, but the company can! Take this link to get a free sample of one of their products. (Thanks, Skinceuticals!)
- Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
- Clinique Lash Building Primer
- Biolage Gelee Styler (She claims she can’t do her hair without this. She’s used it for years.)
Favorite Books
- Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (Her All-Time Favorite!)
- The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken
- Knowing God by J.I. Packer
- American Princess by Stephanie Marie Thornton
- And They Called it Camelot by Stephanie Marie Thornton
- The Great Blue Hills of God by Kreis Beall
Favorite Recipes
As I mentioned in my last post, Brenda published her own cookbook while the rest of us were slacking during the pandemic! It contains many of her favorite recipes she’s collected over the years from friends and family.
Here’s her “Best Ever Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie” recipe. One of these fresh out of the oven is practically a religious experience! I’m not kidding!
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Enrico was Brenda and Brad’s exchange student for a year, and a part of their family forever. He took this recipe back to Italy, which is proof that this recipe is one of the best in the world!)
1 cup shortening
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat over to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl cream shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add eggs and mix thoroughly. Combine the baking soda, salt, and flour and stir into creamed mixture. Add oatmeal and chocolate chips and stir until well-blended. Drop by teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes.
Yield: 42 servings (I’ll leave it to you as to what constitutes a serving!)
More to Come!
In future posts I’ll tell you even more about Brenda. She’s taken some fabulous trips and you might need her itineraries. You’ll also want to see some favorite corners of her beautiful home. And she has some favorite family traditions! Just too much for one post!!
But for now, what are your thoughts? Do you think you could top Brenda’s recipe? You’ll have to prove that to me through a taste test! Message me to arrange that!