Last Thursday, Mary Ann shared some of her favorite products. Today, Cynthia is sharing some of hers.

Gel Pens – Not just any gel pens. My favorites are Jotter gel pens. Usually sold separately, Jotter pens have a rubber-like soft touch barrel that is easy to hold and doesn’t slip. The barrel color matches the fine point ink color so there is never a question when reaching for a writing utensil. These pens are well worth the price as they write smoothly. And let’s face it, colored ink makes us happy!

For an extra fine point writing, I reach for the Le Pen which as with Jotter pens, sports a barrel color that matches the ink color. Le Pens are very thin and “slick” so for me, with mild arthritis, they are a bit hard to hold for long periods of writing.

Chic Wrap – Game changer! If you ever watch cooking shows you will see Chic Wrap in use. These are brilliant little cardboard dispensers designed for plastic wrap, foil, and parchment paper. They come in a couple of sizes. What’s so great, you ask? Using the dispenser and built-in cutter is a no mess, no fuss way to cover dishes, line baking sheets, etc. I buy mine online at chicwrap.com; however, I am beginning to see them in upscale kitchen stores. The high-quality refills are available, but you can use the rolls you have been buying at your local stores.


Keurig – Okay. I know you are thinking this is a little old school. Yet, Keurig is the way to go unless you are die-hard coffee drinker. Why? Because everyone wants something a little different. I auto ship from the company to ensure I don’t run out of the flavors I use most often. My beverage bar has a drawer full of various teas and another drawer full of various coffees. As the weather cools, I add three types of hot chocolate K-cups. My pantry has an entire shelf devoted to open boxes of items so refilling the bar drawers is easy. When friends and family show up, they know to help themselves to whatever drink they fancy. Some even go for cold drinks such as Snapple or sweet iced tea. No more pots of regular, decaf, and hot water lined up. Each person simply picks his or her favorite.

Chukar Cherries – Mary Ann actually got me started with Chukar Cherries out of Washington. They are expensive, but the health benefits (so I am told) make the cost worth the expenditure. For fun you can order chocolate covered cherries, but for me I lean towards to cherry and nut combinations. The energy packs are individually wrapped so I can throw one or two in my purse or bag and take them with me. If I need a quick pick-me-up I have a healthy snack at hand. Of course you can purchase tins in a variety of combinations and gift items are always available. Dried cherries seemingly have antioxidant properties and nuts are full of protein, so these no-sugar added bites are a great go to. You can order these at chukar.com .

Ecos Plant Powered Laundry Sheets – No more challenges with lifting heavy containers of laundry soap. No more worries about spilling. Just grab a sheet, throw it in the washing machine, start the load and know your clothes are getting as clean as they can. The cardboard box the sheets come in is recyclable with your paper. My clothes seem brighter with much less effort and I feel good about helping out the planet.

doTerra – For people who enjoy trying alternative methods before popping pills, this essential oil company may have the answer for you. I especially love the Breathe products. I keep the Breathe drops in my car and in a candy dish in the kitchen. At the first sign of a scratchy throat, stuffy nose, or cough, we just pop one of these lozenges in our mouths, knowing that it is soothing without harsh chemicals. And the Breathe roller ball delivers the blend wherever you like to use it will no measuring and no spills. Having arthritis I also use the Deep Blue rub on my wrist, neck, and back when discomfort arises. Finally, I keep a spray bottle on hand (pardon the pun) of OnGuard Sanitizing Mist. The bottles are in most rooms in my home and in my car for a quick pump and a huge peace of mind.
Mary Ann – Okay. Maybe I am cheating a little here. Mary Ann isn’t a product, but she is one of my favorite “things.” Mary Ann inspires me to be a better person. She is my biggest cheerleader. Mary Ann is creative and caring, always thinking of ways to make others’ lives richer. So here’s to our favorite things … and to my co-blogger, Mary Ann!
So there you have it! Twelve products we enjoy using. And who knows? Maybe this blog will become an annual event. It is always fun to discover new and interesting products, and it is fun to share them with you. Give some of them a try!