1. Filling the first slot on the list of things I simply can't do without is this:
Now, I know I don't exactly fall into this show's target demographic. I'm not in the military. I'm not 45. But I am a SAHM who has somehow managed to *neglect my progeny long enough to* watch thirteen 45-minute long episodes of this show while downing copious amounts of 7-Up and popcorn. That's a little something I like to call "prioritizing." Seriously, though. I grew up in the military, like so many of my friends in this military town. While I appreciate many aspects of military life, I'm not prone to glamorizing or over-sentimentalizing things. So when I first saw the ads for this show I thought, "Great. Another sappy drama romanticizing the American way." But I've been more than pleasantly surprised by the story-telling, characterization, and plot twists that have thus far taken place. At times the show is a bit heavy-handed and treads cheesier waters, but it normally scratches the itch for a drama emphasizing the "we all share a common bond so have faith in humanity" theme. It's definitely worth the watch.
2. Saya Snow Pea Crisps.
You know that expression, "It's the best of both worlds?" Well, these salty, delectable baked snow peas are the best of all frickin' possible worlds. I'm not kidding. They taste like French fries but are, I presume, much better for you. I could eat the whole bag except Fable won't let me because she mows down on them like they're going out of style. I'm not ashamed to admit that I steal them off her plate at lunch time. I justify that by remembering that I gave her life; she can sacrifice a few of these snow peas...
3. Nivea "Soft" moisturizer.
Living in Colorado, a good moisturizer is as necessary as a life jacket in New Orleans. (Too soon? I thought so, too.) On a scale of 1-10, my skin is normally a "So ashy, it looks like I left my legs out in the snow." I have tried so many moisturizers it's not even funny, ranging from coconut oil to $35.00 Arbonne moisturizer. I got a travel-sized container of this Nivea Soft stuff and after one use, I was hooked. It smells so good... subtle, fresh, slightly powdery. I use it on my hands and face every day. Never going back.
4. Greek Gods Yogurt (with honey):
By the gods, this is the best thing to hit my taste buds since... well, I can't even remember. I mean, this is no ordinary yogurt, so just... forget everything you think you know about cultured dairy. Once you taste this stuff, you will nevereverever buy that artificially flavored Yoplait nonsense again. It's sweet and robust, more like ice cream than a breakfast food has any right to be. It's thick and creamy with texture akin to that of sour cream. Just add a little granola and viola... best breakfast ever!
5. Chi flat iron.
My dear sister-in-law, Susanne, has this expression. She always says that such-and-such a thing will CHANGE MY LIFE! Let me assure you, folks, that she was right about this one. The Chi straightener has made sense out of the identity crisis that is my hair. Before the Chi came into my life, my hair was constantly asking, "Am I wavy, am I straight, what is life really all about?!" The Chi answered all those questions and more. You are straight! You are messy! You are androgynous and sexy all at once! And it only took 4 minutes to make the transformation complete! If you're thinking of buying a straightener, don't bother wasting your money on anything else. Sure, the Chi is a little on the pricier side, but I swear that the difference between my hair after using a $25 flat iron compared to using the Chi is like comparing a McDonald's cheeseburger to a Kobe steak. You will never, ever be sorry you bought the Chi.
*And last, but oh, so, not least, is this: I absolutely, positively, could never do without my husband. (It's getting real, ya'll...) I'll admit-- with more than a tinge of pain -- that there have been times when I thought I could do without. They say that the first year of marriage is hard. What they don't say is that even though it's hard, it just might be easier than the years to come. Marriage is astounding to me because two people make blind oaths to be together no matter what, and sure enough, "no matter what" will eventually happen. The best you can do is hope to marry someone you'll want to go through the hard times with. And I did. I picked the best. And I'm grateful to be with him, through the highs and lows, the easy times and hard. No matter what.
And thus completes Melanie's Top Five Things List. I know you think your life is complete as is, but you're wrong about that. You have me to thank for clarifying the bleakness of your current situation, and for showing you the light. Enjoy your newfound enlightenment!
