Paula Picks Her April Favorites

April was loaded with favorite things. Yes, even in the midst of quarantine and social distancing favorites have emerged and I actually had a hard time narrowing it down to keep my April Favorites list reasonable. 

Making the cut this month is time spent with family, a new-to-me nail polish brand that really lasts, comfortable “real” pants, joggers, a tote bag, devotions, tacos, body makeup, and my favorite and most hilarious date night I’ve had in a long time. There are so many faves it has me thinking I should be doing Friday Favorites every week. What say ye?

SPRING

SPRING has finally sprung in Indiana and here at the Dimples household, we’re on baby robin watch. Mama Bird built her nest on top of a wooden privacy screen on our deck so quickly that we didn’t have time to get it moved before there were eggs in it. I check it every day and it’s such a sweet reminder that no matter how long or harsh the winter is, SPRING ALWAYS COMES!

Time with My Family

We still haven’t gotten our entire brood together during this quarantine, but I do see my grandchildren regularly. We aren’t kissing or anything but we have chosen to quarantine apart, yet together, if that makes sense. None of us (among our children) have underlying health issues that would make us more susceptible to COVID-19 so we see them on occasion. 

I’ve gotten to take each set of grandsons on a nature walk. It was so much fun to see them in their little sun hats exploring nature. I’ll soon be sharing some of my favorite kid activities in a separate post. 

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Colorful Dresses

Like last month, bright color makes the list but this time it’s colorful spring dresses. I dressed this one up to pay homage to June Clever dressing up just to stay home. But in reality, I will most likely wear this with sandals or sneakers. Below you’ll find a few more dresses that I’m currently loving. Oh, and most cover the arms because the flesh-flags will be epic after quarantine. 😉

Here’s one of my favorite dresses you’ll see, in part, in my last and most favorite thing on this list. I’m wearing the 2X and it’s under $30. WIN! 

More Dresses I Love

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Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

I like a self-tanner and I’m due to do a post on my favorites but if you’re looking for something a bit quicker and user friendly, leg makeup might be for you. If you’re busting out the dresses and your legs look like an old school roadmap of veins as roads and freckles as landmarks, you need to try Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. It’s available in cream and spray form. I use the cream and it makes such a difference.

One application will last a couple of days if you follow the guidelines on the packaging; I actually like it on day two better than the first day. I’ve even swam in it. 

Eloquii Tie Waist Pants

These tie-waist pants from Eloquii just came in the mail and I’m in stinkin’ LOVE! I like jeans but I prefer light-weight pants and these are so good with plenty of stretch to them. Look for a post coming next week for three ways to wear them. I’ve reordered them in a size 14 as the 16 are a little big on me so I’ll let you know which works better. 

You can find my measurements here for a better size reference.

Static Nail Polish

Even as a licensed manicurist I don’t polish my nails much, if ever. I gave up artificial nail products nearly 10 years ago now. But lately, I’ve been on the hunt for a less toxic nail polish that will last and this one from Static Nails might be it. I’m wearing three coats in the color, Ballerina. This photo is from day five and there is not a chip in sight. The only issue I see is that most colors seem to be sold out, most of the time. 

Coolibar “Weekend Pants” – Joggers

Okay, this is NOT an affiliate link, I just love these joggers to pieces and even though they’re called Weekend Pants I wear them almost every single day! I have two pairs of these Coolibar Joggers because they are flattering, comfortable, and their fabric is not too hot or too thin. The fact that they have an SPF factor of 50 is just icing on the cake as far as  I’m concerned. 

Barrington Gifts Tote

If you’ve been following me for a while, you will recognize this tote from Barrington Gifts. I carry it almost exclusively and I get a ton of compliments on it.  See it here and here and take a look around my Instagram to spy it with so many outfits.

First, you must know that I am not a bag person and feel it’s ridiculous to spend thousands on a handbag. But that’s just me. I have a hard time spending over $100 on a purse and they have to meet some pretty strict requirements like being lightweight, have plenty of inner pockets, and at least one outer pocket large enough for a phone and keys. It’s important you know this about me because when I tell you that I spent $170 on my Barrington tote and bought a second one, you will know just how good I think they are. 

This tote checks off every box, plus its vinyl making it easy to clean. If you have the budget, any mom would love one for Mother’s day! And right now if you use the code TOGETHER you can get 20% off.

Klorane Anti-Yellow Shampoo

I just finished my first bottle of Klorane Anti-Yellow Shampoo and am getting ready to repurchase. It’s been good for regular shampooing and it’s not supposed to cause yellowing; which if you have blonde, silver, or white hair you know can be an issue. I still use a purple shampoo once a week or so to further enhance the cool tones in my salt and pepper hair color.

Just in case any of you are taking this quarantine opportunity to let your hair color grow out since your salons been closed, you can check out my post on How to Grow Out Your Gray Hair without Going Insane. 

Jesus Calling Devotion App

The Jesus Calling devotional app is a good devotional app on your phone for a short daily devotion. Some people don’t like it because it takes too much liberty as it’s written from the perspective that God is talking to you. However, if you take it for what it is, a writing perspective not prophecy, it’s a truly personal devotion that will uplift and challenge you every single day. 

Shrimp Tacos

Honestly, if you missed the recipe post for Honey-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Coconut-Mango Slaw and Sweet Pepper Aioli, get over there! They are easy, delicious, and would be perfect for Cinco de Mayo. Or make them for a tropical stay at home date night. However, if you’re looking for something super fun to do on date night or would like a great laugh my next and maybe MOST FAVORITE THING might just be for you.

Car Date Karaoke

Friends, Car Date Karaoke might be the best idea I’ve had in a long time! It’s a fun way to go on a date whether or not we are social distancing. Mr. Dimples and I head to a drive-thru and pick up dinner to eat in the car, drive-in style. Then we pick a song or songs and sing-along. No words are popping up on the screen because it’s more fun (for the Mister) that way. Because the truth is, I don’t know many song lyrics and the ones I think I know are almost always wrong. 

The Hubs indulged me in the first one, but he wouldn’t have agreed to do more if he wasn’t having a blast too. Plus, he loves to laugh at me. Our first one has probably been the funniest so far, I almost peed my pants. I definitely sweated through my body smoother. But if you want to see them all as I post them, follow me on Instagram and check out my IGTV.

And on that note, here ya go. 

I hope you’ve found something here that will become a  favorite of yours as well. Or maybe I’ve just provided a little laughter or break from the heaviness of life. I hope so! 

Be Blessed,