Likeable Things

Below are things that “I” like.  On this page, I will only put down things that “I” like.  If, for some reason, I go somewhere, try a product, see a movie, attend an event, or whatever, and I don’t like it, then I won’t write about it. If you have events and/or places you would like for me to try, email me at thisisyourbestsyear@gmail.com.  If you have products that you would like for me to try you can mail them to me at P. O. Box 40261, Fort Worth, TX 76140. Remember that it is what “I” like and “thisisyourbestyear”.

January 29, 2024

When I read a novel, it has to catch my attention in the first few chapters.  This one had me in the first few pages.  “I” like the novel Scars–Forty-Six Years of Chasing Equality” by Aaron Davis. It is a page-turner.  When you are on this journey with Aaron, you find yourself offering him support and more. 

You can purchase the book online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Thrift Books.

March 23, 2023

It’s been a minute, but I found a product that “I” like. I like many women of a certain age have found that my face has become drier over the years.  Finding a product that helped with this condition has been a journey–from the dermatologist to the mall, to the drug store, and beyond.

I found a product that works for me–Olive & Rosehip Cleansing Oil by Urban Hydration. This product is gentle on the skin, removes makeup (even eye makeup), diminishes dark spots/scars, and is budget-friendly. 

You can purchase Olive & Rosehip Cleansing Oil at several places including CVS, Walgreens, Amazon, the website of Urban Hydration, and more. Urban Hydration donates to WATERisLfie which gives one gallon of clean water for every product sold. 

January 8, 2022

With so many massed produced cupcakes, those that you can get in vending machines, supermarkets, and more, it’s hard to find one that stands out.  Never fear, we did!  This was a joint effort.

On a recent trip to Hot Springs Arkansas, we looked up and saw a sign that read “Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe”.  We laughed at the sign and kept walking.  On the way back to our car we decided to look inside–that’s when we got in trouble.  First of all, there were so many flavors to choose from.  My sister chose the Red Velvet Cheesecake.  I selected the Salted Caramel and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for hubby and myself.

They were all Ooey Gooey good.  We had one leftover for the next night–it was still moist and tasty.  These were by far the best cupcakes we have enjoyed in a while.   

I now see why they are called Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcakes–yep if I lived in Hot Springs that is exactly what would happen.  I (we) like these wonderful cupcakes and hope that I will get a chance to have another taste. They do ship.

June 21, 2021

I am an avid history buff so on my recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina I decided to delve a little bit more into the history of The Holy City as it is called.  I had been on tours before so I was looking for something a little different.  I found The Gullah Geechee Tour with Godfrey. It did not disappoint.

From the moment Godfrey greeted us, I knew this tour would be a good one.  Godfrey is the only Gullah historian in all of Charleston.  He knows the history because he is Gullah Geechee.

On this tour, he will point out items that other tours fail to do.  His narrations are vivid, and he uses audiovisuals to bring more information. To get his point across, he stops the bus and has everyone take a more detailed look at points of interest.

This tour information will not always be pretty because history and the past are sometimes ugly to look at even from a distance. It will have you rethinking the history you’ve heard about Charleston, The Holy City.

“I” like the Gullah Geechee Tour with Godfrey, and I know you will too.

April 8, 2021

drover—A person who moves cattle from one place to another.

It’s not too little, not too big—it is just right. Fort Worth’s newest hotel located in the historic stockyards is the Hotel Drover, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, With 200 uniquely decorated rooms, the Drover is western chic at its finest.

The Drover fits right in with the brick streets of the stockyards and the history the area represents.  It doesn’t seek to overpower the uniqueness of the stockyards, it attempts and succeeds at enhancing the area.

The inside of the hotel has a ranch-like feel when you enter the lobby with its life-size metal cowboy sculpture there to greet you. If you take a quick look to the right you will also see a friend from your childhood welcoming you.

The lobby isn’t on a large grand scale, but it needn’t be because it is spectacular with its many comfy couches, chairs, books, and more.  My favorite couch faces the outside.  There is a huge fireplace with a bar located nearby.  The world-famous Lucchese Boot Company is located near the lobby to take your order for some custom-made cowgirl boots.

The outside of the hotel has aptly been named The Backyard, and it surrounds you with trees and foliage native to Texas. There are places to sit with friends while enjoying drinks or a bite to eat.  It also features a venue for live music, or you can take a leisurely walk around the property along Marine Creek or Mule Alley.

The Drover is home to 200 uniquely decorated rooms. No two rooms are alike.  Each room has its unique personality and charm.

The Hotel Drover in Fort Worth where the West began is Texas at its best. “I” like the Hotel Drover, and I know you will too.

January 30, 2021

Remember the feeling you get when you have a hot stone massage? How relaxed you feel? How comfortable you feel? Well, I found a warm massage for the eyes. “I” like Starry Eyes which says it is the world’s kindest eye mask–it is.

Starry Eyes is simple to use. As soon as you open the packet the mask starts to get warm to the touch, there is no need to put it in the microwave. Put the white side of the mask on your closed eyes with the starry side facing outward, secure with the ear strap, and relax for 15 to 20 minutes (more if you fall asleep).

The feeling you get from this mask will relax your entire body. You can purchase Starry Eyes from Amazon, Macy’s, and other outlets plus the Pop Mask London website.

Your eyes will thank you for the Starry Eyes massage. “I” like Starry Eyes and so do my eyes.

October 1, 2019

This time I found a restaurant that I like or maybe I should say that we like. It is a hidden gem that is on the south side of Fort Worth on Main Street. The menu is small as compared to most restaurants, but it is so good. The restaurant that I like is Four Sisters–A Taste of Vietnam.

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To be quite honest, this was my first time trying Vietnamese so I was a little skeptical but intrigued. The restaurant was picked out by the person that I was having lunch with. We alternate who picks out a place, and so far we were doing exceptional with no duds being chosen.

She gave great suggestions while saying that everything she had tried there was good. Our server was informative and very helpful. We chose an appetizer and then our main course.

With his suggestion for an appetizer, we chose Lemongrass Pork which is pork sausage wrapped around a fresh lemongrass stalk, grilled then brushed with local honey. It was delicious and left us wanting more.

I chose Steamed Rice Rolls for my entree. Steamed Rice Rolls are fresh house-made rice sheets filled with ground pork and mushrooms, topped with pork sausage, bean sprouts, mint, and fried shallots with a side of Nuoc Mam (dipping) sauce. This dish is only available on Thursday through Saturday. The picture does not do it justice. Our server did his job well.

The food was delicious, the service was wonderful, the restaurant itself is nice and the conversation was great. My friend said that her entree was good too, but I was to busy enjoying mine to take a picture.

“I ” like Four Sisters–A Taste of Vietnam restaurant. They even have a happy hour. Go to their website to learn and see more about them. You won’t be sorry.

March 19, 2019

You know you can learn a lot from watching television.  While watching CBS This Morning I came across a feature on the founder of Clark’s Botanicals Skincare–Francesco Clark. It was a fascinating story.  He discussed his products, how and why he started the skincare line.

We were fortunate to be able to test three of their products for the mature skin types (women of a certain age).  The products we tested were Clark’s Botanicals Smoothing Marine Cream, Clark’s Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask and Clark’s Botanical’s Anti-Puff Eye Cream. Well you guessed it “I” like these products.  I tried them one at a time, and each time I would say that this one is my favorite.

I can honestly say that the Deep Moisture Mask is my favorite–it feels amazing.  You can use it as a quick mask for deep treatment, as a leave on overnight mask or you can use it as a daily moisturizer under your foundation. It feels amazing.  The Smoothing  Marine Cream should be called the Soothing Cream–it feels so soothing as you put it on.  It also can be used under foundation or just as a night cream. There is a trick to the Anti Puff Eye Cream.  Store it in the refrigerator, and it just makes your eyes feel good as soon as you dab it on.

These products have been some of my favorite things, and their cost is somewhere in the middle between the drug store and the department store. They last a long time so you get your money’s worth.

We have several videos on Instagram TV and posts on Instagram–take a look at my journey with Clark’s Botanicals Skincare.

November 27, 2018

I found my new favorite lip color and lip brand.  35 mm lip color by Pat McGrath is the one that has caught my attention.  It is just beautiful and long lasting. Take a look. “I” like this product.

I purchased it at Sephora in Las Vegas, and haven’t been able to find it in Fort Worth, but I heard it is in Dallas.

She has the a large array of beautiful colors.  35 mm caught my attention since I am partial to red.  Take a look at Pat McGrath Labs.  I am sure you will find a color you like. You can also see her beautiful colors on Instagram @patmcgrathreal and Facebook–Pat McGrath.

July 30, 2018

I am a good southern cook which means I learned a lot from my mother and grandmother.  Watching them, using the cookbooks they used and adding my touch is how I cook.  I love different spices and oils.  It is a lot of fun to see how so little can change the flavor of a dish.

While in New Orleans I attended a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking.  The chef made gumbo and jambalaya. One of his main ingredients was a spice blend called Joe’s Stuff.  He added it to both dishes.  One of the points he stressed was its low sodium content.

As we were sampling the dishes some people added a little hot sauce, but we noticed a bottle of garlic sauce, so we decided the try it. It bought an entirely different flavor to the dishes.

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I purchased three things–a bottle of Garlic Sauce, a jar of Joe’s Stuff and a jar of Joe’s Hot Stuff.   I’ve used the garlic sauce and Joe’s Hot Stuff–so good.  The recipe was simple.  I had three smoked turkey legs. I mixed a small amount of water with a nice helping of Joe’s Hot Stuff (mixed well) then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.  I placed the turkey legs in an oven skillet then added the mixture. Then I covered the skillet and put it in the oven for one hour on 350.  About half the way through I turned the turkey legs over, and continued to cook for another 30 minutes.  It makes a great sauce/gravy.  I served it with saffron rice and a salad.  Since it’s just the two of us, I had one and half turkey legs left over.  So the next day I made a chef’s salad with the half.

“I” like the New Orleans School of Cooking Joe’s Hot Stuff, Joe’s Stuff and the Garlic Sauce.  You can order online at.  The New Orleans School of Cooking.

March 3, 2018

Growing up in East Texas I always loved flowers.  We would go out into the yard, cut roses and other flowers and make arrangements for the ladies in the neighborhood. There was one thing that was hardly if ever found in the homes on Della Lane–you never found artificial flowers because they didn’t look real.

Well I have found a site that has the most realistic flowers, bushes and trees that I have ever seen.  Orchids and succulents are two of my favorites.  To me succulents are easy to grow, but orchids are another story.  I’ve researched, talked with people and still just soso luck.

I decided to try my luck at artificial, and got this beautiful, life-like orchid and succulent in this beautiful wicker vase.  “I” like it, and the only problem is that I can’t really decide where to put it.

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If you would like to enhance any room in your home, but don’t have a green thumb or the time, take a look at Custom Artificial Trees.  Since I loved my plant and told them, they agreed to give my readers 10 % off their orders (except custom) by using the code “BLOGGER10”.  You will be pleased with the quality of the products. By the way I am still growing my “real” orchid. Happy planting–Remember “thisisyourbestyear”.

August 8, 2017

I love licorice, yes I do. While vacationing in Charleston, South Carolina I ran across this great little shop, Gita’s Gourmet, Inc. (specialty foods) in the City Market.  While just browsing through the many items, I came across a licorice jar.  No I came across “the” licorice jar.  It was filled with so many colors, but most importantly it had a great deal of the black ones–my absolute favorite.  Gita’s has the best licorice that I have ever had–I went there three times in five days.  It is so soft and chewy, every color (red, white, clear, multi color and two different types of black) is the best.  “I”  like the licorice at Gita’s Gourmet, Inc. located in the historic City Market.  It is so good that since I have been home I have hidden my stash from my hubby. Before he tasted Gita’s licorice he didn’t like it. Maybe I’ll see if they ship, and I’ll buy him some too. You can find them on Facebook.  Enjoy every bite because “thisisyourbestyear”.

April 15, 2017

I remember Sammy Davis, Jr. saying that he was always in search of his grandmother’s beef stew. He could find some that was good, but not as good as his grandmother’s.  I have been in search of my neighbor, Miss Adell’s fried fruit pies since forever.  She made the absolute best.

Once a friend and I stopped at a place that claimed they had the “best fried pies” in the world.  If they did, then Miss Adell’s was the “best in the universe”.

Today, April 15, 2017, I was blessed by Bea Blessed Bakery located in the River Market District of Little Rock, Arkansas.  She had my favorite fried pie (and yes, I am still on my Weight Watchers).  She had apple!  Oh yes, there were other items, tea cakes, all kinds of cookies, cakes and other baked goods.  The fried apple pies looked like Miss Adell’s so I had to try.  My only dilemma was how many to get–I got one.

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As I broke it in half the flaky crust had me.  Bea Blessed Bakery blessed me.  I only ate half (Weight Watchers), but it was so good.  I left the other half for my hubby, he deserves to be blessed too.

If you find yourself in Little Rock, Arkansas in the River Market District get your blessing at Bea Blessed Bakery.  You can email them at Bea Blessed Bakery or visit them on their Facebook page.  They are old-fashioned goodness.  “I” like their fruit fried pies a lot, and the goodness reminded me of home.

November 1, 2016

I’ve found the absolute best cleanser for the face–Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water. There is one for every skin type. It does everything.  This product removes the makeup, even waterproof mascara and long-lasting lipstick.  It also cleans and refreshes.  Wet a cotton pad or face towel and just wipe away.  There is no need to rinse, and then apply moisturizer. It’s that easy, and you can purchase this great product at your local pharmacy or discount store (Walmart, Target, etc.).  It is great!!

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August 1, 2016

“Oh my goodness”, what can I say about Ten Thousand Waves Spa.  It is amazing–“I”  like it! From the moment we started up the mountain in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico to the spa there was just this beautiful, tranquil feeling that we had.  Even the walk to the entrance was beautiful–it is a walk, but they do have benches for you to sit, or you can call for transportation, but we walked it.

Ten Thousand Waves is a Japanese style spa that is inspired by the Japanese mountain hot spring resorts.  It is unlike any spa that I have gone to.  This is not your typical chain spa that some cities have.  I have enjoyed them, but nothing like this experience.

Everything about Ten Thousand Waves says “relax and enjoy”.  We were given our own private hot tub which was enclosed and very private.  You can see the beautiful natural landscaping while sitting in the tub or the chairs and just relax.  We shared a cold tub with another private tub.

I think that one of the things I enjoyed most was the privacy.  There are communal tubs, but they are still small as compared to the chains that I have gone to.  Everyone was so friendly, and we couldn’t get over the beauty of the setting.

After the bath we decided to relax even more by going to a room where you could sit/lay and listen to relaxing music.  There is even a place just to sit and let your feet enjoy the warm water while you enjoy the beauty that is surrounding you.

There are other spa services that you can get such as: massages, facials and other spa treatments.  Ten Thousand Waves has lodging and dining also.  I know that I want to go back and partake of everything Ten Thousand Waves has to offer.

Take a look at Ten Thousand Waves and enjoy.  Special thanks to Mary and Bob.

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July 4, 2016

First of all “Happy 4th of July”.

Now on to What “I” Like. I have not worn skin tone shades of pantyhose in the summer for many years, and for the most part not anytime during the year. In the cooler months I wear tights, and when the occasion calls for it, and the outfit calls for them, I wear off black pantyhose.  I could not find a color that even remotely looked the color of my legs.  Recently I picked up a pair of Via Spiga Flawless Finish Sheer pantyhose in Bronze.

“I” like them.  They look great, and they feel good too.  The sizing was correct on the back of the packaging which is always a plus.  Will I wear pantyhose all of the time, probably not, but when the occasion and outfit calls for them, they will be Via Spiga Flawless Finish.

I picked up two pair at DSW, and you can also go to Macy’s, Lord & Taylor and find them online at Amazon and other outlets.

Remember, “thisisyourbestyear”, and sometimes the outfit calls for pantyhose, and off black just won’t work.

April 13, 2016

“I” absolutely like Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier.  It has just a hint of sweetness.  I purchased it at Central Market at the recommendation of the wine staff.  They were so correct. It is a screw top bottle which I like.  When traveling I carry or buy my own wine and have it in the room.  You can go down to the bar and get wine glasses.  This saves so much money. This is a great buy and a great taste. Remember “thisisyourbestyear”.

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March 1, 2016

Since I made the decision to let my hair age gracefully–go gray, I noticed that a lot of other things needed to change to.  When it came to lip color, I was always the nude, brownish girl–the safe girl.  Well not anymore.

I went in to Sephora, and this time I asked for assistance.  The very knowledgeable consultant was a “woman of a certain age” who was so not like me–not safe at all, but she did look good.

We went for the color RED.  In fact we went for “Firey 01″ by  Stila.  I like this product, no I actually love this product. It is a liquid lipstick that stays on all day.  I am a true believer.  On Monday’s I apply and leave home at about 8:50 am, eat lunch about 1:00 pm and make it home about 8:00 pm with no reapplication ever.

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It does not make my lips feel try or cracked, and I take if off with a makeup removal cloth.  Before I go to bed, I do dab a little petroleum jelly on my lips–it’s an East Texas habit.

This product is well worth the $24 it cost.  I can’t wait for my next color.

Remember “thisisyourbestyear”–change can be good.