February & March Favorites

+ finally found an aluminum-free deodorant I love (bonus, it's also sold at Target!)

+ eating lots of roasted plantain chips from Trader Joe's - have you tried these yet?  soo good and healthy-ish as snacks go

+ finally jumped on the essential oils bandwagon and wondering why I waited so long - currently diffusing lemon, peppermint, and lavender in the diffuser - my house smells like a spa

+ watching this oldie but goodie series, freaks + geeks on netflix, fun to see a lot of now-famous actors making their screen debuts (Seth Rogan, Jason Segel, James Franco, Linda Cardellini, Busy Phillips, and Rashida Jones - just to name a few)

+ devouring and making on repeat this easy dairy-free ranch dressing (super simple too)

+ reading this lovely children's book explaining the meaning of foreign words that don't directly translate into English

+ listening to the Hamilton soundtrack (after seeing the show in mid February) - I am totally hooked, the hype is real!

+ enjoyed watching this quirky movie on amazon prime (a cute, albeit unusual love story)

+ loving this travel food show on netflix as well (the host is a goofy, lovable writer from everybody loves raymond)

+ just started listening to oprah's super soul conversations podcast - especially this episode

Winter Favorites

Hard to believe it's already the close of 2017.  This holiday season flew by, and a new year is just around the corner!  Any big plans for New Year's Eve?  I personally am a big fan of NOT doing anything on this holiday, just because everywhere is busy, crowded, and overrun with people.  We're likely playing this new game with my sister, brother-in-law, and my parents after the kids go to bed.  While we're anticipating 2018, here are some things I've been loving lately...Happy New Year!

+ just started The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime and loving it so far

+ saw Lady Bird in the theatre last weekend, it's fantastic, and packed with lots of great early 2000's throwback music, fashion, and the like

+ made these slow cooker chicken mole tacos the other night, pretty tasty

+ powered through The Crown season 2, I think it was even better than the first!

+ this book is amazing!!! Highly recommend!

+ soaking up all the wisdom from Brene Brown via audiobook

+ been playing this sleuthing fox game with my daughter 

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Fall Favorites

I keep meaning for this to be a monthly post, but the month-to-month format has me constantly feeling behind, hence, switching the titles of these posts to seasonal or just for fun recent favorites.

+ this awesome hair styling cream for all the days you don't blow dry your hair (read: everyday)

+ I've adopted the first two steps of Clare Lyons' beauty uniform and my skin feels amazing and noticeably more smooth amazing!

+ Stranger Things 2 on Netflix.  Have you seen it?? Soooo good, and I don't usually like sci-fi, science fiction, monster-type shows.

+ And while we're watching Netflix, if you need a political drama, have you watched Madam Secretary?  I love Tea Leoni and Tim Daly's chemistry (did you know they're together in real life?).

+ this gluten-free pumpkin pancake mix at Trader Joe's...the best!

+ these vegan/paleo coconut butter cups (I'm partial to mint cream)

What are your favorite things this fall?

September Favorites

+ nutpods dairy/gluten-free, whole 30 approved coffee creamer

+ these handy dandy name labels for my kids clothing and supplies

+ la la land and hidden figures (both now on HB0 streaming)

+ speaking of movies, have you seen captain fantastic, so, so good! (streaming on amazon prime)

+ reading a bunch of chic lit "beach reads" by this author, so far my favorites are the perfect match, waiting on you, and anything for you

+ this "pizza" spaghetti casserole (paleo, gluten/dairy free)

+ almond flour crackers and dark chocolate sea salt with pumpkin seeds (both at Costco)

+ this Ed Sheeran song...swoon

August Favorites (late as per usual...)

Man, I'm having a hard time keeping up with my monthly favorites.  It's now over a week into September, and here comes the August favorites rolling in, fashionably--er, maybe just plain ol' late!

Oh, well...

+ enjoying egg roll in a bowl for dinner

+ currently reading Rich People Problems (the third book in the Crazy Rich Asians series, so far the first was by far the best)

+ watching Atypical on Netflix - especially for all m">y teacher friends out there, I highly recommend, I REALLY enjoyed this show (follow up post to follow)

+ listening to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on audiobook (Jim Dale the narrator is amazing at doing all the voices)

+ this month also watched streaming movies Burnt and Moonlight

What have you been enjoying this month?

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July Favorites (a few days late)

Phew...we have definitely been enjoying our summer days, but I feel like in a blink, it's August already!  For my teacher friends and I, the dawn of August has always been synonymous with one long Sunday night.  Kind of an Eeyore sentiment, I realize, but even so, the association runs deep. August marks the end of this fleeting, lovely summer season, and the brink of school lies just ahead on the horizon.  Thus, now we're full speed ahead to relish what's left of summer!

+ sipping a lot of lacroix sparkling water in coconut and canteloupe-grapefruit, yum!

+ also, trader joe's wine, in particular - vintjs pinot noir rose

+ retiring with this amazing contoured sleep mask

+ reading At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe this book

 has inspired me to imagine a family trip around the world (I recommend the audiobook)

+ enjoying this camera + editing tutorial (I learned a thing or two!)

+ playing with my son's beloved souvenir from Disneyland

+ noshing on ridiculously good (and easy) summer salad

+ loving This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World, a peek into daily life for seven families from Iran to Russia and beyond (speaking of books, do you follow my kids book instagram account yet?)

what are you digging these days?

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May and June Favorites

+ these chocolate covered banana snacks (organic, non GMO too)

+ this recipe for BBQ pineapple hard shell chicken tacos (I used fresh pineapple)

+ The Hate U Give and Hillbilly Elegy (one fiction, one memoir, both both equally informative reads for our current times)

+ the entertaining show, Catastrophe on Amazon Prime

+ this $8 set of 5 mini digger trucks that have brought my son immense joy in the past week

+ a new hydrating face mask (also available on amazon)

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March Favorites

+ this cookbook, Meals Made Simple by Danielle Walker - part of my quest to slowly eliminate gluten from my diet

+ the podcast, How I Built This, stories of how people created companies, my favorites include the stories of Spanx, Airbnb, and Dry Bar.

+ Wonder, the YA novel about a boy born with a facial abnormality and his journey as he enters his first school experience.  It's a touching story written from multiple perspectives about inclusion, fitting in, and finding friendship.

+ these sweet birthday cards, I'm a sucker for letterpress

+ Chef's Table season 3 on Netflix, especially the Ivan Orkin episode

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February Favorites

What have you been up to this month?  Here's a few of my February favorites...

+ this documentary, Minimalism on Netflix

+ this caramelized onion, mushroom, and gruyere quiche, I've made it twice now and it's delicious!

+ the original series Good Girls Revolt on Amazon Prime

+ speaking of shows, Big Little Lies on HBO is pretty good too

+ I might be drinking the kool-aid but I feel like this shampoo does make my hair smoother

+ been reading a lot lately, namely this Westing-Game reminiscent YA novel, loved this Edwardian spinoff, and just started 10% Happier

+ this super delicious and fairly easy dinner, where has butter lettuce been all my life?

+ loving this new cleanser, the scent is light and lovely

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January Favorites

Phew, the month of January flew by!  I still have yet to post my 2017 goals/resolutions...eek.  Better get on that!  In the mean time, here is a roundup of a few of my favorite things from the month.

+ Young House Love's coloring book (thought I wasn't an adult coloring book kind of fan, and just realized I'm not into nature scenes).  Coloring a cozy living room or elegant dining room is much more my scene.  Also loving these pens for coloring.

+ watching The Crown on Netflix - slow to start but after an episode or two it really picks up

+ another Netflix rec - St. Vincent.  This movie didn't seem appealing to me upon first glance, but my husband insisted, and I ended up really enjoying it.

+ the meditation app Headspace, trying to focus more on mindfulness, deep relaxing breathing, and essentially zoning in on the good and blocking out all the bad (especially in today's current world).  Enjoying this app and its guidance.

+ finding myself getting into a bunch of YA novels, enjoying the quick pace which lends itself to a faster read.  Polished off Winger in about 5 days (which was recommended to me by my friend and former librarian colleague)

+ this blue shade of Essie nail polish to cheer on the Seahawks during the playoffs

+ playing this pancake game with my 3-year old, so much enthusiasm!

Any January favorites for you?

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December Favorites (a few days late)

+ tula skincare products with probiotic technology, currently loving the eye cream and moisturizer

+ reusable New Zealand wool dryer balls (no more dryer sheets ever again!)

+ my new desk calendar for 2017

+ this powerful young adult novel (think The Fault in Our Stars meets The Art of Racing in the Rain)

+ a new (to me) podcast I'm enjoying about preserving humanity in the digital age

+ pretty excited about my new 2017 life planner (no e-notepad for me, I can't escape the satisfaction of actually writing things down)

+ the new Ina Garten cookbook, Cooking for Jeffrey

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Christmas Favorites

Christmas is in full swing around our house.  We've got the Mariah Carey "All I Want For Christmas is You" pandora station playing on repeat.  And after two brief - but visibly appeasing - snow days, we've stocked up with plenty of hot cocoa and twinkly lights to keep us warm and cozy through Christmas day.

+ slowly making my way through my favorite Christmas movies, including, Love Actually, Elf, White Christmas, The Holiday, Little Women, and The Family Man. What are your faves?

+ making many a snowflake and mitten from this gingerbread recipe.

+ reading our way through book advent with my kids every night (this and this were my kids' Christmas books for 2016)

+ enjoying apple cider mimosas at brunch with girlfriends (I'd never heard of these before -soo good!)

+ decorating gingerbread houses with my daughter via this kit (on sale!)

+ awaiting our mail carrier's delivery every day for Christmas and holiday cards, we went with these this year 

+ made this delicious tart (yet again) for my mom's group holiday party

What are your Christmas favorites in your neck of the woods?

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November Favorites

+ gingerbread spice Theo chocolate (I stress ate 3 of these bars in 3 days following the election)

+ my obsession with Denmark and the Danish continues with this book

+ red buffalo plaid in toddler sizes - it's just so darn cute

+ venturied back to stars hollow with the gilmore girls revival

+ this episode of black mirror (the future of our cell phone culture?)

+ these t-shirts we picked up in kauai

+ this a-mazing cranberry, caramel, and almond tart I made for thanksgiving

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October Favorites

Can you believe it's the last week of October?!  We just celebrated our son's first birthday with a campfire themed celebration among family.  What a whirlwind year!  Here are some of my October favorites as of late...

+ the Fixer Upper memoir, The Magnolia Story

+ Marvel's Luke Cage on Netflix

+ this new cookbook, Molly on the Range

+ pumpkin cheesecake tea by Davids Tea (not as sweet as it sounds)

+ this fall-feeling nailbolish, OPI schnapps out of it

+ this subtle yet delicious pumpkin bread

+ this Seth Meyers monologue

+ this app, unroll me which has uber simplified my junk mail

+ Avalon Organics facial wash

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September Favorites (a day late)

+ Stranger Things on Netflix; a town overcome by creepy things, love the attention to 80's detail, weird and addicting all at once

+ The Danish Way of Parenting, one of the best parenting books I've read yet

+ Decent new(ish) Disney movie Zootopia we watched on the plane

+ the new batch of winter jammies at Hanna Andersson

+ this lavender scented eye mask

+ Kodiak cakes pancake mix (available at Costco)

+ this seasonal pumpkin-cranberry infused beer

+ love this story about a what memories an American girl doll can hold

August Favorites (a few days late)

+ the documentary twinsters (on netflix).  the real life story of two girls who found each other on the internet, and discovered they're identical twins separated at birth.  talk about whoa!

+ harmless harvest coconut water, and surprise, it's (naturally) often pink!  

+ this cross-country family road trip, have you been reading along?

+ about halfway through Padma Lakhsmi's memoir, I've never craved Indian food as much as after reading this!

+ my big fat greek wedding 2 - not quite the original, but if you enjoyed the first one, this will keep you laughing

+ cowboy bark at trader joe's, eager to try out this copycat recipe

+ loving my new (ridiculously soft) tee from this etsy shop

+ pretty much obsessed with chrissy teigen's new-ish cookbook

+ a new (to me) podcast about kids' health

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July Favorites

Bringing back an oldie but goodie - these are a few of my favorite things in July 2016.  Here goes...

+ essie nail polish in muchi muchi, looks good on fingers and toes 

+ the martain (I know I'm late in the game to this movie, but for someone who doesn't really like space movies, I thought this was soo good)

+ heavy melon ale by new belgium, flavorful and refreshing

+ modern lovers, I'm about 30% through according to my kindle, and so far, so good

+ these sunglasses were my big summer purchase (with prescription lenses)

+ lemon blueberry custard ice cream at molly moon's

+ one of my fave DIY bloggers - Young House Love's new podcast

+ hartland brooklyn, my new favorite go to shop for stationary

+ enjoying this healthy dessert, frozen greek yogurt bark

What are you into this month?

My Favorite Things: Swell Water Bottle

I'm reviving an old series as I've been inspired to blog more lately.  My latest favorite thing is my new Swell water bottle.  I consider myself sort of a water bottle junkie.  When I was teaching, I always tried to keep a full water bottle full on my desk.  On a typical day, the bottle would remain untouched, forgotten, lost in the chaos and busyness of lesson plans, moving from subject to subject without intermission.  If by chance I did remember it was there, I'd guzzle as much as possible to stay on top of my hydration.  

After the glass craze, I tried the bkr, excited about my environmentally friendly purchase.  However, the first one cracked after a short fall, and the second shattered after falling out of my bag.  I figured third time's the charm?  Not in this case, the third acquired a gross mildew/mold inside the the cap which was impossible to clean, and frankly grossed me out.  Hence, I moved on.  

After that, I tried the Ello glass water bottle (dropped this one in my driveway accidentally, shattered into a hundred pieces instantly...I swear I'm not a klutzy person too). 

About this time, my family gave me a Swell water bottle on my birthday, and I'm quite happy with it, and have no fear of it breaking due to the chaos of getting in and out of the car frequently.  Plus, it stays cool for 24 hours, hot for 12.  Beat that glass bottles!

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My Favorite Things: Modern Friction Exfoliator

In an effort to get back in the swing of blogging, I'm reviving an oldie but goodie series - my favorite things.  Think of this as the budget-friendly, working mom version of Oprah's favorite things episode.  Today's favorite thing - a dynamite exfoliator!  My fave is Modern Friction by Origins - another natural ingredient, that boasts all paraben-free products. 

As someone who used the drug stores favorite St. Ives Apricot Scrub for most of my teenage and collegiate life, I wasn't terribly worldly in the world of skin care.  But after reading an article that essentially said my beloved apricot scrub was abrasive and actually harming my skin.  Modern friction on the other hand is gentle but effective at sloughing off dead skin, and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or prone to break-outs - always a plus!  

Click for a few other Origins favorites...

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: Pregnancy Edition

Meet the Snoogle, the body pillow of body pillows, this little pillow has become my best friend while pregnant.  Many of you might know that it's recommended that pregnant women stop sleeping on their back at 20 weeks, if not before, because of the additional weight on your spine and primary arteries.  And, since at that point, you can't sleep on your stomach, the option that remains is side sleeping. Now, I've always been a side sleeper, but sleeping on my side while pregnant is a different story.  In addition to backaches, I have often woken up with achy hit joints. Also, despite my best intentions to sleep on my side throughout the night, unless you surround yourself with a border of pillows, it's difficult to ensure that you stay on your side for the duration of a sleep.  

This is where the Snoogle comes in.  I admit, I was very skeptical, even despite rave reviews from friends.  Most because, I've never slept with a body pillow before, nor ever saw the need.  The snoogle is curved to be shaped like a "C" so it wraps underneath your head, and between your legs, and can tuck right underneath your growing bump.  When curled around you, it's quite secure and comfortable!  In my opinion, the best part of this pillow is that it curves, essentially hugging your body to provide consistent back support. You can lean  against it without any fear of rolling onto your back.  It's AMAZING!

My husband even likes it (much to my surprise).  Though it's not exactly romance-inducing being wrapped in a giant pillow all night long, he's borrowed it for a weekend nap or two, and proclaimed it's greatness, commenting that "it's like being spooned all night long."  

Insider tip: I originally purchased just the Snoogle pillow (sans cover), but realized that like an ordinary pillow, there's definitely potential for it to easily get dirty (eye make-up, etc.).  I ended up buying a cover separately.  If you're considering purchasing, I'd recommend buying the  pillow + cover together to save yourself some money.  

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