Lifestyle

Cozy Book Nook

Summer is my very favorite season of all. Everything about it speaks my love languages and I can never get enough. And although I would not trade a thing for the time of year that Capri was born, being in the heat of the summer by the pool isn’t exactly cut out for a newborn. That being said, I am welcoming fall this year with open arms as it quickly approaches. Don’t get me wrong, I love fall and there are so many fun things about it each year. This year though, I think I’ll savor the cooler temperatures and activities with a little more appreciation.Whenever fall is right around the corner, I always, always, always have a desire to watch this movie. Anyone else? ($2.99? Rent it!) It invokes so many cozy feelings that I associate with fall. Drinks, decor, and well…books. I asked all of you on Instagram what your must-read books are and to send me your favorite fall drink. YOU GUYS BLEW ME AWAY! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I compiled a list of a few of both things because they were just too good not to share! Cozy up with one of these books and a warm drink in your hand. Fuzzy blankets never hurt either! Enjoy! xo

Your Favorite Drinks: Hot Apple Cider, Pumpkin Chai, Pumpkin Coffee, Coffee with milk and pumps of pumpkin, and anything pumpkin when the time is right.

Books:

A Man Called Ove

Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies about Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be

Everybody, Always

Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him

Freefall to Fly: A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning

You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are

Harry Potter

Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way

Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life

Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living

Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God: Experiencing Life in Extraordinary Ways 

Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn 

If You Only Knew: My Unlikely, Unavoidable Story of Becoming Free

Leave a comment with some of your must-reads! 🙂 

Friday Favorites

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Happy Friday everyone! This week kicked my butt..and all I can think about is sleeping in a little bit on Saturday. As everyone gears up for back-to-school everything, I can’t help but jump on the bandwagon and get ready for fall things. (Even though I plan on going to the pool this weekend). 🙂 If you’re not ready quite yet but need some recipes in your back pocket for the weeks to come, pin these and save them for later!

One.First up, my Pumpkin Pecan Bars. They are a FAVORITE. It is the quintessential fall treat and you should make them now.

Two.My Healthy Pumpkin Bread. Easy breakfast anyone?!

Three.My Pumpkin Smoothie. A fun and tasty transition from summer to fall.

Four.And if you’re really in the mood for fall...My Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Five.

This is completely unrelated to all things fall but I promised some of you that I would let you know what I thought about this hair serum. I’ve used it for two weeks and found out what I liked and didn’t like about it. The serum comes out via a dropper. When I used it for the first time, I filled up the entire dropper, put the amount in my hand and all over my hair. Big mistake. I was convinced I didn’t like it at all but it was because I put way too much in my hair. It felt greasy and obviously wasn’t the look I was going for. The next few days I only added about two drops to my palm before applying it to my hair and have loved it ever since I learned my lesson. Do I put it on every day? No. I haven’t been washing my hair every day, so I only add it when I have a clean wash and my hair is damp. Would I recommend it? Yes. I love that it has clean ingredients, adds shine, and gets rid the dry feeling.

What are some of your favorite fall treats (or hair things)?!

Friday Favorites

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This week I’m doing something a little different and sharing five things I want to try and as I try them, I’ll report back if they are favorites or not.

One.I came across this tanning foam the other day and have been intrigued ever since. It got amazing reviews and since shade is my new best friend after having a newborn…I could use a little extra color. 😉

Two.

Capri was getting a rash with the soap we were using when we gave her a bath. I just ordered
California Baby Calming Shampoo and Body Wash and I’m hoping she responds well to it. It looks like it has great ingredients?!

Three.I’ve followed Nectar & Green for a few years but they only delivered in the Boston area. BUT now they are shipping! I have been wanting to try their almond milk for so long! Anyone else?! The Espresso sounds delicious–heck, they all do!

Four.I just ordered this hair oil and can’t wait to try it! My hair has been so dry since Capri has been born and could definitely use some extra omph.

Five.

Nail Polish lovers: I want to give this and this a try! Thoughts?!

Have the best Friday!

Friday Favorites

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Happy Friday!

One.Don’t hate me for posting this but…mornings (especially school mornings) are so much easier when things are planned in advance. Whether it’s for your kids, your family, or any teachers out there, I hope these Back-to-School Breakfast Ideas help! 🙂

Two.

Chia Seeds. Hemp Hearts. Coconut Oil. Flaxseed Meal. Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen. Vital Proteins Vanilla Collagen. Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin. Reishi. Vitamin B Complex.Vitamin D. Probiotic Supplement. Omega-3 Fish Oil. Baby Probiotics. Bergamot Essential Oil

If you missed my post from earlier this week about Natural Energy and Beauty, go read it now! 🙂

Three.Eric and I had a date night on Saturday at Harvest Seasonal Grill. Neither of us have ever been to this restaurant and let me tell you..we were SO impressed! Almost all the food is farm to table, which we both love. We got the cheese boards, a fillet, and a chocolate peanut butter dessert (we cheated on Whole 30 a little). 😉 It’s also a wine bar, so I ordered their top of the line Malbec. Delish.

Four.

To be honest, going to Costco with a two month old is not easy. Not because she screams, cries, etc. Between her carseat, and getting bulk of everything, I feel as though I did a workout for the entire year. I’m not sure how long this has been a thing but I’ve started using their two-day delivery service. It’s free shipping when you spend over $75 (because who doesn’t at Costco?!) and I get my bigger/heavier items delivered right to my doorstep! (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.) The best part this week? It got delivered in one day instead of two. I’m a fan!

Five.…and now this has just shifted to when Capri is sleeping or I can put her down for a few seconds. 😉

As of last Friday I officially resigning from teaching. It’s always been a dream of mine to stay at home once we had babies. We weren’t sure of the timeline or exactly what it would look like (because we never write our story) but I am so thankful for this opportunity. Will I miss parts of teaching? Of course! It’s bittersweet but also a huge answer to prayer. Here’s to the weekend and the next chapter of life! 😉

Natural Energy & Beauty

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I’ve thought about this post for a while and debated how to go about sharing it. I’m not an expert and not claiming to be. But…there are definitely a few things that have helped me pre and post baby that naturally provided me energy and helped my mood stay in check. Several things have also helped with my gut health, immunity, and better my hair, skin, and nails. Since all of this was pre-baby and post-baby, it’s basically for anyone. 🙂 With a combination of a little research and using these products over time, I wholeheartedly would recommend everything I’m about to share and why I use it.

Foods/Drinks:

Chia Seeds: These can be added to almost all my smoothies. (I use about a tablespoon). They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, rich in antioxidants, and they provide fiber, iron, and calcium. 

Hemp Hearts: (I like this brand too!): This article explains all the benefits of hemp hearts better than I can. It also talks about hemp hearts verses chia seeds. I love, love, love topping this smoothie with them!

Coconut Oil: Gosh, where to start with this?! There are so many uses that I’m basically going to just scratch the surface. It promotes healthy skin and hair, while boosting digestion and heart health, and I love using it to cook and bake since because of the healthy fats it contains. (Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bites/ Healthy Pumpkin Bread/ Healthy Banana Bread). It’s also an ah-mazing make-up remover!

Flaxseed Meal: I use this in smoothies or on top of smoothie bowls all the time. When you buy flaxseed, you want to make sure you are getting the flaxseed meals verses whole flaxseed. The meal provides the nutritional benefits. It has omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects and helps increase milk supply for breastfeeding. It’s a win all around!

Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen: I add a scoop (or you can buy the packets) to coconut milk with ice and a splash of pure maple syrup or honey to create an iced matcha.

Vital Proteins Vanilla Collagen: I add this to smoothies (Blueberry Ginger Smoothie/ Orange Fluffy) to support my skin, hair, tendons, cartilage, bones, and joints.

Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin: I used this during pregnancy to make gummy vitamins because it was great for baby and me It also promotes youthful skin, healthier hair, stronger nails, and helps keeps bones healthy. It contributes to a balanced diet and helps maintain weight while providing a natural glycine that promotes healthy immune, digestive, and central nervous systems.

Reishi: You can read about the amazing benefits, here!

This might go without saying, but drinking water is HUGE! I drink almost a gallon a day to stay hydrated and contribute to helping myself feel healthier.

Supplements:

Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B boosts energy, while supplying your body with a slew of vitamins that need to be replenished on a daily basis. (If you want to order, just let me know).

Vitamin D: I actually started taking this a few years ago during the winter months. My body was craving vitamin D since I wasn’t getting it from sunshine. I continue taking it during the winter months and still currently do to level out hormones post pregnancy.

Probiotic Supplement: Gut health affects so much of your overall health. Taking probiotics can improve your digestion, boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure, and so on. You can read all about it, here.

Omega-3 Fish Oil: This helps support brain, hair, skin and heart health.

Baby Probiotics: I give these to Capri. They help support gut health and immunity while providing vitamin D that doctors recommend for infants.

Mood booster:

Bergamot Essential Oil: This oil has ingredients that are uplifting when diffused or worn. I love it!

Leave a comment with any questions and I’ll answer them this week!

*A huge thank you to Vital Proteins for sponsoring this post!*

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