Here are some new things and other discoveries that I’ve been loving lately!
New Finds aka What I’ve Been Loving Lately
Every once in a while I start a list of things I like with the intention of mentioning them in a lifestyle post, and it turns into a full blog post because things are all over the place. This post is it! Here is a mix of things that I read, watch and like.
Grass fed beef sticks
This one’s for Mazen! We were at the pool a few weeks ago, and our friend Rocky overheard Mazen saying he wanted a snack. As I started looking for the goldfish and granola bars I keep in my pool bag, Rocky offered Mazen one of these “meat sticks”. Mazen loved it. Of course, whenever my kids like something that I think is above average healthy, I’m going to buy it. So these arrived from Amazon in about 24 hours (I’ll be looking for a place to find them in town – pretty sure most stores sell them).
I love that it’s grass fed beef and a great individually wrapped snack that I can make for her camp snack. He also likes unshelled sunflower seeds (Old Bay Flavor!) after discovering them in baseball, so it’s two healthy snacks that he loves!
Lilysilk pillowcases (sponsored)
If you are a silk lover, you must check Lily silk! NOT ALL SILKS ARE CREATED EQUAL: Lilysilk uses 6A grade natural mulberry silk, known as the “king of silk”. And they were recently awarded the “Best Bedding” award by Good Housekeeping!
The fabrics are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which means that the silk meets the highest international standards, the fabric does not irritate the skin and does not contain harmful substances. The company is also committed to sustainability and zero waste. Lilysilk works with TerraCycle®, to recycle undonable silk and cashmere products, creating an eco-friendly loop system in the USA. They make clothes, sleepwear, accessories, bedding, etc.
Lilysilk sent me a Pillowcase 19 Momme Terse Envelope, and it’s ideal for my body pillow. Since I had shoulder problems last year, I sleep with my arm on a body pillow, which has helped. But the pillows are also HOT in the summer. The Lilysilk pillowcase has been awesome at keeping me cool. And the watercolor fabric is so pretty as a finishing pillow on our bed! They come in many different colors, including solids and patterns.
Add one silk eye mask at your command!
Solid shampoo
I discovered this brand – Dip – at my local refill store. Using a shampoo bar eliminates the need for a bottle, saving resources and waste.
A little skeptical, I asked the ladies in the shop what they thought and they loved it! I received instructions to apply it directly to my very damp hair and then work it into a lather. I’ve found that I prefer lathering it up in my hands and applying it, but I can say it works!! Clean hair and INCREDIBLE SMELL!!
Leilo drinks
In my endless search for “drinks that are not alcohol but not water”, I came across this drink at Brazos Tacos. Have you heard of kava? These drinks Leilo (found on Amazon) contain kava and have a calming effect similar to CBD. I can’t decide what I think of kava in general – anyone have an opinion? It definitely won’t be a weekly thing, but I thought it was cool to share that Brazos had them! I felt a little relaxed after drinking it and would say it’s comparable to a glass of wine.
BT Fountain Electrolytes
THE BT Fountain Electrolytes de Pique are my new favorites to sip in my water bottle during the day. Yuzu berry flavor is delicious and not too sweet. With hyaluronic acid and ceramides to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines, they also contain bonus skin-friendly ingredients. Hydration inside + out : ) I have one a day!
Powerful plumping water cream
Ceramides must be on the rise, because just like the drink mix above, Beautycounter has just launched its new Powerful plumping water cream! I am obsessed with this new daytime moisturizer. It gives “filler results without the filler” and since I’m afraid of Botox needles, it’s a great solution for me to help smooth out my skin.
The new water cream is suitable for all skin types, especially those concerned with fine lines and wrinkles. Apply in the morning after cleanser and serum for immediate plumping benefits. It is flavored with a refreshing aquatic blend of crunchy water fruits, sea salt and delicate violet leaf. I think it smells good!!!
Watch: Estate
Our TV night has been cut short lately because our two kids stayed up until 9/10. But when we watch, Thomas and I watch Succession on HBO. It’s really good, although a bit harsh/dark at times. Reminds me of Mad Men, actually (all offices and costumes).
And I know I’m not the caliber of these people because sometimes it’s like they speak another language. I just want to tell them to talk HUMAN to each other instead of metaphors and jabs!! It’s a good show – recommended!
Following: Outlander and Ted Lasso II.
Reading: A court of mist and fury
My opinion on the ACOTAR books after finishing the first two is “like I don’t like”. Fantasy has never been my favorite thing, and although these books are well, I’m not obsessed with them like some of my friends are. Halfway through book 2, I said I wasn’t going to continue with book 3, but now that I’ve finished it, I think I will. But I’ll pause to read a light summer romance or two first!
Listen: Scamanda
OH MY GOD – this is a podcast get obsessed with!! It’s the best thing to come out on podcast since Dirty John. If you liked Dirty John, you’ll love this. It’s like John and Anna Delvey had a baby. I found the whole blogging side of it really fun since she started blogging around 2012, when I was too. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Caraway Minis
Speaking of early blogs, I was missing my mini pan which was perfect for oatmeal since someone accidentally used metal in the bottom and destroyed it. So I was absolutely thrilled to get a sample of the new Caraway Minis!!
This small skillet and pot are perfect for individual servings: one serving of oatmeal, two scrambled eggs, or a pancake in a skillet – oatmeal pancake!
Here they are next to my standard sized caraway so you can see how cute they are:
I have navy blue for my standards and sage green for the minis so I can easily spot them or their lids in a drawer.
Caraway also now includes their cleaning gums to remove side/bottom stains that naturally occur at high temperatures. This is similar to a magic eraser for walls but works on pan paint! He removed several brown stains from my pans, and they look like new (when left unturned!) Check out the options here. They offer free shipping all summer long.
