Happy Last Friday of July!
Wait whattttt!!! We have had such a whirlwind summer that it is just blowing past us. There are a few things left on my summer ‘bucket list’ like a trip to Brookfield Zoo, camping (if we can), visiting family in Tennessee, and Six Flags. But even if those all don’t get checked off the list, holy cow, we’ve packed a ton into this summer!
It’s been a while since my last FFF post! If you want random updates of things I’m enjoying, please check out my Instagram stories. But I think it’s helpful to have a ‘go to’ place on the blog to list a few of my favorite things 🙂 So let’s get to it…let me know what you think of these things!
ONE: My shortalls
aka my new ‘momiform’ – get it….mom uniform? These were actually inspired by Emily – she encouraged me to take the plunge and I haven’t looked back for a second. Whenever I post on Instagram wearing these, I get several questions and compliments on them! Unfortunately, the ones I bought from Gap are no longer available. But I found some other cute ones below! *none of the links below are affiliate/partner links – just sharing 🙂
These look identical to mine from Gap (including the frayed bottom) and are cheaper than the ones I bought! $34.99
I love the dark wash of these Levi’s shortalls and the loose fit to them! Plus they are on sale. $39.98
I love these from Blank Denim too! A little bit higher price but great quality. $88
TWO: IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara
I don’t wear a ton of makeup – but the main things I’m always on the lookout for – a great moisturizer, thick mascara, and a little lip color. I bought this mascara last month – I usually get the $9 stuff from Target (which there is nothing wrong with – trust me, I’ve been using it for years); but I read reviews, had seen other bloggers use it, and decided to invest the $24 in this purchase. I am so glad I did! This stuff is incredible – thick, black, and doesn’t clump if you wiggle it through your eyelashes. I usually only do one coat since it’s that solid.
THREE: Glow
I may be ‘behind’ on this hit, but I had to share it in case there’s anyone else like me who maybe heard good things about this show but had yet to take the plunge. David and I started this show over the weekend; we are 4 episodes in and it’s extremely well done. We are hooked! David is traveling and we made a pact to not watch it without each other 🙂 It’s funny, warm, touching, and hits on a variety of topics including the world of entertainment, motherhood, friendship, and embracing what makes us each unique. *It is rated mature so this is a recommendation for adult eyes and minds only*
FOUR: Bambas
Our speech therapist had told us about Bambas (as opposed to Puffs) for Hudson. He has been eating them for months and Bambas have become a staple on my grocery list. If I had to describe them to you – I would say it’s like a Cheeto puff but peanut butter flavored. This would be a recommendation for your little ones only: I’m not a huge fan of the taste and texture plus they are high in calories, fat, and protein. Which makes them a PERFECT snack for Hudson. The texture is great for him to practice chewing, crunching, and pulling. Plus he’s like his mama and loves peanut butter. The great news is they aren’t processed like Cheetos – much healthier and better for you than those delightful orange puffs. The even better news is Trader Joe’s sells a version of these for 99 cents – for the whole bag!
If you have a little one who loves puffs but maybe needs more calories, let me introduce you to Bambas.
FIVE: Bright Starts Light & Learn Drum
Okay – I love this toy – but more importantly, so does Mr. Hudson! It’s more than just a drum. It has 3 settings, 2 noise levels, and the lights inside the base are so cool. As many of you know, Hudson is very responsive to music – dancing, clapping, making noise (aka his attempt at singing). Any toy that has a beat is a hit with him; but even more better with this drum is the cause & effect skill he learns. If Hudson hits the drum, it counts each hit or changes color. It’s light enough for him to pick up and move around. Highly recommend for any baby who is sitting on their own, banging on anything, and loves colors, sounds, and music.
BONUS: an obvious addition: WATERMELON
If you aren’t aware that I have been going through a watermelon phase for several months, then seriously – we have got to get you on Instagram and following my account’s stories. The theme of my summer is absolutely that delicious seasonal melon with that gorgeous green skin and delicious pink tastiness inside. Even Hudson has jumped on this watermelon bandwagon with me!
At the beginning of the summer, I would buy precut watermelon from the store and nosh on it at home (or sometimes in the car). But at $5 a pop (and considering I go through 1-2 of those per day), it was a spending habit I simply didn’t want to continue. So I started buying whole watermelons and creating a daily ritual of slicing, dicing, and storing the watermelon chunks. I’m honestly going to miss this part of my day when summer wraps up – working my way around the rind, cutting the slices just so, and wiping up the sweet juice from my butcher block. It keeps me present, grateful, and grounded in the simple beauties life has to offer.
So do yourself a favor – go buy a whole watermelon (look for dark green rind with the creamiest yellow field spot on the outside) and enjoy the beauty of breaking down this delicious snack for yourself.
Plus, watermelon will keep you hydrated and is rich in nutrients that your body needs!
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That’s all I got for your on this beautiful Friday folks. Let me know what you think of any of these and feel free to tag me in any and all watermelon related posts 🙂 I love seeing what everyone shares.
xo
Hollyce
