August 2015 Favorites

Oh geez… I haven’t blogged in TWO weeks! What can I even say? There’s been quite a lot going on here lately with the beginning of the school year, sleep regression (Nora and – subsequently – me), starting a new class myself at Virginia Tech (yep! I’ve lost my mind), etc. etc. etc. Anyway, please accept my apologies.  Let’s move on now, shall we?

Today, as we do on the last day of every month, Heather and I are sharing our favorite things from August. I’ve got some good ones of my list today, so let’s get to it…

*This post is not sponsored and does not contain affiliate links. Just good, old fashioned, favorites.

1. Emily Ley Simplified Planner & Simplified Planner App

My obsession with all things Emily Ley is no secret. In fact, I’d been counting down the days until I could start using my new Weekly Simplified Planner (in Mint Dot) since I ordered it in May!! It is so cute, simple, and streamlined, and really helps me keep my (busy) weeks organized. I also love love love the Simplified Planner App that matches it in style and purpose. It gives me access to important dates, To Do lists, etc. when I don’t have my physical planner with me AND my husband appreciates it because it syncs with Google Calendars which he has been begging me to use for years. (I’m thinking about writing a post on how I use my planner and the app together – would anyone be interested in that?)

2. BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance

I borrowed a slightly older version of this seat from a friend for Nora, and we are obsessed with it. Not only that, but basically everyone that sees it and has a baby immediately becomes obsessed with it too. It’s hard to explain what exactly is so great, but it’s just a really simple design that baby can sit and bounce in. It can lean all the way back for naps or sit straight up for play. It also fold flat which makes it really easy to travel with, and the cover comes off and just goes right in the washing machine. These are pricey, but I – honestly – can’t recommend it strongly enough. (My girlfriend that loaned it to us said that her son used it until he was over a year old just without the front straps, and I have no intention of putting it away any time soon!)

3. Archer’s Adventure Journal

I first heard about these on Instagram a few months ago, but the summer edition was already sold out so I immediately got on the waiting list for the 39-week school year edition. Ours was delivered on exactly the first day of school (for me) last Monday, and Sam and I have been completing a page every afternoon when I get home. Each two-page spread includes a scripture to memorize (Sam totally impressed me with how easy that part is for him), boxes to record something you are thankful for, something you are praying for, the best part of the day, a hard part of the day, how you showed love that day, how you are feeling, and what God says about you, plus a page for coloring and jotting down notes about the day etc. In addition, there pages throughout for writing funny things your child says, tracing his/her hand, etc. We are only one week in, but it has been SO good for Sam and I to have that intentional time together every day, and I love the record we are creating of this sweet time in his little life. So far, he has been thankful for crayons, lamps, and chicken coops (???) – a good (and hilarious) reminder to me to be grateful for even the smallest things. Here’s a note from Karen about the vision behind the book:

Isn’t it just the sweetest concept?!?

4. Loreal Advanced Frizz Vanisher Cream & Tousle Wave Spray

I don’t know about where you live, but it is still HUMID here. Plus, I’m shedding like a dang Golden Retriever (thank you post-baby hormones), and my hair needed some HELP. My sister (my beauty guru – you know) recommended these drug-store products since I wasn’t willing to pay an arm and a leg, and I think they really work! I use the anti frizz one every day when I get out of the shower (just be careful not to put it on your roots – I learned that the hard way), and I add the waves spray on days I’m letting it air dry “curly” or attempting to get the beach-wave look with a wand.

5. Voxer

So I’m about three years late to this party, but I’ve just started using this walkie-talkie (ish) app, and I am loving it!! Basically, your friends download the app too and then you can just send real-time voice messages to each other. This works really well to communicate with Jeff (who hates text and never listens to voicemail) during the day, and my college girlfriends and I are in a group so we can all talk just like we’re sitting around the living room together. I’m doing a terrible job explaining how great this app is, but if you haven’t tried it, you totally should – I’m willing to bet you’ll be hooked!So

So there you have it! What are you into this month?

Make sure to check out Heather’s favorite things here and see below for a fun announcement!

Have a great week!

E

*SAVE THE DATE*  Later this week (Thursday?) I’m going to be posting a very short Reader Survey and an AWESOME (ifidosaysomyself) Back-to-School Give Away featuring two of the items above and a couple other “all time favorites.” (Trust me, you’re gonna want to win this one!) Make sure to check back and enter to win!