Currently: July 2025
Currently Enjoying: Family Field Trips
It’s wild to me that we have less than a month left of summer before our big kids return to school. I absolutely love planning fun and unique activities to do with the boys during summer break and genuinely look forward to heading out on various adventures with them all summer long. Though we often do fun things for no reason at all, this summer we came up with a way for the boys to have a little more say in the things we do. You may read more about our summer chore chart system in this blog post, but the short version is that once the boys have accumulated a certain number of points they can choose an activity for all of us to do together. (They may also opt for an alternate prize like family movie night on a weeknight, something we typically reserve for the weekends.) This system has encouraged us to get out and do some new-to-us things like visiting a grabber claw store (yes, a store completely filled with grabber claw machines), various trampoline parks (Groupon has come in clutch for this!), new-to-us parks, water play places, etc. I swear I’ve enjoyed this system just as much as the kids!
This book was added to my library holds list after a couple of you recommended it to me! I added it fully trusting your recommendations, as the premise didn’t exactly intrigue me. A robot woman main character? The world of AI? While this is exactly my typical interest arena, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of sci-fi novels in the past, so I figured I’d give it a shot. I’m glad I did because it instantly grabbed my attention. I’m about halfway through this novel and it’s been a wildly entertaining read.
My heart hurts so much for those impacted by the Texas floods. Reading about the lives lost in this catastrophic event, especially the young lives, just ripped my heart open. There are certain tragedies you read about that stick with you as you feel like you’re reading about a true nightmare.
One thing I took away from living close to an area impacted by flooding when Hurricane Helene horrifically impacted western North Carolina is just how deeply people care and want to help. We ran all over the place collecting items to donate and stores in our area were wiped clean of items on WNC donation request lists. I’m not as physically close to Texas but fully trust the work done by Convoy of Hope (it has the highest possible rating from Charity Navigator) and wanted to share this organization here today as well in case you’d like to join me in donating to help in some small way. And if you live close to the areas of Texas directly impacted by the floods and have other resources you’d like to share, I welcome them in the comments section.
My friend Leah brought a box of single packs of LMNT electrolytes to our girls’ weekend in Orlando last month and I cannot tell you how wonderful sipping on a giant water bottle of citrus salt electrolyte water tasted after a few drinks the day/night before. While I still love my Ultima and Burn Boot Camp electrolytes, I ordered a big box of LMNT to add to my arsenal as it has a saltier flavor I really enjoy when I don’t want something as sweet. As always, I super-dilute my electrolytes and add one packet of LMNT to my 64-ounce water jug and still find it plenty flavorful.
Currently Watching: All the Sharks (Family) + Bachelor in Paradise (Me)
As a family: All the Sharks (Netflix) This show popped up as a recommended show on our kids’ Netflix profile and it’s been such a hit with our crew. We watch a movie or show together on the weekends for family movie night and nature/animal shows are some of our favorites. All the Sharks has been a fun one as it includes interesting facts about sharks and gorgeous videography but the premise of the show is a reality competition! Teams of two scuba dive all around the world and compete to take the most pictures of various kinds of sharks. The rarer or trickier to spot, the more points a shark is worth!
Myself: Bachelor in Paradise (ABC/Hulu) I haven’t watched a season of the Bachelor/Bachelorette in yearsss but when I was visiting my parents last week, my mom recorded the first episode of Bachelor in Paradise and we watched it together. Dang this show has changed a LOT (the editing, I mean), and even though I don’t know 3/4 of the contestants competing, it’s been a fun guilty pleasure to stream. I’m only two episodes in but fully invested in the Susie/Justin relationship drama.
Currently Anticipating: ALASKA!!!
We leave for Alaska next week! AHHHH! To say our family is anxiously awaiting this trip is a huge understatement. We’re talking about it non-stop in our house and feeling so incredibly excited about the biggest trip we’ve ever done together. Right now I’m also trying to think though packing for Alaska and ensuring we have all the clothing and gear we need. If you’ve ever been to Alaska and have any packing/clothing/gear tips, I welcome your advice!
I’m a little late to the game on this one but finally had the chance to browse the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale yesterday. I like shopping this sale for discounts on my beauty favorites, kid clothing staples, jackets/outerwear, sneakers, etc. This year I primarily used the sale to restock some beauty favorites, get a few back-to-school clothing items for the boys in the next size up as well as a few finds for our Alaska trip.
You may browse a few of the sale items I thought were especially good finds on my ShopMy page if you’d like to see my short roundup!
Fashion:
- True & Co. Bra: My most-worn bra on sale for $28.99
- Adidas SL 72 Sneakers: A cute alternative to Sambas and I find my pair even more comfortable!
- Moonlight Pajamas: So crazy comfy. I have these pajamas in two different colors and lengths and have gifted them to my mom and sister as well. (I wear my long sleeve + pants pair most.) Love the new pink stripe pattern here!
- CZ Tennis Bracelet: I wear my tennis bracelet all the time.
- FRAME Bubble Jeans: My absolute favorite splurge-worthy jeans! I have them in the lighter wash and saw more sizes in the dark wash were restocked this morning. I ordered a pair SO fast. Even on sale they’re expensive but they’re a true dream for those with hips, quads and a booty.
- Hooded Rain Anorak: A gorgeous, classic raincoat. I ordered this one and have high hopes!
- Free People Sunshine Smiles Tee: A happy little tee I couldn’t resist ordering.
Beauty:
- Supergoop! Sunscreen Spray: A trio of my favorite spray sunscreen $23 off its usual price! The spray sunscreen is my favorite for reapplying at the beach/pool.
- Necessaire Body Lotion: A dream fragrance-free clean beauty lotion and I love the pump top!
- VOLO Hero Hair Towel: I’ve had and loved mine for years. I use this gentle towel every time I wash my hair and swear it reduces drying time.
- Living Proof Dry Shampoo: The only dry shampoo I’ve used for years and the only reason I can get away with washing my hair every 4-5 days.
- ORIBE Dry Texturizing Spray: My hair is super fine and very silky so I love using this product to add a little grit and texture to help with styling.
- NARS Powder Blush: A classic I’ve used and loved since college.
- PMD Personal Microderm Device: For at-home microdermabrasion treatments. I have and love this!
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