Good evening, my ladies! Thanks for sticking with me during my mini-hiatus. I needed a little bit of time to regroup, refocus, and spend some time on me. And what I’ve realized is that, my favorite self care techniques include some pretty consistent things: TV, groceries, sleep, online shopping, and making my apartment feel homey and futuristic at the same time. Keep reading to see a few of the lil things that have brought me joy recently.
Atypical
I couldn’t think of any other way to start this post besides calling out this show. I needed a pick-me-up last week, and stumbled upon this new Netflix gem, Atypical. The show centers around Sam, a highschool student on the autism spectrum, and his quest to find a girlfriend. The cast is perfect and there’s only one season, and, as I’ve told literally every person I’ve come into contact with recently, it’s TRULY heartwarming and so worth a watch. Check out the trailer and be prepared to get hooked.
Trader Joe’s Gems
I am definitely a Whole Foods gal. I loved TJ’s in college, but the one in the city gets so freakin packed after work, it makes my head spin. That being said, I can understand the value of a Trader Joe’s run every now and then. Last week, I decided to reframe my thought process (dread) to a new one (opportunity). After inevitably circling the parking lot for a spot, I entered the store with a cool, calm, and collected attitude. I took my time, ignored the line snaking through the store, and checked out each and every product I usually rushed past. I came out with some new favs (Reduced Guilt Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt dip, Whole Grain Crispbread for avocado toast (thank you, Amanda!), so many new spices, including Chili Lime, and lots of new frozen things yet to be sampled), and old standbys (riced cauliflower, chocolate sunflower seeds, Everything Bagel Seasoning, and the freakin cheapest place Enlightened Kombucha bottles I can find). I recommend trying this technique sometime soon, and please report back.
Lavender Nighttime Products
For the nights I’ve been needing a little help getting some zzzzs, I’ve been enlisting the help of the almighty lavender and the looking into the idea of purchasing a new mattress from sites like Leesa to help me get better nights sleep. Lavender has been proven to calm humans down before sleep and even give them a deeeeper snooze, and I am reaping those benefits. There are three main product lines I’m using in rotation, starting with This Works. I have the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray and Sleep Plus Pillow Spray, and they are INCREDIBLE. Just a lil spritz and it’s all over for me.
Next up is a favorite from LUSH, Sleepy Hand and Body Lotion. I keep this next to my bed and rub some on my hands and arms before I sleep – guaranteed good sleep and bonus soft hands in the AM.
My last sleep success must-haves come from Kneipp. Kneipp is a holistic wellness brand based in Germany. Last October, they opened their first US store at KOP (so cool!) and sent me some products to try. I have become obsessed with the Lavender Body Wash, followed by the Lavender Body Lotion after showers at night. Seriously, the best.
New Jessakae Purchases
I have been stalking this site, Jessakae, for months. And I loooooved the dresses, but never pulled the trigger. Luckily, they recently had a big sale (I promise to let you guys know when the next one comes around!) and I stocked up. The standard dress I fell in love with was the Jane, so I naturally got it in two colors, Black (the one I’m wearing in this photo!) and Ivory. I also got the Emily Floral Dress (duh), which does need a slip and some double sided tape to not make it so revealing, but is gorgeous, and the Danielle Navy Floral Dress. Last but not least, I got this Lace Blouse in baby blue, and, the pride and joy of my order, these Blue Riley Slides. I’ll definitely keep you posted on how everything turns out, but for a new site, I’m super happy with all the things I snagged!
Home Improvements (including Alexa everything)
After a lull in working on my apartment, I’ve rekicked things off again with new curtain rods (thanks, Dad!), building a new coffee table (that I’m going to do this to), and starting to frame/hang some photos. I love completely small projects, and I love watching big ones. Have you ever thought about adding energy-efficient windows to your home ? We’ve recently done it, not only do they look amazing, but they’re saving me so much money. Watching new windows being put in was so satisfying, the house really feels homely now, and quite a lot warmer. A friend of mine recently got some alside denver windows put in and she was telling me what a difference they had made to her house. I fully believe her now! It’s incredible! Our windows were so old and outdated, you could feel the cold coming through them which was awful in the winter. It’s really starting to come together. But my most pressing home obsession is a little less Pinterest-y … it’s asking Alexa everything. I now have what I consider a full Alexa home suite, from the Firestick to my Echo Dot to the Dash Wand
Let me know what’s been making you smile this month, and have a great long weekend, folks! xx
