Hello, friends. I haven’t shown up around these parts since April! I’ve been in full on summer mode since I knew it was going to be an extra short one. We were in school through the first week of June and we return August 2nd. I personally think going back after Labor Day is the way we should be doing things, but they don’t really ask teachers what they want. Needless to say, I’ll be reporting for duty in about two weeks. Womp womp.
But let’s not think about that! So let’s see, what has happened with the Normans? I became a semi-successful plant lady, I got my bangs back, I discovered the most incredible face sunscreen, Paul and I went on our first vacation in forever, I read a lot of books, I got a new side gig, and I’ve cooked some seriously great recipes. I’ll share some of that and more here today and follow up with even more later on.
The $40 Amazon Activity Tracker
I have never wanted the Apple watch. I always said I didn’t need to be that available and didn’t want the notifications from social media pinging my wrist all day. But when I heard about this knockoff smart watch that will deliver your texts and show you who is calling and monitors your steps and workouts and even your sleep, I knew I wanted to give it a try. The exact on I have isn’t available anymore, but the one linked seems to be nearly the same and maybe even better. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed mine in the month or so that I’ve had it, and I’m really glad that I have it for the upcoming school year. I’ve always wondered how many steps I take during the day and keeping up with texts without having to have my phone in my pocket at all times will also be fantastic.
Okay, the details: The battery lasts for a week+. It’s comfortable to wear. It tracks just like an apple watch with rings to close and everything; it just looks slightly different. The app for your phone synchs instantly with your watch and is super simple to use. **Make sure that your text message notifications setting is set to “Show Previews”. Otherwise, you’ll think you got a dud and spend hours online trying to figure it out.**
Go-To Summer Nail Color
If you’ve been around a while, you know I love me some Zoya nail polish. It performs well, is big 10 free making it a safer nail polish, and the color options are endless. I have reached for Zoya Maren time and time again this summer for my fingers and my toes. It’s just such a fun, bright pop of color that flatters all skin tones-from my palest days to my best faux glows.
Watermelon Cocktails
Watermelon is hands down my favorite fruit, and I’ve often blended it up and used it as a mixer for an adult beverage. It’s also good in lemonade or even just on it’s own. This summer I had tequila on hand along with some Pasteque La Croix, and my new summer cocktail was born.
Recipe
1. Blend 5-7 cubed pieces of seeded watermelon in blender or food processor.
2. In a glass filled with ice add 1.5-2 ounces tequila
3. Add blended watermelon.
4. Top with La Croix (takes just a splash) *I’ve also splashed in margarita mix for a different flavor. **Fresh lime juice would also be delicious.
5. Stir and enjoy.
Barefoot Contessa Chicken Thighs
with Creamy Mustard Sauce
I’m about 90% sure I’ve shared this already, but I made it wrong the first time. This time I made it right and holy cow was it good! The recipe calls for creme fraise. Well, sweet little Greenville didn’t have it, so I used heavy whipping cream, and boy was that the right move! Just make it. It’s easy and seriously, just follow the recipe exactly as she says. Paul said it’s good enough to be in a restaurant.
Go-To Summer Foundation
It’s hot in Alabama in the summer, and I wanted more SPF in my daily routine. Staying home most of the summer means fewer days of wearing makeup, but I like to still look put together because it helps me feel better. I gave the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer from Beautycounter a go. I’ve been with this company for three years and never tried it. I’m so glad I did!! It’s very light coverage, has SPF 20, and basically blurs the imperfections of your face. I am so in love with it. The “Dew” part scared me because I’m naturally pretty oily, but it has been the best surprise. I’m not as oily. Perhaps my skin just needed the extra moisture. It’s FANTASTIC! Seriously, everyone needs a good tinted moisturizer in their lives. Get this one!
Daily Facial Sunscreen
While we’re on the topic of SPF, I have to also shoutout the other facial sunscreen product I tried from Beautycounter. The Daily Sheer Defense Facial Sunscreen is INCREDIBLE! It leaves no white cast, so it’s perfect for all shades of skin. It is basically weightless. It layers under your makeup so beautifully. I can’t say enough good things about it. It has SPF 25, so it’s a tad more coverage than the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer. Everyone needs their sunscreen, and this is a safer option for daily use.
July Reads (So Far)
Y’all know I’m a big reader, and so far I’ve only read 7 books this summer, but I’m working on three more right now. Going for 10. Here’s what I’ve read so far:
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. I couldn’t believe this story was about actual events that took place. It’s a story about a group of siblings who are essentially stolen from their parents under false pretenses and their journey through adoption and finding their way back to each other. It was a wonderful book but very sad.
Verity by Colleen Hoover. I was warned this book was too scary. I was happy to find out that it isn’t too scary. I even read it at night with the lights off. (Kindle book) It’s a story about a woman who goes to be a co-writer for an already established writer, Verity Crawford. Lowen, our main character, starts to learn lots about Verity and her family and how she has created a very popular book series, and it leads her on quite the journey. It is suspenseful at times but not scary. I enjoyed it and finished in about three days. The ending though…
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. As most Kristin Hannah books go, the female characters are wonderfully written and developed, and you really get to know them. But I’m not gonna sugarcoat it- this book is sad. I mean, no happiness. I was moved to tears several times. If you’re a fan of Kristin Hannah, please read it. You’ll be pleased, but if you’re feeling down in the dumps, wait until you’re feeling better. Gosh, it’s sad.
What I’ve Watched This Summer
That’s no joke. We record Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune every night. We’ve also been catching up on some shows that were on our DVR from earlier in the year that we never finished watching, like NCIS. So nothing new. Oh wait, we did watch the newest season of The Handmaid’s Tale. It was very good! I started season three of Virgin River this week. So far I’m not impressed.
The Grand Hotel
Paul and I got to take a fun few days away in June, so we headed to The Grand Hotel. Neither of us had been before and we really enjoyed it. There’s plenty to do for families, couples, or even by yourself. We did most of everything except the spa. I’m not really a massage kind of girl, but next time I think I’ll get a facial while I’m there. It’s a beautiful hotel, the food was delicious, and the pool was super nice. I was pretty partial to the beach part. I could get used to starting my mornings there in the sand with my coffee.
I’ll be back with more later. More recipes, more books, more products, and more things I think you should know about. Have a fantastic weekend, y’all!
