The Little Things: August

​Can you believe it’s August?! Summers really do just fly by, but I’m comforting myself by remembering that we do still have a month left, so we might as well live it up! Here are some of the things that have been making my summer days a little sweeter. Enjoy! 
​

1. To Buy

1. Leather Apple Watch Band – I loooove this apple watch band knock-off from Amazon. It helps to dress it up!
2. Pearly Hair Clips – It seems like every fashion blogger on instragram is into this trend. Here is a super affordable way to try it out.
3. Dude, Be Kind Shirt – Ben has this is two colors and will probably get it in more because every single time he wears it, he gets tons of compliments. What a great way to spread a little light.
4. Ikea Sconces – I’ve been wanting to replace the lighting in our bedroom for about 2 years and I finally found these super affordable IKEA lights and I’m obsessed.
5. Smart Plugs – BUT. When we replaced the lights, of course we also needed them to be Alexa compatible, so these are coming in so clutch. 

​

2. To Watch

1. Quantico (Netflix) – One of my besties put me onto this show on Netflix and Ben and I are hard core hooked. A PERFECT couples show.
2. Murder Mystery (Netflix) – tbh…I heard this was terrible. But I laughed my butt off so I’m not sure what that says about my taste, but I loved it.
3. Friends (Netflix) – Well I’m sure we’ve all heard by now that Friends is leaving Netflix next year so it’s my goal to get through it by then! Hold me accountable people!
4. Big Brother (CBS) – We are just about crazy for this show. My friends and I pretty much all watch it so it’s a pretty big topic of conversation around here. If you need a reality TV show to watch, this is it.
5. Farmhouse Rules (Food Network) – Food Network is my place and this show is just the most relaxing thing to me. If you’re a cooking show person, DVR this. 

​

3. To Read

1. Dark Matter – OH MY GOSH. Best book I’ve read in ages. Read it now. I’m not going to tell you anything else about it because it’s better if you just go in blind and prepare to be amazed.
2. Mother-in-Law – This thriller is an incredible beach read because you’ll fly through it. Great for fans of Big Little Lies (which btw, watch that on HBO)
3. Burnout – As we prepare for the end of summer and getting back to routine, I’m trying to fill my cup with knowledge that will help me be a better me this year. This book is literally changing the way I think about work and all that it means. 

​

4. To Eat

1. Easy Flatbread Pizzas – Pick up some flatbreads in the deli section of your grocery store, preheat your oven to 350 degrees, top with sauce and whatever is in your fridge, and cook for 20 minutes. Dinner or lunch and a leftover clean out in 30 minutes? That’s a win.
2. Award Winning Zucchini Bread – Every time I’m at the farmer’s market, I’m shocked by how much and cheap zucchini is! I’ve been loading up on it for zoodles and zucchini boats, but this zucchini bread is absolutely killer. That crumb topping changed me.
3. Hello Fresh – One of my girlfriends sent me some free meals from this service and if you are heading into a busy week, this would just the perfect way to treat yourself. Ben and I are using the Calorie Conscious Plan and everything has been delicious.
4. Quick Ramen – I picked up this cookbook on from the library and I am crazy about the ramen recipe. On a rainy day, this just hits the spot.
5. Garlic and Dill Fridge Pickles – Cucumbers are also in season right now so it’s the perfect time to make your own pickles! This recipe is easy peasy and are so delicious for a summer cook-out.

BONUS: I’m including this cobbler recipe from an old church cookbook because when my mom made it for our fourth of July party people went nuts. P.S. Oleo apparently means margarine and I substitute fresh berries for pie filling. 

5. To Listen

1. You’ve Got Mail – Lately I’ve been doing a lot of computer work and while I love to listen to music while I work, it has to be perfectly chill for me to be able to keep my focus on what I’m doing. This playlist is just right.
2. Nine Perfect Strangers – This audiobook is a thriller/mystery from Lianne Moriary and is a perfect listen for long drives.
3. “Giant of Comfort” – This sermon jolted me out of some complacency in my life and it was just the conviction I needed. Perfect for when you’ve gotten so comfortable that you’ve stopped being as effective as you need to be.
4. Your Daily Drive – This service by Spotify recommends new music and plays a short news briefing for your morning commute. Seriously, how cool is this? I’m such a fan.
5. That Sounds Fun Enneagram Series – I’ve been loving this enneagram series on Annie F. Down’s podcast That Sounds Fun. I’m linking the episode on Enneagram 3’s because I felt so known within the conversation on this episode.