Happy Saturday! Today I thought I’d have a little fun and share some of my favorite (summer) things!
Here we go …
Books
Although I tend to read more non-fiction than fiction, I find that I really enjoy getting lost in a good story while sitting outside and soaking up the sunshine. Here are few I’ve recently read and recommend …
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
The Garden of Happy Endings by Barbara O’Neal
Currently reading The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani
Health and Beauty
My friend, Emily, introduced me to this amazing product, and my friend, Stephanie, is a Norwex Consultant, so it was a ‘no brainer’ for me to order a pack and try them out! I’ve been using them faithfully for the past two months, twice a day (morning and night), and they have made such an incredible difference on my skin! I love putting them under piping hot water and using them on my face (no soap required, really). My skin feels awesome after using them and they’re a great way to stay chemical-free and ultimately healthy! I can’t recommend these enough!
I’ll admit I was skeptical at first about these. But after a little over a month of regular diffusing and applying topically, I am a believer! I have experienced a significant reduction in headaches, tension, and symptoms that come with allergies from incorporating these into my daily routine. My husband is also experiencing the benefits, and he was more skeptical that I was! I highly recommend purchasing the Premium Starter Kit if you’re looking to try them out. It’s a great way to experiment with various oils (singles and blends), and if you decided to continue with them, you get can purchase what you like at wholesale cost!
Shellac manicures. I’ve only had two, but I am totally hooked! I love this little treat to myself. They are no-nonsense, chip-resistant and therefore, absolutely PERFECT for this girl who is really low maintenance when it comes to things like this.
Music
Because I’m on the road much more now for work, I find music to be a constant companion. I love all different kinds of music, but in this season, I’m finding the following especially comforting and uplifting …
Acoustic Morning playlist (Spotify)
I also created my own playlist for 2015 on Spotify comprising various artists / songs that have spoken to me this year. This versatile blend of tunes has been great for me to listen to while reading, writing, driving, or even to just have on as background music while I work or do things around the house. If you have a Spotify account, feel free to look me up and check it out!
Recreation
I’m finally back to running outside, after months of training indoors to strengthen and build during my continued recovery from heel injury! It’s been wonderful to run my four-mile country block during the week as well as alongside the lakeshore while we’re up north on the weekends. I’m so thankful to be back to the sport that I love, and doing it more so as an expression of my ability and the pure enjoyment of it rather than for a medal or a PR.
We’ve been at our up north abode consistently on the weekends since we opened up for the season in May. Getting away helps to clear the mind and keep the focus on what is most important in life, namely God, family, friends, and the simple things overall. It’s been great to even spend more time up there now that my job takes me that way as well. (I’m grateful for having a comfortable and familiar place to stay while traveling for work, not to mention a workspace with a fabulous and peaceful view!) The weekends up north give us permission to sleep-in and do other things we wouldn’t otherwise do if we were home.
What are your favorite things in this season?
What things are filling your soul with all things good for summer?