What I'm Loving in August 2013

(1) Keurig Vue.  I had been wanting a Keurig for awhile when I asked for one for my birthday.  I quickly discovered that even though it's fancy it's not as much as a time saver as I expected.  Though the Vue is a little annoying because it has it's own Vue cups and won't take K-cups, it's still super amazing and husband is glad I asked for it.  In fact, my first flavor I purchased was the Chai Latte -- and that has become his preferential flavor, whereas it's a little too sweet for me so I would rather go to Starbucks and get one.  I'm not really selling this thing well, but I promise you that if you like the flavors, it's totally worth it. :)  Husband also likes Donut Shop, I really like the hot cocoa and the Caribou blend... that's all we've tried so far.  What flavors do you like? 

(2) Honest Company Laundry Detergent.  I stocked up on Honest Company products when I learned we were buying a house.  I'm all about going natural and clean.  Though I firmly believe in making my own all-purpose cleaner (though, I do also have Honest Company's all-purpose cleaner due to a fabulous Zulily deal), I haven't quite figured out how to home make a laundry detergent... so I go for this baby.  And I love it. :)

(3) Kevin Hearne's Hunted, an Iron Druid Chronicle book.  I love the Iron Druid series.  I've totally been in to fantasy fiction in the past two years and these Iron Druid books are by far my favorite.  I can talk about a few other fantasy fiction series, but I get so giddy about these that I Amazon them straight to my Kindle app on my phone as soon as they are released.  Want to know what it's about?  Well, it's about the last living Druid on earth (a person who can draw powers from the earth) and the many adventures he goes through (including fighting witches, Norse gods, and many other fictional magical creatures).  The writing is light, comical, and totally addicting.  

(4) Smoothie King.  Lovelovelove SK.  My current go to drinks are the Lean1 Chai and the Island Impact when I'm in a fruity mood.  Ahhhmazing!

(5) Kemp's Low-Fat Frozen Yogurt: Black Jack Cherry.  People will probably think I'm weird because I like cherry ice cream with chocolate chips, but I do.  It's light with a refreshing taste and a hint of chocolate.  It's divinely satisfying, especially in these summer months when you want something cool but not heavy.

(6) The Gnarly Whale's hair products (in particular the detangler).  I need detangler.  I have so much hair (and it's fine so it definitely gets tangled quickly) and it's very long.  I need a good detangler when I get out of the shower or else I am not going to even mess with my hair.  It just gets so bad.  But The Gnarly Whale has a wonderful solution.  Plus, I've been following Ashley & Nathan (the owners) since December 2011.  They are pretty wonderful, too.  Visit them here.

What I'm Loving in July 2013

Room Essentials String Globe Lights from Target.  For about $30 we got three sets (with 25 lights each) and hung them up on our patio/backyard.  It turned out spectacularly and we just love it!

Imagine Dragons' Album: Night Visions.   You've probably heard "Radioactive" and "It's Time" from this album, but there are a few other tracks on the album that are just as great (if you liked those).  Husband and I both like this band and album!

Yes to Carrots body wash.  It leaves a wonderful smell on your skin. 

International Delight's Iced Coffee: Caramel Macchiato Light.  When we moved in to our house, we didn't have a/c at first so when we needed a caffeine fix, hot coffee was just too much for our already hot summery working selves.  I discovered this on a quick grocery run to get a few things when we first moved in and we love it.  It's just so light and refreshing.  I don't know how much caffeine it has, but it definitely has a delicious taste!

Self magazine.  The only magazine I currently subscribe to.  I love reading it every month and get so much inspiration and motivation from it!  Kudos to all the many writers and contributors of the magazine!

Lash Stiletto: Voluptuous by Maybelline New York.  Easily my go to mascara right now, especially in the summer when I just want something easy and effective for the day.

What I'm Loving in June 2013

Zulily.  Have yall checked out Zulily?  I love it!  I may not have a child or be pregnant, but I am now a Godmother... and a home owner!  So I love seeing the deals for babies and home!  I check the app daily :)

Nikon D7100.  This is my third Nikon DSLR.  And I've loved each upgrade I've made.  I was wanting the Nikon D7000 for years, so I knew by the time the D7100 was announced it would be my time to get one.  I was instantly impressed with the upgrades Nikon made with this.  I love being able to adjust Kelvin temperatures and was always looking forward to the increased speed of the model.

Quaker Instant Oatmeal - Raisin, Date, Walnut.  Now, I know this isn't "real" oatmeal, but when I'm on the go, I love throwing this in a purse.  I find a microwavable bowl and just add water.  It satisfies me for a good while!

Scandal.  Have you seen it?  The first season is on Netflix.  Loved.

Otterbox.  I purchased three Otterbox's for my iPhone 4S... it was only natural that I get one for my new Samsung Galaxy S4 (I apparently have a thing for the number four and the letter "S").

The Microsoft ArcMouse.  This bad boy gets attention from everyone.  I plug in a little tiny chip into one of my USB spots and then I get to use this wireless mouse.  The batteries last a long time so it's awesome for that, but it's also so amazing because the mouse can lay flat.  It "arcs" open to turn on and be used.  Brilliance.  I have one, husband has one, father-in-law has one.

Pimm's.  Pimm's has become the liquor for our family's summer drink.  Ergo, in our house, you will see this baby stocked up for a perfect summer cocktail... I'll have to share our recipe with you on this blog sometime...  I made it wrong one time for a party and everyone still loved it.  

Velina Bracelets.  Go check them out, they have so many amazing, unique jewelry with imported and hand selected beads and charms.  The business is also run by two sisters who are just adorable.

The Container Store. oh.em.gee.  Have you been in this store?  It's ah-mazing.  For an organization nut, it calls my name.  We are totally going to redo our closet just like their systems...... but some how for much cheaper...

What I'm Loving in May 2013

From top to bottom, left to right:

Samsung Galaxy S4.  I love my new phone.  I've had an iPhone since 2008, I was getting so tired of it.  Fortunately, Samsung has really become a top contender in the market (outselling Apple in 2012) and has really been creating quality products, like this S4.  I can give you so many reasons I love it more than the iPhone.... but I'll just stick with saying it's amazing and I love it.

This ASOS dress.  I got this dress for my graduation and I love it so much.  I got a size larger because I don't like skin tight, but it's so flattering and relatively modest.  And, as much as I dislike the color blue, I love this shade.

Ikea.  I love Ikea.  My mom and I headed over for some swedish meatballs (with cranberry and gravy -- superb) and a little shopping.  I'd been looking for some bedroom furniture to match our bed and, of course, Ikea had some great options at a wonderful price.  And I've never had a problem with the "quality" of their furniture.  I've had a few pieces for a few years now.  Love them.

So Delicious Dairy-Free Coconut Milk Yogurt, Vanilla flavor.  We are trying to go dairy-free and gluten-free in our house and Mr. Charming and I have found quite a few alternatives that we love.  For my yogurt and snacking fix?  This yogurt.  It's so yummy and refreshing!

Nude nail polish.  I'm totally in to this look right now.  I rarely put color on my nails to begin with, so this nude makes me feel all dolled up and it's a great shade.

Game of Thrones.  Team Targaryen.  You have to watch/read it to understand.

What I'm Loving in May 2013

From top to bottom, left to right:

Samsung Galaxy S4.  I love my new phone.  I've had an iPhone since 2008, I was getting so tired of it.  Fortunately, Samsung has really become a top contender in the market (outselling Apple in 2012) and has really been creating quality products, like this S4.  I can give you so many reasons I love it more than the iPhone.... but I'll just stick with saying it's amazing and I love it.

This ASOS dress.  I got this dress for my graduation and I love it so much.  I got a size larger because I don't like skin tight, but it's so flattering and relatively modest.  And, as much as I dislike the color blue, I love this shade.

Ikea.  I love Ikea.  My mom and I headed over for some swedish meatballs (with cranberry and gravy -- superb) and a little shopping.  I'd been looking for some bedroom furniture to match our bed and, of course, Ikea had some great options at a wonderful price.  And I've never had a problem with the "quality" of their furniture.  I've had a few pieces for a few years now.  Love them.

So Delicious Dairy-Free Coconut Milk Yogurt, Vanilla flavor.  We are trying to go dairy-free and gluten-free in our house and Mr. Charming and I have found quite a few alternatives that we love.  For my yogurt and snacking fix?  This yogurt.  It's so yummy and refreshing!

Nude nail polish.  I'm totally in to this look right now.  I rarely put color on my nails to begin with, so this nude makes me feel all dolled up and it's a great shade.

Game of Thrones.  Team Targaryen.  You have to watch/read it to understand.

What I'm Loving in April 2013

Left to right & top to bottom:

Sephora Instant Airbrush Foundation.  This baby makes my skin look beautiful!  It lasts and it's relatively affordable.  It doesn't have as many color options as the more expensive brands, but you can just use bronzer to help fill in some color.  I love this and it's one of my go-to makeups because it's also so light.  Caveat: it dries quickly!

Cuties.  I don't like oranges, but I love these California mandarins!  I no joke have at least 2-3 a day.  It helps that they are 0 PointsPlus on Weight Watchers.  Plus, they are a super easy snack to bring along and are relatively good at filling me up.

Scentsy.  Do you know your Scentsy girl?  I love mine, Samantha Thomas.  I was sick of having candles that didn't really smell.  When I'm working at my desk with client work, blog work, or school work, I like to have as relaxing of a mood as possible.  That now includes Scentsy candles and I am in love.  My Scentsy girl helped get me started with scents she recommended based on what I tend to like  (baked goods) and dislike (cinnamon).  Though it's a small investment to get started ($20-35 for the warmers), it's only $5 per scent and because it's just a warmer, the scents just melt in the tray and then you can just pour it back in the container when you want to try something else.  So you're not actually losing the wax.  Therefore it's a lasting investment ;)

Tazo Zen tea.  You may or may not know that I'm slightly more a tea person than a coffee person.  I don't actually like green or herbal teas, but I love Tazo's Zen tea so much.  I drink it without adding anything to it, too!  It has such a great blend of flavors and spices.  In fact, I love the whole Tazo line, but Zen is definitely by favorite.

Jo Totes Missy bag.  So you might have noticed this was on my wishlist for April... and I went ahead and got it because I desperately need a good laptop bag.  With school and work, I'm all over the place and I wanted to make sure I had something that would take care of any technology I'm lugging around. This is such a great bag (I got it in black instead of the fancy awesome mint because I wanted a safe color --- yes, I'm boring).  It even comes with adjustable inserts (like a camera bag).  It's very spacious and, of course, can also function as a camera bag or both.  It's good, solid, weatherproof material, too.  Love it.  Website.

Lipstick.  I don't have a particular favorite, I tend to collect lipstick because I am not a lipgloss girl.  I just love having a nice light shade like a pink or lighter mauve to carry around.  With summer approaching, I need to make sure I have a nice orange or peach available!

What I'm Loving in April 2013

Left to right & top to bottom:

Sephora Instant Airbrush Foundation.  This baby makes my skin look beautiful!  It lasts and it's relatively affordable.  It doesn't have as many color options as the more expensive brands, but you can just use bronzer to help fill in some color.  I love this and it's one of my go-to makeups because it's also so light.  Caveat: it dries quickly!

Cuties.  I don't like oranges, but I love these California mandarins!  I no joke have at least 2-3 a day.  It helps that they are 0 PointsPlus on Weight Watchers.  Plus, they are a super easy snack to bring along and are relatively good at filling me up.

Scentsy.  Do you know your Scentsy girl?  I love mine, Samantha Thomas.  I was sick of having candles that didn't really smell.  When I'm working at my desk with client work, blog work, or school work, I like to have as relaxing of a mood as possible.  That now includes Scentsy candles and I am in love.  My Scentsy girl helped get me started with scents she recommended based on what I tend to like  (baked goods) and dislike (cinnamon).  Though it's a small investment to get started ($20-35 for the warmers), it's only $5 per scent and because it's just a warmer, the scents just melt in the tray and then you can just pour it back in the container when you want to try something else.  So you're not actually losing the wax.  Therefore it's a lasting investment ;)

Tazo Zen tea.  You may or may not know that I'm slightly more a tea person than a coffee person.  I don't actually like green or herbal teas, but I love Tazo's Zen tea so much.  I drink it without adding anything to it, too!  It has such a great blend of flavors and spices.  In fact, I love the whole Tazo line, but Zen is definitely by favorite.

Jo Totes Missy bag.  So you might have noticed this was on my wishlist for April... and I went ahead and got it because I desperately need a good laptop bag.  With school and work, I'm all over the place and I wanted to make sure I had something that would take care of any technology I'm lugging around. This is such a great bag (I got it in black instead of the fancy awesome mint because I wanted a safe color --- yes, I'm boring).  It even comes with adjustable inserts (like a camera bag).  It's very spacious and, of course, can also function as a camera bag or both.  It's good, solid, weatherproof material, too.  Love it.  Website.

Lipstick.  I don't have a particular favorite, I tend to collect lipstick because I am not a lipgloss girl.  I just love having a nice light shade like a pink or lighter mauve to carry around.  With summer approaching, I need to make sure I have a nice orange or peach available!

What I'm Loving in March 2013

Left to right & top to bottom:

Cervical pillow.  I've always hated the way a pillow lifts up my neck, and as someone with a spine that is already forward 2 inches, it is extra uncomfortable for me.  I went through a long phase of not sleeping with any pillows and sleeping on my back.  Then I started needing the extra support when I would drift off and my head would go to the side.  This cervical pillow is fabulous and if I'm in a rare mood wear I want a regular pillow, it's perfect for snuggling -- because I never know what to do with my arms when I'm having trouble sleeping.

Shea Butter.  I purchased raw African shea butter on a whim after it was recommended to me.  I love it.  It really is super great for moisturizing, especially during the winter months.

Kleenex Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer.  I am in healthcare.  It's also winter.  And I babysit from time to time.  I wash my hands often.  But did you know that water and soap actually causes your skin to break and dry?  I didn't!  I read somewhere that if this is a problem for you then to only wash your hands when you're hands are visibly soiled and to use hand sanitizer the rest of the time.  This stuff doesn't feel like alcohol and moisturizes.  My husband brought it home for me one day and I was hesitant because it wasn't alcohol-free (they are in the development of an alcohol-free version), but I tried it and I now carry it everywhere.

Lifeway Kefir, Blueberry.  I love this!  I tried a few other different flavors, and a health magazine recommended the Kiwi flavor, but I haven't found that to try it and just love the blueberry flavor.  When asked to describe it, it's like a yogurt smoothie.  It is great for your digestive system (which is a big deal for keeping healthy, cleaning out toxins, losing weight, etc) and has ten different types of live and active probiotic cultures.  I have this as my morning drink.

Forever Living's Forever Lite Ultra in Chocolate.  I make a shake using this powder daily.  The powder is packed with all sorts of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that I need in my diet that I wouldn't get otherwise, to be completely honest.  It serves as a meal and it definitely keeps me satisfied for several hours.  And it tastes yummy.  I use skim milk with the powder and blend it in a rocket blender.  I'll add one banana to make it more of a shake versus chocolate milk (helps make it more of a meal versus a snack), and sometimes I'll add a teaspoon of almond butter.  If you are interested in purchasing, you can email me.  I've been drinking Forever Lite Ultra in Chocolate for a year now.

Brookside's Dark Chocolate Pomegranate.  A classmate of mine in nursing school got me hooked to these badboys.  At Costco you can get the big bag for like $10.  It sounds like a lot, but since I stick to the recommended serving (like a handful), it lasts a good while.  And as delicious as they are, there is a stopping point since it's a little bit rich.  I've gotten my husband on these and they are a yummy treat.

Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi Wild Ginger.  My hairstylist recommended this for me and I'll never go back.  My hair always feels amazing and brushes out so easily now.  There is a shampoo and a keratin rinse as the conditioner.  I use both and the shampoo has lasted me since early November, the rinse lasts two months.  It's well worth the investment at about $15-20 a bottle, I promise!

A Hot Beverage Warmer.  My mom got me one for Christmas because she knows I like tea and coffee year round.  This baby is ah-may-zing.  It really does keep my beverages warm for hours.  Because believe me I cannot chug coffee.  My stomach loves me taking my time with coffee. These are so compact that they are good for anywhere there is an outlet to plug them in to!

What are some items you are loving during this transition from winter to spring?

What I'm Loving in March 2013

Left to right & top to bottom:

Cervical pillow.  I've always hated the way a pillow lifts up my neck, and as someone with a spine that is already forward 2 inches, it is extra uncomfortable for me.  I went through a long phase of not sleeping with any pillows and sleeping on my back.  Then I started needing the extra support when I would drift off and my head would go to the side.  This cervical pillow is fabulous and if I'm in a rare mood wear I want a regular pillow, it's perfect for snuggling -- because I never know what to do with my arms when I'm having trouble sleeping.

Shea Butter.  I purchased raw African shea butter on a whim after it was recommended to me.  I love it.  It really is super great for moisturizing, especially during the winter months.

Kleenex Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer.  I am in healthcare.  It's also winter.  And I babysit from time to time.  I wash my hands often.  But did you know that water and soap actually causes your skin to break and dry?  I didn't!  I read somewhere that if this is a problem for you then to only wash your hands when you're hands are visibly soiled and to use hand sanitizer the rest of the time.  This stuff doesn't feel like alcohol and moisturizes.  My husband brought it home for me one day and I was hesitant because it wasn't alcohol-free (they are in the development of an alcohol-free version), but I tried it and I now carry it everywhere.

Lifeway Kefir, Blueberry.  I love this!  I tried a few other different flavors, and a health magazine recommended the Kiwi flavor, but I haven't found that to try it and just love the blueberry flavor.  When asked to describe it, it's like a yogurt smoothie.  It is great for your digestive system (which is a big deal for keeping healthy, cleaning out toxins, losing weight, etc) and has ten different types of live and active probiotic cultures.  I have this as my morning drink.

Forever Living's Forever Lite Ultra in Chocolate.  I make a shake using this powder daily.  The powder is packed with all sorts of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that I need in my diet that I wouldn't get otherwise, to be completely honest.  It serves as a meal and it definitely keeps me satisfied for several hours.  And it tastes yummy.  I use skim milk with the powder and blend it in a rocket blender.  I'll add one banana to make it more of a shake versus chocolate milk (helps make it more of a meal versus a snack), and sometimes I'll add a teaspoon of almond butter.  If you are interested in purchasing, you can email me.  I've been drinking Forever Lite Ultra in Chocolate for a year now.

Brookside's Dark Chocolate Pomegranate.  A classmate of mine in nursing school got me hooked to these badboys.  At Costco you can get the big bag for like $10.  It sounds like a lot, but since I stick to the recommended serving (like a handful), it lasts a good while.  And as delicious as they are, there is a stopping point since it's a little bit rich.  I've gotten my husband on these and they are a yummy treat.

Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi Wild Ginger.  My hairstylist recommended this for me and I'll never go back.  My hair always feels amazing and brushes out so easily now.  There is a shampoo and a keratin rinse as the conditioner.  I use both and the shampoo has lasted me since early November, the rinse lasts two months.  It's well worth the investment at about $15-20 a bottle, I promise!

A Hot Beverage Warmer.  My mom got me one for Christmas because she knows I like tea and coffee year round.  This baby is ah-may-zing.  It really does keep my beverages warm for hours.  Because believe me I cannot chug coffee.  My stomach loves me taking my time with coffee. These are so compact that they are good for anywhere there is an outlet to plug them in to!

What are some items you are loving during this transition from winter to spring?