Add It To My List: July 2018

• A reminder to fight, and that there is treatment and light from Jenny Lawson aka The Bloggess

What are you loving lately?

Add It To My List: June 2018

• Julie Roberts
• Always looking for females to add to my I Love Tomatoes playlist, so when I came across a Julie Roberts duo I made a note to go look her up. Turns out, she is NOT a new artist because I totally remember seeing her songs on CMT while at my grandparent's house, which would have been at least a decade ago. Still love her, and I don't understand why she isn't more popular.
• Give a moment or two to the angry middle-aged woman
•  Wonderful post by Jana at Jana Says about the current political climate, specifically as someone who is Jewish. 
• EXPERTS ON EXPERT: Wendy Mogel
•  An episode of Dax Shepard's podcast, Arm Chair Expert, with Dr. Mogel who is an author and child psychologist. The overall messages included chilling the hell out and lowering expectations for both children and ourselves as parents. She comments how people act like the normal curve has disappeared- aka, MOST OF US ARE AVERAGE by the very definition of average so stop grading our kids and ourselves, which really spoke to me. Also I appreciated how she talked about becoming more religious and putting more Jewish practices into motion after becoming a parent and the value in those traditions and part of why they have carried on for so long (I am Christian, no Jewish affiliations in any way, just for the record and the sake of non-appropriation but some things make sense cross-culturally and even Dax who is an outspoken atheist could relate and find value in the discussion).
• Shutterfly Photobooks
• I used Shutterfly to make our adoption photobook- we had to do a book that described our life/family/home/hobbies/etc. I loved it so much and kind of got addicted...I since ordered two more and started on a third. My new goal is do one of these every year. I used to scrapbook but...this is so much easier guys! I will say, I think the hard covers, Storytelling style, and lay flat pages are worth the extra money. Shutterfly totally gets ya by sending coupon codes often, but I really do think it's worth it. 
• Z-Grip Ballpoint Retractable Pen
• I'm the kind of person who has strong opinions on pens. Felt tip pens are my favorite for the way they write, but they bleed through regular notebook paper so easily which makes them not the best for taking notes for class. I like colors but hate gel. These pens are super smooth and don't seem to clot up on the tips as badly and the color is very consistent, if that makes sense. I tried Papermate InkJoys because people just raved about them in my Bullet Journal groups, but ink didn't flow well and different letters had different thickness...it was just buggy. I wished these were thicker because I'm a freak who loves thickness in pens, but they're the best I've found so far. 
• No Boundaries Tank Top
• So I can't find a link to the exact product, but I got these awesome tank tops to work out in at Walmart. They are plan, polyester+spandex material which kind of sounds awful but is so much better than anything cotton when the heat index is 90+. They do cling a little, but I'd rather just hug the mum-tum than have something loose that falls while I'm doing mountain climbers or something. They cost like 3-4$ and for the price you can't beat them. They weren't with the workout gear but totally work anyway.

What have you been loving lately?

Add It To My List: May 2018

• Jada Pinkett Smith's emotional interview with Will Smith's ex-wife Sheree Fletcher
•  Saw this on Mother's Day weekend and it was wonderful to see two women acknowledge past wrongs, and have an honest and emotional talk about hard things.
• Lil' Scrubbie Facial Cleaning Pads
•  I have an ongoing war with cleaning my face- I know, random. But I don't want to keep using cleaning wipes, but I hate using wash clothes because they consistently stay wet which freaks me out...anyway, it's a whole big thing in my life. Which is why I LOVE these lil scrubbies. TBF, the suction cups does NOT work at all for me, but I give it a pass. I've used it with apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and Neutrogena cleanser...works with them all.
• Tomi Adeyemi Wanted ‘Children Of Blood And Bone’ To Be ‘So Good... So Black’
• HuffPo interview with Tomi Adeyemi; found this via We Need Diverse Books and this author seems awesome and I'm totally checking those out from my library ASAP
• Silicone Makeup Sponge
•  I'm still getting used to this, but I think I really like it. Feels like my makeup stays on longer. The issue is that since I'm used to using sponges which soak up the makeup before putting it on your face, I sometimes use too much with this and it looks cakey once I put it on. But that is a total user error and one that I think I'm correcting. Another plus- it's super easy to rinse off and wipe off and it stays dry- see above.
• Vikings (TV series)
•  Story based on the legend of Viking hero Ragnar Lothbrok- from what I can tell, kind of a Robin Hood/Odysseus type Norse story. Interesting- gory, and no clue how much is historically accurate, but interesting.

What are you loving this month?

Add It To My List: April 2018

 Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

• How to be a Mormon Feminist (Unladylike Podcast)
• While this story doesn't have the happiest of endings, I appreciate seeing the intersection of feminism and religion. It's not something you see much of but it's something I personally deal with a lot.
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime Original TV Show)
• From the creator of Gilmore Girls...so I'm basically destined to love it. I know she's been called out for many problematic things and I totally acknowledge that, but there's still a lot to love here.
• Resistance Series: Resistance in the Bible from Truth's Table
•  This is a new podcast for me, and in my true form I'm starting from the beginning. This post is a bit old but I love the discussion of the Resistance and the Biblical inspirations Christians can pull from. 
• This is a podcast specifically for Black Christian women- I only hit two of the three demographics but it's really refreshing to hear modern women talk about faith so earnestly and honestly and faithfully and realistically and while I'm only a few episodes in I'm LOVING it so far.
• Set the World on Fire or Don't. It's Your Life by Stephanie at Life According to Steph.
• Beautiful post about how women can be amazing leaders who shatter glass ceilings- or stay home and lead a "regular" life. I've been thinking of this a lot lately. It's amazing to see all these women fight back against adversity and be lauded for it- but being SPECTACULAR should not be a criteria for respect. Basic existence is enough. 
• Rich by Maren Morris
• Not sure why, I've heard this song before but for some reason it's suddenly become my JAM. Love love lovin' it.

What have you been loving lately? Link-up & let us know!

Add It To My List: March 2018

 Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

• This twitter thread from Linda Tirado which talks about the psychology of being poor and the transition to middle-class. As someone who grew up relatively poor (family was on Food Stamps & had Medicaid for health care), and is know kinda not poor (own a home, vehicles, pay for my own food & insurance, score?)...this almost made me cry. I mentioned previously that hubs & I have a halfway plan to get out of debt. Like...within the next two years if not one year. And in a way I'm terrified, because I STILL DON'T KNOW HOW TO NOT BE POOR. The idea of savings and future and all is just still so damn hard for me to grasp, and I've never seen or heard anyone talk about it before but holy fuck she put it into words and YES YES A THOUSAND TIMES YES. 
• This podcast from Girls Girls Podcast- talks about the anxiety from social media, but also about reframing the Monica Lewinsky scandal in the wake of the #MeToo movement.  
• This is the Vanity Fair article referenced. 
• This podcast from Delete This, which is a podcast where Hank Green and his wife Katherine go over his twitter feed from the last week. Which sounds terrible, but it's suprisingly great (mainly because Katherine cares nothing about social media or fame and it's lovely- even if I can't tell her because she doesn't care). Mainly the first five minutes, because it's the first tweet they discuss where Hank talks about his privilege and safety net growing up and acknowledging how helpful that is and yeah...it was just nice to hear acknowledged and also maybe helpful for people who have that net but don't think about those who don't. 
• Why Representation in Media  Matters (To Me) by Emily Hornburg
• A beautiful piece about 1) representation of OTHER PEOPLE being okay, and 2) the different ways we can relate to media and how it doesn't have to be an exact match to be meaningful.

What's on your list this month?

Add It To My List: February 2018

 Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

Good Buys:

• Shower Caddy from Target
•  My husband & I used to have completely separate bathrooms, because...we like it that way. BUT, with the kid taking over "my" bathroom a little (our master has an extended shower rather than a bath and I like baths), I have started to use the actual master bathroom more. But I needed a better place to put all my stuff. This holds a ton, even my huge bottles of shampoo & conditioner, plus it has TWO RAZOR holders. I didn't even notice that when we bought it but seriously, it's the best thing ever.

Cool Stuff from the Internet:

• It's Not Always About You, White Dudes (You're Just Not Used to That)
• Important. For white dudes, for white ladies, for basically anyone experiencing some kind of privilege. 
• Is the Rosa Parks Story True? by Origin of Everything
•  This is a great video that goes into the simplified version of Rosa Parks' story, the more detailed and nuanced version, and also some possible reasons why the story was simplified in the first place. It's also a reminder that there is not one big event that changes history- it is a network and constant trudging forward #resist
• New Product Obsession: Lady Doritos from Bourbon & Lipstick
• Verity Podcast
•  Six Smart Women Discussing Doctor Who...'nuff said.
• Me being me, I am starting from the beginning which is like 3.5 years ago...but I appreciate it so far. 
• Bill & Melinda Gates 2018 Annual Letter: 10 Tough Questions We Get Asked
• An interesting insight to people who have a lot of money and how they choose what to do with it.
• Quote from the article: "But being an optimist isn’t about knowing that life used to be worse. It’s about knowing how life can get better."

What's on your list lately?

Add It To My List: November 2017

 Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

Recipes
Making a new attempt to eat different types of food- I've been doing monthly menus for almost a year but I'm stepping up my game. This month, each weekday was divided into a different category: vegetarian, beef, pork, chicken, and seafood. This is making me step out of my comfort zone regarding recipes but there have been some real winners lately!

• Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quesadillas
• Fish tacos with lime crema & simple slaw 

Articles & Videos & Blog Posts

• Four Ways to Help Your Daughter Set Her Own Boundaries
• found through Teh Megan 
• This post from Steph, regarding Franken and conversing on sexual assault/groping/etc. 

Products

• Kiwi Leather Instant Wax Shine
• I feel like I go through work shoes SO QUICKLY. I'm tired of wasting the time and money to buy a new pair every other season- especially my basic white girl black boots and wedges that I wear constantly...so I figured I would try something. This was around 5$ at Walmart and it made such a big difference! Not perfect, but my shoes will last at least another season. Maybe more if I do it consistently.

•  Advance Techniques 360 Nourish Moroccan Argan Oil Leave-In Treatment  

• My mom is a products person and is always passing along hair and skin care products. I rarely end up actually using them and almost never asking for more. BUT- this stuff is amazing. I have suuuuuper thick and coarse hair. Basically, think of a horse's tail but like...a LOT of it. I almost never do anything with it because it's so hard to shape into anything other than long/thick/just wavy enough to not be straight but not wavy enough to be a style.  This is seriously the only thing in 20 years that has ever made my hair feel soft. Like, potentially pliable enough to style (although to be clear, I'm way too lazy and impatient to try it). I'll actually go buy my own when the bottle my mom gave me runs out (only 10$). I do it maybe 2-3 times a week, maybe a quarter size if that much, so it will definitely last a while and be fairly cheap to maintain.
 

 

What recommendations do you have this month?

Add It To My List: October 2017

 Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

• Printed Post-It Tutorial & Layout
• This is several years old but I just found it and used it for work- love that I can be Post-It organized without having to display my messy handwriting ;) 
• John Green's video on Trump & Russia, where he talks about what we know but also what we DON'T know...and why it's important to acknowledge both.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYSjPZUqLdk 




• The other Green brother, Hank, and his video about wanting media to be about something

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWeJ7OM3mo4
 

• Aldi's apple fritter bread
• NOT their coffee
• but also their cheese sticks
• and raspberry ice cream sticks

•  Yet another Hank Green video: The Secret to Hank's Productivity

 What are you loving this month?

Add It To My List: August 2017

 Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

• Call The Midwife
• This show. Guys. Seriously, watch it right now. At first I thought it was only okay.  I'm now in Season 4 and it keeps hitting it out of the damn park. Poverty, religion, PTSD, race, LGBT+...it's hitting so many topics and handling them beautifully! Especially given the time period it's set in (post WW2). Also, kind of a love letter to the NHS and feminism in general. Ahhh I'm loving it.
• e.l.f. Complexion Brush
• I bought my first ever make-up brush. I can't even say this one is that good, because I can't compare...but it's doing the job for this newbie.
• This YouTube video Yoga for Runners
• I ran two miles the other day, and hadn't ran for months. I expected to be miserable the next day, so I did this video right after. I barely felt a thing and wasn't sore at all. I'm not a yogi in any way, but this seriously makes a world of difference.
• This post from Jen. I have stopped being as vocal or active about politics because...there are people saying what I want to say, and saying it better than I can. And it still somehow seems like those in a position of power aren't listening. But I can not stop saying it. 
• This article about the view of Charlottesville from Berlin, Germany. 
• This video from Hank Green about staying in your lane & racism.

And I realize I'm posting a lot from white people, but I am a white person and it seems really really important that we step the fuck up and realize we are a big part of the problem so I'm glad to see people address it. But that's problematic in it's own way...

 

What have you been enjoying this month?

Add It To My List: July 2017

 Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

• This video by Cat & Nat. I was going to write a how blog about how adults to to hold themselves to the same standards they expect their kids to meet. But they already did this video, so here you go.

• On the same day I saw this video, I also listened to this episode of the One Bad Mother podcast where they talk about how they are similar to their toddlers. Yep.
• The TV show Reign on Netflix
• I never think I'm going to enjoy period dramas- and I have no clue how historical this is (probably not at all), but it's sucked me in! I will say, the first two seasons are the best and after that some parts get...weird. But overall still good, and made me want to look into the history of Mary Queen of Scots & Elizabeth I more.
• Also the show iZombie.
• Surprisingly funny and I like the "passable" zombie thing. 
• This post from Tim which is so true and also so hard: The Truth Resists Simplicity. 
• Bullet Journaling
• basically a DIY simple planner
• I tried this once before, but got overwhelmed by the artistic types who turned this from a simple note-taking system into half-planner/half-sketch book. I've went back to the minimalist original idea and it seems to be working.
• I've had issues with the buttons for multiple link-ups lately...have y'all noticed this? Apparently Photobucket is requiring payment now to share your image...so our buttons are effectively dead :( So dissapointed and unsure of what to do...moderators- ideas? 
• although now it seems to be working. Dude, so confused. 

Two small announcements & 
things to add to your prayer list, please, if you have one...

1) We are hoping to grow our family through foster/adoption and just getting started on the process! I'm terrified and nervous and so hopeful and excited.

2) Also...finally starting grad school. Because...that seems totally reasonable at this point in my life, right? I can't even.

I'll talk more about both of these later, but right now they are still super new and I'm processing.

Add It To My List: June 2017

 Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

I cannot believe it June is practically over already! Ugh. Where is the summer going?

Anyway. Here's what I'm loving lately:

• JuJuBe Bags
• Ugh y'all, I almost hate how much I love these bags. It's actually a diaper bag company, but these are not typical diaper bags. They are Teflon treated, so if you spill stuff on there you just wipe it off. But you can also just WASH THE WHOLE THING. Which is magic. I got one randomly because someone posted a super good deal online- it's a pricey brand (by my lower middle class standard, anyway). But because they last so long (and also because addicts buy all the prints then change their mind so they sell it for the next newest print) there is a big Buy/Sell/Trade turnover. This allowed me to spend about 65$ on items that new would have costed around around $250+ had I purchased new. These items were second-hand but definitely good condition and will likely last a while, so I'm cool with it. I'm probably going to do my first ever product review/"what's in my bag" post because these things are for realz making my life easier.
• Disc Golf
• Once upon a time, I would have considered this super lame. But it's free (after you get the discs, which can be done for <20$), it gets us outside, we can do it with our kid- we can even do it with our friends AND their kid. It's halfway athletic but not so much I'm intimidated. It's just a great hobby for our family right now. 
• This video from The Sensible Mama about insecurities & lies
• This is from a Christian standpoint and mentions the Devil, just as a "trigger warning" in case some of you aren't used to that. But that doesn't make it less true. Even if you aren't, I encourage you to listen...if you have to say "depression" instead of Devil, whatever. You are loved, and there is grace. You can tell that voice- whatever you believe it to be- to HUSH. It's not easy, but that voice is lying. Remember that.

• The Ranch Season 3 on Netflix
• Also excited that Moana is apparently on/coming to Netflix so I can finally know what everyone is talking about!

What have you been loving lately? 

Link-up & let us know so we can add it to our lists!

Add It To My List: April 2017

 Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

 Y'all, this month has completely snuck up on me (apparently Blogger doesn't recognize snuck as a word...should it be sneaked? That sounds wrong...). Usually I have a draft going all month long that I add things too...guess I didn't do that this month.

• Up First 
• This is an NPR podcast (dear God, how I love NPR) that gives you daily news in a 10-20 minute burst. It seems fairly unbiased (ok, NPR may lean a little left but it at least mentions both sides of an issue or just sticks to facts of what is happening). It also doesn't drag on so long that I lose hope for all that is good in the world. 

• 13 Reasons Why 
• This is a Netflix show based on Jay Asher's book. It's controversial- deals with rape, suicide, and general morality. Some argue that it glorifies suicide, rather than presenting it as a tragedy...I don't know about that. It's a difficult show to watch, and may be a trigger for some...but it's definitely worth discussing and thinking about. If nothing else, it shows the way we all affect each other, for better or worse, and we need to take more responsibility for our actions. That's not being sensitive, it's just not being a dick.

• Lularoe Perfect-T 
•  I finally jumped on the damn LLR bandwagon. Feelings so far: Probably priced too high, leggings are cool but you can find cheaper, pencil skirt (Cassie?) is cute and comfy...maybe could find cheaper, but depends on if you like patterns...but this Perfect-T. I freakin' love it. Can wear with leggins, can belt it with jeans...it's super cute and fits my hip-y self perfectly (not free love hippie....just short girl with curves hip-y). 

• The idea of Free Range Parenting 
•   I vaguely remember this being a big thing a few years ago...now as a parent it seems I am way more into this idea than the current wave of helicopter parenting. Basically- give your kids some independence. They'll survive. Statistically speaking, they'll almost certainly be fine. 

• Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
• This was our dinner last night and it was soooo yummy! Although next time we will probably add more shrimp and/or sausage- I was full but we didn't have enough to have leftovers, which is big in our family.

Seems like as good a place as any to ask- I am looking for frugal/budget blogs and also minimalist/simple living blogs. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

What have you been loving this month? 

Link-up & share!

Add It To My List: March 2017

Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

Kinda short & sweet this month, but here's what I came up with.

• This recipe for Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
• So weird I had to try it, and it was AMAZING! 

•  This article titled Beauty and the Beast: Why Christian Parents Can Calm Down which is a better version of my last rant

•  Spotify Playlists:
• Early 2000s Pop Punk Throwback
• I Love Tomatoes
• This guy's comments still bug me so I made an all-female list of country songs. It's ridiculously long- I think 485 songs...I'm hoping to get more time & push it to 500.

What have you been enjoying this month?

Add It To My List: February 2017

Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

 Lots of people did make-up/beauty recommendations last month...um yeah, y'all won't be getting that from me. Hope you're into podcasts and YouTube videos and articles.

Podcasts:

• Relevant Podcast: Ira Glass & Andy Mineo
• Interesting discussion from Ira Glass (an atheist) about how Christians are often so misconstrued in the media
• Also, you get to hear a Christian rapper talk about being inspired by Eminem
• Girl's Girls Podcast
• Someone shared this last month in the first link-up, and I'm so glad because it is hilarious! Had to share again NSFW, so use your headphones kthxbye.  
• Bad Christian Podcast: Ben Sledge of Heart Support
•  So these guys are controversial on both sides, but this was a really open conversation with a veteran and I appreciate that aspect. Even if you aren't Christian (or any other religion), I encourage you to give it a listen. Mainly it's just a worthwhile discussion that civilians as a whole (99.5 % of the population) rarely participate in or even listen to.

TV Shows

•  Santa Clarita Diet
• Fun new Netflix show, some zombie-ish but funny more than scary (a little gross at times, but not too bad). Binged it and it was adorable, and Drew Barrymore is super cute in it.
• Switched at Birth
• So I've heard a lot about this show, but for some reason always think ABC/FreeForm shows are lame or cheesy. But y'all, I'm so into it. OMG. I can't even imagine, and I think it does a good show of tackling all the different viewpoints. And it's really cool to see such a big focus on the deaf community (which I'm not a part of in any way, but I appreciate the insight). I'm hoping that since so much of the cast is deaf/hard of hearing that they have input and the representation is realistic.
• Also...Emmett & Bay? SHIPPING HARD, Y'ALL.

Song:

•  Love Triangle by RaeLynn 
• for some reason, Blogger will not upload the "official" video but here is the lyrics one. This song is just so sweet and tells such a compelling story...it's an example of country music at it's best, IMO.

Add It to My List: January 2017

ANOTHER LINK-UP! Because blogging is more fun with friends, let's just be real.

Link-up creators are Lauren from Eat, Drink, & Be Lauren and Bre from Bre Writes. Basically, they are always recommending things to each other- podcasts, television shows, music, blah blah blah. And they figured- why not share even further?

I always need recommendations, and I love link-ups where bloggers interact with each other. So this appeals to me immensely! I hope you will link-up also!

One note- I won't be discussing books very much, because I love the Show Us Your Books link-up and want to save it for that (which Lauren encourages this because she is a SUYB-er too).

Anyway, here's what I've been enjoying this month:

• Dear Booknerd Podcast
• of course they cancel right around the time I started listening, but I finished all 70+ episodes and enjoyed it
• How to Stay Outraged Without Loosing Your Mind
•  I know everyone has been sharing this- because it's important. Many of us are unhappy with the election results. And even if you have conservative values- Trump is openly silencing people who does not agree with him. If you believe in the Bill of Rights in any way, that is terrifying. Please don't ignore very serious red flags out of loyalty to a specific party.
• Haven
• This is the show Hubs & I are currently binging on. I started watching it because I thought it was based on the books in the Bishop/SCU series by Kay Hooper, but it's actually based on the book The Colorado Kid by Steven King. Either way, cool sci-fi series based on a novel. 
• French Dip Sliders
• OM NOM NOM
• I made these for my church group (we trade off making dinner each week when we meet) and it was SO GOOD! I can't wait to make them again
• Ask Me Another Podcast
• Because it's random trivia and funny and I need something to zone out of the sorry mess of current politics.

What are you enjoying? 

Link-up so we can all add-it to our list!