Bounty
I’ve already gathered some peppers and one smaller zucchini previously, but it looks like he garden is starting to really kick in gear after all this rain and hot, humid weather.
Pretty soon it’ll be time to dust off the canning gear, I can’t wait! Until then, I’ll be cooking as many garden fresh meals as my bountiful harvest allows.
July’s Birchbox
- Benefit Girl Meets Pearl – Benefit knows how to do liquid highlighters well and this one is no exception. This goes on very sheer and gives your skin a soft, subtle glow. I think it would be great to use for evenings out or even during the day when you want to look “presentable” without wanting to bother with a ton of make-up.
- BENTA BERRY G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream – This French import is labeled as a unisex moisturizer, meaning that it goes on matte (most guys don’t want any shiny faces -but most gals don’t either) and has a fairly gender neutral scent. The creamy formula goes on smoothly and it feels very light and non-greasy. I do wish that it had some SPF in it as well, maybe the French don’t care about UV rays and sun damage?
- Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect – I rarely use anything more that a comb to style my hair in the summer, but come fall I’m sure to haul out the hairdryer and straightener again. Give me a few weeks at it and my hair will be calling for some of this leave-in conditioner. The spray is supposed to protect from heat damage as well as providing a UV shield and color protection. I think I’ll stick this in the drawer to pull out when my hair needs some TLC.
- 100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream – This all natural body lotion is packed full of nourishing cocoa and avocado butters as well as softening fruit oils, making it super hydrating but without that greasy, oily feel you get from some moisturizers. I really liked how this went on and lasted all day. My only complaint was that the coconut scent I received smelled more like coconut macaroons – a little too sweet for me- and it was REALLY strong smelling -lasting all day. It actually made me hungry! Something I don’t really look for in a body lotion.
- Bonus Freebie: Birchbox Bobby Pins – I really like how these are made out of snag-free enamel and a have a slight upward bend at the tip -instead of the bumpiness of regular pins – it really helps them slide easily over strands and stay put. The cute geometric print makes the a bit of a fashion statement on top of a soldier in my war against unruly hair.
Anyone interested in getting their own box of fun make-up samples each month? If you’d like to sign up for a Birchbox please click here so I get credit for the referral. Thanks a bunch!
I’m lovin’ . . .
With the demise of Google Reader (RIP) I was forced to find a new reader to use. I procrastinated until the last minute. . . how unusual . . . and after reading some reviews, decided to go with Bloglovin. I really love the clean, uncluttered format as well as how easy it is to upload your RSS to the site. In addition to a great site, they also have apps for my iPad and phone that are synced, so if I start reading a post on my phone and then later look at my feed on my iPad it automatically has that post marked as read. You can also opt to have notifications on when your feed is updated with new posts from your favorite blogs, so you’ll never get behind or have to wonder “Is she ever going to post some new content?” If your interested, just click on the link at the end of each post to check it out, or hit the button over in the sidebar!
Joseph 16 Months
I’ve been living it up this summer with plenty of swimming, visiting the zoo, and playing both indoors and out. This month I got to see my first parade and go to my first carnival. I really liked the train ride and the carousel!
My upper eye teeth are in and I’m now working on my lower ones. I can’t wait for them to be in, I’m constantly chewing on my fingers and toys. I’m quite the chatter box, I “read” books to mommy and ask to go outside all of the time.
My favorite food right now is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and watermelon. Yum!
I’m proud to say that I’ve been walking some. Mostly 5 or six steps to mom or dad, but I’m sure I’ll be racing around really soon. Then mom will really have to watch out!
My cousin Luke came out to visit me and he and I are best friends. I love to play with him in a blanket fort that we made and also snuggle up to read and watch him play his DS. We had a great time swimming together and just being two silly guys. I can’t wait to hang out again soon.
Dream Year 2013: June Re-Cap
So much for having a slow month! This one went in a blink. Hope everyone’s enjoying summer before it speeds by!
- Working out has been coming in the form of taking Joseph to the pool, either for swim lessons or for fun. Laugh if you will, but lugging a 32lb squirming toddler around in the water is a good work out. I’ve lost a few more pounds, but feel that I’ve gained a bit more muscle as well.
- Creatively, I’ve been okay. I finally finished a project that I still need to share, but since completing that, I’ve been stalled. Being busy outside with the garden has helped a bit, but I need to get my butt back in my studio soon.
- Things with Shawn have been good. The early part of the month I was getting burned out with his work and golf commitments, but we were able to go on a mini-vacaton to Las Vegas for a few days without Joe and that was just the R&R we needed. Wouldn’t it be great to have that kind of getaway every month!
- Mommydom has been good this month. Joe is always super busy, which keeps me on my toes, but he’s just a joy. He is getting better at being in the car and running errands, plus he entertains himself really well so I can get things done around the house (of course with one eye on him and my ears perked for any signs of mischief).
Summer Fun
We’ve been busy enjoying ourselves so far this summer. Lots of days at the pool, taking walks and rides in the wagon, ice cream runs, swim lessons, and some lazing around the house.
My parents and nephew also came out to visit and watch Joseph for us so I could join Shawn in Las Vegas for a few days after he finished meeting with some work vendors. We had a fantastic time. We went to see the LOVE, which was amazing! We also has some great meals, did a little gambling and spent one afternoon at the pool. Just what the doctor ordered.
Hope everyone else has been enjoying the summer so far!
June’s Birchbox
- Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser – This all natural cleanser exfoliates using nonabrasive sugar and the lemony scent is divine. Definitely not something to use everyday, but it was really refreshing after a long, hot day at the pool. It helped get all the sunscreen and gunk off and left me feeling squeaky clean.
- Color Club® Wanderlust Collection – I’ve received several different colors of this nail polish in past boxes, but this bright, fiery coral named “Reign in Spain” might be my favorite. Perfect for summer.
- DevaCurl 3-Step System – This set included a creamy ;anther-free cleanser, a hydrating conditioner, and a lightweight curl defining gel. It left me with some nice curl that lasted all evening and didn’t frizz up at all. Not a daily thing for me, but would use it again for a night out.
- Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner – This sample was missing from my box! I emailed Birchbox’s customer service and they were very apologetic and quick to send out the missing sample to me. I am awaiting its arrival and will report back once I get to test it out. UPDATE: I received the sample shortly after posting and I must say that it was worth the wait! The brush was easy to use, the color was saturated, and it lasted all evening!
- Bonus Freebie: Tweezerman Filemate – This bonus sample came packaged as a little matchbox filled with teensy travel-sized file emery board. So cute! They worked great and were thick enough so they didn’t bend or crumple when in use, like many travel ones do.
Anyone interested in signing up for a Birchbox? Please click here so I get points for the referral. Thanks a bunch!
Joseph: 15 Months
I have had so much fun this past month! I went on my first family vacation and got to see the ocean for the first time. I loved the waves and splashing in the surf. We got to go on lots of walks and played in the pool everyday.
I am still jabbering away and like to sing to myself and with mommy. I am SO close to walking. I will walk anywhere holding mummy’s fingers and “walk” on my knees too. I just like to crawl because that’s the faster way to get around.
All of my first year molars are in, but now I’m working on my upper eye teeth! The tips have just broken through, but I’m constantly chewing on my fingers. I am really tired of getting new teeth, but it makes eating a lot easier. some of my favorite foods are blueberries, watermelon, daddy’s pancakes, and pizza.
I love reading my books, playing with my “bike” and going for rides in my wagon. Bath time is still the best time of day because I get to splash and play with my boats. The vacuum and I are still going strong and Walter and I wrestle every day. Mommy gave me my first job, to give Walter his treat when he comes inside.
I am looking forward to some more summer fun and learning more things!
****Mommy actually had this post ready to go on my actual 15 month birthday, but she was so tired that she forgot to upload it. *****
101 Things: 43. Get a massage
While on vacation, Shawn surprised me by scheduling a massage at Heavenly Spa by Westin. (This might have had something to do with him going off to golf a couple times earlier in the week.) I’ve been wanting a hot-stone massage for years and I finally got one. Yes, it lived up to all my expectations.
It. Was. Heaven.













