Because friends always share their favorite finds with friends, here’s some goodies I’ve enjoyed this past month. I hope at least one or two items are of used to you this end of summer season! As is often the case in August, I have a few household items on my list that I purchased in getting my girl ready for her senior year of college! I know that may fall in the category of “too little, too late” for any college kiddos in your life, but just the same…I thought sharing couldn’t hurt!
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: Summer Wind Down
The Gilded Age: Ohhhhh this show is such a favorite of mine! It stars several well known folks, but Christine Baranski is a special delight. Her character’s sharp, dry one-liners are up there with the Countess of Grantham’s from Downton Abbey. This show, which follows the old money vs. new money families of upper class NYC society in the late 1880’s, is just plain fun to watch!
What in the World?!: A Southern Woman’s Guide to Laughing at Life’s Unexpected Curveballs and Beautiful Blessings by Leanne Morgan: I listened to this via audiobook, and it was AWESOME. It’s read by Leanna herself, and you just can’t beat hearing her own words in her own thick, East Tennessee accent. Honest to goodness, this may be the funniest book I’ve ever read; I would double over and wheeze-laugh as I listened! I can’t identify with all of her story, but I sure can identify with part of it. Any Gen Xer or older could probably say the same!
Smoothies: This past month, my sweet girl had to get a gum graft performed. For over 2 weeks, she ate very little but smoothies. So, yours truly became the smoothie researcher and maker. Which means I also became a smoothie drinker, something I haven’t really indulged in for a while! Basically I made several from the same complication, but we especially loved the Cherry Almond Smoothie, The Peach Pie Smoothie, the Tropical Oatmeal Smoothie, and the Green Morning Smoothie. I also made Faith this Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl as an actual smoothie, too, without the toppings and chia seeds.
The Big Boo Cast: I’ve enjoyed Melanie and Sophie’s podcast for several years, and I often share items in my “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things” posts that I first learned about from them! As a bonus, It was a doubly sweet treat to be a guest on their podcast to talk about the difficult parts of friendship. Our conversation is for their Patreon community, so you do have to subscribe to receive it. If you’re interested in doing so, visit right here. I’ll always appreciate the way Melanie and Sophie model solid, healthy friendship, and I sure loved exploring this topic with them.
LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix: Speaking of Melanie and Sophie, I first heard about this product from them! It is so tasty and while I’ll mix it with cold water, I’ll also sometimes add it to my iced tea. Zero calories and the perfect pick-me-up on my workout days! Find it here, too.
Greetings from Your Hometown by the Jonas Brothers: Listen, I know the world is focused on another singer and her fun engagement news (it’s a love story and baby, she said yes!), but Faith and I have long been Jonas Brothers fans. Last week, while driving her back to college, we listened to their new album halfway to Texas. It’s fantastic and full of catchy, fun tunes!
Weighted Blanket: My girly requested this for her college room, and she’s been very happy with it. Plus, it’s machine washable!
Sheet Set: I’ve bought a few sets of these, including for Faith’s college room. They’re very soft and at a great price point!
Towel Set: Have I shared these before? Yes, I have. Is it worth sharing them again? Yes, it is. I’ve bought 3 or 4 sets of these this past year for a hodgepodge of folks, and I’ve heard only complements about them! David and I have one set in our bathroom, and they work great for us, too!
Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman: This classic devotional is so rich and beautiful, and I can certainly see why it’s stood the test of time. I learned that its author, Lettie Burd Cowman, wrote it to encourage herself as she cared for her dying husband. It has never been out of print since it was first published in 1925. Remarkable! if you’d like to get a jump on Christmas shopping, the copy I linked to is nice and compact and would make a good stocking stuffer!
The Changing Nest: A 12 Day Devotional for the Mom of the Graduate The season of kiddos springing from the nest is upon us. If that’s a reality for your life stage–or the life stage of someone you know–then I wrote this for you and your loved one.
Peach Crisp with Maple Cream Sauce: I made it without the maple cream sauce but added Blue Bell Vanilla Ice Cream instead. YUM.
That’s all for now, dearheart! Sending each of you lots of love this late August!
Kristen
Do you make your peach crisp with Palisades peaches? It’s looks so good.
Yes I sure do!! They’re so amazing!