What I Read: July 2023

What I Read: July 2023

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Despite my intentions to read some beach-y, fun summer books… that didn’t happen.

In fact, my reading seemed to slow way down this month. In part, because I was traveling and exhausted. But I did also tackle a 784-page book, so that likely played a role.

I still seem to be continuing my trend this year toward non-fiction and fantasy with July’s reads including:
-A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
-A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
-The Power of One More by Ed Mylett
-Ragdoll by Daniel Cole
-Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt

Now for the reviews!

Goal setting planner
What are SMARTER goals? (With Examples!)

What are SMARTER goals? (With Examples!)

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I was hesitant to write this post.

I don’t want to say that I was traumatized as that’s probably a bit dramatic, but having to complete SMART goals each year for a previous job did… leave a bad taste in my mouth. Can anyone else relate??

Considering that the SMART framework is an effective way to set achievable goals, it’s obviously very disappointing to feel this way about the process. So, when I heard about SMARTER goals while listening to the audio version of Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt, I wanted to give the whole process another chance.

Trader Joe's Watermelon Overnight Face Mask
BEAUTY REVIEW: Trader Joe’s Watermelon Overnight Face Mask

BEAUTY REVIEW: Trader Joe’s Watermelon Overnight Face Mask

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Whether it’s pumpkin products in the fall or watermelon products in the summer, I always have to try out the latest seasonal offerings- especially at Trader Joe’s!

I first found the Trader Joe’s Watermelon Overnight Face Mask back in October 2021, used the whole jar, and then promptly forgot about it. But during a recent shopping trip, I saw the familiar light pink container on the shelf next to the other beauty products and immediately grabbed it.

It’s as good as I remembered!

What I Read: June 2023

What I Read: June 2023

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I have a confession.

Summer is only just officially in full swing… and yet, I find myself already opening my fall candles and smelling them. I love that time of the year, but I’m trying to get myself to embrace the season I’m in more. Maybe, I’ll actually read some summer/beachy books in July!

As for June’s reads, I’m continuing to read a lot of non-fiction (which is a bit surprising) and fantasy:
-A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
-Ledge by Stacey McEwan
-To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
-The Good Life by Marc. S Schulz and Robert J. Waldinger
-Mastering Plot Twists by Jane K. Cleland
-How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana K. White
-Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Now for the reviews!

Decluttering and Organizing and Cleaning, Oh My!

Decluttering and Organizing and Cleaning, Oh My!

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Ever since I started writing down my New Year’s resolutions, I like to pause during the month of June and reflect: What were my goals? What progress have I made? How do I need to pivot in the remaining six months of the year?

I’ll be honest, this year’s goals are not going well. Due to my leg injury, my running goals have been on hold. My idea to try something new every month has fallen apart. And I haven’t really put any serious effort to my goal of making my home a haven. Since this is something that’s within my control, I think this is where I want to focus my energy for the remainder of 2023. 

June
What I’m Into: June 2023

What I’m Into: June 2023

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I don’t know if it’s decompressing from the busy spring or what, but the last month or so, I’ve been completely unmotivated. I know what I should do and even what I want to do, but I can’t seem to make myself take the steps. Is anyone else feeling this way- burnt out despite being less busy?

So, I’ve been trying to take it easy on myself and do more fun and new things until the feeling passes. That’s where this list of my latest obsessions comes in!

Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Bars with Probiotics
REVIEW: Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Bar with Probiotics

REVIEW: Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Bar with Probiotics

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After my experience with the Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Sweet Cream Protein Powder with Probiotics, I was a bit hesitant to try out the new line of Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Bars with Probiotics that recently hit the shelves at Target. But as a fan of Cassey Ho, Blogilates, and Popflex, I decided to give the Sculpt & Debloat brand another try. And as you’ll see, I’m glad I did! (Please note: I’m not a nutritionist, doctor, or any…

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What I Read: May 2023

What I Read: May 2023

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I seriously can’t believe we are already halfway through the year! Where is the time going?!

I feel like I have so many things I want to work on and accomplish before the year’s end, but I can’t seem to get myself to actually do the things. Anyone else struggling with this lately?

Something I can get myself to do is read. In May, I read six books, four of which were non-fiction:
-The Practice by Seth Godin
-Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross
-Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton
-A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
-Beach Read by Emily Henry
-The Fun Habit by Mike Rucker, PhD

Let’s get into the reviews!

What’s On Your Fun List?

What’s On Your Fun List?

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I’m currently listening to the audio version of The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life by Mike Rucker, PhD, and am shocked by some of the research he shares.

He says we are supposed to be having AT LEAST two hours of fun each day. And to be clear, passively scrolling through Instagram does not count as ‘fun’.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’m hitting this benchmark most days. If you aren’t either and maybe don’t even know where to start, Mike Rucker recommends creating a fun list that you can go to when you need inspiration.

ONA Diamond Facial Cleansing Brush sold by TAO Clean
BEAUTY REVIEW: ONA Diamond Facial Cleansing Brush sold by TAO Clean

BEAUTY REVIEW: ONA Diamond Facial Cleansing Brush sold by TAO Clean

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You know that feeling when you come home after a long day at the beach and you shower off, but you still feel like you have sunscreen on? Or maybe you try out a new moisturizer and it feels like it’s pasted on to your skin even after using your favorite face wash? That’s where this little device comes in!

The ONA Diamond Facial Cleansing Brush sold by TAO Clean claims that it “cleanses and exfoliates at a deeper level” and leaves you with “a clear, glowing complexion.”