I keep a random photo folder of things I always mean to get around the blogging about. Despite the plethora of words I type almost daily, I don’t always end up getting around to them all (I know, I’m not sure how that is possible either). So today I’m forgoing any real attempt at writing style and opting for my tried and true- a list of things that have been on my mind or helping in my life lately.
Vital Proteins. I used this collagen for a few months and really loved the difference I saw in my nails, hair, and most noticeably, my EYELASHES. I ran out, forgot to order it, and my eyelashes shrunk again. I decided to switch things up and try Vital Proteins collagen that I’ve heard so much about. Boom, my eyelashes came back thicker and longer again. I can’t tell a big difference between the two brands as far as results go, but I certainly am convinced I need collagen and this mascara in my life if I want to look awake on a daily basis.
Monday Night Out. Who knew Mondays could be so much fun? Last night Pastor Steven came to talk at church, so David and I met up for an early dinner of fajitas, then somehow made it in the building that was overflowing into the parking lot to hear him speak.
He spoke about gaps, how the one between where you used to be and where you stand now is to make you grateful and the one between where you are now and where you want to be is there so you can grow. A great message and evening overall.
When we were back at the car, I got word from some girlfriends of mine that they hadn’t even started The Bachelor finale yet, so I headed straight there for some much needed girl time.
Funny enough, we never watched the show at all, but it provided a great excuse to get together and chat. Now what show is on that we can pretend to watch so we can make this a weekly occurrence?!
thred UP. I know I’ve said it plenty of times before, but I really love thred UP (<- affiliate link that will get us both $10 to spend) for buying kids’ clothes. I have found some awesome deals and several with tags still on. I’m on the hunt now for a snowsuit that will fit Hailey next winter, but in the meantime she’s loving her “new” dresses that just arrived in the mail.
I did not tell her to pose like that. Goodness help me when she turns 15.
March Snow Day. Speaking of snowsuits, we got a random late spring snow surprise this past Sunday.
It made for a cozy morning of cinnamon rolls and coffee. I used Annie’s cinnamon rolls from the refrigerated biscuit section instead of homemade so we actually could get out and play in the snow before it all melted (which it did, by noon).
Oatmeal. While we are talking fast breakfasts, in an ideal world I’d always make my own oatmeal packs for the girls, but in reality, Nature’s Path has some really wholesome and delicious options that the girls have been devouring for breakfast lately. I put on a tea kettle of water to boil and breakfast is made and consumed in less than 15 minutes.
Kaitlyn prefers an equal ratio of oatmeal to raisins.
Reading Aloud. I’ve immersed myself in homeschool research lately and have found really insightful and applicable tips for raising kids in general. Most recently, I’ve been inspired by the Read Aloud Rivival. I loved this list of best first novels to read aloud to your kids and am trying to figure out if I should put this book set on my birthday wish list or Hailey’s. Either way, I’m convinced we need them all.
the girls always get a giggle out of our I See Me books
Anyway, I’ve been inspired to read more aloud beyond our usual 2-3 nightly books. I’ve been reading to the girls at breakfast, sometimes at dinner, and sprinkled in throughout the day (which is easier to do now with my phone in another room). While I’m looking forward to reading more short novels with Hailey, we often stick to picture books that both girls are into (current favorite– great kid’s cook for reading aloud).
Hailey is getting better at reading everyday and has torn through all our Bob Books. I’ve mentioned how much I love Bob Books for learning to read, right?
More tips for raising kids that love to read here.
Ok, and now I’ll break up my lengthy ode to reading aloud with this picture of Kaitlyn.
Those kid carts are the cutest (when they are ramming into your ankles) aren’t they?
I’ll wrap things up there, but please share with me-
What is one product/concept/idea that has made a difference in your life lately?
montessoriishmom says
That is so exciting that Hailey is so into reading 🙂 When I was teaching in the classroom, seeing the “reading explosion” happen and how excited some children would get about reading was my absolute favorite thing. I recommend these early readers too: http://www.montessoriservices.com/peacekeeper-8217-s-series-level-1 They are all about children doing peaceful / helpful things.
Brittany Dixon says
Those Peacekeeper books look great!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Cristina R Agurcia says
Good morning! Wanted to ask how often you do collagen? Im just finished the first bottle (can?) of the green one and havent felt much difference, but i only take it once a day. Was wondering how many times a day or how much do you add to your coffee/tea/smoothie?
Brittany Dixon says
The serving size is 2 scoops but I usually only do one scoop once a day and have seen a difference. Do you take it daily? I’m pretty religious about taking it every morning and like I said, can tell a difference most in my eyelashes, ha. I’ve heard people say they’ve had good results with less cellulite, but I haven’t seen that result myself. I’m sure it’s different for everyone!
Heather says
Okay, how have I missed these I see me books?? Definitely going to order some for my son!
Tara says
I was also wondering how much collagen you use and what you put it in. I feel like everyone puts it in their coffee which would be so easy for me to do every day but I can totally taste it!!! Beefy coffee=not cool 😆
Brittany Dixon says
Have you tried it? I can’t taste it in the slightest! I get the unflavored. The serving size is 2 scoops but usually I just do one in my tea or coffee. If I do 2 scoops I feel like I can tell a difference in texture, but still no taste. You could put it in smoothies too!
Christina says
I think it’s so nice you and David get to do stuff like that together. I’m sure it’s so important for your relationship — both the spiritual aspect and the alone time. My coworker takes those proteins! I love the idea of fuller eyelashes but is it bad I’m afraid to use it bc if it makes my hair grow out faster that means more visits to the salon?! hahahah
EmilyS says
I have been loving Gaia Golden Milk before bed – I mix with some kind of dairy free milk. Its so relaxing and I’ve really noticed that I fall asleep faster!
https://www.amazon.com/Gaia-Herbs-Golden-Milk-Ounce/dp/B01EJ4WJIS/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1489495983&sr=8-1&keywords=gaia+golden+milk
Brittany Dixon says
Oh, as a turmeric believer/fan, I definitely want to try this. What does it taste like?
EmilyS says
I can’t really describe the taste but I think its really good. I started with about a teaspoon of honey added but feel like I could probably drop it.
Heather says
I’ll have to see about those BOB books. I’ve looked at them before and wasn’t really sure.
One thing that has been making a huge difference for me lately is a liquid Vitamin B12 blend from Whole Foods that I picked up. It’s been giving me a great boost of energy and has been majorly improving my mood.
Brittany Dixon says
I ran out of my B-12 and haven’t replenished it, but you’re so right. My energy and stamina seems better when I take it. Glad it’s working so well for you!
Kim says
I’m loving the Siggi drinkable yogurt for on the go if I don’t have time to make smoothies. Love it has simple 5 ingredients and grass fed milk. Implanting totry collegian from loosing so much hair from my thyroid issue.
Brittany Dixon says
Definitely going to look at these for quick grab options for the girls. They sound great!!
Angie says
As a teacher, I also recommend the Mercy Watson series. I got the first at the library and my son,4.5, loved it. It was very cute. He wanted to read the whole thing in one sitting. I had to stop at 2 chapters at a time but a great introduction to chapter books.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh great- I will look that up! Thanks 🙂
Brynn says
What a fun Monday night! My son has the same approach to oatmeal and raisins. I’ve been loving Nespresso because, coffee. Ha!
Amelia says
I have been all about ditching my phone when C is awake. She is in a major transition phase right now and is mimicking and repeating everything Mama does. I try to limit my phone time to the treadmill at the gym, nap times and bed times. Plus, i know Ill never get this phase of life and times back with her. No regrets!
Love love vital proteins collagen! I discovered it after my knee surgery and now I swear by it for everything, even cellulite. (Just being honest). I also toss a scoop into Carolines soups, applesauce, smoothies and my morning coffee.
Other frequent, yummy food products & things ive been loving: Lime Seasnax, Poke Bowls (cheaper than sushi or sashimi if you have any places by you), Nutiva coconut manna, kale chips, local strawberries, our farmers markets open again, Acure Glowing Serum, YL Highest Potential & Stress Away Oils, and Primal Chocolate. 😄
Brittany Dixon says
I have heard it helps with cellulite! Personally I haven’t experienced that result yet but I’m certainly going to keep trying 😉
Julia @ Drops of Jules says
For your weekly girl’s night, you could always try your hand at a Netflix series that is fully out already! That way, no biggie if you didn’t pay attention because the company was too good. You can always go back to it.
One concept making a difference in my life today: I have control over my mood (to an extent). I know this is not revolutionary, but I feel like I’m actually putting it into practice right now, making all the difference.
Happy Tuesday, Brittany!
Lindsay @ Hot Mess, Cool Day says
Love this post! My browser has 3 new windows of products to explore now! One thing that is really helping me lately is my faux bullet journal. I’m trying to use it more traditionally, but I’ve definitely found that having a notebook nearby at all times helps me to be more productive and efficient!
Betty says
I’ve been wanting to try collagen for a while now, but I’m skeptical because I’m a vegetarian (although not super strict) and the thought of tasting an animal by-product in my coffee weirds me out. But I’d love to reap the benefits of it! Can you taste it in your smoothie/coffee?
Brittany Dixon says
I get the flavorless kind and can’t taste it in the slightest (David can’t taste it either in his coffee). I do only use one scoop but taste has never been an issue!
Carrie this fit chick says
Woah, your eyelashes!! That’s so random, but pretty cool. Everyone raves about collagen- I’m kind of scared to try it because I imagine it getting gooey and jell-o like. Does it create a weird texture when put in beverages?
Brittany Dixon says
I only use 1 scoop (2 is a serving) and there is no change n the texture at all. With two, I can tell a slight change but most other people say they can’t I jusst stick to 1 though 🙂
Katie @ Live Half Full says
Personalized Books are my go-to for one year old Birthday presents! I ordered a Chicago Cubs Win The World Series book for a friend- I can’t wait to gift it!
That church message sounds great, would love a blog post on it!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, I love them as gifts!! I like to give them at Christmas to new babies. My SIL gave one to Hailey for her first Christmas and it’s still a favorite each December 🙂
Laura says
Would love a post on how you used the BOB books as a tool for learning to read. We are just getting started with our 5 year old and I was thinking about purchasing them.
Great picks!
Brittany Dixon says
I found them to be great confidence boosters! Once Hailey had down the concept of sounding out letter sounds and putting them together, we got the beginners books with about 1 word per page. She sounded it all out and once she realized she read an entire book by herself, she was so excited. I adored that kind of natural encouragement!
Kathy says
Thank you for posting about the collagen. I trust your opinion and experience with it. So I went out and bought some for my teenage daughter who as been having trouble mostly with her hair thinning and flimsy nails. Today was her first dose. For starters I asked her to do the 2 scoops 2x’s a day as recommended. We will see how it goes. I really hope she will benefit from this and see/feel a difference. I estimate this first can (I bought the Great Lakes brand) to be about 2 weeks worth. Do you think that will be long enough to see if it will be helpful to her? Thank you!!
Brittany Dixon says
I definitely think results differ per person but I only use 1 scoop once a day and have seen results! David does the same and his hair has grown faster (he needs more frequent haircuts which he isn’t wild about ;)). I think it probably takes closer to 3-4 weeks to start seeing a difference, at least it did for me. I hope it helps her, as I have quite a few friends who have seen results, though they all differ slightly. For example, two friends say they saw a reduction in cellulite, but I haven’t seen that (yet) myself. Good luck!