It’s hard to believe that August is already here. These summers always seem to fly by. As a normal New England girl, I’m excited for the fall. But, I’m also not one of those people who wish my summer away waiting for it. I’m totally OK if summer wants to hold on a few more months. The heat hasn’t gotten to me JUST yet.
Another month also means it’s time for another monthly round-up of what things I adored this month!
Whitney English Day Planner
I’ve talked about this planner here and there over the past month, but it deserves its own spot in my Monthly Favorites. I’ve always had a hard time sticking to using a planner because they are just never designed how I want them. But, finally, I have found my perfect one and it’s the Whitney English Day Planner.
Here’s why I love this planner:
- You get monthly views of every month as well as a weekly spread
- The weekly spread is organized by days which are organized by time (this makes scheduling the day SO much easier)
- Each day has a top 3 to-do list
- Each weekly spread also has a spot for weekly to do’s and snapshot into what’s happening next week
- All the space is well used without a lot of fluff, plenty of room to write all the things you need
I mean, it also doesn’t hurt that they come in adorable patterns. You also don’t have to wait until the new year, you can get a 2018-2019 planner if you’re looking for something right now.
Back to School Deals
Of course, August means it’s back to school time. Although I don’t go back to school anymore I still take advantage of the insane BTS deals around the web and in-stores. I stocked up on some new notebooks for work as well as sharpies and pens.
If you are doing BTS shopping I visited some of the top stores for back to school supplies and shared which ones have the best deals over on my YouTube channel. There’s even a free download for your BTS Shopping Checklist and where to get the best deals.
Target Leather Sandals
You guys, these leather sandals are $16 and I’ve been LIVING in them. They are surprisingly great quality for the price and have held up really well considering how much I have them on my feet. They are insanely comfortable as well. And, they come in multiple colors – I feel like I need to grab them in black considering how much I wear them!
In other news, this maternity dress is a hand-me-down, but I’m linking the almost identical one below. The all-side ruching is SUPER flattering on the baby bump.
Urban Decay Born to Run Palette
Listen, a lot of eyeshadow palettes pass through my house. It’s one of the perks of being a blogger. But, it has been a long while since one has come through that really impressed me. But, this Born to Run palette from Urban Decay is a total winner. The quality of the shadows in this palette is SPOT ON (I was a little disappointed in the quality of some of their previous palettes). And, the color range is perfect. You get a great selection of more neutral colors mixed with some more bright options as well. It’s a mix of matte and shimmer and cooler and warmer shades.
Basically, it’s great quality shadows in a really versatile palette. I have pretty much used this palette exclusively all month.
How to Pay off Debt
I’ve received some amazing feedback from all of you on the post I wrote about How I Paid off $70k in Debt in One Year. It was a huge post to write, but knowing how much it has already helped and inspired you makes it so worth it. I struggled with budgeting and finances for so long. Knowing that I can share the steps that finally made it work for me with you guys is awesome!
I’ve also received a lot of feedback asking for a post about how to curb spending and avoid overspending, so stay tuned for that very soon!
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is honestly one of those miracle oils. Whenever I use it I’m 100% addicted and then I usually forget about it for 4-6 months before I grab a new tub and am like “WHY DID I EVER STOP USING YOU?”
I grabbed some earlier this month because it was noted as being great for relieving itchy skin due to my growing baby bump. Of course, it helped to cure that in just a few days – I slather it all over the bump once a day. But, I’ve also been using it as a face mask like I used to and remembering how much I love it. On a clean face, I apply the oil in a thin layer all over my face and let it sit for 3-6 minutes then wash away. It helps keep my skin feeling soft, moisturized, and smoother.
I also suggest organic, cold-pressed coconut oil. I get mine here.
Cooling Eye Mask
If you follow along with me on Instagram Stories, or even are a close reader of this blog, you probably know that my biggest pregnancy struggle has been insomnia. It controls my nights and my sleep. Some weeks I only get 2-3 hours a night.
People keep remarking that “you don’t look like you didn’t get any sleep!” Which, of course, is a lovely thing to hear since I feel like a zombie. The truth is, I’m combating it with a (mostly) healthy diet, LOTS of concealer, and a few other little tricks including this cooling eye mask. The cooling of these eye masks helps to reduce the puffiness my eyes get from lack of sleep. I got this one from Marshalls but you can get them all over the place, I found a similar one on Amazon for under $8.
Derma E Overnight Peel with Alpha Hydroxy Acids
I know the word “peel” sounds a little scary in skincare, but trust me this isn’t a scary product at all. This Derma E Overnight Peel uses a mix of glycolic sugar cane and fruit acids to help brighten skin and reveal fresher skin overnight, (both glycolic and fruit acids help to break down dead skin to reveal the new skin cells underneath.) It also contains 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acids for safe but effective removal of dead surface skin cells.
It’s suggested to use it 1-2 times a week, which I do. I apply a thin layer all over my clean skin. You may feel a slight tingling but it only lasts 30 seconds or so. Then, leave it on overnight and rinse away in the morning. I always notice that my skin looks fresher and more new after I use it.
What I also love about this overnight product is that, unlike a lot of overnight peels/masks, you can’t feel it on your face at all. Some of my other favorite overnight masks are more heavy and I can feel them on my face. With my current insomnia, it’s almost impossible to sleep with those on right now. But this overnight peel is totally weightless.
Maternity Favorites
No big new maternity favorites this month. However, I did round up the BEST and WORST maternity products I’ve used so far, if you’re curious on which products, in general, I’m liking (and which I didn’t).
Shop my Favorites
So, those are the things I LOVED in July. Let me know some of the things you liked this month in the comments down below!
