september favorites

I just love that October is right around the corner and little glimpses of fall are around every corner.  Now if only San Diego would get with the program and cool off a bit!  Tonight as we were driving to dinner with some couples from our bible study, the clouds were dark and gloomy and there was a little crisp in the air, and I loved every moment of it.  Sadly, this weekend is shorts weather again.  All I want to do is wear boots and scarves all day, curl up with a homemade tea latte and a blanket, and burn pumpkin candles.  

Here is what I was loving on this month: 

This book by Ann Voskamp is just challenging me in new ways-holy moly!  I love the raw voice in her book, the way that the words have to be read over and over for me to fully grasp every piece of what she is saying, and whenever I put the book down my view point has changed for the better.  This book has forced me to look at the blessings in my life, even the tiny minute ones- like steam rising from a kettle in the mornings.  Each of these beautiful little moments add up to an amazing life! 

Raven + Lily is an amazing company.  My mom's spirit for empowering other women has driven me to seek out companies that help with this cause as well.  They help employ women in Ethiopia, Cambodia, India and the United States.  I've been swooning over the scarf for the past week, just waiting for the right moment to finally but it.  

All I want to do is burn this candle all day long!  I've been dying for some good fall/winter candles from Bath & Body Works, but have also been waiting for them to go on sale.  When I finally broke down and was ready to pay full price, they were actually on sale!  It was meant to be.  Typically I don't like sweet candles, but this one is the perfect mixture of pumpkin, spice, and sweetness.  

Firmoo to the rescue for cute, new glasses!  I love the fact that your first pair is free and you only pay for shipping and handling.  I was super nervous that they weren't going to fit right or look funny, and I'm so glad my fears did not come true.  I'm smitten! 

Trader Joe's has done it again!  This tea is amazing!  I search high and low for Twining's Winter Spice tea this time of year, and am lucky to find two boxes anywhere.  It is so delicious.  When I saw this tea for only $1.99 I had to give it a try.  The first cup completely won me over, and the smell is just wonderful. 

I've never been a leggings person, and then I got pregnant.  Oh, mama.  These H&M leggings are all I want to come home to after work! 

You know when you just need that one new item to make you feel a little bit better?  For me it was a new curling iron, and this one was perfect for a low budget and good quality.  This is Jilbere brand and I picked it up at Sally's Beauty for $32! 

july favorites

Can we take a moment to acknowledge how fast this summer just seems to be zipping by?  It's almost the end of July?!?!  And usually this would send me into a dizzy thinking about everything on my "summer to-do list" and what must be prepared for this upcoming school year, but I'm learning how to relax.  How to soak up life.  How to enjoy the little moments and not get caught up in the to-do's and the things I tell myself I should be doing.  

Today I wanted to share with you some of my lovely favorites for this month! 

You guys, this book....there are no words for the love I have for it.  I mean, where else can you listen to an incredible woman's intimate and touching stories, be filled with wisdom, AND learn some amazing recipes???  I have cried and laughed my way through Shauna's other two books, Bittersweet and Cold Tangerines.  This book taps into my heart for cooking, the love for creating, and sharing that with others.  I've always been intimidated with having people over for meals, and I second guess everything I do.  She has urged my heart to think otherwise and push myself so that I become more comfortable hosting. 

I will forever by grateful for She Reads Truth.  These ladies know what they're doing! I can't tell you how many times I want to read my bible, a plan, something...but have no idea where to start.  Not only are their words powerful and leave me in awe every time, but all I have to do is click on a plan and I have it with me wherever I go.  I've found myself reading my bible in my car, waiting for appointments, and love that God's word is with me wherever I go.  This current study is truly inspiring me! 

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I stumbled upon the Holistic Science Co. at the Little Italy's farmers market lat month and fell it love.  This company is local, made in San Diego, and everything is plant-based and handmade.  At the market I was talking with one of the women who actually makes them and she was so helpful and informative. Lately I've been trying to switch over my skincare to plant-based, free of parabens and other harsh chemicals.  What I love about this is that it hydrates my skin without leaving me oily (and it smells amazing)!  I use this is a moisturizer in the morning and throughout the day, and a spritz before bed instantly calms me.  It soothes the skin and replenishes it, which is perfect after I've been out in the sun or exercising! 

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 I've been on the hunt for a good, supportive sports bra for a while...and let's just say that the "ladies" keep growing and need a little help.  I'm not the type to spend a ton of money on workout clothes, but a sports bra was something I knew I would be willing to because I would get my moneys worth and I would get a ton of use out of it.  Enter Lululemon.  Again, I don't buy much there, just basics.  I went in thinking I was going to get the Ta Ta Tamer because I'd read so many great reviews, however after trying it on, it just didn't feel that great.  I like my sports bras to be racer back, and it wasn't (although you could make it that way).  So the lovely associate had me try on their Energy Bra, and it was love at first fit.  I love this bra!  Talk about comfort and support, I want to wear it all of the time !

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Now that the sports bra issue is covered, I've been dying for a good workout.  For some reason, I've been slightly more unmotivated than usual to workout.  Maybe it's the pregnancy.  And running is great, but I need strength training and hard workouts in order to feel my best.  A new yoga studio called Yoga Six opened up right by our place, and they give you 6 free classes to try within two weeks.  I LOVED this option versus other studios that give you a week free.  The moment I walked inside I was greeted by the nicest receptionist, and the manager happened to be standing right next to her.  She caught wind that it was my first time visiting them, so she gave me a tour of the studio and a brief background on them.  I just fell in love with them.  The first class I went to was a Sculpt class, and the instructor was so accommodating to give me modifications since I shouldn't be exercising on my back any more.  Yoga is a passion of mine.  I love that my body, mind, and soul all get a workout and I feel so refreshed and strong after every class!