Guys. I can’t stop walking around with my heating pad. No, it’s not cordless, I just bring it from room to room! The irrational part of me wants to just buy one to have in each room, but even typing that I know how ridiculous that is. 

Northern California is just weird…mornings are cold, houses have no insulation… so it’s COLD when you wake up (and your mom keeps the heat off at night. It’s me. I’m the mom.) 

Sometimes I break down, and we turn the heat on to a balmy 65 degrees. But here is what happens nine days out of ten…

When the house finally gets to about 65 …I open the door and realize: it is warmer outside than it is inside! So heat goes off and all the windows open up. 

It’s really quite an exhausting (and expensive) dance. Oh well. 

Enter the heating pad. 

Want to know the other game changer? This one (my favorite from Target) has little elastic straps and the cord detaches, so you can roll it into a little heating pad sleeping bag. Here is where the game changes: 

1. Roll it up

2. Pack it in your carry on

3. Plug it in on the plane! 

Game changer. Sore back? Heating pad. Cold? Heating pad. Guys, heating pads solve so many of life’s problems. ;)  

Here are a few other that are on flash sale on amazon as well! 

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This story is one that is far too long for a perfume find. But are you even doubting that I’ll share it? Of course I will! 

But this recommendation? I share it multiple times…a week. For months now. 

A few years ago, I was in Los Angeles with some friends, and we stopped into Byredo. I’d not heard of the brand before, but I immediately fell in love with their unique scents. Not the prices, but goodness, I love the scents!

I especially love one in particular, Biblioteque. It’s so unique, and well, me. 

I tried to buy it in their small travel size, but alas, it’s not one that they have available in a smaller size. I couldn’t stomach the larger size price!

So I went home and did what I do best: I sleuthed. What scents would I like if I love this one? Are there any scents known to be dupes of this particular scent? 

Enter Oil Perfumery. Don’t worry, I did hours of research to make sure it wasn’t a scam and ultimately: I ordered…and I’ve ordered way too many times since. 

Have you ever wanted to be that person that walks by…and as you walk by, everyone else says OMGOODNESS WHAT IS SHE WEARING. 

Yes? then this stuff is for you. It comes from France. It’s super travel-friendly. It’s an oil roll on (not had any issues with discoloring or markings on clothes, fyi). 

Warning: you will be told by others, “you smell amazing!” You might also have people…sniff you. Followed by: “what are you wearing!? that smells AMAZING.” 

I promise. Excited to hear what scents you try and love! Here is a sample pack that would be a great place to get started — it would also make a GREAT Mother’s Day gift! 

We have been playing SO MANY GAMES over February break while my younger two are home on break. Some board games, but the majority of the time we’ve been obsessed with various card games and solitaire versions. 

I found this great new account called The Tabletop Family on Instagram. They have tons of reviews, card and other game tutorials — it’s great! I have a bunch of their board game recommendations flagged, so I can go back and review when we are looking for gifts!

Do check them out — we’ve been playing a ton of…. 

palace, sevens, spit, speed, clock solitaire, accordian solitaire, hand solitaire …and more. Seriously, so fun!  

They have a website too. I’ve not really explored it, but it might be a great resource for new game recommendations as well. 

I’ve pretty much stopped news sources outside of Sharon Says So and Mo News on Instagram. Usually when I’m brushing my teeth, I pop on and check for update from either them. 

Look, I know no one is completely objective, but I appreciate how committed both of them are to trying. Trying to provide the news with facts, history, and truth. 

One thing I love about Sharon is her ability to provide context to current events by sharing backstory and history. She truly makes history come alive. Her new book, The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement is proof of that. 

I’ve shared this book to numerous people, but over the past week, it’s come up even more. (Both her book and her being my source of news via Instagram.)

I read the hardcopy of the book, but we also listened as a family to the first half of the audiobook. Sharon reads it herself and does a brilliant job of it. 

Hardcover Copy | Audiobook 

Guys. I remember arguing with my sister over whether Shopko or Target reigned supreme.

Want to take a guess at my store of choice? Whoops. I definitely chose wrong: does Shopko even exist? My sister saw what Target could be even before Target knew. I should have purchased stock with my allowance — although I may have chosen wrong! 

I ordered these pants on a whim when I was purchasing some Valentine’s Day supplies. Honestly, I’m not sure if they are actually trendy or cute, but they are holy grail comfortable! 

The wide leg pants have a wide waist band and the material is thin-wind-breaker meets New England seersucker. Oddest, yet best combination that I didn’t know I needed!

The joggers come in long. Honestly, that’s what piqued my interest! I got the navy, but I have a pair of the brown/rose coming too (since I just noticed they are on sale!) There are a lot more color options if you don’t need the longer option!

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Okay, here’s my oddball recommendation for the week. This account might be my new favorite follow…in the last year!? 

I truly don’t have a ton to say because I don’t know much about the gal in the videos, her practice or anything…but here is what I do know: 

1. I have birthed 3 children, and I need to care more about my pelvic floor

2. She makes me care and actually take time each day to do so. 

3. Her accent is just darling and it makes kegels a bit more enjoyable? 

If you are someone who should care more about your pelvic floor, go give Female Physio Co a follow — I promise you’ll see her face and/or hear her voice and get your pelvic floor exercises in for the day. 

Follow now. Thank me later. 

I’ve done it: I’m all in on the weighted vest thing. I don’t know if I’m squishing my insides or actually strengthening my core, but I’m committed for the year. I’ll let you know if my waist is magically snatched in a few months like some claim…. I’m not holding my breath.

I try to do 3-4 weighted vest walks a week, with Saturday being a long, 4-5 mile endeavor. It gets…heavy! I have a 20 lbs one, but I’d actually recommended starting with less weight and working your way up. (Or do shorter walks and work your way up that way!)

You really want to make sure your core is engaged when you wear it, which can be easier said than done! I haven’t started wearing mine around the house for everyday tasks, but I think that’ll probably be next. (You do get interesting looks when you’re out walking…I decided to receive them all as looks of, “I wish I had a weighted vest,” instead of what they are probably thinking. ha!

This is the vest I have and love. I’ve heard great things about this one too: it has variable weights and shoulder pads. When I increase my weight, I will likely try this one.

I think I recommend this stain remover...weekly. It’s just that good! It uses enzymes, which I don’t really understand, but it sounds good. I’ve even had success removing stains that have gone through the dryer.  

My mom first shared this stain remover with me, and truly, it’s been a game changer. Mud and blood don’t stand a chance with this stuff. 

I’ve actually started using Puracy’s shampoo, conditioner, and body wash as well: I love them!  

I celebrated a somewhat significant birthday milestone last weekend, and these bowls were a gift to myself. :) 

Let me first back up a bit. I love a good salad. I mean serving a giant salad that is essentially an entire meal. If you are inviting us over for dinner, please task me with the salad. I won’t say everything in life is a competition (I jest), but salad making is a competition against myself every time. How can I one-up what I made last time? What can I do to make this salad just a smidge better? 

Challenge accepted. 

I digress, but what’s the point of a great salad if you don’t have the right vessel for it! A bowl that too deep: all the good stuff falls to the bottom! A bowl that is too small: you can’t mix it to perfection. 

These bowls from one of my absolutely favorite online stores, Quince (another thing I recommend weekly!), are hands down something I will bring to a favorite things party. Sorry for the spoiler — or invite me to your next party if you’re hoping to get your hands on these! 

I started by ordering the 17″ bowl, but when it came, I promptly returned it and bought the set of three. Don’t worry, I’ll share a photo of my next salad-making-is-a-sport-I-take-seriously with you at some point.