Hi, readers! It’s that time of the month again–my May favorites post! A collection of things I’ve been using this month that have made my life easier. Or things that are just plain fun!
I’m looking back over the month and realize I haven’t posted anything since my last “favorites” post. Alongside my apologies for the unpredictable nature of my posting schedule, I’ll say this: it is really hard to adjust to any sort of part-time work with two babies at home. I mean, really hard!? Once Junior #2 is sleeping through the night (thus allowing me to forgo taking naps when the kids do), I hope to be back on a regular posting schedule.
Without further ado!
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Joovy Room
When my first son, Jonas was en route to being born, everyone insisted that a Pack & Play was a MUST have. We lived in an apartment at the time and a pack & play was big enough to be considered a piece of furniture. And we had no room for it. Plus, he was almost never out of my sight being in such close quarters. So, I opted out. We never found the need for one until my second son, Shepherd, came along. After a couple of months I decided we really needed one.
I opted for the Joovy Room for a couple of reasons. First, I had bought the Joovy Spoon Walker for Jonas when he was a baby and loved their product. And, second, it was one of the few reasonably priced play yards I could find that wasn’t covered in gaudy baby deco. (I can’t stand all those little animal patterns and colors). It has been great! It is roomy, matches our baby furniture perfectly, sturdy, and comes with several useful attachments. Safe to say Joovy has never disappointed me!
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What Happens When Women Say Yes to God Bible study
I started this Bible study by Lisa TerKeurst a few months ago with the women at my church. I’m still playing catch up long after the formal study has ended because kids. But I have found my slow pace to be for the better as I’m able to savor the content a little more deeply. The study has given me so many insights on how to know if I’m hearing from God. It’s also given me the courage to say yes to His promptings.
If you are ready for radical obedience, I highly recommend the study What Happens When Women Say Yes To God.
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Keeva Organics Acne Cream
I bought this acne cream on Amazon a couple a weeks ago because I feel like I’m constantly battling mild breakouts (most likely related to stress and stress eating). I’m pleased with the results! It has kept my skin fairly breakout free. Although, I do recommend using moisturizer along with it so the acne fighting properties don’ dry your face out.
The big plus to Keeva is that it is totally organic, made with essential oils and a host of other natural ingredients. If you’re having problems keeping your skin clear, give this a try!
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Birdrock Baby Moccasins
In my April favorites post, I reviewed the Birdrock Baby fleece booties. I loved them so much that I ordered a pair of their moccasins which are their flagship product. I love these equally as much! Now I use the fleece booties mostly for when we are around the house to keep Shepherd’s feet warm and the moccasins for going out. They make any baby outfit twice as cute.
These moccasins (which I purchased in the color “ginger”) are genuine leather without a ridiculous price. They stay put on my son’s feet and are super flexible. I’m growing to be more of a Birdrock Baby fan day by day and I know you will, too. Check out their moccasins here. They feature a “Mocc of the Month” every month!
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Miracle 360 sippy cup
My in-laws gave me one of these Miracle 360 cups a long time ago. I was a little skeptical at first and tossed it up on the shelf. Fast forward a year, I found it in he cabinet and said “Heck, let’s give this a try!” Mostly because all of Jonas’ sippy cups were getting worn out and leaky. Upon introducing this cup, I realized I’d been wasting all my time with other sippy cups! I ordered more the same week I opened the original one.
The Miracle 360 sippy cup has officially been added to my list of baby must haves. And I think my son loves his new cups as much as I do. He feels like he’s all grown up drinking from a big boy cup.
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Lensi pastas
My husband is all about his protein. At the same time, he’s totally not a pasta fan. However, pasta is my favorite. Thus, I introduced Lensi, this fabulous brand of pasta that’s made from different kinds of beans!! Although this pasta costs a little more than traditional wheat pasta, it’s a great way to add more beans to your life while cutting back on wheat. It’s a great compromise for me and my husband because he gets his high protein while I get my pasta fix.
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Olive Oil facial scrub
I got this olive oil face scrub by Aphrodite in my Ipsy bag this month and it is super satisfying to use. It isn’t too grainy and it isn’t too thin. In my opinion, it’s the perfect ratio of cream to scrub. And that’s coming from a facial cleanser connoisseur.
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A seven meal rotation plan
It used to be rare that my family would eat the same meal twice. I loved to cook and try new foods and recipes, but this season of life has made it nearly impossible to be creative in the kitchen. If I spend more than 10 or 15 minutes in the kitchen,, I inevitably end up with a toddler wrapped around my ankles and an infant in one arm while I try to chop vegetables.
Until further notice, I decided to adopt a meal rotation plan consisting of seven basic dishes with easily interchangeable ingredients. You know, so we don’t get bored. Even though our dinners have been much simpler and less exciting, I’ve loved the freedom the plan has given me. Here’s my plan:
Sunday: Grain bowls (Roast a sheet pan of veggies, boil two chicken breasts for my husband, and throw some sort of grain in the Mini Instapot)
Monday: A pasta dish
Tuesday: A meat for my husband (tofu for me) + a veggie + a grain
Wednesday: Homemade pizza
Thursday: An entree salad
Friday: Alternating chili & some sort of hearty soup
Saturday: A Mexican dish (burritos, tacos, rice skillets, fajitas, etc.)
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Vegan Cheesecake
I know I JUST said I’m not doing anything extra in the kitchen these days, but I did have the opportunity to make this amazing vegan cheesecake.
I went to a friend’s birthday party for her daughter recently and she made this vegan cheesecake knowing I was a plant-based eater. I was literally blown away with how good it was. I wouldn’t have known I wasn’t eating a classic cheesecake. So, I made one myself for my family upon visiting them this past week. Instead of making the matcha green tea, though, I subbed raspberry coconut yogurt and made a sauce out of raspberry jam go on top. It was so tasty. I was even able to impress the pickiest eater at the table–who went back for seconds!
If you’re into plant-based eating, don’t underestimate the wonders of cooking (or not cooking in this case) with raw cashews. Try this vegan cheesecake from Minimalist Baker!
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Mic The Vegan Youtube channel
Last on my list, is another staple Youtuber named Mic the Vegan. If you are more into the recipe and food side of plant-based eating, check out my February favorites post where I featured Mine Rome. If you are into the science and evidence for plant-based eating, Mic is your guy. He puts out a video about once a week on everything from the myths about soy to rebuttals of industry-funded studies. His sarcastic attitude and well-documented content always make my day.