Things That Helped Me Beat The Boredom in August 2020

This month was a good one! I was lucky enough to have had my youngest home for a few months and we had a lot of fun together! Besides spending time with her, here’s what else helped me to keep busy this month.

Gluten-Free Banana Bread Brownie Bars: If you’re looking for something good to eat and trying to make healthier choices you absolutely need to check out the recipes from Public Lives, Secret Recipes. Her recipes are delicious, easy to follow (important to me!), and she offers substitutions, which in this day in age is really important as so many of us have dietary restrictions. Not to mention everything on her site is pretty as a picture. Today I made these gluten free banana bread brownie bars (say that 10 times fast!! ?) They were easy to make, are so delicious, and I don’t feel guilty eating them! Public Lives, Secret Recipes offers a ton of great recipes—you’re welcome!!

Air Fryer: My kids purchased this air fryer for my husband for Father’s Day and I think it’s the best present he’s ever gotten! It’s so easy to use and clean, and everything we have cooked in it has come out delicious. Plus what we’ve been cooking has been so healthy. This has absolutely been a game changer! We’ve cooked chicken, fish veggies, sweet potato fries, and even heated up pizza in it! 

Paint by Numbers: When the pandemic first started my youngest decided to get us something we could do to keep busy. She asked each member of the family to send her our favorite picture of our dogs and Mii Creative makes them in to a paint by number! It’s so cool to see the picture come to life, but I have to be honest-I’m not very far in my painting. A few of my kids have finished theirs (the photo is of one done by my daughter!) and they’ve come out great, but mine is still a work in progress. I am determined to finish it, I’m just so slow ?

Curly Hair Care: Recently, after years of straightening my hair, I’ve started to let it dry naturally. I knew I needed some type of product and Briogeo Hair Care was recommended. I chose to try two products-Curl Charisma creme and gel. I mix the two of them together and love how they define my curls. I just ordered the Curl Charisma shampoo and conditioner and am so excited to try them. 

Selling Sunset: Of course I was looking for something to watch on tv (from my favorite spot on the couch!). I wanted something I could listen to but not have to pay 100% attention. This was it, although I did find myself watching it more than I thought I would. Often when I watch “reality” shows I have to remind myself that they are scripted as I can’t believe people can be so out there. And on Selling Sunset they are out there, but in a very entertaining way. It’s a fun watch.

Getaway House: We were looking for a change of scenery, but were very concerned about traveling during the pandemic. Staying at the Getaway House allowed us to play and feel really safe. From their no contact check in to the cleanliness of the pod to the proximity of beautiful hiking trails, Getaway was just the perfect vacation for us. Click here to find out more about our trip.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine: I was hooked from the first page! This psychological thriller is written by two sisters who don’t live near each other which is very cool. I’m so glad Public Lives,Secret Recipes recommenced it! I loved it so much I immediately read two other books by the same author(s), The Wife Stalker and The Last Time I Saw You. I don’t want to tell too much about the books, but I’ll just say there are twists and turns and you’ll be intrigued! 

Here’s hoping September is an entertaining month as well!