Things That Helped Me Beat The Boredom in August 2021

This month we’ve been packing up the house and trying to decide what to take to New York and what goes to Florida. Living in Cleveland the weather is more similar to what it will be like in NY so most of my clothes, shoes, etc will go to NY. I’m a bit worried about space as in Cleveland I have an incredible closet, one I know will be hard to replicate especially in a NY apartment. I did get rid of a lot, whether to a consignment store, Poshmark, or donated, but in all honesty, I still have a lot left. I can’t help it I love clothes and love to shop! It’s definitely going to be interesting, but I’ll let you know how it goes when I set up the apartment.

My daughter was home for most of August so a lot of what kept me occupied this month was food related. Thanks to PLSR I’ve been introduced to some really great, healthy food options! Plus she cooked so many of our meals!

SeaSnax Organic Classic: These seaweed snacks are my new favorite go to when I want a something a little salty in between meals. They’re also great in salads, sushi, a sandwich, and I’m sure we’ll come up with other ways to use them in our cooking. I’m a salt lover and these satisfy that craving, without a ton of salt. The ingredients include organic seaweed, organic extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt, yup, that’s it. A healthier choice for a smack and so delicious. They’re available in other flavors including chipotle, wasabi, toasted onion, jalapeño, line, bbq, but I’m a fan of the original flavor! Enjoy.

That’s It Fruit Bars: After dinner I often want something sweet, but I’m trying to stay away from processed sugar. That’s It fruit bro satisfy that craving and they’re so clean. I first tried the apple and mango flavor and the only ingredients are apple and mango, that’s it! Incredible right?! I also love the apple and strawberry, apple and cherry, and just ordered their variety pack so now I’ll be able to try some new flavors. If I don’t have fresh fruit at home or I just want a little something, That’s It fruit bars are definitely my go to sweet snack!

YellowBird Bags: You know I’m a big supporter of small businesses, especially those that are female owned so I’m so happy to support and share Lynley, the owner/designer of YellowBird Bags. Lynley is based in Australia (number one place I want to visit!), but ships worldwide. She kindly gifted me two clutches and I am so in love with them both! One is a brown leather that it buttery soft and adds such a touch of class to any outfit. The other is a Marimekko floral print and is so fun and whimsical. The bags are beautifully made and are the perfect size. I bringing the leather bag to New York and the floral to Florida, but I have a feeling I’ll actually bring them both back and forth to each place-they’re that good! 

Pack Up The Moon by Kristan Higgins: If you’re looking for a light beach read, this isn’t it, unless you don’t mind sobbing in public! Lauren knows she’s dying and so she writes her husband, Josh, letters, one to be delivered by her best friend every month for the first year after her death in the hopes of helping him get on with his life. You see Josh is on the spectrum and without Lauren he could easily stay isolated. This is a beautiful and heart wrenching love story and while you’ll definitely cry, you’ll also smile.

Outer Banks Season Two: I was so excited when the second season became available on Netflix. The cast of teens are adorable and while I honestly doubt a group of people could get in to as much trouble as these kids do, it’s exciting to watch and see how they navigate each dilemma. I love being able to binge watch a show as I have little patience to “wait until next week to see what happens!” But now I have to have patience as I wait for the next season as the finale left off with the most incredible scene. This treasure hunting soap opera is entertaining and action packed and very much worth watching.

All American Season Three: Spencer James is back at South Crenshaw, but still maintains friendships with is buddies at Beverly Hills High.  He’s gone back to his neighborhood in the hopes of being able to help a troubled situation. Given the current climate of our country, this was a political season. The first episode opens with students at Beverly Hills High School painting Black Lives Matter at the entryway to their school, and this continues throughout the season. I love how they address affairs that are relevant to what is happening in the real world. There better be a season 4 because the way this season ended, well, they can’t leave it like that!

Hoping your August was wonderful and September even better! As a former teacher, I still get the back to school butterflies every September! Anyway, I know I’ll be busy again this month as the movers are packing us up and bringing our things to New York September 1st! It’s happening!!