August Favorites
I swear it was just yesterday that I was writing July’s favorites post. Where does the time go?
Honestly I’m okay with it because I’m so ready for fall to be here. This week has been cool and rainy and it’s got me excited for cozy sweaters and all things pumpkin. Such an awesome time of year.
We have a few fun things to look forward to this month like a quick road trip to Virginia for a wedding and a week back in Northern California around my birthday. Because she’s so small (and I’m a crazy dog obsessed mom) we’re planning on taking Lucy with us and it’s the first time I’ve ever flown with a pup. If you have any advice or helpful tips, please let me know! I feel like I’m flying with a child for the first time.
In the meantime, I hope you all have a good (and hopefully long) weekend and that you enjoy the round-up of my favorite recent finds!
Favorite Fall Treat: Mini Pumpkin & Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. I haven’t busted out my donut pan in ages but I’m thinking I need to for a batch of these little beauties. How perfect do they look?
Favorite Space Saver: Murphy Bed. We’re still on the hunt for a house and the neighborhood we like has mostly older homes that are short on space. With that in mind, I love this creative idea to use a murphy bed so that you can have one room as a home office and a guest room. So smart and super cute too!
Favorite Wanderlust: Amalfi Coast. Italy has been at the top of my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Seeing pictures like this make me want to jump on a plane and fly there tomorrow. It’s probably a good time of year to visit, right? Ugh…killing me!
Favorite Easy Dinner: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Lentil Curry. Butternut squash has already started popping up at the farmers market. I love how versatile it is and it looks especially good in this slow cooker lentil curry.
Favorite DIY: Easy 2-Ingredient Coconut Yogurt. I have been wanting to make my own yogurt at home forever now (mostly to avoid plastic) but have never got around to it because it always seemed too complex. Dana’s method, however, looks really easy so all I need is a good probiotic to give it a shot.
Favorite Convenience Food: Nut Balls. Okay, the name is kind of silly but if you can get past that they are pretty darn tasty and have an impressive ingredient list to boot. I’ve been stocking up on them for an easy weeknight meal option. They’re great with pasta or zucchini noodles with red sauce and a side salad.
Favorite Smoothie Booster: Daily Green Boost. I’m always struggling to get more greens into my diet but it’s something I’ve been making an effort to focus on recently. I add a few tablespoons of this barley grass powder to my smoothie in the morning and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my energy levels.
Favorite Breakfast: Best Ever Pumpkin Oatmeal. The cooler mornings have had me craving a warm bowl of oatmeal. This pumpkin version looks like the perfect way to kick of fall.
Favorite Eco-friendly Product: Bamboo Travel Cutlery. A friend of mine here in Athens owns an online eco-friendly store with all kinds of sustainable goodies to help transition to a zero waste lifestyle. While I have long way to go to be zero waste, I’m trying to make changes little by little. I picked up a few of these bamboo utensils from her shop so that I can avoid using plastic when I eat out or travel.
Favorite Book: The Glass Castle. Have you guys read this book yet? I wasn’t interested in it until I saw the preview for the movie. It’s a quick and easy read but I really enjoyed it. It’s an honest depiction of what it’s like to grow up in an unstable household with a parent who is an alcoholic which I personally can relate to. Of course I had to see the movie and it didn’t hold a candle to the book, but they never do.
Favorite Workout: 90 Day Fix Yoga. I want to be a yogi so bad but I’m seriously the least flexible person ever. So I’m setting a goal this month to start this program (since it’s free and can be done from home) in hopes that it will help me form a new habit. Now if I could just figure out how to keep Lucy from distracting me while I do it…
Favorite Chocolate: Alter Eco Dark Mint Chocolate. My love for mint and chocolate waxes and wanes but it’s currently at high point thanks to this dark mint chocolate from Alter Eco. It has a light crispy texture that is super addicting and it makes for a perfect post meal treat!
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You’re coming to VA? Come see meeee! That pumpkin oatmeal looks amazing. I’m pretty excited for fall now. As much as I love summer, it’s time for the chilly weather, sweaters, and cozy things!
We’re staying in Alexandria which is a little far from you, lol. But if I ever find myself near Williamsburg then we definitely need to meet up! ;)
One of my coworkers travels with her small dog and always gets the “extra comfort” type of seating so there is some space for the dog crate and leg room. I also recommend Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube for at-home yoga! She has tons of videos with specific needs, plus 30-day series to join and refer back to on her channel. When Matt and I do it together and Roy won’t leave his side, we put his crate in the living room and he is cool with watching from there :)
Oh darn, I’ll have to see if we can upgrade our seats! Delta said they can’t guarantee a spot for her and that it’s first come first serve for dogs. Should be an interesting experience.
I had no idea you were such a yogi. I’m going to check out Yoga with Adrienne and thanks for the tip on putting her in her crate too! :)
Don’t worry — being a yogi just means having a consistent practice and taking time to quiet your mind (in my opinion!). :) Unfortunately I’m a yogi on a break because prenatal yoga just doesn’t interest me right now. Maybe next week when I start my maternity leave!
Where in Northern CA are you guys going for your bday?
Also, I am jealous of your cooler weather. We’re in a heat wave right now and it’s supposed to be 107 today and 108 tomorrow! What the heck!? I better not go into labor because we don’t have AC…lol!
I can imagine how difficult it would be to do yoga with an almost full term baby in your belly, lol! I think it’s okay for you to take a little break. ;)
We’ll be staying in Berkeley for a week while Brandon works at the university. I’m supposed to meet up with Julia for a hike (on the 22nd or 23rd) and I would invite you to come along but I’m feeling like you might be a little preoccupied…of course the invitation is still open! :)
Awww…I would have loved to meet up for a hike but yah, baby will be here by then! :) Due date is 9/7! Enjoy your time back in the bay!
That’s so fun you are taking Lucy with you! I’m a crazy cat mom but unfortunately cats aren’t quite as easy to travel with haha! I hope it all goes well! I’m so ready for sweaters and pumpkin too! It doesn’t usually cool down too much here until November, but maybe I’ll just turn up the air so I can wear a sweater inside haha :)
Great list. Thanks for the heads up on the Nut Balls; I’ll look for them on my next Whole Foods shopping trip. By the way, it’s great to read you are taking Lucy on your trip with you. :)
I’ve spent every day with her since we adopted her. I think it’s safe to say I’m a bit attached. ;)
I want to go to Italy so much and that photo is kind of torturing me slowly! I read The Glass Castle a few years ago and good to know that the movie doesn’t stack up…they really never do! I love dark chocolate so I’ll need to give this mint version a try for sure. Happy Labor Day!
P.S. Per your suggestion, I bought the mint chocolate bar at my local Coop and had to restrain myself from eating the whole thing today and tonight. One square of it is satisfying, but then as the day and night wore on I wanted more squares!
It is so addicting! I’m glad you like it too! :)