Current Favs: May 2024
Why, hello! Spring is in full swing and summer activities are being planned. Put on your glasses, grab a snack and settle in for a soliloquy of my favorite things of the moment.
#1 Milanote. This is an obvious one to kick-off the list as recently I’ve been hyper-focused on digital planning. This platform has become my holy grail, and I’m not sure I’ll ever look back. I deemed 2024 “The Year of Flexibility”, but after discovering this tool, I’ve done a 180. The tracking opportunities are limitless, and the tool simple, intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. Get started at Milanote.com
#2 Glasses. I’ll admit, I was a skeptic at first. “You need reading glasses.” said the doctor. “Wearing glasses at the computer will decrease stress on your eyes.” Me: tried them for one day and stopped after not noticing a difference… I can’t say what made me start to wear them more regularly, but boy I’m glad I did. Aside from the magnified and crisper content, my eyes do in fact feel significantly less stressed after a period of time “on screen”, and my perpetually crunchy, sandpapery dry eyes have improved. As a sufferer of chronic dry eyes, I am appreciative of another tool for my wellness tool belt :)
#3 Grow with jo workouts. I’ve been on a fitness journey. I prefer at-home 1:1 workouts, and have tried everything from a personal trainer to Blogilates to DIY workout circuits. Carrie Dayton, a Youtuber I follow, turned me onto this platform and I’ve been loving it since. Growwithjo offers a large variety of follow-along videos using different methodologies and focusing on different muscle groups. The minimal instruction allows me to play my own music while watching for visual cues — and the workouts are sneakily effective. Start sweating.
#4 Spring! The bright green of an in-bloom plant, the swoosh and chorus of birds soaring through the air, the fluffy white clouds stationed in the sky, the vitamin D. I will admit, Spring is my least favorite season. It is disappointingly cold, windy, and ignites too many tiresome home and yard projects. Yet, when the breeze dissipates and the sun’s rays sparkle on pools of water from the morning rain storm, peace and joy falls upon those who are paying attention.
#5 The anticipation of summer activities. Today I started planning my Summer Bucket List. Every year I have grand aspirations of all the fun to be had and the memories to make — and then I fall short. Days go by so quickly that it is hard to see it happening - but before you know it, the season is changing and your list remains unchecked. This year, I vow to make the most of Summer and explore my beautiful state. One key to success is pre-scheduling activities. Signing up for and/or paying for an activity will boost your chance of partaking in said activity. My Summer 2024 list includes berry picking, bloody marys at the pool, picnics, sweaty walks, patio time and local festivals. This is your reminder to create your Summer list!
#6 Non-protein bar snacks. Ah, the protein bar — how I have depended on thee through the years to satiate my hunger. Protein snacks are having their moment — and I am a fan — however, I tend to rely too much on processed goods. Somewhat recently I discovered Abbey Sharp, a Registered Dietician, and her “hunger-crushing combo” (HCC) methodology. This is a way to curate snacks using real foods to satisfy hunger while receiving key nutrients. For me it is also a more cost effective option. My HCC this week is a rice cake with cream cheese and strawberries delish! Check out Abbey Sharp’s HCC here.
#7 Anti-MLM content. I won’t lie — I had no idea what an MLM was until I happened upon a YouTube video deep diving into the depths of this (concerning, yet fascinating) industry. A MLM is a multi-level marketing company that has parallels to a pyramid scheme. The behavior of MLM representatives is wild — jump into he rabbit hole on YouTube — you won’t be disappointed.
#8 Modern Family. I am an avid re-watcher. Yes, there is endless new content, and yes, I should watch other things to stay “culturally relevant” — but I like what I like, darn-it! I’ve re-watched essentially every 30 minute comedy series that I’ve completed. Parks and Recreation, The Office, The Mindy Project, The Middle, etc. - so many universes to perpetually live in. My current selection is Modern Family. Less often sited for “rewatchability” — I have laughed out loud in every single episode. Highly recommend giving it a second go.
#9 Criss cross chair. This chair was featured in a YouTube video I watched, yet I didn’t give it a second thought until I started working fully from home. I was continuously tangled and uncomfortable in my prior chair which didn't have enough surface area to let me spread out. The criss cross chair has a wide seat and no arms, which enables you to sit — you guessed it — with criss crossed legs. The version I bought does swivel but has stationary feet - my recommendation is to select a version with roller feet which is more functional, and fun! Other than that, I’m loving everything about this chair. Shop cross legged chairs on Amazon.
#10 Yogurt covered pretzels. I’m shocked. I’m taken aback. I can’t possibly like these. And yet…here I am. As I was strolling through the grocery store this week, a modestly packaged bag of strawberry yogurt-flavored pretzels caught my eye. The pastel pink hue and the promise of a “sweet & salty” snack lured me in. The tang of yogurt is less than desirable, and fruity flavors are not typically my go-go, but my tastes have been (slowly) evolving. When I opened the package and poured a few into my white dotted ceramic snack bowl, I was pleasantly surprised. They were delicious — sweet, and salty ;) and NOT tangy. I highly recommend adding these to your snack planning repertoire — but beware, they are addicting! Buy a similar pretzel here.
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Disclosure: The recommendations and reviews provided on this blog are based on personal opinions and experiences. We are not compensated by any company or individual for these recommendations unless explicitly stated (e.g., Amazon Associate disclaimer). We do not endorse, warrant, or guarantee the products or services mentioned. Users who choose to purchase or use any product or service recommended on this blog do so at their own risk and we bear no responsibility for any outcomes.
