Monthly Favorites – March

March Monthly Favorites – Here’s what we’re loving this month! A killer tinted lip balm, books we’re reading, an awesome panama hat, spring capsule finds, and more! 

Another month has come and gone, so it’s time for monthly favorites! They’re my, well, favorite. This month, I have some fun finds and would LOVE to hear what YOU love lately, too! Without further ado…

1. The Hiding Haelo Series.

You know what I love? A really good, easy-t0-read book. Over the past few years, I’ve read so much more nonfiction than I ever thought I would, but what I really need in my life right now is lots of FOR FUN reading.

So, I’ve been reading my way through this Candeon Heirs series. I’d put it in the teen-lit/YA category, and it’s totally doing the job. What I love even more about it is that my childhood best friend wrote it. Like, she wrote TWO REAL LIFE BOOKS and has a THIRD one coming out soonish. It’s so fun to watch people you love succeed, and Tara is beyond fantastic. If you haven’t read them yet, I recommend you pick up a copy stat. (But also get the second one, because you’ll want to start it as soon as you finish the first one.)

2. Spring Wardrobe Refreshers.

Several of my short-sleeve tops have worn out after a solid year or two of frequent wear, so it’s been fun adding some new things to my rotation. I’m majorly loving this tie-waist tee, this breezy blue button-up (on sale!), this striped ruffle-sleeve tee (I own in red, navy, AND the all white version), and this eyelet trim tee.

(I never EVER pay full price for J. Crew clothes–I wait for sales! They’re currently running a 40% off sale till Monday, which makes a difference!)

PS – Do you want to see a full look at my capsule? Let me know!

3. A sun hat.

I’ve been a sunscreen fiend since my teens when I was allowed to start wearing makeup, and have religiously worn it daily since. This year, I’ve also added sun hats to my skin protection arsenal.

I’ve NEVER (like, ever) been a hat person. I’ve always loved them on everyone else but felt silly wearing one. This panama hat has been more flattering than anything else I’ve tried, and I’ve been wearing it regularly as we’ve spent time out in the spring sunshine. Because I’m 90. (But when I actually *am* 90, I won’t look a day over 89, right? Ha!)

4. Bath foam!

I mentioned this in my Easter basket post, but my kids have been going crazy for this bath foam. Both kids do showers more than baths these days, but they both love playing with this stuff. It’s also great for using with a water table, cookie sheet, or sensory bin if you prefer that!

5. Better-For-You Microwave Popcorn

I’ve been making my own microwave popcorn for years (just a few tablespoons of kernels in a paper bag, fold down the top, microwave 2 minutes or so), but I have LOVED the convenience and taste of the store-bought versions by Quinn Snacks we’ve been turning to lately.

They have a whole line of awesome flavor combinations. I tried (and raved about) their maple sea salt version a few years ago, but what I didn’t realize is that their butter flavors use clarified butter! Clarified butter (ghee) has all the dairy solids removed, so it’s safe for folks who need to eat dairy free! They kindly sent me a package of all sorts of flavors to try (instead of just my favorites–ha!) and we’ve loved everyone we’ve tried so far.

I love that there are no added chemicals or preservatives, they use recyclable paper bags, organic corn kernels (gluten free), and many flavors are also dairy free! I may or may not love the movie theater popcorn version best. (Trust me, it’s SO GOOD!) It’s definitely made movie night at our house MUCH more exciting.

I often order from Amazon, but I can also pick it up at Target, Safeway, or Whole Foods. (Here– find it close to you too!

6. This Hair Conditioning Treatment

I have a lot of very fine, straight hair, so I’m not sure how it’d work for other hair types, but this deep conditioning treatment is saving my winter-dried hair lately. I put it on once a week while I’m in the shower and it’s been great at hydrating without weighing down my hair or adding build-up.

7. Tinted Lip Balm 

Guys, no matter how hard I try, I’m just not a regular lipstick wearer. I LOVE it on other people, but it just tends to drive me crazy or make me feel like I have a neon sign on my face. So, generally, I’m a lip balm girl. I just tried two colors of this gently tinted lip balm (I tried the Zinnia and Rose colors) and LOVE it.

It’s hydrating, the color is subtle (though you can apply a second “coat” for a stronger pigment), and they make your lips look gorgeous and healthy. The rose has more pink tints to it and the coral is much closer to my natural lip color. I really like how it looks.

8. Fantastic Children’s Books

We’ve read a LOT of good books lately (I should really put a post together), but three I want to mention…

• Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History – amazing stories of brave, kind, courageous, smart women doing incredible things.
• Be Kind – Exactly what it sounds like, this book breaks down SO many different ways to be kind, while sharing a terrific social story of a situation at school. Loved it!
• She Persisted Around the World. We loved the first book in this series, and the second is just as incredible. I love reading about incredible people doing incredible things.

We’ve been trying really hard to find books of all kinds with examples of courage, kindness, resilience, and grit. Both kids love learning about people who do hard things. And I love it just as much as they do!

So, it’s your turn! Tell me: what are you loving lately!? I want to hear all about it! 

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