Friday Thoughts: Super Speed Style
Today’s Friday Thoughts post is super speedy! But kind of fun. And a little random. š
I literally always have a thousand things I want to tell you guys about (disclaimer: most of these things fall into the category of “very little substance”). Today I picked *just* ten of them to share.
For the recommendations, none of these are sponsored. Just little things I’ve bought and loved and feel like the world needs to know about. Some of the links below are affiliate links for products I’ve bought myself on Amazon, but as always, feel free to shop around for the best deal.
1. Best Lip Stuff Ever.
My friend, Nicole, gave me this amazing lip stuff {aff. link} (chapstick? balm? notreallysure) a while ago, and I have used it daily since. I’m super particular about moisturizing chapstick-type lip products because most of them actually dry out my lips. This Lypsyl magic wonderness is a miracle product. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
2. Best Instagram Account to Follow.
I’m trying to seriously limit my time on social media, and I have been tempted over the years to give it up entirely, but there are a few accounts that keep me motivated to stay, and @sharonsaysso is at the tippity top of the list. She calls herself America’s Government Teacher, which might be a turn off if you’re thinking that leads to a dry and boring social media experience, but her account is extremely scintillating, fun, unbiased, a little random, and incredibly helpful (especially right now wading through all.the.politics.and.chaos.in.the.world).
I love her. She has no idea who I am, but I’d probably fall over in utter starstruck wonder if I ever met her in real life. I am really proud to call myself a #governerd. Any other governerds out there?
3. I Got Myself a New Kitchen Table.
And I love it so much that I’m beginning to enter the phase of life called: Crazy Kitchen Table Lady. I had nothing against my sturdy, resilient, garage sale find table that graced our kitchen for the last 10+ years, but on the side, I was always casually searching for an eventual replacement.
Our neighbors hosted an HOA meeting a few months ago and while everyone else was talking about fixing potholes on our road and nominating absent members for board spots and detailing how many miniature donkeys should be allowed per home lot, I was gazing longingly at the hosts’ kitchen table.
It was eventually hard to ignore my social awkwardness, so they kindly gave me the info for a local store (Impact Imports) that makes custom kitchen tables from huge slabs of wood (our table is made from monkey pod/parota).
Long story short, I went to Impact Imports rustic showroom, fell in love, convinced Brian it was the right thing to do (or rather, told him he didn’t really get a vote), and six weeks later, our new baby, er, I mean, kitchen table was delivered. They were able to use the top part of the slab to make two benches for one side of the table, and I grabbed the other chairs off Amazon (not the highest quality chairs, but totally functional right now).
4. Plant-Based Mosquito Repellent
You guys, the mosquitos are HORRENDOUS on our property this year. Like, full on swarming horrendous. I’m not above using the strong stuff when it’s needed, but being out with our animals several times a day means I like having a more natural alternative (if I’m being honest, it’s largely because I don’t want to smell like deet-infested mosquito repellent all day – even some natural sprays have the worst smell).
I have tried many, many plant-based or natural mosquito repellent sprays, and this one wins hands down {aff. link}. It works well for shorter periods of time (probably wouldn’t be the best for deep country hiking, but for 20-30 minute stints out in the pasture or going on walks, it’s great) and I can’t understate how awesome it is that the smell is hardly there.
On a sidenote, when we want more powerful coverage for hiking or camping or prolonged time outside, we use these mosquito wipes {aff. link}.
Also, last thing because I can’t believe mosquitos are getting this much attention in one of my blog posts, but we also keep this bug bite balm {aff. link} on hand and it relieves the itch from mosquito bites amazingly well (and keeps the younger kids, and ok me too, from kind of melting down about the itchy scratchy issues).
5. Sweet and Sour Candy for Life.
I cannot resist sweet and sour candy. Sour patch kids. Sweet and sour hi-chews. Give it all to me. The tangy and sweet combo is my undoing.
I also happen to really love Australian-style licorice (Wiley Wallaby is one of my favorite brands). When I spied this sweet and sour licorice {aff. link} in a tiny gas station in the wilds of Idaho on a road trip, I was intrigued.
And then I became absolutely obsessed. These little sweet and sour licorice drops are probably my favorite iteration of the sweet and sour candy trend ever. Be forewarned: they are completely irresistible. As in, I have ordered them in bulk and I still have no idea how they disappear so quickly.
6. Speaking of Snacks.
I would be a terrible friend if I didn’t also tell you about my other two favorite snacks. Dill pickle pretzels {aff. link}. And dark chocolate drizzled boomchickapop {aff. link}. Both of these are very worthy distractions in my life right now. And speaking of dill pickle flavors, these spicy dill pickle almonds {aff. link} are also fantastic.
6. Planners: A Very Serious Question.
I may have asked this before and can’t remember (also: too lazy to dig through old posts), BUT, what kind of planning system do you use? I am a hard core paper planner. And I get teased about it mercilessly from family and friends. I cannot convert to the inconvenience of electronic planning.
Now is probably the time to confess I also have a mini obsession with post-it notes and use them endlessly. I enjoy writing in my spiral bound paper planner, and I’m not sure I can give it up, but it has it’s downfalls, of course (doesn’t sync with my family’s calendars, not always convenient to schlep around with me wherever I go).
I’ve used many paper planners over the years. Erin Condren. Personal Planner. Made my own from a template my talented SIL shared with me on InDesign. And currently have Agendio. I’m picky about my paper planners – size, weekly layout, etc. Sigh. It’s a complicated life to be so tied to a paper planner, but I just can’t envision a world without my trusty sidekick planner.
I’m curious: How do you plan your life? Paper? Electronic? Fly by the seat of your pants?
7. PSA: Comfiest Dress in the World.
I can’t adequately describe how loungey and comfy and cute this dress is {aff. link}. Comes in a zillion color/pattern options. I have dark gray. Don’t overthink it. Sizing is generous. Also: IT HAS POCKETS. Need I say more?
8. Have You Seen?
I have heard so much about the K-drama Crash Landing On You. Have you watched it? I would like your opinions on whether it’s worth watching. Based on the subtitles, I wouldn’t be able to multi-task while watching, and that’s a serious concern. And by multi-task, I’m not talking about doing anything super ambitious – more like painting my toenails or filling out my paper planner. #nerdalert (If you have any other must-watch Netflix or Amazon Prime shows, comment below!)
9. Hatch.
Many moons ago I told you that I had been gifted a Hatch Restore alarm system for my birthday from Brian and the kids. Here’s the report several months later. I LOVE IT. My favorite setting is the gradual sunrise wake up as the light brightens on the clock so that I’m not jarred out of sleep by the harsh beeping I’ve experienced the last 40+ years of my life.
I’ve also dabbled in some of the meditations included in the app as I actually try to establish a reasonable bedtime routine, as opposed to attempting to get in bed as freakishly fast as possible when I realize I’ve stayed up way too late again. Anyway, I highly recommend it! It’s operable from an app on my phone, and I’m just warning you that it’s impossible to avoid going down the rabbit hole of wake up sound options. Like, there’s a gazillion variations of wind chimes, and that’s just the beginning.
I’m not affiliated with the company at all, but I really love the clock/alarm. My only complaint is that even on the lowest brightness setting, I feel like the numbers on the clock are a bit too bright in the dark of nighttime, but that doesn’t outweigh my love for everything else about it.
10. School Starts Next Week.
And I am in disbelief that I’ll have three high schoolers, one middle schooler, and one lingering elementary student. Who am I and how did I get here? Also, I feel old. Also, maybe I’ll start exercising again. Also, maybe not. Also, I’m making everyone pack their own lunches this year. Also, I did that last year, so no big change from this lazy mom.
Also, good luck to all you moms and dads and other support personnel for kids everywhere attacking a new school year, whether that be public, private, homeschool, virtual, or whatever. May the force be with us all.
Love your guts! Thanks for being here. I say it all the time, but I mean it: you have no idea how grateful I am for this little corner of the internet where we can hang out together.
Love your Friday posts. Ā I also love the comments so Iām anxiously awaiting what everyone has to say.. By the way I am a paper planner all the way.
I’m a governerd! And I am so very grateful to you for introducing her to me. As others have said, she has brought so much clarity and calm to so many things. Plus she makes me laugh every day. You both are the best.
Intheleafytreetops planner are terrific all around planners and Korean Dramas are my latest go to. So cute and sweet. Mr. Sunshine is also terrific!!Ā
Fellow governnerd!! Another reason we should be friends IRL!Ā
Yes I am a Governerd!! I love Sharon Says So. I just started listening to her podcast too, good stuff!!
I am a paper planner all the way. I do put appointments on my phone just so I remember them till I get home to add to my paper planner. I could take my planner with me. My purse is certainly big enough. So many choices!!
I loved my Erin Condrin planners for several years. One year I went to plan the month of may. It was not their, it went straight to June. I contacted costumer service told them the situation. I thought they would laugh and send me a new planner. Nope they refused saying my 30 day guarantee was up. I sent a second plea to no avail. That was the last year for her!! Poor customer service. Do you make sure all the pages are in a planner/book before you use it????
We watch little TV but we have had fun with Dr Pol, a country vet show. So many interesting people and animal. Lately we have been watching the Dog Whisper. We donāt have dogs. Once our kids were raised we did not feel the need to own pets!! Been there done that.Ā
Love you much Mel. You are my favorite virtual friend!!!
PAPER PLANNERS OR BUST! I was always on the hunt for *the best* planner and never really found one I love until this one! Personally, I have to have monthly AND weekly layouts. But I didn’t love spiral-bound because I never felt like I could get into the middle like I wanted; book-bound to the rescue!
Also yes and amen to post-its. This planner fits a standard size post it note with room on either side. I put my daily to-do’s on the right side of each day, using post-its to take meeting notes. (Color coded by meeting type/topic, of course.)
See? You’re not alone on your planner obsession. š
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BW88K8W/ref=twister_B094NFM7TF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I love using planners from āin the leafy treetops.ā She just started selling a smaller size and weekly dashboard pages and Iām loving it so much!! I will always use a spiral bound paper planner, I tried using the planner on my phone calendar and quickly missed seeing the whole week or month at once.
Paper planner. I blame it on my college years. But a paper planner will never lose my stuff and I just like it so there lolĀ
Thatās the table of my dreams!Ā
I loved Crash Landing on You. Very clean cute story. I was worried about the subtitles also, but after a bit I told myself that I deserved to have some time where I didnāt have to multitask. I could just sit and watch an episode. I think we have become so busy as a society that we have forgotten the simple joy of just focusing on one thing.Ā
I would say go for it!Ā
I started following Sharonsayso when you mentioned her last year before the election. She is great! And, youāre one of the good ones too.
Do watch it!!!!!! Ā You are right that you canāt multi task. But it is so worth it!
Yep, another Governerd here! Sharon is the best, isnāt she?
Sorry for not being helpful but I use a monthly calendar for my planner needs. I need to see the entire month at a glance, (big picture), I just donāt have success going weekly.Ā
Love your blog and your recipes, Mel. Your recipes are the only ones I have ever found online that I feel totally comfortable trying for the first time with guests. They are *that* amazing and reliable. Ā
So thank you!
Good grief, so many thoughts! Ā I LOVE Sharonsaysso!! Delighted about her podcast and canāt wait to listen more when the kids start school next week. And hallelujah for a more natural mosquito repellent. Ā I have been using deet and then rinsing off after. Ā Ick. Ā But the itchy feeling of these big olā bites gets me to use the big stuff.Ā
Totally a paper planner girl. Ā But actually just lists in a cheap spiral notebook, big or repeating events on my phone but not the smaller stuff. Ā Lists galore on different pages. Ā We affectionately call it my brain. Ā All the stuff I donāt want to forget goes in there. Ā Yes to post-itās too!
Totally on the hunt for that sour candy. Ā I LOVE sours. So much. Nerds rope! Ā Looks so bad, but tastes so good. Ā
And school and being old, amen and amen! I canāt wrap my head around TWO college girls when I swear Iām still 30. Ā And itās time to revamp exercise, considering joining the local gym (never ever been a gym girl) to mix it up?? Ā Mosquitos are making morning walks MUCH less inviting, but thatās still my favorite to be outside.
Good luck next week!
Governerds for life!!! I think I started following Sharon because you talked about her around election time.Ā
Thanks for all of the snack, alarm clock, dress recommendations. I’m not sure if you like the term “influencer” but you totally influence me and I love just about everything you recommend.
Hello! I’ve never posted before (that I can remember) but I’ve followed your blog for years and made a ton of your dessert recipes! You are a go-to blog for me whenever I need a recipe. I recently made your banana muffins and used them as cupcakes (I added pb frosting!) for my 1 year olds birthday party (I’m an older first time mom – don’t let his age fool you)! Delicious! I really enjoy reading your thoughts, getting your product recommendations, and your recipes. Thank you for all the time you spend on this site! It has made my life better! Oh and I bought spf swimwear leggings and long sleeved top because of your post! I’m the only one of my friends that swims fully clothed but honestly I think they are all interested in getting the same swimeear!
Loved Crash Landing On You. Ā It is funny, sweet and a great story line. I liked not multitasking while watching it, it made me sit still and work for the treat to sit and watch it (if that makes sense). Ā Totally worth it. Ā Another good K drama is Romance is a Bonus Book
I absolutely LOVED Crash Landing on You!! It was probably the first show I truly just binged. So good.Ā
First I have to say, paper planners for life! Iāve tried a few different electronic systems over the years but nothing keeps me organized like a good paper planner. Havenāt found one I swear by yet though.Ā
Second, Crash Landing on You is a must watch! I had a hard time with the idea of not being able to multi task while watching but itās so worth it! Itās everything you want a show to be and more. All the feels!! You have to commit to two episodes before you make a decision because the first episode your getting use to the subtitles. Also, make sure you have time because once you get into it, you wonāt want to stop!
Thanks for all the fun suggestions! I love these posts! Good luck with back to school!!
Governerd over here! āāļø I dearly love SharonSaysSo. Sheās just the best thing. Informative in a way you can totally understand, hilarious and adorable. Sheās awesome. And so are you.
Love your thoughts and the comments! Also a paper planner friend and have to suggest bullet Journaling. Best thing ever, you make your own spreads. It is so flexible and customizable. Don’t just search bullet Journaling though it is easy to get overwhelmed by beautiful spreads. Search MINIMALIST bullet journal. Those are my people.
Iām a planner. I have some digital, some paper. I LOVE my Passion Planner. I use the weekly, and I download the daily undated to use as well. Iāve been using them for years, and they are my favorite format.Ā
The first episode of Crash Landing is rough but stick with it! Ā Iām not a TV watcher but it completely sucked me in and I missed it when it was over. Ā The episodes are looooong but the characters are so sweet (and handsome) that Iām thinking of watching it again. Ā Itās darling and sweet Ā and SO CLEAN; I think youād love it!
That tablet is stunning!! I love it! Miss your guts.
Crash landing on uou – ABSOLUTELY worth watching. Iām pretty picky about what shows I like, and this one made my top three. No joke. Worth every minute and all the subtitles! Watch it!!!
You can turn off the clock at night! I can’t remember how but there’s a setting somewhere to do it. I love my Hatch. š
Yes watch Crash Landing on You! Itās so worth reading the subtitles! My 11 year old boy even loved it!Ā
Why hello fellow Governerd! Crash Landing On You. After the second episode I was hooked! I had the same multi-tasking concerns but I learned to enjoy it and actually really love K-Dramas now!
Proud Governerd here! I started following her the first time you mentioned her (beginning of the year maybe?) and she only had like 30,000 followers! I talk about her like sheās my actual friend (kind of like I talk about you)!Ā
Also, your kitchen table is quite possibly one of the most beautiful tables ever!
Love the Friday thoughts! So many good things.
-Total Governerd over here, too. I’ve been loving her new podcast!
-That kitchen table is out of this world! Love it so much!
-I’m a Plum Paper planner user and have been so happy with each planner I’ve gotten from there. I love how customizable they are so I can get exactly what works for me.
-Havent watched that K drama, but just recently started watched The Durrells on Corfu, after seeing a few shout outs on Instagram. Have you watched it? It’s delightful and so funny!
I follow Jordanpage on Instagram and she sells her own planners/budgeted/get life organized kind of stuff. Maybe check her out.Ā
By the way, you have the best recipes around. Love all your stuff. Keep āem coming!Ā
Hi Mel!
2) Fellow governed here! Sharon is really great at keeping me informed on topics I was either never interested in before or never knew even existed. #Svalbard
3) your new kitchen table is gorgeous!
5) I will gladly give you all the sour candy and especially all the licorice.Ā
6) the dill pickle pretzels and choc drizzled kettle corn, on the other hand, I may fight you for those. Yum.
7) I use a digital calendar and a paper bullet journal. I would go back to a paper planner if it wasnāt so bulky. In fact, I just found the 2020 planner in a drawer that only had 3 pages filled out and none of those were the actual calendar portion.Ā
9) Iāve been curious about Hatch. Thanks for your thoughts on it. I may try it this fall as the light changes here in the Treasure Valley. Not a fan of dark mornings.
10) praying for all the students and teachers and parents.Ā
Thanks for all you do to shine light and humor and delicious recipes here. I appreciate you.
I started following Sharon says so months ago when you first recommended her. I am thankful all the time for that recommendation. She replaces my fears with faith and trust in our systems. She has revived my love for and trust in the constitution. She keeps me grounded. I didnāt know how much I was craving facts. So good. All your recommendations are gold.Ā
Another Governerd here! I wish everyone in the country would follow Sharon. It’s easy to feel hopeless about how divided we are but listening to her talk about current events – and times in history when it’s been much worse – is the talk off the ledge I need sometimes. And being from MN originally I love when she breaks out the exaggerated accent. š
Also, thanks for the mosquito product recs! My husband got eaten alive last night when we went out to to watch the meteor shower because he didn’t want to smell like bug spray before bed (I didn’t either but miraculously only got 1-2 bites). It sounds like the botanical option is just what we would have needed!
Totally a fellow Governerd over here! Sharon is the best. Also, to keep my life organized I use a physical calendar with appts for the rest of the family to sew, a planner that I can write my day to day to do lists, and my phone to put in important dates and appts (shared calendar with my husband) so I can have reminder notifications. OCD anyone? Hahaha. Do you know the shop RadandHappy? She’s on IG and I LOVE her planners. She’s just about to release her latest ones for this year (many of which are undated so you can get them and use them anytime). They are awesome and not ridiculously expensive!
Governerd here! OF COURSE you are one too – it shouldn’t surprise me a big. Amazing people attract amazing people! š
Fellow governerd here! I sing the praises of @sharonsaysso to anyone who will listen! Also āCrash Landing on Youā is totally worth watching. A very charming and engaging story! But no, you canāt multi-task or youāll miss whatās happening because of the subtitles.
Yes! Fellow Governerd here! She’s brought so much peace to my life because I can rely on her for facts then be a critical thinker for myself.Ā
The planning “system” (ha it’s just a planner) that I use are the kind from Michaels or Office Max. Just a spiral bound bound planner with a month at a glance where I write everything, but also has the weeks behind each month for plenty of notes and things to do. So easy to then keep as a “journal” to remember everything. Way easy to store, compact, and tidy. Plus its cute and makes me happy to look at. And because I misplace things sometimes this is one I never lose because it’s the size of a notebook.
Governerd here. Ā I love Sharon and love listening to her podcast. Ā Thanks for sharing all your Friday thoughts. Ā I am intrigued be the alarm clock. Ā Waking up to beeping or ringing makes me cranky. Also am looking forward to trying the fish taco recipe. Ā
Crash Landing On You was our first Kdrama and it was the BEST, I mean the BEST show ever! Because of this show, my husband and I are now Kdrama addicts! And yes, that means we need an intervention since we are on our 20th Kdrama. Nothing quite lives up to Crash Landing On You, but thatās ok.Ā
I promise you and family will LOVE Crash Landing On You! Your heart will often ache, tears will flow, but itās worth it, I promise !
Would love to hear more Kdrama recommendations! š
The King Eternal Monarch has taken top spot for me. It is so good. I still love Crash Landing too.
Awesome, thank you! We will check it out.
Hello fellow Governerd! Sharon is literally the best!
I love the idea of paper planners, but can’t make it work. I use my calendar on my phone and a giant wall calendar. But Jordan Page makes a Productivity Planner that might work for you. She has printables on her website: https://funcheaporfree.com/productivity-planner-digital-download/
That table is gorgeous! We need a bigger table but don’t have the space for a bigger table. My family of 7 is sitting a table meant for 6. So sad. What I need to do is order a bench to replace two of the chairs so I can squeeze 3 of the 5 children on it.
We start school next week and I’m stressing over lunches. My kids are just weird about what they will and won’t eat and I feel like I haven’t figured out good options for them. Maybe I’ll figure it out this year.
Crash landing on you is FOR SURE worth it. It is so good.Ā
Governerd here…Sharon is amazing, she has my heart and attention! You do too, btw! This is a fun list of thoughts and you’ve given me a couple Christmas gift ideas, mostly the food. š
Hi Mel! That’s a beautiful table. Yes, #governerdsunite! I use an ARC planner (from Staples originally) which is a disc-bound system and customize/print my own pages. It sounds like you’ve dabbled with customizable templates before but the beauty of the ARC is that you buy a hole puncher and can stick any 1/2 size (I think it’s A5) sheet in and out of there. It works for my planner brain because I’m always tweaking the layout and also just have a bunch of plain pages of notes filed in there. Best wishes with the start of the new school year!
Fellow Governerd here! Sharon is THE BEST! and now that I know you love her Iām going to start campaigning for you to be on her podcast! That would be amazing!! So start prepping Ā
Love your table! It is swoon-worthy. We shouldn’t be that complicated with just one kiddo, but she started high school, so the current planner situation has got to get an upgrade to keep up – hoping to see suggestions here! Wishing yours a great school year!
Lip balm is already ordered! Ā The table is absolutely gorgeous! Ā I wish you would post a few more pictures of it from different angles- could you? would you?. Enjoy the weekend everyone!
I love recommendations on your blog. Ā I donāt know how many games, kitchen gadgets, and gift ideas Iāve ordered after reading your suggestions. Ā Thanks! Ā
OKAY– Im picky about chapstick too!! Idk why but a few years ago out of no where my lips that rarely need chapstick were SO CHAPPED. Like I legit thought I had skin cancer of the lips. I’ll skip some details but I did a lot of research about chapstick and found out most Chapsticks don’t heal or moisturize, but lanolin does. On some chapstick forum (….. Lame , I know) I found a recommendation for this stuff , and I started using it and love it!!
It’s Australian Golden Lanolin , I buy the lip balm form (I’ve tried the chapstick tubes and it’s good but I prefer the balm). It’s great – I don’t feel like I have to use it quite as often as chapstick and typically just use it right before bed , but more often in the dead of winter. One downside, it gets melty in hot weather so don’t keep it in your purse in the summer! It’s $5.90 + shipping on Amazon . Sorry for the novel haha
Yes yes yes to Crash Landing on You. I’m picky about shows (have to be clean too) and this one ticks all the boxes – romance, action, drama, suspense, comedy! And such lovable characters. I bet your teens would really enjoy it as well. I’ve watched it more than once and I’ve never done that for a show before. Highly recommend!
Thanks for the bug balm rec. I’m ordering it for my kids now. They don’t handle mosquito bites well!
Happy Friday Mel! Another thing we have in common – sweet and sour candy! This brand is now in my amazon cart – thanks for the recommendation! š