4 Things Friday: Books, Bottles, Jeggings and Pop Tarts

TGIF! Cheers to a much needed long weekend. This week has been a doozy. We have been having non-stop trouble from our cable provider which leans me more and more to the "cut the cord" revolution. Do we? Don't we? Thoughts?

It's also been a little more warm and summery this week. Right when we were just getting used to the fall-ish weather, too. But I am ok with the warmer temps since we still have a little beach vacation planned in a few weeks. It keeps me in limbo, torn between pumpkins and margaritas. Unfortunately, a pumpkin margarita does not sound like a good idea...

1. I am probably the last in line for this but it's changing my outlook on life. If you haven't read "7" by Jen Hatmaker, run, don't walk to the nearest library or bookstore. It is "an experimental mutiny against excess" and it will make you rethink some areas of your life.




2. I have been wanting a S'well bottle for a while now. I like to take water with me everywhere I go and was wanting something that didn't sweat that I could keep in my purse. LOVE it. It keeps drinks cold for 24 hours! Tons of cute designs, colors and sizes to pick from.

3. Is it just me, or do these pull on jeggings seem like an amazing idea? Can't wait to score a pair for this fall/winter season.

4. I'm looking forward to trying this homemade Pumpkin Pie Poptart recipe this fall. It looks pretty easy and I would be able to heat them up for Mally during the week.

Hope everyone has a wonderful LONG weekend!


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5 Good Books I've Read Recently

My two year old has already started asking for toys that she sees in commercials. I totally thought that was something that wouldn't start until she was at least 4, right? Nope. So the other night a commercial for Barbie came on and she chimed up "I want that Bawbee!" I said, "you like Barbies?" I popped up out of my chair and ran to the playroom closet to grab my Barbie and the Rockers box FULL of Barbies and clothes from when I was little.  

  ...and they called me a hoarder, whose laughing now?   With the toddler knee deep in a new *quiet* obsession, I have more time for my favorite hobby - reading! My goal for the year was to read 10 books. I'm already on book number 12 and we're not even into the holidays! I wanted to share 5 of those books that I thought were really good, in case anyone was looking for something new to read. Or, if you're toddler found out what Barbies are..  

In no particular order:

1. Silver Girl, Elin Hilderbrand
   I couldn't put this book down. I miss the characters already! I didn't want it to stop.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Carry on Warrior, Glennon MeltonThis book was SO funny. I have begged my friends to read it. I was taking pics of my kindle and sending them quotes out of it. It's a Christian based read, but it's more about making it through everyday life.
   
   
   
3. Whistling Past the Graveyard, Susan Crandall This reminded me of reading The Help, or Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. If you liked either of those books, this one won't disappoint!
   
   
   
   
4. I didn't come here to make friends, Courtney Robertson
   This is my one shameless reality show read. But it is a page turner, especially if you watched her season with Ben. LOTS of behind the scene juice!
   
   
   
5. The Outer Banks House, Diann DucharmeA beautiful coming of age love story set at the shore of Nags Head, N.C. I bought this book in a quaint little bookstore on the Outer Banks and loved every minute of reading it. The author is very descriptive and the story is a Romeo and Juliet type.
   
   
   
   

I'm always on the lookout for new books. Feel free to comment with recommendations!

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My Favorite Board Books

I've labeled this post "my" favorite board books since my little one is not at an age yet where she is picky on the literature we read. I know that day is coming though! I'm excited to see what books she chooses. For now, it's the books she can reach on her shelves.

I've rounded up my top 5 baby board books. I've enjoyed reading these to her since the day she was born, and she loves looking at them.

1. Goodnight Moon

She loves the bright colors and short verses in this classic.

 

2. Harold and the Purple Crayon

One of my friends who teaches kindergarten gave us this book. It is a wonderful tale of a little boy using creativity and imagination.

3. You are My I Love You

When we first go this book, I didn't understand the title. So I read it to her and started crying. It is THE sweetest book ever about a daddy bear's love for his baby.

4. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?

Another classic. She loves the big colorful pictures and it's an easy read for an antsy toddler.

5. What's Wrong Little Pookie?

Let me preface this by saying ANY of the Pookie books are a win. This was one of the first books I read my daughter when she was just an infant and she still goes for it on the shelf.