Monthly Archives: June 2020

Favorite Things – Part 2

Shop Local

Shopping local = support local businesses to me. Whether it is our local Mexican restaurant, dry cleaners, shops, farmers market, etc. – anytime we can support a local business is a win in my book. Here are some of my current favorites:

  • All She Wrote Notes – I met Maghon Taylor years ago when she can and lead a calligraphy class for my Bible Study gals. I have followed her ever since and like to think of her as a friend now. It has been fun to watch her go from this side business she did at night to a gal making it a full-time gig. She has written a book (the second is coming soon), partnerships with some great companies and she keeps spreading happiness.
  • May Designs – My first purchase was their journal books and I loved them. If I had to guess I probably bought from them 10 years ago. In more recent years, I have bought a number of their tumblers. They are FANTASTIC. They are not only the type that will keep hot hot and cold cold, but they can go in the dishwasher!!! That’s a huge win in this house. Love both sizes and are fun to pick out colors, monograms, etc. Since COVID-19, they started making masks. When we knew masks were going to be the thing – I quickly ordered and these were some of the first masks we got. They are great – a pocket area for a filter, comfortable, easy to wash.
  • Busy Bee Gifts – My friend Courtney shared with me last summer the Posh Paper Crate with me and I had to sign up. A monthly subscription of cute paper goods. I’ve had everything from a notebook, monogram notecards, recipe cards, file folders and more. It’s a surprise every month and a fun package to open.
  • Picnic @ Home – A favorite catering company I have used for years (The Picnic Basket) changed their thinking with COVID-19 and started contactless delivery of dinners. We have had them bring dinner several times. From beef ribs to fajitas and BBQ pork sandwiches – everything has been delicious. They drop off the meal at the door and all you have to do is heat it up (about 30 minutes) and dinner is served. If you are in the Raleigh-Durham area, give them a try.

What are your favorite Small Businesses?

Favorite Things – Part 1

Over the next several posts, I will share some of my favorite things. Some of these are COVID-19 purchases and others are just things that I have purchased over the first part of 2020.

Amazon Finds

I think we all have gotten in the habit of the easy shopping Amazon provides. With a few clicks, you have ordered and then the box arrives on your door step. From essentials to random items – Amazon has it all.

  • OtterBox Defender Cell Phone Case – I have used this style case for some time. It does the job for me in keeping my cell phone safe from the accidental drops and daily use. I opted for a fun pink polka dots case this time. Easy to find in the purse.
  • Cricket Static Hair Brush Fast Flo – My all time favorite hairbrush. I think I originally bought one at Ulta and then have replaced it several times by a quick Amazon order. I even have a smaller version that is perfect for my purse.
  • Conair Instant Heat Travel Hot Rollers – Speaking of hair, I ordered these a couple months ago when I knew there was not hair appointment in the future. I was already 2 months into the new haircut and knew it was going to probably be another 2 months. Had to do something…I’ve used hot rollers before, but these are great because they are larger and give you body not curly curly hair. They have been great.
  • Fitbit Band – I have ordered a variety of bands for my Fitbit through the years. This one has become a favorite for Mom, my sister, and me. A little dressier than some, but still functional.
  • CINEMA SECRETS Pro Cosmetics Professional Brush Cleaner Spray – So, I have seen several Instagram “friends” post about this make-up brush cleaner….so I thought I would give it a try. My make-up brush has never been cleaner and softer. I have tried many other tricks, but they never have been this clean.

What are your Amazon finds? Do you have favorites that you have on repeat? We order coffee (K-Cups) monthly, my new favorite elderberry gummies, and trash bags. I would love to hear of any of your favorites from Amazon.

COVID-19 Meal Planning – May

May

I’m delayed on posting the May list of meals, but here you go. It has been another fun month of dinner at home.

  • May 1 – TAKE-OUT (Mexican)
  • May 2 – TAKE-OUT (Chick-fila)
  • May 3 – Mom’s Birthday and her request for TAKE-OUT (Maggiano’s)
  • May 4 – Chicken & Rice
  • May 5 – Taco Salad
  • May 6 – Roast, Potatoes, Carrots
  • May 7 – TAKE-OUT (Mellow Mushroom)
  • May 8 – Crab Cakes and Boiled Shrimp over Salad
  • May 9 – Leftovers
  • May 10 – Mother’s Day; Ham and Fixings
  • May 11 – Shredded BBQ Chicken, Mac & Cheese
  • May 12 – Spaghetti
  • May 13 – Leftovers
  • May 14 – Leftovers
  • May 15 – Leftovers
  • May 16 – TAKE-OUT (Smithfield BBQ & Chicken)
  • May 17 – TAKE-OUT (Oceanic)
  • May 18 – Spaghetti and Tossed Salad
  • May 19 – Chicken, Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
  • May 20 – Taco Salad
  • May 21 – TAKE-OUT (Blue Water Grill)
  • May 22 – Leftovers
  • May 23 – TAKE-OUT (Longhorn Steakhouse)
  • May 24 – Orange Chicken, Rice and Green Beans
  • May 25 – Memorial Day TAKE-OUT (Firebirds)
  • May 26 – Fried Pork Chops, Corn and Broccoli
  • May 27 – TAKE-OUT (Olive Garden)
  • May 28 – Leftovers
  • May 29 – I have no idea and we couldn’t remember. Nor did we write it down. This was the first time we didn’t write it down.
  • May 30 – TAKE-OUT (Mellow Mushroom)
  • May 31 – Beef Stew, Potatoes, and Carrots

No new recipes this month – these were all good standbys in our family. We did our fair share of Take-Out which was a nice break from cooking every night. We just needed a break.

I’ll commit to posting June’s list quicker and there will be some new recipes to share there. We have enjoyed a couple new recipes that will be on repeat.