Happy July! I hope these “lazy days of summer” are treating you well. Not quite lazy days for us moms, right? Still, this summer I am in a much better place overall. The past couple of summers were challenging for me, on emotional and mental levels. This summer things are significantly better.
This is vague discussion, I realize. There are some things that can’t be explained in a blog post. Matters that work their way into parenting and motherhood and also mere stages of life and our development as people. I would love to be able to open up about them all, but this isn’t the time. I guess what I’m saying – or trying to say – is that if you are feeling challenged by personal circumstances right now, it may help to remember that saying “this too shall pass”. Even if it doesn’t pass in entirety, it can certainly lessen. This is what I’ve experienced, and now trust in.
Well!… So much for jumping into my “favorites” post, huh? Sometimes I want to share more than surface information with you, rather than launching into a recipe or other post. I’m a very sensitive person by nature, so while it’s not easy for me to discuss deep matters, it also feels very disingenuous to post week to week without talking on some personal level.
Shall we continue now? Ok. 🙂
First, are you enjoying the favorites posts? Please let me know in the comments. If they are fun and worthwhile for you, I’ll keep them coming.
Organic Cotton Candy Grapes
How? Where? When? What?!! How on earth do these grapes actually taste like cotton candy? I heard of them last summer, but didn’t find them locally until this past month. Very crisp (they should be, don’t buy them soft), and entirely sweet. We each had the same odd experience with our first taste. We took a bite, stopped for a second, then reacted with “holy, they DO taste like cotton candy“. Nature’s candy at its best. More info here.
Date Lady Balsamic Vinegar
This is a brilliant product. I love it. It’s essentially a balsamic reduction, but not quite as intensely tangy as most reductions – and without refined sugars. I use it on salads, roasted veggies, drizzled on breads and pastas and so much more. It’s available on amazon.com here, and if you are in Canada (or elsewhere) you can also order through Vegan Supply.
Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood
The topic of parenting teenage girls deserves a devoted blog. Nevertheless, I will mention this book because I am finding it very useful. Months ago I was talking to a mom at a baseball camp. We got chatting about all the challenges our young girls have now entering puberty and teenage years. The stressors of growing up in a demanding digital world, how that affects their important social connections, and how we as moms try to navigate that along with ‘normal’ teenage girl developments. She mentioned she heard the author, Lisa Damour, speak on a radio program. After our discussion, I googled like we do, read a few articles, and finally ordered the audio book. Since I spend a lot of my time cooking and cleaning, I find it easier to listen to audiobooks than sit and read. In short, if you have a teenage daughter, this book is worthwhile. If you don’t want to pick up a copy, hit your local library!
Teva Women’s Flatform Universal Sandal
What’s a ‘favorites’ post without shoes?! Last year I shared how much I loved my Sanuk flip flops. This year it’s these Teva Flatforms. I’m not one for clunky platforms, but I do love a cuhsion-y thick sole. I actually find a thicker sole more comfortable than a full flat. So these hit my sweet spot. Extra cushion in a comfy vegan sandal that’s cute. CUTE. I adore these, and holy they are comfortable to walk in. I may get a second pair, if I can justify the purchase. 🙂 I have the candy stripe in black, and also love the white/yellow combo. Sizing with shoes is always tricky, so I read the reviews on sizing. I’m usually a size 7 1/2 (occasionally a 7). I ordered the 7 and these Teva sandals fit perfectly.
Sarah Beth Yoga & Fitness Marshall
A couple of years ago I posted my fitness routine. I still exercise everyday, but for the last year or more I’m doing much more yoga along with my rebounding. I’m thinking of sharing an updated fitness post, if it’s of interest. For now, I thought I’d share two YouTube fitness and yoga channels that I love: Sarah Beth Yoga and The Fitness Marshall. Yes, they are polar opposites!
Some days I need yoga. Actually, most days I need – and love – yoga. There are about 5-7 channels I use, and Sarah Beth is one of my favorites. I especially love her vinyasa routines. Hers are the only ones where I truly connect with the breath to movement, movement to breath. I feel the difference making that connection, so I return to her routines all the time.
Often I want just 5-10 minutes of fun, crazy, don’t-take-things-too-serious cardio before yoga. Or, a full 15-20 minutes of that feeling! I turn to dance and zumba channels, and the Fitness Marshall is one of my favorites. Not sure there are too many 45 year old moms joining him, but this mama is. Note: Yeah, most of his videos and songs are suggestive. Not workouts to do with the kids around. Like most channels, I have a few favorite vids. This is surely one of my faves by the Fitness Marshall. I am waiting for those backup booties to return! Few other honorable mentions! Most of the time, yep, I do these vids on my bellicon. Touch weird, I know, but then I’m so am I. 🙂 If this workout info interests you, let me know and I’ll do that follow-up fitness post.
So, that’s it kids! A little bit of everything today.
Except chocolate.
Or ice cream.
Who am I???? Something needs tweaking. I’ll get on that. 😉
Thanks for reading. Much love to you all… x Dreena
Other favorites posts:
Highlights on social this week:
AL says
Hello,
Whole grapes are a choking hazards. Small children absolutely cannot have them!!!!!
I learned they are also a choking hazard for older kids and adults. It is not safe to eat them whole. You could choke and die. I think they are still a danger even cut in half because they are still round that way.
Please please please please research this carefully and keep yourselves and children safe. I AM at fault when anyone is hurt. I’m bad.
I am so sorry I feel too overwhelmed to read the post. There may be other dangers.
Debbie says
Thanks for mentioning the book Untangled! I had never heard of it, but having a 13 year old daughter I decided to check it out and it is awesome. Now if I could just find as similar book in raising teenage boys. I have boy/girls twins who just turned 13.
Cindi says
I loved the fitness angle! And I’m in the 60 range. It’s a lot easier to get this old body moving when I’ve got something as hyped up as the Fitness Marshall to get me going.
Claire says
Just now getting to read this month’s favourites. That date balsamic sounds divine! Definitely keeping my eyes peeled for that in stores. I keep hearing such amazing things about the cotton candy grapes too! I’m going to have to try them! Thanks for these, Dreena! Love the links provided too! I enjoy getting to know you, not only the recipes but real life posts also. 🙂
Jill Kovacs says
Great post…thank you!
Tracy says
I love the favorites posts! please keep them coming 🙂
Elisha says
This is totally unrelated, but I’ve been thinking about what foods to bring on a camping trip. I’m mostly vegan and my family is not. Any suggestions would be awesome!!
Regina says
I love the Fitness Marshall! Been working out to his video for about 4 weeks know (and I am 44). So much fun when get the moves down. :p
Dreena says
Awesome! So much fun, right? Glad I’m not the only 40+ dancing along. 😉
kate s. says
yes i love these favorites posts. Also though I hate hearing that you’ve had a tough time, it’s nice to know that i’m not the only mom that isn’t feeling 100% all of the time. thanks dreena!!!
ps. yes to the videos! more of your favorites would be appreciated!
Dreena says
<3 thank you Kate. And yes, we all have times that try us I guess. Glad to get your feedback, thanks!
Michelle says
Yes would love more posts on fitness!! The vinegar sounds amazing! Ordering it now.
Dreena says
Cool, good to know, thanks Michelle. 🙂
Natalie Collins says
HaHa!! I just checked out that Fitness Marshall video you linked to, and I have to admit, it’s all about the music!! LOVE IT!!
Dreena says
Isn’t it GREAT? He just cracks me up and I cannot help but smiling when I watch him. So, that’s always a great way to start the morning – and a workout!!