What I’m Loving

Khan Kids App

I mentioned Khan Kids on topvpn.press page recently, but I feel the need to share it again in case anyone missed it. It is by far my favorite educational app for younger kids (the age range recommended is 2-6). It is completely free and so well done. My favorite aspect is that it guides kids through activities and tells them what activity to do next. If you have kids in that age range I can’t recommend this app enough.

Mama Strong fitness program

I heard about Mama Strong recently from a friend and think it is brilliant. It is an exercise program for women that is just $5 a month. I love that the workouts are only about 15 minutes at a time which makes them very doable with kids running around. They even have 5-minute hacks for all kinds of things, like days you are feeling sleep-deprived.

I find it helpful that it tells me what to do every day, which takes all the decision making out of it for me. The less I need to think about my workouts, the better chance there is of me actually doing it!

Australian Gold Botanical tinted mineral sunscreen

I have been using mineral sunscreens for the past few years, but the white tint it leaves behind makes me insane. Jamie B Golden recommended this sunscreen, and I usually listen to what she says when it comes to skincare and beauty products (trust me, you should follow her on Instagram). I have been using this sunscreen daily and I love it so much. I don’t feel like the tint is noticeable at all when it is applied, but it definitely prevents the white cast a lot of mineral sunscreens leave behind. I also made Carlos, my husband, try it to see if the tint would look weird on darker skin than mine. At least in his case, it was still not noticeable.

3/4 Sleeve Fit & Flare Dress 

I very rarely buy clothing from Amazon, but I live in dresses during the spring and summer and I felt like I need more variety than I was finding in stores. I found this dress and have worn it multiple times since I bought it. It is so light, fun and comfortable! 

What I’m Reading

Atomic Habits by James Clear

I feel like everyone has been talking about Atomic Habits, and for good reason. I am only half way through and have already taken pages of notes. Of all the books I have read on habits, this is by far the most practical.

The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart

I have to be honest and say I didn’t finish The Brave Learner. I read a few chapters, and while it is very well written, it just isn’t my style of homeschooling or helpful to the season we are in right now.  I do feel like it might be very helpful for someone just starting out or anyone who enjoys Julie Bogart’s other work. I may give it another try when I have a little more time this summer because I’m sure there are things in it that will be inspiring or helpful. I just didn’t have the energy to read something that wasn’t necessary right now. 

The Next Right Thing by Emily P Freeman

I really enjoyed The Next Right Thing. I borrowed it from the library, but after reading it I still added it to my book wishlist, because it is a book I could definitely see myself coming back to multiple times. 

This description from Amazon is spot on: Whether you’re in the midst of a major life transition or are weary of the low-grade anxiety that daily life can bring, Emily helps create space for your soul to breathe so you can live life with God at a gentle pace and discern your next right thing in love.

Two Can Keep a Secret by  Karen McManus

Two Can Keep a Secret is a YA mystery that I randomly picked up at the library. I really enjoyed it, and it kept me guessing the entire time. If you are looking for a relatively light mystery that still keeps you guessing, this might be a good bet.