Random Friday

1. Julep picks. 

     This month I decided to switch my style profile to Boho Glam again. I'm beginning to think that I'm not as Classic with a Twist as they think I am. The Boho Glam box comes with these two colors, Isla and Piper, and a nail polish remover. I received my box for free this month through Julep's referral program. The company also offered the ability to add on up to three other nail colors for $4.99 each, but I resisted in hopes that Julep will release a mystery box this month. I'm interested to see what these polishes look like in real life since they are metallics and chromes. I'm not sure it that's my style exactly, but since it was free, I figured it was worth a try. I will review my box once I receive it. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out my post here. 

2. Let there be light!

     We finally received our new kitchen pendant light from Shades of Light earlier this week. Tim rewired it and hung it this week and we are in love! It is the Wire Wrapped Recycled Glass pendant. Glass is blown into chicken wire in the form of diamonds and flowers to create a whimsical pendant for rustic or cottage settings. We love it and although we thought it might be too big when we first unpacked it, we really like its size for the space now that it's in there. At night it is positively gorgeous. Now we just need to find a light to replace the fan in the kitchen. Oh, and finally paint the kitchen walls!

3. These boots are made for walking. 

     While we were in Pigeon Forge last weekend, we went shopping at Stages West, a huge western wear store. While there, I figured I might as well try on some boots since my cousin wants me to wear them for her wedding. I found the perfect pair that can go with anything. They are Ariat Heritage R toe boots in distressed brown. The sales lady said that they are the most popular and best-selling boot for women in the country. And they are surprisingly really comfortable. I wasn't the only one to get new boots though. Tim picked up a pair of steel-toed boots to wear to work and even Owen got in on the fun thanks to his grandma. He is so adorable in his boots. I can't wait for him to wear them to the wedding. We got them in a bigger size so that they will for sure fit in October and through the winter. 

4. What's on my Nook.

     In "Where We Belong," author Emily Giffin tells the story of Marian Caldwell, a 36-year-old television producer living in New York City. Marian's at the top of her career and in a promising relationship when a secret from her past shows up at her front door. 
    Here's an excerpt from the first chapter. It was a perfect beginning. It really draws you in and has a great hook. If you don't want to continue reading after this, I don't know what would make you want to read it.  
   "I know what they say about secrets. I've heard it all. That they can haunt and govern you. That they can poison relationships and divide families. That in the end, only the truth will set you free. Maybe that's the case for some people and some secrets. But I truly believed I was the exception to such portents, and never once breathed the smallest mention of my nearly two-decade-long secret to anyone. Not to my closest friends in my most intoxicated moments or to my boyfriend, Peter, in our most intimate ones. My father knew nothing of it - and I didn't even discuss it with my mother, the only person who was there when it all happened, almost as if we took an unspoken vow of silence, willing ourselves to let go, move on. I never forgot, not for a single day, yet I was also convinced that sometimes, the past really was the past. 
   "I should have known better. I should have taken those words to heart - the ones that started it all on that sweltering night so long ago. You can run but you can't hide."
    I am about a fourth of the way in and I am really enjoying this book. I would even go so far as to say that I think it might be her best book. I think the story is so interesting that I wish I had more time to read it. I'm hoping that I will get the chance to read more this weekend while we're visiting Tim's parents. 

5. Look what the stork is bringing!

    And no, it's not a baby. I snagged another great deal on Plum District this week to receive the August box from the subscription service Stork Stack for just $12. I'd give you the link, but the deal is already sold out. Stork Stack is another baby subscription service that started delivering to customers just a couple months ago. The Chicago-based company sends five of their favorite products for mom and baby each month. It is similar to Citrus Lane and I'm interested to see which company I like better. The theme of the August box is "Splish Splash and Sleep Tight" and will include bed- and bath-time products. The box normally costs $28 a month and is valued at more than $50. One neat thing about this company is that they give back to various organizations like Operation Showers of Appreciation, which donates boxes to the wives of military families who are separated due to their soldier being deployed and Baby Buggy, which had donated more than 5.5 million products to families in need since 2001.  

6. Hoo are you?

     I'm not sure if you remember seeing this little guy before, but I talked about it when I received it in my June Citrus Lane box. I wasn't that thrilled with it at first because it doesn't match Owen's nursery theme and I wasn't sure where I would put it. The fabric wall decal is made by the company Pop and Lolli. After moving it around a couple places (like on top of Owen's bookcase) I finally settled on placing it next to Owen's changing pad. He loves it! He looks at it every time I'm changing him and now has even learned to say, "Hoo hoo" when I ask him what an owl says. Sometimes it's the only thing that keeps him from wriggling all around and flipping over while I'm trying to change him. I love the jaunty fellow and I would definitely recommend this company if you are interested in wall decals for a nursery, child's bedroom or playroom, or even a classroom. 

7. Snack time!

     One of the coupon codes included in my July Citrus Lane box was for Ella's Kitchen brand baby food and snacks sold on Alice.com. I received a $5 off code so I used it to stock up on snacks for our trip this fall to Florida. I have already started stockpiling snacks and toys and other items that I think will make our trip easier and less stressful. Owen has already tried the Carrot and Mango Nibbly Fingers and he was a big fan. They are kind-of small, but they look pretty tasty and they help me get through car rides and grocery trips with a cranky baby, so they get the mom stamp of approval.