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SO in the KNOW | What I’m Learning & Loving in July

Empty Nest Blessed by Suzy Mighell

Well, it was bound to happen one month or another! I’ve been squeaking in these SO in the KNOW posts in the last few days of the month for so long that I was bound to whiff and miss a deadline. With all of the travel I’ve done in June, it’s happened! I completely missed the last day of the month! 😂

So, welcome to July’s SO in the KNOW post! This is the popular monthly post where I share what I’m learning and loving in my empty nest. This month’s post is full of discoveries, cool stuff I’ve learned lately, and more. I love writing it, and I hope you love reading it! Let’s dive in!

What I’m Learning

Find Lost Money

According to the US government, the average person has about $100 in unclaimed money just floating around out there! In most cases, it can take mere minutes to track it down and reclaim it. Head to usa.gov/unclaimed-money for all the free resources and links that can help you recover your stashed cash from a wide range of sources. 🤑

Are You Wearing Your Wearable Wrong?

I don’t know about you, but I am obsessed with tracking every step I take throughout the day. If you wear a fitness tracker to chart your workouts, steps, or sleep, you want to be sure you’re wearing it the right way. In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, experts said that no matter which brand you wear (from Apple Watch to Fitbit), if you’re wearing it too loosely or wearing it as you would a normal watch, your metrics could be way off base.

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The main problem? Apparently, since most wearables measure by shining a specific frequency of light onto your skin, it has to do with ambient light sneaking in underneath. Here are the tips you need to know:

  • Don’t wear your device on your actual wrist bone. Instead, strap it on roughly two finger-widths above your wrist bone.
  • Choose a spot where your tracer won’t move. The band should lie flush against your skin and not jostle every time you open a door or cabinet.
  • Strap it tightly against your skin.
  • Clean it often to keep the sensor free from sweat and grime.

Packing Helper

joy creative shop travel notepad

Not long ago, I shared my travel must-haves with you! Y’all, this Travel Notepad from Joy Creative Shop is SO helpful, it just bears repeating. (And giving away, just sayin’!) I use it every time I travel, and it keeps me organized right until the very minute I walk out the door. You might remember that Joy Creative Shop is the spot where I get the Gratitude To-Do List that I use every single day. (Empty Nest Blessed readers can always take 10% off any order at Joy Creative Shop with the promo code ENB10.)

I thought it would be fun to give away four Travel Notepads! All you have to do to enter this giveaway is to leave me a comment at the bottom of this post and let me know what item OR info was your favorite in this SO in the KNOW post. I’ll close this out on Saturday, July 3 at 11:59 p.m., and contact the winners by email next week, okay?

Instagram Issues

Ah, Instagram and Facebook, you think you’re so smart. 🙄 Showing us posts from the people you think we’d like to see instead of letting us scroll through our friend’s posts ourselves. 😆 And woe to any of us who ever clicks an ad for a product, for we will be seeing it for at least the next month! 😂

If you haven’t seen my posts (or anyone else’s you want to see) on your social media feeds, know that you may need to give the smarty pants algorithms at Facebook & Instagram a little reset! You have to show them that you want to see posts from certain people, and voilà! Like magic, you’ll start seeing posts by your favorites again. Here’s how to do a reset:

  • On Facebook and Instagram, go to the search (spyglass) icon and type in the name of the person or account that you want to see more of.
  • Then “like” and/or “comment” on the account’s last 3 posts. If you can, also watch their Story.
  • That should do it!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

It’s pretty hard to believe, but it’s almost time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Unlike last year, when I bought nothing but loungewear 🤣, this time I’m ready to dive in with both feet (Like literally! I need some new boots!) If you’re not familiar with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, it’s an epic sale event where fall clothes, shoes, and accessories go on sale before the season even begins. The Anniversary Sale is an especially great time to get jeans, coats, jackets, and shoes for both men and women. (All of those text links go to items currently on sale, not items in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I haven’t gained access to those yet!)

The preview (formerly a paper catalog) goes LIVE on Tuesday, July 6, and the first early access group can begin shopping as soon as July 12! Not sure when you get to shop? Click HERE to see if you have early access, then use the handy-dandy graphic below to make plans.

NordstromAnniversarySale-Dates

If it seems kind of overwhelming, don’t worry! I will guide you through it, and of course, share my tips and tricks for getting the best deals! This year, I’m partnering with Kay Harms of Dressed for My Day to give away a $500 Nordstrom gift card in advance of the sale!

Actually, we can’t decide whether we should give away one $500 gift card, two $250 gift cards, or five $100 gift cards! Let me know your preference in the comments below, okay? That giveaway will be part of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale tips & tricks post next week! 😘 (That means if you’re not an ENB subscriber, you might want to sign up HERE. I don’t want you to miss a chance to win!)

What I’m Loving

Coolest Soap Ev-ah – I think I must be a kid at heart. (Aren’t we all?😁) Developed by two Harvard/MIT scientists, I immediately fell for this fun, natural, biodegradable soap! It has a light citrus scent, and the spheres go “splat” when squeezed!

Leather House Key Topper – And the award for the cutest housewarming gift goes to…🏆 this leather house key topper! It’s perfect for a new homeowner, your empty nester pals who just downsized, and more!

Bug Bite Itch Relief – It’s mosquito season in most parts of the country right now, and, no matter how hard we try, it seems like one or two of the hungry buggers always seem to attack. 🦟 This ItchGo bite relief device uses a (very) low-level electric current to minimize itching from bug bites. It’s a natural, painless (I promise!) treatment that really works!

Heart Hoop Huggies – You know I Iove it when things look more expensive than they are! These small, heart hoop earrings are 14K gold plated sterling silver, and I think they’re just adorable! At under $10, the price is right.

Soft Pillow Lap Stand – If you like to use your iPad, tablet, or Ereader, you’re going to love this pillowy lap stand. (Actually, you can use it on a counter or a tabletop too!) It comes in 26 color/pattern choices! I think this would make a great gift for a senior adult, college student, or new empty nester!

Lip Sleeping Mask – Kiss chapped lips goodbye with this sleeping mask that coats your lips in antioxidants and moisture while you’re sleeping. My daughter-in-law loves the Sweet Candy flavor, and I love Vanilla!

Best Board Shorts (According to Bob!) – Not only are Fair Harbor’s ultra-comfortable swim trunks made from upcycled plastic bottles, but they also have an inner lining that’s soft, supportive, and chafe-proof. Bob loves these!

Monogrammed Straw Bag – I think these darling mini bags would make the absolute best party favors, girl’s trip gifts, or even gifts for bridesmaids. They measure 11.4 x 7 x 4.3 inches and are less than $10 (monogram included)!

High-Waisted Workout Skirt – I’ve fallen hard for these cute tummy-control workout skirts! Technically, they’re made for tennis or golf, but of course, you can wear them for anything! They have built-in shorts underneath, with an upward-facing pocket on the right side of the shorts (I use that for a cell phone holder.) and a downward-facing pocket on the left side (which you could use for balls if you were playing tennis or golf). They also work as a bathing suit coverup or even a swim skirt! I own them in black, navy, pink, and white!

Five-Pocket Denim Skirt – Honestly, I feel like a good denim skirt is a classic wardrobe staple that should be in every woman’s closet! This one is by NYDJ, my favorite jeans brand. That means it has NYDJ’s Lift Tuck® Technology built right in. (It flattens your tummy in the front and flatters your curves in the back.)

SPF 30 Eyeshadow – As someone who is, well, pretty militant about sunscreen 😂, I’ll level with you: Until now, finding SPF that worked on your upper eyelids was pretty much impossible. It was always too oily and caused my eye shadow to crease. Well, trust SuperGoop to come out with the first SPF 30 eyeshadow! It’s a long-wearing cream eyeshadow, and the shimmer isn’t too much. I bought it in Golden Hour, but I love it so much, I just added the other shades to my cart! I linked it at SuperGoop, but you can also find it at Anthropologie HERE (Daydream shade only) and Sephora HERE.

14K Gold Plated CZ Tennis Bracelet – This tennis bracelet has over 11K amazing reviews on Amazon! It features 3mm cubic zirconia Swarovski Element crystal stones in four-prong basket settings. It’s lead-free, Eco-friendly and hypoallergenic, and 14K gold-plated for a long-lasting finish. Y’all, it looks REAL! Also, it’s from an American-owned company, and they offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. Choose from rose gold, yellow gold, or white gold finishes in either 6.5″, 7″, or 7.5″ lengths.

Devotional for a Hopeful Heart – Since our weekly couples Bible Study doesn’t meet in the summer, I’ve been on the lookout for a good devotional. Another blogger recommended this 90-day devotional, and I’ve just loved it. Each day’s devotion starts with scripture and ends with prayer. To peek inside and read before buying, click HERE. Then scroll down to the images and click.

Happy July! I’m gearing up for our July 4th party and all of the big sales this weekend! A bunch of them have already started, so click through below if you want to browse.

Do you feel SO in the KNOW? I hope so! If you want to enter to win one of the Travel Notepads, don’t forget to let me know your favorite SO in the KNOW item or info from today’s post. Also, let me know your thoughts on the Nordstrom gift card giveaway, okay?

Thank you for sharing my content!
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48 Comments

  1. I absolutely LOVE the Travel Notepad! What a great tool, and so much cuter than the yellow legal pad I always use before a trip! 😁
    Thanks for the opportunity to win.

    1. Kari,

      Hahaha! I used to be a yellow notepad girl too (or the back of an envelope!). I feel you! Thanks so much for commenting and for being an ENB follower! Your sweet support means a lot to me!

      xoxo
      Suzy

    2. I love the pad- I always need help making lists for a trip. Thanks for the tip!

  2. I always look forward to seeing what is on sale.
    The travel pad is such a good idea.

    1. Karen,

      You’re a bargain shopper like me! I feel you, my friend! Thanks so much for commenting and for being an ENB follower! Your sweet support means a lot to me!

      xoxo
      Suzy

    1. Rachel,

      Thank you! It was news to me and I knew I just HAD to share it with y’all! Thanks so much for commenting and for being an ENB follower! Your sweet support means a lot to me!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  4. Thank you Suzy for another great So in the know post! The Leather House Key Topper is adorable, might have to stick up for house warming gifts!

    1. Marysue,

      I know, right? I thought it was really special! I’m so happy you liked it too! Don’t stock up, though, because you’ll probably want to personalize it at the right time for just the right person! Just remember that it’s in this post and come on back!

      Thanks so much for commenting and for being an ENB follower! Your sweet support means a lot to me!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  5. I love reading this every time it comes out!!!! I really like the travel notepad! So handy-I basically scribble out these columns when we travel so it would be so great to have them on hand-and cute!!!!

  6. I am excited to try the anti-itch device. Got a bee sting on the bottom of my foot on our last day in Mexico and it itches like the dickens! Hope this will help 🙂

    1. I like the idea of giving away 3
      $100.00 gift cards so 3 different subscribers enjoy the benefits.

      1. Karen,

        Typo alert! I try to be so careful, but occasionally make mistakes. This time I made a big one! It’s FIVE $100 gift cards!!!

        I’ve got your vote! Thank you!

        xoxo
        Suzy

    2. Laurie,

      On the bottom of your foot! 😣 Oh, my! I’m so sorry. I hope you like it as much as I do! When I saw how great it was I immediately ordered a bunch for stocking stuffers for Christmas! Hahaha!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  8. I love the travel notepad! My husband and I are itching to get back to traveling again! The devotional book also speaks to me. My Bible study is off for the summer too so that book looks perfect for me! I love following your posts! Always such great content!

    1. Kris,

      You are the sweetest and always so supportive. Thank you! I hope you love the devo as much as I do! I really appreciated that they offered samples of several pages, because I’ve been burned before by something that looked good but was not!

      Thanks so much for commenting and for being an ENB follower! Your sweet support means a lot to me!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  9. I love the soft pillow lap stand! For my Kindle or my husband’s iPad, I think it will be just the thing to make it more comfortable to use! I also love the devotional….my normal Bible study breaks for the summer. Thanks for the opportunity to win 😉

    1. Regena,

      Yay! The iPad holder is so fun – Bob always steals my pink one and I think it’s so funny! I hope the Devo is a huge blessing to you!

      Thanks so much for commenting and for being an ENB follower! Your sweet support means a lot to me!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  10. I’m fairly new to your site, but I always find at least one item to purchase. I especially like your men’s stuff. I’ve ordered the swim trunks. My hubby is picky about “materials”. I ordered the linen Amazon shirts and they were a huge hit. Thanks for all your hard work. Its appreciated.

    1. Joy,

      Your comment brought me so much joy! Thank you. Bob will be thrilled too because he LOVES to weigh in and recommend his faves! Watch for a post on his men’s picks from the Nordstrom sale!

      Thanks so much for commenting and for being an ENB follower! Your sweet support means a lot to me!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  11. I always like to see what you are “loving this month”. The lap pillow iPad holder really piqued my interest. It is currently sitting in my Amazon cart. Have a great weekend.

  12. Love the Nordstrom Sale information, this will be my second year to really shop the sale and I love knowing the dates etc!
    Thanks Suzy for another great post!!
    Gina

  13. Love the travel note pad, the tennis bracelet (silver tone), the devotional…so many good finds.

    1. Susan,

      I’m so glad you liked the post! Can you believe that tennis bracelet? It’s gorgeous and it looks real! Thanks for your comment and for your sweet support!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  14. I always order something from your posts! This time I ordered the swim trunks for my hubby and the Super Goop SPF eye shadow. I’ve been wanting to try it for while but, like you, haven’t had good luck with others so I’m very excited to try it. Thanks for all your valuable posts. I’ve loved the ones with the physicians recently!

    1. Donna,

      I’m so happy to hear what is resonating with you. If people don’t tell me, I don’t know! I’m so glad you’ve found the posts with the physicians helpful! They’re fun to do and I always learn a lot!

      I hope your husband loves the swimtrunks! Bob loves his!

      Thanks for commenting and reading!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  15. I love all of your “So in the Know” posts! I always learn something.
    This week you made it very easy to look for Unclaimed Property. I have always wanted to do that but either forget about it or never took the time to research how to go about doing it. ( no unclaimed cash here), but Thank you!
    Denise

    1. Denise,

      Booooo! Sorry you didn’t find any cash, but I’m glad it was easy to check!

      Thanks so much for your comment and for following along! I’m grateful!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  16. I love the travel notepad! I live by writing lists! They’re all over my house! In fact, my family makes fun of me because on my lists you’ll even see entries saying “do things on other lists” Haha! This travel note pad would help me organize my many lists into one & would be so very helpful! Thanks for the idea and the opportunity to win!

    1. Valerie,

      Hahaha! Do things on other lists! One of our sons, who is a huge list maker, used to put things down like “Brush Teeth” and “Get Dressed” on his list when he was a little boy!

      How cute are you! Thanks so much for your comment and for reading, Valerie! It means the world to me!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  18. I always learn something from your “So In The Know” posts, but today I especially love the simplicity of the mosquito bite zapper. So practical and useful for everyone too. It’s on my list!

    1. Susan,

      Can you believe the bite zapper? I didn’t believe it until I tried it! It really works! So awesome! Thanks for your kind words and for being a sweet supporter of ENB!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  19. The Laneige lip mask is the best! Thanks for the tidbits on the best way to wear my Fitbit…..need to count every step, jump, workout. A big THANKS for the devotions book Info. Such a great inspiration to stay focused day by day. I like the idea of 5-$100 gift carts. A little can go a long way during the sale. Many blessings to you and your family.

    1. Beverly,

      Okay! I’m thinking 5 $100 gift cards is the way to go! Thanks for your input! I’m so glad you liked the devo – it really is a special little book and I loved that you can read an entry or two before buying!

      Thanks for your comment and support!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  20. Hi Suzy! I got the Grocery List for a birthday gift and LOVE it! Use it every week. I tear off the bottom menu part and stick it on the fridge so everyone knows what’s for dinner each night. 🙂 Thanks for the post on this company and for the giveaway! Carol

    1. Carol,

      Ohhhh, that is such a great idea! Wow! Thanks for sharing that brilliant tip and for reading and following along!

      xoxo
      Suzy

  21. Hi Suzy!
    Nothing like a giveaway to bring out us commenters!!😂
    I have kept a travel checklist on a word document for years. It started for my 4 kids to not forget things, but they are long gone and I still print one off for hubby and me when we travel.
    I would love to win one of your lists to try something new.
    I also think you should split the Nordstrom Rack gift card into multiple winners…since you asked.😊
    Enjoy your Independence Day festivities! We are visiting 2 of our daughters in PA this long weekend! 🎆🎇✨🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

  22. Betsie,

    You always crack me up! I think it’s pretty unanimous – I’ll split the gift card into 5 $100 cards! Thanks for your input.

    I do the same thing with a Word doc, but the pad is where I write down all of the last-minute things. It’s a lifesaver! Have a great trip! and thanks for being such a faithful supporter! It means so much to me!

    xoxo
    Suzy

  23. Suzy,
    Thank you for specifically describing how to wear my wearable! :-)I was thinking I need to replace it and now I’m going to experiment with WHERE I put it. I LOVE your “SO in the KNOW” posts! There’s always something I have to have. The tennis bracelet is already on the way. I couldn’t resist. I’m going to try the iPad pillow, too. Seems like such a great idea for playing games while I watch TV. Thanks again & again for all you do. I look forward to EVERYTHING ENB!!! xoxo

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