So in the Know | What I’m Learning & Loving in March

Happy Spring! Spring has officially sprung, and March Madness 🏀 is in full swing! Tulips 🌷are popping up, and brackets are busting as we speak! Spring Break is behind us, and Easter is upon us! I love the expectancy and hopefulness of March. (It’s the schizophrenic weather that could use some work! 😂)

I’ve learned so much this month! Beth and I dove into figuring out the best swimsuits for each specific body type, and I finally shared the details of our Waco Loft renovation and remodel with you! Today I’m sharing some of the things I learned this month and a few of the products Beth and I have discovered!

As always, click the pink text links or any image (including the collages) for more information.

What I’m Learning

New Sleep Research

Bucking conventional thought that says if you can’t sleep, you should get up and go to another room, the newest research encourages you to stop micromanaging your sleep and stay in bed! This can be challenging since our brains are problem-solving machines, and worry often accompanies that.

Instead, researchers encourage just going with the flow. When your mind tells you that you can’t sleep and will be exhausted the next day, don’t engage with that thought! Instead, notice it floating by. Acknowledging it but not engaging with it keys the amygdala, the fearful part of your brain, that you’re safe. Even if you’re not sleeping, you’re resting, and that’s better than getting up and being active.

Other Options

• Calm app—This is a one-stop source for activities that lull you to sleep, including deep-breathing exercises, relaxation sessions, or bedtime stories from celebs. The app tracks your sleep, helping you identify which habits work for you. ($70/yr.)
• Portal app—This simple app lets you choose whether you want better focus, are winding down toward bed, trying to sleep, or even taking a mental break during the day. For instance, open the app, and you can be transported to a rainforest via rain sounds and a calming video. (FREE for basic; $50/yr. for a premium subscription).

Healthy Pancakes

My daughter-in-law, Sarah, recently shared this recipe for the healthy pancakes she makes for baby Lily, and Bob and I are ob-sessed! Breakfast for dinner, anyone?

Sarah’s Healthy Gluten Free Pancakes

1½ c. oat flour
½ c. dry instant oats
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. kosher salt
2 c. unsweetened applesauce
¼ unsweetened oat milk
4 tbsp. coconut oil

Whisk flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon & salt in a bowl. Whisk in applesauce, milk, and 2 tbsp. oil until no streaks of flour remain. (Lumps are okay!) Warmreast of oil in large non-stick skillet on medium heat. Add a spoonful of batter and use the back of the spoon to gently flatten into a round pancake. Repeat. Cook until the bottoms are golden (approx. 3 min.), flip and brown the other side. Serve with syrup, honey, nut butter, yogurt, or fruit.

Time Management Technique

When a project seems overwhelming, it can be tempting to procrastinate! Instead, try using the Pomodoro Time Management Technique. (I can attest that it really works because I use it!).

What I’m Loving

1. Johnny Collar Sweater

Y’all know I love Talbots, but I’m an equal-opportunity shopper! When I found this cable-knit Johnny Collar Sweater, I almost fainted! It looks like something I’d find at Talbots! It’s 30% off right now, and it comes in 12 color options! The quality looks amazing. (Suzy adds to cart!)

2. Ziip Halo

I’m not a huge one for beauty gadgets, but I love my Ziip Halo! I’m sure you’ve heard of Nuface at-home microcurrent device, right? This device delivers safe, low-level electrical currents to the muscles and skin cells to tighten and smooth the muscles and connective tissues in your face, thus reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and facial sagging. 

Ziip Halo improves on the Nuface by adding nanocurrent in addition to the microcurrent! By adding nanocurrent waves to microcurrent, it stimulates the skin at the cellular level to provide more powerful, longer-lasting results. This has been true for me! I even wrote an entire post (not sponsored) reviewing the device. You can learn more HERE.

3. Loop Earplugs

I wear these inexpensive, low-tech silicone Loop earplugs whenever we go to a concert! They work (and they’re cute!). They’re soft and bendy, available in lots of color options, and they come with four tip sizes so you can pick the one that fits most comfortably in your ears. They’re perfect if you sleep with a snorer, too (which I can neither confirm nor deny😂).

4. Floral Tapers

Colored taper candles have been around for a long time, but recently we’ve seen decorative tapers (either sculptural or with a motif) that are on the top of every hostest-with-the-mostest’s list! They’re shockingly affordable, and (I’m gonna say it…) almost too pretty to burn. This set of four floral tapers is just $36, and they feature a water-based floral motif protected by a thin layer of wax. Burn time (Don’t you DARE! 😂) is 10 hours. Like this one? Check out this stunning sculptural option below.

5. Wool Dryer Balls

By now, you’ve probably heard the news about dryer sheets! (Those are the disposable sheets that slowly release fabric softeners during the drying process.) Apparently, they leave behind a coating on your clothes (blech!). They can also potentially irritate skin or worsen asthma. Not to mention, their use leads to a waxy buildup in the drum and lint trap of your dryer. (This was confirmed by Adam, who came to fix my busted dryer belt last week!😂)

Instead, opt for these affordable and all-natural wool dryer balls (set of 3). They really work and they save time, money, and energy! I use 3 for a small, medium load, and 5-6 for a large load.

6. Non-Toxic, No Sensitivity Whitening Strips

I’ve shared these before, but they’re worth sharing again! Lumineaux Teeth Whitening Strips whiten your teeth without sensitivity! They’re certified non-toxic, and they work to lift stains on your enamel without harsh chemicals or bleaches. They work on straight teeth and crooked teeth to deliver results! These are the ones I use twice a year for a 7-day stretch (30 min. a day). I put the strips on right before I get into the shower, and by the time I’ve diffused my curls, it’s time to take them off! 😁

7. Travel Toothbrush Cover

Despite the name, Steripods don’t actually sterilize your toothbrush 🙄. However, these clip-on toothbrush covers do keep your toothbrush safely covered from cross-contamination while you’re traveling. Plus, they harness the power of thymol, an essential oil that is extracted from thyme, mandarine, and tangerine oils to keep your toothbrush smelling fresh. Bob and I use these when we travel, and then we use THIS to sterilize our toothbrushes when we get home!

BTW, I’m working on a post about my Amazon travel must-haves. Travel season is right around the corner!

8. Block Heel Pumps

Lattice Jacquard Ribbed Johnny Collar Sweater (on sale – 40% off 1 item, 25% off rest of purchase) | Lattice Jacquard Ribbed Johnny Collar Sweater (on sale – 40% off 1 item, 25% off rest of purchase) | Marc Fisher Block Heel Pumps (Free shipping/returns)

You may remember that last fall, I fell and tore ligaments in my right ankle. After months on a scooter, then a boot, then PT, I am finally better🙌! (It will take more than that for me to give up my heels!😂👠👡) But recently, when I had to speak at Baylor, I decided I needed some, shall we say…MORE STABLE…pumps! Enter these best-selling Marc Fisher Zala Block Heel Pumps! (BTW, Marc Fisher is the brand behind Easy Spirit, so they know a thing or two about comfortable shoes!)

The Zala pumps come in 7 color/texture options, and they’re stable, easy to walk in, and oh-so chic! Free shipping/returns at Nordstrom!

9. Fresh Paper Fruit & Veggie Keeper

Okay, this product is genius! Plant-powered, organic, and compostable, Fresh Paper food-saver sheets extend the life of your fresh produce by 2-4 times! Each package contains eight sheets, and each sheet lasts about a month. These work in or out of the fridge!

As an empty nester, I especially love these! Before finding them, I was throwing produce away when it went bad because we couldn’t eat it fast enough. These Fresh Paper food saver sheets have saved us so much money! (Not to mention the disappointment of planning a taco salad dinner only to find the lettuce expired and browning!) You can read more about Fresh Paper food saver sheets HERE.

10. Invisible Color Locking Lip Liner

Ohhh, y’all! I’m sharing another genius Laura Geller Beauty product! This Invisible Color Locking Lip Liner is a clear lip liner that locks in your lip color onto your lips and keeps your lipstick from smudging or bleeding into lines around your lips. (I told you it was genius!) It’s also enriched with a blend of botanical oils, so it can also be used alone as a hydrating lip conditioner!

Here’s how you apply it: Trace your natural lip line, starting in the center and working outward, then apply the lip color of your choice. I LOVE this product, and you will too!

BTW, if you’ve become a Laura Geller fan like I have, you’ll want to look for me to share a few exciting new products this weekend on my Instagram! Be sure you’re following me there so you don’t miss it!

11. Fireproof Bag

This one is a Beth find! Living in St. Petersburg, Florida, my assistant Beth knows a little bit about having to evacuate quickly in case of an impending hurricane! She and her husband stash their most important papers in this lightweight Fireproof Bag! It protects the items inside from fire and heat up to 1100°F+, and it’s easy and quick to grab in case of an emergency evacuation. (Isn’t Beth just the best?)

12. USB Plug Extender/Surge Protector

Although I already shared this USB Plug Extender/Surge Protector in my Waco Loft Renovation & Remodel post, I got lots of questions about them, so I’m sharing it again. (Let’s be real, there was a lot in the remodel post!)

Turn any outlet into a surge-protected charging station and multi-plug outlet with this cool plug extender! It has two banks of swivel outlets (one on either side), which means it works great in tight spaces, such as behind a bedside table, bookcase, or desk. All you do is plug it into a regular outlet, and voilà!

13. Swimsuit/Cover Up Set

This two-piece swim set features a one-piece swimsuit (with trendy sweet ruffle shoulder straps) and a matching maxi skirt coverup (for under $30! 😲). The set comes in six patterns. You can see them all HERE, but trust me, these two I’m sharing below are the cutest!

Do you feel SO in the KNOW? I hope so! I love sharing what I’m learning and loving in my empty nest with you every month! (Bob gets tired of hearing about it! 😂) Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite thing I shared today, okay?

May the joy of the Resurrection transform your heart as you celebrate Easter with your friends and family this weekend!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.
1 Peter 1:3-4