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

Spring has officially sprung, and just like the blooms outside my window, I’m feeling inspired to keep growing and blooming right here in my empty nest! 🌸 I think one of the biggest blessings of this season of life is the freedom to keep learning, exploring, and discovering new things—about the world and about ourselves! Do you feel that way too?

This month’s So in the Know is packed with the little things that are bringing me joy, fresh finds, and fun things I’m currently learning. I hope it sparks some joy and curiosity in your own journey, too! I don’t say it enough, but I’m so grateful for each and every one of you! Thank you for sharing your empty nester journey with me, for visiting my little corner of the internet, and for your sweet encouragement. Here at ENB, our heart is to encourage you, inspire you, and bless you in your empty nest. Beth and I are here to serve you, and it’s our privilege and joy to do just that!

What I’m Learning This Month

5 Appliances to Unplug When You Leave the House

You probably already know it’s a smart idea to unplug major appliances if you’re heading out of town for a while. But according to Better Homes and Gardens, if you want to avoid a potential hazard, there are a few things you really shouldn’t leave plugged in anytime you leave the house… even if you’re just running a quick errand.

1. Toaster – Minimize your risk by keeping it clean, but unplug it right after use.
2. Hair Heat Tools – Unplug it right after use and let it cool down before leaving the house.
3. Charging Cords – Leaving it connected can shorten the charger’s lifespan.
4. Space Heaters – Even if they’re not running, they’re a fire risk. Unplug after use.
5. Electric Kettles – There’s a small risk of the appliance malfunctioning or overheating when you’re not home.

My Fave Gardening Hacks

I love to work in the yard, and spring has me itching to do exactly that! Here are a few fun hacks I use to keep my garden looking amazing.

• Now that the price of eggs has gone down and we’re all eating them again (protein!), be sure you keep the shells! (They’re high in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.) Rinse them and set aside to dry. Stash them in an airtight container until you’ve collected about 18. Then put them into a blender and grine them into a fine powder. Sprinkle in the soil around your plant and watch it flourish.
• Squirrels getting into your flowers pots? Save your coffee grounds and sprinkle them in the soil. Squirrels can’t stand the taste and they’ll stay away! (They will also enrich the soil with nitrogen, help deter pests like slugs and snails, and even improve drainage and aeration.)
• Buy small plants. They’re much cheaper and they will adapt better. Within a year or two, they will catch up with more expensive bigger plants.
• Sprinkle a little cinnamon on the soil around your new seedling to prevent fungus growth and pesky gnats. It’s a natural anti-fungal, and smells heavenly too!
• Struggling with those nasty little gnats around some of your indoor plants? Try these sticky traps to capture those pesky little guys.

Schedule Texts to Send Later

This super-handy feature is perfect when you’re thinking about something you need to share with a family member or friend, but it’s 11 pm! Do you know how to do it? Here are the simple instructions:

To schedule a text message on iPhone using iOS 18 or later, open the Messages app (texting app) and tap the ➕icon to the left of the space where you type your message. Select “Send Later,” set the date and time you want the text sent. Type your message and then the send button as you normally would. The text will show the scheduled send time.

Confusing Terminology

I had a follower email me with a couple of questions about abbreviations I use here and on social media. I’m so glad she did! Here’s a little rundown.

• TTS – True to size. (In other words, order your normal size.)
• BTW – By the way.
• IDK – I don’t know.
• IYKYK – If you know, you know. (As in, if you know about and use a certain fabulous product, you already know how great it is!)
• ICYMI – In case you missed it.
• BTS – Behind the scenes.
• FTW – For the win! (As in Target FTW in the handbag department this spring! 🙌🏻 SO much fabulousness!)
• NVM – Never mind.
• WFM – Work from home.
• ILYSM – I love you so much.
• Sending the links to your DMs – Typically, if you comment “LINK” or “SHOP” on a social media post, an automatic direct message with be sent with the links to shop the product or look. To access your DMs on Instagram, open the Instagram app, tap the paper airplane icon in the top right corner of your feed, and you’ll be taken to your inbox where you can view all your conversations. To access Direct Messages (DMs) on Facebook, click the Messenger icon (a speech bubble with a lightning bolt) in the top right corner of the Facebook page, or open the Messenger app, to view your chats. 

What I’m Loving This Month

1. Amazon’s #1 Best Selling Dress

This easy wear, easy care dress is the #1 best-seller for Amazon! It’s a stretchy and cool rayon/polyester fabrication, and it has a tie waist, two pockets, and cute cap sleeves. It features a crew neck, and it’s about knee length, so perfect with sneakers, sandals, and even wedges. It has nearly 30K positive reviews! Plus, it’s on sale right now! I ordered the green and white stripe one but I thought the stripes were unflattering, so I returned it, and opted for the solid black one instead. Watch my Instagram for photos and a video coming soon!

BTW, that’s actually a good pro tip! Solid black is always a safe choice, especially on a less expensive dress! It will always look elevated. In the summer, pair it with a popping accessory, like a shocking pink handbag, a statement necklace, or a fun pair of shoes.

2. Scallop Tray

My daughter-in-law is working on her back porch and she’s inspired me to take another look at mine! I ordered this natural seagrass scallop tray for my coffee table, and I can’t wait for it to arrive. I love that it has handles, and also comes in black, as well as a set of two nesting square trays. She also ordered this chic rug in blue/cream and these high-end-but-well-priced toss pillows from Hofdeco!

3. Clean Beauty Lip Tint with SPF30

Every beach babe knows that all you really need to look fab at the beach is

• A great swimsuit that is perfect for your body.
• A fabulous pair of sunnies. 😎
• Consumer Reports #1-rated most effective sunscreen. (See the article HERE.)
• A beautiful lippie. 💄

I’ve been on the hunt for a great tinted lip balm for our beach trip in June! What kept tripping me up was that I didn’t really want to “eat” the chemical-based sunscreen off my lips! (Even though Consumer Reports efficacy testing revealed that chemical-based sunscreens were far superior to mineral-based.)

Enter Coola, a brand known for organic ingredients, cruelty-free practices, and sustainable sourcing, with formulas that are often reef-safe and formulated for sensitive skin . These nourishing sheer, buildable lip tints use Organic Cupuaçu Butter and Mongongo Oil to smooth and hydrate lips with non-nano mineral SPF 30 protection  I ordered the pack of three shades: Firecracker, Nude Beach, and Summer Crush! Learn more HERE. 

4. Happy Everything Celebration Plate

Now THIS is genius! If you’re like me, as you’re downsizing, you’re purging some of your seasonal decor. It’s just too much to store! I’m replacing mine with this 16in Diameter platter! It’s the starter piece for seasonal and special occasion attachments that you secure to the velcro on the top. Here’s how it it all works:

• Choose either a BIG BASE (16in Diameter) or a MINI BASE (various sizes).
• Choose either a BIG ATTACHMENT or a MINI ATTACHMENT.
• Place an attachment on the base (using the velcro), and decorate throughout the seasons.
• Learn more about how it works HERE and more about the Happy Everything brand HERE.

5. Wicker Storage Baskets

Looking for a chic way to store those winter throws, toss pillows, or some other items? I love these well-priced wicker storage baskets! The scalloped-edge lids make them look so high end! These come as a set of two. Learn more HERE.

6. Tulips & Blue & White Ginger Jar

Ready to infuse a pop of spring into your decor? I love this 20-piece set of yellow tulips. These are the ones I own, and the quality is beautiful! I put mine in this pretty 6.5″ blue and white ginger jar (8.25″ high also available) for a fun splash of color!

7. Travel Blanket

Both Bob and I own this 67″ x 48″ lightweight travel blanket! It’s thin-but-warm, breathable, soft, and packs in a tiny pouch, so it’s ideal for travel. It’s the BEST!

8. Acrylic Clutch

My daughter-in-law found this chic clutch on Amazon and sent it to me! I love it and so many others in the line! (Check out this one, and this one!) If you’ve got a summer wedding, this on-trend acrylic clutch is giving all the high-end vibes!

9. LifeStraw Sip

This long-lasting filtered straw has a  microfilter that removes 99.999% of microplastics, as well as 99.999999% of bacteria (including E. coli + Salmonella) and 99.999% of parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium). WOW! It’s made from high-quality stainless steel with a silicone mouthpiece, and includes a premium leak-proof carry case. It’s ideal for international travel.

10. Makeup Remover Towels

Someone (who will go unnamed!) was home on Spring Break and got mascara all over the new white towels I’d just bought for her room. 🙄 As soon as she left, I snagged THIS set of four 12×12 towels so that won’t happen again. I’m delighted with the quality and they’re so soft. Attention all girly guests at my house: Please use THESE instead of the white towels. Also, I love you to pieces. 🥰

11. Honey, I’m Home for Good by Mary Ann Cook

If your husband has recently retired or started working from home, you might be finding yourself navigating a brand-new season of togetherness—like a lot of togetherness! Whether you’re thrilled, a little overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, Honey, I’m Home for Good! is the resource that can help.

I’m not there yet, but, this book has been such a blessing to many women I know. With warmth, wit, and plenty of biblical wisdom, this uplifting book offers thoughtful guidance for navigating this major life transition with grace and good humor. You’ll find helpful do’s and don’ts, encouraging tips for honoring each other’s individuality, and creative ways to build fresh routines that work for both of you. Learn more about it HERE.

12. My Grandmother Is Praying for Me by Kathryn Thayer March, Pamela Ferriss, Susan Keltone

I don’t usually put two books in a SO in the KNOW, so if I am, you know it’s for a good reason!

Want to bless your grandchild in the most powerful way possible? Start with prayer. 💗

My Grandmother Is Praying for Me: Daily Prayers, Proverbs, and Activities for Character Development in Grandchildren is a yearlong guide to help you intentionally pray over your grandchild’s life—day by day, verse by verse. It’s rooted in the timeless wisdom of Proverbs, and each daily entry includes a Scripture, a heartfelt prayer, and a simple activity to help you nurture character traits like integrity, wisdom, and humility. This book would make the sweetest gift for a new grandparent. (Or gift yourself.) 🙏

13. Designer Jewelry Dupe(s)

If you are familiar with high-end designer jewelry, I know you’re familiar with the Vintage Alhambra bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels. The diamond version retails for over $30K! THIS one, from Nordstrom is a really good dupe! Seriously? And the price point…WOW!

Want more? How about the matching earrings? The Van Cleef Arpels designer pair retails for $13.5K! But THIS similar pair from Nordstrom are actually affordable!

Mother’s Day gift idea? 😁 Feel free to forward this post on to your husband and tell him to pay special attention to #13!

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