‘Editor’s Corner’ is a monthly-ish series highlighting what I’m loving, what I’ve been up to, what’s on my mind and more.
1. August means Iowa State Fair time and if you know me you know I wouldn’t miss it. We went on opening day and it was really busy. The girls had fun coloring tote bags at The Blue Ribbon Kids Club and this year Etta was old enough to partake in all the fun at ‘Little Hands on the Farm.’
2. Lake started the school year season of gymnastics this month. She’s excited because three of her friends from last year are in her class again as well. This is technically her fifth session of gymnastics as she’s been enrolled since she was 2 in both the school year and summer sessions.
3. Since Etta is 2 years old now, she gets to participate in gymnastics as well. There is quite a high level of excitement from her about being in gymnastics like big sis! The 2-year-old class is parent-assisted and T and I take turns taking her.
4. Every year my best friend, Kelsi, and I go on an annual trip together. Some years we stay closer to home and sometimes we venture further. We’ve been to Scottsdale, Minneapolis and this year we went to Kansas City. Highlights included: A facial, body scrub, hot tub and infrared sauna at The Spa at Briarcliff, dining at Verbena and The Antler Room, ice cream at Betty Rae’s, Kelsi creating a custom fragrance for her wedding (next month!) at For Strange Women and just hanging out and relaxing at our hotel pool.
5. We had a great time hanging out with our friends at the World Food & Music Festival. They have a toddler daughter and so all the girls had a great time running around and playing in the open grass near the festival. It had been forever since T and I had been but we’ll definitely be adding it back on our annual to-do’s.
6. Lake picked out this backpack for preschool. She’s definitely still in her Disney Princess era and I don’t see that ending anytime soon.
7. I participated in some fun collabs this month on Instagram – Chapter Aesthetic Studio (this facial was wonderful), Hy-Vee Professional Hair Care (I love Living Proof products) and Unleaded 88 (Hooray for supporting local farmers!)
8. I bought this memory card game last year but it’s still one of Lake’s favorites. We like to play two or three rounds before bed. I particularly love that the cards are wood and thus don’t crinkle or tear like cards often do.
9. Just a friendly reminder that if you are able to, try to order anything you already know you will need for Christmas in September and October – especially if you shop on Amazon. In the past couple of years I’ve noticed gift-type products (especially toys) often increase dramatically in price starting in late October/November. The same can be said for Halloween costumes. If you know what costume you need now, buy in September if you can before a potential price increase in October.
10. I love shopping at Bath & Body Works during the fall and Christmas seasons. A lot of it is nostalgia with the holiday scents. I recently picked up the following: Ghoul Friend foaming hand soap, Pumpkin Carving candle and a few fragrance plugs (which I would link to but it looks like they’re already sold out online).
11. I love anything – stories, quote, videos – that remind me to savor each moment and be present in life. Thus, I love the sentiment in this video so much.
12. A very cute and creative host/hostess gift idea.
13. Despite not being a coffee drinker, it’s always fun to see what’s new on the Starbucks fall menu. Tea is my go-to drink there so I was excited to see Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. Last year I ordered an ‘Iced Soy Chai Latte with Pumpkin Cream cold foam,’ which I think is essentially, if not exactly, the same thing. T frequents Starbucks pretty often, but doesn’t get into the seasonal drinks. His order has been a ‘Sweet Cream Cold Brew with light ice’ for quite awhile. As for the girls, they’re excited for the return of the Owl Cake pop.
14. I’ll definitely be trying out this high protein breakfast sandwich.
15. Kudos to Taylor for giving huge bonuses to her Eras tour employees. That’s a life-changing amount of money. Also, I am super excited for The Eras Tour concert film and may or may not already have tickets to three different showtimes.
16. And lastly, ONE GOOD QUOTE:
“When life changes, you will probably miss the way it was. You may miss those long morning drives or walks to the office, or those hectic family gatherings. You may miss them because those moments are finite — you will only travel those streets and see those people a certain amount of times.
Every time you do something that is one less time you do it. One day you will do something the final time and you will rarely know when that day comes.
For all you know, today might be the last time you walk in a particular neighborhood. Or it might be the last time you smile at a particular someone. To think otherwise, would be foolish. Nothing is guaranteed, except this moment. Your only real choice is to cherish every exchange like it is your last — because it very well might be.
Therefore, the best way to cherish life is to remind yourself of life’s impermanence. It is to remember that every time you see someone that is one less time you see them. It is to remember that every time you go somewhere that is one less time you visit. By doing this, you naturally slow down. Almost like a reflex, you start to truly live.”
-ENTREPRENEUR AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANDREW ANABI ON HOW TO CHERISH LIFE
Hope you have a terrific September!
-Jolene
P.S. – ICYMI this month:
Baby/Toddler Sleep Favorites
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*Click HERE to read past Editor’s Corner posts.
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