Five things on a Friday

I copied and pasted the same Amazon link into my Insta DMs multiple times this morning, and for good reason. The product is really that good! So then I thought, why not list the items I’ve recommended multiple times this summer? Wouldn’t you like to know? Great! Let’s do it.

1. Try Softer, by Aundi Kolber. A blog post with complete list of recently read titles is forthcoming, but this is the probably the most-recommended book of my summer. Aundi has a way of writing powerful truths gently. She exudes meekness – power under restraint, and I imagine her words reach people effectively regardless of gender, past, or life stage. It’s also a tangibly helpful read, which is especially appealing when navigating mental health.
2. These eye patches. Made of hydrogel, these little bad boys apply easily and stay on for a long time. I don’t care if they actually reduce fine lines and wrinkles and circles as they claim, but they sure as heck reduce the appearance of the all of the aforementioned! They feel good, too, and sometimes that’s really all that matters when you’re participating in self-care.
3. XtraTuf boots. I’ve been wearing these magical things since my days in Alaska in 2005. I bought my husband a pair shortly after we married, and my kids have worn them their entire lives. Now that we live here, it’s a mandatory part of the uniform. No matter where you’re located, though, these boots are great to keep by the door. XtraTuf is an excellent choice in rain and snow (if you layer your socks right or buy the insulated ones), they last forever, and they go and off easily (parents of young kids, can I get a hallelujah).
4. Sabbath tips by Kathryn Tilmes. You’re just going to want to follow her on IG regardless. But at the very least, feel free to write her a DM to ask for her guide on Sabbath. I’ve got another post brewing about our years-long journey toward Biblical rest, but for now I just want to say our Friday night dinners are some of the sweetest moments of the week. I shared a bit about our meals here. Shabbat Shalom!
5. Masks by The Stockist. You know it’s a weird time we’re living in (and through) when we’re out here making face mask recommendations – and the respiratory kind, not beauty! I talk about these babies on Instagram all of the time because they’re the ones I reach for most often. At $12-15 a pop, they’re not the cheapest option. But they feel like a combination of butter and swimsuit material, they come with removable filters, they stay on without requiring adjustment, and they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I hand-wash mine in soapy water and hang it on a doorknob to dry. You really only need two, with that kind of routine!

Honorable mentions: this cream for eczema flares, these boots for girls (hold out for a sale), and this jade roller that I keep in the freezer.

WHAT ABOUT Y’ALL? WHAT HAVE YOU LOVED THIS SUMMER? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THE PEOPLE?