Podcasts I'm Currently Loving

Every weekday morning after I drop Harper off at school, I sit down at my desk with a mug of hot lemon water and listen to The Daily, a current events podcast from The New York Times. It's my favorite way to kick off the day, and host Michael Barbaro's voice is so soothing in the early morning. As the day goes on, I switch back and forth from music to podcasts depending on my mood and what I'm working on. If I need to be more productive, music is a better option. But when I want to chill, a podcast is ideal.

A recent group text with friends where we chatted about podcasts and offered up our recommendations inspired this post. Here are the podcasts that I am currently loving.

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10 Items I'm Using More Frequently While Sheltering In Place

Since going into self-isolation almost one month ago, I've found myself reaching for the same 10 items over and over again. Some are items I've used daily in the past, but now I'm using them all day, every day. Others are items that I've owned and haven't used in months, but all of a sudden, I'm putting them to use on the daily.

I know most of us aren't focused on spending unnecessarily right now, but if you want to treat yourself to something you'll use over and over again while you are staying safe at home, here's what I've been relying on.

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My Best Buys of 2018

I made countless purchases this year, but only a few stood out. From experiences and travel to beauty and home, here's a short list of my best purchases of 2018.

1. CoxRx Acne Master Pimple Patch ($6/pkg. of 24) - I've been a devotee to Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion as a cure for my pesky pimples. But when I discovered this product from Korean brand COSRX via the Forever35 podcast, I immediately bought them and added them to my regime with the drying lotion. They are tiny medicated stickers that come in various sizes. You simply apply the sticker to your pimple, and it draws out impurities to significantly reduce the size of the pimple. I generally wear them overnight as needed. But if you are home on the weekends, you could pop one on in the morning and leave it all day.

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Easy At-Home Coffee Dates With Friends

Life is busy. Between jobs and families, there is often little time for anything else. But I've learned over the years that if you want something to happen, you need to make it happen. One of the areas in my life that always seems to fall to the wayside is spending time with friends. To have unstructured time with friends, you need to make a concerted effort to make it happen.

One of my favorite ways to connect with friends is a coffee date. While I love meeting up in a café and lingering over coffee and pastries,  I find that hosting a friend in my home for coffee is a much more personal and thoughtful gesture. When you share your home with someone, you share a piece of yourself. It's an experience that you don't get when you meet up in a coffee shop.

A few weeks ago I ran into a friend who was having drinks with a girlfriend while I was having dinner with my husband. We chatted for a bit since we hadn't seen each other in a while, and she told me that she had recently left her job to start her own business. She was working from home and struggling to find her place in her new environment. She asked for advice, and we promised to get together soon. A few days later I called her to come over for coffee. She gladly accepted.

One of my golden rules of entertaining is to serve a signature drink. In this case, it was the coffee, obviously. In preparation I asked her what her favorite brand and favorite roast is. In addition to serving her absolute favorite, I also offered Nestlé® Coffee-mate® The Cheesecake Factory At Home creamers as a tasty addition to our coffee.

To add a delicious blend of flavoring to our coffee, I purchase both varieties of Nestlé® Coffee-mate® The Cheesecake Factory At Home creamers: Strawberry Cheesecake and Dulce de Leche Caramel Cheesecake. The Strawberry Cheesecake flavor is the perfect blend of sweet strawberry goodness and tangy cheesecake,  just what you'd expect from the popular restaurant's cheesecake.

The Dulce de Leche Caramel Cheesecake flavor is a flavorful blend of Dulce de Leche deliciousness and tangy cheesecake. Whether you are just kicking off your day or you need an afternoon pick-me-up, Nestlé® Coffee-mate® The Cheesecake Factory At Home creamers are the perfect complement to your favorite cup of coffee.

You can find Nestlé® Coffee-mate® The Cheesecake Factory At Home creamers at your local Walmart. Learn more about Coffee-mate® creamers and find your nearest Walmart HERE.

I thoroughly enjoyed both flavors. They aren't overly sweet and add a nice, genuine flavoring to my morning coffee. I'll definitely be keeping these stocked in the fridge for coffee dates and my morning cup of java.

Now that spring is almost here, I'm planning to schedule more coffee dates like this one. Hopefully, we'll be able to enjoy our coffee and chats outside on the deck when the weather cooperates. Both my girlfriend and I agreed that every coffee date deserves Nestlé® Coffee-mate® The Cheesecake Factory At Home creamers. They add a sweetness to the occasion that other coffee add-ins seem to lack.

Celebrate spring by hosting a coffee date for you and a few friends. Head to Walmart to grab a few bottles of Nestlé® Coffee-mate® The Cheesecake Factory At Home creamers to add a sweet touch to your coffee. After all, don't your friends deserve a special treat every once in a while?

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Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

1. Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray - When I first bought this facial spray, I intended to use it solely on my face, but after reading a few reviews, I learned it had other beneficial uses as well. I most frequently use it after I moisturize at night. I spray it on my face as an added layer of hydration for the overnight hours. It can also be used to set your makeup or two spray on the ends of your hair if its dry.

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What I'm Watching On Netflix

I definitely used the holiday break to take a step away from work and unwind. I read, played cards, cleaned, organized, and cooked, and I watched Netflix...and lots of it! It had been a while since I was able to do some serious binge watching, and this break definitely made up for it. Here are the six shows/movies/documentaries I watched and thoroughly enjoyed.

1. MINDHUNTER - Just as I am drawn to psychological thriller fiction, I prefer the same with my TV shows. MINDHUNTER checks all the boxes for an engaging psychological thriller. The characters are compelling, and the action is unpredictable. MINDHUNTER follows the research of the FBI Behavioral Studies team in the Serial Crime Unit as they conduct interviews with serial killers in an attempt to understand the thinking behind their horrific actions. It is based on actual events that occurred in the 1970s, which makes it even more interesting.

2. The Crown - I've never really given Queen Elizabeth's long reign much of a thought until I started watching this show. The first season begins during Elizabeth's childhood when her father King George VI wore the crown. When he became ill and succumbed to lung cancer in 1953, Elizabeth ascended to the thrown and has remained there until present day. It's fascinating that her reign has lasted this long. The Crown delves deep into her family issues (her often difficult relationship with her own parents, sister, and her husband Philip) and her struggle to find her place as Queen in a time when very few, if any, women held positions of power.

3. The Endless Summer - This 1966 documentary follows two California surfers on an around-the-world search for the perfect wave. From Hawaii to Australia to South Africa and beyond, we get a glimpse into what surfers consider to be the holy grail and why it's so hard to find.

4. The Office - Whenever I am in need of a little comedic relief, I turn to The Office and the Dunder-Mifflin staff. After having spent many years in a corporate environment, I can relate all too well to many of these episodes.

5. Newtown - I remember the exact moment this story broke on the news. I was shocked and horrified. Having a first grader at the time only made this story hit home even harder. This documentary examines the aftermath of the shooting and how the affected families and the town are still struggling to recover and return to some sort of semblance of a normal life. Grab the tissues. This one is heartbreaking.

6. Under The Arctic Sky - I happened upon this documentary (which is actually another surfing documentary) accidentally and discovered that a local surfer is featured in it! How fun is that? And he happens to the uncle of my youngest daughter's best friend. Crazy, right? When I saw the name "Sam Hammer", I was like "Wait. What?" So, I knew I had to watch it. The documentary follows six surfers who travel to a remote corner of Iceland to find the perfect swell. A few days in to the trip, the worst storm in decades (and an unexpected one at that) comes in and turns their trip into a life-threatening situation.

Looking for more suggestions? Check out what I watched here, here, here, here, and here.

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My Best Buys of 2017

I made countless purchases this year, but only a few stood out. Here's a short list of my best purchases of 2017.

1. A ThirdLove Bra - I've never been one to splurge on undergarments. To me, they've always seemed like such a practical purchase that didn't warrant breaking the bank. And then I worked with a brand that sent me a code to purchase a ThirdLove bra. I redeemed the code on a t-shirt bra and within one wear, I was hooked. I logged on to the web site and purchased a strapless bra immediately. Hands down, ThirdLove bras are the most comfortable bras I have ever worn. While they are pricey at about $70 per bra, they are worth every single cent. I've had my t-shirt bra for about a year now, and it shows absolutely no signs of wear and tear.

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5 Favorites: Podcasts

Although I've been listening to podcasts for years, it's only recently that I've gotten seriously addicted to them. Whether you want to be educated or entertained, there's a podcast about anything for anyone. From food to sports to politics to movies and TV to fashion and beauty, there's a podcast for that.

In this week's installment of 5 Favorites, I'm sharing my current 5 favorite podcasts (and few honorable mentions, too!).

1. The Daily
I want to keep up with current events, but I don't have time to pore over newspapers, websites, or watch daily news shows to stay up to date. The Daily offers a daily podcast, 20 minutes long, with a brief synopsis of all the need-to-know news stories to keep you informed and educated. It's brought to you by The New York Times and expertly hosted by Michael Barbaro. Since I subscribe to this particular podcast, I get a notification each morning when it's available (generally by 6:30 am). Once I get to the gym, I listen to that day's episode.

2. Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!
This weekly, hour-long podcast from NPR is a sort of quiz show. The podcast features a host and generally a celebrity co-host and a group of panelists. You can test your knowledge of pop culture and politics as the co-hosts quiz the panelists to see what they know (and don't know) and how well they discern truth from fiction. This is one of my all-time favorite episodes.

3. Call Your Girlfriend
This podcast is for long distance besties everywhere. But it's so much more than that. Who doesn't love eavesdropping on a good conversation? This podcast is exactly that. It's like listening in on the conversation between two best friends, tech expert Aminatou Sow and journalist Ann Friedman, who met at a Gossip Girl viewing party in DC, but whose lives took them across the country from each other.

4. Burnt Toast
Food is a part of our everyday lives so it's only natural that we should know as much about it as we can. I love this podcast because it delves deep into food origins, popularity, and cultural trends and favorites. It will give you plenty of fodder for your next cocktail or dinner party and plenty of inspiration for your next meal.

5. Tiny Leaps, Big Changes
This podcast offers insightful advice but doesn't require a huge time commitment. Each podcast is just a few minutes long but offers actionable personal development advice. Whether your vice is procrastination, anxiety, stress, or lack of motivation, you'll walk away from this podcast feeling renewed with a sense of purpose and an immediate list of to-dos.

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My Eight Favorite Movies

I am always up for a rainy or snowy weekend. It generally means binge watching my favorite movies and overdosing on butter laden popcorn and Goobers. As we settle in to winter, I am reminded of the dreadful weather that often befalls the weekends. Those weekends are my favorite time to either channel surf in search of my favorite movies or to fire them up on Netflix.

I have a handful of movies that I can watch over and over again. They never get old, and watching them the 100th time is like watching them for the very first time. That's when you know you love a movie.

Here are my 10 favorite movies of all-time.

1. You've Got Mail
Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are a classic combination that makes for the best rom-com out there. I first saw You've Got Mail in the theater on it's release date, December 25, 1998. It has been a favorite ever since. The iconic scenes of New York and the foray into social media make this movie on the bleeding edge. To this day, I can't turn it off if I'm channel surfing. And, I have this movie to thank for my Starbucks addiction. Yes, it was You've Got Mail that first turned me on to Starbucks.

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2. The Holiday

Yes, there's a rom-com pattern here. But seriously, the combination of Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, and Judd Law is anything but disappointing. There's something familiar and comforting about a movie that centers around the holidays. This one is filled with awkward and romantic as well as heartwarming moments.

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3. Star Wars (the original)

I was 9 years old when this movie was released, and I can clearly recall the day I first saw the movie. For some reason, and I can't quite pinpoint why, I have loved this movie, and the original trilogy. OK, so maybe it was the crush I had on Mark Hamill. Or maybe it was my fascination with Princess Leia's hair style. I feigned illness to stay home from school and watch the movie on HBO...way back in the day. I have campaigned hard to get my girls to fall in love with this movie, but alas, one has interest but the other has none. So, I'll continue to watch...with or without them.

4. Clockwatchers
Anyone who has ever worked in a dysfunctional corporate environment will appreciate this dry comedy. Toni Collette plays a temporary employee who is trying to fit in with the regular employees but after failing to penetrate the corporate clique decides to strike up a friendship with her fellow temps. But after a rash of in-office thefts occur, Collette wanders if the temps are being set up and if it's worth it to stand behind them or jump ship.

5. Take Me Home
When a young woman discovers her husband has been having an affair, she walks out to find the nearest taxi. She hops in and orders the driver to "drive". She ends up hiring the down-on-his-luck cabbie to drive her from NYC to California where her mother, father, and sister live. Along the way, these two form a bond and discover that they have more in common than either of them would have ever expected. This independent film has an all-star cast including Sam Jaeger from Parenthood fame and an incredible soundtrack.

6. The Outsiders
This coming-of-age movie about rivals "The Greasers" and "The Socials" includes an all-star cast made up of Robe Lowe, Patrick Swayze, and Matt Dillon. This movie explores the social injustices and the struggles between the rich kids and not-so-rich kids. In the end, the Greasers get redemption but it costs one of them their lives. If you've never seen this movie, watch it. It's a great story of good versus evil and is a great step back in time to see these iconic 80s stars in their hey day.

7. Never Been Kissed
This heartwarming story of the triumph of the underdog will have any skeptic believing in true love by the end of the movie. When a copywriter adorably portrayed by Drew Barrymore is sent on an undercover story to infiltrate the inner circle of high school, her story takes a turn for the worst and her cover is blown. She has one last chance to redeem herself. Watch the movie to see if Barrymore's character prevails.

8. Bridesmaids
Where do I start with this one? I mean, just the comedic talent in this movie is more than impressive. Several SNL alum combined with other funny girls is a recipe for one heck of a funny movie. Some movies start of strong and fade. Bridesmaids starts strong and stays strong until the end. Kristen Wiig and Megan McCarthy are a winning combo, for sure.

What are some of your favorite movies?

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OneVanilla Prepaid Visa Cards Make Shopping Easy

This post was written in partnership with OneVanilla.

Whether you are shopping for everyday essentials, traveling, or a need a gift for someone special, OneVanilla Visa gift cards are the perfect choice. They are easy to use and accepted at retailers, grocery stores, gas stations nationwide. Or if online shopping is your thing, use OneVanilla prepaid Visa gift cards to make your purchases easily and conveniently once your register your zip code online.

I'm a big fan of using my debit card for everyday purchases. It's so simple and convenient to pull it out and swipe it. When I was offered a chance to try the OneVanilla prepaid Visa, I couldn't wait to start using it to see how it compared to my debit card.

My OneVanilla Prepaid Visa card arrived in the mail, and just in time for the OFF 5TH Saks Fifth Avenue sale! I wanted to put the card to test for online purchases. Before making online purchases with the OneVanilla gift card, you must register your zip code online. Once that's complete, you are free to shop away! I bought a tote bag and a pair of Jack Rogers sandals. I entered the card number, expiration date, and 3-digit security code on the back of the card at checkout just as I would do with my debit or any other credit card. Moments later my transaction was complete! Online purchases with OneVanilla? Check.

I popped the card into my wallet for future use. I soon found myself at the grocery store with no cash on me. At first I panicked, but then I quickly realized I had the OneVanilla gift card. I swiped it, chose "Credit", and my receipt printed. How easy was that?

After several uses of my OneVanilla gift card, it occurred to me that this type of gift card is perfect for my daughters. When they have their own spending money, they are more mindful of how they are spending it. They tend to put more thought and consideration into their purchases that they normally wouldn't do when I am forking over the money.

On a recent trip to the mall, I allowed them to use the gift card, giving each of them a set amount to spend. Allowing them to have a OneVanilla gift card for spending was a brilliant idea. They took great care in thinking about each purchase and weighing the pros and cons. They were also in a sort of competition to see who could have a large balance on the card at the end of our shopping trip. That was definitely an added bonus.

On a recent class trip to Washington, DC, I sent the OneVanilla card with my daughter so that she wouldn't be carrying cash around with her. It was the first time she was away from home for a few days without an adult or family member to take charge of her money. It was the best decision! She bought a sweatshirt using the card and even used it at a vending machine to buy a bottle of water.

Here are some quick tips for using your OneVanilla card based on my experience with it:

• You can split transactions. Many other Visa gift cards do not allow you to split the transaction. It's all or nothing, meaning if you don't care enough money to cover the full balance, you can't use the card. But OneVanilla allows you to use your balance and pay the remainder with another debit/credit card or cash.
• Know your balance. This is always a good habit to establish no matter what type of credit or debit card you are using, but it's a good idea to check your OneVanilla balance online at www.onevanillavisa.com. You want to save yourself the embarrassment of declined card, and in the event that you want to split a transaction, you'll know exactly what balance you are carrying on your OneVanilla card.
• OneVanilla is not an ATM card and cannot be used as such.
• You can use it anywhere VISA cards are accepted including at gas stations.
• When dining out, it's a good idea to know that balance on the card since many restaurants will put a hold on the card to cover the tip. 

OneVanilla cards are available in denominations up to $500. There is an initial fee to load and activate the card, and OneVanilla Prepaid Visa gift cards are not reloadable. Once purchased and activated, One Vanilla cards can be used immediately.

For more information about OneVanilla Prepaid Visa cards, visit www.onevanilla.com/.

This post was written in partnership with OneVanilla. I received a pre-loaded OneVanilla card to facilitate this post.

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My 5 Favorite Soup Recipes

My favorite comfort meal is a piping hot bowl of soup with a crusty roll or hunk of bread. There's just something about soup that warms your insides down to your soul. If I am ever having a bad day (or a busy one, for that fact), I make a batch of soup. A steaming hot bowl of soup always melts the troubles away.

Now that the colder weather is approaching, I thought it was the perfect time to round up my favorite soup recipes. Here are the five soup recipes that I make time and time again, and they never disappoint.

Meatball tortellini soup
This is a heartier take on Italian wedding soup with larger meatballs and plump cheese tortellini. A perfect substitute for spaghetti and meatballs.

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Lasagna soup
I'm not a big fan of lasagna, so I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this soup so much. The broth helps to break up the thickness of the pasta and meat. Top it off with a dollop of ricotta cheese, and you'll never go back to traditional lasagna.

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Lemon chicken orzo soup
When I want something other than traditional chicken noodles soup, I make this chicken orzo soup. The lemon juice adds a dimension to the soup that you don't find in chicken noodle soup.

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Chicken, tortilla, and lime soup
This soup is hearty despite the fact that there is not pasta component to it. But the addition of the tortilla strips adequately takes the place of pasta. No time to make the tortilla strips? Just add some crushed store-bought tortilla chips instead.

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Light loaded baked potato soup
Although I'm not a big fan of cream-based soups, I'm a sucker for this baked potato soup. The combination of chicken broth and low-fat milk gives it a light consistency while keeping the taste rich.

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To see more of my favorite soup recipes, visit my Soups On! board on Pinterest.

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What's In My Beach Bag?

My beach bag is always stocked and ready to go. We don't make it to the pool or beach every day, but on those days when the stars align, we make it to one or the other. And today, the stars and moon must have been in perfect alignment because I was able to go to the pool by myself. Myself, people!! This is a rare occurrence, and I took advantage of it.

What exactly do I keep in my beach bag? All the essentials, of course. And a bit more...

Beach Bag
First things first. You need a sturdy and stylish beach bag. Mine is from San Diego hat company. It's a few years old and no longer available, but this bag is similar and just as cute.

Sun Bum Sunscreen
I was first introduced Sun Bum sunscreen last fall during our annual vacation in Captiva, Florida. It quickly became my favorite sunscreen. I've bought the lotion, the spray, the stick, and the lip balm. Seriously, it's just THAT awesome. Don't believe me? Read my full review here.

Sunglasses
You'd be cah-razy to hit the pool or beach without your favorite pair of sunnies! For me, it's this pair of Ray Ban aviators.

Turkish Towel
Two years ago, I worked on a campaign with Aveeno through a client. As a thank you, Aveeno sent me a gift bag and in it included a Turkish towel. Ever since, I have been hooked and haven't used a traditional beach towel. Turkish towels are lightweight and airy and are perfect for throwing over your chaise on the beach or at the pool.

Reading Material
For the beach or pool, I like to read magazines. Books are great, but I need uninterrupted time for a book, and I just don't get that when I am with my girls. So, magazines work great since I can put them down when the girls want me to take a picture or a video or when I want to dip my feet in. My favorites: Redbook, InStyle, US Weekly, Food Network, and Real Simple.

Earbuds
When I am not reading a magazine, I can usually be found listening to a podcast. A pair of comfortable earbuds is a must. You can find them at your dollar store for just $1 or if you want to invest a bit more, you can go big and purchase a pair of Bose earbuds. They are available in any price range, and of course, the quality ranges. I am perfectly content with my $20 pair of Sony earbuds.

Leave-In Conditioner
Hair that's been exposed to sun, salt, chlorine, and sand becomes a dry, tangled mess. I spritz on leave-in conditioner to help manage the tangles and keep my hair smooth and shiny.

After-Sun Moisturizer
In the event that I am going straight from the beach to dinner or cocktails, I like to lather on an after-sun moisturizer. Sun Bum makes a lotion and a gel that are perfect for cooling down and hydrating the skin.

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What I Am Currently Watching On Netflix

Netflix has a way of drawing you into its clutches and never letting go. It happened to me about a year ago when I finally subscribed after seeing everyone else gush about it on social media. Ever since, I have watched dozens of documentaries, movies, and TV shows that I wouldn't otherwise have had access to.

From exclusive shows (House of Cards) to shows that have long been cancelled (Brothers & Sisters) to obscure documentaries (Joanna), Netflix has a little something for everyone's binge-watching needs.

Here are the six things I am currently watching on Netflix.

1. Take Me Home
If you are a fan of Parenthood, specifically of Joel (Julia's husband), you'll want to watch this movie. Sam Jaeger stars in and directs this romantic comedy about the road less traveled. When a young woman finds out that her ailing father has taken a turn for the worst, she runs out of her NYC apartment to the first cabbie she finds and asks him to drive her California. An unforgettable trip awaits her.

2. Lions: Spy in the Den
In the wake of the unfortunate and unnecessary death of Cecil the Lion, I've developed an obsession with learning more about these beautiful and fascinating creatures. Get an up close and personal look at the king of the beasts.

3. White Collar
Two words: Matt Bomer. Hello. Why has no one told me about this TV series? An FBI agent and an ex-con team up to stop scheming white collar criminals in NYC. If nothing else, Matt Bomer is certainly a treat for the eyes.

4. Dogs with Jobs
This Canadian documentary television series explores the many ways dogs from all over the world perform extraordinary tasks to come to the aid of those in need every day. Not only do we get a glimpse into how they help others perform their jobs but we also see how these dogs touch the lives of those they serve.

5. Bloodline
This original Netflix series follows the adult siblings of the Rayburn family in Florida. Long-kept secrets are revealed and lives turned upside down when the black sheep of the family returns.

6. Austin to Boston
Satisfy your craving for wanderlust with this documentary about four bands hitting the road to play gigs from Austin to Boston after wrapping up the SXSW festival. It's a mesmerizing look at life on the road and into rural US towns.

Not subscribed to Netflix? What are you waiting for? Sign up now and get your first month of streaming for free!

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Spring Must-Have: Hunter Boots

I've never really been able to get behind the month of April here on the east coast. There's nothing spectacular about this month. Despite the fact that it's spring, April in the northeast is typically chilly and rainy, gloomy and gray. Take today, for example. It's cloudy and gray. It's been raining off and on most of the day, and of course, when I left my dentist appointment this morning, it was pouring (and I didn't have an umbrella).

The upside to all the rain is great rain gear. For me that starts with my trusty Hunter boots. I bought them a few years ago in the fall (which can also be rainy here in the east), and I have never looked back. They have definitely been one of my best fashion investments to date. The best part is they are multi-seasonal. I wear them in the rain, in the snow, in the mud when doing yard work, and to comb the beach in the off-season when we are in search of shells and sea glass.

Today, I am paying homage to Hunter Wellies and all the fabulous liners that accessorize them.

BOOTS

Original Short Rain Boots (Shown: Red)

Original Short Rain Boots (Shown: Green)

Original Tall Rain Boots (Shown: Sky Blue)

Original Tall Rain Boots (Shown: Black)

Asymmetric Color Block Boots (Shown: Watermelon)



LINERS

Fleece Boot Socks (Shown: Fuchsia)

Cable-Knit Cuff Boot Socks (Shown: White)

Garter-Stitch Cuff Boot Socks (Shown: Sky Blue)

Here's how I wear my Hunters (photos taken from my Instagram feed):

Note: Some of the links above may be affiliate links.

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Minted.com Satisfies All Your Stationery and Gift Needs

Even in this age of technology, I still have an obsession with stationery and papery. I love notecards, thank you cards, notebooks, and no, you are not likely to receive an electronic invitation from me. Ever. I am all about the pretty, printed invitations, even for the smallest and simplest of gatherings.

When I recently decided to invest in some stationery for my business and blog, I went in search of some high-quality, online options. I had very specific requirements for what I wanted the stationery to look like. After looking at several options, I found exactly what I wanted at Minted.com.

Minted had the colors, fonts, and high-quality card stock that I wanted. I have to say, I was really surprised. I thought Minted specialized in seasonal greeting cards and not much else. I was thrilled to find such a variety of products from home decor to paper goods to stationery.

I love the foil pressed business cards.

I love the clean simplicity of this business stationery.

Whether you've got a wedding in the works or another celebration, Minted has a beautiful selection of "Save The Date" cards so your guests can be sure to share your big day.

Can we talk about the notebooks and journals? I am a notebook freak. I can never have enough of them, and Minted has page after page of notebooks ranging from colorful to neutral to simple to elaborate. Most can be personalized with names, initials, and even pictures.

Looking for a piece of wall art? Minted has got it! I love this gold foil-stamped map of California.

There are plenty of cards for kids too. I am big on making sure my kids send thank you cards as a follow up to their birthday parties.

After initially browsing Minted in search of business stationery, I ended up making a long wish list of items that I would love to have. Now, my goal is to narrow down that list and make a purchase. Stay tuned to see what I choose. I'll be sharing my purchases in a few weeks!

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Win 1 of 50 Bottles of Gazebo Room Salad Dressing

My love of Gazebo Room salad dressings runs deep. My favorite is the Greek Salad Dressing and Marinade. It's my go-to, must-have dressing for all of my salads. It tops all of my favorite salads including warm goat cheese salad, cold spaghetti salad, and couscous salad.

I am partnering with Gazebo Room to share my love of the Gazebo Room salad dressing line with you.

Would you love a taste of Gazebo Room Greek Salad Dressing and Marinade? Today is your lucky day!

Gazebo Room is generously offering 50 bottles of salad dressing to the readers of Pieces of a Mom. To enter to win, click the button below to enter your information and to see contest details and entry requirements or CLICK HERE.

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Do You Have a #FOMO?

We are finally getting our first taste of spring here on the east coast, and of course, it has me itching to get outside.

In addition to my morning walks outdoors, I look forward to afternoons at the playground, weekend mornings exploring the beach looking for shells and sea glass, and day trips to local parks that are rich in history.

But often my sinuses don't always cooperate with me, and what should be an enjoyable outdoor experience turns into a full blown sinus headache accompanied by nasal congestion. Boo! Oh, yeah, and having to drag 2 kids away from carefree fun isn't a picnic either.

Luckily, I have found relief for my sinus pain and pressure with SUDAFED®, and I no longer have a fear of missing out (#FOMO, for those in the know!). Whether it's a day at the park or a sporting event or a gorgeous day at the beach, I know I won't be missing out on the fun with my kids when I am sure to bring my SUDAFED® with me.

Heading to a baseball game? Not a problem when I take SUDAFED®.

All those time I've complained to the Hubs? It's over. Click HERE for more fun someecards.

I don't want to miss out on the chance to watch my daughter play scientist for a day.

The big annual event that I absolutely, positively refuse to miss...EVER, my daughter's JDRF walk.

Thanks to SUDAFED®, I am now enjoying all of my favorite activities and never missing out due to sinus pain and pressure. Whether I am indoors or out, SUDAFED® alleviates and eliminates my uncomfortable symptoms of sinus pain and allows me to participate in all the activities and events that I love.

Do you ever suffer from FOMO? What do you fear missing out on? Go to Someecards to find a card the fits what keeps you from enjoying your favorite things.

For more information, visit SUDAFED®'s Website and Facebook page.

This discussion is sponsored by SUDAFED® . As always, all opinions are my own.

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Best App for Beginning Runners: Couch-to-5K

For years, I've been saying that I am going to run a 5k. Years. At least 3. But as many of you know, I am a serial yo-yo exerciser. And when you are a yo-yo exerciser, you are usually, by default, a yo-yo runner. There have been times in my life when I've been able to easily run 5 miles. And there have been times when a half-mile is a struggle.

I started 2015 off with a goal to knock off the yo-yo exercising and get a consistent workout routine in place. I'm not going to lie. This will not be easy for me. I'm an all or nothing kind of person. I don't do moderation well, and the key to successfully putting an exercise routine in place is moderation.

There are days when I'd rather sit in front of the computer. There are days when I should be sitting in front of the computer. But I kick myself into high gear and get moving.

I'd love to hire a running coach, but that's hardly in the budget. So, I've turned to the next best thing...an app! Don't you love that there's an app for that? :)

A while ago, I downloaded the Couch-to-5K app from Active.com. I am currently into week 4, and I love the slow and steady progress that I am making. I don't feel overwhelmed, and I don't feel rushed. It is so manageable that there are days when I do the daily activity twice in a row. I'm sure once the amount of running begins to increase, this won't always be the case. But for now, it works for me. I love the flexibility also. If any given week's workout is particularly tough, you can repeat it rather than advance to the next week. Slow and steady wins the race.

The app consists of 3 workouts per week for 9 weeks. At the end of the 9th week, I will be able to run 30 minutes without stopping. I do most of my running on a treadmill, but the app is GPS-enabled if you're an outdoor runner. You can also log your progress, track calories burned, distance logged, and sync with your playlists.

If you are a beginner runner and need motivation, this app is perfect for you. It is currently on sale for $.99 at the iPhone App Store.

Keep track of your fitness goals with the Fitbit fitness tracker.

Increase performance with a great pair of running shoes.

This post was originally published in February 2012 and has been updated.

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Best Beauty Buy: Sun Bum Suncare Products #BeautyBuzz

The winter travel season is just around the bend. If you are lucky enough to be jetting off to a tropical location, don't forget to pack the sunscreen.

Did you know...

• One in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime.
• We can reduce the risk by 80% simply by regularly applying approved sunscreen products.
• Water and snow reflection can increase the potency of UV radiation by up to 50 percent.
• There are more diagnosed cases of skin cancer each year than of all other cancers combined.**

Two days ago, my family and I returned from an 11-day trip to Florida's west and east coasts. With 8 days spent in Captiva and 3 days in South Beach, sunscreen was an absolute must. From morning walks to lounging by the pool to frolicking on the beach, we were well protected with Sun Bum sunscreens and after-sun products.

We relied on an array of Sun Bum products while vacationing in the Florida sun. We hit the pool and beach armed with these four products that were sent to me to try.

SPF 70 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion - It's enriched with Vitamin E so it helps moisturize while it protects. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is a big bonus when you've got kids who refuse to get out of the pool.

SPF 50 Continuous Spray Sunscreen - Nothing is more convenient than a spray sunscreen, especially when you've got little bodies that won't sit still long enough to lather on a lotion. This one is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it an ideal choice for kids.

SPF 30 Pink Grapefruit Lip Balm - Often ignored when in the sun, our lips need protection too. They can suffer from sunburns and premature aging just like any other part of our bodies. This pink grapefruit flavor is so delightful, you'll be applying it all day long.

'Cool Down' Hydrating After Sun Gel - It's just as important to care for your skin after sun exposure as it is during. Thanks to Sun Bum products, we had no sunburns during our vacation. But after full days at the beach and pool, this aloe-based gel was a welcome relief for our sun-kissed skin. I like to put it in the refrigerator to chill it. This way when you apply it, it's nice and soothing.

All Sun Bum sunscreens are tested, approved, and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. All the products are paraben-free, hypo-allergenic, and are never tested on animals. Most are gluten-free and vegan. 

But what about the scent? I loved the light tropical scent of Sun Bum products and was completely surprised to learn that they are fragrance free. It's natural aloe and cocoa butter that give the products their wonderful scent.

Got more questions? Check out Sun Bum's FAQs. They are awesomely fun!

So, here's the deal. You know I am a beauty products queen. I like to switch products often and try lots of different ones. But, I am sold on Sun Bum. I'll never use a different brand of sunscreen again. That, my friends, is huge.

When I agreed to try the products that were sent to me, I never imagined that I'd become a Sun Bum brand loyalist. They will always have a special place in my beach bag.

Want more information about Sun Bum? You can find them in all the right places.

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube

Itching to buy a few products for your next getaway? Here ya go.

** Statistics appear courtesy of Sun Bum.

Disclosure: I was sent four Sun Bum products to try. I was not compensated for this post. As always, all opinions are strictly my own.

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