Amazon Finds

Since the pandemic, like most people, I have turned to Amazon to get things delivered quickly to my doorstep conveniently. I have slowed down on the takeout food and grocery deliveries, but Amazon still has me hooked. Scrolling my purchases this last month, here were my favorite purchases.

1. Scotchgard Sun and Water Shield, Repellant Spray. I have a lot of outdoor cushions. I try to remember to take care of them. However, after chasing kiddos around the pool (they multiply quickly at my house), making sure wet towels aren't left on the carpet, and creating a meal for everyone, including the vegetarian daughter, my best intentions don't always pan out. This spray helps extend cushion life.

2. Jayscreate Women's Shrug Cardigan Sweater. This cute sweater is perfect for chilly summer air conditioning. What I love about it is you can wear it two ways, long or flip it over, and it's a short sweater. I took this on my recent European vaca with the BF. Between him and the sweater, it was a cozy plane ride.

3. Signature Solar Garden Lights. My front walk needed some light. These were the second set I ordered from Amazon, and they work perfectly and are durable because I keep knocking them over with the hose. The simple, contemporary design goes with any house style. These come in 8 packs which are nice because most of the light packs were six, and I needed a few more.

4. Novogratz Beverage Cart. I started putting this together, and my neighbor and BF jumped to help. It was not an easy assembly, but it looks fantastic on my patio and is very functional since this is my favorite spot to have coffee and entertain. If you don't have people who like to assemble furniture in your life, you need to find some of these quickly; they are essential.

5. Christopher Knight Chairs for outdoor dining. Stylish, affordable, easy to assemble, and clean. So far seem durable.

6. Balloon Garland Arch Kit. I ordered this for my daughter's graduation party. It's beautiful décor for about $20. I heard the assembly process was time-consuming. Unfortunately or not, I was out running last-minute errands when the garland was being assembled. Yes, I have amazing people who jump all in to help. I recommend ordering a balloon pump or two to make the process faster and avoid being lightheaded. The result for the price was impressive.

As I am posting this the Amazon truck is driving away from my house. Wonder what fantastic product I ordered and which friends I should invite over. 😏 Let me know if you have fabulous Amazon finds. It's like looking in someone's Costco cart to see what goodies they found in that massive warehouse.

To My Second Born

I have a problem with the way people refer to middle children as if they are forgotten or left out. It may be funny to joke about middle children, but as a parent of three, I want all my children to know they are seen, heard, and loved.

It does just so happen that my second-born has an easy-going, go-with-the-flow personality. I can relate to him because I feel I also have a very accommodating, laid-back personality. This is why my grandfather's nickname for me was noisy because compared to my three other siblings, I barely spoke.

I am the second born in my family. Not sure if this is middle child status or not. I think it's just more personality makeup. I don't want my child to be defined as the middle child. Instead, this is what I want him to know.

• You are just as loved and wanted as your siblings.

• Your voice matters. Speak up.

• Don't ever stop believing people are mostly good.

• Your easy-going, peacemaking nature allows you to be a great problem solver, which is a superpower to be proud of.

• Being born in-between your other siblings, you probably know more about what's happening in this family than anyone else. Both your siblings talk to you.

• You have learned you don't have to be the loudest in the room and how to observe people's behavior before reacting.

• You're the one in any situation that can be counted as level-headed and helpful.

• I love that you love surprises and the twinkle you get in your eyes when you genuinely enjoy life. Yes, I notice that and I always see you.

Summer Skincare

Over the winter, I wrote about some of my favorite skincare products. Now that we are in summer, I wanted to share my favorites from this season. I feel these are all gender-neutral products.

1. Unseen Sunscreen by Supergoop. I put this on my face and neck daily under makeup or on its own. I love how smooth and weightless it feels.

2. Original Sun Bum SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen Spray. This product smells like summer to me.

3. LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask in vanilla. I received this as a gift and used it day and night. It gives your lips a little sparkle while super hydrating them.

4. Summer Fridays CC Me Serum. This moisturizing cream is a super Vitamin C serum that helps brighten skin and smells fantastic.

5. Dr. Dennis Gross at-home peels. I rotate using the Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel and the Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel.

6. Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum. Because of the results and its easy application, this product is addicting.