Seven

My dear dear Landon,

I've been thinking about what to write for your birthday for several weeks now and I still feel like I just can't find the words. 

It's that every morning that you wake up before me you go downstairs and turn on my coffeemaker for me. It's that you bring in our mail and that you watch the news and that you correct me when I throw something out that should be recycled. It's that you'll sit and sweetly talk to and gently play with Havana when she needs attention and when I need a hand. 

You are the most thoughtful, caring, responsible, tender, kind-hearted little boy and I literally, constantly find myself in awe of how I got so lucky to have you as my son. 

You have an unusual, very real ability to bring sincere calmness and comfort to people, you take action to help when you see a need, and you seem to always have the exact right words to say that touch people's hearts when they need it. 

You are respectful and you are compassionate, you are funny and kind and brave and wise; You are a giver, a good listener and such good company. You love God and you teach others how to forgive and how to play fair and you see other people for their hearts, not for their outside appearances or differences. To say I am proud of you, would be a huge understatement. 

Happy 7th Birthday Landon Christopher Bauman, you are a walking, talking gift and enormous blessing to us all and I'll always be in awe that I made you.

Favorite Summer Staples (plus a giveaway!)

A quick list of some of my current summer faves:

I never thought I was a watch person, but I am absolutely LOVING my new Jord wooden watch. It has a large gold face and a gorgeous wooden band that is so versatile and goes with everything, from beachwear and flip flops to dressed up in heels. I also really love their men's selection...in case you need a good Father's Day gift idea!
And click HERE to enter to win a $100 store credit to Jord watches! EVERYONE who enters will also receive a $25 store credit :)

Modcloth bathing suits. Search no more. These are literally the best bathing suits (I think especially for moms), providing comfort, full coverage, flattering waistlines, excellent quality, AND trendy and unique styles and prints. I'm absolutely obsessed with my banana leaf two-piece:

Along that same note my Karen Walker sunnies. I legit get compliments on these everywhere I go. They add instant glam, compliment any face shape with their subtle cat eye, and are a timeless, perfectly large size and perfect dark lens to cover those tired eyes and protect from the sun. Words really can't describe the depths of my love for these. (Please never mind my poor phototography skills here. I just stole this pic from my snapchat. (Follow me! @mummassnaps ;))

High waisted shorts. Sadly but truly every pair of jeans I wear now have to have a high waist. God bless those sweet babies and the toll they take on our bodies. I have these in distressed jean, white, and black because I love them so, so much.

Vinylux nail polish in Romantique and gotcha. This polish truly does last for a solid week. And I don't know how any mom of young kids has the time to go and get their nails done at a salon on a regular basis but I squeeze mine in during the precious window of nap time, and using Vinylux makes them last just as long, tested through daily mom trials of bath time & dishes.

Lastly, my current favorite summer essential oils are grapefruit and tangerine, mixed with peppermint or rosemary for an amazing, uplifting, energizing, refreshing, & basically just happy aroma in your home -- In addition to their amazing fragrance, Grapefruit and Tangerine actually also help fight against depression. Grapefruit also has an additional benefit of suppressing your appetite so I've also been flavoring my water with several drops of grapefruit to help me drink more water throughout the day and cut down on cravings.

I also can't end my eo blurb here without a quick mention of VALOR essential oil, aka the unicorn of all essential oils. We have just discovered that in addition to providing immense emotional support on all fronts, it ALSO helps prevent snoring!!! Save your marriage and night's sleep and apply this baby topically to feet and wrists before bed. Also, just got the soap, double love.
I should really keep my love for oils in separate posts all to themselves but if you want more info, please email me! I am forever grateful for what they have done for me and my family and would love to answer any questions you have about them.

(& If you want to SIGN UP with your own Young Living membership through me, click HERE :)

In addition to the Premium Starter Kit which includes a diffuser and 11 of the most popular essential oils, plus tons more goodies, you'll get a 24% off discount for all future orders, zero strings attached. AND: With the purchase of the Premium Starter Kit this month, I am GIVING AWAY a free 5ml of Grapefruit!! :D)

I think that's all for now. Hope you are all having a wonderful summer so far!!