Happy almost fall, Mavens! I know it will probably be about 90 degrees for the next month, but a girl can dream, right? Autumn is my absolute favorite season. Of course, we need to live in the season (literally and metaphorically) that we’re currently in, which means I’m still enjoying time at the pool, refreshing spritzers, and lazy reading sessions in our hammock. Those are just a few of the things saving my life right now. Read on for the rest!
P.S. Did you miss the first two installments of “What’s Saving My Life Right Now?” It’s inspired by Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius, who, by the way, will be in Indy on Nov. 1 for the Indiana Conference for Women! Here are my first and second posts of the year. I love learning what you all are into, so please, share what’s saving YOUR life with me at hello@indymaven.com.
With that, here are the 10 things saving my life right now.
Image via FACE FOUNDRIÉ
1. Lash Lift + Tint
It’s been ages since I got a lash lift and tint—I’d forgotten how magical they are. I added one to my recent facial at FACE FOUNDRIÉ, and it’s the best decision I made all summer. No need to mess with mascara dripping down my face in the sweltering heat or at the pool, and my eyes pop.
2. Reading in a Hammock
I splurged on this hammock as a gift for my husband, but I’m pretty much the only one who uses it. I find it so relaxing to swing and watch the trees sway or sprawl out with a good book—currently, I’m reading “The Women’” by Kristin Hannah (totally worth the wait of 86 spots in the library for, btw). It feels like true R&R.
Image via Pawleys Island
3. PB Banana Smoothies
I got hooked on these when we first opened Maven Space. Our wonderful cafe manager Lilly gave me the scoop—no pun intended—on making them at home with PBfit peanut butter powder. Here’s the recipe I use (all available at Costco!):
- 2 T PBfit Powder
- 2 Scoops of Chocolate Protein Powder
- 1.5 Frozen organic bananas (I prefer freezing them fresh in Stasher bags)
- 1 C Unsweetened organic vanilla almond milk
- 1 T Chia seeds, added in the last few seconds of blending
4. Daily Photo Delete
I learned about the “Daily Delete” from Miss Freddy. Every night, I look at the photos on my phone and delete duplicates and screenshots that I no longer need. I also search for the date to go years back and do the same. I’ve deleted hundreds of pictures and videos this way, freeing up storage on my phone. It feels like a small win at the end of every day.
5. Smooth Tear Toilet Paper
Listen. I’m showing every bit of being 40 years old with this one, but Charmin’s “Smooth Tear” toilet paper is DELIGHTFUL. Truly, a revelation. I didn’t even realize we had purchased it until a friend visiting walked out of our bathroom and said, “Your toilet paper is scalloped!” With anywhere from 4-8 people living/staying in our house at times (2-3 of which are kids), I’ve noticed that this is way less messy and that it is so much easier for the kids to tear themselves.
Image via Sazerac Co.
6. Spritzes
As some of you who have been around for a while know, I’m an alcohol drinker who loves an AF beverage and dry spell from time to time. What I’ve been loving most this summer is spritzes in all forms. I love that you can drink them for longer periods of time (say, a three-hour dinner party or afternoon at the pool) without getting schnockered. Lillet Spritz is my go-to cocktail at home, but my friend Kathleen and I recently discovered “The Spritz” bottled cocktails at Niemann Harvest Market in Carmel, which are great if you don’t feel up to playing mixologist. Side note: According to this article, The Spritz launched in a few select markets in May and will be available nationwide in September.
7. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Light
Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk lipstick is one of those “cult following” products, but I never found the color quite right on me. I was thrilled when I found out earlier this year they’d launched a “fair” version, and it’s been the perfect nude lip for me this summer.
(I want to acknowledge that as a white woman, I have the privilege of not experiencing the challenge of finding makeup to match my skin tone, and the makeup beauty industry needs to keep doing better.)
Image via Charlotte Tilbury
8. Work from the Pool Days
We’re in an odd stage where one kid is at school, and the other is home with a babysitter, but aftercare hasn’t started yet, so I can’t go to Maven Space for the day, but I can’t necessarily work easily at home either. My solution: work from the pool day! Now that it’s later in the summer, there’s hardly anyone there, the Wifi works, and I feel like I’m on a little work vacation doing Zoom calls while I sip Arnold Palmers.
9. F.I.T. with Renee
I’ve been really struggling with my physical health this year (if it ain’t one thing, it’s another). The thing people are always saying about turning 40 and things start HAPPENING…they did. I finally decided to take control and booked both some bloodwork at HerMD (more to come on that next time!) and a personal fitness consultation at F.I.T. with Renee. That 60-minute session was eye-opening. I’m less than one week into my fitness and nutrition program and feel so much better already, inside and out.
Image via So Money
10. So Money Podcast
Not only have I started taking my physical health more seriously, but I’m also doing the same for my financial health. Farnoosh Torabi’s So Money podcast has been an easy way to implement “financial wellness” into my life in a fun and approachable way that’s far less boring/intimidating than most financial education resources.
P.S. Sensing a wellness theme here? We could all stand to take far better care of our health—in every area of our lives—so I’m beyond excited for Indy Maven’s Women’s Health Summit, presented by HerMD on Aug. 23, 2024. Tickets are on sale now—I hope you’ll do something for yourself and join us!
Leslie Bailey is the co-founder and CEO of Indy Maven and Maven Space. Follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Goodreads.
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