stuff I like right now.

I'm debating whether to say I recommend the following... I guess it depends on who you are. I'll just say that these are a few of the fun or useful things in my life this summer.

1. love and logic. if you are my friend, you probably already know I endorse this parenting style. it keeps me from yelling, it eliminates the need for threats and lets consequences play out without me being the bad guy. bishop miller said it best when we were first learning about it. he stated that this is the way Heavenly Father parents. He kindly and patiently teaches us what we should be doing and then lets us have agency to make our own choices. when a poor choice is made, there is a consequence that follows, but it is always accompanied by sincere empathy. when I am consistent, my children respond really well, even down to little beckham who knows when he hears, "uh-oh," that he stops what he's doing and heads for the stair for a little time out. I'm not saying it works perfectly, but I like to have guidelines and these ones work great for me.

2. diapers.com. with two little ones in diapers, we go through them quickly. running out and having to make an unexpected trip to the store with tired kids is not fun. this site has lots I haven't explored, but the need it fills for me is that it carries my brand of diapers at a competitive price in very large quantities. I just click and they show up at my door. fantastic. oh, and shellie earns a credit every time I purchase because she referred me. so if you use them, please use my name so I can earn credits too!

3. I have adopted an "au natural" philosophy this summer in regards to my face and hair. I think I've worn make-up twice all summer and probably used the blow-dryer that much as well. the one product I'm faithful about is sunscreen on my face. I spent too many years thinking that avoiding it would help me get a tan and blocking out any warning my mother kept giving about sun damage. stupid stupid stupid. my skin has paid the price and while it would have been smart to listen sooner, better late than never. I use a cetaphil moisturizer every morning with spf 15 in it, but if I'm going to be out in the sun longer than an hour or so, I use neutrogena ultra-sheer dry touch sunblock. it's light-weight, not greasy and it works. found at any drugstore. also recommended by real simple.

4. lime ricki. this one isn't for everyone, but it's been great for me. it's a line of swimming suits developed for teenage girls with modesty in mind. two things: I like my tummy covered and I have zero breast. these are small enough on top that they are not gappy on me and long enough to give me the coverage I need. I own three different styles, and can attest that they have great customer service when it comes to returns and exchanges and they are completely reasonably priced.

5. sonic pebble ice. perhaps mild addiction is present when I know I'm leaving town and I have a moment of panic knowing that my destination does not have pebble ice dispensing from the freezer! I seriously snack on this stuff all day long. yes, I know it's a problem and yes, I am working on it. really. it's on my list to get the whirlpool guy here to fix my ice dispenser. oh, but it's so good.

6. my sister's keeper by jodi picoult. this is a great summer read. it's powerful, but not heavy. it prompted lots of thoughts for me as well as great discussion in my home. I haven't seen the movie yet... if any of you live close and are interested, let's go!!

7. speedo goggles. they are the only brand that I have found not to leak. found at costco in a super-priced 3-pack. stock up!

8. car seat backpack. I don't travel with a stroller, but I often travel with a car seat. and three children. and not often a husband. this can make for an airport adventure! I take a car seat on the plane so I can keep one of the two little ones contained. This backpack is heaven-sent for mamas like me. it keeps my hands free as we navigate the airport scene. when you happen to find yourself in an airport three times in a month, it's totally worth it! I didn't have it on one leg of our journey and I realized just how much I needed it!

9. fresh and easy vanilla almond granola. it helps me get out of bed in the morning. seriously. I have to go to kick-boxing after I eat it, 'cause it's that good for me, but still... yum.

10. sytycd. as in the tv show. no, dad, it's not an obsession, but this season has some serious talent and it's fun to watch and critique with dent. tabitha and napolean are my favorite choreographers.

11. southern brand. this site has some fun stuff, especially if you have a brother who is part LDS missionary and part cowboy... oh, that's just me? anyway, still fun stuff... go buy yourself a cute shirt!

there you have it, the randomness that I currently enjoy. what are your summer favs??