Last month can basically be summed up with two words: Beach & Bed. I spent the first part of the month with my boys at dog beach. Then I went to Cabo for three nights. It was my first vacation since my solo babymoon back in 2022. The quick getaway was oh so needed. But the minute I came back, my son tested positive for Covid. I ended up testing positive, too. That same day, Chubbs had to have an emergency procedure (his stitches are out and thankfully he healed great!). Jack Jack took care of all of us in bed for two weeks. The minute we were all healthy again it was back to the beach! Here’s what I most wore, used, consumed, etc in August…
Wore: H&M linen shorts
Remember the linen pants from last month’s edit? Well, I also have the shorts version. This video talks about them in detail. But to explain how much I love these $20 shorts: I bought them in beige and black postpartum (the elastic waistband was heaven). And a year later, when I lost my baby weight, I bought both colors again in a size S. I’m still wearing them into September considering it’s 88 degrees as I type this at 11am. I paired them with a tube top Monday for a casual bbq. And then wore my old pair to the beach the next morning.
Applied: evolvetogether deodorant
Speaking of heat… I switched to natural deo postpartum and I haven’t gone back. It’s been SO hot that I’ve been keeping one of evolvetogether’s travel size deodorants in my bag for freshening up on the go. My favorite scent is Havana (it’s reminiscent of Le Labo Santal 33). My second fave is Monaco (the soft rose is balanced out by woody oud).
Indulged In: So Delicious Mint Chocolate Chip
When I had Covid, all I wanted to eat was fruit. When it went away, I wanted ice cream every night. I’ve been really trying to go back to my limited dairy diet. So I tasted all different dairy free ice cream last month. And by tasted, I mean I shared a few spoonfuls with my son and then ate the remainder of the pint after he went to sleep.
My fave by far was So Delicious Mint Chocolate Chip. The coconut milk base makes it creamy. And the chocolate is perfectly flaked. The only problem? The calories. They’re higher than regular ice cream — and much higher than the GoodPop Mint Chocolate Fudge bars we chatted about earlier this year. So I’ll probably end my So Delicious love affair soon and go back to the bars.
Snacked On: Craize Guava Crisps
Growing up in Miami, I was obsessed with guava pastelitos. They’re delicious flaky Cuban pastries made of puff pastry filled with guava, a tropical sweet and tangy fruit. The square ones are just guava. The triangle ones are guava and cheese. They are equally delicious — but also equally fattening. And I haven’t found any even as close to as yummy as the ones I used to eat with cafe con leche back in South Florida.
When I was in Whole Foods, I saw a super cute pink bag that said Guava. As a millennial, I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a sucker for packaging. But you know what? I’m so happy I am because Craize guava crisps are my new favorite snack!
I mostly snack on them plain. But when I fail at my limited dairy diet, I’ve topped them with cheddar or cream cheese. They’re reminiscent of my beloved guava pastelitos except 12 crackers are only 120 calories. When I googled them to find the link for you, I wasn’t surprised to learn that the founder is Latin — and his small business is headquartered in my home town, Miami.
Cooked: Detox Smoothies
Ok, I guess you don't actually cook smoothies. But it’s what I made for myself the most last month. I’ve been drinking essentially the same smoothie (plus or minus a few ingredients) since my early 30s. In efforts to save money, I started making my fave Detox Smoothie from Earth Bar at home. It’s just banana, kale, pineapple and almond milk. These days, I usually add ginger, ground flax seeds, occasionally some celery. I’ll often sub the almond milk for coconut water when I need extra hydration.
My trick? Freeze fresh bananas just before they start turning to brown. That way you don’t need ice and your smoothie is extra creamy. Here is the order I use to put in my ingredients for the perfect blend:
Kale (fresh is best)
Ginger and flax seeds
Frozen pineapple
Frozen (fresh) bananas
Almond milk or Coconut Water
Celery stalks cut in half
Watched: Emily in Paris
I finished Palm Royale last month. I loved the show. Kristen Wiig’s character cracked me up while making me want to throw a ‘60s soiree. And Laura Dern is so good. But I was majorly disappointed by the ending. I’m hoping it’s just because they’re just paving the way for season 2.
When I had Covid and my son was at visitation, I binged on Season 4 of Emily in Paris in one evening. It was cute. I liked the fashion. But I don’t know. Maybe I’m over the repetitive drama? I also watched The Idea of You. I didn’t love the book. I didn’t love the movie. But boy is that British actor who plays the Harry Styles-inspired pop star fun to look at!
Localed: Portside Pier
The day before I was supposed to leave for Mexico I realized my passport had just expired. I somehow was able to score an appointment with the passport agency for a same-day renewal and push all our plans back one day (flight, hotel, dog sitter and rental car). Sometimes refusing to take no for an answer can work out in your favor!
The day I originally was supposed to fly to Cabo, my son and I ventured downtown to drop off my expired passport for renewal. While we waited, I took the opportunity to explore the waterfront. We stumbled upon the cutest spot: Portside Pier. It was early so we just grabbed coffee and snacks and sat in the big glass dome on the water watching the boats. I can’t wait to go back to one of the restuarants for oyster happy hour!
Quoted:
Hope you have a wonderful first weekend of September!
xx, Sydne