Summer Favorites

I love Summer and couldn't wait for the season to officially start, but living in a place that basically has Summer almost all year long I have gotten used to watching the official dates, lol.

There are several different topics, feel free to talk about one, a few, all of them or just one! Elaborate or simply mention them. I want this to be super easy!

Accessories - at first I was just going to do sunglasses, but then I remembered I also love hats to keep the sun off my face and the rain out of my eyes!! I buy hats anywhere and everywhere depending on what's available. Sunglasses I mostly buy at TJ Maxx ever since I lost a pair of Michael Kors at Disney and nobody turned them in. You still get get nice brands at great prices just like the other things they sell.

Shoes - Flip flops all the way for me! Did you have a good National Flip Flop day yesterday?! Almost every job I've had has been casual enough to allow for flip flops, thank goodness! Several years ago I picked up a pair of flip flops on a BOGO and ever since then, when mine are in need of replacing, I get the latest ones that appeal to me. The last couple seasons it has been the Lola flip flops and they're still available at least at Shoe Carnival. And on BOGO 50% off right now! In case you don't follow me on Instagram, I shared on my stories that Old Navy is having their solid-color flip flops on sale for $! this Saturday, June 23rd.

Outfit - Rompers and dresses, especially with pockets. I have this dress from Amazon and I love it! My rompers are from Lilly Pulitzer or Torrid.


Lip color - this really could be any lip product. If I wear a color it'd be a bright pink like Punta Cana from Cargo this wears well throughout the day, even through meals. Most of the time I like a natural lip with either gloss or balm and I love it to have SPF. Neutrogena has a good gloss with SPF 20, not sticky yay!

Nail polish!! - One of my favorite things to accessorize with! Bright neon pink, specifically Poptastic from Color Club.

TV Show - SYTYCD Mondays on Fox 8/7 Central or current season on Hulu, The Last Ship in it's 5th and final season on TNT, usually Sundays, seasons 1-3 on Hulu and Great Food Truck Race Now in Season 9 with seasons 5-6 on Hulu. The last two shows are later in the Summer, think end of July or August.

Movie - Summer Catch, Fever Pitch or Camp Nowhere...need I say more? If you haven't watched all of these, without good reason you must add them to your watch list! Unfortunately nont of them are on Netflix or it looks like any of the subscribe channels, sad.

Food or drink - Food is definitely all the grilled food. We get this pretty much all year, not just because we live in Florida. I remember when we lived in the midwest, my dad got out there under the porch and fired up the grill!

Drink is definitely H20. Either in a tumbler if I'm sitting around the house or office. Insulated water bottle like the S'Well bottle or Iconiq for on the go!

Candle - I don't have a specific candle, but during the Summer I like Tropical scents, definitely coconut and beachy scents. Waikiki Beach coconut. Cucumber coconut water I found at Target in a pineapple ceramic decor!!

Whew! I think that's everything, but I want to hear all about your favorites so link up below or join me on another social platform!!


FYI, If you're not able to participate on here, make sure to check out Instagram and Insta Stories (template in my highlights!!) on Thursday, June 21st, but feel free to join in all Summer long. Living in Florida you can imagine Summer is one of my favorite months!

If you participate somewhere else, either tag me @mylittlehea or tell me how to learn more about you!

2018 Amazon Favorites | 1st Half

I've had an Amazon account since 2007 when I received my first gift card to Amazon. I bought a few things here or there but it wasn't until I got hooked up to Prime that I bought every day items.


I also made this into a video, you can check that out here and make sure to subscribe if you aren't already!!

Instead of doing a post on what I ordered recently, there's a linkup for that at the beginning of the month with Tanya at The Other Side of the Road that I'm planning on linking up with on July 3rd, I thought I'd share the items I've picked up over the last six months and am absolutely loving, using pretty much all the time. The links are to my preferred smile charity organization - The Antioch Partners.

Vented Wet brush - Ya'll I have had vented brushes before because when my stylist uses something on my hair I like to see if I can replicate and buy all the same products. I already had a wet brush, but not a vented one. I'm not sure how I found out that Wet Brush had one but I decided to order it and I love it for blow drying.

Wool dryer balls - We have had dryer balls for a few years now and after our first set fell apart we checked Amazon to see what they had, how the reviews were and what the price difference was. We've only been using these for six months, but you get twice as many for a third of the price. FYI dryer balls replace your dryer sheets.

Acrylic Monitor Riser - I have had this on a couple of my wish lists for at least a year and finally bit the bullet. I'm glad I didn't get it the first few times because I changed my mind from black to acrylic and I've been so happy with it. I love having a place to put my laptop on my desk and my keyboard goes under the large monitor or vice versa.

Lazy Makeup Toiletry Bag - I remember seeing this ad on Instagram and whenever I would click on it, the price just seemed too high when I have makeup bags I got for free, thanks gift with purchase! The reviews also weren't good because at the time they were coming from another country and taking WEEKS without people actually reading that when they purchased. I bought mine, knowing it would take about a month to get here and now you can get it Prime, of course. The only thing I would change is a handle, like a train case. Otherwise, love it!

Scarleton Stylish Reversible Tote Bag - Compare to Nordstrom - I have talked about this before on my January 2018 favorites and I still use it all the time. A coworker got the brown/pink combo and she uses hers everyday too.

The Greatest Showman Soundtrack - Another product that was in a favorites post. If you still buy CDs which I know most people don't, check out Amazon before buying somewhere else. A lot of times the price is cheaper and you not only get a cd, you get the digital copy immediately after purchasing in the Amazon music app. I've ordered CDs as gifts for people and I get a copy of their music. Winning all around.

Selfie Ring Light - I Mentioned in my May Favorites Youtube video and on Instsagram Stories but forgot to talk about it here. I tried a couple of these and this one was the cheaper of the two AND worked better. It's not the best light, but for around $8 it works for what I need. I use it if it's really dark to light up my face (no natural lighting, don't expect that) and to get better lighting on products or things when I'm talking about them on Instagram!

Disposable Plastic Cups with flat lids - I love these. They're totally unnecessary but I don't like how the coffee gets in the reusable tumblers with lids and straws.

What have you been loving that you bought off Amazon?!

Linking up with Amanda for Friday favorites!!

All About the Books June 2018

With two bible studies, more blogging and YouTube I didn't finish nearly the amount of books as I expected, but I was also more selective about said books, so yay!

FIVE Stars

This is One Moment by Mila Gray aka Stay With Me - I liked this one better than the first book. The story probably had a similar flow but the romance in this one captured me and I loved the supporting characters stories as well!!

Synopsis: Didi Monroe’s waited her whole life for the type of romance you see in the movies, so when Hollywood heartthrob Zac Ridgemont sweeps her off her feet, Didi believes she might finally have met the one.

While Zac’s away filming for the summer, Didi begins her internship at a military hospital in California. There, she meets wounded Marine Noel Walker.

Frustrated on the outside and broken on the inside, Walker’s a pain-in-the-ass patient who refuses all help.

Yet Didi can’t help but be drawn to him, and though he’s strictly out of bounds it soon becomes impossible to ignore the sparks flying between them.

As the attraction simmers into dangerous territory, Didi finds herself falling hard for a man she knows is going to break her heart. Because Walker doesn’t believe in love or happy ever afters. So what possible future can there be?

Then tragedy hits, shattering both their worlds, and Didi is forced to choose between fighting for love or merely falling for the illusion of it.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara was so good, ever since BTK aka Dennis Rader came back into the public eye in Wichita (where I spent half my life) while I was there, I've had an unhealthy obsession with serial killers. Getting to read all of the information McNamara captured on the Golden State Killer and seeing the story solved around publishing time was awesome. I felt like this book kept my attention much like a fictional story.

Synopsis: For more than ten years, a mysterious and violent predator committed fifty sexual assaults in Northern California before moving south, where he perpetrated ten sadistic murders. Then he disappeared, eluding capture by multiple police forces and some of the best detectives in the area.

Three decades later, Michelle McNamara, a true crime journalist who created the popular website TrueCrimeDiary.com, was determined to find the violent psychopath she called "the Golden State Killer." Michelle pored over police reports, interviewed victims, and embedded herself in the online communities that were as obsessed with the case as she was.

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark—the masterpiece McNamara was writing at the time of her sudden death—offers an atmospheric snapshot of a moment in American history and a chilling account of a criminal mastermind and the wreckage he left behind. It is also a portrait of a woman’s obsession and her unflagging pursuit of the truth. Utterly original and compelling, it has been hailed as a modern true crime classic—one which fulfilled Michelle's dream: helping unmask the Golden State Killer.

Four Stars

Arrogant Devil by R. S. Grey dragged for me. I thought once the story picked up it had a good story and romance. If you have read other R. S. Grey stories, let me know your favorite. I'd like to try another one by this author.

Synopsis: Everyone in Cedar Creek, Texas, knows Jack McNight is an arrogant devil. Physically, I get it: he’s tan and fit, with coal-black hair that’s clearly been scorched by hellfire. Oh, and his personality? It burns just as hot.

When I show up on the doorstep of Blue Stone Ranch, I’m run-down and rockin’ my last pair of underwear. I’m hoping for a savior, but instead, I find him.

My opinion of Jack is marred by a dismal first impression, but his opinion of me is tainted even before I arrive. He’s heard I’m a spoiled princess there to take advantage of his goodwill. To him, I’m more trouble than I’m worth.

Our button-pushing banter should get under my skin. His arrogance should be a major turn-off. Problem is, devils are known to offer their own form of temptation.

Every one of his steely glares sends a shiver down my spine.

Every steamy encounter leaves me reeling.

Sure, it could be the Texas heat messing with my head, but there’s no way I’ll survive the summer without silencing him with a kiss and wrestling him out of those Wranglers.

Who knows…going to bed with the devil might just be the salvation I’ve been looking for all along.

Killman Creek by Rachel Caine was a follow up to Stillhouse Lake and I flew through it but there's yet another story and this one wasn't as good as the first to me. I would have been just as happy to have only one book. Now I have to wait another year to read the next one.

Synopsis: Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…

You’re not safe anywhere now.

Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.

But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.


Currently reading: In Bloom by Kayla Aimee and over half way through!! Captivating by Jon and Stasi Eldredge, Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling.

What are you reading and loving?!

May 2018 Recap - What's New With Me

This is the first month I have really stuck with blogging about once a week. I would say at least, but I think one week there were no blogs to be posted, lol. I have enjoyed dreaming about content and also getting back into making my YouTube videos.

Blogger comments are still down, I think. I've been doing a test comment and checking "Notify Me" so I can still see comments. If I don't get back to you it's because Blogger hasn't gotten their act together.

I participated in several Instagram Stories daily challenges and really liked it. I feel like Insta Stories are more like the old Instagram, instant. Little planning, no aesthetic necessary and sometimes crappy pics, lol.

I discovered that I love cucumber and tomato salad with a little bit of oil and apple cider vinegar as a healthy, easy side at work.


I finally, and maybe for the only time rode Tower of Terror!!


We figured out what we were doing for my sisters 30th Birthday, 30 days in June, turning 30 = a gift a day!


I drank ALL. THE. MARGARITAS. Can you tell it's my favorite drink?!






I started Harry Potter and got to see a friend that moved out of state. Also, need to finish 1st before book link up next week.


I explored Ponce de Leon Springs with friends and ate at the Old Fashion Sugar Mill Pancake House. It was delicious, but no AC I would suggest going during the colder months.


I played Bunco for the first time and showed a friend how to play Settlers of Catan!!


Maddie Poppe won American Idol!!


I enjoyed the Keys to the Kingdom tour and boy did I learn a lot about Disney World!!


Watched the Royal Wedding, recorded. I like to sleep in a little on the weekends!


Finally, Boomer made some appearances. Mostly in the house because he's an old man.




When I sat down to write this, this was the first time I wasn't sure what I was going to say that's why there are more pics than explanations. Hopefully it wasn't TL;DR for you.

I'm going to be doing a blog post and YouTube video for Summer favorites. Feel free to post along with me, I plan on doing a link up on the first day of official Summer, June 21st!!


So tell me, what is new with you?!

Summer Lovin'

Good morning, friends!!

I saw this cute Summertime questionnaire on Nadine's page and on Amanda's, linking up with The Blended Blog!

www.cupcakendreams.com/tbb-asks-summer-lovin-edition/
1. Walk or Bike Ride
Walking is more convenient. No airing up tires, just put on your shoes and go!

2. Fav picnic food...
Sandwiches, but a low carb snack plate is also good picnic food.

3. Pool or Lake?
Pool, private pool if at all possible.

4. Fav flavor of ice cream?
Chocolate


5. Ice cream cone or in a dish?
Cone when I'm out, dish at home.


6.Flip flops or slides?
Flip flops

7. Jean shorts or jean capris?
Both!

8. Favorite Summer fruit?
I'm allergic to melon so I don't really have one.

9. Corn ON the cob or cut OFF the cob?
On the cob, definitely.

10. Fav Summertime song?
Summertime, obviously or Barefoot Blue Jean Night

11.Fav Summertime activity?
Pool time!!


12. Fav berry - Strawberry, Blackberry, Raspberry, or Blueberry?
All of the above!!

13. Bikini, tankini or one piece?
Living in Florida I have all, but lean toward tankini or one piece.

14. Dresses or skirts?
Dresses all the time. No matching, complete outfit.

15. One word to describe Summer?
Hot but beautiful!


What are some of your things about Summer?

Weekending in Central Florida

Hi friends!!

I hope your Monday has NOT been the Mondayest Monday ever already...like mine has. I mean when you're blow drying your hair you don't want the smoke alarm going off. BTW there was no smoke. Also, EVERYBODY was doing the slow ride this morning and that makes me yell at people in my car that can't hear me.

FYI the Target Beauty boxes go live today!! Men's box for Father's Day and a typical Beauty Box both are $7 each and should come with free shipping.


If that's a full size mascara which it looks like it is, that by itself is $9 so the box is already worth it if you want to try the mascara. Gets fairly good reviews on Ulta, I want to try it. It also comes with a travel size Micellar water which I'm excited about. If you're new to Target Beauty Boxes, you also get a coupon for $3 off Beauty purchase of $15 or more – expires 7/8/18.

I like to get one for each of my siblings in June, so I'm glad my bros birthday falls in the same month as Father's Day, lol! Have you ever purchased a Target Beauty Box?


Anyway, I actually did things this weekend worth talking about!

Friday I was able to finally get my May favorites video edited and published to YouTube. If you read my May favorite post Friday, I forgot to mention one favorite, so you can either watch it in the video or I'll share it at some point on my Amazon finds post I'm sure.



I also finished up the #storiesonthedaily Insta Stories I was participating in with @onthedailyx and @seeyouinaporridge. It was so much fun I'm trying to continue it. You should check out my Insta Stories if you're scrolling through Instagram!


Saturday I got up at zero dark thirty to drive to the other side of Orlando to meet my friend so we could drive up to De Leon Springs State Park and the Old Spanish Sugar Mill for make your own pancakes. The park and springs were beautiful, but we got there later than anticipated so after waiting an hour and a half to eat lunch, it was already too hot to do anything except get in the springs and I just wasn't feeling it.



We ended up going to see Book Club, and it was cute. I love Diane Keaton, and I thought it was a cute story about a group of friends that have had a book club for decades and they still meet once a month. I think that's something a lot of women long for, community that will stand the test of time.


Sunday was all about Disney and possibly my last Disney trip while I'm an annual passholder this time around. I'm going to try and hold out for after Star Wars land opens in 2019 before purchasing again. For around $90 (if you're a passholder, $100 if you're not) you get five FULL hours of Disney and Magic Kingdom history. I'm going to do a full recap that will probably be short pics because you're not supposed to take them and I'm a rule follower.



I also got to enjoy a couple things I had not done at Hollywood Studios like Tower of Terror and the Beauty and the Beast stage show. Beauty and the Beast had some cheesy fight scenes, but you get the full story all packed into a thirty minute musical. Plus, it lets you sit in the shade and out of the weather.



I'm in the blue shirt, middle row, right side with all. the. hair. It was a little more than just dropping, which I liked and not what I expected. The motion sickness wasn't too bad for me, but IDK if I would ride it again. Have you ridden Tower of Terror?


I love busy weekends like this but it also makes me thankful for the laid back no plans weekends, like the one coming up!!

How was your weekend?!

Linking up with Biana!