may designs

While it is extremely difficult for me to narrow down to saying one thing is my absolute favorite in the whole wide world, there is a

long list of things I really like. Here is just one of the items on my list. I like to call these my Brown Paper Packages!

I received a text one day from my sister that was forwarded from one of her friends. “50% off all May Books.”

What in the world is a May Book?! I must say I do love a good sale and 50% off peaked my interested. So I did what anyone does when they don’t know something. I googled it. Let’s just say, May Designs had me from hello.

In short, a May Book is a “stylish notebook”. Literally on the May Design website you can find the quote “Mica was sick of using ugly notebooks, so she made some pretty ones.” And boy am I glad she did!

Each one is customizable. That’s right; you personalize the book to meet your fancy. Step one, choose a pattern. Side note, my favorite right now is the wildflower. Next you choose a background shape, then a typographic style, a color for your style, what your monogram text will be, and finally how to fill the inside pages. Seriously, the options are endless. The inside pages can be a yearly agenda, kids coloring book, address book, meal planner, wedding diary, and many more. The book is the perfect size to drop in your purse so you never have to be without. They start at $19. However, they have sales often. When I have purchased them they have been 50% off the $19. I follow them on Twitter and Instagram and they post their sales in both places. P.S. They make wonderful gifts!!

P.S. Right now May Designs is running a special, 50% off May Notes. (It says through April 7 but they are still marked down today.)

Click here to learn more about Brown Paper Packages.

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While it is extremely difficult for me to narrow down to saying one thing is my absolute favorite in the whole wide world, there is a long list of things I really like. Here is just one of the items on my list. I like to call these my Brown Paper Packages!

Since becoming a mom there are a few things that have made life a little easier. I’m definitely not going to call these necessities because it is not necessary to have painted nails. But they have made things easier, cleaner, a little more organized, more comfortable, and definitely more fun. Plus, I’m throwing in my favorite recipe for the week.

Easier: Intuition razor

This razor has the shaving cream built in and makes the showering process much quicker. When there is one (or two) little ones peeking through the shower doors, you do whatever you can to make it quick.

Cleaner: Stick Vacuum

I seriously may start giving this as a baby shower gift. I thought I ran it a lot with one little person but with two I won’t be surprised if I burn up the thing. The one I have is a Bissell Lift Off Floors and More and it has a built in dust buster that pops in and out (an extra bonus). I would highly recommend it.

A little more organized: Notepad/calendar close by at all times (May Designs)

There is absolutely no guessing when I’m going to think of something I need to write down; an item on my to do list, a grocery we ran out of, a date we don’t need to forget. So, having a calendar and notepad close by at all times has become critical! I bought a couple of the May Designs notebooks when they ran a 50 percent off special and so wish I would have bought more. I currently use a May Design calendar and notepad. They live on my kitchen counter but they are small enough to toss in my purse when I’m on the go. Each one is customizable which endless options! Sidenote: They make great gifts!

More comfortable: Matilda Jane pants

I am a jeans girl. However, when sticking around the house I like my comfy pants. Since I’m at home most every day now I’ve found adding a ruffle to my comfy pants makes me feel like I’m getting ready for the day but staying comfy and cozy.

More fun: Sally Hansen nail effects

I really like to paint my nails. Typically it’s a pretty neutral, boring color but I still like for them to be painted. Once I became a mom I found there’s not a whole lot of time to let the polish dry. These nail effects require no drying. They’re a bit more daring for my taste but I’m giving them a go. The ones I have on now have been on for a week with no peeling. (The pharmacy had a better selection than Wal-mart.)

Breakfast-in-a-Muffin (original recipe from taste of home)

1/3 lb sausage
3 eggs
1/8 tsp seasoned salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 pkg. corn bread/muffin mix (jiffy works good)
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided.

Preheat oven to 400⁰. Cook sausage and make sure while cooking to break into crumbles.
Whisk eggs with salt and pepper. Cook until eggs are thickened and no liquid remains.
Prepare muffin mix according to package. Fold in sausage, eggs, and ½ cup of cheese. Fill paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full.
Bake 10 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 5 minutes longer or until done.
Note: I made these with crumbled bacon also and actually liked it even better. They are perfect warmed up for breakfast or even snack time.

Click here to learn more about Brown Paper Packages.