August’s favorite productive product finds – from the best book to a habit tracker app to a home hack to a fun STEM game find!
As I finalize this blog post that has been in my drafts for a few weeks now, and this deep into September, in fact, almost towards the end of September, I think it is important that I go about summarizing what happened back in August real quick than getting into the deets of it… because so much has happened since then (I mean, it’s all relative)!!!
Thanks to our little one, his current age, and his love for hiking, this year, by far, has been the best hiking experience ever! You can catch our favorite hikes and our little one’s antics saved under Instagram Highlights ‘Hikes’.
Mastermind Group Coaching Program –
Launched the pilot (my very first, woohoo) group coaching program in the middle of August. I can’t express in words just how freaking excited I was about it, and now a few weeks in, it has been one of the best coaching experiences ever, and something I am so dang proud of! This warrants a separate blog post, but for now, you can check out all the deets here.
Planning, Prepping and Waiting –
One of hubby’s deadlines dictated when we were going to head out on our much-anticipated and much-needed trips. As we counted down days, I was in full-on prep mode and planned everything to the T, only when it was time to execute it all, oh well, warrants a few separate blog posts, but for now, these deets should keep you curious 😉
*Affiliate links used, incredibly thankful for your support.
RELATED POSTS
Loving these August Favorites? Then check out my past monthly favorites post.
TOP 10 AUGUST FAVORITE FINDS
1) Reusable Eco-friendly Kitchen ‘Paper’ Towels
In an effort to make more and more conscious and Earth-friendly lifestyle choices, I try to choose from sustainable alternatives than reaching for one-time use or use-and-throw options. One such find and my favorite are these bamboo kitchen towels.
I have been using these heavy-duty bamboo towels for a long time now and can’t believe how well they clean and how long they last. They also fit into your regular paper towel dispenser. The nice thing is that they are machine washable (but recommend hand washing for longer durability). One roll replaces 6 months of towels (i.e. 60 conventional paper towel rolls). Save trees, save money, reduce waste.
2) Productive – Habit Tracker
One thing that has been coming up over and over (and over again) during my life coaching sessions with clients (both during group coaching and 1:1 sessions) is how impossible it is for one to keep up with their habits, especially now more than ever (with so much going on)! I don’t blame them, almost all of us struggle from not being able to keep up with the changing needs and our habits. So I figured I’d share about the Productive – Habit Tracker app that helps one do just that!
“Productive is a free and easy-to-use tool that helps you build a routine of positive, life-changing habits. Set personal goals, track your progress, and motivate yourself to new heights! Productive can help you with planning your schedule to create healthy new habits. Setting smart reminders for throughout your day and analyzing your daily, weekly and monthly progress are just a few of the ways Productive keeps you on track. Productive may even help adults manage their ADHD by helping them concentrate on a daily routine.”
3) Healthy Edamame Snack
One can never have enough snack options, who’s with me on that!? And I love a good, healthy, budget-friendly, and convenient snack when I feel like one, I mean, who doesn’t right!? And Edamame sold at Costco checks all those boxes, and more (organic and Non-GMO). I started binging on them when I was preggers with my little one (3+ years ago) and still love it just as much to this day, so it wasn’t just some weird pregnancy craving haha.
Costco sells a huge bag with 12 individually wrapped microwavable pouches. So the next time you feel like a snack and try to reach for those unhealthy cookies and crackers, stop and head to your freezer for one of these bags instead, quickly microwave, sprinkle some sea salt, and enjoy! Did I mention these are also less than 100 calories (in case you are counting)?
4) Think Like A Monk Book
I know that the Think Like A Monk book was only released in September, but I have had my copy since March, shhh (more on that later), so it got included in the August favorite finds list, in case you are wondering! I have both the hard copy and the audio version of TLAM and have already gifted several copies to people, in fact, I already know that I will include this in my upcoming holiday gift guides.
I won’t go on and on about why I love Jay Shetty and almost everything he shares, but let’s just say that if there is ONLY one book you read in 2020, then it has to be the Think Like A Monk book. TLAM and the golden nuggets shared in it can be life-changing, i.e. if you really pay close attention and apply its principles in life.
“Jay Shetty, social media superstar and host of the #1 podcast On Purpose, distills the timeless wisdom he learned as a monk into practical steps anyone can take every day to live a less anxious, more meaningful life.
5) Dancing and Workouts
Dancing or workout? Why choose one when you can do both, right!? Seems to be a theme at our home, especially with being locked indoors, for the most part, these last 6+ months (and there still seems to be no end to it).
I chanced upon TMILLY TV Dance on Youtube a few months back, and O.M.G, I can’t get over those dancers (they come in every size, shape, color, and form) and their dance moves. While I am NOT remotely close to what they do, it is fun to hit play and mindlessly dance our hearts out as we get our bodies moving and heart rates pounding. And of course, the cutest is to watch our little one try to imitate them and play songs on repeat!
6) STEM Toy – Brian Flakes
The hubs bought this Brain Flakes STEM Toy for our little one, and now I am wondering if he really bought it for our toddler or if it was for himself. I mean, I can’t blame him, it is so fun to get creative and build various structures and designs with these discs. Also, who else wants to keep their kids busy!? There are countless design possibilities and hours of skill-building play.
“Brain Flakes are a new construction toy that teaches children spatial thinking and lets imaginations run wild! Every jar contains over 500 discs, which means hours of endless fun and engineering education. In addition to brain building, Brain Flakes discs improve the coordination and dexterity of young children, keeping both their minds and bodies active! They click together and apart easily for all ages and levels of motor skills. Our discs are a revolutionary addition to the world of children’s and adults’ construction toys.”
7) Meditation by Dr. Joe Dispenza
I love to try as well as incorporate various meditations into my daily routine. And lately, I have been practicing more of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s meditations. He has a wide range of guided meditation options to choose from and they are all extremely powerful.
For those who don’t know who he is and/or about his meditations, here you go, and give it a try –
“ Change Your Mind, Change Your Life – 5 Simple steps that anyone can follow. Dr. Joe Dispenza, is an international lecturer, researcher, corporate consultant, author, and educator who has been invited to speak in more than 32 countries on five continents. As a lecturer and educator, he is driven by the conviction that each of us has the potential for greatness and unlimited abilities. In his easy-to-understand, encouraging, and compassionate style, he has educated thousands of people, detailing how they can rewire their brains and recondition their bodies to make lasting changes.’
8) Bandish Bandits
Who else is dying to watch some great shows on TV, especially Indian TV shows? Bandish Bandits, An Amazon Prime Original, despite its flaws, was such a breath of fresh air. It gives anyone the chills and reignites anybody’s love and passion for music, especially Indian Classical music.
“Two singers who have contrasting personalities set out on an incredible journey of self-discovery with one another. Radhe a singing prodigy from a classical background & Tamanna, a pop sensation on the rise meet. Radhe’s world is turned upside down when he falls in love with Tamanna. Torn between helping her achieve stardom and staying true to his own music and his family’s legacy, will he succeed in juggling both or will he lose everything he has?”
9) Workout Pants
Now, these aren’t just any workout pants, but one’s with pockets that can hold your heavy iPhone, and more. I have shared about these pants many times in the past, but don’t think it ever made an entry into one of my favorite finds posts, yikes!
These ODODOS High Waist Out Pocket Pants have over 20K reviews with 5-star ratings, and for a reason. I hate having to hold my phone in my hand (I know you do too) as I step out for a run or when we go hiking, and these pocket workout pants genuinely make me want to throw out all my other workout pants. These pants are made of high-quality fabric and offer maximum comfort. And did I mention these are high-waisted? #momwin 😉
10) Desk Clamp Charging Power Station
There is nothing more I hate than those annoying cables and wires hanging all around the house, and I know I am not alone! While I use an extension cord that hides away all the wires and cables – works great for me as my workstation is located close to the wall. But for the hubs, who has been WFH for the last 6+ months, like most of you, he needed an alternative.
And he found this All in one desk clamp power strip that solves the problem (and does not drive me crazy haha). You can mount the power strip to any desk at the edge and you don’t need to screw it in or punch holes, and it can be moved around as and when you need. It has three standard US plug ports along with two USB charging ports, such a life savior to organize all the power cords – laptop, phone, monitor, etc, etc.
“If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.“
Namaste,
Kusum
Leave a Reply