The Potluck: May 2021 (May 2021 Monthly Love List)

Continuing the monthly tradition, The Speckled Palate’s The Potluck: May 2021 includes a new favorite curl product, a book, a show and more. Come see my love list and tell me what was on yours for May.

Collage of eight products on May 2021's love list Continuing the monthly tradition, The Speckled Palate's The Potluck: May 2021 includes a book, household products and more. #lovelist #speckledpalate

I don’t know how I continue starting these posts recapping the local, national and worldwide events like it’s some surprise that there is both a lot of good and a lot of bad packed into every month.

That said, this holds true for the month of May. We’ve had a good month, personally, though there’s been a lot of heartbreak and terror on the national and worldwide stage.

So let’s talk.

First, let’s discuss May highlights:

May, like many months before, has been a good one to us. We’re rocking and rolling with our routine. The school year is slooooooowly coming to a close (three and a half more weeks!), and we’re seeing more friendly faces now that more of our friends have been fully vaccinated.

Here are some lovely things that happened for us this month:

Reconnection. We saw family last month, which was amazing, and we’ve seen more friends this month, thanks to science and vaccines. While our get-togethers have been outdoors, it has been so nice to see more people we know, love and trust recently. And this month, we hosted friends for an indoor dinner, too… something we haven’t done since February 2020!
Power Zone Training. Oh my goodness. I spoke about it last month, but I am obsessed with PowerZonePack’s Spring Challenge and the schedule they’ve put together for us. While I still struggle to get out of bed most days, I really like the structure of this training program and am loving how I feel when I complete my rides. I can feel my body getting stronger, and I really love the how this training reminds me of marathon training.
Camps, vacations, oh my! We’re planning ahead for the summer, and our older one has a few camps scheduled. We’re going to go to visit the beach for the first time in our girls’ lives in July. And I’m seeking out summer activities for our little one, too. I am determined for us to have an excellent summer and hope that this one feels closer to “normal” than the previous one!

Let’s talk May action items:

While there’s been a lot of personal good happening for us this month, I’m aware that it hasn’t been a good month for all. A lot of people are in pain. Our world has a LOT of issues to face, and none of them are easily solvable. (I mean, wouldn’t that be amazing if they were?)

Here are a few things that are on my heart this month:

Continue learning: Now is the best time to educate ourselves and continue educating ourselves about racism and antisemitism. I know what a privileged life I’ve led to get to learn about racism instead of live it. Same with antisemitism. But I want to continue learning and finding new ways to use my platform and privilege for the greater good. I am teaching my girls about this, too. Especially now that the Texas Legislature has approved a bill that would ban the teaching of certain pieces of our country’s less-than-pleasant history in public schools.
Palestine-Israel. I’ve had the luxury to live my life not needing to know much about what’s happening in Gaza. (Hi, hello, privilege.) However, I’ve dedicated to learning more during the last several weeks. (If you want to learn more, there are some great episodes detailing the complicated history, as well as what’s happening now on The Daily.) While a ceasefire has been reached, I still believe we can stand up for Palestinians while also denouncing the antisemitism that has flared as a result of this. I’d like to think we all can agree that hatred is a bad thing.
Local connections. There’s a lot going on in Texas these days, and not all of it is good. This is yet another reminder to me to get involved locally and to commit to elect local and statewide leaders whose values and beliefs reflect my own.

What are your action items of the month?

Now Let’s Talk About This Monthly Love List…

To recap, my potluck, as defined by the folks at Merriam-Webster is:

the regular meal available to a guest for whom no special preparations have been made… a communal meal to which people bring food to share —usually used attributively ; whatever is offered and available in given circumstances or at a given time.

Now who’s ready to see what ended up on my list for May 2021?!?

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The Potluck: May 2021

The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.

The Third to Die: A Novel (A Quinn & Costa Thriller Book 1)

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

I don’t consider myself a thriller reader, but apparently, I am now. My cousin recommended this book to me a few months back, and I finally finished it! I was on the edge of my seat for the last portion of the book as events and actions sped up, and it was a thrilling, involved read. I’m looking forward to picking up the second in the series from the library soon!

Metallic Brush Stroke Thank You Cards

Photo Credit: www.target.com

I love writing notes, and we recently stocked up on thank you notes because we had completely run out. (Also, we still have notes to write for someone’s birthday back in March.) These cards are colorful and shiny, and we all like the look of them!

Aussie Miracle Curls Leave-In Cream Pudding

Photo Credit: www.target.com

I’ve been expanding my curl knowledge this year, and since I’ve always loved Aussie curl-related products, I was excited to give this one a go. It’s now my favorite, and it’s the first product that goes in my hair just before I get out of the shower. My curls are happy, and that makes me happy, too!

Hearth & Hand" with Magnolia Dobby Rib Knit Table Runner

Photo Credit: www.target.com

I didn’t purchase this table runner for our table. Nope. It was purchased as a photo prop, and I just love the color of it, as well as the pattern. That said, I know it would look fabulous on a table, so you should check it out for yours.

Ridgecrest Old Fashioned Glass Drinkware Set

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

I want to use these glasses for everything. Not only do they look good, but they feel good when holding and are the perfect size for most cocktails.

ecoegg Laundry Egg

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

A few months ago, I decided that I wanted to be more environmentally conscious when it comes to our laundry. A friend recommended the EcoEgg, and I’ve enjoyed it so far. The scent it light and fresh, and our clothes definitely feel and smell clean, so that’s a win. Also, it doesn't irritate our sensitive skin, either!

Welly Assorted Tie Dye Bandages

Photo Credit: www.target.com

Anyone else’s kids in a phase where they need a bandaid for everything? I’m not in the business of denying kids bandaids when something hurts, so we recently stocked up. I discovered these tie dye ones through the Target app, and I’m glad I did because both girls are obsessed with the colors. We also use them on our fingers, legs, tummies and everywhere else pretty regularly, so, you know…

Top Chef Season 18

Photo Credit: www.bravotv.com

OH MY WORD. I am late to this season’s bandwagon, but I’m all caught up and thrilled that my favorite cooking show is back for another season. I’ve really enjoyed the panel of judges and how the show handled Covid precautions throughout filming in Portland. Last week, one of my favorites won and the other was eliminated... so I’m excited to watch Last Chance Kitchen, as well as see how the final challenges shape up!

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