July 2014 Favorites

Wow this post is more than a bit belated so I'll just dive right in!

1. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Peek-a-Boo Cuckoo- Sometime this summer Zoe became obsessed with clocks (and watches which you will see below). She would point out every single clock and say "cuckoo clock!" Since we weren't going to spend hundreds (or is it thousands?) of dollars on a real cuckoo clock Nick ordered a kid version from Amazon. The clock is really cute! It plays music and there are buttons to push, levers to pull, things to twist, etc. Of course, there is a little bird that says, "cuckoo!"
2. Creatology Kinetic Sand- I randomly picked this up for Zoe at Michael's one day. She's a big fan of sand so I got this and a little plastic box to keep it contained in. It comes in all colors (we obviously picked up pink) and the texture is just really cool. It's almost like liquid. I even find it fun and relaxing to play with. Zoe loves making little shapes with the sand then smashing them. I also found some molds around the house for her to play with. I picked up the purple sand when I saw it go on sale.
3. Disney Kids' Minnie Mouse White Rubber Strap Watch- For our anniversary in June Nick and I got matching watches and Zoe kept wanting to wear them (that was a big no). So when he got the cuckoo clock he also got her this watch. She loves wearing it and we are hoping it will get her interested in learning how to tell time on an analog watch.
4. Veggie Straws- After I had the ranch flavor of these at our 4th of July block party I was on the hunt for more. After looking at Target, Kroger, and Sprouts I could only find the plain ones. I picked them up and they are officially Zoe's new favorite snack. She seriously went though most of a bag today. Really any brand is great. I also found mini bags at Kroger which are great to carry around in my diaper bag. (I did manage to find the ranch flavor when I was out of town at HEB.)
5. Alba Very Emollient Sunscreen Kids Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 40- Last kid related favorite! I am very picky about my sunscreen and even more picky with the sunscreen I put on Zoe. So when I found a non-aerosol spray, broad spectrum, no nasty chemicals, etc I snapped it up. It was on the pricey side but it has been worth every penny. It's not greasy, has a typical sunscreen smell, and they spray is awesome because it doesn't get everywhere. How can I tell it's working? Zoe hasn't had a sunburn or even the slightest bit of pink. I think she also got some of my good tanning genes so it's possibly a combination of the two!
6. Kinky-Curly Perfectly Polished Nourishing Hair Oil- Ok this one is another pool related favorite. I have had this oil for a while and occasionally use it but I have found an even better use this summer. Since Zoe and I go to the pool more often than not sometimes that means going right after I wash my hair. Instead of blow drying it I will leave it wet and coat my hair with this concentrating on the ends. The sun warms the oil up so it's like a hot oil treatment! After my hair air dries (which can sometimes take until the next morning) it is so soft and silky. It's also great for using as a shine serum on dry hair.
7. Pink Sugar Rollerball- I have been wanting to try this perfume for a while so on a lone trip to Ulta I sampled it and found the rollerball size. Since I have so many fragrances I have started buying the travel or rollerball size. This way they don't get old and stale. Like the name implies, this is a sugary sweet scent. The scent doesn't last as long as I would like and isn't the strongest but that is perfect for the summer months.
8. Pacifica Enlightened Lip Gloss in Beach Kiss- A few weeks ago Sprouts was having a great beauty sale so I picked this up. The color is very light and sheer with a bit of shimmer in it. The scent is sweet but not overpowering. The consistency is not too thick or tacky. I have found that it wears off pretty quickly but the tube is oversized so I don't mind reapplying.
9. Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Solid Perfume- This was another Sprouts sale find. I really love all of Pacifica's scents and I didn't have this one so I picked it up. Their solid scents are GREAT for traveling so I keep mine in the diaper bag at all times. After applying this to all my pulse points I run what's left through my hair. None of their products have alcohol in them so they won't dry out your hair. This scent is sweet with a little hint of citrus. Again, it doesn't last long alone but it can be layered with lotion and the spray perfume.
10. Kendra Scott Ellie Stud Earrings in Blue and Iridescent Drusy- Another Kendra Scott favorite- how original! Haha! I know I post about this every month but these earrings are the most versatile pieces I have. I had been wanting more studs and when I saw the drusy I knew they were mine. And so you don't think I'm crazy for buying two pairs at a time- my mom got me the blue pair. :)

May 2014 Favorites

So I know I said I would get better about posting to the blog and I only had a measly two posts last month. I even have eight (eight!) drafts waiting to be finished.

 Obviously, we had a busy month and I personally had a few bumps in the road. Right before Mother's Day Zoe started sleeping in very late (so late I had to cancel play dates). She wasn't acting herself but didn't seem sick otherwise. During that time I had congestion (which I'm assuming was allergies). After that my allergies really got out of control. On top of that I injured my wrist at the gym. 

The next weekend Abby, Will, and Matthew came to visit us and we stayed busy.

 One week after injuring my wrist I chipped a front tooth. How, you may ask? Opening a package with my teeth! Now I know why my dentist always used to warn me about it. Luckily, I was able to get an appointment to have it fixed the next day. I was in a sad state. 

The last weekend of May was spent in San Antonio for my sorority sister's wedding and Zoe stayed here in Katy with her Papa Bruce. On Sunday we got her home and she started acting oddly so we took her temperature and she had a very high fever. Fast forward to Thursday morning at 3 am (yes, I was waking up every 4 hours to check her temperature and give her Tylenol) and her fever finally broke. I wanted to see the doctor before it got busy with kids getting out of school so I called Thursday and they were able to fit us in that afternoon. As I was dressing Zoe I noticed some bumps by her hairline. I assumed they were from not bathing her that week (hello, high fever and cranky kid) and shrugged them off. We stopped by Chick-Fil-A for lunch and then we were seen by the doctor. She didn't seem concerned but she spotted more of the rash on Zoe's chest and back. As soon as she saw the rash she knew it was Roseola. Basically, another random virus that every little kid gets and it's going around here right now. There is no treatment for it- just Tylenol if the fever is uncomfortable and Benadryl for any itching. Luckily for Zoe the rash isn't too bad and it doesn't seem to be bothering her. Zoe has been a little trooper through it all. She has been getting anything she wants (haha that's mostly normal) like juice and donuts. She has been extra clingy but I have been enjoying the cuddles. 

My mom visited us this weekend so we were busy again. It was nice to sleep in a bit and Nick and I went to see the new X-Men movie yesterday.

1. Fieldcrest Luxury 600 Thread Count Sheet Set- Nick's lovely cat, Silly, loves to scratch our mattress and she finally ripped the fitted sheet so we had to get a new set. I was getting sick of white so I requested something dark and this is what Nick picked up.The color matches our duvet cover perfectly and I love the feel of new sheets. The fitted sheet is also extra deep so it's not a battle to put it on.
2. Tangle Teezer- I was skeptical about this when I saw it but I heard good things about it so I tried it anyways. It was only $10 which is a steal compared to my other brushes. This tiny hand shaped brush is great at detangling my wet hair (I can't tell you how many combs I have broken in my wet hair) and Zoe's hair.
3. Earth Theraputics Hello Kitty Ergomatic Sleep Mask- I admit I only got this because it was Hello Kitty but I'm so glad I did. Unlike traditional eye masks the eyelid area is raised for a more comfortable REM experience. I have worn plenty of traditional eye masks and never had a problem with my eyes touching the mask but this one feels so nice. The nose area is also raised and the strap has velcro so it can be adjusted. I highly recommend this for anyone that needs complete darkness to sleep.
4. Mossimo Theresa Wedge Sandal- Like most of my Target shoes these were meant to be because they were the last pair and they were in my size! I had been looking for a new black wedge and these fit the bill. The top material is very stretchy and comfortable. I love the simple lines of this wedge.
5. Essie Serial Shopper- When I saw the name of this polish I knew I had to have it. But I got it home and saw that I already had something similar. I was about to return it but I looked up swatches online and discovered it didn't look like the polish I already owned. The bottle looks like a bright coral but on the nail it is more neon and orange-y. It is a really gorgeous summertime color. It requires 2-3 coats or a white base. This really is my current favorite because I painted my nails with this color three times in a row!
6. Kendra Scott Alexandra Earrings in Abalone Shell- I know, I know. Another Kendra Scott piece of jewelry! I got these at a special event where part of the proceeds were donated to a cause very dear to my heart. I usually go for the smaller KS earrings but I was drawn to these. I was actually afraid to wear these at first. I wasn't sure what they would go with but I soon discovered they go with everything. I wear these all the time! They are a great way to add a little sparkle to any outfit. Most importantly, they are comfortable and don't get in my way when I am running around with Zoe. The abalone shell is great for summertime!
7. Florida's Natural Au'some Organic Nuggets in Fruit Grove- I was only able to get these once at Target (and the last time I was there I couldn't find them) but they were a big hit! I almost didn't get them because they had a picture of a banana on the package and I hate bananas (so stupid, I know). Even though they were mostly for Zoe I wanted to try them too. They are your typical fruit snack with a delicious flavor- very addictive. I like them because they are easy to chew and the little bags are convenient for me to carry in my diaper bag. I just wish they were easier to find!
8. Cloud B Twilight Ladybug Constellation Night Light in Pink- Zoe has had this probably since she was born. I had to get it because it was a ladybug AND it was pink. They have other colors and different animals and they project stars and the moon in red, green, or blue. I used it a few times and she didn't seem to notice. Then one evening she discovered the moon. She has been obsessed with finding the moon when we are outside so I showed her this nightlight. So I turn this on for her every night so she can see the moon and the stars in her room. She must get her love of space from Nick. :)
9. Futuro Wrist Band- This is a boring favorite but it really helped my wrist when I injured it. I splurged for the top of the line adjustable and reversible version because I figured I would need it again at some point.
10. SureFit Slipcovers- I have been wanting slipcovers forever. I finally had an excuse when Abby, Will, and Matthew came to town. We normally use random blankets to keep the cats from scratching the couch but I was tired of the mish mash of colors. I went to Target and found a nice, neutral color and the chair cover was even on sale. They also have ties at the front that make them somewhat adjustable. I love that they are machine washable and they really keep the cats from scratching up the couch. They are not as fond of this material as they are of the couch material.

March 2014 Favorites

1. Kendra Scott 'Rayne' Stone Tassel Pendant Necklace- I have wanted this necklace for a really long time and when I saw it in a new summer color (Violet, which is Zoe's middle name) I knew I had to get it. It is very versatile and I've been able to wear it with a lot of my existing clothing. 

2. Madison & Berkeley Long Sheer Knit Cardigan- This was another Nordstrom find from the Savvy department. This winter was unusually long so it came in handy for those cold days. It is great for layering over short sleeved shirts or tank tops.

3. Essie Playdate Nail Laquer- I'm not sure if this is a new color or not but when I saw it I was immediately drawn to it. The pastel shade is perfect for spring and I love the name. It seems appropriate for a SAHM like myself.

4. Archer Farms Milk Chocolate Mocha Truffle Almonds- I saw these for the first time in March and I picked them up. The mocha texture is a bit dry at first but these are so good. They are a nice treat instead of the dark chocolate almonds.

5. BVLGARI 'Charms-Omnia Coral' Eau de Toilette- This is an old perfume that I have started wearing again. I usually don't have summer or winter perfumes but this one seemed perfect for warmer weather. I also like that it is in a smaller travel size. That way I can have more perfumes and not feel like the large sizes are going to waste. I'm no fragrance expert so here are the fragrance notes from the website:

• - Goji berries: sparkling-citrus allure.

  - Hibiscus flower: fresh, floral, fruity scent.

  - Pomegranate: sweet-tart aroma
  
  
  6. Method Gel Handwash Summer Limited Edition in Brambleberry Gelato, Orange Ginger Sorbet, and Vanilla Crème- I love it when Method comes out with new scents. As soon as I saw these in Target I snapped up all 3. We always need hand soap. Of course, I smelled them all before I got them and I loved them all. I have only been able to use the Vanilla but I will be ready to try a new one soon. This hand wash is great- foams just the right amount and the scent lingers for a little bit but is not overwhelming.
  
  7. Tanwise Dark Bronzing Sunless Mousse- I have tried so many sunless tanners and (so far) this is one of the best. My previous favorite is discontinued so I'm always on the hunt for a good and affordable self tanner. A few things I love about it: the consistency, the color guide (more dark olive green than orange), and the smell. Is does not smell like a self tanner! Things I don't like: it can go on patchy and it takes a long time to dry. So far I love the color it gives me and it is build-able. I applied mine on Sunday and Monday night and I don't have any fading or the dreaded patches.
  
  8. Bobeau Screenprint Shirttail Tee- As soon as I saw this I knew it was something I needed in my closet. I must say this at least 3 times a day while trying to pick out an outfit to wear. This shirt is slightly cropped so I like to wear it with a camisole or high waist jeans. It's very comfortable and because it is a neutral it's versatile.
  
  9. Wallykazam- This is more of a thing for Zoe's list but I think it's a really cute show. It's one that I like to watch too. For some reason Zoe thinks this show is hilarious and laughs so much when she watches it. It's educational (obviously!) and she is at an age where she can answer the questions correctly. It is definitely a show that keeps her engaged.

  
  1. Cherokee Necklace- I am always looking for age appropriate accessories for Zoe so I bought this for her at Target. It coordinates with a lot of her clothing and when she sees me wearing a necklace I can give her this one to wear.
  
  2. Cascadian Farms Fruitful-O's- I'm pretty sure this has been on MY favorites list before (they are delicious) but Zoe has recently been loving these. Not sure if she is going through a growth spurt but a typical breakfast for her is a banana, some berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries), sometimes a pear or orange, milk, a few bites of whatever I'm having, and sometimes she will still be hungry so that's when I give her cereal. If we have morning plans I will give her a plate of fruit at home and then give her some cereal in the car. 
  
  3. Peppa Pig- Nick and I got this for Zoe for her birthday. She really loves this show ("more pig!" is what she says). So we got this because it's super cute and it talks when you squeeze it. She loves to hold it when watching the show. 
  
  4. Boon Animal Bag- Zoe has 4 billion stuffed animals and I was looking for a storage option that would also show off her collection. I came across this and it didn't seem like it would work and it was kind of expensive compared to the little hammock I also bought. It got good reviews so I ordered it anyways. Wow- I'm so glad I gave it a chance! The material is very high quality and soft. The zipper is also high quality and I have no trouble with it. I was able to fit all 4 billion stuffed animals into it with some room to spare. I keep it in the living room and Zoe uses it as a pillow to lounge on. Boon also makes a larger size that I have my eye on.
  
  5. Melissa & Doug Chloe & Zoe Magnetic Dolls- This was another birthday present Zoe received and she absolutely loves it. When she first got it she played with the dolls for almost an hour all by herself. She plays with the magnets on a daily basis (poor kid doesn't have any magnets because all our appliances are stainless steel) and is always carrying the dolls around.
  
  6. Play doh- I put Play doh in the goodie bags at Zoe's party and when I gave her hers to play with she went crazy for it. She wanted ALL the colors so I gave her two which she promptly mixed, took to bed with her, and it had hardened by the morning. I got some more tiny party sized tubs so she can have a little bit of every color. So far she just carries it around but I'm not surprised she doesn't like squishing it between her fingers.
  
  7. Toddler table and chairs- This was another one of Zoe's birthday presents. She eats almost every meal at her table and she loves it. She also likes to play with certain toys and she likes to have tea parties (so cute) there. 
  
  8. Bo-Po Peel Off Nail Polish- I have had some Piggy Polish for Zoe probably since she was born but I quickly realized she would never stay still long enough for her nails to dry. When I saw this set at Nordstrom I wanted to try it. I love all of the colors and it dries SO fast! Like under 30 seconds fast. It's non-toxic and peels off very easily. Zoe loves it and she has learned how to hold her hands out when her nails are drying. Soon she will be ready to go get manicures and pedicures with me!
  
  9. Nordstrom 'Megan' Sandal- My mom got these for Zoe to go with a dress she wore for Easter pictures. They are great for warmer weather and can be dressed up or down. I really like that both straps are adjustable. The heel strap also has padding to make them more comfortable and the toe strap has tiny flowers on it.
  

January 2014 Favorites

I can't believe January is already gone! I feel like most of the month was spent on getting back on our schedule while also incorporating new events into that schedule. I feel like most of my favorites aren't fun or exciting but I use them daily and I love them.

1. Pink Otterbox- I dropped my phone (for maybe the 3rd time EVER) and the screen broke. My husband was kind enough to get it fixed instead of making me go without a phone or getting a super cheap one. As soon as I got it back I ordered this hot pink Otterbox. My mom has one for her phone and Zoe is always tossing it around so I figured it would be a good choice for me as well. The only thing I don't care for is the screen protector sheet but I'm getting used to it.

2. Fredrick Fekkai Technician Color Care Mini Trio- I'm always looking for a good shampoo and conditioner duo to rotate into what I normally use. I saw this travel sized trio at Kroger and I've always wanted to try this brand so I got it. The color care trio is moisturizing without being too heavy. I really love the deep conditioner too. I want to purchase the big size. I use this, a violet duo and a Gud duo.

3. Pita Bites- Another pita product! I bought these during Christmas time when I also bought some summer sausage. I wanted a variety of crackers to have with the sausage and these looked good. I like these because they are less salty than the pita chips. 

4. Shea Lamb Socks- I got these with a Christmas gift certificate and they are so cute! I checked the Bath and Body Works website and they don't have the lamb ones anymore but they have other cute ones. I like these because they have those rubber grips on the bottom so I don't mind wearing them on our wood floors. I can't say how moisturizing they really are because I usually put lotion on my feet when wearing socks but they do have a cool texture to them.

5. True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Hand Scrub- This was another thing thing I got with my Bath and Body Works gift card. It smells really good and does a good job at exfoliating my hands. My hands have been especially dry during this cold weather so it really helps to use this every day or so. I like to use it before bed so I can also load up on hand cream.

6. Mia 2 Pink Crocodile Clarisonic- This was also a Christmas gift. I never thought it would be something I could use daily but I have to say my skin doesn't feel as good when I skip a day. Again, this has been great for exfoliating during this weather. My only warning is to start slowly. I also use the sensitive brush head on the lowest setting.

7. Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation- I have been looking for a good drugstore foundation so I don't have to go into Ulta and spend a small fortune on other things that catch my eye. I have tried a few other highly recommended ones (Loreal Lumi and Revlon Colorstay I'm looking at you) but they didn't live up to the hype. I'm not a fan of foundations with SPF because I usually get some in my lotion or primer. I have been pleasantly surprised so far. Not only did they have a wide variety of shades (and a light shade that actually had yellow/olive undertones as opposed to pink) but I love the packaging. It comes in a glass bottle with a plastic cap and a pump! I love pump foundations because they are so easy to get onto a brush. The coverage on this foundation is medium to full. It doesn't have any weird smell and it lasts all day long.

8. Kendra Scott Magenta Elle Earrings- I bet you can guess what I was doing and who I was with. Once again, my mom was at the Kendra Scott counter in Nordstrom and while she was talking to the sales associate I was browsing. With spring time right around the corner (and Valentine's Day!) I knew I would get a lot of wear out of these. I also got the neon yellow color. These are so easy to toss on with jeans and a tee and they really polish your look.

9. Doc McStuffins Doctor's Bag- Zoe saw a new doctor last week and they had a connection. Before the doctor would do anything she would explain it to Zoe. She took her stethoscope and told Zoe she would be listening to her heartbeat and Zoe kept saying heart. She cooperated with the rest of the check up (obviously) and when they doctor walked out the door Zoe ran after her saying 'wait!' It was the cutest thing ever. Since Zoe was really into the stethoscope I knew I wanted to buy her a doctor's kit at Target. I found a Doc McStuffins one and Zoe watches that show so I got it. The first night I gave it to her she kept rotating the items on me and my mom. She checked our ears, heartbeat, blood pressure, gave shots, and put band-aids on us. She carries the instruments around everywhere and has even started examining her stuffed animals.

October 2013 Favorites

1. Nubian Heritage Raw Shea Butter Lotion- I got this randomly at Sprout's with my mom. She was looking for a good moisturizer for Charlie because he has dry skin. We went to the lotion aisle and smelled all of the lotions. She found this one and liked the smell so I gave it a whiff. Apparently it is Frankincense and Myrrh. It smells like a very high end perfume would smell but it doesn't have nasty chemicals in it. I was hesitant to try the Shea butter because I thought it would be greasy but it is perfect. The lotion is very thick- so thick it is almost hard to get out of the bottle. But it absorbs flawlessly into my skin. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft.

2. Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer- I had been wanting to try this for a long time. When I saw the sample size in the checkout line at Ulta I had to get it. It smells like chocolate! It's so chocolatey I want to eat it! But in all seriousness it's a universally flattering shade for all skin tones. It's great for contouring and year round use because it is matte.

3. YSL Glossy Stain in Mauve Fusain- This was something I saw online and I was intrigued. A stain that looks glossy? I love stains because they last all day and I can layer whatever gloss I want to over them. I chose this purple color because I don't have anything like it. Although it is a bit drying (though not as much as other stains I own) it is very long lasting and glossy. I have a few sheer glosses I like to layer over it throughout the day. 

4. Tiny Toms- Zoe has gotten a few pairs of Toms as gifts and I love them! Not only are the cute, comfortable, and charitable they are the only shoes that don't result in tears. Zoe has so many cute pairs of shoes that just aren't functional because she curls her toes up and arches her foot as best she can. She's still too young to understand that walking anywhere but our house means wearing shoes. So the Toms have been a lifesaver for both of us.

5. Kendra Scott Harlow Necklace in Slate- This story starts out with my mom and I shopping again (don't all the good ones?). She was returning something at the jewelry counter which meant I got to browse with Zoe. I found my way to the Kendra Scott area and was looking through necklaces and bracelets. Since I wanted to expand my collection but also get something versatile I got the necklace in slate. I have a pair of earrings in that color and they go with just about any color. It's a great necklace to dress up jeans and a shirt or it can look just as good with a nice dress.

6. Pureology Colour Fanatic 21- Another thing I read about online. I absolutely love everything Pureology makes so when I saw that my hairdresser was selling it I had to snap it up. I always have a good 3-5 leave in conditioners on hand. My hair can get super dry from coloring and heat products. I also think genetics plays a big part in it since my hair is curly. There are actually 21 benefits listed on the bottle but I will spare you the details. It basically does everything. It is a spray bottle which I think can be a little tricky, especially since I think it's easy to overdo it. Other than that it's perfect!

7. Pita Chips- I have tried a few different brands in the past month. I don't know why I'm so late jumping on the pita chip bandwagon. Probably because I hate hummus. So I like to eat these alone between meals. Zoe loves them too!

8. Method All-Purpose Natural Surface Cleaner Limited Edition Beach Sage- I normally use Seventh Generation surface cleaner but I was out so I picked this up at Target. I almost wish I didn't pick out the limited edition because I love the smell so much. It does a great job at cleaning surfaces (mostly used in my kitchen) and it doesn't have that typical cleaner smell. I just wish Method made a disinfecting wipe. Update: While searching for the link to this I found out that Method does make a disinfecting wipe! I will be on the hunt for it next time I'm at Target.

9. McCormick Gourmet Creamy Parmesan & Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne- I have had this in my pantry for quite some time. I always had a few of the ingredients it called for but never all of them or any good substitutions. One day I decided to get the ingredients and make it. Oh. My. Goodness. This stuff is amazing. Before I forget- make twice as much pasta as the package calls for. I am a sauce fiend and even I thought this was too much sauce for the pasta. We all loved it. Zoe and I ate all of the leftovers the next day too. I have made maybe one or two other McCormick packaged sauces but this one was spectacular. You have to try it!