April 2014 Favorites

Hello again! I have been bad about updating the blog but I have tons of good pictures of Zoe to share so look for new (Zoe) posts.

1. Tildon V-Neck Drop Waist High/Low Dress in Black- I originally tried on the lilac version of this dress first but when I saw the black I knew it would be more versatile. It is very comfortable and easy to move around in (a must with an active toddler). I love the built in slip and it's easy to dress up or down. I'm actually wearing it right now! I dressed it up with wedges this morning and I will be wearing with flats to lunch. The black is sold out but the lilac version is available. This dress is also very similar.
2. Birkenstock 'Arizona' Soft Footbed Suede Sandal in Billiard- I finally took the plunge and bought a pair of Birkenstocks at the end of March. I had been looking at them since last year so I figured I should just go ahead and get them. I actually didn't wear them for a while because I wasn't sure if I would keep them. I''m glad I started wearing them because they are soooo comfortable. I haven't done any major walking in these (like traveling or to a place like the zoo) but they have been comfortable when I have worn them. Even though I got them in a bright turquoise color they are surprisingly versatile.
3. My Singing Monsters- This is another game my husband got me hooked on. I had downloaded it randomly on my iPad but lost interest because I had no idea how to play. When I saw my husband playing it I asked a lot of questions and decided to give it another try. You basically breed monsters and they each make a different sound so it's like a monster symphony. I know, it's cheesy but I love it.
4. Method Pure Naked Moisturizing Body Wash- This is a product I'm surprised I never knew existed. I usually buy my body was at Sprouts but when I searched for this I decided to try 3 different scents (Magnolia and 2 of the limited edition summer scents). The bottle are quite large which is nice. I have only used Magnolia but I love it. It has moisturizer in it so my skin doesn't feel dry after using it. I have even used quite a bit in my homemade sugar scrub.
5. Method Daily Granite- If you can't tell I am trying out all of the Method products. I had been meaning to get more granite cleaner so I decided to try a new one. The previous brand I had was a wipe and this one is a spray. I think I like the spray better because I can use as much or as little as I want. This gives the granite just the right amount of polish without being too greasy.
6. Opti Fresh Replenish Rewetting Drops- My old eye drops had expired (and they were more for red eyes) so I tried this brand instead. These drops really help with every day dryness and irritation I get from my contacts (especially my left contact which is for astigmatism so I can feel the difference in that contact). I just wish the bottle was larger.
7. Nyx Butter Gloss- I finally decided to see what all the hype was about with the glosses. I'm really glad I did because you can't beat $5 a pop! I have 3 colors (Meringue, Creme Brûlée, and Maple Blondie) and I'm impressed with the formula on them all. They have good color payoff, the formula is not tacky, and they smell sweet.
8. Nature's Path Organic Frosted Mmmaple Brown Sugar Toaster Pastries- I believe I got these at Kroger (it was there or Target). I had really low expectations because I love the original Pop-Tart brand. I was pleasantly surprised because these taste exactly like the original! Even though I know they are totally bad for me I feel a little better that they are organic. At least that's how I rationalize junk food.
9. Little Cosmetics Beauty Set- I got this for Zoe a while ago but she just recently started using it. After many tantrums and meltdowns when I would not let her use my expensive makeup or brushes I ordered this on Amazon Prime. She still tries to steal my brushes but she loves opening the little compacts and pretending to put the makeup on her face. I wonder who she gets that from?

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.
  

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!