You know how you find certain products you just love and want to tell your friends all about them? Well, yeah, that is what this post is all about! I put together a collection of my favorite “mommy and me” things that I have been loving lately. These items either bring myself or my boys a little bit of joy each and every day. Take note and drop a Valentine’s Day hint to your honey! Heck, gift yourself–you deserve a little treat!
C & Co. Organic Skincare – I stumbled upon this line of products when Cody and I visited Asheville, NC last October. I had been looking for a new, safer skin care line, and as I was exploring downtown Asheville, I stumbled across the C & Co. storefront. The owner was super sweet and helped me to pick out some “starter products” compatible with my skin type and needs. I started with the Sweet Orange and Rosemary Cleansing Milk, Sweet Orange and Rose Facial Toner, and Chamomile Infused Moisturizer. After a month or so of using these products, my skin felt more hydrated, softer, and refreshed. For Christmas, my in-laws gifted me with more C & Co. products–best gift ever! Taking a few minutes each morning and night to use these products feels like a little luxury. This may or may not mean I need to get out more. Lol. Here is a rundown of the products I use and when:
Morning – Daily Face Polish (preferred if I have time) or Sweet Orange and Rosemary Cleansing Milk, Sweet Orange and Rose Facial Toner, Chamomile Infused Moisturizer
Evening – Sweet Orange and Rose Cleansing Milk, Sweet Orange and Rose Facial Toner, Evening Rose Facial Serum
1x/week – Chamomile and Oats Clay Facial Mask, Lavender Cold Cream (If you decide to order the mask, gift yourself the Glass Mask Bowl too–its so cute and makes mixing the mask easy!)
Beautycounter Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation – I am obsessed with this foundation! It has been a long time since I have really loved my foundation and bronzer combination. My friend hosted a Beautycounter party this past fall, and the consultant, Cherie, spent a lot of time with me discussing the products, shade matching, and helping me decide what to order based on my needs. I ended up ordering the Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation in the color Honey, and it was a perfect match to my “winter skin” complexion. I also opted to purchase the No. 1 Bronzer, which I love just as much. The foundation itself feels super silky and smooth on my skin. I feel like I can get a good medium coverage with it–enough to feel more confident day to day, but not so thick I feel too done up.
Alfani Pajamas – Petite women everywhere, rejoice! Being short comes in handy when you need something from a low cupboard but not so much when you are shopping for pants of any kind–jeans, sweats, pajamas, you name it. I wanted to get new, cute pajamas before Beckham was born so I could at least feel halfway decent in the hospital and at home while I recovered. I was ecstatic when I found multiple items from the Alfani line at Macy’s. Mind you, this was literally five days before he was born–nothing like waiting until the last minute. 🙂 The length of all the bottoms are perfect for a shortie, and the tops are very forgiving for a post-baby belly. Everything is super comfortable too! Here are the items I bought and how to size them:
Alfani Jogger Pajama Pants (size up one)
Alfani Jogger Pajama Sweatpants (true to size)
Alfani Cowl Neck Sleep Tunic (size down one)
Alfani Dip-Dyed Pajama Top (size down one)
Alfani Colorblocked Pajama Top (size down one)
In the pictures below, I am wearing the Jogger Pajama Pants and the Cowl Neck Sleep Tunic so you can get an idea of how they fit.
Women’s Tivoli III Sorel Boots – I was due for a new pair of boots this year. The ones I had were worn down and didn’t provide much traction on the ice and snow. I figured if I was going to be lugging around a toddler and a newborn in the inclement weather, the least I could do is make sure I was stable and sturdy on my feet. That is how I justified my purchase anyways! These boots are very comfortable, keep my feet toasty, and have good traction. I love the length of the boot–it provides enough coverage but isn’t too tall. I bought the Curry color but would maybe go with a darker color if I bought them again–the Curry color has gotten a touch dirty this winter.
Backpack Purse – I started carrying a backpack purse close to a year ago after I went on a shopping trip with a few friends who had them. I mean, seriously, genius. Going from strap to backpack has been a total game changer. They are pretty popular now so you should be able to find a cute one in your price point. Whether you splurge and go designer or save and go thrifty, you will not regret this purchase. Having your hands free and equally distributing your “purse weight” across your back and shoulders makes a big difference in how your upper body feels and how quickly you can corral your toddler in Target! Plus, they fit a lot–if it’s just Bode and I, I can easily keep all of my things plus a diaper, wipes, and a few snack for him in the one I have.
Splurge: Michael Kors
Save: Target
Long Days of Small Things: Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline – I just finished reading this book and really enjoyed it. It is a great read for moms who long to strengthen their spiritual practice. From diapers to dishes, it can be hard to find time to sit down and be still, meditate, and pray. This book encourages you to look at your daily demands as a mother as a way to strengthen your relationship with God by serving the little ones in your life.
Freshly Picked Shoes – These shoes…omg, so cute! Cody’s cousin, Heather, has been telling us about this brand of shoes and how much she loves them for her girls for a long time! She kindly gifted both Bode and Beck a pair! Bode has been wearing them pretty much every day since he got them! They have really helped him with his stability while walking, and I am pretty sure he thinks they are comfortable–he doesn’t try to rip them off like he does other shoes. He will even point to them and say “shoe.” We have ordered both boys a secondary pair because we love them that much! They are a bit pricey, but I totally think they are worth it, considering they get worn every single day! The only problem is trying to narrow it down to just one print–there are so many cute ones that it is hard to choose!
B Toys Woofer – We bought this as a Christmas gift for Bode after I saw how much fun he had playing with it on a playdate over at our friend Alison’s house. He freaking loves it! He carries it around the house, plays with it almost daily, and dances along to the music it plays. We bought ours at Target. I think this would make such a cute, affordable gift to take to a toddler’s birthday party!
LeapFrog My Pal Scout – Omg, you guys…our world would come to an end if something ever happened to Scout! My Aunt Kim bought this for Bode when he was born–her grandkids (my second cousins) love theirs, which prompted her to gift it to Bode. It is an educational stuffed animal that teaches numbers, colors, and plays music. You can even program it to record your own voice and say your child’s name. Full disclosure, I did not program it (lazy parent), but he loves it anyhow! We put it in his bed at nap time and take it in the car with us on longer trips. He loves pressing the paws to start the talking and music. It keeps him entertained and calms him down all at the same time. This will definitely be a gift I give to friends for their kids!
Are there any products you have been loving lately? Share in the comments below.
Here is a candid as I write this post…Beck is a good little helper!
