reviews
The One With Fake Freckles
When I first saw someone post about “fake freckles” a couple years back, I thought maybe they were joking. I’ve spent most my life unsuccessfully trying to cover up my freckles, so I was like “What the FRECK?” (…That was funnier in my head.) When I was a teenager, I thought freckles just made me look like a little kid, and then I got older, and I thought they aged me (which, they might?), but still.. explain how that works!
Fast forward a few years and throw in a pandemic for good meausure, and a new brand based out of Canada called Salty Face was born. Since I’m a sucker for women-run companies, clean beauty, and free shipping, I decided to get both products they launched with. When they arrived, I played around with the freckle stain first, and I was actually surprised by how much fun I had. Because I have such uneven skin tone and quite a few dots and spots already, I feel like this is just what I needed to really embrace the fact that I’ll never have porcelain smooth skin. I realize I may look back and chalk this up to another result of 2020 boredom, but in the mean time, I give this an 8/10 for being an affordable and temporary way to shake things up.
Maybe Baby Shopping List
Before we had Mabel, we thought we were totally done having babies. Like…. got-rid-of-all-the-baby-gear done. So when I found out I was expecting, and realized we were starting from zero again, it was a bit overwhelming. While I wanted to make sure her arrival was as smooth as possible, I also wanted to keep the purchases to a minimum, knowing that she would be our caboose. I kept my list short and borrowed what I could (and then frantically bought a few things in the wee hours of the morning after she was born, realizing that a rocking chair in the nursery actually was essential for a reflux baby who didn’t sleep much!) So, if you’ve found yourself in the same predicament, or if it’s your first and you want some hot leads, see below for some of my favorites!
1. Snuggle Me Organic Lounger: This was a must for me. I took it on trips, co-slept with it while recovering from a C section, and basically moved it with me from room to room those first few months. Mabel loved being swaddled up on it, and I loved the minimal design and soft, washable slip cover.
2. Bloom Lounger: This was another room-to-room traveler. Because Mabel had reflux, she liked being propped up a bit in this, and when she got too old for it, I was actually sad to part with it because it was so pretty.
3. Babyletto Crib: We hadn’t had a crib in the house for a few years, so I was excited to get one that I actually loved. The price seems especially fair considering it converts into a toddler and day bed.
4. Tubby Todd: This is one of my favorite sets to gift to new Moms. It’s got it all, and if your little one has sensitive skin like mine always seem to have, this is the brand.
5. Solly Wrap, Crib Sheets, and Sleepers: Can’t say enough good things about the Solly Wrap for those first couple months, especially if you have older kids you’re keeping up with or a baby who is only happy being held! Also, I was excited to buy their modal sleeper sets and crib sheets that weren’t around when my olders’ were babies. Softest fabric ever!
6. PUJ Tub: When I first had my oldest, I was gifted one of those giant plastic tubs that you put INSIDE your real tub. It was fine, except it took up so.much.space. So then I decided to graduate to the bath sponge they sell at Target. After a while, wringing out cold, probably bacteria-filled water after each bath started to gross me out. Needless to say, I was excited to finally have a bath gadget that didn’t take up a lot of space or potentially grow mold. 😉
7. BIBS usa pacifiers: Mabel preferred the shape of these, and you can’t beat the beautiful colors they come in.
8. 12 pack Gauze Burp Cloths: I’ve bought these with every baby as “emergency burp cloths” to keep in my diaper bag. After experiencing a baby with reflux though, these were promoted from “backup” to “necessity” when leaving the house.
9. Leader Diaper Bag: Would you believe me if I told you this was my very first time buying a diaper bag in over 10 years? I’ve always used a big purse, but decided it was time to see what all the fuss was about. Turns out, it was the pockets! THAT’S what all the fuss was about! I loved the look of these Leader Bags, and one whole year later, I’m so shocked how clean and new my cream style still looks!
10. Maxi Cosi Car Seat + Stroller: After putting some Facebook feelers out there, this travel system came back highly-reviewed. The design and colors were pretty, too. 😉
The One Where I Talk About My Tongue Scraper
I love all things teeth. Brushing, flossing, walking down the oral hygiene aisle…. you name it. Actually, when Geoff and I were first married and couldn’t afford regular dental visits, I made sure to get at least one cleaning a year by scheduling myself special birthday appointments. I’ll take a good teeth scraping over a spa day, every time.
Anyway, thought I’d share some of my favorite mouth cleaning gadgets in the mix right now, starting with my Quip brush. They come in pretty colors, they’re affordable, and I love the convenience of a new brush being mailed directly to me when it’s time to swap it out. (You can also buy directly at Target or Amazon, they’re great for kids too!)
Next up, this Marvis toothpaste. My friend Betsy recommended this a couple weeks back and I’m hooked. One of the Amazon reviews says that this will “turn your daily teeth cleaning ritual into a wonderful sensory experience.” They’re not wrong.
Lastly, my trusty tongue scraper. I’m convinced that this is the most disgustingly satisfying thing a person can do. One more thing to add to your wonderful sensory experience each morning and night. 🙂
Honorable mentions: these floss plackers to keep in your cabinet/purse/car, and a waterpik, especially if you have kids with braces. Game changer!
Ultimate Zucchini Bread
I’ve been loyal to the same zucchini bread recipe since high school (that was very telling of how cool I was in high school, wasn’t it?), but I recently decided to branch off and try this one instead, and I can confidently say that it’s my new go-to! It’s just as easy, full of flavor, and what really sold me… the sweet and crunchy bark-like top it comes out of the oven with. I wanted to go full George Costanza and save the top layer in a ziploc bag to hoard for myself. (Zucchini Top Singles!) Consider trying this recipe out this holiday season, and don’t forget a healthy smear of butter or cream cheese when serving. That’s non-negotiable.
Watch Out, Auntie Anne
I never considered myself to be the biggest soft pretzel lover, but then I made these, and everything changed. They were SO fun to make, a lot easier than I imagined, and the different ways to serve them were endless. Salted and on their own, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and paired with a side of cream cheese frosting, or served with a a Torchy’s copycat queso dip. Okay maybe not endless, that’s actually all I can think of. But! Give these a try and let me know how amazing your house smells while these are baking. Worth making for that reason alone.
Add it to your List
Honestly, seeing what others buy from TJ’s is as interesting to me (if not more!) as seeing other peoples I don’t know, what are people curious about? Skincare routines? Browser histories? 😉 Thought I’d share some of our family favorites, as well as some extra things I added to my cart the other day to try out. I can never leave without at least 2 bags of these caramel bites, a bag of Elote Corn Chips to dip into guacamole or pimento dip, and Everything But the Bagel seasoning. (Here’s 50 things to sprinkle it on!) A little bird told me to try out the strawberry licorice last week and it did not disappoint, and I got some burrata so I can make this burrata salad on repeat. I always grab a pack of their flatbread to toast and add to any meal, and I threw in some Brussel sprouts and Gnocchi so I can make this recipe. Kettle Corn because it’s my favorite (seriously, if there was a secret video taken of me eating this, I’d be mortified), and the beets and carrots so I can make this. What are YOUR Trader Joes staples? Would love to hear them!
