Lindsay's Favorite Things: Health & Wellness

I have become more aware of the ingredients in products since having my babies. Realizing it doesn't stop there, I am trying to make conscious efforts to shift to more natural, healthy products and alternatives for what we use around the home and put into/on our bodies - to improve our overall health and well-being. Admittedly, there is a LOT more I could do, but I am adopting new habits at the pace I can sustain. For me, I've found the most success when the alternative options are just as EFFECTIVE, ACCESSIBLE, and SIMILARLY COST (to a reasonable degree). This post is primarily focused on products I use for myself, but let me know in the comments if you are interested my favorite natural baby products. 

Here are a few of my top favorites: 

MaryRuth Liquid Multivitamin - I have recently become OBSESSED with this organic, liquid multivitamin!  As I continue to my sleep deprived journey of a teething baby and potty-training toddler, I feel I have more energy throughout the day and my brain begins functioning earlier since taking this daily. I really appreciate how pure the ingredients are and that there are no fillers or preservatives. I plan to transition my kids over to this after I talk to their pediatrician about proper dosage. I've discovered you can order on Amazon, although I prefer ordering directly from the website because then you can use promo codes. Use code TRIPP25 to get 25% off. 

Elderberry Immune Support - I am a solid believer in Elderberry since beginning to incorporate it into our home just about a year ago. I feel like our house has been plagued with germs over this past winter/spring (with both my little petri dishes harvesting and transporting germs like the most efficient bum-smugglers to cross the border) and we got through thanks to this! We start taking this when that first tickle in your throat or just proactively when I notice a lot of kids in their classes are out (or not out because their parents feel like bringing everyone else down with them) sick. It gives our immune system the extra boost it needs to either kick the cold or shorten the duration of it. A necessity if you have kids! 

MaryRuth recently released their Elderberry liquid, that I just switched over to from the store-bought gummy version we've been taking. I haven't been using it long enough to speak to its effectiveness, but the quality MaryRuth puts into their supplements is unmatched so I expect to be impressed!!!  

Essential oils - I have been using essential oils for over 18 months now and I've really enjoyed incorporating them into our day-to-day life. My favorites, in order include: 

1. balance - diffuse at night to help promote more restful sleep after a stressful/busy day (a DoTERRA exclusive blend)
2. OnGuard - diffuse whenever I'm feeling like I might be getting a bit sick or to combat germs in advance; we use the hand soap throughout our house and use the sanitizer spray on the go (a DoTERRA exclusive blend)
3. breathe - diffuse at night to open my sinus and reduce my husband's snoring (a DoTERRA exclusive blend)
4. lavender - diffuse at night to promote better sleep
5. lemon - 1-2 drops in drinking water; tasty & cleansing

Here is a great starter kit that includes a diffuser and here's the one I recommend if you already have a diffuser. Both have a great bundle of basic/easy starter oils that are the foundation to everyone's collection. Now of course, there are many brands out there that are very talked about. I only recommend don't getting the oils they sell in the Target Dollar Spot or random grocery store shelf - just do your research to make sure you are getting the most pure oils, so you get your money's worth AND are cut with other ingredients. You'll notice the purity of the oils immediately, the throw of the smells when diffusing, the effectiveness when you apply topically/internally, and the efficiency of them (you'll use less drops and get a better effect).

Native deodorant - I am a naturally sweaty person (we're talking clinical strength men's sports deodorant-level of disgusting) and thought there was NO WAY a natural deodorant could tame deez pits... I was wrong! No aluminum. No sulfates. No parabens. Sold! I did spend the first 4 days detoxing my pits that Lynzy&Co. talked about (see her post here) using bentonite clay, which I completely attribute to the stank-less (for everyone around me) transition to natural deodorant. Use code THESPOILEDHOME20 for 20% off.

XoXo

Lindsay's Favorite Things: Beauty

I'm baaaaaack, after a long, LONG break. I absolutely love sharing fabulous finds with my friends so I'm going to start by collecting all the top favorite things together a few lists - starting with Beauty.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen - I'm trying to do better with applying sunscreen. I've spent too much time and money figuring out a good skincare routine to put anything on that will clog my pores. This sunscreen goes on smooth and clear, without a white cast. It doesn't get all pill-y or greasy under makeup either. This Supergoop! Sunscreen Mist is great to repply throughout the day if your out and about.  Honorable mentions, I've tried and would recommend: Shiseido Urban Environment Sunscreen and Tarte Tarteguard.

Exfoliating body mit - I have had these dry, red bumps on the back of my arms since forever and have always been self-conscious of it. I noticed improvement after the first time and the bumps are entirely gone after 3 times!!!

Tinkle Razors - Yes, I'm suggesting you shave your face. Makeup will apply so beautifully to your skin. Be very careful around your eyebrows and hairline - or just avoid it entirely and let your brow lady take care of that.

Press on Nails - Yes, it's 2019 and I'm talking about press-on nails for adult women. I don't have the time, budget, or patience for nail salons. I've had great luck with these press-on ones from Kiss. They are convenient to put on and will typically last 5-8 days. I have recently found the glue on ones last longer but aren't as simple to put on. I typically trash the "embellished nails" in the packs and can get 2 manicures out of a single pack, the 2nd round not fitting as perfectly as the first.

Revlon Hair dryer/brush - This blowdryer had cut my styling time dramatically. This adds so much volume at the roots to my naturally straight, mid-length hair. I can only imagine it would be magical for curly hair by having the right amount of tension to dry the hair straight without doing damage. It can run hot, so I find myself switching between the high and low heat settings.

Lumify Eye Drops - These magically eye drops eliminate all redness and brighten the whites of your eyes in minutes. The best thing you didn't know you needed until you try it.

NYX Butter Gloss (creme brulee) - Smooth, non-sticky, beautiful (& cheap) lip gloss. What more can you ask for?!

I have some ideas for a few more installments of "Lindsay's Favorite Things" to include Baby, Health & Wellness, and Fashion. Let me know if you have any other requests!

Pregnancy Style: Weeks 32 - 35

Maternity tank, Target // Cozy cardigan, Barefoot Dreams // Maternity Pixie Pants, Old Navy // Audrey Brook flats, DSW

I splurged and got this SUPER COZY cardigan during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I figured this would be perfect to pack in my hospital bag in the case I needed to walk the halls to get the baby moving and afterwards to throw over my oh-so-sexy hospital gown when visitors came. It's great to lounge around the house in, but cute enough to go run errands in - as I did on this particular Saturday during week 32.

Must Haves for the Nursing Mom

Boppy Pillow  //  I prefer the boppy to other nursing pillows because these can also be used while bottle-feeding, support under your visitors' arms when craddling your little precious baby, or as a neck pillow during those late-night zombie feedings. I am especially loving this cover from Iviebaby's shop on Etsy or these simple, soft covers from Pottery Barn.

Must Haves in the First 3 Months

Stroller frame  //  Picking up the stroller frame that fit our infant seat was the best decision I made to help simplify traveling. With the infant seat being 14-lbs. itself plus an 8-lb. baby, there was no way I could haul a bulky stroller with an infant set adapter in and out of the car easily - it also has a nice sized basket too! I plan to use this all the time until my baby's neck stability is strong enough to ride in our forward-facing BOB stroller, and even beyond for convenience.

Pregnancy Style: Weeks 28 - 31

Chambray shirt, Loft (similar)  //  Maternity Tee, Target  //  Maternity Jeans, 7 For All Mankind  //  Sandals, JCrew Outlet (similar)

I ordered over a dozen pairs of maternity jeans from various retailers (Old Navy, Loft, Target) knowing it was going to be a staple in my maternity wardrobe for the next several months and every order was returned. I found this 7 For All Mankind pair on the clearance rack for $100 at Motherhood Maternity when they were having a Buy One Get One for $1.00 sale.

Nursery Inspiration: Grey, White, & Mint

glider  //  fur pouf  //  crib //  baby mobile  //  mirror  //  mercury lamp  //  floral lamp

I waited until we found out the gender of our baby at our 20 week ultrasound before I even allowed myself to start thinking about the nursery. Once we found out we are having a baby girl (YAY!), I unleashed the fury on Pinterest searching for everything white, light, and feminine. The guest room which we are transforming into the nursery has a medium-dark wood floors, exposed brick, and a taupe/gray walls (we rent a rowhome in the city for now but plan to move within the next year-ish, so we aren't planning to paint) so I knew I wanted to lighten up the space with the furniture and linens. I used these images as my inspiration as I went shopping. I can't wait to reveal pictures from our nursery in a follow-on post. 

More inspiration: Design by Laughlin Wilson Design, my Pinterest board

What's your favorite themes/color schemes for a baby nursery?  Do you have a recommendation on where you've snagged some great finds? 

XoXo

Pregnancy Style: Weeks 24 - 27

Striped T, Halogen  //  Maxi skirt, Nordstrom Rack (similar)  //  Black sandals, Franco Sarto

This is least favorite outfit of the bunch. I remember feeling rather frumpy that day, and I surely looked it too.  I like them both separately, but regret wearing them together (neither the skirt or the t-shirt are maternity). Oh well! You win some, you lose some! STYLE TIP:  If you are wearing one flowy piece, be sure to balance it out by wearing a more form-fitting piece.

Pregnancy Style: Weeks 20 - 23

I'm back!  Minus the disappointment when I have to retire more and more pieces from my wardrobe to the bottom-hopefully-I-can-wear-next-year section in my closet, I am becoming much more comfortable dressing this belly.

Maternity Rushed tshirt, Target  //  Full-panel Maternity Shorts, Target

I have Target has the best basic cotton Ts and tanks. I pick 1 or 2 up every time there is a 20% off maternity clothes discount that pops up on my Target Cartwheel app.

Pregnancy Style: Weeks 16 - 19

I'm back with another Pregnancy Style post for weeks 16 -19.

Black & White Striped Dress, Loft (similar)  //  Leather sandals, JCrew Outlet (similar)

Pregnancy Style: Weeks 12 - 15

Initially, I began snapping weekly pictures of my pregnant self to document my growing belly and keep a little 'digital closet' for myself to reference when I was feeling uninspired with my clothing options. (I've always had this dream I would take a picture of every clothing item I own so I could style my outfits from the comfort of my bed, essentially have my own real life Clueless Closet - this is the closest I've gotten.)  Now, it's become a weekly update I send to long-distance family and friends so they can get a quick update on our progress. A friend suggested I share them on my blog to maybe give other pregnant mama's some inspiration... or even just encouragement to capture your pregnancy style journey.

I definitely wouldn't consider myself stylish, but I do enjoy pulling inspiration from Pinterest and trying to recreate the looks with items I might already have in my closet, mixing non-maternity items with maternity finds.

V-neck Red Wings Tee (similar)  //  Full Panel Maternity Jean Shorts, Target 

Fresh in Fifteen Challenge

Inspired by Kate from The Small Things blog's recent Fresh in Fifteen post, I challenged myself to try to do my hair and makeup in 15 minutes. I certainly don't have that roll-out-of-bed-smear-some-moisturizer-on-coat-my-lashes-in-mascara-and-leave-the-house kind of face. It's not that I get glammed up every day, but it normally takes me an hour to get ready because I just really enjoy the "getting ready" process and taking my time (that does include a shower & puppy snuggle breaks... not at the same time... that would be weird).

Style Dupe: Booties

Like many others, I have been shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Since last fall, I have been wanting to find a pair of suede ankle booties that could be worn with shorts, maxi dresses, jeans. I was so excited when I found a goregous pair from Vince Camuto for $104 - a $54 discount from it's normal price! I was very happy with these when I got them in the mail. However... when I was at Target today, I found a very similar pair for only $36!!! The only visual difference between the Mossimo Sawyer Booties (right) and the Vince Camuto Maves Booties (left) is the slightly darker shade and the bottom sole extends millimeters beyond the suede toe on the cheaper version. The roundness of the toe, relaxed ankle, and stack of the heel are the same. Can you tell the difference?

I don't know about you, but I'd rather put that $70 back in my pocket... by back in my pocket, I mean pick up a few other things that are in my Nordstrom wishlist. :)

XoXo

Something New to Blog About

I know, I know! I haven't posted in 4 months! Let's just say my mind and creativity has been directed elsewhere... :)

On the morning of my birthday, I took a pregnancy test with the thought "if it comes back positive, then it will be the BEST birthday present ever... and if it came up negative, then we'll still be able to go out to dinner and enjoy a nice bottle(s) of wine".  Let's just say, I wasn't celebrating with a glass of booze that night!!!

My Simple Everyday Face

I've been looking to scale back the amount of makeup I wear daily... meanwhile you are reading this thinking, that's still crap-ton of product Lindsay! Well, it takes me a lot to look relatively decent when leaving the house. :) Anyways, I love all of these products - they are simple, dependable, and give the most naturally beautiful look.

Post Wedding Chop

Lauren Conrad  //  Jennifer Aniston  //  Elizabeth Olsen  //  Kate Mara  //  Rosie Huntington-Whiteley // Gwyneth Paltrow  

Battle of the BBs

...and CC creams, DD creams, EE creams... whatever other fancy names they want to re-brand the classic tinted moisturizer. :)

Origins... Here to Save the Day!

 Drink It Up Overnight Mask  //  Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask  //  Active Charcoal Mask

Origins is a great skin care brand that I have tried a few products from and love! In December, I picked up this Mini Mask Marvels value set but threw it into my drawer of face cleansers/masks. I fished this trio out a few weeks ago and am kicking myself for not busting this out right away!!! The set includes 3 - 1 oz face masks, one for helping very dehydrated skin, one for helping clear up breakouts, and another to help remove everyday impurities. There is definitely enough product in here to get at least 6-8 uses! 

Monthly Beauty Boxes... Are they worth it?

It seems like a new monthly subscription box is popping up everywhere you turn... makeup, skincare, DIY/handmade bits, health & fitness diddies. After reading about Kate from The Small Things Blog talk about Choix, I decided to give it a try. I really like the idea about actually being able to pick out the exact samples rather than possibly getting stuck with a makeup product in a shade that's not right for me!

Our Wedding:The Big Decisions

Before Nick and I began our wedding planning, I had us go through a little exercise to pick a few adjectives to describe what we wanted out of our wedding day so we could get on the same page. We both said very similar things but ended up narrowing it down to fun, relaxed, & simple-chic. While it seemed silly at the time, it became something we frequently referred back as it is VERY easy to get caught up in all the planning and lose grasp of your core wishes.  

I'm going to begin this mini-series with the decisions we made in the months leading up to our actual wedding day.