friday favorites 2/7

ONE:  Billie Razors     I hate women’s razors.  You know what razors are good? Men’s razors.  You know what not super moisturizing when shaving your legs? Men’s razors.  See the problem?  These razors solve both those problems at a way more reasonable prize.

TWO:  Bioderma Micellar Water     I got this as a sample and loved it so much.  I thought my face was clean after washing it.  OH BOY was I wrong! I even use this in the morning before I go running because apparently my face gets dirty when I sleep?! Gross.

THREE:  TimeTree Calendar App     My husband and I both use this app, he has an iPhone and I have an Android.  I love how customizable it is and that it instantly updates when he adds/changes an event and vice versa.  We have colors designated for both of us, each of children, all of us, bills, holidays, and whatever else you might need. Oh and it’s FREE.

FOUR:  PureProtein Lemon Cake Bar     These are new and if you like lemons and eat protein bars GET YOURSELF SOME OF THESE.  I’m not over exaggerating when I say that in all caps.

friday favorites 1/24

1. FitMe Loose Powder    I like this more than the Laura Mercier setting powder...it keeps my makeup in place, smooths my skin and doesn’t give me “cake face”.

2. JustIngredients Organic Face Serum    This has become my holy grail face product since I started using it in October.  You only use a few drops, so it lasts for a really long time!  This was the product I got the most messages about when I shared it, saying how much THEY loved it too.

3. Silicone Loofah    Far more sanitary and lasts longer than a regular loofah & works just as well.  

4. CRZ Workout/Running/Sports Pants     I have always struggled to find a workout pant that can go from running to working out.  My thighs and waistline aren’t proportional so if it fits in one place, it won’t fit in the other, or will ride down or blah blah a million other things that people with stick legs don’t worry about.  BUT THESE.  I actually wear a small (normally a medium in other pants), because I love the compression they give, they feel like butter and I never have to adjust them in whatever it I’m doing.  Can you tell I’m passionate about a good workout pant?!

Favorite Things: January

Favorite Things Friday is switching to Favorite Things Monthly this year!  So while we're quickly working our way through January, let's get started with some of my current favorite things.

While most of these favorites are "beauty" related, I've also got some amazing items you HAVE to try soon.  So let's dive in! Give me a minute to talk about why I love them & at the bottom are the full names & links if applicable. (All opinions are mine & none of the links are affiliate links.)

1. Aztec Clay Mask.  THANK YOU SADIE JANE  for snapchatting about this!  I have had such picky skin for like all my life & I love this mask. It's a powder that you mix with apple cider vinegar (I use 1tsp. of both) and apply to a mask that hardens and it has helped so much. 

2. Vitamin C serum.  I'll be turning 26 this year & I had this internal panic about getting old and wrinkles and my under eye circles...this helps tighten, brighten, and smooth.  LOVE it.

3. Caramels.  Found at Target by the checkout. They're not healthy or fancy but they are delicious.  And you're right, that bag is empty because I have no self control.

4. Vapor Stick.  I love the breathe essential oils & they are a life saver, especially during the winter/cold months to really open up your chest and stuffy nose. This stick is new and I am obsessed.

5. Dry Shampoo.  While on the higher price end, my lovely hair dresser sister in law gave me this for Christmas & I am pretty sure there's no turning back now.  I've post about the PhD 5-in-1 & their dry shampoo keeps me a huge fan.  Well played Jennifer Aniston, well played.

6. Vaseline Tin.  My lips have been addicted to chap stick since high school.  But this changed everything. I only apply this at night before bed & I never need anything during the day.  It's less oily than straight Vaseline & even more effective. It's brand new to the states, comes in a few different types and is finally out in stores.

1. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing 

2. ArtNaturals Enhanced Vitamin C Serum 

3. Lovely Candy Co. Caramels 

4. Breathe vapor stick from DoTerra Oils 

5. Living Proof PhD Dry Shampoo 

6. Vaseline Lip Therapy Tin 

Friday Favorites

Today's version of Friday Favorites are all things you can access on your phone.  App, website, or account.  Things that I use consistently and best part, don't cost any money.  Happy Friday, friends! 

Cartwheel by Target is addicting and basically like mobile discounts.  You can stack them with items already on sale that week AND with coupons.  It came out about 2 years ago and my sister-in-law and I jumped right on board and have been using it ever since.

I've had snapchat for years.  love using it with family and close friends to send pictures (mostly of my child) without posting them all on social media.  But it's recently become popular for bloggers to show behind the scene snaps and I love it! (I'm katiecarranza on there!)

TheSkimm is a free service that emails you every weekday morning with a summarized version of the latest news happenings and goings ons.  I'm not a big news reader or watcher so this is a perfect and no-effort way for me to stay up to date all while laying in bed in the morning.

I'm no fitness guru, and usually I only work out so I can eat junk food, but I love a good burning workout.  AlexaJeanFitness instagram account is my current favorite way to get free, quick, gym-free workouts in at home.  She often posts simple, no equipment workouts that will make you burn like no other! After trying a few of her posted ones, I went and bought her 30-day Ab Workout plan, and let me tell you...that does not disappoint either!

Friday Favorites: Kids Books

We (okay, mostly me) picked out our top 4 favorite books right now. My son will be 4 in July and has always loved books & I've loved buying "big kid books".

But they are so expensive! Can I get an amen?! So I often do 2 different things: 1. Ask for them for him for Christmas/Birthday. 2. Find them at a thrift store. I'm always amazed at some of the books I've found there that are new or practically new!
So let's start with 2 Dr Seuss classics...

 "Oh, the Places You'll Go" has always been popular & well-quoted especially for graduations.  I love it's encouragement, but also it's message that sometime, things WON'T go our way and when they don't, we have to push through them and keep working hard.

The second is a Seuss book that's maybe a little lesser-known but equally as good. 

"Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?" focuses on other character's poor circumstances to remind us that our life is pretty grand and we should never take our situations for granted, because there are others who have it harder.

Not a "classic", (yet) but we're loving "Press Here" by Herve Tullet.

My sister-in-law introduced us to this book & while it doesn't have a "message" it's so interactive and entertaining! Plenty of giggles and excitement always ensue when we read this book together.

Last but not least, is a book I consider a classic because I read it growing up as a child and I was SO excited when my son got it a few years ago and I'm even more excited that he is obsessed with it.

"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr & John Archambault is all about the alphabet & goes through the whole thing twice, presenting plenty of opportunity for kids to see the letters.

And our favorite part? On either side of the book is the whole alphabet and my son has loved matching his set of letters to the book! 

 Those are our TOP 4 current favorite books! There are plenty more we have in rotation, but at least on of these is always picked in our bedtime reading session.

Favorite Things: Food Edition

This could almost be called "Favorite Things: Trader Joe's Edition".  So if you don't live by a Trader Joe's...my apologies in advance.

1. Veggie & Flaxseed Tortilla Chips from Trader Joe's

2. Hummus (basically of any variety with above chips) from Trader Joe's

3. Cold Pressed Juice from Trader Joe's (same juice but less than half the price as brand juices)

4. 100% Juice Smoothies from Trader Joe's

5. Powdered Peanut Butter from Amazon 

6. Cookie Butter from Trader Joe's

7. Larabar (also in any variety)

Those are just some of what I've been buying on the regular lately.  I'm pretty proud most of them are healthy aside from the cookie butter! But we all need a little sweet treat to help us stay sane, right?!

Friday Favorites

Here's what I'm loving lately & can't seem to get enough of....

FROZEN..the soundtrack, the movie, all of it. We're obsessed.

Cinnamon Jelly Hearts....in bulk, if you don't mind.

THIS print

any & all smoothies- we make one practically every morning. 

(pictured one here)

delicious & easy dinners like these loaded nachos

Five Favorite Things Right Now

This new blog...Perfectly Provo. Tara's guest posted here before & now she has her own blog completely devoted to the fashion of Provo.  Love it times a million.

Sun Tanning Lotion. You know.....if I ah-hem....used tanning lotion... *wink wink*

The amazing quotes that I've been pinning lately have been making my days. follow along here.

Iced Pumpkin Coffee Cake.  To. Die. For. Seriously....make this. It will change your life.

This gorgeous print from Caravan Shoppe.

favorite affordable nail polishes.

I LOVE nail polish.  I wear it so much, that I feel naked when I don't have any on my finger nails.  & I always have some on my toes...like always.  

I don't usually spend more than a few dollars on my polishes because a. I'm frugal  b. the less I spend, the more I can buy  c. I haven't noticed a big enough difference to spend more money on a nail polish.  So I rounded up my favorite brands to share with you...

1. New York Color Long Wearing: Definitely on the low price end at under $2 & comes in lots of different colors.  First coat provides great coverage & lasts a seriously long time for it's price (even without a top coat).

2. Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro:  They have gorgeous color, are under $4 a bottle, have a great flat brush & does last up to 10 days with a good top coat.

3. Maybelline Color Show: Super popular colors, but definitely requires 2 coats & a top coat to really last.  Only $2.99 a bottle.

4. Sinful Colors:  It's only $1.99, but I've noticed they don't last that long in the bottle and get thick quicker than other nail polishes.  But they provide good coverage & last a decent amount of time.

Friday Favorites

{L'oreal Sublime Bronze}

I am naturally white.  SHOCKER!  Although my little one & I go in the pool often, it's not long enough get a tan in on day.

I love this, and although when you first put it on you sparkle & smell like self tanner...those go away and a nice natural non-orange tan is left. (for an affordable price)

{Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown}

My friend introduced me to this workout video & I love it.  BeFit channel on youtube has a few of her other ones, as well.  Try her Level One yoga here.

 {Bauble Necklace}

groopdealz had these necklaces a few weeks ago & I need a needed one.  My mom got me after I not-so-subtly hinted to her I would love one for my birthday.  I am obsessed with my opaque pink and turquoise ones.

{big, comfy bed}

Lots of sleeping and resting today.  And more sleep.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Friday Favorites

for a good laugh:

this blog.

(by my old friend lauren.)

for the baby:

gerber lil' crunchies.

(they're like mini cheettos & Clayton LOVES them.)

for the fashionista:

this top from Old Navy.

(so light & I always get compliments on it!)

for the crafter:

this blog.

Favorite Things Wednesday

I was saving this post for Friday, but our sweet little boy has been cutting 4 teeth over the past week!

As a result, I haven't been able to do much crafting....but that brings me to my first favorite thing:

Hyland's Baby Teething Tablets

My son was so fussy and restless that I was desperate to try anything.  I have taken homeopathic medicine before, so I thought I'd give it a shot.  It isn't so much a pain reliever, as an "everything else that accompanies teething" reliever.  Life savers...for me & my baby!

Speaking of baby, Number 2:

Munchkin Baby Food Feeder

I had gotten these at my baby shower and gave them a try last week...rave reviews!

See?

Number 3:

Pinterest

Obviously, Pinterest.  I am currently using it to get amazing recipes, and plan for my son's 1st birthday party this summer!

Number 4:

e.l.f. makeup

Have you tried the e.l.f makeup line at Target?  I'm not a fan of their makeup, but I love their brushes.  

I used to use BareMinerals brushes, but after a while I noticed they would start scratching my face, even after cleanings.  My favorite part is that they are so affordable, but high quality.

Number 5:

 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Please don't judge me. I know children really shouldn't watch t.v., but sometimes this show is the only thing that allows me to leave the room to pee without my son screaming bloody murder!

Number 6:

Creatively Living blog

And my current favorite blog.  My favorite thing?  I have linked up to her Linky party for the past 3 weeks, and she always leaves wonderfully encouraging comments on my posts that I linked.  Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference!

Number 7:

photo a day

I'm not a photographer, but I love being on the lookout for the photo-a-day.

follow me on twitter to see my daily photos.