This post has taken me much longer than anticipated or desired to get together – namely because this season has taken so much out of me that I didn’t necessarily account for accurately. For as much as my heart wants to run, my brain wants to walk backwards, and then there’s the matter of time…of which I have much less right now. So here are we, better late than never, with 20 things I’ve been loveloveloving lately – and when I say “lately,” know that this list has been running in my brain for about 4.5 months now. All tried, true, and too good to gatekeep. 😉
If you’re in your skincare-as-makeup era, wanting clean, non-toxic options that look good while BEING good for your skin, this is a GEM.
It’s probably the fullest coverage tinted SPF I’ve ever tried – while still being lightweight. It really feels like a suitable swap to foundation – and you can see in my before/after pictures, it provides awesome coverage and beautifully evens out your skin tone! (I wear shade Light/Medium)
But it’s also got active skincare ingredients: stable vitamin C and niacinamide to visibly brighten and make your pores look smaller, and squalane and hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. And the SPF is a non-nano mineral zinc oxide – it’s safe, broad-spectrum protection against UVA & UVB rays without ANY white cast whatsoever.
If you want to geek out on the clean/non-toxic front, it’s made with 100% pure earth pigments, which are ethically sourced minerals of the highest provide that help provide color that lasts. Crunchi products are also EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified, Certified 4ocean Plastic Neutral, non-GMO, vegan, and then some.
I am OBSESSED with these dainty diamond huggies! And I’m perhaps most impressed with how affordable they are. The 18k gold option (which I have) is still under $100 – but they made the exact pair in gold plating for not even $30!
I’ve reached for them so much lately – lovelovelove that they’re daintier for dressing up or a bit more elevated for everyday, while matching anything and everything in your closet.
They’re lovely and lightweight – I literally forget I’m wearing earrings! And since they’re huggies, you can lay down on them without getting stabbed in the neck. Ha!
3. Eyebrow lamination + Elf brow laminating gel
Eyebrows have always been the bain of my beauty routine. Always the thing that never felt quite right, always unlike the cute Gen Z brows on TikTok that seemed to have totally missed the pencil thin tweezing phase of the early 2000’s.
I’d had my brows microbladed in the past (which I loved, but my gal stopped doing it and I was too scared to try someone new – ha!).
But lamination sounded really interesting to me to really lean into the fluffier, bigger, trendier brow in a low maintenance, low pain kinda way.
Turns out…I love(lovelove) the look of it. From my understanding, it’s basically like having perm solution on your brows to make them more easily shapeable – then they last about 6-8 weeks. While it’s not necessarily adding COLOR or filling anything in, I’ve found having more flexibility when shaping makes a big difference. Then, my brow gal recommended this stuff from Target to help style them for everyday, and it’s GREAT. It’s one of the few brow “gel” sortof products I’ve tried that doesn’t leave a weird residue or make them feel crusty (ew). It gives all day hold with what feels like minimal product on the spooly, and there are multiple brush-styles to help nail your shape. Honestly, if you want to get a feel for how lamination might look on your brows before actually paying to get them professionally done, this is a cool way to play with it!
I’ve been doing them a bit backwards, I guess, in that I use the gel first, brush + fluff ’em, and then go back in with a brow pencil to lightly fill in any sparser spots. Works like a charm for a 60 second brow!
4. Ultimate Refresher electrolyte packets
I’m not even sure how I first came upon this brand – I think through a PR sample?? – but wow, Amazon has brought quite a few reorders since. Most significant: they do NOT taste super salty. If you’re someone who isn’t a huge fan of electrolytes usually because it tastes like drinking the ocean with a fruity twist, you’ll want to give these a try!
They still have sodium – actually, they’ve got 6 electrolytes inside: magnesium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus and sodium, as well as vitamin C and Zinc! But the flavors are just so good. No carbs, calories, or sugar (just organic stevia!), and they’re vegan and caffeine-free with only plant-based flavors and colors (tell me how Gatorade is still made with Red 40?! Ew!).
Especially now breastfeeding, I’m all the more aware of my perpetual dehydration and actively combatting that with these! So far I’ve bought the mocktini pack, the tropicals and most recently the originals, and I’ve yet to meet a flavor I don’t like.
It was time – I finally upgraded my key ring/wallet situation. Don’t get me wrong, I still loved my key ring – but it was separate from my wallet, and with adding another kid and having less hands to go around, I could not risk not having what I need at any given moment. It’s SO beautifully functional, with push tab windows, card slots and a cash slot, with a bifold design that actually feels *secure* when shut (the magnet is strong!). And the detachable wristlet is comfortable + practical, the perfect size to also add my keys.
I could not lovelovelove or recommend this more – would also make a great, practical gift she could use every day!
Meet the Amazon blanket that my entire family (including the dog) fights over – ha! (And that’s saying something since we have approximately too many blankets in our family room…including Barefoot Dreams). I haven’t touched the $350+ Lola blankets, but I’d imagine this feels pretty dang similar. It’s such a luxe, heavier-feeling plush – totally dreamy for cozying up on the couch.
Don’t miss the clickable coupon that’s popping up when you add to cart!
7. This song, this song, + this song.
Listen, then rinse and repeat. Thank me later. 🙂
Admittedly, I was…skeptical. The idea of rich, private sound while still being open to the rest of the world’s noise felt…like an impossibility? I couldn’t quite wrap my head around how that technology would work, so I couldn’t quite envision it as a practicality or daily necessity.
So color me delighted when I discovered these are basically every mom’s dream?!?
I’ve loveloveloved these headphones for years now – maybe you’ve seen me on Stories wearing them to work out or write. But for as much as I’d love a good noise-blocking headphone when I’m hearing “MOMMY!” for the 374th time (that hour), it’s not exactly…safe? Practical? Ha! 😉
Enter, these.
The audio is surprisingly fabulous, the headphones themselves surprisingly comfortable, and you’re still able to tune into what’s going on around you in real life – which I obviously need as a mom of 3. 😉 I’ve loved wearing them while I’m doing my morning routine – I can unload the dishwasher, pack lunches or get myself ready while listening to the Hallow app or a podcast, and I’m still available for every “MOMMY!” request.
9. Amazon sweatpants (Abercrombie dupe!)
If I closed my eyes and picked these up, I wouldn’t know if it was them or my Abercrombie Sunday sweats – they’re that identical in fit + feel! (Honestly, so many of these companies create in the same factories…I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re literally the same pair. Ha!)
They’re thick, cozy, comfortable, and just feel much higher quality than what I think when I think random Amazon clothing.
I’ve got two pairs now and am definitely impressed!
In “nesting” with baby #3, I was really wanting to purge…a lot. For years it’s felt a bit like I couldn’t keep up with it all – and that’s a telltale sign that it’s simply too much stuff. Especially now as a 30-something mom, I want less random Amazon finds and more intentional pieces that can stand the test of time. Quality over quantity!
These leather chelsea boots have been a shoe staple for months now – I’m lowkey obsessed with them, for both comfort, quality, and classic style. They’re hand made in Italy, and they feel like such a special piece to put on – not to mention, they didn’t require any break-in time and are complimented constantly.
Bonus: they’re on sale now!
11. Hallow’s prayer challenges
I’m SUCH a fan of the Hallow app. I use it every single day! It’s an incredible prayer accompaniment and guide, but also so enriching for advancing your prayer life. They usually run specific challenges around big liturgical holidays (you might remember seeing me share about their most recent Advent challenge…it was so, so good!!), and I lovelovelove participating in them. They are SO thoughtfully done and really enhance how I personally experience each season.
Johnathan Roumie narrates quite a bit (he plays Jesus in The Chosen!), actors Mark Wahlberg and Chris Pratt narrate some, as well as people like Father Mike Schmitz and Sister Miriam who are both two of my FAVORITE people to listen to in the church.
I’m currently doing Hallow’s Pray40 Challenge for Lent – I’ve cried multiple times already. A new session is released every day, so you can go back and get caught up to speed at your own pace if you’re just now joining…it’s never too late.
If you don’t yet have Hallow, feel free to use this link to get a free trial – personally, I’ve been paying for it for years and think it’s 100% worth it. But don’t just take my word for it – try it for yourself and see!
12. New Nikes (red/pink, gold!)
Mama got two new pairs of sneakers for Christmas, and she’s SUCH A FAN. I mean, how gorgeous are these?!
When I saw a lady wearing this gold pair in the security line of the Punta Cana airport, I stopped in my tracks and immediately started Googling. They’re stunning! I love that they’re metallic without feeling cheesy, if that makes sense.
Then this red/pink pair stopped me in my scroll! I had been on the hunt for a red athletic sneaker specifically – red with a hint of pink will do. 😉
I size up 1/2 for both!
13. Stroller fan
If ever there were a “must have” for a hospital bag, it would be this. So much so that when I couldn’t find my original one in packing my bag this time around, I rushed to prime another – I could not go without it! I’m not sure if it’s coming off of anesthesia, the hormonal surges or a combination of both, but you’ll be ungodly hot after giving birth. UNGODLY HOT. Like, on-the-threshold-of-hell hot. And this will become your lifeline.
Bonus, it bends beautifully to fit onto your stroller handlebars, a beach bag – many other uses postpartum, really making it a worthwhile Amazon cart addition.
14. Aerie leopard trouser pants
When I tell you I’m obsessed with these, it’s an obsession. I had seen quite a few folks raving about them online and wasn’t initially sold…I couldn’t really tell what they were. Were they trouser pants? Sweatpants? Turns out, they’re both. The front pleating reminds me of my Abercrombie Sloane trousers – a more structured, flattering look. But the waistband is actually entirely elastic, and the pant material itself is entirely sweatpants. So they’re literally like a trouser pant that you can wear to the office…but also sleep in??? I mean, DREAMY. Super comfortable and loungeworthy, while feeling fun and cute.
15. Facebook Marketplace
Hello my name is Erica and I’m addicted to Facebook Marketplace. While I had heard of folks finding absolutely incredible finds via Facebook, I hadn’t explored it much myself. That is, until I found myself scrolling while nursing the baby at 3 am, and the finds kept being found!
What I have found to be key in searching: be HYPER specific locationally. I’m not about to travel more than 10 minutes for most things – the opportunity cost of time and travel just isn’t worth it, unless you’re scoring furniture or other high-ticket items. So if you narrow your radius significantly, it really helps; I ended up finding a loft bed for Liv literally two minutes from us, FOR FREE. Here I was about to spend a few hundred bucks on a bed upgrade, and we found this gem from a neighbor! Worth perusing in general, but definitely worth perusing if you’re hunting for specifics!
16. Tallow as hand lotion!
One of the banes of my third trimester was ungodly dry hands. Why? I have no clue. I swear pregnancy brings out the weirdest and wackiest symptoms, and I find myself Googling things like “Do I have lightning crotch?” This time, it was the backs of my hands specifically…just so dang dry. Regular hand creams weren’t cutting it. One of my dear friends had dropped off some homemade tallow, and turns out, it was the ONE thing that actually worked.
Bless her, she whipped up a full jar’s worth for me and it is now my saving grace!!! Especially lovely at nighttime for deep overnight hydration.
17. Dollar Tree Go Fish! game
Don’t sleep on the Dollar Tree’s games! Mimi found us the actual CUTEST Go Fish! card game, as well as an adorable Rummy, and I simply cannot get over how STINKIN’ CUTE the characters are on each!!! They have me wanting to pull out art supplies and try my hand at drawing them because they’re just darling.
If my favorite Hokas and Kiziks had a baby and sold it on Amazon, it would be these.
The shape of the shoe reminds me of Hokas (specifically, these), while the hands-free, slip-on technology with a structured heel reminds me of Kiziks. Together, they’re one heckuvah comfortable sneaker at a fraction of the price of both.
19. J’s massage gun
Since J has been much more into working out lately (we both lovelovelove this workout app!), I got him this massage gun for Christmas. Waaaay cheaper than a Theragun, but I figured worth trying to see if he even likes it. Turns out, we both lovelovelove. It’s got multiple interchangeable massage heads to use on different muscle groups and body parts – one even heats up which feels *incredible* on tense muscle knots.
20. Jersey Mike’s pregnancy hoagie
Ask for a BLT on rosemary bread, Mike’s way, with cheese, red pepper relish, banana peppers and chipotle mayo. Thank me later. 😉
HAVE YOU TRIED ANY OF THESE FAVORITES YET?
And what have been YOUR Winter Favorites? Would lovelovelove to know!
P.S. ICYMI and wanna get caught up on or last month’s favorites, just click here!
