Items to Love, Items to Try

I feel like since I became a mom, I got really old. I look old. My stress level is higher than in the past, and my hours of sleep each night are much lower, so my new haggard look can be attributed to these two factors solely, I'm sure. But my style is getting a bit more mature. I'm paring down the cheap, trendy crap in my closet and slowly building up a more solid wardrobe of quality basics. This is not news. I've said it before. My latest favorite brand is Ugg. I'm totally over the boots, but I just ordered these great slip-ons to replace the TOMs that I wear every day. TOMs go with everything but look great with nothing. Though I'll still frequently utilize my TOMs collection, I felt it was time to fancy it up a bit. When your work dress-code calls for close-toed footwear which is also comfortable, well then casual slip-ons are just what the doctor ordered.

While we're talking about Ugg, I fell in love with this fedora, but after ordering it twice from Zappos, it arrived smushed in a box. You'd think they would have gotten the hint after I returned the first hat and ordered the exact same thing a second time. I might go for it again, but this time direct from Ugg.

I just put in an order at Athleta for this SPF cover-up, except mine is white. We are taking sun protection very seriously this summer, and always, in our family. You probably won't see the skin of my belly or much else all summer long, lucky you. While I was at it, I ordered some Bermuda shorts for bike riding and a workout tank. This is my first Athleta order, and I'm excited to see how it goes. Workout clothes are slowly dominating my wardrobe. I promise to keep it classy while out in public.

I used a backpack as a carry-on for our Mexico trip and decided that it was a fantastic experience. The particular pack, while perfectly fine, was very large and also had a black and gold patch that read "Class of 2000." So I could probably use a more compact update. I first saw this backpack on ScoutMob. I like the idea of a handmade product. Anyone seen any other cool backpacks out there?

Havaianas. Have you ever known a more comfortable rubber flip-flop? I have gray for this summer, but I have a feeling they'll be worn through before July.

Essential oils. I feel like I heard about essential oils one day, and then by a week later, they had totally taken over life as we know it. We even had a fellow pharmacist bring in a diffuser to freshen the air at work last week. Anyway, I battled with stress for two straight nights last week and got no sleep. It was miserable and I knew something must be done about it pronto! So I ordered Young Living's Stress Away roll-on on Ebay, and I don't know if it's fully responsible, but I've been sleeping much better these days. So now I'm intrigued and I want to build a big collection and cure everyone's allergies, eczema, etc. etc.

African Black Soap. You can buy a big chunk on Amazon for a low, low price, and it really does make your skin feel good! People swear it works miracles for acne, and while I've managed to keep the acne monster away, I'm sure the soap is only helping.

Face products. My skin has always been sort of a disaster, but lately I've been obsessed about it. I feel like I've over-researched skin care products, and there are just so many out there, that I don't know what I want anymore. Next time I go to Fashion Square, I'm going to pick up a face mask at Lush. I only work a minute away, but it's harder to get there than one would think. Does anyone have recommendations for eye cream or face moisturizer? I'm also looking to update my make-up, so I'm also accepting suggestions in this department. I have the original Naked eyeshadow from Urban Decay...should I get the more recent version? And please, while we're at it, what is your favorite shampoo & conditioner? Body lotion?  Hand cream? I've been a loyal patron of Mac and The Body Shop, but I'm looking to re-vamp it all, I guess. I'm clueless when it comes to beauty products. Help!

Morningstar Veggie Burgers. I'm not a vegetarian, but I usually try to choose the vegetarian option when it's available. A while back, we stocked up on veggie burgers at Costco and thought they were the greatest thing since sliced bread. Then Costco, in it's usual fashion, did not have them in stock for about six months. And of course, we're too set in our ways to buy the normal stuff from the normal store. But alas, they are adorning my freezer again, and I am in wannabe-vegetarian's heaven.

Is it apparent that I'm becoming a bit of a hippie? Yeah I've jumped on the all-natural organic train, for the most part. As Dylan always says, why would you bother working hard in life if you're just going to put crap in your body? The focus has definitely been on healthy living. Not a bad way to be, I'm sure!

Thanks to Gavin J for putting in a marathon afternoon nap so I could have a moment of self-indulgence, and thanks to you for humoring my material girl ways. (Disclaimer: I know life is not about material things, but sometimes they make you feel better, even if it is only fleeting. They really do.)