// A Year of Favorites : 2019
This year has given me a great deal of changes. Changes I was happy to make. As many of you know, I love products that are worth their price, quality ingredients, thoughtful or conscious, or just truly wonderful stuff that you won’t throw out or waste. Though I like shopping, I move intentionally with my purchases. Very much the ‘bring joy’ or makes my life easier and better mentality.
Below is my favorites for 2019; items I enjoy day to day, daydream about having forever, or intentionally buy more of.
HOME //
Huut Bedding sheets - I’ve been using these since some time in 2018, and they are not only organic but super soft. They are sheets that make me want to take care of them because I love them so much.
Slip Silk Pillowcases - I’m 34 with long hair and no longer wake up with my face looking smashed. Silk pillowcases are the life upgrade so many of y’all don’t know you need.
And these are the only hair ties I use except while working out (sweat and silk; not the move.)
Don’t forget the silk laundry wash to keep your pillowcases, scrunchies and eye masks fresh and clean.
Stray and Wander towels and blankets - I feel like an adult. A conscious ethical shopping adult who has cozy towels and blankets all over my home now. CODE: cbquality gets ya 10% off
Calendrea Counter sprays (or anything really) via Grove Collective - Man, if you not using stuff that smells this good in your home, what are you using?? I buy this from Grove Collaborative and it’s my absolute favorite (I’m giving y’all all my secrets as to how my spot smells so nice.)
Brentwood Home Mattress, Bolsters, and this Quilt - I run hot at night, and being sweaty at night is a recipe for ruining your sheets and your sleep quality. I need a lighter quilt vs a heavy duvet, and I’ve loved this one since I got it in May.
SKINCARE //
Moonlit skincare eye mask - it’s beautiful, it helps with my sleep by blocking out light, and being healthier and feeling better bc of better sleep is a win win win (also, sort of a home item.)
Hanskin - truly a game changer for hydration. The best night time moisturizer yet.
Clear & Brilliant Laser Facials - also a skin changing process that’s worth the investment. I also do all my laser hair removal here, and have had wonderful experiences (I’ve been going to Laser Away for two years now.)
Indie Lee - The daily vitamin infusion and the daily skin nutrition. Lovely daily items. I get these from The Detox Market via the search bar there.
Joanna Vargas Spa and Serums and Masks - I can’t say enough good things about these products, and the facials I’ve had at their NYC location. I came out glowing for days. These are also the only sheet masks I’ll use now. Skin always looks plump and beautiful afterwards.
Detox Market Monthly Boxes - the quality of the products is next level. I’ve discovered some amazing items and was able to try out other favorites with these boxes. Worth the money for sure for sure.
New Customers get 10% off their first order with the link above.
Edinburgh Natural Skincare Body Butter and Solid hand bars - This body butter is not sticky, super moisturizing and makes skin oh so soft. The hand bars are also a sustainability shopper’s dream as they come in a reusable tin.
Malin+Goetz Eye Cream and Cream - another product I used and had to restock on. It works. You will notice a difference in your eye area (or at least I did, and I’ve tried ‘bout everything. Hereditary dark circles.)
Wander Beauty - not sure if make up is skincare, but this is my go to for make up, even though I don’t wear it much ever. Their collection of highlighters, cream formulas, face oil, and mascara are always in my bag.
OSEA: Eye and Lip Cream, Undaria Algae Oil, Anit-Aging Body Balm, and more - this brand is wonderful, and the body oil is outta this world, as is the body balm. The eye and lip cream is thick, moisturizing, and I love being able to use it for my eyes and lips.
Aquaphor - a home is not a home without at least one container of this around. I use it for dry skin in the winter, even on my face and cheeks (wind can be brutal,) after laser facials or peels, and on cuts and scraps to avoid scarring. I also use the spray version over when my skin is feeling parched. I get everyone I love who has drier skin or skin issues on it.
HEALTH / WELL BEING //
Seed - whew. I can’t say enough good things about seed probiotic and prebiotic. I’ve been a faithful daily user for over a year now. CODE: cbquality for 15% off
Vim & Vigr Compression Socks - aight, Imma come clean. I was told by a doctor to get compression socks, especially for long haul travel, over a year ago and I could not bring myself to get the medical looking ones. Finding Vim&Vigr was not only great because they are stylish, and look like regular socks but I am shocked how much better I feel when I wear them as needed. The daily ones are great for if you’re driving or standing on your feet all day, and the other ones I use for air travel and, again, can’t say enough good things. For health and circulation.
HUM Nutrition Supplements - I’ve gone through multiple bottles of this over the year, here are my favorites:
QUIM - is a lovely oil for your most personal parts. The Everyday Quim with CBD is a great day to day item, but the Smooth Operator is wonderful, too. Also, I’m not in Cali, but I’m going to go ahead and say the Night Moves with THC is probably a great time.
Vita Coco Coconut Oil - this could easily go into skincare, as I use it all over my body along with as a make up remover, however, I also cook with it. I also get a small jar with me when I travel.
Reading Books + Audible - could put these in just because, but the health benefits of reading or listening to a book on tape, I will put them here. I’ll work on a fresh book list as well, but for now here are a few previous ones from the blog: book list 1, and wellness book list.
FITNESS //
Under Armour Women Bras - I love having an array of minimal soft work out bras, and I keep coming back to these for every work out (lifting and yoga.)
UA Seamless Minimal Bra with Logo Band
Year of Ours Workout Sets - these might be the most flattering pants for anyone. High waisted, super stretchy, and great material + design.
Perform Better Workout Bands - I’m as low key as they come with these and order from the website I used to stock up from when I was a personal trainer. I keep them in my gym and travel bags, meaning I use them 1-3 times a week, every week.
Under Armour Bodysuits 1 and 2:
Always on Bodysuit and the UA Trek Armour Bodysuit
So UA did it this year with bodysuits that were super flattering for my curves and served their purpose. I wear the black one running errands in hot weather and the trek one is super warm (and makes me look like a super hero.) I’d also wear it our with oversized sweats and heels in the winter.
JUST BC - Things that make my life better //
Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs - Oh my god. Why are eggs so good? Why is so much of my life enriched by good eggs? Quality eggs with dark yellow or orange yolks will change your life. You can also buy them at Target
Delta Airlines and American Express - nothing like some status and perks to make all my travels a little more smooth but truly, the customer service and card benefits are the real win here.
Attractive and conscious underwear - in matching sets + women owned businesses:
Mary Young, Pansy, and Proclaim
Quality Swimsuits -
Myra Swim - the best suits. Best materials, flattering, no wild weird sizing, and worth the price. Customer service and quality control is also top notch.
Somerfield Swim - quickly becoming my grab and go suits with a price point that is accessible, good material, and cute bikinis (some run small, some run a little larger, depending on cut.)
Google Hub + Google Nest - nothing is better than being able to ask the time, weather, or quick questions without having to pick up my phone.
Philips Hue Lighting - energy efficient lighting that I can dim, brighten and control all via voice or an app.
Here’s to a beautiful 2020 with all the love possible.