August Favorites

It’s been a while since I shared some favorite things! I really do wish I could have you all over regularly for a Favorite Things party (more about those here) since I love hearing what things other people find handy, helpful, or wonderful. Many of my very favorite things have been suggestions from other people! So, for no reason in particular, here are a few of our recent faves…

1. Loft Vintage Broken In Tees.

I’ve been on the hunt for a great basic tee since having Milo. I had pretty intense diastasis recti with Milo’s pregnancy and while it’s as healed as it can non-surgically be, there’s some extra softness around my middle that’s not going anywhere without surgery. All that to say: no thank you to anything form-fitting.

I feel so much more comfortable in something looser (and therefore, don’t spend one extra second thinking about it) when I’m wearing something I feel comfortable in. My favorite tee for the last year has been this simple one by Loft. I have it in about 5 colors, and every season they seem to release a few new ones. I like that the neckline isn’t too low and they drape away from my stomach in a great way. They’re often on sale (I’ve never paid full price), and they’ve lasted really well with regular washing.

(Disclaimer: I always lay them flat to dry. Since I’m a capsule wardrobe person, I only have 7-10 tops at any given time and to help everything last longer, I wash tees like this on a cold/delicate cycle and lay them flat to dry).

2. Re-Play Recycled Dishes

Our cheap-o divided plates bit the dust earlier this year, and I needed their replacement. We’re still at the point in feeding therapy where Sophie can’t abide mixed foods, so divided plates keep everything neat and tidy. I also find it’s very easy to visually see if I’ve remembered all the food groups at mealtime.

These ones are made from recycled milk jugs (which I think is super cool), and they’re a nice weight. They’re not falling apart even after months of daily use. We bought the aqua and purple, but I’ve had my eye on the white ones, and there are loads of other colors to choose from. You can order from Amazon or the Replay website directly (sometimes one is cheaper than the other).

3. Dry shampoo that doesn’t smell like death. 

I’ve been a dry shampoo person for a few years now. I try to only wash my hair about twice a week (though I still shower daily). My hair stylist friends have been reminding me that it’s better for my hair to wait longer between washes. I’ve found that they’re right.

I know lots of girls who go a week or more in between washes, but I think most of those girls are the kind who only glitter when it gets hot outside. I am not one of those girls. It’s 100+ degrees most days here and I exercise six days a week. I’ve been trying a few different dry shampoos over the last many months, and I’ve finally found two that I don’t hate the smell of–this Suave one and this Dove one. Neither is super expensive, and I have two friends who are amazing stylists who each recommend one of them to their clients. Works for me!

4. My foam roller.

I took a personal training certification class in college and we tried these during a few class sessions. I remember thinking it was SO painful. At that point, I wasn’t doing much stretching on my own, so my muscles were SUPER tight. When my IT band started getting tight a few months ago, I bought a foam roller and started using it as part of my cool-down after exercising. It feels like a DREAM. It also helped Michael after a major charlie horse/muscle cramp incident. We’re big fans.

If you’ve never used one, a foam roller is designed to self-massage your muscles through tension and release. You “roll” sore or tight muscles over the roller and it will first feel tense, then relax, much like when someone is massaging your tight shoulders and it “hurts so good”. I picked this Gaiam one up at Target, but I’ve seen them all over. Many come with a DVD that will help you get started, but there are also lots of resources on Pinterest for personal trainers or physical therapists who have videos or step-by-step photos to guide you through using it. Look for someone with credentials, as its important to use it correctly.

5. Magformers.

We picked up a set during Target’s major toy clearance recently for less than $15 as a “hooray, you’re potty trained Sophie” prize. They’re magnetic building pieces that you can use to make all kinds of structures. They really encourage creative play and spatial reasoning skills. Plus you can also practice color patterns, making shapes, building letters, counting, etc. Amazon carries them for the best price I’ve seen other than the clearance set we picked up. We plan on adding to these over the next few gift-giving opportunities. They’re awesome! (Is it Christmas yet?)

What are your faves lately? 

Disclosure: No one is paying or perking me for this post. I purchased all items described and am simply sharing things I’ve tried, tested, and loved.