Hi, friends! Today I’m excited to bring you the second installment of The Monthly Edit series. Yayy! What did you think of last month’s Edit? (If you missed last month’s favorites, you can read all about them here.) I love being able to share some of my favorite products and activities from the month and this seems to be the easiest way for me to do that! So I hope you have been enjoying reading them as much as I enjoy writing them. This month’s edit is a little long (sorry!). But I just had so many new things I wanted to share with you! So grab a cup of coffee and let’s get right into my March’s favorites, shall we?!
Take a quick peek through the items below, and then I’ll break them into three categories (fashion, beauty, and lifestyle) for a more in depth discussion below that! You can read through my recommendations chronologically or feel free to scroll straight to the product you’re most interested in first. (P.S. There is a special discount code for one of my favorite beauty products this month!)
…
Fashion
1. Cactus + Flower Ring | I normally wouldn’t feature two different rings in back-to-back edits, but these fun cactus and flower rings are too good not to share. I love that they are still delicate and lightweight enough to not interfere with work, but are a fun and playful touch for spring and summer.
2. Lavender Slides | I’m so glad that Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet because I am a lover of all things purple (plan on seeing lots of purple pieces from me this year). So when these pale lavender slides arrived at Madewell, I knew they would be the perfect spring shoe. Not only are they a beautiful color, but they are flats (hallelujah!) and have the prettiest slingback style that is perfect for sunny weather (when you want your feet out in the open) but that keeps the shoes snug on your feet while you walk (no walking out of this pair).
3. Ceramic Bead Necklace | I recently started following a mindful fashion blog called Seasons + Salt. Andrea’s style may be minimalist, but it’s anything but boring. I love following her blog for daily outfit inspiration and hearing her candid thoughts on each of the pieces she styles. All this to say, as I was going through some of her latest outfit posts, I noticed this bright, unique necklace she kept wearing that seemed to pull all of her outfits together and add a refreshing splash of color to her winter whites and beiges. Needless to say, I fell in love with the necklace and started doing some research into how I could get my hands on one. The company that makes the necklace is called The Pursuits of Happiness, and they are a small Pacific Northwest ceramics studio that focuses on making handmade and small-batch housewear and accessories. So not only are their products gorgeous, but purchase of them supports small business, which I’m all about (and trying to get better about). It’s definitely a company and product I can get behind. I first purchased the Teal/Coral necklace, and after wearing it non-stop the first week, I went ahead and also ordered the Coral/Mustard necklace as well. This beautiful Blush/Marble necklace is next. They are the perfect simple statement piece (that isn’t overdone and won’t go out of style) to wear with basic tees or sweaters year-round.
4. Spring Stripe Cardigan | If you’re like me and live in a place that stays cold pretty far into the new year, then you know the importance of finding warm pieces in bright springy colors to get you through the long winter until spring arrives. This spring striped cardigan is hand-woven and made of mohair and merino wool, so you know it’s going to be extra warm. The colors are what sold me on this piece though. It’s the perfect outer layer for a classic white or gray tee paired with jeans and white sneakers for a casual day. Because it’s made of wool, I will warn you that it can be scratchy. But I just always wear it with long sleeves to keep a layer between my skin and the sweater. And it is a little pricier than I am used to spending on sweaters (I used a coupon on mine), but I think the investment is worth it for a nice handmade piece that is high-quality and I can wear for years to come. (I prefer a cozier fit and opted for a size M in this style.)
5. Blush Pink Suede Purse | Since cutting back on spending for my wardrobe, I’ve tried to instead focus on rounding out my outfits with quality accessories–namely jewelry and purses. As I’ve been cleaning out my closets, I’ve noticed that many of the accessories I have chosen to donate have been the cheaper ones that don’t feel as nice to wear. You know the ones I’m talking about…the synthetic made purses and bags you can get for $20 or less. Anyways, I’ve decided to not throw away my money anymore on cheaper items like these because they just don’t get worn. I’ve realized that it doesn’t matter how cheap an item is…if it doesn’t get worn, it’s a waste of money. So instead I’ve been investing in quality bags like this gorgeous blush pink suede purse. It’s big enough to hold everything I could possibly need and still super trendy and stylish for spring. I especially love the hold hardwear handles. Swoon. If blush pink isn’t your color, it also comes in classic cognac and black. (Also, J. Crew always has a sale going on. Meaning, I never pay full price for my items from there. Use code NEWNEW for discounts on their most recent arrivals.)
6. Pretzel Tee | How fun is this pretzel tee?! I mean…is it not the perfect piece for summer?! I couldn’t resist. Each pretzel is embellished with either white glitter (salt) or mini yellow sequins (mustard), and I think they’re just the cutest little details you could cover a tshirt in. I would style this tee with medium wash jeans and a jean jacket in the spring or colorful cardigan in the summer.
…
Beauty
7. Fresh Rose Facial Toner | If you didn’t realize this from my last Monthly Edit, I love anything rose scented. It’s so refreshing and calming and relaxing. Mmmmm…it’s just the best! So when I was doing some research into some new skincare products to try out, this one was at the top of my list. Not only is it super hydrating to the skin and incredibly fragrant (in the best way possible), it’s beautiful to look at. There are real rose petals floating in the solution, so it’s one bottle I don’t mind keeping out on my bathroom counter top. I put this on in the mornings after washing my face with a warm washcloth and before any other product goes on.
8. Lavender + Sage Deodorant | Guys, I’ve gone all nat-u-ral. That’s right. I’ve ditched my toxic antiperspirants and replaced them with natural deodorants. While I haven’t done a ton of research into the harmful effects of aluminum-laden antiperspirants, I’ve made the switch away from them on one basic principle. Sweating is natural. Sweating is healthy. Antiperspirants block sweat pores with aluminum so that your body doesn’t sweat. Something about that concept just doesn’t feel right to me. Whether you believe in the toxicity of aluminum to the body or not, clogging our sweat pores just doesn’t sit right with me. And so I made a change. I’m somewhere between week 3 and 4 of making the switch to natural deodorant and haven’t looked back since. I’m currently in the detoxing phase where my body is riding itself of all the bad things I’ve put into it over the years, but overall (really with the exception of only one particularly stinky night/morning) I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that I haven’t noticed much of a change in my underarm odor or wetness. I’ve been using this Lavender + Sage deodorant from Schmidt’s (that you can get at Target!) but I’m also excited to try their Rose + Vanilla formula, as well as their Charcoal + Magnesium formula, next! I’ll keep you updated on my thoughts!
P.S. – A lot of people associate natural deodorants with hippies and body odor. However, what you might not know is that it takes about 4 weeks for your body to adjust to not having toxic chemicals clogging your sweat pores. This Deodorant 101 Page was super helpful for me and explains the process your body goes through week by week. And just so you know, sweat doesn’t smell. It’s the bacteria on your body reacting with the sweat that causes the distinctive odor. Instead of keeping your body from sweating completely (toxic antipersperant), natural deodorants combine ingredients to soak up underarm wetness and absorb odor-causing bacteria. This seems like a much healthier approach to the problem of body odor, if you ask me. So before you decide natural deodorant is not for you, give your body at least 4 weeks to adjust. And even after that period, don’t be afraid to try out different brands to find the right one for you. I’ve heard great things about Primally Pure deodorants, for instance. But haven’t given them a try yet.
9. Troos Facial Oil | This is the star product that got me started on my natural beauty kick. This facial oil is insanely luxurious feeling and incredibly hydrating (and smells like you are standing in a lavender field). I tell my friend Christina (the founder!) that I feel like I’m at the spa every time I use it. I typically apply this oil (just a small drop will go a long way) after my rose toner and before my daily moisturizer in the mornings. I also like to use it at night after washing and cleansing my face and before applying a heavier moisturizer on top. It’s an amazing product that adds the perfect amount of hydration to your skin as a part of your daily routine. I couldn’t recommend more! (Keep reading for a special offer by the way!)
Also, just a quick note about my friend Christina. Christina is an incredible inspiration to me. Not only is she fast friends with anyone she meets (she is seriously the nicest person I’ve eve met), but she is incredibly driven and passionate about creating beautiful natural cosmetics that are actually good for you and your skin. When we first met, we instantly bonded over our mutual love of science (she has a Masters in Public Health with a specialization in Toxicology…so she’s your go-to expert on chemicals, preservatives, and ingredients in products!). And also both being recent transplants to Boulder, we found a shared interest in finding new hot spots to try out in town (#foodies for life). Christina works part-time at a local company and runs Troos on the side of that! I am constantly impressed with her work ethic and drive. When does she sleep?! At any rate, if you are interested in trying out this product, know that you will be getting a superior facial oil and supporting an even more incredible #girlboss. I seriously can’t wait to see what new product she comes up with next and where this passion project takes her! But here’s the best part for you friends! Because I know Christina personally, she has offered a special discount code to all my readers. Yessss! Use code COSMOS for 30% off your order! (This is an amazing deal, so run!)
10. RMS Lip2Cheek Stain in Paradise | I tried out my first RMS Beauty product in last month’s edit–the Master Mixer. I still use this product religiously every day. But I also wanted to try out some of the company’s other products. So this month I tried out and loved the RMS Lip2Cheek Stain in Paradise. It’s the perfect rosey pink glow my cheeks need this time of year and I love how hydrated and dewy my skin looks when I wear it. I apply it the same way I do all my cream blushes–with a few dabs on the apples of my cheeks and then a little blending in with my finger. And that’s it! It’s so simple to apply and stays all day long.
11. Lanolips Balm | This tinted lip balm is incredible guys! I love how smooth and moisturizing it feels all day long. And the rhubarb color especially is such a pretty pink tint for spring (available in 4 colors). After doing a little research, I found out that the balm is actually made from Lanolin, a natural protectant found on sheep’s wool (made cruelty free, don’t worry!). But the coolest thing about Lanolin (to me) is that it has one of the closest molecular structures to human skin lipids, meaning that it’s the perfect ingredient to use to protect your skin! I’d highly recommend keeping a tube of this lip balm in your purse at all times! You can’t go wrong with it.
12. Beautypedia Website | I only recently became interested in making the switch to natural beauty products, and honestly I still feel like I don’t really understand much about them (I typically just go off of reviews or recommendations). Come to find out that just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean its necessarily good for your skin. Makes sense, right? But sometimes I need to be reminded of that. I love that this website gives honest reviews about skincare and cosmetic products and even provides newbies with information on how the ingredients of the products reviewed interact and affect your skin (for the good and the bad). It’s not the end-all for learning about all cosmetic ingredients, but it’s definitely a start at becoming a more conscientious consumer of these products. Head on over and find out how your current products rate!
…
Lifestyle
13. The BEST Vodka Sauce Recipe | Guys, if you try out one new recipe this month, let it be this one. Allen and I have made it twice already and it’s quickly become one of our very favorite “indulgent” week night meals. I say “indulgent” because it tastes like a 5 star restaurant handmade and delivered this dish right to your dinner table. And the vodka sauce honestly couldn’t be easier to make. Typically Allen and I don’t mind just buying the best marinara sauce we can find in the pasta aisle, but none of the store bought vodka sauces can compete with this recipe. It’s a slightly spicy sauce with a refreshing kick of fresh basil. We usually serve it with a side of salad and a glass of wine. Yummm.
14. Llama Planter | It’s no secret that Allen and I love building up our teeny plant family. Typically we stick with small cacti and succulents that are easier to care for, but recently we invested in a little Dieffenbachia because I’ve always wanted a big leafy plant but I am scared of killing anything too big (Wish us luck!). Anyways, one of my favorite ways to welcome in new plants to our home is by immediately repotting them in a cute planter. I am in love with these new llama planters at Anthropologie. Originally I wanted to put Burro’s Tail in the pink one and A String of Pearls Plant in the white one (yes, we got both 😛 ) but after seeing how long the latter grows, we opted to put Burro’s Tail in both. And I love how they turned out! The texture of the plant almost looks like the texture of the llama’s back. Ha! It’s the cutest!! P.S. – I’ve had tons of luck with finding planters at Anthropologie, so if you’re looking for a good place to browse different styles, I’d check them out!
15. Lady Bird Movie | Allen and I recently went to go see Lady Bird in movie theaters. There must have been special showings of it for the Academy Awards, because I see that the DVD is now available for purchase. Anyways, this movie is something a little different than I am used to watching (I typically go for the cheesey feel-good films or anything from Marvel), but I ended up loving this film and how different it was! It’s just so real and raw, something I feel like I can appreciate even more since realizing that social media is quickly become a highlights real of life (more fake than real). The film is a coming-of-age story for a teenage girl named Christina (“Lady Bird”) living in Sacramento and all of the struggles, drama, and life-altering dilemmas that accompany that time in her life. I’d classify it as a dramatic comedy (is that a genre?) and one that gives you an appreciation for all the struggles you went through to make you the person you are today. It’s the perfect movie to watch for a slow, easy night at home.
16. Eddie the Eagle | I don’t know about you, but Allen and I are having serious Olympics withdrawals. I mean…what did we used to watch before Pyeongchange coverage started?! Once you’ve had curling in your life every night of the week, it’s hard to just cut it out cold turkey. Haha! But in all seriousness, if you are like us and are still craving a little more Olympics action, I’d highly recommend watching Eddie the Eagle. First and foremost, it’s got Hugh Jackman in it. (I’m a huge fan lol.) Secondly, the movie covers the life of Eddie Edwards, Great Britain’s first competitor in Olympic ski jumping. It’s an incredibly inspirational and moving presentation of Eddie’s sheer will and courage as an athlete (and human!), with of course some comedic parts as well. At any rate, if you haven’t seen it, you need to. I actually think this is our third time watching it at home since seeing it in theaters last year. It’s so good! (Other Winter Olympic movie favorites: Miracle, Cool Runnings, and I Tonya. Am I missing any?)
17. Zero Waste Home | I’ve recently had my eyes opened to the disgustingly large amount of waste we as a society produce and how that waste is destroying the one and only environment on this Earth. And if I’m being completely honest with you, I didn’t really believe that I was a large contributor to the problem. I mean…I recycle, so I’m good right? Wrong! While recycling is definitely a start, it’s not the end all answer to our waste-production problems. In fact, recycling actually uses a ton of resources to implement and many plastic products can’t be re-recycled once they go through the process (meaning they eventually end up in the landfill anyways). The Zero Waste Home book is a great resource if you are interested in learning more about how to actually make a difference in reducing the amount of waste you produce on a daily basis and gives practical alternatives that you can implement immediately. While I won’t be enacting every alternative she recommends in this book, there are several that I’ve already tried out and loved. Can you believe her family of 4 only produces a tiny jar’s worth of waste every year? An entire year!!! That’s insane! I’ve actually been so inspired by this book, that I’m hoping to start a Zero Waste Challenge here on the blog soon because I think a large part of the problem is simply not being aware of it. So I’m hoping to change that by making us all more intentional about how we are treating our environment! (And learning new things myself along the way of course. Because we are all in this together!)
18. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up | Guys, I have been on a de-cluttering spree! It’s been both incredibly liberating and disheartening (when you see all the crap I still have left to go through). The one thing that has been keeping my spirits high is reading as many minimalist and de-cluttering books as I can. You’ve probably heard of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up before (I think it became a national bestseller a couple years back). I actually read 2/3 of the book when it first became popular, but for whatever reason never finished it. However, this past month, I picked it up again and read it from cover to cover within a week. Marie Kondo’s tips are backed up with years of experience working with clients from across the globe and her stories serve as motivation that anyone, anyone (including you, including even ME!) can de-clutter , tidy up their home, and live a more fulfilling life. If you haven’t read this one and need a little extra motivation for your spring cleaning, I’d highly recommend picking it up! (P.S. – I just bought the sequel Spark Joy to read next month.)
19. Mini Cucumbers + Greek Yogurt Tatziki Ranch | I’m always looking for easy, simple ways to get more veggies into my daily meals. Anyone else struggle to find appetizing veggie snacks (other than the tried-and-true baby carrots)? Anyways, I recently discovered these cocktail cucumbers at Costco and decided to give them a try. Let me tell you, they are amazing! I pair them with this Greek Yogurt Tatziki Ranch (found in the salad section) for a pre-lunch snack and the combination is incredible. I can’t believe it, but I actually crave them now and can’t wait to dive into my lunch when 11am hits.
20. Pink Accent Rug | One of the perks about cleaning up my apartment (and clearing out some floor space) is that I can focus more on decorating and making it feel home-y. After searching high and low all over the internet for the perfect accent rug, I finally decided to get this one! It didn’t hurt that I had a 20% off coupon as well. 😛 I knew I wanted something with pink accents in it and I loved that this one had little hieroglyphic animals on it, which compliment our painting from Guatemala nicely. I actually have yet to get it (it’s set to be delivered on Thursday!), but I just had to share it with you all! I can’t wait to brighten up my apartment with some color! I’ll keep you posted on how everything comes together, and I’m actually hoping to do a big apartment tour sometime before I leave for my summer work tour. But we will see how this cleaning process progresses over the next few months. 😉
No Comments