JoaS

Hello! It's been a minute. Maggie has officially been with us for two months now and it is a new year, new decade, new life. My sleep deprived brain stays in a fog much of these days, but I've been knocking around a few ideas for my first postpartum blog post (try saying that three times fast). I hate birth stories. Or I did. They are a tad more palatable with a point of reference, but a strong stomach I have not. Needless to say, I won't be sharing that here. Or anywhere. If you ask for details I can give them, but I'll start gagging a little when I get to the part about the second (yes, second) epidural, so consider yourself forewarned. In short, it was twelve and a half hours full of many surprises and firsts, ending with the most beautiful baby girl I've ever seen and a room full of new besties. I will share what I wish I had taken to the hospital with me. It's not a huge list, and I won't be sharing one of those fun ...

There are so many celebrations going on right now: back to school, off to college, birthdays, anniversaries. We are heading into Fall and the holiday season will be upon us before we know it. Not to mention, it's Labor Day weekend and there are so many sales going on and many great deals to be enjoyed. I am someone who loves to get an early start on holiday gifts, and thought I would go ahead and share my thoughts on gift giving. Gifts is my second love language and I love thinking about the perfect gift for a certain person and the best way to stretch my limited resources or funds the furthest. One way I love to "give far" is to support small businesses . As a small business owner myself , I know just how much every single purchase means to the person behind the shop. It's one more drop in the bucket that fuels the dream, and it is particularly encouraging to those who sell their handmade wares. It's another vote of confidence for their craft and talent. Not...

I know it's been a minute, and I promise I am posting a ton of recipe ideas next week as promised. But I thought I'd pop in and write up a little something on my absolute favorite products I've been using these last few months. I find I need to use a product regularly and in conjunction with a few other products and in different climate conditions before I'm absolutely convinced it's worthy of the "tried and true" label. So you can trust that the following have been thoroughly vetted. 1. First up is this Hello Activated Charcoal Toothpaste . I posted a photo on Instagram earlier this week, but it deserves a good mention here on the blog. I seriously shuddered at the thought of putting charcoal in my mouth, but I am so happy to report that it tastes better than most toothpastes I've used over the years, with a subtle mint flavor--it's not even as aggressive as many of the popular drugstore brands. Also, it is not gritty. It is dark in color, ...

At the outset of this clean swap journey, I mentioned several of the Avalon products I was loving and using on Instagram and in previous blog posts. Today, I want to update you all on the products I have been using most recently. I have since found products that really work perfectly for my hair type (fine, medium thick, greasy roots, dry ends, but healthy-very lightly processed) and my budget (wooo!). Let's jump in. ACURE Vivacious Volume Peppermint Shampoo and Conditioner : I love this stuff. Love it. I get it through Thrive Market  for under $7 each! I've also purchased through Amazon or at Whole Foods, and they now carry it at Target (though it is a limited selection). So it is quite accessible, and even the full retail price is only about ten bucks. I love that this particular brand is very clean, so I've purchased many of their skincare products, too. Publix even carries a handful of their facial products.  I like to add some sort of oil,...

First of all, I'd like to open by saying that I have never enjoyed wearing makeup so much. These new, clean products have made such a difference in the health and look of my skin. Even though I'm wearing less makeup than I have in years past, I feel more confident and think my skin looks better than ever. I'm so excited to share these products I've absolutely fallen in love with! Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular CC Cream : This has become a favorite foundation product. I love the consistency for my dry, sensitive skin, and I feel moisturized without feeling sticky or greasy. That could just be me. I would definitely consult an Ulta employee--or salesperson wherever you are shopping--but for dry or mature skin I think this is a winner. It's a very sheer coverage, buildable, but sheer. I am searching for a fuller coverage foundation for Winter and special occasions, so I will update when I find a great one. NYX Dark Circle Concealer : I was so surprised to lea...

I love shoes. It seems like there are so many great options and uses for every element and season, there's always another good reason to buy a pair. These are some of my favorite shoes I've found in the past year and intend to wear a ton this Fall. OTBT Womens Lunar Sneaker Tennis shoes are both practical and (for now) trendy. Thank goodness. Because I am not an uncomfortable shoe wearer. I have many pairs of slip on sneakers, New Balance and Adidas classics, and a pair of Asics for walking or running. These OTBT Lunar Sneakers were a huge splurge for me. I love this great floral pattern in subtle tones that's interesting but not juvenile. There is a line. I think these shoes are appropriately adorable for my age. And supportive. Which is equally important at my age, if not more so. Asymmetrical D'Orsay Open Toe Flats I. love. these. shoes. They are easily the coolest shoes I've ever owned. Like, I may not be cool enough to wear them. But I...

So, it's been a minute. With school starting back, wedding season winding down, and football starting up, we have been mighty busy over here. I hope everyone enjoyed the Labor Day weekend and I pray everyone will stay safe and no homes will be harmed in the path of Hurricane Florence. I thought I'd play a little bit of catch up and just share some of the things I've been trying, enjoying, or working on over here since my last post. A little mash up, but hopefully entertaining and/or informative for someone out there. First of all, I have been trying out and very much enjoying these new items from Amazon to make iced tea, herbal tea, and iced "coffee." (My husband is the coffee drinker--I stick pretty strictly to my Teeccino Dark Roast grounds from this post , but it works the same way for both.) I bought this Large Teapot with Extra-Fine Infuser and this deliciously fragrant Orange Lemonade Loose Leaf Tea Blend , both Tealyra brand, on Amazo...

I have found a few more items I am pleased to add to the list of products we have switched out for clean options. I found a clean hairspray! I've heard a couple of women on Instagram recently calling for suggestions, as effective and clean hair styling products seem to be among the most difficult to find. I am pleased to announce that Carina Organics appears to have delivered in their Fast Drying Unscented hairspray . My only qualm is that I ordered through the company's website and shipping took a very long time and was not cheap. I will continue to look for an effective, clean hairspray that is easier to access, and I have my eye on the Free & Clear Firm Hold next. The Natural Family Co. Sensitive Toothpaste on Amazon I found a clean,sensitive toothpaste. My teeth/gums are very sensitive and the only toothpaste my dentist has ever recommended to me was the Colgate Sensitive paste. Unfortunately, this product is not clean. I was using Tom's Sen...

I'm back with more favorites! This week I thought I'd share five of my favorite activites, not just products. These can be free, inexpensive, quality time alone or with loved ones, and beneficial in other ways. 1. Evening walks. Especially in the Summer, Michael and I take a walk almost every evening after dinner. It helps me to sleep better, it's our daily dose of quality time, and it relieves stress and aids in digestion. Numerous benefits, zero cost. Beautiful. 2. Reading. If I'm alone, I'm probably reading - these days this looks like listening to audiobooks incessantly since my hands are usually busy with laundry, jewelry, cleaning, etc. My dad and I started going to the library once a week before I even started grade school and continued through high school. I downloaded our local library's RB Digital app years ago when I went off to college, and I've been checking out numerous (free) audiobooks ever since. I've tri...

So, thanks to @annaliesemeyer on Instagram, I've recently discovered a little thing called the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database by the Environmental Working Group . I've been looking into some of the ingredients used to make products we just toss in the cart at the grocery store without a second thought, even the so called "natural" ones I make sure to buy for my sensitive skin. Needless to say, it's been quite the eye opening experience and a tad alarming to learn what passes for "clean" for many companies. (The irony is that it will probably be cell phone radiation that gets me, but if I can be the slightest bit preventative and intentional in my skincare and personal care choices, perhaps I can stave off some of those cancer concerns). Making the switch from tried and true favorites to new products that are EWG verified (or close*) can be daunting. I imagined it would be--it certainly doesn't happen overnight and it can get pricey if yo...