My current obsessions from bathroom to kitchen stuff and beyond: plastic free, low/no waste, and eco-friendly.
Read moreSpring Favorites 2020: What I'm Loving Right Now
My current obsessions from beauty to snacks and beyond.
Read moreJanuary 2018 Favorites: What I'm Obsessed With Right Now
The stuff I'm loving right now from the kitchen to the office to the gym and the skincare cabinet!
Read moreShe Thrives Gift Guide December 2017
Some of my favorite things, and almost all women-owned small businesses. Shop small and support these badass chicks!
Read moreOctober Favorites: What I'm Loving Right Now
Makeup, blue light blocking glasses, skincare, recent reads + more!
Read moreSeptember Favorites: What I'm Loving Right Now
October is here and I can't even believe it, but as an introvert I'm always down for more cozy evenings snuggled with my pups watching Friends.. and October is the perfect time to do just that. I've rounded up some of the things I've been loving lately. What are YOU loving? Leave me a comment and let me know what I need to try!
GYM
When a great program comes along, I gotta share it (and also #supportstrongwomen). If you want to become a beast at pull ups, Pull Up Queen will get you there.
Three different levels of programming, videos, resources and lots more.
Pull ups here you come!
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Whenever I wear these sunnies on Snapchat I get tons of questions about them!
These oversized aviators and come in tons of colors (of which I have a couple), but my favorites is the black fade color.
Perfect for autumn days and big chunky scarves and PSLs (if that's what you're into).
BEAUTY & HEALTH
With the weather getting a little dryer (and the heat starting to come on!), this is one of my very few haircare products that I use (and love).
I spray this all over my damp hair after showering, and then brush it through and air dry. It noticeably makes my hair softer, smoother, more manageable and shinier. It's super lightweight and also smells delicious.
I also spray this on my hair after blowdrying (which I rarely do) as it gives everything a healthy, shiny sheen.
You guys. This was recommended to me by my naturopath to help my severe menstrual cramping, and to be honest, when she prescribed this I didn't have a lot of faith in it's potential effectiveness.
Nothing has ever been more effective at making my cramps go from near-tears can't-leave-the-house I-feel-like-I'm-gonna-vom is-this-actually-normal-tho to, these cramps are sort of annoying.
Consult your physician if this is right for you, but this shit has changed my life. I take one every day and then up my dose during PMS.
FOOD & KITCHEN
If you follow me on the socials you KNOW how obsessed I am with this stuff!
I've already gotten a ton of messages from you guys saying you got it too and LOVE it. It's seriously so good. What do I put it on? Oh just EVERYTHING.
It appears to be a PNW brand, but you can also order online (and honestly the prices are better online anyway somehow?)
Just do it and thank me later, k.
Fall is here! If you don't have a slow cooker (or yours is tiny/old/broken/in need of an upgrade), may I suggest this beauty?
We got an All-Clad slow cooker a couple years ago and LOVE it. It was such an upgrade from what we were using, and I think the best part is the insert can go right onto the stove top for browning.
If you're looking for the easiest way to make healthy AF meals in large quantities, this is it, fam.
That's it! What are you loving these days? Anything out there I need to try? Let me know in the comments!
And remember that you can always check out my all-time favorites (read: ride or die, go-to products) and recommendations from everything from skincare to cookbooks in my shop tab!
Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, which help and allow me to run this blog, so I appreciate your support!
MORE FAVORITES:
My Skincare Routine
You asked for it, so here it is! My current daily skincare routine. Now I do want to note that I love collecting, sampling, and playing with skincare and beauty stuff (seriously, it's always been a hobby), so if it seems like there's a lot here, that's why.
I tried to keep things down to basic, every day products, but also included some of the products I use occasionally or to treat a specific issue. (And the pic above is the actual shelf of everything in my toolbox. #shelfie)
So, let's get into it!
MORNING ROUTINE
I have been using the oil cleansing method for years now, and loving it. (Actually, I use oils for the majority of my skincare, and it has actually normalized my oily skin, instead of making it more oily).
My current favorite oil cleanser is this one from Juice Beauty. (I also used this "paleo friendly" oil cleanser from FATCO for many years and still love it, if you wanted another recommendation). I use about one pump onto my dry hands and then rub it on my dry face, and then take my trusty Clarisonic to continue to massage it in.
Then I use a warm, damp washcloth to wipe it off, and voila! Clean, happy skin.
I follow up with the Age Defy Serum from Juice Beauty, and put a few drops all over my face, neck and chest, and let that dry and soak in as much as I can.
Then I go in with my daily moisturizer: The Ultimate Miracle Worker from Philosophy. It keeps my face hydrated all day without being greasy, it has SPF and helps fight against sun damage and wrinkles.
NIGHT TIME ROUTINE
If it's a normal day and I don't have much makeup on at the end of the day, I start my nighttime routine the same way: by pumping the Juice Beauty Cleansing Oil onto my dry hands and rubbing it all over my (dry) face. Sometimes I use the Clarisonic again at night, but usually just go right in with a warm washcloth to wipe the oil off and cleanse. (If I am wearing a full face of makeup, I use a makeup removing towelette all over, first, then cleanse).
About once or twice a week I will use an exfoliator, and I actually combine it with my oil cleanser and put it right onto dry skin as well. I have been loving this exfoliator from Murad.
If I trained that day, I will give my skin a once (or twice) over of this alcohol free toner, on a cotton pad, to just be sure the sweat and grime is off. I'll remove any lingering eye makeup with a quick swipe of the makeup remover towelettes around the eye area, and then start going in with the lotions and potions!
I start with my daily dose of this mandelic acid serum from Vivant Skincare, which I have found has completely stopped any sort of breakouts. I might get a rogue pimple here or there (usually when I'm PMS'ing, TYSM), but it has had a big impact on the regular little breakouts I used to get.
Then I apply my nighttime moisturizer, which I will be honest, I usually switch up. I have 2 or 3 that I alternate between, depending on how my skin is feeling and looking, and what I feel it needs.
This Biossance squalane and vitamin C oil is my standard go to. I'll be honest I just love how glowy my skin looks after putting an oil treatment on it!
I have also used and loved a similar oil, developed by Real Food Liz: the Primal Life Organics C-Ex Vitamin C Oil. This is a high octane vitamin c oil, and is another "paleo friendly" option.
Some nights, when I'm feeling fancy af, I take out the nice stuff and hydrate my skin like it's never been hydrated before. This was actually a gift, but it's seriously amazing and I will be repurchasing it when I run out! (And it lasts forever, because you only need the tinest amount): The Edward Bess Black Sea cream.
I used to fear major hydration because I thought it would only clog my pores and/or make my skin more oily, but hydration is now the name of my game, especially now that I'm in my 30s. (Another favorite ultra hydrating nighttime moisturizer is this one from FATCO)
SPECIAL SAUCE
For those times I have a pimple, dull skin, or dealing with scarring/discoloration (from said pimple), these are the things I reach for to get my skin back in tip top condition in no time.
My hands down, all time favorite, most effective and powerful zit killer is Tea Tree Oil. But I will be sure to tell you: please do your own research on this and test it out, carefully. Some people do not react well to this oil, and even those who tolerate it can be burned by it -- it's potent af. So I moisten the end of a Q-tip with water, then dip it into the oil to dilute it. Then I dab it right onto the zit, and sleep with it on.
If I am dealing with the aftermath of a zit and have some scarring or discoloration, nothin makes that shit go away faster than Murad's Rapid Age Spot Lightening Serum. (I put this on after the Vivant serum and before moisture).
If things are just feeling dull, or if it's been a while, I go in with the Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Peel pads and this stuff is amazing. It can sting, yes, but my skin instantly looks fresh, glowing, radiant, and smooth. Generally I try to use these every other night, but sometimes it's more like once a week or when I remember. But these are AWESOME.
And with about the same regularity as above, I use this Neck Lifting Cream from Juice Beauty- I just rub it all over my neck and chest and actually really do feel like it works. But the bonus is it kind of just feels nice.
Pro tip: no matter what lotions and potions you're putting on your face, always bring it down your neck and even your chest if you can, and rub any excess onto the back of your hands.
That's it! I still plan on doing a video for you guys at some point: maybe some more info on oil cleansing, or maybe talking about my favorite masks? What do you want to know more about?
And don't forget to check out my monthly Favorites series where I always share any other products I'm currently trying and loving!
And of course I always have links to ALL my favorite stuff, from books to supplements to kitchen goods & more in my SHOP page.
What are YOU currently using and loving?! I always love to try new things so let me know what you're into these days!
Note: this blog post may contain affiliate links, which help me run my blog.
More BEAUTY posts:
August Favorites: What I'm Obsessed With Right Now
How is it September already, someone please help me understand?! This summer flew by, partly because I was hard at work on my upcoming food and mindset course, THE NUTRITION LAB (more details coming REAL soon!), but also because, well, what summer doesn't seem to fly by? Here's the stuff that I've been really into lately, from the gym to the kitchen to home to office and more. Enjoy!
GYM
HANDS DOWN the best protein I've ever tasted. I've always been a fan of their products and used their protein for years, but after doing the Vanilla for a few months, I switched back to chocolate, and this stuff tastes like straight YooHoo. Just rich, chocolatey goodness.
It's only 3 ingredients, it's made by a rad company, and I truly can't get enough!
P.S. Use code SHETHRIVES for 10% off your order!
WHO EVEN AM I THO. If you told me two years ago that I would actually enjoy a spin class, I would have laughed right in your face. But here we are, folks. If you're local to Seattle, this place is worth popping in and checking out.
It's got a more personal and less intimidating vibe than some of the bigger box cycle studios, is squeaky clean and ultra modern, and the staff is awesome. Oh yeah and you're guaranteed to get s great sweat sesh in to boot!
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
New shoes alert! I just got myself pair of these new Nano 7 Weaves because I heard so much great stuff about them.
After wearing them and breaking them in for about a month, I can say that YES, I agree with the hype.
Super sturdy and flat (great for box jumps, deads, barbell work, etc, not so great for running), and comfy, which is really all I ever care about, let's be honest.
Bonus! Reebok is currently running a Labor Day sale! Use code SAVEMORE at checkout.
BEAUTY & SKINCARE
I was way slow on the uptake with this one. it seems like the whole world already has this, but I still wanted to share, because I do truly love it!
This little gadget gets your skin cleaner than clean, and the best part is that it properly preps your skin for absorption of those expensive lotions and potions that go on after cleansing-- it really lets them sink in and do their job.
I can definitely tell when I've gone a while without using this, so I try to use it once a day!
Sometimes concealers with good coverage end up being extra drying and making your delicate under eyes not so happy, but more moisturizing concealers either don't cover well or slip and slide all over your face.
This concealer is the best of both worlds: ultra silky and hydrating, but stays put and has great coverage.
Just bought myself a new tube today, actually! Love this stuff and highly recommend. (I wear the shade Fair)
FOOD & KITCHEN
Ok so I know I included this a couple months ago, but! Back then you could only buy these blends as a set, and you can NOW buy them individually. Yippee!
If you follow me on Snap or Instagram, you KNOW how much I use these blends. They are seriously awesome for making quick, simple meals taste like a million bucks.
My favorite flavors are Diner (for eggs), Mega Med (for chicken and tuna salad), and Greek (for salad dressings and other bright punchy flavor combos).
So I've developed a serious popcorn snacking habit, and it's delicious. I was eating Boom Chicka Pop brand for a while, until I realized that, hey, I'm eating an awful lot of this, and I don't like consuming that much seed oil or industrial oil, so maybe let's find an alternative?
This popcorn is made with avocado oil (yay!) and it's delicious to boot! (They also make a coconut oil version but I don't love that one). And just like that, my popcorn game just got a whole lot healthier.
That's it! What are you obsessed with these days? Anything out there I need to try? Let me know in the comments!
And remember that you can always check out my all-time favorites (read: ride or die, go-to products) and recommendations from everything from skincare to cookbooks in my shop tab!
Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, which pay me a small percentage if you purchase the item. These links allow me to run this blog, so I appreciate your support!
MORE FAVORITES:
July Favorites: What I'm Obsessed With Right Now
Hey friends and happy August! Can you believe next month is September already?! *Cry face emoji* But! I have lots of exciting things coming your way in the next 2 months that I can't wait to share with you, so stay tuned for that (you're on my mailing list, right? Right?!). July was a crazy month; I worked a ton and traveled a lot, so most of these items reflect that- let's get right in!
NEW FEATURE ALERT! I am now making audio recordings of all my blog posts, so you guys can listen on the go, if that's more convenient for you. This specific post is not super conducive to audio (works better as a blog post with the links and images), but I made a recording for you anyway.
I will also be adding audio files to most (or all!) of my posts retroactively, and hopefully getting them up to iTunes at some point so you can consume all this goodness like a podcast. I'll keep you posted on that!
My latest post on Travel Tips & staying on track while on the go has an audio version available now, so if you haven't read that one yet, go read it or give it a listen!
GYM
I meannnnn do you SEE my gunz?! Most of you know that I've been doing a hypertrophy program called the Bigness Project for the last 15 weeks, and at the end of July I completed the program, and I haven't stopped flexing since. I really loved it. So much so that I think I am going to start it all over again from the beginning asap, and get extra big and then have to walk through doorways sideways and rip the arms on my leather jacket, which has always been a dream.
If you're curious or want to learn about more of what it is, I did a big write up of it here that you should check out!
Though I don't own this specific set, I think owning your own bands is a great idea, especially for traveling and at-home workouts; I brought my own seat with me on my recent road trip and was able to use them for quick, on-the-go style workouts. You can get very creative with these things and find a million ways to recreate your favorite weight/dumbbell exercises from pretty much anywhere. They're affordable, light, small, and pack a punch when used right. Definitely recommend owning a few!
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
I get asked about a camo hoodie I wear a lot on Snapchat, and though this isn't exactly the same one, I think it's reeeallly fucking close. (It might even be the same? I don't know!). I bought mine from the Miir HQ in Seattle, and can't find it anywhere on the internet for you! *Sad face* But again, this is close. Very very close. Maybe even the same. Hard to say. I got mine in a few sizes up (L) so it's extra cozy (recommended) and my snapfam knows I basically live in it.
BEAUTY & SKINCARE
This is a liquid highlighter (think dabbed on your cheekbones and above your brows, or on your shoulders and collarbone), and it's basically mercury: Liquid metal. And it sllaayyyys. (It's not really mercury. But it really slays). It creates the most intense glow EVER with just a fraction of a drop. I'm in love and completely and totally obsessed, and if you see me coming from a mile away, THIS is why. *flips hair*
These little pads are like an at-home, more mild version of a fancy person peel you'd get at the dermatologist's office. They leave your skin tingling and fresh, and even though they recommend you use them every day, I only use them about every other day or every two days, and I can still notice quite a difference in my skin. Smoother, brighter, more glowy, and dark spots lightened. I'm digging the and will definitely re-buy whenever I get to the bottom!
This is just about the most fun you can have with eyeshadow. ALL THE SPARKLES. It's sort of a cream (as you can tell by the applicator), but it dries as a shadow, it's SUPER glittery and I fuckin love it.
This plus the Iconic London Illuminator will pretty much turn you into a sunset glowy disco ball and I WANT ALL OF IT.
I'm thinking about doing tutorial with this soon... is that something you'd be into? Let a sister know!
FOOD & KITCHEN
So I actually gifted this to my husband last Christmas since we got into espresso on our honeymoon last May, but I have really started using it a ton as of late. My go-to drink is a "shot in the dark", or a cup of coffee with a shot of espresso, (hot or cold), and this has been making that happen for me every day at home. It doesn't take up a lot of counter space (of which we do not have a ton), is sleek looking and easy to clean. It also has a milk frother that can froth milk either hot OR cold, so it's basically a Starbucks in my kitchen, and the thing has more than paid for itself already, even though it's pretty affordable as these gadgets go. Highly recommend!
HOUSE & HOME
For when you want to walk around with a boombox on your shoulder but ain't nobody got time fo' that. This little speaker packs a punch: it gets loud, the battery lasts a long time (8 hours I think), it is waterproof and sort of has a rubbery (read: drop-proof) feel to it, and my husband and I have been toting it around everywhere lately: cooking dinner, working outside on the house, and we even used it in the car on our road trip when the car speakers randomly broke (yay!). Definitely a great little summer accessory, functioning car speakers or not.
Ok so this was in my June favorites, BUT! SO many people have continued to ask me about this over the last moth that I thought I'd include it again!
Listen: I could tell you about how it makes your phone easier to hold, how you can prop it up to watch videos and shows, or how it attaches to your car dashboard, but all you really need to know is it makes taking selfies 1000% easier and so yes you need dis.
This bendy lil guy is quite the upgrade from the propped-against-my-water-bottle filming standard I've had for years. If you film any of your lifts in the gym, vlog, or just like to record fun stuff at home, this is a great tool to have! It also comes with remote a (bluetooth) shutter that I haven't tried yet. But the whole kit and caboodle is under $15, so not so bad, right?
That's it! What are you obsessed with these days? Anything out there I need to try? Let me know in the comments!
And remember that you can always check out my all-time favorites (read: ride or die, go-to products) and recommendations from everything from skincare to cookbooks in my shop tab!
Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, which pay me a small percentage if you purchase the item. These links allow me to run this blog, so I appreciate your support!
MORE FAVORITES:
June Favorites: What I'm Obsessed With Right Now
Hey friends and happy July! At the request of my readers, I am starting a new monthly series on the blog where I share my current favorite things. Items range from skincare and makeup, to household and kitchen ware, to foods and snacks. So without further ado, let's get right into it!
GYM & CLOTHING
Lululemon Wunder Under High Rise
I get asked about these pants ALL THE TIME on the 'gram, and they are my favorite! These high rise Wunder Unders come in a few different fabrics and lengths, so be sure to try them all to find what works best for what you're looking for. But yea, these are amazeballs.
Forever 21 Swim
You guys, I'm not lion, F21 swim is pretty decent. I honestly can't stand the stores, but find myself going back time after time, and especially this time of year. I'm not down with companies charging $80+ each for bikini separates (WTF), and it can be so hard to find cute bathing suits that are on the cheaper side. I remember back in the day Target used to have the market cornered on this, but F21 has taken the lead, IMO. Really cute stuff, a price point I can get down with. Drawback: these suits really only last about 1, maybe 2 summers.
BEAUTY & MAKEUP
Living Proof Dry Shampoo
This is the BEST dry shampoo in the game. TRUST.
NYX Liquid Illuminator in Pure Gold
I shared this on my Instagram recently and for good reason- it's a great way to add a little summery, bronzey sun to your cheekbones. I'll dab a little bit o my cheekbones, temples, and bridge of my nose, either with my finger or a damp beauty blender. Extra bonus: It's affordable!
Laura Gellar Highlighter in Gilded Honey
I've been mostly into cream highlighters for my easy every day makeup lately, but when I'm looking for that highlight you can see from space, I'll dust this on on top of the creams. This is the perfect shade for summer and I love the formula.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Morocco
Such a fun, vibrant, summery red, that's affordable to boot! It looks so good with bronzy, tan skin, and is such a flattering shade of red (the orange undertones make your teeth look whiter). I'll be doing a makeup tutorial with this color soon so stay tuned for that!
FOOD & KITCHEN
Balanced Bites Spice Blends from Diane Sanfilippo
I have been using these wayyyy more than I thought I would (and I thought I'd be using them a lot). One of these blends seems to make it into almost everything I'm making these days, and with good reason. They are really unique and punchy flavor blends that add a great kick to any meal. My favorites are Diner (especially on eggs), Mega Med (I put it in tuna or chicken salad, among other things), and Smoky (just adds a great depth of flavor to pretty much anything).
HOUSE & HOME
Gretchen Rubin's Books
It's no secret I've been way obsessed with the author Gretchen Rubin lately. Her books are a wonderful study in self-knowledge, efficiency, time management, habit and goal setting, and general pursuit of a happier life. Highly recommend.
P.S. Search #shethrivesbookclub on the gram for more of my recommended reads.
PopSocket
I'm sure you've seen these things before but wondered what they are, and I recently got one and I'm pretty obsessed. It's a little thing you stick to the back of your phone that sits pretty flat, until you pull it out (like shown in the photo), and it basically acts as a handle for your phone. It makes taking photos (selfies in particular, no shame here) way easier, and it also props up your phone horizontally on any surface, which is great for watching videos. A cheap add on accessory allows you to clip your phone to your dashboard for easy hands-free map viewing, and they come in a zillion colors. Worth it.
Safari Dual-Sided, Stainless Steel Shedding Blade
As you may know (especially if you follow me on Snapchat), we have two English Setter dogs, and they are the loves of our lives, but HOLY SHIT do they shed! I am constantly lint rolling all my clothes, brushing hair off our couches and furniture, sweeping the house, and still I can't stay on top of their ridiculous shedding. Enter: this thingy. I guess these types of brushes are actually designed for horses, but man alive do they work to de-shed and get rid of excess doggie hairs. Also, both our dogs generally hide when they see their regular brush coming their way, but they actually seem to enjoy this one, so win/win. (Pro tip: Use this outside!)
That's it! What are you obsessed with these days? Anything out there I need to try? Let me know in the comments! And hey, HAPPY JULY!
And remember that you can always check out my all-time favorites (read: ride or die, go-to products) and recommendations from everything from skincare to cookbooks in my shop tab!
Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, which pay me a small percentage if you purchase the item. These links allow me to run this blog, so I appreciate your support!
My current obsessions from bathroom to kitchen stuff and beyond: plastic free, low/no waste, and eco-friendly.