Are anyone else’s kids completely geeking out over the fact that Halloween is next week? We’ve had quite the countdown going on over here. Hailey decided to be a witch for the second year in a row and Kaitlyn is going to be Tiana. I made her confirm multiple times since it switched between princesses, but now I have a green sparkly dress headed our way so it’s too late to change her mind now. Halloween is clearly my girls’ favorite thing about October, and to go along with the theme, here are some things I’m loving lately too!
Primal Kitchen Honey Mustard– At a recent girls’ dinner, my friend Courtney (basically my healthy eating muse) told me she’s been putting this honey mustard dressing on everything. Since I’ve been eating more grain and veggie bowls, I’ve wanted to try some new sauces to keep things tasty and interesting. This one is zesty, without being too spicy, and definitely a keeper! It’s paleo approved and while I snagged it at Whole Foods, you can get in online and I might try this two-bottle option with the Greek vinaigrette too next time. Can anyone vouch for the Greek?
Finding My Personal Style and Embracing It– I have several items in my closet that are SO cute and on trend, yet I never (ever) wear them. The truth is I always choose comfort. That doesn’t always mean over-sized sweatshirts, but I’ve been focused more on what I think works on me and what is comfortable rather than just what may be in style. Example: I don’t think I can do flared jeans.
I bought this Jersey Knit Swing Dress (SP) in garnet, but it’s available in several colors and patterns and it is ridiculously comfortable. (Necklace is from Stitch Fix)
While I was wearing it for the above photo opp, I was asked twice where I got it, and was so excited to tell people that it was less than $30!
Also, these tassel booties are going to be a solid staple for me through fall and winter. They are so easy to walk in, tall enough to get me some height, but I can mom all day long in them too. I wore them with this top and brought along my favorite Target bag (which has become my day to day bag) on our recent evening out in Blowing Rock.
I’ve also had multiple people on instagram ask about my initial necklace with the girls’ initials engraved (above). David got it for me for Mother’s Day. This necklace is very similar to what I have and I wear it almost everyday!
Finding Kid Learning Activities on Instagram– Do y’all search hashtags on insta? I feel like some people think they are just annoying add-ons to posts, but I have found some really neat accounts aligned with my interests by clicking and perusing through hashtags. Creative and Growing Kids always offers me a dose on inspiration and I loved this clock activity!
Watching My Kids Sleep- It’s hard to sneak in and peek at Hailey because she prefers the top bunk of her bed, but Kaitlyn is easy to check in on before I go to bed. I kind of want to snap pictures every night and make an entire coffee table book out of them. Would that be creepy? She’s always in the funniest poses and last night she had taken off her pajamas and put on an Elsa dress to sleep in instead. Kids are seriously the best.
Seasonal Food Items- I don’t usually go overboard with seasonal flavors, but this Pumpkin Spice Milk caught my eye in the store and I just knew Hailey would get the biggest kick out of it, so I snagged it. It is FREAKING amazing. Of course it is because sugar, but that’s what makes it a treat. I’ve given the girls little cups of it with lunch and have poured a splash or two into my coffee as well.
New Make-Up from Jane Iredale– I’ve been telling you guys about how I’ve been working with the wonderful Terri at Carolina Facial Plastics on my skin for 9 or 10 months now and how I love my skin more than I ever have before. We are even talking about having me do a VI Peel during the winter and sharing that experience with you. I won’t lie, it freaks me out a little bit, but has anyone done one? Would you be interested in seeing the results?
Anyway, my skin has been wonderful, so when Terri suggested I look into trying Jane Iredale make-up, I listened. It’s natural, mineral-based, cruelty-free make-up and I LOVE it. I love the colors, I love the way it feels on my face, and I love the smooth way it goes on (including the eyebrow kit which has been my main focus lately)!
Whether you are local or not, you can email Terri (terri@carolinafacialplastics.com) and she can guide you towards what skin care is right for you and even ship you makeup if you’re interested.
Fall Nail Colors– I usually don’t buy nail polish because it’s expensive, which is hilarious because you know what is more expensive than a $9 bottle? Paying someone to paint your nails for you. After I saw a friend wearing Aurora Berry, I went looking for it, but came up empty handed, so I snagged Mrs Always Right (pictured below) instead. I’m loving the pop of color and if I’m being honest, I kind of like that name too (wink).
Candles- Honestly, I’d love your suggestions on this one. I’m interested in finding some clean burning candles that still smell like fall and winter. Any suggestions? Does such a thing exist? Send them my way please!
Links Worth Sharing
The Gift of Intrinsic Motivation
How to Be Mind Controlled (a snarky video but with some serious nuggets of truth)
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and if you have any good reads of products you are loving, please leave them in the comments. I always love hearing your suggestions!
Angie says
Not sure what you mean by clean candle but Trader Joe’s has a soy pumpkin vanilla candle. Only $3.99 and its in a small tin can. Smells wonderful. I’m not a huge pumpkin person but love this candle. I need to grab more since I’m sure it’s seasonal.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m thinking I need to make the trek to our Trader Joes. I’ve just heard people finding too many amazing things lately and I’m having FOMO π
Lynda says
I love this post!! I have to get some of that honey mustard for rice veggie bowls I love the variety of tips you included. Thank you! Oh that dress and boots are beautiful on youπ
Cristina Rojas says
THAT GARNET DRESS! you look beautiful!!! candles are my jam, i just burn a hodgepodge of em, for fall i just do a mix of bath and body works (i know they are probably not clean) and the cinnamon bark essential oil diffused. but for like christmas- Anthro has their volupsa candles that are INSANE. they smell so strong and theyre so pretty and i hate spending money on myself but those candles are well worth every penny. (and its not like theyre suppa expensive, theyre 28$ and you can get them on sale alot). anyways i saw they have a pretty green tin with like gold specks for xmas- and it smells like a christmas tree! LOVE!
Brittany Dixon says
Why does Anthro have to have SO many amazing things and they are all so expensive?! Haha! I agree though, their candles selection is out of this world! I’m thinking I might have to pick on to splurge on!
Shawna Hannon says
I’ve been obsessed with those Old Navy dresses since last year! I believe I own it in 4 colors now? And I’m eyeing the polka dot one next π For clean and nice smelling candles, I recommend checking out local farmers markets as that is where I have been finding a lot of great candles in my area.
Brittany Dixon says
What a great suggestion! I’ll check out the farmers market π
EmilyS says
I LOVE THE GREEK!!!! Their Ranch is also really yummy!
Brittany Dixon says
Well shoot, now I’m going to go buy them all! π
Nadia says
I’m not sure about “clean candles”, but you could always diffuse essential oils in your home (maybe you already do?). I like Thieves Oil for cold/flu season (it is a blend of clove, cinnamon, rosemary, …). I know there are pine, peppermint, citrus, and other fall/winter essential oils, as well. I am definitely not an oil expert, but I do like to diffuse them in our home!
Laura says
I second the oils. I just bought cardamom oil off Amazon and it smells positively amazing! Other favorites are white fir, juniper, and clove. I’m thinking of making my own basic candles (kits on Amazon) with my favorite oils so I can have exactly what I want.
Dana says
I agree with the oils as well. I use young living and have them diffusing quite often, especially around the fall/winter. But I do love candles too, just something about a candle burning when its cold out just makes it feel extra cozy. We have an organic shop locally here in Pa that sells these amazing smelling clean burning soy candles. Ive always felt the locally made soy candles burned the cleanest π Laura…thinking about making my own as well with the oils…good luck π
Brittany Dixon says
I do have multiple diffusers and oil, but I feel like the scent never fills up the house the same way as a candle, but I’ll try it again! I love the idea of searching farmers markets and local shops for locally made candles! I’ll check into that- thanks ladies!
Brittany Dixon says
Hailey has been BEGGING to make candles since we saw them doing in on our Latta Plantation visit. What a great idea to look into making our own!
Liz says
I check on my son every night before bed and he is the cutest thing ever. Just seeing him sleep makes me fall in love everrrry night. I just want to crawl in his crib and snuggle with him. I’m going to look for that pumpkin spice milk! Promise Land chocolate milk is SO FREAKING GOOD! I never buy it because milk and I don’t get along great but it’s delicious.
montessoriishmom says
I love honey mustard, I must try that one soon! I eat a lot of grain / veggie bowls too and a good sauce is definitely key. My favorite is just tahini mixed with water and lemon juice, so good!
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve always heard such great things about tahini-based sauces but haven’t made many myself. I’m definitely going to try this one- thanks!
Ali says
I need to try that dressing! And that nail polish isππ I hope I can get pictures like that of my daughter someday-so awesome!
Sara says
Do you have any concerns about letting your kiddo dress up as Tiana? We are struggling with whether or not we will let our son go as Maui, and I came across this interesting article today. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a13069023/moana-halloween-costume-racist/?src=socialflowTW&src=socialflowTW
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve read several articles about costume controversy but I have no issue with Kaitlyn being Tiana. In fact, I think it’s kind of wonderful. To me it’s no different that a little girl in China dressing up as Elsa. They are children dressing up like characters they admire for some reason or another, and I think it’s great. I know each parent has to decide how they feel about it though so good luck on your decision!
Kayla says
The Greek Primal Kitchen dressing is great! It has some really nice, strong herbs, which make for a perfect marinade or salad dressing. I adore the Green Goddess and Caesar dressings, which are dairy-free and also made with avocado oil! π Definitely look for those at your local Whole Foods!
Jessica says
My sister got me a candle on Amazon and it.smells.amazing!!! It’s “cleaner” than a lot of options with soy wax and essential oils but also uses synthetic fragrance, which I try to avoid. However, I’m obsessed with the smell! Perfect for fall and a clean scent that does linger a while. And you get a pretty container when it’s used up. https://www.amazon.com/Himalayan-Trading-Post-Tumbler-Grapefruit/dp/B016OL10YI