Monday Memo No. 126
From practical to practically perfect, a jam-packed Monday Memo to kick off the week.
Bondi Sands PURE Self-Tanning Foaming Water
Here’s some sorcery for you, I’ve recently discovered this sunless tanner and I’m obsessed with it for the following reasons: First, it’s a foam consistency product in a revolutionary squeezable bottle (I’ve never seen anything quite like it) which is so much more convenient than a pump. Second, it does NOT have bronzer in the formula and that’s a good thing because there’s nothing to besmudge your sheets and clothing. The absence of bronzer does mean it’s more suitable for those who are fairly adept at applying this stuff, but it’s an easy skill set to master and worth it for the efficacy of this product. FYI this is the #1 best seller in facial self tanning products on Amazon apparently, so you don’t have to just take my word for it.
Oversized Oxford Shirts
Essentially my daily uniform, I initially bought one of these shirts in the pink and white stripe, and found it so comfortable, practical, and stylish that I went back for two more. These shirts are effortless and when breastfeeding and managing two children who are perpetually trying to steal items from my wardrobe and squirrel them away until they can…you know, dress themselves, I really need things to be effortless.
Portable Light-Up Outdoor Speaker
You may think you have your patio situation all sorted out, but until you have a waterproof JBL speaker with color-changing lights, it’s unfinished. This chic and portable speaker gives you 12 hours of playing time before it needs a charge, and it’s a completely effortless way to enjoy music outdoors without the hassle of wiring an exterior system. Also, party lights are just fun.
Maple Bourbon Banana Pudding Cake
If you want to spoil yourself and everyone else in your household, make this recipe. We made it for Father’s Day and it was unbelievably delicious. It’s a banana bread/cake hybrid that’s got a delightful bourbon-y, caramel-y syrup at the bottom. See just typing all this out I feel compelled to make it again. It’s a deceptively easy recipe, so don’t be intimidated by how scrumptious it looks in the pictures!
Essia Ultrasonic Exfoliating Skin Spatula
From a science perspective, this skin spatula (love this term) uses high-frequency, ultrasonic oscillation technology and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to penetrate the skin. From a Mary perspective, IT JUST FEELS AMAZING (and is super effective). The Essia ultrasonic exfoliating spatula is used to essentially give yourself a spa-like facial every time you apply your skincare products. You can use it to exfoliate, moisturize and even lift. I really recommend watching this quick video to learn the proper way to use this incredibly effective tool, since it’s a pretty new approach. I’m in love with mine and I’m always delighted to discover new tech—especially of the skincare-focused variety. If you’re interested, code MXWAND will get you 55% off!
Waterdrop Microdrinks
As we enter prime sweating season, let’s not forget to hydrate. Oh, but wait, drinking water can be SUPER BORING. Never fear. I’ve found a new product that’s helping me hydrate without boring me to tears. Waterdrop is a “microdrink,” or water additive that essentially turns any glass or carafe of water into something even tastier than what you’re served at a spa. It comes in six sugar-free flavors that are packed with healthy vitamins and minerals so you’re hydrating AND nourishing your body. Also, using Waterdrop is literally as easy as dropping it in your glass—no stirring or shaking required. If you use the code MARYO15, you’ll get 15% off your order! Personally, I’d start with their newest Shiro Cherry Blossom flavor that includes caffeine.
Munchkin Step Diaper Pail
I don’t even want you to read another word without clicking on this diaper pail and looking at its reviews. This. Thing. Works. If you’ve got a baby (or babIES) in diapers right now, just cut to the chase and buy literally the best diaper pail on the market. It actually keeps smells where they belong—hidden—and nothing else on the market compares. You don’t exactly want to have to try out a bunch of diaper pails, you just want the one that gets the job done. Trust.
Stair Climber Hamper
You’ve seen me mention this feat of engineering before, but I’ll say it again, this stair climber hamper is a MUST if you have both stairs and children. While it’s rather astounding how much laundry babies can generate in a day, you mind a lot less when your laundry basket climbs the stairs itself. While I’m making a case to Rich for having washer/dryers on every floor, until then, this smart basket is a lifesaver.
Arch Support Slippers
Look, for some of us, comfy shoes are not so comfy. If you love spending the entire day in slippers but hate, you know, foot and lower back pain, these beauties are here to solve your slipper problems. Fluffy, cute, and available in a million colors, these slippers by COFACE have arch support and thick memory foam footbeds so that your feet aren’t doing more work than they need to when you’re doing zero work at all. You cannot beat this affordability for a slipper so thoughtful.
Wiley Wallaby Sourrageous Drops
As far as I’m concerned, there is no other sour candy other than Wiley Wallaby Sourrageous Drops. Like, they can just go ahead and stop making all the other kinds. These little drops of heaven are watermelon, lemon and green apple with a sour candy shell and soft licorice center and what good is it TYPING ABOUT THEM WHEN YOU CAN SNACK? Just purchase, enjoy, and thank me later.
My Eyebrow Routine
If you haven’t seen it yet, definitely check out my post on three products for perfect eyebrows. You’ll want to pay special attention to the Laura Mercier “highlighter” (I put this in quotes because it’s actually a matte product that won’t make you look the least bit sparkly or shiny) because it offers a really natural brightness that’s perfect for the brow area. It gives you a gentle but noticeable lift—look into it.
White Eyelet Maxi Skirt
Cara Cara as a brand is absolutely breathtaking, but I have a special place in my heart (and closet) for this eyelet skirt specifically. You can style it in countless ways during the summer, but the skirt in eyelet pattern ensures it’s never going to be boring—and it’s always going to be timeless. Did you know they make an eyelet hoodie to go with it? Yes I said eyelet hoodie.
Julia Amory x Smockingbird Kids
Is there anything cuter than coordinating your kids? I am kind of losing it over the new Julia Amory x Smockingbird Kids collection. This block-printed, smocked collection is cuteness personified. The women’s shirt dresses are classically chic, and all the little adorable kids’ pieces that coordinate with them ensure that my children will match me all summer long, with or without their approval. But I mean come on, how gorgeous is this collection?! They’ll approve.
Gothic Signet Ring
I have wanted this Maison Irem gothic lettering signet for no less than three years. I think it’s time. Sometimes you want a statement ring that polishes a look without distracting from it, and this is that ring. If typical signets seem a little ho-hum to you, this oversized black-and-gold piece is the one you want.
Sleep Sound Machine
This is for all of us, but perhaps especially for those of us who live in busy, noisy cities. This sleep therapy sound machine with automatic on/off timer and seamless sound looping will help you ignore the noises you don’t want to hear, and fall asleep (and stay asleep) to gentle natural sounds instead. My kids have been using sound machines for nearly the last two years, why have I only just now realized that mommy deserves one, too?!
Name Crayons
This might be the cutest (most useful) gift for kids that I’ve seen in a while. These are custom crayons you can order to spell out the name of the child you’re gifting! Then, of course, they can color to their heart’s content. I love a personalized gift, especially when it’s one I’m confident the kids themselves will love and use. You might want to throw in an oversized pad of paper so that nobody gets any ideas about walls…
My Favorite Amazon Leggings
I’ve lost track of how many Amazon leggings achieve cult followings, and honestly, I’ve also found that most don’t live up to the hype. This pair, however, does. You’re not going to find a better pair at a better price point. They’re comfortable, they come in countless colors, THEY HAVE POCKETS and as with all proper leggings, you want to live in them. I have a feeling their bike shorts are just as genius.
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