Monday Memo No. 127
Late-summer finds and super smart essentials…
Lovevery Developmental Toys
After a massive amount of Instagram ads singing its praises, I finally ordered a play gym by Lovevery. Okay, Instagram, I get it now! This gym is unique when compared to other plays gyms we’ve tried because not only is it better quality, but it’s specifically geared towards your baby’s developmental stages and believe it or not, not every baby product actually is. I love this brand, and believe me when I say I’m going back for many more of their toys. Every item comes with a guide for parents on how to get the most out of Lovevery products which is so smart and genuinely helpful.
Hatch Restore Sleep Solution (Discount Code)
When I tell you Hatch Restore has changed my life entirely, I mean it. This completely customizable sleep solution is designed to help adults get a restful night’s sleep and WOW does it deliver on its promises. It is essentially everything you need to revamp your sleep cycles and train your body to follow a reliable bedtime routine: a sunrise alarm, sound machine, smart light, meditation app, and alarm clock, all in one smart sleep assistant. Clear off your nightstand, this is all you truly need. As a little bonus, right now through 8/23, you can get $15 off with code ROUTINE!
Vanity Planet Forever Young Hot Cold Facial Wand (Discount Code)
I love a multifunctional skincare tool. This brilliant, very highly rated wand has hot, cold AND sonic functions. Use hot (with or without the sonic vibrations) to help promote good blood flow (I love using this feature at night) and then use the cold option for expert-level depuffing in the morning! The teardrop shape is amazing for getting into those pesky undereye areas and really reducing any swelling after a less-than-ideal night’s sleep. Promo code HOTCOLD will get you 75% off which is a pretty incredible steal.
Verb Energy Bars (Discount Code)
A leisurely, full breakfast with a cup of coffee sounds lovely, but perhaps a bit impractical these days. I’ve been relying on Verb Energy bars to deliver nutrition and energy in one convenient (and delicious!) bar—with zero caffeine crash like we usually get from our favorite morning beverage. I keep the bars around in the morning and afternoons if I feel a slump coming on. They’re 90 calories and have as much caffeine as an espresso. SIGN ME UP. Promo code MARYORTON will get you $15 off your order!
Apostrophe Prescription Skincare (Discount Code)
When it comes to tackling our skin concerns, sometimes, we need something stronger than the ingredients available over-the-counter. However, this means making an appointment with the dermatologist, waiting in waiting rooms, driving to pharmacies, etc. It’s no wonder this item has languished for months on my to-do list. Enter Apostrophe, a personalized skincare service where you connect online with a dermatologist who will virtually assess your skincare concerns and medical history and will then write you a prescription for oral and topical skin medicine—whatever you need. If you’re struggling with acne, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation—you name it—Apostrophe is a godsend and you can use promo code MARY15 for $15 off!
Spanx (Discount Code)
I don’t need to tell you what Spanx has done for shapewear (and human comfort). From their beloved faux leather leggings to any number of wonderproducts carefully concealed under our outfits, it’s a brand we can’t live without at this point. Consider this a friendly reminder that you can always get 10% off at Spanx (plus free shipping) with code MARYOSPANX. I recently purchased this bodysuit because their collection of bodysuits are unbeatable, but if you haven’t tried Spanx’s workout options, it’s time to do so. My most recent favorites are this sports bra and this pair of leggings in “jammy plum.”
Neely & Chloe x Ariel Okin Tote
It’s almost impossible to find just one darling Neely & Chloe product to purchase, but this tote, in particular, had me in full swoon. Aside from having the most darling floral print exterior, the inside is coated to make it extremely easy to wipe clean (parents of the world give thanks) and you can personalize it to make it a thoughtful and adorable gift.
Bev Wine Cans
Not every glass of wine has to be followed by a full bottle. Sometimes you just want a glass or two on a patio at sunset with a good Spotify mix on in the background, you know? Bev creates delicious canned wines that have a slight fizz and zero sugar, so no need to worry about next-day grogginess. I ordered some on a whim a few months ago and am now absolutely HOOKED. I would also suggest this can cooler for particularly warm nights.
Cherry Pitter
It’s one of those things you never think you’ll need until it’s time to feed a toddler cherries and you realize how tedious it is to remove cherry pits with a knife. I initially bought this one which works like a dream, but recently my friend Makeda sent me this style that seems far more efficient for pitting a batch of cherries for pies or salads. Either way, we’re eating more cherries around here and I’m happy about it.
The Kissing Hand Children’s Book
If your children are experiencing separation anxiety around going to school, playdates, daycare, etc., The Kissing Hand is the absolute sweetest, most comforting children’s book. It’s been on Coco’s must-read list every night before bed for the past several weeks and now, anytime she goes somewhere without me, we make “kissing hands” to take with us. I think it’s helping us both equally, actually.
The Kindness Method
If you’re someone who craves new, smarter habits but has difficulty actually, you know, forming them, check out The Kindness Method. This book by Shahroo Izadi helps you strengthen your willpower, sustain your motivation and make lasting change in your life but by way of a little more self-love and kindness than we’re used to. And best of all, it works.
Coco’s Favorite Hair Bows and Hair Ties
I often receive inquiries both online and IRL on Coco’s collection of hair bows. She refuses to leave her room in the morning without her “ponytail and bow” and given my affinity for headbands, this apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. I almost always choose Coco’s bows from this colorful set or this set of white bows, and I secure her ponytails and pigtails with these elastics. I find that they’re perfect because they never break, and work expertly in keeping fine toddler hair in place. Her sister is poised to share her collection any minute now.
Collared Cashmere Sweater
Yes, my mind is already wandering toward fall fashion, and when the clothes are this good can you blame me? I’m obsessed with this sweater and its cloudlike, midweight knit luxury, but also this neckline is really standing out to me for fall. I can’t wait to discover more iterations of this beauty!
Blue and White Chinoiserie Bud Vases
If you’re looking for a sweet accent on essentially any surface in your home, I love a delicate bud vase. These blue and white chinoiserie-style bud vases are one of my greatest Amazon finds to date. If you saw them in person, you would never believe they were so affordable. They look as good as some of my much more expensive antique chinoiserie pieces, at a fraction of the price. You can use them to display a flower or sprig (as part of a centerpiece or alone on an occasional table), but they also look beautiful displayed empty as well.
Baked Farro with Summer Veggies
I love a summer vegetable dish, but I think we’re a bit oversaturated on zucchini breads at the moment. This baked dish celebrates all the best of summer produce in one convenient, family-focused recipe that’s ideal for those moments when you have a ton of produce to use up and no idea what to do with it. Try this for a weeknight option and delight in your leftovers for lunch the next day.
Art Display Easels
I think we forget that we have options for art display—even when we’ve run out of wall space. If you’re looking for a creative, and perhaps more flexible way to show off your art, try an easel! These options for both small and large art pieces from Ballard are incredibly chic—be prepared to tell everyone where you got them.
Staud Square Neck Top
I am so thrilled that Staud is now making their Swell dress in a top version! I’ve loved the shape of the dress, particularly the sleeves and neckline, for so long, I’m absolutely overjoyed that I can wear it with jeans and skirts now, too! This is a brilliant piece for summer-to-fall dressing by the way, and you’ll pull it out again come spring.
Jones Road Beauty
If you haven’t yet been targeted with an Instagram ad for Jones Road Beauty, allow me to introduce you. Jones Road is the newest company from makeup hero Bobbi Brown (who no longer has any association with her namesake brand by the way). Focusing on the absolute essentials made from the cleanest and highest quality ingredients possible, Jones Road is on the lips (both literally and figuratively) of every beauty guru I know these days. In particular, everyone raves about the Miracle Balm, an anywhere product that delivers glow, color, and freshness everywhere you need it. It’s the perfect introductory product when you try the brand for the first time, but I can assure you it’s just the beginning of your love for this line.
Yeti Cooler Ice Pack
We love keeping drinks on ice outdoors when picnicking on the beach, but on particularly hot days it’s more like keeping drinks on… water. Yeti’s “ice” blocks keep everything colder, longer, so drop a few of these in your cooler along with your ice and bask in the need for fewer refills. I know I don’t need to tell you how well the product works because Yeti is involved and they can do no wrong… but look at these ratings!
S’mores Brownies
I know, were there ever two more perfect words smushed (literally) together? This is a brownie recipe that was already perfect on its own, but the incorporation of s’mores components takes it to a level of delight previously unknown. Make a batch or three from this recipe before summer’s over.
Robins Egg Blue Eyelet Dress
The color! I recently ordered this Cara Cara dress for some upcoming occasions. The eyelet fabric is perfect for outdoor celebrations of all kinds and the square neck + puffed sleeve combination make the dress so charming. I also love how the tiered style plays on recent trends, but the dress itself still feels timeless. Overall though, if I’m honest, I bought it for the color. Dreamy.
Cozi Family Organizer App
While the family calendar on the wall in the kitchen is sweet, there’s got to be a more organized, streamlined, and easily updatable way to do things. My family and I are finally getting on the Cozi bandwagon. Everyone I know raves about the app’s ability to keep everything together and organized in one place that can be easily accessed by any member of the family at any time. The Organizer App is simple, free, and soon-to-be an essential in your household—it is in mine.
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