Monday Memo No. 187
My long-awaited hair tutorial, swimsuits that you’ll actually want to wear and a a non-chocolate Easter basket stuffer. But also a chocolate one, I’m not a monster.
My Long-Awaited Hair Tutorial
I finally made good on my promises and posted a hair tutorial. I linked all of the products I use in the HAIR TUTORIAL highlight on my Instagram profile, but here’s a quick rundown:- I start by drying my hair in this lightweight, antimicrobial hair wrap towel.
- Then I apply Olaplex bonding oil for heat protection and shine.
- Next, it’s time for my secret weapon for lasting volume: Aveda volumizing tonic (once you get addicted to it, and mark my words you will, invest in the bulk refill).
- Then, a little styling foam, which is great for boosting volume without weighing your hair down.
- While I love the Dyson AirWrap for reviving day two hair, this hair dryer works best for me right out of the shower.
- Next, a spritz of this dry shampoo at the roots followed by a bit of hairspray.
- Brush through with my all-time favorite hairbrush from Mason Pearson and then it’s time for the headliner: these T3 hot rollers which I use with these clips instead of the plastic clamps that come with them.
- Finally, I finish it all off with this texturizing spray from Color Wow and a little more hairspray.
Power Crunch Protein Bars
I joked in my hair tutorial video about sharing my favorite protein bars and how no one cares except everyone in my comments and DMs really did care. So, for those wondering, I love the Power Crunch protein bars, but SPECIFICALLY (and only) the peanut butter cream flavor. These are light and crunchy and packed with 13g of whey protein. The nutrition facts refer to the serving size as “1 cookie” (because they taste as good as cookies), but these protein bars only have 6g of sugar.
Tinted Brow Gel
When the star is out sick in theater, they send in the understudy. Sometimes when I run out of a product, I also take chances on an unknown replacement. (Sorry for being wild and spontaneous!) When I ran out of my trusty Gimme Brow gel from Benefit, I decided to try this tinted brow gel from NYX which is *checks notes* less than $10. I’ve been using it the past few months and I think it’s actually a permanent replacement. Gimme Brow, take a bow. Although it’s called “brow glue” this formula isn’t sticky at all, but it does live up to its name in that it holds my brows in place all day. It comes in five shades, including clear. I use the taupe.
Destree Gunther Bag
I could not be more obsessed with this bag from French brand Destree. The braided satin against the smooth leather is like a little sculpture you can store your phone and wallet in. It can be worn with a shoulder strap or as a handbag. I ordered the beige colorway but the black is so good too. And gahhh, Destree also makes it in blue, red and tobacco. This bag is art and who am I if not a patron of the arts?
Electric Shoe Dryer
We’ve sprung forward and I can feel warmer days on the horizon, but there are still plenty of showers to get through before all those flowers. If you’ve been caught in a storm or have children who love to puddle jump (thanks, Peppa), you will appreciate the genius that is this shoe dryer. The heating coil and motor inside remove dampness and neutralize odors by blasting warm (not hot) air into your shoes. And the temperature control prevents damage. Whether you’ve got rain boots, soccer cleats—even ski gloves—this dryer is quick and safe to use on most materials (leather, fleece, rubber, etc.).
Microwave Splatter Cover
Has reheating leftovers ever left your microwave looking like a Jackson Pollock painting? Instead of serving marinara, it’s serving crime scene? This microwave splatter cover not only keeps the inside of your microwave clean, it’s got a water tank that keeps your food from drying out when reheated. It’s BPA-free and sized to fit a range of plates, bowls and microwaves. We leave ours right in the microwave!
Toddler Green Light Alarm Clock
I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that this Mella sleep-training alarm clock from Little Hippo has changed (saved?) our lives. The clock has six neon colors and facial expressions that teach little ones when it’s bedtime and wake-up time. However, the Mella is not only an alarm clock, it’s a night light, sound machine and nap timer all in one. Up to a half hour before wake up time, the clock displays a yellow light, which signals your children to play quietly until the light turns green. The girls will literally not get out of bed until this thing is green, which is a far cry from the days I’d be awakened at 4:00 am by a wide-awake toddler placing an order for waffles.
Inlay End Table
I have begun working on redecorating our primary bedroom because why should the girls room have all the fun? I’ll share more as it takes shape, but this inlay side table just arrived and it’s so beautiful IRL I simply couldn’t wait to share it. I ordered it from an Etsy seller in India who makes bone inlay and mother of pearl furniture by hand, so not only does this table come in two different sizes, it can be customized with other colors and details to fulfill your exact vision. When in doubt, find it on Etsy.
Kitsch Flat Lay Clips
I love a butterfly clip but God forbid your head hits a headboard or grazes the back of a chair, you get stabbed in the skull. That’s where my obsession with these flat-lay claw clips from Kitsch began. These clips, which come in packs of two, have the same ease of use as butterfly clips, but are so much more comfortable, especially if you think you might find yourself on a plane, train or automobile.
Stagg Electric Kettle
This electric kettle from Stagg is a cult favorite but I just got a new one for my bathroom so I can make tea in the morning or evening without going down to the kitchen. It has changed my life, and not just because it’s made me feel 40% more British. The base display has an LCD screen that tracks the heating for pitch perfect temperature every time. And, it comes in a ton of sleek colors that I’ve discovered look as good in bathrooms as they do in kitchens because tea time is anytime when you have this kettle.
Stylest Swimsuits
I’ve had three children in the last four years and I can think of few things I want to do less than shop for swimsuits. That’s why the women behind Stylest created a line of swimsuits that meet the needs of actual women. Their website focuses on fit preferences for sculpt, swim and style so you not only look good, you feel good. Their best-selling swimsuits are made with a compressive fabric that’s as much swimsuit as it is shapewear and they were the first to develop of a swim bra! I especially love their Dreamsculpt™ puff sleeve zip and coordinating swim belt, which comes in eight colors and sizing from XS to 2X.
Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream
I didn’t think this day cream from Clarins could get better and then they went and reformulated it. Like many of the working moms I know, this cream is a killer multi-tasker: it moisturizes, targets fine lines, smooths skin texture and remembers to RSVP to every single birthday party. Clarins’ blend of Niacinamide and their new Organic Sea Holly bio-extract supercharges this cream to strengthen the skin, giving it a silky, hydrated glow.
Kinetic Sand Easter Eggs
Every Easter, I try to find a few non-chocolate Easter basket stuffers. It’s not like I’m filling their Easter baskets with celery, but if I can sneak a creative craft in along with some sweets, that’s a win. This year, I discovered these pre-filled Easter eggs with colorful kinetic sand in them. Kinetic sand is fun to squish and mix colors together and because it sticks together, there’s no mess.
DIY Chocolate Egg Kit
Okay, forget what I said about non-chocolate Easter basket stuffers and allow me to introduce you to these DIY chocolate eggs. This kit from Uncommon Goods provides all the ingredients to make twelve hollow, dark-chocolate eggs that can be filled with Wiley Wallaby Fruitrageous Drops (or candy of your choice). Once the molds set, you and your children can decorate them with white chocolate and sanding sugar. Honestly, this chocolate egg kit is like Easter’s answer to making gingerbread houses.
Stoneware Cappuccino Mug
Maybe I’ve been binge watching too much For The Love Of Kitchens and DeVOL has hijacked my brain but I need this cappuccino mug from CB2. The glazed stoneware was crafted in Portugal and each mug, sized smaller for cappuccinos, has unique variations in gorgeous coloring. I think Helen and Paul would approve!
Spanx Striped Tee
Has a more perfect striped tee than this AirEssentials boat neck tee from Spanx ever existed? Seriously, the AirEssentials line from Spanx keeps topping itself — this long-sleeved boat neck beauty is made from the same stretchy, breathable fabric as the rest of the AirEssentials line. This tee comes in black stripes, red stripes and solid black and white. I’ll take one of each, thank you. Don’t forget to use MARYOXSPANX for 10% off sitewide.
Scalloped Lavender Dinner Plates
Nothing says Spring has sprung quite like an Easter tablescape and these gorgeous dinner plates from Anthropologie have me in full swoon with their scalloped petal edges. I love this sweet lavender, but they also come in white, coral and green and would be fun to mix and match.
Scalloped Throw Pillow
I must be in my scallop era, because I’m living for these scalloped throw pillows from Candelabra Home. They’re made from a mix of linen and plush velvet and they come in six absolutely gorgeous color combinations. I especially love the cream-rust shade, and since they’re on sale for under $40, I’d say it’s kitten rules: best to get two so they don’t get lonely.
Typology Exfoliating Lip Trio
This lip trio from Typology Paris includes a resurfacing peel, a repairing mask and tinted lip oil and somehow it keeps my lips in equilibrium — especially in the winter when my lips get super dry and peely. The exfoliating ingredients in the resurfacing peel remove dead skin cells, leaving your lips soft and smooth. The mask is packed with hyaluronic acid. And, the tinted oil, which comes in five shades, is enriched with squalene, jojoba oil and vitamin E. On no-makeup-makeup days I do this (just adding a little lip liner with the tinted oil) et voilà!
Corduroy Fabric Letters
If you’re looking for an adorable baby gift or some nursery décor, check out these corduroy fabric letters. They’re about eight inches high and any letter or number can be personalized in fifteen soft corduroy colors. Whether you give a single letter as a gift or spell out a whole name, they’re simply so C-U-T-E!
Rag & Bone Striped Hat
Whether you’ve got plans for spring break or are dreaming of summertime getaways, this woven raffia hat from Rag & Bone is one of the chicest ways to protect yourself from the sun. The striped pattern is so cute and because it’s woven raffia, it folds up and packs well in suitcases. It’s also available in more sizing here.
Jumbo Chiffon Scrunchies
These oversized chiffon scrunchies from Free People have been a long-time favorite, but I wore one at the end of a French braid last week and got stopped TWICE by people asking where it was from. So I must tell the people it’s from Free People! They offer great hold without creasing and in eleven bold colors, they’re a fun way to add flair to your hair.
Wireless Label Maker
This Bluetooth label maker comes recommended via Lydia Millen and I will be sending her a thank you card with a personalized label on it. This office must-have is portable, inkless and pairs with an app for all of your personalized label-printing needs.
Julia Amory Betty Dress
I absolutely adore the silhouette of this Betty dress from Julia Amory. With cap sleeves, a tea length and cinched waist, this is an ultra flattering dress in the perfect cotton that will keep you comfortable without sacrificing polish. In addition to solid black, the Betty dress also comes in two of the brand’s signature batik patchwork block prints: black and white and ballet pink.
One response to “Monday Memo No. 187”
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So happy you’re back—I’ve missed your blog (not that you’ve been busy or anything)!
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