What I’m Loving – February 4, 2018

Well, this was supposed to be a post on what products I liked that I came across in January. It is still that, but just being offered up for your information in February. What can I say? Any resolutions I made to get on the ball about these types of things have fallen to the wayside already. But in place of getting things posted to my blog on time, I have incorporated some healthier habits and self-care rituals. It’s an uphill battle, but even small improvements are a step in the right direction!

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Superfood Smoothies Book

Depending on how you look at things, you could say I either started off the year in a great place health-wise or in a terrible place. Having just survived the 24-hour bug in our house, everyone came into the New Year a bit thinner. This, combine with the fact that I got a Ninja blender and Superfood Smoothies book for Christmas led me to commit to one thing to better my health (and to keep those pounds off). I decided to make a smoothie every day during the month of January. I managed to miss only one day, so I think the habit may stick! And while I don’t love every smoothie in this recipe book, it has been a great introduction to smoothies that are actually healthy.

A few notes on this book, though. Getting the initial supplies was a bit pricey, as some are not common ingredients (camu powder and Goji berries, anyone?). But Amazon had me covered, and all needed items arrived within a few days. Also, the author prefers to avoid dairy and other animal products, so you won’t find your typical yogurt and cow’s milk smoothies in here. They are nutrient-dense, for sure. I can say that I have consumed smoothies that contain kale, spinach, apples, and a variety of berries. I feel better, knowing that I am starting my day with something healthy – not a donut or pastry. And I’ve even gotten my toddler to try a few of my creations!

Clothing Subscription Service: Le Tote versus Rent the Runway

I must admit that I am a big fan of Rent the Runway (RTR). I always get excited for weddings or holiday parties, as it gives me a chance to try out a new look. For those that aren’t familiar with RTR, it is a dress rental service. You basically get a dress for a 4- or 8-day period, and then return it in RTR’s packaging – pre-paid label included – at the end of that time. It prevents me from buying a dress for one event, and it’s great for those times I have been in-between sizes or pregnant. RTR now has their Unlimited service, which is meant to provide more everyday-wear options for a flat monthly fee.

• RTR – RTR has always marketed themselves as offering designer brand styles. And for a wedding, that’s great. I have worn Kate Spade and Badgley Mischka. But, so far, I’ve found these ‘designer’ styles a bit too trendy and offbeat for everyday. Additionally, if I want to buy something I’ve worn, the price is still up there, even at a reduced cost for it being used. As an example, a top I wore to work the other day retails for $658, but I can own it for the low price of $592. I didn’t like it THAT much. I tried this service for a month at a reduced cost of $99 (which they offered due to the fact that I am longtime RTR customer). The regular price is $159 per month.

• Le Tote – I actually tried Le Tote’s monthly service before testing out RTR Unlimited. They are $64 a month and I like that their everyday options are actually that – things I’d wear to work or out for drinks with some girlfriends. The items are more practical, and I have been able to keep some, since their price-point is quite a bit lower than RTR. My new favorite cardigan cost about $60 when I decided to keep it.

I’ll probably be cancelling RTR and sticking with Le Tote. If you are someone with a lot of events to attend, then RTR might make sense. For me, it just doesn’t right now.

Emily Ley – Big Boy Memory Book

I fully intended to go on Emily Ley’s site and order myself a fancy 2018 daily planner, one of the items they specialize in. But, as I previously mentioned, I wasn’t exactly on the ball in January and thus missed out on their planners. When I saw that they were sold out, I began to browse around. If you are an office supply junky, they have some cute items – think fancy paper clips, pens and washi tape. Me, not so much. But I did stumble upon the Big Boy Memory Book. This is great for saving your children’s memories after the first year (when even the best baby books start to skimp on the pages they designate for each age). This book gives much more space for your child’s memories, from age 2 to 6, and are available in a style for boys or for girls. Pages such as “A Letter to You,” “Proud Moments,” and “Best Buddies” are included. Oh, and even the box is cute, so these would make a great gift, too!

Emily Ley’s memory books are in three-ring binders, allowing you to move pages around, remove pages and even get add-on pages. I am kind of bummed I didn’t get their baby book. They have add-on pages for infertility, adoption, and other unique circumstances that your average baby memory book doesn’t address.  I could always go back and transfer everything. The kids won’t know the difference 20 years rom now…

PURE Coffee Cup

My husband swears by the YETI travel mugs and coolers, which can be pretty pricey. So, when I received the PURE tumbler as a gift, I wasn’t sure about how it would stack up. Let me just say, I am the slowest coffee drinker in the world. I am accustomed to reheating my Starbucks concoctions several times before I’m done with them. But so far, any drink I’ve had made in my PURE tumbler has stayed warm for hours (yes, you can have your drink made in your own cup at most coffee shops). And the provided lid does a pretty good job of keeping the drink from spilling – it passed my on-the-go stroller test, not to be confused with the jogging stroller test. The price is about the same or slightly less than a YETI tumbler, so it may come down to which brand has the color you like!

Tune in later this month, when I plan to do a review of some photography supplies… I’m really trying to step up my game when it comes to my photography skills.