Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

1. Libby App

After COVID lockdown went into place last March, I found myself feverishly reading to distract myself from the pandemic. I was reading two to three books per week some weeks, and quickly found that the cost of buying books was mounting. Even with discounted books from BookBub, I was still spending too much on books that I whipped through in 2 days. That's when I read about Libby, the app that is basically your local library but in e-book form. Once you download the app, you connect your local library membership to it. You can browse all the e-books and audiobooks that your local branch carries and "borrow" them directly from the app. Libby has been a money-saver for me. Not only can I download books at no cost to me, but I can also read new releases for free! There is often a wait time to borrow new releases. I recommend hopping on the app the day the book is released to put it on hold. While you wait for it to become available, read other books that are available. Libby is so convenient, and I love that I can enjoy my favorite hobby without spending a ton of money.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

1. Hü Chocolate Bars - I've been on a quest to find the perfect clean chocolate. Over the course of a few months, I've been trying several brands to find one that tastes as good as conventional chocolate. Finally, after splurging on Hü at Whole Foods (it costs $7 per bar), I had finally found my favorite clean chocolate. Hü is worth every cent. Because it's good chocolate, you're not tempted to scarf down the whole bar in one sitting. One square of chocolate is enough, so the bar lasts for a few days. Bonus: it's available in a variety of delicious flavors with all natural flavorings such as orange and vanilla.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

1. Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks - I like to try different makeup and skincare products, but there is one product to which I am loyal. I swear by Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads. They are so effective and gently and don't tear your eyelashes out. So, when I saw these makeup remover sticks, I thought they'd be great for removing eye liner on your bottom lashes. Well, I was right. They are fantastic. Best part is that the remover is built into the cotton swab, so there's no need for dipping into a separate eye makeup remover.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. 

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

1. Word Connect - It's not often that I download game apps on my phone, but Word Connect is challenging because my mind doesn't work the way the game is designed. But the more I play the game, the better my mind becomes at unscrambling letters to create words. I don't play it everyday, but I like it as a distraction when necessary.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. Here's what I am loving this month.

1. Ritual Vitamins For Women
Since my 30s, I've been taking vitamins regularly. I started out taking Vitamin C regularly and have incrementally increased my daily supplements since then. Each Sunday evening, I fill a pill organizer with my weekly supply of supplements. A few months ago on a particularly grueling Sunday evening when I was pressed for time, I wondered if there was an easier way than taking 6+ pills to get the required nutrients. Sure enough, there is. Ritual vitamins are specifically formulated for women and contain the 9 essential nutrients that women lack the most. They are $30 for a monthly supply (which includes 60 capsules - 2 per day). You can set up auto ship or you can order them at your convenience.

2. TaskRabbit App
When a friend told me about this app, I jumped on it. Basically TaskRabbit allows you to source out tasks that you either don't want to do or simply aren't capable of doing around the house. From moving furniture to carrying large, heavy items to hanging pictures to pretty much anything, TaskRabbit helps you find a tasker in your local area who is for hire to help you.

3. m-61 Hydraboost Body Butter
Despite my best efforts to keep my skin hydrated during the harsh winter months, I never seem to be successful. There are very few moisturizers that hydrate without leaving my skin feeling greasy or filmy. Last time I was in Bluemercury buying my favorite facial moisturizer, I was given an m-61 Hydraboost Body Butter sample. I loved it so much I went back a few days later to buy a full-size tube.

4. A Song A Day
I love discovering new music and singers/songwriters. A Song A Day is like a little present (amid all the junk email) each morning. A team of curators hand picks songs from all different genres and time periods and emails one to you each day. I've discovered countless new artists that I wouldn't have otherwise. And although I can't say that I've loved every song that's been delivered to me, I do love the variety and selection.

5. Trader Joe's Cold Pressed Matcha Green Tea Lemonade
This incredibly refreshing beverage has only 4 ingredients: filtered water, cold pressed lemon juice, manuka honey, and matcha green tea powder. It's both tart and sweet, thanks to the lemon and honey combo. It's also a bit earthy, but matcha generally is.

6. The Christmas Cars Collection at Crate & Barrel
I mean, could you die? I absolutely adore this collection. I bought the trivet, but now I'm thinking that I need to add the spoon rest and the cookie jar too! It's so super cute and festive without being over the top. 

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving.

1. DuoLingo
In college I took a few semesters of French and loved it. While I learned to speak and write basic sentences, I never learned how to speak it fluently but always secretly wished I had. I recently downloaded the app DuoLingo after Emma's high school Spanish teacher recommended it as a means of reinforcing what they learn. You can choose from a variety of languages, and you choose the pace at which you learn. You can spend 10 minutes a day or an hour a day. Whatever works for you.

2. Cote de Roses Rosé
In my opinion, it's always rosé season. With such a wide variety of rosé wines available year round, we have our pick of the litter. Lately, I've discovered this one, and I am wholeheartedly enjoying it. I have to admit that I was enticed by the bottle. As much as I try not to choose a wine based on its label, there are times when I am a sucker for an interesting or fun label. In this case, it wasn't the label but rather the bottle!

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, apps, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. 

1. Graze Snacks
I love a quick grab-and-go snack for directly after my workouts. I am usually feeling famished and somewhat weak, so a quick jolt of protein that isn't overly filling is exactly what I need. Graze snack packs offer exactly that with tons of flavor and what seems like endless varieties. My two favorite are New York Everything Bagel (cheese flavored cashews, poppy seed onion sticks and roasted pumpkin seeds) and Pro Power (black pepper cashews, edamame beans and spicy chickpeas). Find them in your grocery store or order them here.

2. Herban Cowboy's Blossom Deodorant
A few months ago, I officially made the switch to an all-natural, aluminum-free deodorant. It took a little getting used to at first. I had to re-apply it several times per day until my body adjusted to it. But knowing that it's better for me and my body makes any increased effort and cost worth it. There are many, many natural and chemical-free deodorants available. I did some research, but in the end, I chose strictly based on scent, and this one had a slightly fresh floral one that many others lacked.

3. Small Victories Cookbook
This cookbook is full of simple and achievable recipes. It includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert and is full of gorgeous, mouth-watering photos. That's just about all the motivation I need to get in the kitchen and get cooking!

4. Iced Cinnamon Almondmilk Macchiato
It takes a lot to get me to stray from my favorite Starbucks drink: iced white chocolate mocha, but I did when I tried this new concoction. Let's break it down: espresso, almond milk, cinnamon dolce syrup, and caramel drizzled on top. It was a little sweet the first time I had it. I have since ask them to cut down on the cinnamon dolce syrup. But otherwise, this drink is a delicious combination of sweet and creamy.

5. First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Caffeine Matcha Wake Up Wipes
These matcha-infused wipes gently cleanse to whisk away dirt, makeup, and impurities. They also contain caffeine (in the form of matcha) to perk up a tired complexion. I love to use them post-workout because they clear the sweat and makeup (yes, I wear a small amount of makeup to the gym) from my face and also give me that little jolt to look well-rested.

6. Diets Are For Idiots (formerly Simple Steps) App
I downloaded this app in an effort to make a few simple changes to my eating habits (mainly, drink more water). But it has turned out to be a great virtual coach for me. You can set daily and weekly goals for yourself, and they can be as general or as specific as you want. I currently have a goal to drink more water at breakfast since I tend to go for iced tea or orange juice at that time of the day. I'm also trying to get more greens into my meals at breakfast and lunch. It sends reminders so you stay on course and have no excuses and allows you to skip a daily goal only twice in a week's time.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving.

1. Bose® SoundLink® Mini II Bluetooth® Speaker
My husband bought me this speaker for Christmas because he despises the acoustics on my Macbook. I didn't really realize how bad they were until I fired up the speaker. Wow! It delivers incredible sound whether you're listening in your home office, while you shower, or even in the car.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a new monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment that I am loving.

1. Sally Hansen® ManiMatch™ App - Since I almost always have my fingernails painted, it's often difficult to test nail polishes in a store. With this app, you can test any Sally Hansen polish on your nails to see if it's a good match for your skin tone and outfit choice. You'll never buy the wrong shade ever again. Available for iPhone and Android.

2. Marble Party Cups - For the larger parties and gatherings that we host, I like to serve drinks in disposable cups, but those plastic red cups always remind of college fraternity parties. When I came across these pretty marble cups, I ordered a few sets for impromptu drop-ins or planned get togethers where you want to serve a signature drink is an unforgettable vessel.

3. Urban Market Bags - With more and more stores no longer offering bags in an effort to support the environment (yay!), it's essential to have a few bags that you can use for groceries, general shopping, and to corral items around the house. I am loving Urban Market Bags because they are practical, functional, stylish and available in neutral colors rather than busy prints. They are perfect for everyday use.

4. L'Oréal Pure-Clay Face Masks - Lately, I've taken to using face masks once or twice a week to help exfoliate, detoxify, and deep clean my skin. L'Oréal introduced three different types of clay masks each targeted at a specific skin problem or condition.

5. Nielsen-Massey Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract - It's baking season! And what's better than having only the best pure vanilla extract on hand for your favorite cookie recipes? Nothing. This pure vanilla extract has a deep, rich flavor with spicy undertones. It's perfect for hot chocolate!

6. The Brie Platter at The Front Porch Café - Whenever we are in South Beach, we make a point of having brunch at The Front Porch Café. Although you can't go wrong with anything you order, the Brie platter is my all-time favorite (followed by the French toast). It's completely satisfying without being overly filling and has a little bit of everything from cheese to bread to fruit to veggies.

0

Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a new monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment that I am loving.

1. Mini Brie Bites from Trader Joe's - These have become my latest food obsession. Since I love Brie but no one else in my family does, they are the perfect way for me to have my cheese and eat it too. It's real Brie cheese. In a little cup. Just for me.

2. Amanda Knox on Netflix - I have to admit that I wasn't glued to the TV when this story broke years ago, but I am fascinated by the Netflix documentary from the perspective that I learned more about the crime itself and how Italian officials handled the investigation and trial.

3. Clean & Clear Deep Action 60-Second Shower Mask - This steam-activated shower mask offers superb cleansing powers and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and as soft as butter.

4. Cactus Prints - I'm having a major succulent moment. I'm wanting to hoard live succulents, fake ones, and even these adorable prints found on Etsy.

5. Siren Moonlit Orchid Candle - This woodsy candle has a surprisingly light, fresh scent that's utterly addicting. It's the perfect scent for fall and winter.

6. Photoshop Fix - No need to purchase the pricy full Photoshop suite when you can download the Photoshop Fix app for free. I love the basic retouching and restoration features and the easy of sending images from phone to desktop.

0