Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Sarah's Favorite Things

Do you ever wish you had deep pockets like Oprah?  I would love to invite all of my favorite people to a big auditorium and hand out iPads, cars and pashminas. Her "Favorite Things" episode was always THE best.  I don't know why I like it so much... it's pretty much a 45 minute commercial.

Here are some of my 'favorite things' right now (and I am not receiving any compensation or good vibes for endorsing these items.  I just genuinely like them!):

1. Revlon Age Defying Targeted Spot Concealer
I am a big fan of Make-up-Forever concealer.  It's the best hands down.  However at $42 a tube (even though it lasts a really long time) I needed to find an alternative. I'm a casual CVS couponer and was able to get a tube of the Revlon (after coupons) for around $3.50.  I've been so surprised by how much I like it! It's quite creamy and the coverage is almost as good as the Makeup Forever foundation.  The concealer dries really quickly and goes well under other makeup.

2.  My Home Soda Maker

When the Soda Stream came out like 5 years ago, I saw an ad for it in Sky Mall magazine and thought it was the dumbest concept ever.  Why would anyone want to make their own soda when you can easily buy a 2-liter or cans at the store?

Then I got really hooked on flavored sparkling water.  La Croix Lime is my favorite and at $3.99 for a 12-pack, I was adding on at least $15 a month to my grocery bill.  I was able to purchase a discontinued "Primo" Soda Maker for $20 and I LOVE it.  I make tangy soda water at home all day.  Sometimes I get creative and cold brew herbal tea and add carbonation.  It's truly helped me stay more hydrated and drink lower calorie beverages.

3. Etsy

I love supporting small businesses.  Entrepreneurs are some of the bravest, most creative, hard-working people I know.  Etsy is full of creative entrepreneurs with really unique products. 

One of my favorite fashion blogs (http://www.cashmerekangaroo.com/) introduced me to one of my favorite sellers: https://www.etsy.com/shop/iloniti.  The owner of the shop is SO kind and goes out of her way to make happy customers.



4. Albion Bathing Suits

A friend of mine recently introduced me to a cute bathing suit company, Albion Fit.  They make beautiful, well-made modest bathing suits.  After having a baby, the last thing I want to do is parade around in a bathing suit.  Pace got me the Show Stopper for Mothers Day  and it's definitely lessened the blow.

5. The Public Library

You might be thinking... "REALLY?? The library?  The public library doesn't belong on a list with Swarovski earrings and sparkling water".

Trust me, the library is one of America's true hidden gems.  Next week, I will have a special post dedicated to (drumroll, please)... the awesomeness of the public library.