Alyson’s Obsessions // November

Happy November. We’re one week away from Thanksgiving (holy cow!). Here are a few absolutely totally random things I’m utterly in love with this month.BeautyCounter cream cleanser:  I’m overdue to share my favorite safe skin and beauty regime — I’ve been shifting most of my skin, hair & beauty this way — however can’t resist sharing my love for this face wash (well, and this gentle exfoliator). The cleanser is light weight, slightly creamy and doesn’t dry or irritate my skin. Gentle enough to use over your eyes, leaving your skin super clean. Price wise, it’s comparable to others (actually less than a Sephora find I had been using!), and I’ve had both for a month and they’re both still completely full. A little goes a long way.

Quest bars: YUM! When I need a hearty snack, or candidly don’t have time for lunch, I’ll indulge in one of these power-packed protein bars that mostly have under $200 calories. I love the chocolate chip cookie dough but there are tons of great flavors, most of which taste good (compared to most protein bars). Great that they’re not 300+ calories. This box on Amazon is pretty much the best price around (promise, my friend, Beth, and I have searched everywhere).

Crate & Barrel marble slab: Super cool me always wondered why every blogger is amazing and rich enough to have marble or white countertops. They don’t, they have this slab. Beware, it’s super heavy, but it’s also the most beautiful thing ever. Use it for photos, for cheese or dessert platters, instead of a tray on a coffee table, instead of a trivet on your table, the opportunities are endless. It’s gorgeous. Crate and Barrel by the way has so much good marble; Paper towels and coasters never looked so chic.

Mother tee: part of the “Mother Manifesto,” a cause dedicated to the idea that we all are in this together. #preach. Swear to high above that this is the sofest tee I own, and I adore the curved neck that hangs slightly off the shoulder, with a slouchy flattering fit. Wear to run errands, tucked in to a cute skirt or just as a cozy pj top. It’s such a winner (and supports a great cause!).

ginnybakes cookie snack packs: Ok, gluten free, dessert craving fans (who also need portion control!)… I recently tried these, and while I don’t eat GF, I LOVED them. They seriously don’t taste like cardboard (quite the opposite; they’re delicious) and there was a satisfying number in there for a snack pack. Compelled to shareYou can hopefully find in local stores, or on Amazon here.

The Voice: Anyone else watching this season?! I know they’ve had like 17 seasons but this is the first I’ve watched in earnest and seeing the top 12 announced last week was intense; a few favorites went home but overall, pumped at what’s to come! Tweet or comment or email if you’re equally cool and want to talk favorites.

Arcona beauty pads: I swear I read about these pads on another blog and impulsively hit purchase (well by impulsively, first read a million of the nearly all 5-star reviews) on a recent Nordstrom order. The cranberry toner in this pad wipes off any residue (even when you think your face is totally clean!) while also toning and hydrating. My skin feels so insanely fresh, and the smell is so good, without being overpowering. I literally am craving my evening routine, and it’s so refreshing after the gym. Love that they sell a 10 or 35-pad pack (all free shipping) so you can test first.

Ann Taylor sequin pants: ok, in fairness I haven’t seen these in person but I saw them online and holy cow, OBSESSED. Ann Taylor’s 40 percent Friends & Family runs through today so couldn’t resist sharing. The store has so many good holiday outfits, along with gorgeous winter staples, like this, this and this.