Alyson’s Obsessions // March 2016

Every month this continues to be one of my favorite posts, and I’m thrilled that it’s one of yours, too. I’m all about sharing random bits of information so let me know if there’s anything else you’re looking for over here. This month’s compilation is as random as previous months, with everything from good eats to style to beauty. Funny to think that fries slathered in feta can hold a place close to my heart equal to espadrilles with pineapples or cookie dough I eat by the spoonful but they all do!

So here goes it…

 

Chris’ Taverna: If you live relatively local to me in South Florida get your butt to this spot, ASAP, and get there early. We picked up from here over the weekend and I’m already craving it again. Each table gets served fresh tzaziki and pita, plus the hummus was so fresh, my order of Greek fries (see above with feta on top of fries) are what dreams are made of, and everything else we ate was equally delicious. The super casual place gets PACKED and I can see why my family and everyone else loves it. YUM. (photo credit: Palm Beach Post)

 

Soludos: I’ve been a fan of this espadrilles brand for a few years, first with a cool blue ikat pair and now my new loves, this pineapple pair (more sizes here). I love the flattering ‘smoking slipper’ style of these, and of course, the main feature: pineapples, my favorite fruit! The brand has so many cool styles, stripes, prints, solids, lace-ups (love these!), leather and even cute flamingos, I keep slipping these each weekend with jeans or white denim shorts, and completely plan on wearing them with casual dresses, too, through the summer. Find more styles of Soludos here and here.

 

“Pop” for sight words game: if we’re being honest, my perfectionist daughter struggled with reading at the start of kindergarten. Her comprehension is awesome but she would get frustrated quickly. Practicing sight words is BO-RING so when a teacher tutoring our girl suggested this popcorn game, I quickly ordered (and hey, who doesn’t love an Amazon purchase!). She loves it, which makes homework” so much more fun (or alternatively, at least less painful). Getting sight words down is crucial to reading and we’ve made such great strides. Best $10 I’ve spent in a long time. I just ordered this follow-up game, to keep the momentum going.

 

It! Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores HD Anti-Aging Micro Powder: I quickly apply this translucent powder with a big brush over foundation daily for a flawless airbrushed look. It doesn’t settle into creases, absorbs oil and shine and gives your skin a matte, flawless look. I had been using a similar budget buy, which I now realize was fine enough, however this is a completely elevated version… and not that much more. Plus, it doesn’t have parabens, fragrances or other harmful chemicals. I’ve been really impressed by everything by It! (I now use its CC cream daily), and now with an Ulta nearby where they carry the line, I plan on testing out more.

 

 

Make-up brush cleaner: cleaning your makeup brushes is more than just for hygiene (though that’s really important!); it will make-up look and feel better. Swear. Your brushes will last longer, too, so think of this as an investment so you ultimately spend less. I’m nearly positive I learned about this mat from Kim and it gets your brushes really, really clean. I had always used the palm of my hand but I find this makes the brushes so much more thoroughly clean and does it way faster. I love, love the feeling of applying my make-up the day after I clean my brushes. What a difference.

 

Batterlicious Cookie Dough: grab a spoon, people… Batterlicious hit a home run with this edible, bakeable cookie dough that you can eat it right out of the jar, or bake cookies one at a time. Made without eggs or preservatives, I recently sampled the chocolate chip and loved how it’s rich and satisfying. I admittedly have some self control issues but I’ve been able to hit my after-dinner chocolate craving with a small amount and the screw top lid keeps it fresh (how annoying are some plastic containers where you need to repackage!).  Think this would also be a super fun gift with a set of spoons for spring parties and BBQs.

 

Minted Heart Snapshot Print: shhh, don’t tell the hubs, I’m fully ordering him this for Father’s Day. Maybe it’s the mix that I’ve been coveting this since last year or that I know he wants some new pics around the house but I feel like it’s an awesome win-win. Think it would also make an awesome Mother’s Day gift because I love how it feels like art and how you can share so many memories in one print. I’ve used Minted for family holiday cards but I was recently super impressed after ordering art for our family room… the quality of the art and frame was perfect, and I’m a mega fan of any online company that makes the process easy, visual and customer service oriented (plus, hello, love getting a package in the mail!).