Alyson’s Obsessions // August 2017

Welcome to Alyson’s Obsessions for August (and holy cow, how is later this week already September?!). So, so many good things on my list this month so I’m doing my best to narrow it down, with my favorite in the beauty, fashion, kiddo, etc categories.  And, the image above was taken while I was in Chicago… must confess I’m mural obsessed (fitting for this column 😉 ) and they have so many good ones. Of course Florida girl here HAD to nerd-it-out in front of the flamingo.

 

It Cosmetics CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder: Heading into the fall, the sweet team at It Cosmetics sent me some products to test out — I somehow magically got on its blogger list and continue to purchase on my own many that I first receive — and this will be one of those. I have been using the brand’s CC+ Cream for at least a year or two already but as someone who has always been curious about Bare Minerals I was curious to test this out. You can basically use a thin layer over your foundation/cc cream OR use it as a full-coverage foundation, which I have been doing. I’m OBSESSED. It’s giving me this smooth, airbrushed and even skin tone beyond anything I’ve ever tried. I use it with this brush (there is also a sponge that comes with it). Can’t say enough amazing things about this. Highly suggest. For color reference, I’m using medium; the light was too light. Another new favorite (you might have seen me test it on a recent Facebook live): this all-in-one blush, highlighter, bronzer situation. Incredible depth of color and way easier for travel, too!

 

iPhone case : I’ve been using this case the last month or so and I can’t believe how many compliments I’ve gotten — in addition to how much I love it. It’s the prettiest marbled gemstone and has a little lip on the front to help protect my phone from, well, me! LOL, #clumsy. It’s by a brand called Recovered, available on Nordstrom that also has tons of other cute cases for your phone and computer… and all reasonably priced. (this blouse last seen here)

Helicopter (100% recycled): Evan is plane and helicopter obsessed (I’ll credit my dad’s passion for aviation!) so when I saw this helicopter on Amazon I couldn’t resist the impulse purchase. He LOVES to fly around the house holding it, and has hugged my leg so many times saying, “this is the best gift ever, mommy!” and “this is the best helicowpta I’ve ever had!” Plus, have you guys heard of this brand, Green Toys? I hadn’t but I’m now eyeing these for Evan and future birthday gifts. They’re made of 100 percent recycled plastic, and are dishwasher safe. More of its toys here, all with fantastic reviews.

Tie-front sweatshirt: I recently bought a few things for my kiddos at Gap and wound up adding this to my blue tie-front sweatshirt to my cart to qualify for the free shipping. It’s one of those great transitional summer to fall pieces that in Florida we can wear nearly year-round. I also love it in the ivory color, and in both instances, they’d look equally great paired with white denim now, and black denim later (not sure why Gap paired it with a navy pencil skirt?!). Plus, you seriously have to feel how soft and cozy this is and at under $50, you can imagine the bargain when you take advantage of one of Gap’s many 40 or 50% off promos.

The Home Edit (blog/Instagram): my friend Heather introduced me to The Home Edit on Instagram and I’m pretty addicted to their insane organization abilities and inspiration. It’s tough feeling like you need to spend hundreds and hundreds even just buying containers, but I love how it helps me tackle even one drawer at a time. Plus, you know if Rachel Zoe enlists this Nashville-based organization company to organize her L.A. closet, we can rest assured the rest of us are in good hands. For example, I’m about to order these to organize my clutches that always tend to flop over… genius, and way overdue. Find them on Instagram for major, major inspo.

Hands Are Not for Hitting book: Our little cutie can be a little aggressive (in addition to being the best hugger!) so a doctor suggested to us this series of books that focused on appropriate actions for your hands (there’s also feet are not for kicking, and teeth are not for biting, for example). Evan loves these, and they teach a great lesson along the way. A win-win.

Target frames: anyone realize they haven’t updated their frames — or the pictures in them! — since literally you have added people or pets to your fam? Guilty! I recently gathered nearly all my frames around my house and did a major stock pile… which did I like, which are lame, which had outdated photos, you get the idea. It was the perfect way to better distribute them around the house and see what we needed. A few recent loves include these, these and these. So pretty, and can’t beat the price! Other great spots for frames (I just don’t get there as often) include IKEA and Michael’s.