Alyson’s Obsessions // September 2017

Holy September! What I’m most obsessed with?! Kids in school! LOL, seriously though. It’s so nice to be back on track and to get into a groove. Can’t say any of us love homework after a long day but beyond that, it’s making for a more more well-scheduled and organized day. Beyond that, here are a few more things I’m obsessed with this month!

A Man Called Ove: an awesome read, I cranked through this book about a crotchety old guy right after Hurricane Irma and without any power in our house.  Ove for sure seems like a bitter old dude unhappy with the world but there must be something beyond that, right? How does someone get that way? So when a young couple and their little girls move next door, an unlikely friendship begins to form, and changes Ove’s life course in a way he never imagined. I find older people incredible and fascinating (I volunteered in a nursing home throughout high school) and this guy is no exception. Highly suggest.

iPhone 8+: I did it, I finally ordered the iPhone 8+ and I’m so happy I did! I had the 6s so I was nervous about the larger size however in just two days of using it, I’m so thrilled this, namely the better quality camera and that portrait mode. AH, the portrait mode! For those asking, I didn’t want to wait for the X, couldn’t justify what would be an enormous price tag and was nervous about getting the first iteration of a new iOS. By the way, here are some of the phone cases I’m loving  (for the 6, 7, 8).

Caudelie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence: I’ve been really intrigued by the SK-II essence, which people swear by but is also super pricey. An essence can minimize large pores, brighten dull skin, help products soak better into your skin (they’re often paired well with a serum or oil for this reason) and even skin tone. A helpful associate at Sephora suggested the Caudelie version though mentioned it was out of stock… they basically can’t keep it in. Curious about it, I ordered it and in just a week or so have been loving the results. I quickly swipe it on my clean face morning and night and Sarah even mentioned yesterday that my skin felt really smooth. It can take a few months to really see the results but for under $45 I’m loving the results, and that it can maximize the impact of my entire skin care routine. Find it at Amazon or Sephora.

Silly Putty: funny enough, we picked up a silly putty last month at Toys ‘R Us when we let Sarah pick out a toy for good behavior (if you’re a Guardians of the Galaxy fan, you’ll TOTALLY appreciate what she picked!). She didn’t know about silly putty (#momfail!) so I obviously needed to remedy this atrocity. Long story short, she loved it, we printed newspaper, and I swear it’s like a less expensive fidget spinner. We ordered this glow-in-the-dark one in prep for Hurricane Irma and actually also ordered this 6-pack, just so we can have them in the house, add to a birthday gift, etc. The kids love them so much, and yes… Sarah sleeps with her Groot doll every single night (she even rests him on a pillow, and under a special blanket!).

Witty Halloween Tees: There are so many good tees right now, with Target and Etsy being my favorites to find spook-tacular options!  Whether you’re “Just here for the booos” or you have a “Resting Witch Face,” there are so many that are perfect for the month of October or for trick-or-treat fun.

Must-watch TV —-> I’m Sorry on TruTV: My bro suggested this fun 30-min show (and I’m always looking for funny 30 minute show to unwind with before bed) and he was so on point…. no surprise there. Written by and starring Andrea Savage — you might recognize her from VEEP — as a comedy writer and mom, it’s basically a day in the life with a million funny moments largely built on her slight awkwardness in social situations and to her husband. Adam and I have had serious laugh-out-loud moments with little things like her encounters with her neighbor, her mom, car rides with her husband and more.. Her husband, played by Tom Everett Scott, and their little daughter, are perfect complements to her humor. Oh, and each ep has regular and explicit versions. Anyway, watch it — only one season so quick to catch up!

Headphones for Kids: if you’re not interested in spending nearly $200 for a pair of kids Beats headphones, 1. can’t blame you, 2. me neither, and 3. try these! We ordered these for Sarah for school and have already ordered two more pairs for each of the kids to have at home/travel. The quality is awesome, the easily adjust, come in a bazillion colors and have even more awesome reviews.