Alyson’s Obsessions: Current Favorites // February 2018

Hey there! So many good finds this month for February. Since it was Valentine’s Day, let’s start with my favorite new sweet treat that was worth every calorie. Actually, it didn’t have any calories because I ate it during a holiday… right? Absolutely, right.

 

Current Favorites: Zola’s Bakes

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know my obsession for rainbow cookies, and more recently this Instagram find called Zola Bakes that I felt compelled to purchase after a rough week or two. Sure, they’re a splurge, but hey, so are macarons. I grew up eating rainbow cookies at delis in New York and whenever we’d be lucky enough to find one at an authentic bakery. This Instagram find made my month! Plus, I love support women entrepreneurs and hey, I can count testing this as blog research, right?

 

Current Favorites: Universal Thread at Target

Have you seen the latest Target collection called Universal Thread? Let’s be honest: It’s a Madewell look-for-less and girl, I’m all over it. Think elevated staples including tees (I got two of these, seen above), tanks, great denim (I got these in a faded black and they’re amazing), button downs, accessories and more. These camel brown slides with already great reviews are on my spring wish list, and seriously loving this light wash denim jacket for spring.

PS: you can find my layered BaubleBar necklace here. 

 

Current Favorites: The Explosive Child

In an effort to understand our “easily frustrated” child (heck, I can be easily frustrated, too!), I purchased this book upon recommendation and I honestly think it’s a book every single parent should read. Honestly, every human. It basically gives you a road map how to more effectively communicate (who couldn’t benefit?!), and in particular, to better communicate with who have “lagging skills” and who might be “chronically inflexible.”

It’s easy to want to focus on the behavior — any hitting, biting, or other aggressive acts, however that’s not the problem… You need to get to the root issue and this helps. It’s a process, but I feel so much better having this first step; I’m having Adam read it as well and considering getting a copy for every family member.

 

Current Favorites: Clarins Hydrating Eye Mask

I officially have the driest skin under my eyes in the history of the world. It’s terribly crep-ey looking, with dark circles and dryness that can make my make up settle in weird. I’ve been investing more time and energy, and coincidentally, the folks at Clarins reached out and sent this eye mask my way.

Please know I receive plenty of products that never make it over here. I don’t say that to brag (please know that!). I say that so you know that just because a brand sends me a product to review doesn’t mean I feel any obligation to share it.

This however is totally worthy. The instructions say put it on for 10 minutes or leave on over night. I’ve left it on overnight and absolutely loved how refreshed and hydrated the skin under my eyes look and feel when I use it. For $38, it’s absolutely a product I’d recommend to my friends… i.e. YOU! If you feel like you have tired or dry skin, find it at Nordstrom or Ulta.

 

Current Favorites: Lilly Pulitzer new swim collection

The iconic Palm Beach brand just debuted its first swim collection and ladies, it’s everything you’d expect and then some. I also can’t believe I’m putting myself out there in a bathing suit but heck, this is my bod and it is what it is!

This one piece was among my favorites — I can’t wait to wear it this summer! — and there are so many more good options from bikinis to classic one pieces in quality fabrics and bold, fun prints. For sizing reference, I’m wearing a size 4 in this photo but went up to a size 6… it fit better in the hips and tush (I’m usually size 2-4). I also must mention this casual lace pullover that I’m obsessed with and came home with me. I saw someone wearing it over a romper, and I loved it as much as a cover-up (I tried it on over a bikini with cut-offs) as I do with a cami, white denim and wedges. It’s one of those pieces you’ll easily reach for time and again, and it’s perfect for any spring break travel.

 

Current Favorites: Sun and Salt Water

At the end of the day, my biggest current obsession is this. Sun on my face, breeze in the air, the sweet smell of salt water, and time with my family and friends in this gorgeous place we call home.

I impulsively took an hour during the work day last week while the kids were at the beach with our baby sitter. Sarah asked, and I could have said I was busy. I was, and I had to work at night to make up for it… but you know what: it was worth it. I held Evan in the ocean as waves crashed on us, I ran with Sarah on the beach, and I had sand up my hoo-ha for two days after the kids completely buried me.

I love a good style find but this. This is everything. Especially if I get a few minutes to zone out close my eyes. 😉