Stuff I Love

For a Healthy, Yummy, Beautiful Life

When I love something, I want to shout it from the rooftops. This page saves my voice from getting scratchy.

Opinions are all my own and not sponsored.

For the Gym

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Washcloth

If you have wood floors or any other completely smooth surface in your home, grab a dishrag or washcloth and get gliding with lunges, dynamic planks, and hamstring curls.

ProSource Pilates ring

They say great abs are made in the kitchen, but cribbing some basic Pilates floor exercises doesn’t hurt either. This is the first thing I reached for when I got the green light to exercise after having a C-section, and it’s served me (and my clients) extremely well.

Band – Aylio, Athlean, Theraband

Loop bands add resistance to tricep extensions, monster walks, lateral leg raises, bridges...and the list goes on. Having truly portable workout gear leaves little room for excuses - keep one at home and one in your desk, purse, or suitcase.

Adjustable Ankle Weights

Full confession: I used to be the captain of team “Ankle Weights are Stupid Unless You’re Jane Fonda.” When used with proper form, they’re a great addition to your home gym arsenal.

Squat Sponge

You can use this extra-thick foam pad for squats (duh), but where it really comes in handy is protecting your hips during bridges and hip thrusts. I’ve cycled through my fair share of lesser-quality nylon and foam pads and NOTHING compares to the Squat Sponge.

For the Kitchen

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Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus DLC-2A

Does anyone remember Ja Rule’s 2000 summer jam “Put It On Me”? He asks “where would I be without you,” opining the thought alone is so painful it might break him. He may very well have been crooning to his Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus. I bust this genius little devil out of the cabinet every day – at least twice. Not only does it make quick work of all my favorite sauces and marinades (pesto and green salsa, anyone?), it pulls double duty pureeing fruits and veg for baby. Be without my Mini Prep Plus? I shudder at the thought!

Breville Smart Oven

This compact, countertop convection oven is my go-to for roasting vegetables, baking quick breads, and making the crispiest bacon. I especially appreciate not turning on my full-size oven as the weather gets warmer, and this is just the right size to fit my Staub Cocotte for dishes like pulled pork. Essentially the best wedding gift ever. Thanks, Mama (grandma).

Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch® Nonstick Quarter Sheet, Set of 2

These truly nonstick pans take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’ with daily use. They’re just as adept at turning out perfectly baked salmon and roasted broccoli as they are a batch of coconut macaroons – a match made in heaven with the Breville.

Pyrex 10-Piece Storage Set with Multicolor Lids

Clear multi-taskers with multi-colored lids for organized storage. ‘Nuf said.

Microplane Home Series Fine Grater

Lemon zest gives life meaning. This is also my go-to tool for getting garlic just right for dressings and other recipes that benefit from a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

For the Face and Hair

Featured

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream

All things Josie are pretty fab, but this heavenly-smelling, do-it-all oil cream is my go-to again and again. Sunburned skin? Baby rash? Split ends? Dry cuticles? Argan Infinity Cream is the remedy.

Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM

A moisturizer with SPF 30 that makes combination skin feel soft and not suffocated? Yes, please. Great on its own, this product also sits beautifully over a host of serums and under tinted moisturizer. Can’t beat the price, either.

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed and Toning Lotion with Camomile

A dime-sized amount of this cleanser is all you need, and the toner is as calming as its namesake cup of tea. Buy online and get hooked up with 3 free samples with every order.

Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil

I’ve strayed from this eucalyptus-infused oil thinking I’d find greener pastures with another. No other cleansing oil delivers smoother, more refreshed skin while removing every last trace of heavy-duty mascara. We ought to stay together.

Dry Shampoo

How much do I love dry shampoo? So much that I sometimes spray it onto clean hair. A must for post-gym hair or locks longing for that extra “oomph.” Suave, Batiste, and Oscar Blandi are my favorites.