13 Random Things I'm Loving Lately...

Okay, friends! You all know I am quite #picky with the products I use, buy, and recommend.…and I also LOVE sharing amazing finds with others.

When I find something good, I simply cannot keep it to myself. I always have been (….and always will be) that in-your-face-friend that is like “you HAVE to try this”, hahahah

So, all of that being said— every once in a while, I get the urge to just compile a little list of my recent & random obsessions of the moment and shout ‘em from the rooftops.

This list is 13 very random (but very amazing) things I am lovinggggg lately. From a clean ingredient self-tanner to my faaaaav leggings (both and pregnancy and not), all the way to my nightly magnesium drink (AMAZING for sleep)– this list is a verrrryy random but hiiiiiighly-recommended list of recent must-haves by your pal Kate

Let’s get into it!

#1 this magnesium drink every night before bed

holy crap. YES. I have been having this [tasty] magnesium drink every night for the last month or so and I can’t even express how beautifully it’s helping me sleep. I’ve truuuuuly noticed a difference in my sleep quality, and I am waking up feeling genuinely RESTED.

Of course, check with your doctor, but, generally speaking,  women are often deficient in magnesium— supplementation can be a greeeeeat tool in improving stress, better sleep quality, improved digestion, and reduced muscle tension. This is for sure my favorite mag supplement I’ve tried (...and I’ve tried quite a few). I have a heated cup of it every night, and my sleep has been ON point ever since. Highly recommend! 

#2 i finally got an air fryer! (… and I LOVE it???)

After MUCH debate on my instagram story (IYKYK), I did get an air fryer… annnnnnd I LOVE IT. We are 6 weeks into having it, and it is SO easy for roasting veggies, protein, reheating leftovers. We use it AT LEAST once per day.

Unfortunately, the specific one I got is un-linkable because I got it from a random “TJ Maxx” style kitchen goods store and the inventory ran out. So, while I can’t link my specific one, I will say by FAR the most recommended brand by you guys was ninja (according to your guys feedback, the 1 drawer option is great for 1-2 people households, and the larger 2 drawer ninja is great for bigger portions/family). 

Regardless of the one you choose, I can now say that I am an air fryer FAN. I was worried it would be an over-hyped and under-used kitchen appliance, but, noooope— we use it alllll the time, and I love how much it simplifies roasting veggies, cooking protein, and heating up leftovers. Kate stamp of approval!

#3 such an easy way to get curls in your hair (heatless!)

I showed this on my Instagram stories last week, and you all were MINDBLOWN. Yes, most of the time that my hair is “curled” it is actually because I just slept with it wrapped up in a little heatless curls band. No curling iron, no fancy styling— just going to bed with damp hair and this little amazon tool.

HOW YOU DO IT: Just wrap your damp hair (NOT super wet) around this little thing-a-ma-jig, go to bed, and wake up with curls! (Here’s an old video example of the general technique). I recently got this specific option as it’s silk (great for hair) and because it wasn’t as bulky as others and I thought it would be easier to sleep with :) I’m really liking it! 

#4 refocusing on my goals & habit tracking

With the uplifting spring energy and the “energetic new year”, I am feeling inspired and READY to refocus in on my goals and get consistent…and, man oh man, these simple little habit tracking sheets make SUCH a difference in how I show up for day-to-day life.

It makes the “little things” like staying hydrated, reading before bed, getting movement in, cleaning the house, etc. feel DOABLE and TRACKABLE. Each day you fulfill a habit, you fill in the blank, and watching your progress unfold! It may sound too simple, but having a trackable source of accountability is SO helpful.

I originally made these for myself to have a tangible way to track progress and get consistent with my daily habits– but, once I shared them, they became one of THEE most popular items in my shop :) We allllll need a little help staying on track sometimes. And you deserve to see how far you’ve come, my friend. Let’s do this!

start this season off strong with my habit tracking sheets :)

#5 these few random (and v specific) foods from amazon:

Okay, so generally speaking, I don’t get many food items from amazon, but there are a few key things I LOVE to stock up on with my amazon cart– 

• Right Rice: this is a “rice” that is made up with muuuch more protein and fiber than regular rice. It’s made of lentils, chickpeas, peas, and rice with no weird additives or fillers. This is just a straight-foward, more filling, more blood-sugar-friendly version of rice. I have LOVED this during pregnancy. 

• These oatmeal chocolate chip bites: okay, I was babysitting for my brother’s family and I found these in their pantry, and OH MY GOD. I tried one, and instantly placed an amazon order for myself. Organic & whole ingredient chocolate chip oatmeal bites– they taste like a softly baked cookie/cookie dough. I was also pleasantly surprised by how many servings were in one bag (and how simple & pure the ingredients were!). These are quickly becoming my go-to treat that I feel good about :) 

• LMNT hydration: Okay, as if you guys didn’t ALREADY know I am the hydration queen, but I am even more diligent during pregnancy as I know my body needs the extra fluids, energy, and hydration. For the last year, I’ve been using these little electrolyte drink mixes with *actually* clean ingredients and no unnecessary sugar (PRAAAAISE-- i literally cringe reading other popular hydration mix ingredients and sugar content. cough cough, liquid IV). I have one every day and love how 1) delicious they are but 2) support my hydration through strategic electrolyte ratios. Think of it like a clean ingredient powerade! 

• Collagen: You all know I’m obsessed– I have collagen in every morning cup of coffee, smoothie, and even in soups! It’s such a seamless way to add protein, amino acids, and collagen to your day. I simply take a scoop or two and add it to just about everything! This is by far the best collagen supplement I have tried as it dissolves SUPER easily and is *actually* tasteless (most collagens aren’t). I have this constantly stocked.

#6 making my baby registry! 

Eeeeee, I have started making my baby registry and it feels SO surreal. In classic Kate fashion, I am doing allllllll the research before buying something, registering for it, or purchasing it. I reeeeealllly want to be intentional about what I buy, register for, or invest in— quality where it counts, as nontoxic as possible (without being OVERBOARD crazy), and also don’t want to overspend where I don’t have to :)

That results in 89405809823409238 tabs open, reading reviews, and asking seasoned mommas in my life their opinions. Speaking of– anything you HIGHLY recommend putting on my baby list? Let me know in the comments below! I’d be so grateful :) 

(also, let me know if you ever want me to share my baby registry list as a blog post or something??? Would that be helpful for ya??? Or is that just weird, haha?? Just let me know if you’d like to see my list!)

my fav yoga pants BEFORE pregnancy…. and now my godsend IN pregnancy. I am wearing these nonstop.

#7 these specific yoga pants 

As my belly continues to grow this pregnancy, I am LIVING in the high-rise align lulu leggings.  And honestly…. that’s not any different than pre-pregnancy Kate! These are hands down my favorite yoga pants— SO soft. like butter. they don’t pill. and they are SOOO flattering.

So, while most lulu leggings are great, this specific style and this specific material yoga pants are my absolute go-to. They are a bit spendy, but, with time, I realized I’d rather invest in 1-3 pairs of yoga pants that I LOVED, instead of having 5-10 cheaper, less quality options that I didn’t like as much??? It ends up being the same amount of money spent– but just in different ways. As with all things clothing, I try to buy less quantity, but buy more QUALITY.

These are yoga pants I genuinely LOVE to invest in— and seeing how well they’ve transitioned to pregnancy?? bonus!

Long story short– I’ve had (and loved) these leggings for years and had no itnentions of them being my “maternity” yoga pants, but they've ended up being PERFECT thing for a growing bump– highly highly highly recommend (whether you are pregnant or not.)  They’re like butter. Haaaands down my favorite yoga pants!

#8 this simple [clean ingredient] makeup routine

I like to keep things SIMPLE (and nontoxic) with makeup, and I think I have finally nailed down the perfect “everyday” casual makeup that is soooo easy, but still upgrades and enhances how I look & feel.

Here is my mini routine—

• super skin tint serum (the perfect amount of coverage— hides blemishes and discoloration, but gives a beautiful, dewy, VERY natural look. I am obsessed.),

• bronzer on cheekbones (I am a pale minnesotan after all!),

• the BEST clean mascara around (trust me),

• a little bit of eyebrow gel to bolden up & shape the brows (yessss plz),

• and finally, the color haze (a blendable cream that adds effortless color to cheeks, eyes, lips— it does it all!).

I consider these 5 products my little makeup “capsule”— 5 simple items that cover ALL of my needs, but is straightforward, easy, and clean ingredients. Highly recommend simplifying your beauty routine and investing in just a few key products that #WERK and support your health! 

#9 the new Lulu & Georgia home collection

If there is one brand that defines my home decor taste, it’s Lulu and Georgia *swooooooon* Specifically, the new Sarah Sherman Samuel collection— the perfect mix of neutrals, patterns, unique shapes, gorg colors, and beautiful patterns and textures. I looove the timeless (yet quirky) design!

…It’s spendy, but GORG. So, I have been swoooooning & daydreaming over some of the spendy items (admiring from afar, lol), but I ended up grabbing a few pillows for our living room, using the photos/furniture/general vibe as ~inspiration~ for our home, ....annnnd I may have invested in a few items for our nursery, eep!

I mean… a DREAM interior. Click here to follow along with my pinterest to see all the home decor favs :)

#10 loose flowy dresses 24/7

as my bump continues to grow, I’ve been loving loose flowy dresses as they feel SO comfortable and not constrictive at all. Not to mention, they make me feel like spring is HERE :) While I already had a pretty solid collection of dresses, I recently treated myself to a few new ones from this sale! I just got them and I LOVE them. 

There’s just somethin’ about wearing a flowy dress around the house that makes me feel ”put together”... but, like, without having to wear pants. 

#11 this baby balm (amazing for eye wrinkles!)

While this magical “baby balm” is  technically intended to be a holistic, nontoxic skincare option for both mom and baby (can be used for diaper rashes, sore nipples from breastfeeding, preventing stretch marks, etc.), it can also be used for SOOO much more than that (just read the reviews, *wink*). 

Personally, my best-kept secret is using this as an EYE CREAM. I have been super diligent on putting this around my eyes for the past few months, and I have genuinely noticed a difference in reducing eye wrinkles, fine lines, and dark undereyes. It is so nourishing with healthy fats (prevents wrinkles and nourishes skin) and contains organic marshmallow root (which is great for brightening discoloration of the skin… AKA, seeee ya, dark undereyes!) .

Plus, it lasts FOREVER— and it’s only $18. Add this as an “eye cream” to your nightly skincare routine, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. (For my full up-to-date evening skincare routine, click here)! 

#12 financial wellness (AKA this one specific app)

One topic I routinely cover on the blog is financial wellness— being intentional and abundant in my finances. One way I do that is by being reallllllllllllly mindful about how I’m saving my money. And the way I approach that is with the app, Qapital. It changed. the. game. for me & my finances. I’ve talked about this app a millllllllllllion times...but for good reason (again, this isn’t sponsored, but I wish it was...Qapital, if you’re reading this, hit a girl UP!)

Anyway, while I alwaaaays love this app— I am just feeling really grateful for it because. a few years ago we started a “future baby” savings account where we contributed 2% of each paycheck. We hardly even notice the money leaving, but now that we’re expecting our first baby, we were shocked at how much we had set aside. Having money already saved for the nursery, baby items, hospital costs, childcare, etc. has been SO peaceful and comforting, and it just made me even more thankful for this app because it TRULY made saving this money really effortless.

HOW IT WORKS: Once you download the app, you customize what you’re saving for (travel, wedding, down payment, Hawaii, etc.), set the amount of money you want to save for that goal, and customize how you would like to save towards it (you pick the amounts/timing of money), thennnn (DRUM ROLL), the app will automatically start saving from your bank account, and you just sit back and watch your money pile growwww.

…In fact, the AVERAGE Qapital user saved $4,300 in their first year alone (yes, really).

Just wanted to pass along my fav money app for the zillionth time! While this isn’t sponsored, here is my good ol’ fashioned refer-a-friend link (gets you $25 in your account for free!). :)

#13 this clean ingredient self-tanner (SO. good.)

You all know I am alwaaaays hunting down the best nontoxic products & I just found a new clean ingredient self-tanner option that is game-changing.

The last one I was using and had recommended was these self-tanner drops (a decent option and mostly clean, but a few sketch ingredients. it worked pretty well, but the color wasn’t perrrrfect & it had a pretty strong smell). So, it was “good enough” by my clean beauty standards (because finding a clean tanner is SO hard), but I knew I could find something better…

….so the hunt continued.

And, eventually, I found THIS. Soooo easy to use, no weird smell, clean ingredients, lasts me foreverrrrrrr, and it WORKS. Like, so well. I love love love the color this gives me and how easy it is to apply. I started with just the face water (would apply to my face, neck, and chest), and was so impressed I got the full collection for both face and body. This a small business owned by a woman named Bethany and I am soooo impressed.

I bought this with my own money the first go-around, was SO impressed, and ultimately ended up reaching out to see if they had any coupons to share with you guys… and they do!  (save 10% with the code KATE10). I am so, so happy to finally found a clean tanning option that works and is good for my bod. Yeehaw! 

there ya have it!

13 things I use, love, and spend my own hard-earned money on. Nothing on this list was sponsored (although sometimes i wish they were, ha!) I am just using some affiliate & refer-a-friend links for things i TRULY love & use & recommend.

I hope you enjoy them as much as i do!

XX,

Kate 

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