Happy Friday friends! I still feel as if this week is a little off with the NY holiday, but nonetheless, happy for Friday. We’ll be spending this weekend celebrating Harper’s third birthday (I don’t know where the time has gone), so I’m looking forward to some more family time + seeing her face light up with excitement…. I hope you all have a great weekend as well!

Sharing my favorite products from 2018 below… all items I use regularly and have been incredibly happy with over the year… and I think you’ll love them too!…..
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FOOD:

1. Hope Hummus   I stumbled across this brand when I was at Sprouts one day… and it’s seriously the best hummus I’ve ever tried. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and I love it tossed on salads or as a dip with veggies or crackers.

2. Siete Tortillas: I’ve talked about these so many different times… but these are a favorite in our home. They’re grain free tortillas, so they’re an excellent option if you’re gluten free. We use them for wraps, tacos, and breakfast burritos.

3. Siete Tortilla Chips: Another Siete brand, the tortilla chips are ah-mazing, and grain free as well. You won’t be disappointed if you choose to try!

4. Tone It Up Protein Powder: I used to use Vega protein powder, but then grew a little weary of the ingredients. I decided to give Tone It Up protein a try, and love it (particularly the chocolate). The ingredients are pure, and I trust what I’m putting into my body.

5. Simple Mills Crackers: So, these are amazing. Made with simple, clean ingredients, but full of flavor I use them to dip into hummus and in soups as well. Harper also really likes them as a snack with string cheese.

6. Simple Mills Waffle/Pancake Mix: Another Simple Mills product that we love in our home…. I love them topped with peanut butter + sliced bananas… Harper prefers her with some chocolate chips and berries. Either way you make them, they’re absolutely delicious, and made with all clean ingredients. A great, simple, easy, morning breakfast.

7. Primal Kitchen Dressing: I was so disheartened by salad dressing ingredients that when I came across the Primal Kitchen brand I was so happy and decided to try all the flavors. Made with clean and simple ingredients, my favorite flavors are the Honey Mustard, Green Goddess, + Ranch.

8. Explore Red Lentil Pasta:  If you’re looking for a delicious pasta substitute, I highly recommend this one. It’s made with red lentils, but tastes great…. we’ve tried other brands that end up being too sticky, but this one doesn’t have that problem. Mix it with a little pasta sauce and some turkey meatballs and it’s an easy weeknight meal.

BEAUTY:

1. TULA Brightening Face Mask: I know I’ve mentioned this mask time and time again, but it works! I can see a visible difference immediately after I use the mask…. plus I love that when I apply it, it forces me to just relax and chill. You can get 20% off with code SHANNON.

2. Volition Turmeric Brightening Scrub:  I use this facial scrub 3 times a week, and it acts as an exfoliating mask as well. Makes my skin visibly brighter, as well as smoother + softer. I also love that it’s made with all clean, non toxic ingredients.

3. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: My skin has been so dry this pregnancy, and increasingly so this winter season… and this jet lag mask infuses so much moisture into it. I use it once a week, and also apply it around my eyes in the evenings before I go to sleep. My skin feels so soft and supple after using it.

4. TULA Resurfacing Gel: I’ve had to stop using this product since becoming pregnant, since it has an ingredient in it that my doctor recommend I avoid while pregnant, but I have noticed such a huge difference since I’ve stopped. Sadly, I haven’t been able to find one to replace it, but it helps so much to smooth and hydrate my skin.

5. MAC Nude Lipstick: (VIVA GLAM II) Always on the search for a perfect nude lip color, I bought this one during a Nordstrom sale and have been very happy with the shade for the past several months.

6. Benefit Mascara:  When I removed my fake lashes a couple of years ago, I went on the search for the perfect mascara to lengthen my lashes and make them look fuller. I stumbled across this mascara last January and have been using it ever since. Without the “fake” look of lashes, they make my eyelashes look so long and full…. I use some coconut oil to remove it in the evenings.

7. OSEA Facial Cleanser:  This facial scrub feels as if it has tiny exfoliating beads in it, and smells amazing. Free of any toxins, it’s vegan and full of clean ingredients.

6. Kate Sommerville Exfoliating Scrub: Another product I’ve sadly had to put on the shelf during pregnancy, but I swear, it is an amazing intense exfoliator that leaves my skin feeling baby soft and glowing. In four months I’ll be using it again!

7. OPI Infinite Shine “Dulce De Leche” Color: My favorite mauve shade, it’s been on heavy rotation the past several months. It’s a great neutral color that works for everyday.

8. Native Deodorant: I wrote a long blog post about this deodorant, and I’m still happy with it several months later. My favorite scent is the coco… and it keeps me stink free during all my workouts and throughout the day. If you’re looking for a natural deodorant, I highly recommend it.

9. St. Tropez Tanning Lotion: I started using this in the middle of the summer (have since stopped since becoming pregnant) but was obsessed with the gradual tan it gave me…. I felt as though it looked real and lacked the orange tint so many self tanners have.

FASHION:

1. Free People Distressed Jeans: I bought my first pair of these jeans in the beginning of the year and then snagged the lighter wash in March. They fit so well, and the distressed holes fit my petite frame perfectly. I did cut them hem slightly, but that’s more for the frayed look. I recommend sizing up 1-2 sizes.

2. ALO Soho Pullover: Another purchase from the beginning of the year, I loved it so much I bought it in the mauve, black, and white colors… they’re so easy to wear during a morning workout… or to toss on after an indoor workout. I’ve also worn them with joggers and leggings for a casual, everyday, look too.

3. ALO Highwaisted Leggings:  These literally fit like a dream… hug in all the right places and look great on everyone! I’ve worn mine during runs, spin classes, and cross training and they stay put and are super comfortable as well.

4. Gold Pendant Necklace:  I bought this necklace back in September to add to my layering collection and I’m so glad I did. It has the prettiest intricate details, and is the perfect mid length.

5. Oversized Band Tee: This is a recent favorite… mainly because it’s so soft and covers my growing bump comfortably. I love band tees as a simple way to make jeans and a tee look a little “cooler.”

6. Light wash Denim Jacket: I went on the hunt for a slightly oversized, lighter wash, denim jacket last spring and this was the winner. I wear it all the time… over dresses, with joggers + leggings, post workouts…. it’s comfortable too since the fit is more oversized.

7. Nude/Seamless Underwear: I bought these during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, and they fit so well… and they’re great to wear with leggings when you want to avoid visible panty lines!

8. Jockey Bralette:  I’ve always been a huge fan of the Calvin Klein Bralettes, but after wearing this Jockey one, I converted. It provides a little more coverage, which is great for these preggo boobs…. and it looks really flattering on the body. I own it in the white and grey shades.

9. Jersey Jumpsuit: I bought this right before I became pregnant, but it’s the best for a growing belly… and it’s awesome if you aren’t pregnant as well. You can easily dress it up with wedges or heels… and wear it with sneakers or sandals for a casual daytime look. Super soft, and hangs on the body perfectly.

10. Lou & Grey Joggers: (featured above)These take the cake for softest joggers ever. I promise. I own them in three colors, my mom owns them in four, and my sister in two. I wear them all the time. They run a little on the large side, so I do recommend sizing down if you’re between sizes.

11. Ribbed Oversized Scarf: I have this scarf in grey and pink… and it’s a great accessory for these cool winter temps. Super soft, and I love the texture the ribbed design adds. You can easily wear it casual or dressed up as well.

12. Kent Cardigan: This is probably one of the softest cardigans I own. I bought it in the mauve color back in March, and loved it so much I purchased the grey in September.  I love the length, and it layers well with jeans, leggings, or over a fitted dress.

13. Free People Maxi Dress: I bought this cream colored dress for our pregnancy reveal photos, and have loved wearing it different ways over the past several months. It easily works for a casual day with sneakers… and you can wear them with booties for a dressier option. Layer it with a suede jacket and scarf in cooler temps to make it winter appropriate.

14. Stance Workout Socks:  I purchased these for my half marathon training and I’ve been sold since. They aren’t so thick that they make your shoe feel tight… and they aren’t so thin that they don’t provide cushioning… they’re basically just the right amount of thickness…. and super soft as well.

15. Madewell Whisper Cotton Tee: Hands down the best basic v-neck tee that I own. Not too thick, not too thin… and the perfect slightly slouchy fit. I’ve been asked if it’s see through, and I haven’t had that problem at all with these tees.

16. Chestnut Bootie: My favorite booties I purchased this season. Everything from the color, shaft height, and heel height makes them a great option for a dressier look. They’re easy to walk in and comfortable as well.