Trying new things is my jam… food, beauty, tech, clothing, experiences (hence the detox I’m currently doing… can’t wait to share next week….) … and I equally enjoy sharing those “things” I end up loving. So today, I rounded up my top favorite 35 items from 2017… and a couple have some great discount codes attached in case you’re curious and want to try too…..

FOOD: 

1. Naturally Clean Eats Bars: One of my favorite discoveries of the year in the food realm… created by a momma of two looking for “clean” bar that she and her family could eat. They’re coming out with a new flavor this year, but I especially love the spiced chocolate chip cookie dough flavor. My whole family loves them. Use code SHANNON20 for 20% off (you won’t be disappointed) 

2. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil: Another fav find from the year…. it adds a smooth and mild flavor to all my cooking… I use it for all my sautéing and roasting of veggies. Great non-stick and flavor agent in one!

3. Primal Kitchen Dressing: The solution to all my dressing woes. Made with avocado oil and all ingredients I can pronounce… I was sold on ingredients and flavor. I’ve tried the Ranch, Greek Goddess, Honey Mustard, + Greek flavors and have loved them all. In fact, all four are currently sitting in my refrigerator on regular rotation.

4. Purely Elizabeth Chocolate Sea Salt Probiotic Granola:One word: obsessed. Literally. And the fact that it has probiotics in it makes it that much better… health benefits in my chocolate granola. Yes please. I eat this solo, straight outta the bag (same with TJ… and Harper loves it too).

5. Vega Protein Powder: I was starting to have stomach issues with some of the animal based protein powders, so I switched to a plant based version and have loved the taste and way it makes me feel. I make this smoothie + this smoothie with the powder.

6. Siete Tortillas: These were a more recent find, but I’m hooked. They originated out of a Mexican American mother who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and wanted to be able to make dishes using tortillas and not butter lettuce leaves. So, she made these grain free tortillas, and they’re so good.

7. Hilary’s Eat Well Veggie Bites: It’s no secret that I am obsessed with these. I put them on salads, eat them solo with lentils…. Harper loves them too. They’re become a great item to add into our regular rotation, and I love how hearty they are.

BEAUTY:

1. TULA Resurfacing Gel: Been a TULA fan for a couple of years now, but they released some new products this year that I fell in love with, including this resurfacing gel. It’s an alcohol free toner that uses probiotics to balance the skin’s surface. I ran out for a little while and was using an alcohol based toner I had and could see the difference. 20% off with code SHANNON on all TULA products 

2. TULA Kefir Face Cleanser: Another new product that I came to use daily this year. It leaves my skin feeling super soft. It has a silk-like texture and it leaves my skin feeling clean and soft.

 3. TULA Skin Reviving Treatment Plans: I’ve always been a huge fan of the TULA exfoliating mask (one of my all time favorites) but these pads are like a quick little facial. They leave my skin soft, glowing, and looking more supple (aka, less wrinkles). I use them 1-2xs a week.

4. RAW Sugar Body Soap: Love the way this smells and feels on my body. We started using it several months ago and have been hooked every since. It’s packed with fruit and vegetable nutrients, enzymes, and certified organic extracts which is a definite plus in my book. Our favorite one is the vanilla bean and sugar.

5. Colleen Rotschild Charcoal Mask: I’ve been using this for about 4 months now and love the detoxifying affect it has on my face. I especially use it around “that time of month” to help prevent any breakouts, and also after a fairly indulgent weekend or span of time. I’ve found it to really help in minimizing breakouts.

6. OSEA Facial Argan Oil: This stuff is so good. I’ve been using it nightly for the past several months, after my serum, and love how supple, soft, and glowing it leaves my skin. It’s a vegan skin care line, and all of their products are amazing.

7. Bobbie Brown Nude Lip Color:  In my quest to find the perfect nude shade I landed on the color über beige and this liner in beige. Love the natural shade it provides and I pretty much use it daily.

8. ENJOY Shampoo: My hair dresser uses this every time I go and I’m always obsessed with how silky my hair feels (and I love the way the shampoo smells too). So I finally picked some up for myself and have loved using it at home in conjunction with……

9. Amika Nourishing Hair Mask: this hair mask. It’s really helped to repair a lot of damage and I use it every time I wash my hair and sometimes leave it in overnight (leaves my hair really soft then…).

FASHION: 

1. Studded Booties:These are, hands down, the best knock-off I’ve ever seen for the Chloé booties (everything from stud placement to buckle placement is nearly identical….)…. and they’re currently on major sale. They’re super comfortable and I love the edge they provide to any outfit.

2. Suede Jacket: Snagged it at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and have loved wearing it through the cooler months (last seen here). It’s excellent quality, and you can easily layer it over a long sleeve shirt or blouse.

3. T-shirt Dress: I don’t wear a lot of dresses, so when I do I keep them comfortable, casual, and versatile. This one fits the trifecta. I’ll be styling it on the blog next week, but love layering it with a jacket or chunky cardigan. I own it in the mauve and charcoal colors.

4. Embroidered Maxi Dress: I snagged it for my sister’s bridal shower (in a cream and pink color, seen here) + the forest green for family photos in Hawaii…. it’s hands down one of my favorite dresses and easily dresses up or down.

5. Softest Workout Tank:I bought this as a “I’ll see if I like it….” and fell in love. Literally. I wear it to almost every workout (yes, I wash it in between). It breathes and wicks away sweat easily and can easily be worn with non-workout clothing.

6. Adidas Tubular  Cross Trainers: Snagged these at the very beginning of the year and wear them on walks, cross training, and for everyday errands. Love the knit look to them and they’re super comfortable too (just don’t run in them….). You can also find them here + here in a lighter gray color.

7. Beyond Yoga Leggings: These feel like butter. Seriously. I could sleep in them… and I’m sure I have at some point. Oh, and did I mention they’re high waisted too? Need I say more?

8. Chunky Knit Beanie: I wore this the other day and some guy told me I looked like I belonged in New York. I looked at him and told him I was cold. It was 55 degrees (cold for any native Californian). I guess it just looked that cozy…. and warm. Needless to say, it’s one of my favs and I’m obsessed with the knit detailing.

9. Basic Ribbed Henley: I own this top in 3 colors (black, white, and the mauve)…. it’s an excellent throw on and go option. Perfect solo or layered under a cardigan or coat. I pair it with jeans or joggers or simply lounge around the house in it. I sized up 2 sizes for a looser fit.

10. Studded Sandals: I snagged these at the beginning of summer and loved them! They went with everything and were a fraction of the cost of the Isabel Marant sandals. They’re only available in a few sizes here + here (hopefully they come back again this year).

11. Band Tee: I discovered Daydreamer brand of band tees and fell in love… and tore my entire house up looking for my guns n roses tee. Loved tossing them on with my jeans or joggers and layered under a comfy cardigan.

12. Red Pom Blouse: On instagram I referred to this top as my “margarita sipping” top back in May. Margarita or not, it’s a fun pop of color, and I love the pom detailing.

13. Lounge Pants/Pullover: I wear one of these pieces at least several times a week. Soft and comfortable they’re perfect for lounging around the house (and a great price point)… the top is even perfect to pair with jeans for a casual daytime look.

14. Casual BodyCon Dress: Own it in heathered gray and the coral color… hugs in all the right places and looks great on all body types. I initially bought it when I was pregnant, but have worn it so many times since little miss arrived.

15. Open Knit Pullover:(on sale) I bought this in April last year and have continued to wear it over the last several months. I’m a huge open knit fan and this one pairs perfectly with shorts or jeans… and dressed down with joggers. I wear a bralette underneath, but a cami works just as well. It runs large, so size down if you’re in between sizes.

16. Aviators: I bought these when my last pair was lost on one of our vacations and was drawn to the bar detailing on the brow.. I also love the copper frames… a nice alternative to the regular black + gold color-way for aviators.

17. Blush Tote Bag: I’m always on the hunt for an excellent tote bag… something to carry my computer, clothes, and Harper’s goods…. and this one fits the bill. I use it daily (and I’ve had it since February). It’s super well made and comes in tons of colors.

18. Low Back One Piece: I know it’s not bathing suit season, but this one was one of my all time favorites from the season. It provided excellent behind coverage, with the plunging back and neckline making up for the prude bottom coverage.

19. Distressed Denim Jacket: I guess having distressing on my jeans just isn’t enough… so, this jacket joined my closet last February (styled here, here)… it’s such an easy throw on and go with a little edge…. excellent quality too.

20. High Waisted Distressed Jeans:  Obsessed with the fit of these jeans… and pretty much wear them several times a week. They’re perfectly distressed on their own, and are super comfortable too.