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S.W. Basics skincare.

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S.W.Basics

Seriously, how darling is this line of skincare?  This Brooklyn based S.W. Basics is oh so hip, oh so green, and oh so… well… smart. They use the most simple products that are ethically sourced and made by real people, all wrapped up in killer packaging. Oh, and bringing the hip Brooklyn stuff to the regular people in the suburbs of Chicago via Target? Genius.

Recently I had a chance to sample some of these killer products, and what better place to test out the all natural green hippy feel than Big Sky, Montana? I was so excited to pack these in my suitcase and give them a good trial run.

The results? Heaven. 

I felt like the exfoliant is what’s been missing from my life. Every one I try is typically so gritty… sandy… and while I’m sure it gets the dead skin off, I always question how good it actually is for my face. This one felt more like a paste, similar to wet flour. It went on easy and my skin felt super smooth afterwards.

The face wash took a bit of getting used to. I think we are so conditioned to believe that lather = working, but most of what those suds are made of isn’t exactly the best for you. This cleanser is three pure ingredients and my skin felt squeaky clean, sans the lather.

Addicted to the chapsticks… especially the cocoa one.

The cream is a dream. Especially in the dryer weather of Montana, it was just what I needed to slather on at night. Love that it has olive oil in it, as I’ve heard great things about using it for your skin. I can’t see myself using this as a day cream (have to stick with my go-to SPF one), but for night I’ve found a new BFF.

Sold? Give it at whirl. Target offers many options from the line, or you can shop the entire selection here. And hey, guess what? ALFS readers can receive 15% off their order through August, 7th by using LIFEFROMSCRATCH. Score.

Have you had a chance to try S.W. Basics? I’d love to hear about your experience in a comment below!

*The fine print: this post contains affiliate links which means that if you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Of course, you are not obligated to use these links to make your purchase but please know that when you do, it supports my blog and for that I thank you.

Spring crushes.

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Spring CrushesOh Spring, you can be so fickle. 40 and rainy one day, only to be followed by 70 and sunshine. While this isn’t exactly my favorite season, there is a ton I am crushing on right now. Without further ado, here are my picks for Spring.

1. Who doesn’t want a chance to start over? I’ll admit it – the name and the blush color drew me in but rightfully so. This cream works wonders while you sleep the night away. Zzzzz.

2. I’m just starting to get into the whole essential oil craze and I am cautiously optimistic about some. My boys suffer from growing pains (it’s hard to be tall!), and this oil has been helping them at night. There is a stronger one for adult muscle pains called Deep Blue but the massage blend is gentle enough for little ones.

3. So in love with the rebel pendant. Like wearing it every day in love.

4. J Crew’s new line of New Balance shoes could not be sweeter. My neon pair are sold out, but these are pretty darn cute.

5. I realized the last time we were in Florida that I have been carrying the same LL Bean pool bag since L was 18 months old. It’s still in somewhat acceptable shape, but I thought an upgrade was due for this summer. Loving this 31 bag, bonus that you can swap out the straps to these adorable nautical rope ones. Obsessed.

6. Could this wine be any prettier? That answer would be no. Huge bonus that it’s absolutely delicious and comes at a sweet price of $12.99 (found at Whole Foods). Perfect for a girls night in. Or a random Tuesday.

7. I feel so far behind on this bkr water bottle trend. It’s glass, which I just love. Call me crazy but the water really does taste better. And yes, I’ve dropped it, and it’s still in one piece.

8. Oh Curtis, I couldn’t let a spring crush post go by without mentioning your new book. Fingers crossed it’s in my hands on Mother’s Day.

9. Another brand that I feel has been missing from my life. I lather the kiddos up in this and then proceed to smell them all day long. So. good. They have killer scents for adults too.

So what do you think? Anything new you’ve found yourself loving this spring? Share your favorites in a comment below!

Spring break dreaming… for moms.

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spring break dreaming for momAaaaaaaand it’s March. And that means one thing: Spring Break! Let’s get the heck out of here, shall we? Or at least day dream about it. Here’s what is going in my suitcase this time around.

1. My favorite nail polish color ever. Bonus that it gets even better with a tan.

2. I own two of these dresses and every single time I put one on, I am pretty much guaranteed a compliment from M. They fit like a glove and are super comfortable – perfect for day to day wear.

3. My go-to sunscreen. I can smell it now…

4. Trip after trip to the beach with crazy hair suggests it’s time to keep it all under wraps. I’m hoping this will help.

5. I love the chic feel of this suit. I’m normally a two piece girl due to my abnormally long torso, but I managed to squeeze it all into this one. Excited about being able to wrestle B in the pool worry free.

6. These earrings are just screaming for a crisp white dress and gold flats.

7. Ah Birkenstocks. Love the updated metallic versions, love the throw back to growing up.

8. I’m a total snob about my shampoo. This goes with me wherever I go.

9. I can’t wait to dive into Shauna’s new devotional book. Like I might start before I take off.

10. I don’t think a trip to Florida – or anywhere – would be complete without classic Ray Bans. I live in these. 

What’s going into your Spring break trip suitcase this year? Let’s chat about it in comments below!

*The fine print: this post contains affiliate links which means that if you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Of course, you are not obligated to use these links to make your purchase but please know that when you do, it supports my blog and for that I thank you.

Winter crushes.

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winter crushes

Winter gets such a bad rap (especially around here), and while I completely agree, I also think it’s important, day to day, to focus on the little things that can make you happy during this God awful season. So without further ado, here’s what is currently making me smile.

1. After eight years of wearing the same worn down pair of  (disgusting) Uggs I thought it was time to invest in a new winter boot. I’ve been digging through 2 feet of snow in the woods looking for baseballs (don’t ask) in these from Sorel and my feet have stayed nice and warm and cozy every time. 

2. This oh so tropical candle takes me away…

3. You can look at snow two ways: 1. pure and pretty or 2. dirty and slushy. I buy white tulips religiously (at Trader Joe’s) as a reminder that winter can be beautiful and that spring is around the corner. 

4. Happy Socks! Why are these so amazing?! I have no idea but I’m totally smitten with them. This pair rocks. 

5. I’m pretty sure I would be in a mental institution if I didn’t have my Le Creuset dutch oven to slow cook and simmer and make soups in. In the winter, it’s what I do. 

6. Religiously, I put B down for his nap, do my chores (cook/clean/laundry/bills), and the last 1/2 hour or so I cuddle up in my living room with this fuzzy snow leopard throw to recharge for the second shift. Obsessed. 

7. Pinot Noir. Is it winter without it? That answer would be no.

8. On a recent trip to Sephora, B decided it wanted ALL THE NAIL POLISHES AT ONCE so needless to say, I had to get the heck out of there. While I thought I was grabbing my normal ‘a perfect world‘ moisturizer I realized when I came home I had this from Origins. Huh. No wonder it seemed more expensive as I was paying/frantically re-stacking nail polish bottles/sweating. For the price, I would probably go back to my normal pick, although in the dead of winter this sure was a treat.

9. Taylor. She gets me – the boys – even M, every time. Every song. Just think about this winter without ‘blank space.’ I know. Horrid.

What’s getting you through the season? I’d love to hear!

The fine print: this post contains affiliate links which means that if you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use these links to make your purchase but please know that when you do, it supports my blog and for that I thank you.

Holiday Gift Guide: for the guys.

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Courtney FOR HIM Collection

Last but not least, let’s hear it for the boys! Here is my holiday gift guide, filled with great ideas for that well deserving man in your life. I know mine would be happy with any or all of these.

1. Why should girls have all the fun when it comes to candles? Give him this super manly Italian Leather candle (shhh – you’ll enjoy it too!).

2. Oh my. This product. Let’s just say I’ve made hour long round trips to Lush to purchase it in bulk, before I knew Amazon offered it shipped directly to my home. M is obsessed with this product. Obsessed. Basically, to sum up, he calls it “the gift of time”. You know in winter when your skin is super itchy and dry? Well M, like most guys, really doesn’t have time to apply lotion after each shower, plus it just feels a tad… girly. Enter this king of skin product. You rub it on in the shower (no rinsing!) and that’s it. It’s like a shower lotion. Blows our mind and keeps him super smooth (hint hint – stocking stuffer)!

3. Sunday is more of a fun day with these plastic reusable red cups for the big game. So cute – and eco friendly!

4. Is your lad a scotch or whiskey drinker? These ice ball molds just make it all that much more fun. It also make the perfect mold to ice a toddler’s bumped head. I’m just saying. 

5. Ray Bans. The ever classic eyewear that spans the generations a la Don Draper. You’re welcome. 

6. Just in case he forgets… home, in longitude and latitude.

7. Swap out his ratty travel bag (ew!) for this sleek initialed one.

8. You can’t go wrong with a super soft flannel. Bonus that you can borrow it when you are freezing. Which seems to be always lately.

What do you think? Do you have any other fabulous gift ideas for guys? Share them with me in a comment below!

P.S. Be sure to check out all my holiday gifts guides here!

*The fine print: this post contains affiliate links which means that if you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Of course, you are not obligated to use these links to make your purchase but please know that when you do, it supports my blog and for that I thank you.

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