Alix- can you share more about the chemicals found in “sparkly water” like Topo Chico and La Croix? Can we really not drink our favorite bubbly water anymore? Say it isn’t so.
OK- there was a new study released about PFAS in bottled water (including sparkling water). Here is a good summary about what PFAS are and why they can be dangerous. We want to be aware of how much exposure we have to these chemicals (via food packaging, drinking water, pots/pans, household products, etc) because these chemicals can build up in our bodies over time and cause health problems. This was an area I paid attention to when I was trying to get pregnant and I did my best to clean up a lot of the household products I had in the house. I wrote this post all about the swaps I made.
Anyways, I think this study is just more information you can use to asses your total exposure to these chemicals. If you’re someone who drinks 6 La Croix or Topo Chico a day then maybe it’s wise to cut back or swap for a sparkling water with a lower rating. If you abolutely cannot live without 1-2 cans of Bubly a week, it’s probably not the end of the world 😉
Even before reading this study, I wanted to start making my own sparkling water and got a Soda Stream for Christmas. I just add my own fresh lemon or lime to flavor it and it’s great. This is one of the best routes to go, but brands like San Pellegrino and Spindrift also get good ratings.
Heather – are the boys still in Montessori and how are they doing? What about Jackson? Is school open yet?
Cam and Parker (my two youngest) are at a Montessori school near our house and absolutely love it. They are in separate classrooms and while I hadn’t had any experience with Montessori in the past, I couldn’t be happier with the curriculum, teachers, and environment the boys are in. It’s a very focused type of learning where they go from project to project but first have to finish or clean up the current thing they’re working on. I think it teaches them structure and routine that they will have once they start Kindergarten.. I am hopeful they will be prepared and equipped when they each start Kinder in a couple years.
As for Jackson, our public school keeps pushing back in person learning. To date, Jack is supposed to head back to the classroom on Feb 18th for a few hours a day, 4 days a week. Prayers it happens. In the meantime, he doesn’t actually have any school or calls so teachers can “transition” to the classroom. So for the next few weeks, we are doing our own thing at home, reading a lot, and skiing 🙂 He has befriended a 1st grade boy across the street and they plan constantly all day going back and forth between our houses and I am so thankful for it. Just so happy he has social interaction and a friend through all of the chaos. We are soaking up the freedom but I can’t wait to see him flourish in the classroom and finally meet his classmates.
I am attending a very small, family baby shower and need something to wear! It will be mild weather so I could wear a dress but would need something with more coverage in these winter months.
I think a long sleeved sweater dress or shirt dress is the perfect option! Here are my favorites right now:
What is your favorite decor for the center of a dining table or kitchen island? I saw you posting about dough bowls.. can you link some favorites?
I recently got two pieces from Pottery Barn and a dough bowl from Etsy (it’s coming from the Ukraine and while I was hesitant at first, one of my friends got one similar from the same shop so now I can’t wait to get it! Just make sure you measure because mine is huge). The Studio McGee line from Target also has some inexpensive but trendy centerpieces for large tables or kitchen islands.
What vitamin c serum and eye cream do you use and would you recommend it?
I have used a number of vitamin C’s like Drunk Elephant’s C Firma (it has been said that it is an exact dupe of the Skinceuticals product) and Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and love both (some don’t love the smell of the CE product but it never bothered me nor did I actually notice it)! I was told to be careful with the cult favorite Skinceuticals CE because the E in it is oil and I am prone to breakouts. The E in that formula was not agreeing with me for a bit and so I have been off it for awhile. Right now, I am using mostly medical grade products at the recommendation of my esthetician and just started using Skin Better Science Alto Defense Serum as my C product. Pricey but I am trying really hard to get back to clear, glowy skin.
As for eye cream, I have been using Skinceuticals AGE eye complex for at least 6 months now and have no complaints. If you’re looking for more brightening, Skin Medica has a great product as does PCA Skin (both medical grade). If you’re looking for something from Nordstrom or Sephora, Drunk Elephant or Origins gets my vote!
Heather- can you link some cute ski jackets and clothing recs for skiing?
I was in the market for new ski gear this year as I’ve been sporting my Roxy pants since high school. Also, nothing wrong with Roxy because I find them to be super flattering and cute but I was ready for some grown up girl stuff 😉 One of my best friends is an avid skier and so I hit her up for advice on quality, WARM gear. I ended up purchasing pants and a jacket by Bogner, which is an investment but I plan to wear them for the rest of my skiing career lol. Sizing for this brand: go UP one or two sizes if you plan to layer. It fits very snug. I will link other quality brands with lower price tags but I truly am in love with Bogner gear and if you can splurge a little, it’s worth it to be warm.
Alix- what prenatal vitamins are you taking? Any other supplements?
I take Ritual prenatal vitamins and I also take Omega-3’s, Vitamin D, probiotic (FYI- I used to take SEED probiotics and switched to this and I feel like it works SO MUCH BETTER!) collagen, and elderberry daily. Most nights I also take magnesium to help with anxiety and sleep. Obviously talk to your doctor about supplements and their recommendation if you’re preggers 😉
Can you do a round-up of some cute Valentine’s Day PJ’s?
So many cute options. Here are some favorites!
xo, H&A
