I know you girls talked about fall trends during last week’s happy hour but I would love to hear what you are liking in terms of fall bags. It would be great to see what shapes you’re seeing as a trend and even better if the price point is under $100! Thanks!
Top handles, fanny packs worn as cross body, traditional cross-body bags and bucket bags seem to be all the rage. This Madewell cross-body is currently 50% and under $100.. MAJOR. For a smaller cross-body, I love this new one from Madewell and the color is on point for fall. I am obsessed with this satchel by Treasure & Bond but it’s $150 so a little over budget. If you need more of a “work” bag, this leather tote is gorgeous and only $50! This Twist Tote by BP looks designer. In my cart in both colors because I can’t decide which one I love more! OK and I know this isn’t for everyone (or maybe anyone lol) and it’s not exactly screaming “FALL” but I saw this hot pink backpack on sale and instantly fell in love. Maybe for next summer 🙂
Question on impossible burgers and beyond burgers- I love the idea and I really love the impossible burger taste, but are they better nutritionally than a real burger?
My opinion is no, but I suppose it’s going to be different for everyone based on their nutritional needs and preferences. The ingredients in an impossible burger and a beyond burger are very similar. The impossible burger contains soy protein which is heavily processed. There are a lot of vitamins fortified back into the burger that is likely lost due to processing. Beyond burger uses pea protein isolate as its main protein source. Another big difference is that Impossible burger uses soy leghemoglobin or “heme” which is its key ingredient that makes it “bleed” like a real burger and it has reportedly been under review by the FDA as a potential allergen. Both burgers are vegan, but even if you don’t eat meat I think there are more nutritious (and less processed) plant protein sources I would recommend over either of these products. If you eat meat then I say go for the regular burger, but I wouldn’t recommend eating red meat daily.
I want a pair of “mom jeans” but obviously they need to be flattering. What are your favorites?
So many good pairs out there right now! This pair by American Eagle is so inexpensive and I love the distressed detail. I love Topshop’s version but you have to go up two sizes at least! Topshop always runs SO small.. real big confidence boost. NOT. But this design is just so cute. I will always gravitate toward Levi’s and I love this pair and this pair. And you know I love me some Abercrombie so if you can find your size in this pair, GET THEM!
Heather- now that Parker is 10 months old, what baby toys does he like and are there any baby products you can’t live without in this stage of life?
Well unfortunately for me, the circle of neglect, as I so lovingly call it, is no longer doing the trick and he wants OUT. But it worked for the last 6 months and it was fabulous for him and for me 😉 Now he wants sensory toys, books and activities. This Baby Einstein music table is one of his favorites. I also love this personalized Name Puzzle for him to explore shapes and letters. All three of my kids have them and they make a great birthday present! The activity walker is a great training tool and it plays the most annoying music of your life, like every other baby toy. And lastly, all the touch and feel books he can shove in his mouth and slobber on.. those are a WIN in his book.. pun intended 😉
What oils are considered inflammatory and why? Which oils should I be using when cooking?
Vegetables oils are considered inflammatory oils because of their high omega-6 content. Research shows that consuming too many omega-6 fatty acids (in relation to omega-3s) can increase the risk of inflammation. It’s ideal to avoid oils high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats such as sunflower, corn, cottonseed, safflower, canola, and other mixed vegetable oils. Read your labels because these sneak into a lot of packaged foods even at health food stores like Whole Foods because they are cheaper. Ideally you’re using extra-virgin cold-pressed organic coconut oil and olive oil or avocado oil. I use avocado oil in a lot of my cooking because of it’s high smoke point compared to olive oil. I use coconut oil in a lot of my baking and smoothies. I also like using ghee.
I’m seeing that square toe heels are becoming a trend. Yay or nay?
I mean I think it takes the right individual and the right outfit to pull this one off because I think it’s pretty high fashion.. not something I’m exactly rocking these days. However, Steve Madden’s version is a bit more subtle than some I’ve seen and I think anyone could pull these off with jeans or dress them up for work or date night. I like the Vince Camuto ones too and so many color options!
I’m seeing bloggers post about following the F factor diet…what is it??
The F Factor Diet is essentially a high fiber diet (and protein) created by a dietitian, Tanya Zuckerbrot. Fiber is an essential nutrient to help keep you feeling full and your GI system working properly, so I love the idea of focusing on having fiber rich meals and snacks. This diet focuses on net carbs (carbohydrate grams – fiber grams = total absorbed carbohydrate grams) so it is essentially a low carb diet. The Skinny Confidential podcast interviewed Tanya a while back (listen here) and I enjoyed listening to the episode, but did find myself disagreeing with some of her strategies related to nutrition and weight loss. I’m all about increasing fiber in people’s diet, but not via highly processed “high fiber” food products (ex. crackers, bars, powders, supplements, etc). for the sake of feeling full and eating less. I’d prefer it if people were eating real food, which might mean a few extra carbs via whole grains, fruit, and vegetables.
I loved the back to school lunch ideas…can you link which bento boxes, water bottles, and other lunch box essentials you’re using?
Yes. I use this bento box or these portioned tupperware which both fit perfectly into Quinn’s lunch box. Heather uses these ones for her boys and loves them. I use these ice packs to keep her lunch cold. These ice packs are super cute too. She takes this water bottle everyday to school and I love it because it keeps her water cold and very durable.
Thanks for your questions! Send us more via DM or champagnetheory@gmail.com.
xx, H&A
