emerald city diaries

Hello Friday! And the last Friday of July already. How is this happening? Welp, here are my favs for this month!

{one} The Great British Baking Show.

Since we are on the summer TV hiatus and we’ve caught up on our usual shows, Aaron and I have started watching binging The Great British Baking Show after hearing a lot of hype about it. We generally like cooking shows and it has not disappointed! We love hearing all of the British vernacular (but put on subtitles so you don’t miss anything) and the hosts are AMAZING! There is so much camaraderie between the bakers which is a contrast to American cooking shows where there is always drama, drama, drama.

{two} Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist.

Going into this summer (but really starting last fall with our trip to Mexico) I have been on a mission to find a great mineral (physical) sunscreen. I am slightly neurotic about the sun and our skin (shocking, I know) but I actually really dislike sunscreen. It generally feels awful on your skin (unless you use chemical sunscreen which I won’t use because I don’t think it is as effective), it leaves a white-cast on everything (clothes, car seats, strollers), and you have to apply and re-apply SO often!

But, we are going to be out in the sun so sunscreen is non-negotiable. And the bonus is that the girls are so used to be slathered in sunscreen before we head out for the day/morning that neither of them mind it. And Eloise even reminds me to put sunscreen on her! Plus, they both wear hats which helps tremendously.

Okay, all of this to say that I ordered the new Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist and it is pretty close to love. It isn’t an aerosol so it isn’t just blowing all over the place (and not really covering well) and it isn’t greasy at all. If anything my complaint is that it is a bit drying. But, I am liking it and I love that I can use it on all four of us without worrying!

{three} Missha Mild Sun Milk.

And completely related, I finally found a sunscreen for my face that I actually like (well, LOVE) as well. I have super sensitive skin that tends to break out (in hives) with fragrance and other random things so I have to test everything. But, like regular sunscreen, most facial sunscreens are either super chemically or super greasy. I have been using Missha Essence Mild Sun Milk and it is AMAZING! I will probably never, ever use an American facial sunscreen again (especially since the US FDA is decades behind Asian and European sunscreen technologies)!

{four} Hi-Chews.

When I was on my girls weekend in Boise a few weeks ago my friend Beth introduced us to Hi-Chews candies and I am hooked! They were made by a Japanese fellow who liked chewy fruit candies but didn’t like the way they stuck to his teeth (I am looking at you Starbursts) so he invented Hi-Chews which taste great and don’t stick!

{five} Azaria diaper bag.

As you may remember, I have gone back and forth on diaper bags basically since I was pregnant with Eloise. I have used the Skip Hop Chelsea diaper bag, a Madewell tote and a Nordstrom tote with ToteSavvy insert, and many other iterations of a bag to carry all of the things. But once Daphne was born, I knew that once she started getting mobile I would need something super practical, especially for this summer since many of my days are spent on the playground, splash pad, or Zoo. So, I finally broke down and ordered a backpack diaper bag. This is only a big deal because I sort of loathe backpacks. Even as a kid I preferred a shoulder tote bag (even in law school!). But, practicality won out this time and I have been SO happy with my Azaria La Mere bag. Many of the other backpack diaper bags are similar (ahem, the Fawn bag) but I love my Azaria for the super wipeable inside and outside, inside pockets, extra large outside pockets (which can hold a Hydroflask!), the key ring, and the not insanely high price tag. I also love the Petite La Mere bag which I may get once Daphne is a little older and I don’t have to carry all of the things anymore.

What are you loving this month?

M

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{one} Hydroflask 16 oz Wide Mouth Coffee Thermos

I think I have previously sung the praises of my Hydroflask waterbottle (with a straw lid) that I got to replace my old Camelbak ones, but I am here again to say that I am OBSESSED with my new coffee thermos. I use it every day, starting with my cold brew (though you could use it for hot coffee too), and then using it for my Bubly water for the rest of the day (which I discuss below too) which doesn’t do well in a straw cup because of the carbonation. Guys, this thing keeps ice cubes for hours, at least 6, and does hot and cold beverages equally well. Plus, it’s about $25 so if you have a Nordstrom note, it costs you just $5, AND it fits in cup holders! Continue reading “friday I’m in love {june}”