I really love my... {personalized ring}

(see here for all the previous posts in the I really love my... series!)

It's back! The I really love my...series is one of my favorites.

I think it's the Southern girl in me, but I love me a good monogram/personalization. Like, it's almost to the point where I need to be careful that I don't have a monogram necklace while carrying a monogram purse with personalized shoes.

Ok, I don't have personalized shoes but that could be cute.

My sweet husband (with prompting from my sweet best friend) gave me the perfect, personalized gift for my birthday this year. A stackable ring with the name of our precious little girl! Right up my alley.



 



Thin enough to stack with other names (husband, other kids, etc.) or your wedding rings and perfect for daily wear. I love looking down and seeing Charlotte's name everyday. It's oh so very special.

Click here to see all the gorgeous name and monogram ring options on Etsy!

It's good to give your bestie your husband's phone number for reasons like this,
Laura

I really love my...{phone cover}

(see here for all previous posts in the I really love my... series)

Having an iPhone without a case makes me really nervous.

Like going somewhere without my purse.

Like watching someone take on the big red balls on the show, Wipeout.

Or like carrying around a baby without a diaper. Too far?

Anyways, those little suckers (iPhones, that is) are fragile and slippery and cost way too much for me to be whipping it around without a case.

Kate Spade makes my favorite cases because of how stinkin' cute they are! She has hard and silicone cases, whichever you prefer!

Here are some of my favorites...

And the one I have...

1/2/3/4/5/6

Not that I need a new iPhone case...

Laura

I really love my...{can opener}

(see here for all previous posts in the I really love my... series!)

I really love my...{can opener}.

Why is it so hard to find a good can opener?

I found a good hubby before I found a good can opener!

In our first two years of marriage, we went through 3 different can openers- none of which opened cans successfully. Hey can openers- you have one job, ONE! Open a can! Come on.

Well, my friend was tired of hearing about this dilemma so he sent us an angel from heaven a new can opener from Williams-Sonoma and I haven't looked back since.



The Kuhn Rikon Can Opener is easy to use, creates a dull edge so you don't cut your fingers, automatically clamps on to the can and leaves the lid in place until you use the tool on the side to pry it off! What more could you ask for in a can opener?

Buy it here from Williams-Sonoma and you'll never think of another can opener again.

How many times can I say "can opener"?
Laura

I really love my...{tervis tumbler}

(see here for all previous posts in the I really love my... series!)

Y'all. It's hot. Even in Colorado this summer the temperatures have been record breaking. And hot.

Being pregnant AND hot? Oh boy. I can think of more fun things I've experienced.

That being said, I have had to pay extra close attention to the amount of water that I consume daily and make sure that I constantly have some close at hand.

This is where the Tervis Tumbler comes in perfectly. I always keep it filled up with cold water in the fridge so it is easy to grab when I am working around the house, blogging or headed out the door to run some errands.



It's all dishwasher safe (even the straws!), comes in lots of fun designs, has an optional handle, various sizes and has multiple different lid combos for hot or cold drinks. It keeps hot drinks hot, cold drinks cold and is double walled which means no annoying sweating on the outside of the cup.

P.S. This awesome one comes in 4 different mustache designs. Hilarious.



Have I sold you on them yet? Because they're awesome.

You can get them online here (there are a million cute designs on here!) and I've seen a huge selection at Bed Bath and Beyond (including the fun college series like I have! Gotta show my Oklahoma State pride in the CO!) I have the 24 oz. tumbler with clear lid and straws and it's perfect. This would be a great stocking stuffer or Christmas gift!



images via

I'm using mine right now!
Laura

I really love my...{hobo lauren wallet}

(see here for all the previous posts in the I really love my... series!)

I cannot believe that I have not expressed my utmost love blogged about this before!

To say that I really love my hobo lauren wallet is a complete understatement.

This wallet is durable, useful, long-lasting and holds every thing you could thing you need in your purse.

via

I have had mine, and used it daily, for 5 years and it is still in great shape! It holds all my cards (I join like every store rewards club possible), receipts, ID's, cash and coins. I don't carry my check book with me but you could definitely put it on one side!

Size wise, it's perfect to throw in my purse or grab it and use it as a clutch to run in the gas station or for a night out! It also comes in such yummy colors although I just have the plain versatile black.

via



They are available at Dillard's and other department stores and although it will cost you more than you would typically think to pay for a wallet- it's honestly worthy every penny! I've gifted and recommended this wallet to so many people and they all have LOVED it!

I love you, Hobo Lauren Wallet.
Laura

I really love my...{flat whisk}

(see here for all previous posts in the I really love my... series!)

I really love my Stainless Steel Flat Whisk!

This whisk is essential for me in the kitchen! Whether it's scrambled eggs, gravy or scraping up the yummy bits underneath a creamy soup, this whisk is where it's at.

It's flat head is slightly flexible which helps get into the corners of the pan and makes a smooth end result in your gravies or pan sauces! An added plus? Dishwasher safe! Perfect.

I have this one from Williams- Sonoma but they have other options there as well as some at Bed Bath and Beyond!

Whisk away!

Laura

I really love my...{knife holder}

(see here for all previous posts in the I really love my... series!)

I don't know if you heard, but we just moved. (Please note the sarcasm; we all know I can't stop talking about it.)

Anyways, when we moved out of our rental house, I didn't want to take my magnetic knife rack down from the wall because I knew the massive holes in the wall probably wouldn't go over too well with the landlord. So, instead, I chose to appear as the gracious ex-tenant and leave this on the wall. Saintly, I know.

Now that we are in our new house (it's OUR house! Eeek!!) I have been looking for a new knife holder but really didn't have a place in our kitchen that I loved to hang a magnetic rack. When I was shopping at the Container Store the other day, I stumbled upon this gem and haven't looked back since!

It's a bamboo knife holder that fits in your drawer and safely holds all your knifes without dulling the blades.

The flexible cork-like material easily separates to accommodate multiple knifes of all different sizes.

Here it is in our drawer. This takes up half the drawer with lots of room on the side for other really important kitchen utensils. They also make a deluxe knife holder that is double this size if you're really a knife junkie or just love to have options when cutting your onions. To each his own, you know?

To say that I am pleased with this purchase would be an understatement!



You can get this little beaut online or in stores at The Container Store!

Off to stare at my cork and bamboo obsession,

Laura



I really love my...{Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker}

(see here for all previous posts in the I really love my... series!)

I really love my Cuisinart Pure Indulgence Ice Cream Maker! My brother gave me this for Christmas a few years ago and, I'll be honest, it took me a while to finally get it out of the box and give it a whirl. And now, I'm hooked!



It is so simple to use and I love being able to lighten up full-fat ice cream flavors or make homemade frozen yogurt! It's great for using up leftover cookies, candy, cake or fresh fruit from the farmer's market.

You simply freeze the inner freezer bowl for 24 hours before use, mix up your milk/cream/vanilla etc. (see yesterday's post for the most amazing ice cream recipes), pour it into the freezer bowl and turn it on for 25 minutes! Voila!

Everyone will be so impressed! It's a must have for the upcoming summer months!

You can purchase it from the Cuisinart website and Amazon.com, to name a few!

Have fun!
Laura

I really love my...{simplehuman soap dispenser}

(see here for all previous posts in the I really love my... series!)

I really love my simplehuman Soap Dispenser! My grandparents (Hi, grandma and grandpa!) gave us this soap dispenser for Christmas a few years ago and it's wonderful!

It has a sensor by the top that dispenses the perfect amount of soap without touching the dispenser. This is great for the kitchen when your hands are covered in raw meat, onion, or who knows what else!



The clear back makes it easy to know when to refill and there are 4 options for the amount of soap that is dispensed. You can buy this germ-a-phobe friendly dispenser at Bed Bath & Beyond or lots of places online!

Nobody likes raw chicken all over the place,

Laura

I really love my...{Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray}

(see here for all previous posts in the I really love my... series!)

I really love my Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray! I am a huge fan of dirty hair, let's not beat around the bush here, and this spray really helps my hair last longer throughout the week between washes. I've tried more dry shampoos and spray than I can count but when my hairstylist recommended this one to me- I've been hooked ever since.



via

It is a little more pricey than I was typically spending but it is worth every penny! There are few hair products that I religiously buy over and over again and this is #1 on that list. It's invisible when sprayed on, removes grease and oil and is also great for adding texture and body when teasing.

Check with your hairstylist or you can buy it on the Oribe site here, Amazon.com, or multiple other online sites. The cost I've found consistently across the board is about $39. But who can put a price on dirty to clean hair?

Don't judge my lack of hair-washing,
Laura

I really love my...{silpat}

(click here for all previous posts in the I really love my...series!) 

I really love my Silpat baking mat! I recently purchased a Silpat after being intrigued by them for years and I haven't regretted my purchase once. Only that it took me so long to get one! 

According to the Silpat website, they are: 

"...a must-have for all bakers. SILPAT® is the original non-stick baking mat. Since 1965, Demarle has been committed to improving your baking experience by introducing top quality products. SILPAT® products never need greasing and replace parchment paper. Using SILPAT® products saves time, money and reduces waste in our environment. SILPAT® products are great for working with sticky materials such as gooey batter, taffy, caramel, doughs and anything your imagination allows. Nothing sticks to SILPAT®."

I couldn't agree more. I was a little nervous about ruining a batch of cookies on here because I was doubtful in the nonstick ability but, boy, was I wrong! Cookies, chocolate, scones, etc. have all come off the Silpat seamlessly and without being burned. 

They are easy to clean and don't take up a lot of space when stored. It's official- the Silpat is a hit in my house! 

I bought mine at Williams-Sonoma but you can also get them from Amazon or Bed Bath and Beyond.

No more parchment paper here, 

Laura

I really love my...{face lotion}

Another post in the I really love my... series!

I really love my Eltamd UV Clear lotion!

Just like my face wash, this was recommended to me by a dermatologist a few years ago and I haven't looked back! It is gentle enough on my sensitive skin yet is strong enough to keep away breakouts without drying out my skin. I use it once daily, in the mornings after washing my face. I also love that it has SPF 46 so I don't have to worry about putting on sunscreen throughout the day while I am out hiking, running and just being so Colorado-ish.

I order mine a few at a time through either Amazon.com or Derm Store.

Still keeping that skin smooth,

Laura

I really love my...{face wash}

Another post in the I really love my... series!

I really love my Skinceuticals Clarifying Cleanser!

This was recommended to me by a dermatologist about two years ago and I haven't looked back since. It's gentle enough on my sensitive skin yet the salicylic acid is powerful enough to keep away breakouts! I love the tiny micro beads that are great to keep my skin exfoliated especially in the dry, Colorado winter.

I use it once a day with my Clarisonic and it lasts quite a while! Although it was recommended by a dermatologist, I order mine online, either from Amazon.com or Dermstore.

Keeping that skin smooth,

Laura

I really love my...{denman paddle brush}

Another post in the I really love my...  series!

Spoiler Alert: This post is pretty girly, boys. (If any boys are even reading this...)

I really love my Denman Paddle Brush!

This brush is perfect for my long, thick hair but I'm told it will work on any hair type and any length! I love how gently it de-tangles wet or dry hair and how light and smooth it leaves my hair. The bristles have an air-cushioned rubber pad underneath which helps leave hair static-free!

Check it out!

Is it weird to love a hairbrush?

Laura



I really love my...{silicone mixing bowls}

This is the third post in the I really love my...series! Check here and here for the first two in the series!

I really love my silicone mixing bowls!

The iSi Basics Flex-it Mixing Bowls have made a huge difference for me in the kitchen. The set comes with three different sizes that are large enough for cake batter and cookie dough. I love that after mixing my ingredients in these bowls it is so easy to pour the batter into a cake pan, loaf pan, mixer, ice cream maker, my mouth...you get the picture.

The iSi version that I have are available on Amazon.com and are microwave and dishwasher safe! Two points for them. I also saw some other versions available on Amazon.com and Target.

Also, check out the iSi Basics Flex It 1 Cup Prep Bowls. I have these, as well, and love the smaller size and matching lid for prepping ingredients ahead of time!

I love anything that simplifies my life and these mixing bowls definitely do that!

Silicone is a weird word,

Laura





I really love my...{mini colander}

This is the second post in the "I really love my..." series! The first post in this series was last week- my Clarisonic!

I really love my mini colander. My mom got me the 1 1/2 qt. size from Williams-Sonoma for Christmas and I don't know how I survived in the kitchen without it!

It is perfect for berries, rinsing small pasta shells and beans and numerous other odd jobs in the kitchen! I had no idea I would use it as much as I already have. It is currently holding blueberries in the fridge! I have found that my berries are lasting much longer when they are able to have some air circulation (versus being in the plastic container they came in) and it is so simple to grab a handful of fresh fruit for a snack! 

Laura + Mini Colander = True Luv 4ever

Williams-Sonoma Addict,

Laura

I really love my...{clarisonic}

This is the first post in a new series here on the blog called "I really love my..."

I absolutely love any new beauty/kitchen/home/style products and tend to buy new items based on people's recommendations. This series will feature products that I love that I want to share with you!

I love my Clarisonic Classic Sonic Skin Cleansing System (whew, that's a mouthful). I have had my Clarisonic for about 3 years now and it has made such a difference in my skin. I have very sensitive skin and can easily get breakouts. The Clarisonic keeps my skin feeling soft, smooth and keeps my breakouts to a minimum! It takes off more make-up than you even know you had on and is super easy to use and clean. It also comes with a body brush for troublesome breakouts on your back or chest.

According to the Clarisonic website...
"The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth skin. In just 60 seconds, the micro-massage action removes 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. Removing more dirt and oil from your pores also helps products work more effectively."

Fancy!

I keep my Clarisonic in our medicine cabinet, on the charging dock and have the cord reach out through the cabinet and stay plugged in there. I grab it before I hop in the shower and use it in there with my normal face wash. I love that it is completely waterproof and is safe in the shower! A major plus. My mom keeps hers in her shower until the battery starts blinking and then charges it. She says the charge will hold up to a month!

To use, put face wash on your face and then press the large button in the middle. It spins for 20 seconds for you to scrub your forehead, then a beep, then 20 more seconds to scrub down your nose and chin area, another beep, 10 seconds for one cheek, another beep and 10 seconds for the other cheek. Then rinse and violá- one minute to smoother skin and smaller pores! Completely worth an extra minute in the shower!

There is also a smaller, more travel-friendly version called the Mia. It is a little more wallet-friendly in price and comes in fun colors like garnet red (my sister-in-law got this color for Christmas!), fuschia and turquoise. The Mia is comparable to the Classic system, except it does not come with a body body or the beep feature while spinning, which is all personal preference!

Overall, I really love my Clarisonic and HIGHLY recommend it to you!

Loving my smooth skin,
Laura