The last time I posted a Love List, I declared that I was ditching the monthly schedule and making a list whenever I had enough to share. Fast forward six months, and I finally have a list! It’s not that I don’t have many things to love, but I’m quite particular about what I deem share-worthy. Here are six things that are making me happy this month.
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means that I receive a small referral fee if you make a purchase.
Moody Sisters Skincare
These body and skin care products are fresh, all-natural, and fun. Each item is created by sisters Whitney and Jess, priced well, and made from ingredients I can pronounce.
I’ve tried the dry shampoo, lip balms, soaps, scrubs, mineral eye shadows, and aromatherapy oils. My skin is super sensitive, and I’ve had no issues with allergic reactions. While I’ll admit I’m not going completely chemical-free, I do like knowing what is going on my skin and in my body. I also like supporting small businesses; shopping with Whitney and Jess is like going to the cosmetic counter with a trusted friend.
San Francisco Bay Coffee One Cups
I love my Keurig, but I feel guilty using the k-cups, knowing each one adds to the already overflowing landfills. These cups, however, are 97% biodegradable. They work in the Keurig and come in a variety of flavors. I first bought them on Amazon, but now I purchase them directly from SF Bay Coffee. Amazon Prime ships much faster, but the price fluctuates, so check out both sites before you make a purchase. I’ve found that with the occasional discount codes the company sends me, I can sometimes get a better price from them.
Which ones to try? Matt and I have tried a bunch, and our favorites are Breakfast Blend and French Roast. I also love the Pumpkin Spice!
Moka pot
Continuing with the coffee theme, I found a Moka pot in the kitchen of the apartment we stayed in while in Venice this summer. I googled how to use it, and made my very first cup of espresso. When we got home, I ordered my own pot from Amazon, along with a can of Lavazza Caffe Espresso Ground Coffee. It’s not the same as drinking caffe in Italy, but it makes pretty decent espresso and cappuccino.
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- Yes, I made expresso in Venice, thank you very much.
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- And now I can make it at home.
Cinda B Tote Bag
When I was planning our European vacation, I asked Kirsten of Kids Are a Trip for luggage advice. She is a frequent traveler with kids in tow, and I trusted her judgment when she told me that this tote bag is awesome. At $99, this bag is pricey, but Kirsten said it was worth the cost. I completely agree – I’m so glad I bought it!
I used this tote as my carry-on when we flew to Europe, and it was indispensable. It held an extra outfit for each of us on the way there, as well as everything I didn’t want to check in our luggage. It slides onto the luggage pull bar, so navigating airports and train stations was easy. There are six inside pockets that go all the way down to the bottom of the bag, keeping things organized and easy to find.
I took this photo yesterday, so you can see how well the bag held up after two weeks of international travel. All Cinda B bags are water resistant and stain resistant (which I can attest to), and machine washable. If you’re tempted, sign up for emails on Cindab.com, and wait until a sale like Cyber Monday to buy it. I did that last year, and paid considerably less. Or put it on your own gift list!
USB transfer thingy
Here is one more travel essential, and an unofficial name for a small but useful piece of technology. Connect it to your iPad, insert your camera’s SD card, and transfer all your photos onto the iPad. I did this every night in Europe so I had my photos stored in three places: my SD card, my iPad, and then my iCloud. Without my computer, it was the only way to back up the photos on the road. It was completely worth the money for the peace of mind it provided.
The official name is a lightning camera connection kit. The one I bought on Amazon is no longer available, but there are plenty of others.
Nix Heart necklaces
I couldn’t resist buying these necklaces from Sandy and Nikki. I know Sandy from the blogging world, but she has branched out and created an Etsy store. As its mission states, Nix Heart is “a shop inspired by hope. Our goal is to help make a difference in the lives of children with cancer. Proceeds from items in the shop will be donated to a local community charity that helps bring joy as well as assistance to these young warriors and their families, BASE Camp Childhood Cancer Foundation.”
I bought the copper word pendants – one for a friend and one for me. For $10, how can you go wrong? As I was checking out the store to include the link in this post, I noticed that through Friday, October 16th, all items are 20% off. Note that Nix Heart is a small store, so I’d suggest adding it to your favorites and checking back as new merchandise is added.
Update: Sandy’s etsy store is now closed.
All things pumpkin
Maybe not ALL things, but I do enjoy my pumpkin goodies in the fall. They make me happy! After a recent visit to Trader Joe’s, I posted this on my Facebook page:
Bwahaha. “I have gone a bit over-gourd.” Love that!!
I’m a huge fan of pumpkins as well. Right now I have eight (yes, eight) mini pumpkins, two of which are on or near my desk.
Oh, that Moka pot sounds interesting! I just started drinking coffee this last year. It appears that three kids turns coffee into a true requirement. Very interested in the lighting transfer thing as well. I’m always running out of room on my iCloud, and can’t bring myself to sign up for a paid plan. Thanks for a great list!
I have to laugh because I use to have one of those Moka coffee things. I could never figure out how to use it, so I pitched it. I do l love our french press though. Thanks for the shout out about the cinda b bag. I am a true fan and it has followed me along on many journeys. I am glad it worked for you too! And I am all about the pumpkin. I went today and bought pumpkin yogurt, cookies, waffles, cereal, and muffins. Yes, I’m a little bit crazy for it. Love this post and happy fall!
Happy fall to you too!
I think I might need that bag! Very cute 🙂
It comes in cute patterns, but I went with solid black so my husband and son wouldn’t gripe about carrying it!
I recently bought soccer necklaces like that for my girls. And I could definitely use a backpack from that company – especially if it comes with tips for how to pack for a weekend trip to Mexico (and still have enough clothes for the time you’re there and room for souvenirs for the kids.)
I can’t help you with that – I am a chronic overpacker! I did a decent job in Europe though – if the bag doesn’t zip, something has to go.
oooh, that transfer thingy is very cool! And the coffee thingy too.
Aren’t most thingys cool? Or is it thingies? 😉
–All things Pumpkin!
–Love that necklace!
–San Fran K-Cups. I WANT! xx
And they come in pumpkin too – double score!
This is awesome, Dana. Just the kind of list you’d pass onto your girlfriends! And you just reminded me to bake something pumpkin-related this weekend 🙂
I’m so glad you like the list, Nina – a list to share with your girlfriends is exactly what I was going for!
Nice list!! I love the idea of the biodegradable coffee pods! And, the USB transfer thingie is definitely useful! 🙂
It really was useful, and I felt better knowing I had my photos in more than one place.
Great list and great reminders of your trip to Italy!
Thanks Rabia!
First of all, loved the “gourd” meme–haha. Second, I have a Moka pot but had no idea that’s what it was called!! I guess I just called it an espresso maker. And finally, you made me start a new board on Pinterest–Z vs. Shopping! I’m not very Pinteresty and never had boards for what most people probably have boards for, but I need to remember the alternate Keurig cups and also the Hope necklaces. Another winner!
The only reason I knew it was a Moka pot was because there was a logo on the side of the pot…then I googled it!
I’m not a huge Pinterest user either, but it is a great virtual bulletin board for things you want to remember. Glad you found some things to love!
I love that the love list came back! The USB transfer thingy looks awesome and like a totally easy way to transfer photos. I need one of those for my house!
It’s a great little gadget, NJ!
mmmm pumpkin. You know, I never thought to combine all of the offers, which duh because of your love lists. Awesome idea. And yeah, the USB thingie. I love. I synch to the cloud, even here on vacation which usually isn’t an issue with my phone but is here as wifi is spotty and cell signal stinks.
The tote looks really convenient.
Oh my gosh I just LOVE this one… I am swooning over that mokacoffeethingie… Can I ask if those yummy espressos are as rich as I dream they are? I think mama needs one for Christmas!! Ahem. Let me rephrase: Mama WANTS one for Christmas! Geez.
I am picky when it comes to K cups… because I like my coffee BOLD. I might try the french roast though… does it taste like Starbucks french roast?
I want that tote bag… Can I pull off getting BOTH for Christmas? Hmm… I’m going to have to perform some miraculous moves to do that. 🙂
We are so honored that cinda b made your list!!! Thanks so much for sharing our line with your readers! And in case you don’t know, your Super Tote (and most all cinda b bags) is water resistant, stain resistant and machine washable. It was also made in America 🙂 We hope you love your cinda b for many years to come. Happy travels!
Thank you! I can certainly attest to the water resistance and stain resistance, but I forgot they were machine washable. I’m going to add that info in my post – thanks again!
Thanks for the tip about the camera connection kit. I will have to get one for our trip to England. I always worry about losing my photos!
Me too, Lisa. I was also worried about not having enough space on my SD card, although I ended up having plenty. But having the photos in two places made me feel better.
I appreciate that you only do these posts with products you have used and enjoyed. I’d rather have meaningful love lists than many love lists. 😉
The bag is pinned to my Out West Adventure Board. Thanks!
My pleasure, Julia – glad you found something you liked!
I love pendants and I love pumpkin. Very much.
I love the use of the word “thingy”. That usually means it’s something good!
The Moka Pot looks like a dream.
Oh, it is! And yes, “thingy” usually means something fabulous – so fabulous I can’t even remember the accurate name!
Have you tried the Chobani Flips pumpkin harvest crisp?? I am not a huge pumpkin gal, but this stuff tastes just like pumpkin pie. It is absolutely delicious! 🙂
I have not. Unfortunately yogurt is one of those foods that completely gross me out. I wish it didn’t! But it sounds like something Gwen would love – I’ll check it out!
Thanks sister. I love my lists!
Me too 🙂
Ooh, I think I’m going to buy some of that makeup! That’s totally up my alley, plus i need more liquid foundation and some dry shampoo. And that tote bag looks awesome and perfect for traveling. Yay, for another fantastic Love List! I’m glad it’s back 🙂
Me too, Bev. I just ordered the cream foundation, so I’ll let you know how that is.
I just purchased the last necklace from the shop. I love it! Thanks
Yay! I think they are perfect to have on hand as gifts, too.
Love it when I see “Love list” in the subject. I’m intrigued by the skin stuff. Mine is sensitve too. I had a itty bitty rash from how many tissues I used last week when I was sick. So what’s in tissues? I love the bag too. But always buy and back and then forget about the last one I had. I vowed that the next one would be a backpack.
They have backpacks too – worth checking out. The quality is really good. And I know what you mean about skin sensitivity – I use products for sensitive skin, but I wonder if the chemicals in them still irritate my skin. So far I’ve had no random reactions from the Moody products, so I’m happy!
So about that bag, you’ve made me say oh no and yay in the same breath. 😱
Great list and I am with you on pumpkin spice as I can never get enough of it during this time of the year myself! 🙂
I just had a cup of pumpkin spice coffee – yum!
This list was worth the wait! I’m so, so glad to have an alternative to k-cups!!! I will definitely be buying those from now on. I also love the necklaces and the “usb transfer thingy” will be a must for our trip to Italy in May. Thanks Dana!
Those cups have been life changing. Well, not life changing, but definitely awesome. Glad you found some things to love!