Simply Links – May

It’s that time again – for me to share with you some of my favorite things. I hope you enjoy.

1. Tag Reader – this is one of the best toys my children have, hands down. I love the thing. It’s a pen they can use with Tag books to read, explore, and play games. You load the audio files onto the pen by connecting it to your computer and downloading them from the Leapfrog site, and that’s it. Some of the books are storybooks (Cat in the Hat) and some are filled with a story and activities. Either way, they’re great. The kids both love them, will play for 10 minutes or more at a time (huge for a 2-3 year old) and they’re educational. Not to mention the reader goes on sale frequently and can be had for a steal, and the books cost no more than regular story books.

2. Alchimie Forever – While it is true that this hand and foot cream costs twice as much as I would typically pay, I do not tell a lie when I say it’s worth it. Because my oldest client is a medical spa, I’ve known and loved Alchimie Forever products for the past five years or so. But their 532nm hand and foot cream (all their products are named after beauty lasers) found its way to my appendages while I was pregnant with my son. Some of you know that swollen, tired, terrible feeling your feet acquire while carrying around a watermelon on your belly – this foot cream was like heaven. It actually contains ingredients to help with swelling AND soreness. So if you’re pregnant, it’s a must, and if you aren’t, it’s worth the splurge.

3. Every month I show you an Anthropologie find, because I really do love the store. that. much. Since I last did a links update, I actually got to step foot in an Anthropologie store. Lets just say I count it a good thing that there isn’t one closer to me. My wallet (and conscious – I do try not to buy in excess) wouldn’t appreciate it. I did find this very cute shirt and brought it home with me. It needed a good home.

I also bought an orange-vanilla candle and a really fun retro kitchen timer. And I saw a totally craft-able headband that I’m hoping to make and share with you soon. You know, in all my spare time.

4. One of the 3,253 blogs I read on a daily basis (I kid, I kid. I think.) is Design Sponge, and probably my favorite feature is their before and after.

It makes me want to run to my nearest thrift shop and buy something, anything to redo. I have not acted on this impulse yet, but someday, friends, someday. Anyway, this week they featured this bench which I absolutely, positively adore. Click here to read the article – you must see the before.