SLOW DOWN, 2019.
January is already over, and I can’t handle it.
We spent a long weekend in San Diego this month, and it was exactly what I needed to start 2019 on the right foot. Exploring San Diego felt effortless: warm, sunny days, beautiful succulents instead of the sad shrubs we have in New England, endless beaches and hiking trails, and so many charming breweries, coffee shops, and independent stores. I kept thinking we should have stayed forever — it’s that perfect. Usually I tire of vacations after a few days, but this time I felt like we could have stayed for weeks without missing home.
Before this becomes a full San Diego love letter, here are the things that excited me most this month. I haven’t posted a Favorites update since November; December was full of holiday content, so I have a lot to share.
Let’s do this!
(links below are affiliate links)
Luce Farm’s Hemp-Infused Body Balm
I’m a big fan of Luce Farm, and their hemp-infused body balm has been a standout this month. It’s a rich, cocoa-buttery balm infused with full-spectrum hemp extract, so it hydrates deeply and helps soothe soreness or inflammation. I love it on chapped lips and cheeks after a cold day, and it’s been a lifesaver on a raw, sore nose after battling a cold. It’s also wonderfully soothing on tired, dry hands after a day working with dough or doing hands-on tasks — a little goes a long way.
The ROOMBA
I’m late to the robot vacuum trend, but after receiving a Roomba for Christmas I’m officially obsessed. It doesn’t replace all cleaning, but having it scheduled to vacuum while I’m out means I come home to clean floors every.single.day. We have a basic model — more affordable than the high-end options — and it performs reliably. If you make daily messes, a robot vacuum can be a real game changer.
TOM’S Sneakers
I finally upgraded to a pair of TOM’S sneakers and I’m in love. I’ve worn TOM’S flats and low-profile styles for years because of their one-for-one giving model, but I hadn’t tried their athletic sneakers until now. They’re comfortable, durable, and stylish enough to wear beyond the gym. If you’re looking for a responsible brand that still delivers on comfort and looks, these are a great pick.
Living Raw Chocolate
I’m always on the hunt for outstanding chocolate, and Living Raw’s bars have been a favorite lately. They’re family-made, organic, and fair trade, with a rich cacao flavor. Their caramel-filled bars use a maple syrup caramel made from just reduced maple syrup — pure and dreamy. The milk bar is creamy while the dark bar is bold; both deliver a craft-chocolate experience. If you love thoughtful, small-batch chocolate, give these a try.
Brentwood Home’s Non-Toxic Memory Foam Mattress
January has been a month of spending — travel, new sneakers, CBD balm, robot vacuums, and chocolate — and we also upgraded our mattress. We considered a pricier natural mattress but ultimately chose the Brentwood Home Cypress memory foam mattress after researching off-gassing and chemical content in many foam beds. This mattress uses CertiPUR-US certified foams free of flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, and it’s surprisingly affordable for a cleaner memory foam option. We’re sleeping very well on it and appreciate the balance of comfort and lower chemical exposure.
Organic Cotton Undies
I switched to organic, fair-trade cotton underwear and wore them throughout San Diego and on the flight home. Comfortable underwear makes a long trip infinitely better, and I’ve been slowly replacing my drawer as sales pop up. Choosing organic cotton reduces exposure to some of the chemicals that can be present in conventionally produced garments, which feels especially important for intimate items. I’ve been happy with the fit and comfort, and I’ve been branching out into other organic basics from the same brand.
That’s all for today!
My brain has been in vacation mode this month, so it feels good to settle back into routine and share these favorites. Enjoy the last days of January — I’ll see you next month with February favorites!
Psssst: this post contains affiliate links. Translation: I may earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I only recommend products I actually use and love; thanks for supporting Baked Greens!