Before I start this post, I want to take a moment to express that though things on the blog will be “back to normal,” that certainly isn’t the case for our city. Rebuilding the city we love and call home will be a long process — and one during which continued support is critical. I will continue to share opportunities to give, brands and shops raising funds for relief efforts as well as other recovery initiatives. I know many of you come here to talk style, beauty, home decor, etc., and that this kind of content can serve as an escape, but know that my continued commitment to Houston is very much a part of my day-to-day. With Hurricane Irma now projected to hit Florida and having already hit the Caribbean, please join me in prayer for all of those in this hurricane’s path.
My last amazon favorites post got so much love so I decided to share another one that’s a mix of old and new purchases. Honestly, I’m a little nosey and love seeing what other people buy, so these posts are fun for me to do (and to read when others share their purchases!)shark vacuum cleaner | hot roller clamps | external phone charger | charcoal teeth whitening powder | the subtle art of not giving a f**k | coco chanel children’s book | blush pink heels | vital proteins collagen peptides | eyebrow razors | bad air sponge | dell keyboard
The first item, this shark vacuum cleaner, is a LONG time coming. We hadn’t purchased a new vacuum in years and my in-laws ended up giving us their backup vacuum when our last one broke down. They were the same make/model, so they both broke down eventually. I asked in a Facebook mom group I’m part of, and though there were a lot of suggestions, this shark vacuum cleaner won me over with over 9,000 reviews, over 70% of which were five-star. It’s under $200 and some compare it to Dyson (which retail for closer to $600). I cannot wait to use this. I know my excitement over a vacuum is a little overboard, but we haven’t had a good one for quite some time, so I’m simultaneously horrified and thrilled to see what will come out of our carpets.
I’ve been using these hot roller clamps for over 15 years to hold my velcro rollers in and also to throw my hair up and get my hair out of my face when I wash it at night. They’re so essential. I even use one to help keep my topknot up at the gym. I think I have about 20 of these, no exaggeration.
I learned about vital proteins collagen peptides from my friend Lindsey Regan Thorne’s blog and instagram stories. It’s a colorless and flavorless powder that you can to your drink that benefits your skin, hair, tendon, cartilage, bones and joints. If you read the reviews, they are amazing. I’m hoping this will help with my skin and my wonky postpartum hair. Let me know if you’ve tried this!
I purchased an external phone charger for our Disney World trip last year and I’m getting it all charged up again for our trip soon. I like having this as a backup for emergencies. It re-charges your battery on-the-go, no outlet necessary. All you have to do is make sure you charge it up so it’s ready to give your phone a battery boost when you need it.
My teeth haven’t looked their whitest lately, so I decided to try this charcoal teeth whitening powder that I read about online. It’s kind of weird to use, but I’m used to it now and like it so far. I don’t think I’m using it often enough to see dramatic results, but it’s a natural way to whiten and you can use it to maintain your whitening results or just as a supplement to your whitening toothpaste. Also, it’s a good alternative for nursing moms since you can’t use the regular strips.
I saw someone share this book recently, aptly titled, the subtle art of not giving a f**k, and I thought to myself, hmmm, I could care less about some things in life. I’m only a couple of chapters in, but I’m hoping to get some fresh perspective. I think when it comes to reading “self help” books, you have to go in with an open mind and just see if it resonates with you. I’ll update when I’ve finished the book.
I ordered this coco chanel children’s book for Harper a while back and it’s one of our favorites. The illustrations are so sweet and there is an entire series that focuses on women in history.
These blush pink heels just arrived last week and they’re perfect. I had been looking for a neutral heel in a blush tone and these fit the bill — pointed toe, good quality, good heel height and prime shipping! I’ll be sure to style them with some outfits soon.
In my last amazon faves post, I shared a facial hair removal tool. But in case you thought I was done with that topic, a new “trend” I’ve seen on YouTube is using an eyebrow razor to shave your peach fuzz (see a video here). I think the process can also be called dermaplaning, but don’t quote me on that. I have been using these for a few months just on the sides of my face (sideburn area) and they’re great. I was never one to notice or care about peach fuzz, but it really does make your makeup go on more smoothly. You can also use it if you sometimes see fine upper lip hairs. Because, you know, that happens.
Given that we just had a hurricane, I ordered this bad air sponge after reading an article on Facebook recently about the best ways to get rid of bad smells in your home. We haven’t noticed anything yet, but I wanted to be proactive and have something ready to go. I’m also planning to use it in our downstairs closet that is by our garage because that space holds a ton of shoes and jackets and doesn’t smell the best.
Lastly, I ordered this dell keyboard for my computer at work. The keys are super thin which I like (reminds me more of my Macbook). My current keyboard is a level of disgusting I cannot describe, and I’m embarrassed to be typing this (and a 2008 ABC news story suggests keyboards are dirtier than toilets, so…) Not only am I not the only person who has used it, but I eat lunch at my desk a lot and even with using compressed air to clean, it would probably test positive for things I don’t even want to know exist. It was time. RIP old keyboard.
I hope you all enjoyed this post — thanks for reading!
Emelia says
Ok I need to check out that razor, sounds great! I’ve heard of the peptides, but do they make your drink taste differently? I’m weird about that stuff, ha-ha. I just added that Coco Chanel book to my cart for my baby girl. Thanks for the round up.
Sending love and prayers to Houston…I can’t imagine.
Veronika says
Hi Emelia- the pepties are flavorless. Apparently you can’t taste them at all! Thanks for your thoughts for our city <3
Pam Forsyth says
I love these posts!
Veronika says
Thank you! I plan to share them regularly now 🙂
Rachel says
We’ve had that same Shark vacuum cleaner for about 5 years and it is the bomb! You will probably need to empty it more often than with any other vacuum, but that is because it picks up EVERYTHING! It’s kind of gross and satisfying at the same time.
Veronika says
I literally cannot WAIT to experience that. I know it sounds crazy but our current vaccum performs so poorly, I cannot imagine what is lingering in our carpets. Eeek. Glad to hear another great review!
Eena says
To be honest, all my Amazon purchases are my favorites. I love really love the shoes!
☼ cabin twenty-four
Veronika says
thank you so much! amazon rocks!
Jenny says
Love these posts, the U.S. for sharing!
Veronika says
Thank you 🙂
Liz Sanders says
Something I keep on hand that is available on Amazon is Equalizer Carpet Stain & Odor Eliminator. Its marketed to be for animal odors and stains, but I don’t even have pets and I keep a couple of cans on hand. We recently had our first throw up on the carpet episode, and this came in very handy. I have also used it for removing marker, ink, make up and food stains at the least… With a five year old there is no end to what may end up on the carpet!
Veronika says
I will have to check that out- thanks for the recc! 🙂
Maria says
I use those tinkle razors too! I heard about them on a fb group and am hooked. So easy to use and my makeup looks so much smoother. I will say after a couple of months I got a little to comfortable and shaved off too much side burn. I took off the part that has the dark roots showing right away and it looked awful.
Curious to see how the peptides work for you. My post partum hair sucks. My hair used to be my one beauty (not really, just love that quote from little woman) and now it’s coarse and mousy looking all at once, with random growth around all my head.
Veronika says
My postpartum hair is also totally awful. New growth all over the place that sticks up, my hair is coarse and wiry. It is so odd, I’ve never had my hair be this way. I’ll definitely update about the peptides.
Jen says
Being a prime addict myself, I love these posts!! it’s always so interesting to hear about other peoples finds. I’ve heard about the charcoal teeth whitening and I’m about to pull the trigger!
Veronika says
I hope you love it!
Belle says
I’ve had that vacuum for ten years. It still works as well as it did when I bought it–easy to handle, tools on board, easy to empty. I’ve been married 46 years and I’ve had EVERY big name brand except Dyson. I found myself in a big box store staring around and randomly chose the shark because I thought, “Why not? None of the others are worth the money.” I spent about $150 for mine, and it’s the best money I’ve ever spent!
Veronika says
I’m so glad to hear this! All of the positive reviews have me excited!
CoCo says
Hi Veronika! I’ve been following your blog for a few years now but never commented before. I just wanted to say you have such a kind heart and even though I come here to “talk style” I also appreciate that you share your thoughts about things that matter. Hope your community recovers soon.
Anamika says
Ha! I should buy myself a new keyboard for work. Because it’s work, I just assume it is something they should pay for, but you’re right, my keyboard is disgusting and I even have 2 cans of compressed air on my desk! Blegh. Great idea – I’m totally ordering one. Also, I would love to hear how you like that Vital Proteins pack – taste, effects, etc. GREAT POST! 🙂
Irene says
Thanks for the recommendations, Veronica. I’m kind of excited about the vacuum cleaner, too. But I’m really surprised you would present Coco Chanel as a role model for Harper. Maybe you don’t know that she was a nazi collaborator and antisemite. Pretending the bad things someone did didn’t happen is like trying to rewrite an inconvenient history, a practice I don’t think you would support.
Veronika says
You are absolutely right in that I would not support that — nor was I aware of this information. Thanks for sharing this with me. I think if you follow me on social media, you’re very much aware of my views and passion for equality.
Veronika says
I also feel the need to clarify that I never said, nor do I think that Coco Chanel is a role model for my child. I just thought the book was cute and had nice illustrations, etc. I didn’t buy it with the intent that it serve as a role model.