Five favorites

1. Microfiber cloths (6), $10: We have a kitchen situation: two kids blessedly old enough to cook dinner, but apparently not to notice when they leave behind greasy paw-prints and a crust of debris on surfaces and handles. Lo, the cleaning sprays that have failed to degrease the appliances! These cloths totally, completely solved the problem. I use them dry to remove all traces of splatter and oil from kitchen surfaces, including our poor microwave that gets the brunt. It is wildly satisfying and I find myself looking for other surfaces to redeem (they also work spectacularly well on mirrors and my bifocals).

2. Levi’s ribcage straight ankle jean, $60: Jeans don't come easy to me. I haven't loved the recent trends: the threat of low-rise returning, the uber baggy silhouette, cargos. These well-made, flattering Levis are somehow less than the $200 that seems to the insane new norm for quality denim. I also have and love the ribcage bells when I'm wearing a heel, but this straight cut pair is excellent for every day sneakers, loafers, and boots.

3. Erborian BB cream, $35: I wanted a product to even out my skin with natural, all-over coverage and this BB cream nailed it. It's super easy to use—just a pea size dollop on each side of the face is plenty and you can blend it with your fingers. A little extra SPF, skincare-forward formula, a matte but not dry finish: good stuff.

4. Organic lip balm (6), $10: It seems like a no-brainer to go organic for something that is literally on our lips—we're practically eating it. We've been loving this straightforward, affordable set with flavors like eucalyptus, coconut, citrus, mint, and vanilla. 

5. Bottle emptying cap (4), $12: Have you ever said to your spouse in the bathroom, "Man, I wish all shampoo/ conditioner/ body wash/ soap came facing down so later you don't have to balance them upside down at the end"? I bear great news: this gadget converts any bottle to a gloriously stable, downward-facing one so you get every last drop. It also rescued me when I lost the cap on a giant, newly-opened bottle of my favorite Castile soap. Obsessed.

__________

Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, pilgrimage leader, and travel concierge.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.

Subscribe to A Heroic Moment, my free weekly newsletter