Last year, I began working on breaking away from old patterns and engaging in healthier ones to nurture my physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Everything from working out consistently to eating right and going to bed at a normal hour. At least more days than not!

I started off the new year by setting aside quality time for workouts a few days each week. A manageable enough number, but not a hard one that I feel guilty about if I miss workout or two. Busy schedules and the constant hustle can get in the way of being consistent, so I am giving myself grace when I need to.

I’ve found the key to consistency is enjoying the workout, so I stick to mostly yoga, barre and of course lots of walking. Starting my morning with a workout I enjoy truly sets a positive tone and fuels my day.

Here’s my list of wellness related items that will motivate you to move!

Nike Womens Sneakers

A practical pair of sneakers is a must – bonus if they are cute too.

Beyond Yoga Tank

Comfortable and cute workout gear can get anyone in the mood to hit the gym in the morning.

Sunrise Alarm Clock

Mornings are transformed with this rise to wake alarm clock. Plus, it helps you fall asleep with customizable soothing sounds.

Bala Bangles – Wearable Weights

These wearable weights add comfortable resistance to your walks or workouts.

Stanley Tumbler

I can’t go anywhere without my trusty reusable water bottle. Most of the time, it’s taken by my daughter or husband, so we’ve invested in a few to always have on hand.

Amazon Pullover

A most complimented sweatshirt, this cozy pullover has a slit in the mock neck for a unique and elevated look.

For more wellness, check out my favorite clean skincare products to try, or join in on a virtual book club!

The post New Year, New Goals first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

This week, I bring you a few of the above. Here’s some food for thought.

Wellness

I had a cautiously optimistic outlook going into 2021, and only six days into this new year, sat in horror as our country’s democracy was threatened. The overt racism and anti-Semitism that we’ve watched unfold is deplorable. Is this the world we are leaving our children? I’m still having a hard time finding the words to convey my feelings, but a friend shared this article by The Everymom, which I found to be a helpful read. A Letter to My Daughter as I Watch the News Today.

Read

In this month’s issue of Elle Décor, Nigerian architect, Mariam Kamara looks to the future. So much so, that the article which I’m sure was written months ago, is very timely. She says, “How we narrate yesterday determines how we imagine tomorrow. In this new year, it feels as though we are finally listening to each other enough to seize a unique opportunity to design a future that will not be based on falsified or incomplete histories. We can choose to acknowledge the gaps and begin to fill them in so we have a chance to build a world based on something truer and, ultimately richer. That will be the story of architecture.”

Beauty

You know I have a thorough skincare practice, and I keep my makeup to a minimum, but when it comes to my nails, it could go either way. I’m either all in polishing my nails routinely or letting them breathe and go bare. I typically wear Deborah Lipman, but recently discovered this amazing brand Taupe Coat, by Bethany Jennene. Taupe Coat is vegan, 10-free and its mission is to use nail polish to make a positive impact in the communities of its customers through a quarterly giving program. The Taupe Charity program donates funds, product or hours to organizations that serve some of the most underrepresented members of society.

I’m loving this red and their Melt My Heart pink polish.

Eat

Or, rather, drink. Are you kicking off 2021 with some healthy habits? Then you must check out my dear friend Kathleen’s 7 days of smoothies school. Since I start most mornings with a chai, I was most excited to try her Vanilla Chai Smoothie recipe.

Visit

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, CT has a two-acre sculpture garden and is in walking distance from town. Take the kids on a sunny day and enjoy the outdoors and some art education.

The post Friday Five | 01.08.21 first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

When I was pregnant with Wesleigh, I kicked my routine up a notch, taking extra special care of my skin and implementing a pretty robust self-care routine, especially before bed. Then after I gave birth to Wes, and a good night sleep became a thing of the past, I tried to maintain some assemblance of a morning and evening routine albeit rushed.

Now that Wesleigh is older, she wants to participate in this routine; she really loves any bath/water related activity which is why I’m glad I made the switch to clean beauty many moons ago. I don’t have to worry that if Wesleigh wants to try mommy’s moisturizer its chock full of chemicals or synthetics.

I’m not an expert on the subject, I simply make conscious decisions to purchase products with clean and safe ingredients and recently, after speaking with a friend of mine, I’ve been able to take this initiative one step further and better check ingredients of the products I purchase, through Think Dirty and EWG apps to see what clean beauty rating they received. This has been super helpful in simplifying purchase decisions especially with the cleaning products in our home, which, although we use some natural cleaners and detergents, it’s pretty shocking to see what rating certain products receive.

I admit, I frequently rotate products, but, my routine remains the same; I always start my day by washing my face with a cleanser, using a toner or mist, applying serum, eye cream and a moisturizer/spf and end my day with the same regimen, but with an exfoliating toner, heavier moisturizer (sans spf) and oil for sleeping.

So, please, tell me, have you tried any of these apps? What clean beauty products are in your daily regimen? I’m sharing my favorites here.

| Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Eye Gel / Eye Gel |

I saw results after using this gel consistently rather quickly. The gel absorbs well, reduces puffiness and isn’t heavy or sticky like other eye creams.

| Eminence Stone Crop Hydrating Mist / Facial Mist |

A soothing facial mist that calms, clears and tones skin. The mist is made of stone crop juice, lavender and jasmine so it smells absolutely amazing. I spritz it on my skin multiple times a day.

| KLUR Daily Moisture Cleanser / Face Wash |

After reading some pretty awesome reviews of this gel cleanser, I had to try it. Blended of antioxidants, botanicals and resurfacing ingredients, the wash deeply cleanses leaving your skin hydrated and supple.

| Naturopathica White Tea Antioxidant Mask / Mask |

A rich and creamy antioxidant mask that smells as good as it sounds. The mask replenishes and conditions the skin while shielding it from environmental damage.

|  Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer / Moisturizer |

A natural BHA gel lightweight moisturizer that hydrates your skin, soothing redness and maintaining a clear complexion. Also smells like every beautiful green ingredient on the planet.

 | Vitner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum / Serum |

This super-powered serum is a beauty cult favorite. Formulated of 22 organic botanicals and powerful essential oils that stimulate cell turnover, brighten complexions leaving your skin dewy and smooth.

| Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 / SPF |

I do not go a day without applying this tinted sunscreen. The Drunk Elephant umbra tinte leaves a smooth, even finish giving my skin a healthy glow without using chemicals or silicones.

A few notable brands and products I keep on hand in my medicine cabinet. You’ll notice they all smell good, it’s sort of a pre-req of mine!

Cle de Peau Beaute – Use my referral code for $25 off

Drunk Elephant

Eminence

Indie Lee

Kate Sommervile

Le Labo

Natura Bisse

Sunday Riley

Tatcha

Tata Harper

Photos by Julia D’Agostino.

The post Clean Skincare Products to Try Now first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

While the purpose of face masks is not to make a fashion statement, finding one that fits properly and that you like wearing makes them a bit more bearable. Many designers have began incorporating face masks into their collections, preserving surgical masks and N95 respirators for healthcare works, and allowing the general public to wear reusable cloth coverings that are safe and stylish.

I pulled together a few of my favorites below.

The post Face Masks For Mom + Her Mini first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

This month I’m sharing the three books I read, All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner, An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena and The Restaurant by Pamela Kelley.

All Fall Down, Jennifer Weiner – Bestselling author, Jennifer Weiner tells the story of Allison, a suburban mom who seemingly has it all; the perfect house, husband and child but she’s hiding an addiction to pills. The plot is a departure for Weiner’s typical beach reads and I found the story pretty heartbreaking, especially as a mother. 

An Unwanted Guest, Shari Lapina – I love love loved this book and at first, it reminded me of Clue. A stay at a cozy mountain lodge brings together a group of guests looking for a relaxing and romantic weekend away but when a winter blizzard hits cutting off power and contact with the outside world, guests start turning up dead. Check out this twisty thriller for yourself and see if you catch the killer.

The Restaurant, Pamela Kelley – This book was cute; an easy and quick summer read. Three sisters who live hundreds of miles apart inherit a restaurant on Nantucket, where they grew up together. The sisters were left the restaurant by their grandmother who was a silent owner of Mimi’s Place, one of Nantucket’s most popular year-round restaurants. Before they have the option to sell the restaurant, there is a catch, the sisters must work together at the restaurant for a full year or it will go to Paul, the chef. 

The post July 2020 Reads first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Where The Crawdads Sing has been on my reading list for far too long and I’m so glad to have checked it off my list because truthfully, it lived up to the hype. Although I did not finish four books this month, I will be sharing a few other titles of some previously read books I would recommend for your next digital book club.

Where The Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens

I could not put this book down’; I plowed through it staying up late a few nights in a row because I was hooked. Kya, abandoned as a child by her family, survives for years alone in a shack along the marsh in a quiet, coastal North Carolina town. When local town hero, high school quarterback, Chase Andrews turns up dead, most of the townies suspects Kya, who they refer to as “The Marsh Girl’.

The book is a coming of age story, following Kya, her life in the marsh and her interactions with the town, the water and those who live nearby. The book is immersed in nature and the author does a phenomenal job describing the surroundings. One of my favorite books I’ve read this year. Soon to be motion picture.

The Woman In The Window, AJ Finn

“It isn’t paranoia if it’s really happening . . .Anna Fox lives alone—a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times . . . and spying on her neighbors. Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother, their teenage son. The perfect family.

But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble—and its shocking secrets are laid bare. What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems. Twisty and powerful, ingenious and moving, The Woman in the Window is a smart, sophisticated novel of psychological suspense that recalls the best of Hitchcock. “

In development as a motion picture.

The Last Mrs. Parrish, Liv Constantine

“Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more—a life of money and power like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted. To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne—a socialite and philanthropist—and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale. Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn’t have a plan.

Amber uses Daphne’s compassion and caring to insinuate herself into the family’s life—the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may undermine everything that Amber has worked towards, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces. With shocking turns and dark secrets that will keep you guessing until the very end, The Last Mrs. Parrish is a fresh, juicy, and utterly addictive thriller from a diabolically imaginative talent.”

Into The Water, Paula Hawkins

From the author of The Girl On The Train, “A single mother turns up dead at the bottom of the river that runs through town. Earlier in the summer, a vulnerable teenage girl met the same fate. They are not the first women lost to these dark waters, but their deaths disturb the river and its history, dredging up secrets long submerged. Left behind is a lonely fifteen-year-old girl.

Parentless and friendless, she now finds herself in the care of her mother’s sister, a fearful stranger who has been dragged back to the place she deliberately ran from—a place to which she vowed she’d never return. With the same propulsive writing and acute understanding of human instincts that captivated millions of readers around the world in her explosive debut thriller, The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins delivers an urgent, twisting, deeply satisfying read that hinges on the deceptiveness of emotion and memory, as well as the devastating ways that the past can reach a long arm into the present. Beware a calm surface—you never know what lies beneath.”

Check out my March recommendations here and and April here.

The post Virtual Book Club – June 2020 Recommended Reading first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

Put down your phone and pick up a book. Or, open your Kindle app and download a book from my latest round up of recommended reading.

How To Murder Your Life, Cat Marnell – A memoir by fashion and beauty journalist, Cat Marnell, that openly covers her ongoing struggle with addiction. The memoir follows Marnell’s childhood in a DC suburb, to a fancy boarding school in Massachusetts where she first begins taking Ritalin both recreationally and as a study aid, her introduction to the party scene and her turbulent career as a beauty editor. The book reads a bit manic and cyclical, chronicling her ambition followed by self destructive behavior, rinse and repeat; she recalls“My ambition and my addiction had been duking it out like two boxers in a ring for years.”

I’m Fine and Neither Are You, Camille Pagan – A timely novel that deep dives into the complex relationships between spouses, friends, parents and children. Penny, the main character is the breadwinner of her household and primary caretaker of her family, putting on a front that everything is fine. Unfortunately, an unexpected tragedy strikes and causes Penny to reflect on her life choices and begin making changes. The book honestly explores family dynamics and bonds between friends.

Such A Fun Age, Kiley Reid – Kiley Reid’s debut novel examines privilege, race and class in America. The story is centered around Alix Chamberlain, a successful woman with two small girls and her babysitter, Emira Tucker, a 25 year old figuring out what she wants to do with her life. The book explores the realities of being a grown up and the evolution of relationships. The book is a page turner that every reader will experience differently.

The Hating Game, Sally Thorne – Lucy and Joshua, executive assistants for the co-CEO’s of two recently merged publishing houses are trapped in a shared office, vying for the same promotion. A predictable enemies to lovers romance, the story was a bit cliche and at times slightly ridiculous but a quick and pleasant read nonetheless. Spoiler alert, the best selling book will be a motion picture starring Lucy Hale and Robbie Amell (well done casting crew).

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

The post April 2020 Reads first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

With the arrival of spring, many of us were looking forward to celebrating the upcoming holiday’s with family, weekend BBQ’s with friends and lots of time spent outside. Covid-19 continues to have an enormous impact on the world, especially on older adults and low-income families (lets not forget about the animals in shelters) and I am so thankful that my loved ones are healthy and safe at home during this time.

In an effort to help and give back, I’ve joined many others who are bringing awareness to organizations doing good and am sharing a few that we have donated to as well as different ways we’re trying to support the businesses in our local community.

Bundles of Joy

A nonprofit organization founded by Westchester, NY mom, Adrienne Harper and a member of the Baby2Baby Network, Bundles of Joy provide babies and toddlers in critical need with the essentials to thrive.

How you can help:

1. Contribute to the Baby Formula & Essentials Fund via website or Venmo: @bundlesofjoyNY
2. Share @bundlesofjoyNY on social media.
3. If anyone you know is struggling to provide for their children, please have them reach out to Bundles of Joy.

Spread Love Not Germs

Coco + Lala, a family-run boutique in Darien, CT is one of my go-to’s for giftable items and special tot finds. Like many of us, Shannon Doherty, the boutique’s owner, found her children were missing their extended family, friends and teachers while social distancing. In response, she created these adorable “Spread Love, Not Germs”, tie-dyed T-shirts to inspire people to be proud about staying home.

Every Spread Love T-shirt sale provides 10 meals to children in need through #NoKidHungry, which provides meals to kids at home from school in need of food.

How you can help:

1. Infant Onesies are $24, Short Sleeved T’s are $30 and Long Sleeved T’s are $40. The shirts may be purchased through Coco + Lala’s online shop at cocoandlala.com, and on Instagram @cocoandlalawatchill.
2. Share your stories on Instagram #washhands4grands @cocoandlalawatchhill

Supplies for Success

Supplies for Success mission is to ensure that all children start school with the tools they need to succeed. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Supplies for Success has created the Eric Richenstein Memorial Fund to provide educational CareKits for children aged 3-7 to keep them busy and learning while schools are closed.

The CareKits include art supplies and more, are being distributed to disadvantaged children by food providers such as Island Harvest and to hospitals like Northwell Health, for the children of the frontline healthcare workers.

How you can help:

 $15.00 will supply a CareKit to a child in need. Text eric4kids to 44321 or visit the link here.

Rowayton Market

As we cook more meals at home, now, more than ever, we’ve made it a point to continue to support our local grocers. Although we still order in takeout from some of our favorite nearby mom and pop restaurants, we purchase many essentials from Rowayton Market, our in town grocer that is a short walk from our house and happens to be one of the oldest continuously running markets in the state of Connecticut.

How you can help:

The store has been dedicated to the health and safety of our tight knit community and is offering at no additional cost, grocery delivery (within a 5 mile radius) and curbside pick up. If you’re running out of ideas for lunch and dinner, the Market is offering a simple solution, freshly made prepared grab and go meals.

Shop small, shop local. Call the store at 203-852-0011 and place your order.

Palmers Market

Health experts have reiterated that seniors and those with underlying health issues are the most vulnerable to Covid-19, they are considered to be high risk. To ensure these members of the community are able to receive the product they normally would, Palmers Market has been offering a grocery delivery service and accepting volunteers to ‘pick’ the groceries and deliver them.

How you can help:

1. If you can pick groceries off the shelves, reach out to Marcella Rand of Darien’s senior programming at mrand@darienct.gov.

2. If you can drive groceries from Palmers to seniors’ homes, email Alexandra Ramsteck, Director of Darien Human Services at aramsteck@darienct.gov and she’ll coordinate with Palmer’s.

Walk for a Dog by WoofTrax

WoofTrax and ActiVet Insights showed that 65% of local animal charities saw a moderate to sever risk of closing operations. To ensure these community rescues and shelters are able to continue their amazing work, download the WoofTrax app. It’s a free app that allows you to support your favorite animal organization just by walking your dog.

Most recently, we’ve been supporting PAWS, a no-kill animal shelter dedicated to the rescue and adoption of our community’s homeless and abused dogs and cats in Norwalk.

How you can help:

1.     Walk your dog with WoofTrax. The more walkers use WoofTrax, the more sponsor dollars they can funnel to animal charities. Simply download the app, select the charity that you wish to support and start walking. Even if you don’t have a dog, you can still participate by selecting the Walk with Cassie option (Cassie is the Chief Walking Companion).

2.    Spread the word, share and promote Walk for a Dog on social channels. 

Bespoke Masks by Classic Sofa

Classic Sofa, the beloved NYC based custom furniture company has transitioned from creating bespoke furniture to bespoke masks. The masks are made with a high density cotton inner layer and tougher textured weave outer layer to allow for breathability, available in 7 SKUs. Classic Sofa will be distributing masks directly to the front line doctors at Beth Israel Medical Center.

100% of the proceeds from mask purchases go towards the salaries of Classic Sofa employees working hard in this time of need as well as to procure more supplies to keep the mask production possible.

How you can help: Purchase a $20 mask. If you’d like to refer to any other hospitals in need, please call Classic Sofa at 212-620-0485

The post Giving Back first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

I love the concept of Book Club. Exchanging recommendations with friends is always fun and gets me reading books I may not normally pick up. I typically read in cycles, one month I’ll finish half a dozen, the next, none at all, so, to remain consistent, I’m making a real effort to read at least four books a month which sounds manageable. 

To kick things off, here’s a selection of four books I’ve read and recommend.  

An American Marriage, Tayari Jones – An intimate glimpse into the relationship of newlyweds Celestial and Roy, whose lives are town apart when Roy is wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit. Check out the NYT Sunday Book Review here. Print version.

Nothing to See Here, Kevin Wilson – An enjoyable and unique page turner about friendship, loyalty and responsibility as depicted through wacky characters including twin children who spontaneously combust (literally). The NYT’s glowing review here. Print version.

The Devil in the White City, Erik Larson – A historical non-fiction book based on real characters an events. The story follows the Daniel Burnham, architect of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and H.H. Holmes, the serial killer who exploits the fair to find his victims. Print version.

The Intermission, Elyssa Friedland – After six years of marriage, Jonathan and Cass, a seemingly perfect couple, take a 6 month marital ‘intermission’ to determine if they’re better together or apart. Print version.

Check out my June recommendations here and and April here.

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.

The post Virtual Book Club – March 2020 Recommended Reading first appeared on Lindsey Boova.