17 [random] things I'm loving lately
a rapidfire roundup of my favorite items, articles, music, and health tips from this season!
POP QUIZ—
What does Norwegian-style parenting, a ceramic soap holder (?!), and a $15 pair of Target sunglasses have in common?
Well, my friend, they are all part of things I thoroughly enjoyed this season.
The Kate Stamp of Approval—
You all know I am quite #picky with the products I use, buy, and especially the products I recommend.…but I also LOVE sharing amazing finds with others.
When I find something good, I simply cannot keep it to myself. I always have been (….and always will be) that in-your-face-friend that is like “you HAVE to try this”, hahahah
So, all of that being said— every once in a while, I get the urge to just compile a little list of my recent & random obsessions of the moment and shout ‘em from the rooftops.
I thought recapping these things on a seasonal basis could be a fun “tradition” for us here on The Reset…
So, without further ado here is the first recap of my favorite items: spring/summer edition!
A REMINDER: you don’t need any of these things!
The best part? You don’t need a single thing on this post!
As always, I encourage you to shop *intentionally*, and only buy what will truly be useful & elevate your life!
While none of these are necessities, this list covers anything and everything I’m loving this season— whether it’s music, podcasts, clothing, skincare, health habits…nothing’s off limits here!
Also just a PSA that nothing on this list was sponsored (although sometimes I wish they were, ha!) I am just using some affiliate & refer-a-friend links for things I TRULY use & love & recommend.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Let’s get into it
1. these reebok grandma shoes
So call me a millennial, but I had a hard time getting on the chunky white sneaker bandwagon because I truly felt like a middle-aged dad named Kevin whenever I put them on.
But I finallllllllllly found some white tennis “dad shoes” that are also kind of sleek, feminine, and on trend these Reebok ones. (Note: they did take 1-2 wears to fully “break in”, but if you power through the awkward phase, they truuuuly became THEE comfiest shoes I own.)
Perfectly vintage vibes, but still modern. Ya love to see it. They’re the absolute best.
2. dandelion root (buh bye, puffiness)
You guys know me— I’m a registered nurse with my doctorate in integrative health— aka I am alll about the science-backed natural remedies.
and one of my FAV herbs is dandelion. Yup, that “pesky weed” has SO many health benefits.
Not only is dandelion so great for the liver, an anti-inflammatory, a phenomenal source of the prebiotic fiber inulin, and abundant in trace vitamins/minerals, it can also be used for is a natural diuretic.
AKA—if you are feeling really bloated, puffy, or like you’re retaining fluid maybe after a night out or a gluttonous meal or around your menstrual cycle, dandelion root could be a great way to get rid of some of that extra fluid.
I don't take this a ton (I generally want ALLLLL of the fluid I can get and stay super hydrated since I'm breastfeeding!) but there have been a few days recently where I just felt puffy. bloated. retaining fluid. and just… blah, ya know?
So, on those days, a few capsules of dandelion root does the job! (As always, check with your doctor before taking any supplement!)
3. grounding or “earthing”
As the Minnesota winter thawed, we are finallllllllly more easily able to get outside with bare feet, and I have loved walking around on the grass, going to the beach, putting my feet in Lake Superior, just like being in nature and touching nature and interacting with nature.
It might seem fluffy or inconsequential, but there is actually strong data that direct contact with the earth supports mood, improves wound healing, benefits blood pressure, reduces stress, lowers inflammation… in fact, one double-blind, randomized controlled trial showed improved circulation and inflammation after just one hour in contact with the earth.
In our modern society it can be easy to forget that interacting with nature, the earth, and fresh air can truly be healing. So, just a reminder that getting outside, lying in the grass, and putting your bare feet on the ground can be so lovely *and* impactful for your wellbeing. I’ve always loved regular nature time, but I’ve truly trying to prioritize grounding as one of my daily non-negotiables for supporting my health.
4. this youtube home tour:
Ya know how we all have comfort TV shows? This is my comfort youtube video—
’s incredible home tour.I love this home— the quirkiness! the color! the vibes! I watch this at least once per month and it grounds me in my desire to do things my way in our 1963 mid-century. While it’s tempting to “play it safe” with a home, this video reminds me that I LOVE houses with personality, and it inspires me to create a beautiful, quirky, and eclectic home of my own!
5. these blue light glasses
Okay there is one thing that I've been asked for the link of 948053094 times over last few months on insta, it’s without a doubt some chunky, tortoise-shell glasses I’ve been wearing (they’re in my prescription too!).
I love the thick frames, I love that they're a little quirky and bold (but not straight up weird), and I upgraded them to make them blue light blocking so that I wear them while I stare at screens working and in the evening to protect my circadian rhythm for deeper sleep. But, beyond the blue-light-blockin’ goodness, they’re just… cute. *hair flip* And soooo affordable.
And just wait until you hear where I got them. It wasn’t Warby Parker, it wasn’t some fancy glasses boutique, but….