Fab5 ‘What We’re Buying’ List

Most of us do not ‘need’ much in the way of material goods. Our closets are full, our homes are furnished and decorated and our kitchens and pantries are stocked. But sometimes something new is needed or wanted. A gift for a birthday. A new dress for an upcoming wedding. A new pair of summer sandals. Even a new appliance for the kitchen can make us feel good. Here are our Fab5 things that each of us has purchased recently.

Chrissie:

1. Athleta Jumpsuit: I am normally not a jumpsuit kind of gal – they are not flattering. But this one is different. In terms of fit, the higher waist and loose, flowy pants are flattering and the front zip can be worn up high for a more tailored look or lower for a more casual option. It’s super lightweight (same material as their very popular Brooklyn ankle pants) and has light stretch. Pefect for urban travel – you can wear it with sneakers and short cardigan or jean jacket to wander or dress it up with fancier shoes and a leather jacket for night. One and done!
2. Quince Maxi Dress: I love Quince, and if you haven’t shopped there yet, go have a look. Great quality at great prices – they started with a couple of basics and now have everything from towels (from Turkey) to purses (from Italy) to clothes and more. This dress is a dupe of the Anthro Summerset dress and comes in both cotton and stretch silk. I got the navy in silk and I love that you can wear it to a backyard bbq or to a wedding as it can be dressed up or down like the jumpsuit above. It’s great for travel too ‘cause it packs into nothing.
3. Yina Hydracloud Facecream: This is my favorite face cream!  Iit isn’t cheap, but it lasts forever (you just have to use a teeny tiny amount to hydrate your whole face) but I ran out and had to restock. And it’s a Bay Area women-founded brand!
4. Lululemon Swim Trunks: My son suggested that I get these for my husband for Father’s day and I must say, they were a big hit! They look like shorts so can be worn out and about but are great swim trunks. As we know, the brand is $$ but the stuff does last forever. They are available in two lengths.
5. Timbuk2 Laptop Backpack: John was in need of a new briefcase and backpacks work so much better for him when going through airports, and just in general. After some research, I got him this one in dark blue as it has all the ‘slots and pockets’ he needs (including the one on the back that lets you put it on the handle of a carry-on bag for when walking through the airport), is fairly streamlined and is from a great brand. After his first trip with it last week he gave it a 10/10 review.
6. BONUS ITEM: Meter Plus Bluetooth Meat Thermometer: My husband’s friends were giving very high praises to this item, so much so that he asked me to get him one (and he rarely does that). It’s a wireless meat thermometer that lets you know internal meat temperature via your phone and supposedly is amazing. It’s en route now, and we will give a full review once we test it out!

Joanne

1. Foldable Mini-Trampoline.  This little wonder is amazing!  I was hesitant at first because I didn’t want another device gathering dust, but when I was told it was the easiest way to strengthen pelvic floor muscles (TMI?) I thought I’d give it a go.  Additionally, it improves balance, safeguards joint health, improves heart health, relieves stress, and burns a lot of calories.  Put on some tunes and jump away!
2. I’m not a make-up person but this Joah mascara came so highly recommended by a make-up artist that I had to try it.  It’s waterproof, has a volume-maximizing brush and has a proprietary long-lasting mascara formula.  Say hello to all-day volume, length, and lift!
3. Apple Products.  I’ve been an Apple devotee since the beginning of computers.  I think I’ve had them all (I even have an old iPod!).  Lately, I’ve loved the Apple AirTags to keep an eye on my baggage when traveling.  I put one in my carry-on and one in my checked bag and also bought them as gifts to keep track of my family.  I also upgraded my air pods to the AirPod Pros – they easily change to noise canceling, are very comfortable, have a longer battery life, have fabulous sound quality, and are sweat and water-resistant for when you are working up a sweat on the mini-trampoline!  Lastly, I was due for a phone upgrade and recently got the latest iPhone. The camera is so good I don’t even take my fancy camera on trips anymore, and the larger size makes it really easy to watch shows and do work on the go, without having to haul along an iPad or laptop.
4. Summer Reads.  For my summer birthday a few years back, FabLister Barb M. gave me a stack of books wrapped in a big bow.  I loved it!  I’ve copied this idea and love to gift similar stacks.  This summer, my stack includes Horse, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Lucy by the Sea, Still Life, and Tiny Beautiful Things.  Although I like a physical book, I also read a lot on my kindle.  I especially like it for traveling to keep my carry-on light. If you don’t have one, I highly recommend it and it also makes a great gift, as does an Audible subscription!
5. I’m hiking a lot this summer “gearing” up for a backpacking trip in July, so I’ve been dialing in my gear!  I’m a gearhead and a hiker and here are some of my go-to items:  Camelbak Daypack with built-in hydration, Nuun tablets (the caffeine ones give a much-needed jolt along with electrolytes), and I can’t say enough about my Altra shoes!  The wide toe box and zero drop have been a game changer for many hikers!