I'm Maredith, C+L's first Social Media Intern! I'm a Senior at the University of Montana and majoring in Communication, here are some of my favorite things!

Açaí Bowls // ​This is the best snack, or meal there ever was. I was first introduced to these a few years ago in California, and ever since my life has been changed. The best one I've ever had was from Mountain Berry Bowls; it had mango, kiwi, and bee pollen in addition to all the typical toppings. Who would have thought the best açaí bowl would be in Western Montana?

​Have you checked out Alicia, Ariel, and Mariah's favorites?

Happy Friday friends! Can you believe we only have three days until Christmas?! We got all you last minute holiday shoppers covered. Last but not least, here are Mariah's favorite things!

Lush’s Helping Hands Hand Cream // Okay friends, real talk, my hands get dry af during the winter. I’m sure your precious hands do too. They crack and get ashy and gross like you have some kind of skin condition. And it hurts! Like it really burns! Nobody should have to live like this. Anyways, when I went to Vegas last summer I was drunk in one of their shopping malls and stumbled into a Lush for the very first time in my life. I discovered a miracle that day: Helping Hands Hand Cream by Lush is what God puts on his hands I swear. It makes my hands so soft for days. So say goodbye to gross ashy sickly hands and say hello to super soft Godly hands. *Sidebar*: If you use Lush’s shower sugar scrub before the Helping Hands Hand Cream you will feel like a new born baby with fresh new baby hands. I promise you you won’t regret it. Oh, and the best part is Lush is cruelty free and does not test on animals so take that one to the bank.

Pom pom garland from Target // I found this pom pom garland at Target, and I have it hanging from my cow skull above my bed. I think it’s going to live there all year. Also, I have had it up for about a week now and my demon cat Gravy hasn’t pulled it down yet (knock on wood) because Gravy has already ruined Christmas by terrorizing other holiday decorations in my apartment. Anyways, it’s just a cute simple way to jazz up your space for the holidays or year round!

Coaster Luxe Sweatshirt (Beyond Soft) from Athleta // Fun fact of the day: I have a part time job at Athleta. I only work like once a month, and I mainly do it for the discount because without said discount there would be no way in hell I could afford to shop at Athleta. Anyways, I love all of Athleta’s products, but I recently bought their Coaster Luxe Sweatshirt in black (because all black everything) and it is by far the softest thing my skin has ever had the pleasure of feeling. And after a couple washes now it still feels like you wearing a cloud. Plus it has thumb holes, and is longer in the back so it covers my butt. All pluses in my book.

Old Navy socks and leggings and PJ pants // I just need to be warm and cozy okay? And I truly believe that Old Navy has the best cheap leggings you can buy. If you are looking for a cheap black pair of leggings that are not see through go to Old Navy. They are a nice staple, and you won’t feel to bad when the inner thigh blows out on you because they’re only ten bucks. I also firmly believe that Old Navy has the best ankle socks, and they come in the most adorable patterns. The pair I’m wearing right now has llamas on them and they make me so happy. Lastly, it’s not Christmas unless you have your cozy flannel PJ pants on. So if you like staying warm and dressing like a scrub like me, than go to Old Navy your one stop shop and get your cozy on.

Sentry Calming Collar for dogs and Thunder Jacket // I’m just going to combine these two because they go hand in hand and it’s my blog post so I can do what I want. People who really know me know 1) I have an adorable rescue dog named Scottie whom I love dearly and 2) Scottie (much like his dear mama) has a severe case of anxiety. I have had Scotland for almost two years now, and after a ton of effort (and a doggy Prozac prescription…) We finally have Scottie’s anxiety somewhat under control. I swear by these two products when it comes to helping out stressed out pups. The collar smells like some scent that mama doggys create to comfort their babies. And the jacket swaddles them like a little angel baby and comforts them. Anyways, as long as my dog is happy I’m happy.

That's it folks! Just in case you missed it, here are Alicia + Ariel's favorite things.

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! ​

Morphe Brushes // I know I’m really into the makeup game, but I was missing out on Morphe Brushes products for yeeeaarrsss which is such a tragedy because all of their products are affordable, high quality, and professional grade.  I recently ordered their 35os eyeshadow palette, and I cannot get enough of it. $23 for THIRTY FIVE COLORS you guys!  Color me shocked, but you couldn’t get that many Covergirl eye shadow colors for that price (and Covergirl blows, TBH).  Morphe is a cruelty free company, and as I said all products are professional grade as well.  

Jack Black Lip Balm // Been using this stuff for close to a year now, and it’s incredible.  It’s expensive, around $7 a tube, but I suffer from extremely dry and flaky lips, and this really keeps them moisturized.  It comes in three different flavors: mint, lemon, and shea butter, and they are all delicious and inoffensive (also cruelty free).  You can buy it at Ulta or I’m sure Sephora carries it as well.  

Wet N’ Wild // I’m literally wet n’ wild for their products right now, especially their  MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals.  Your cheekbones could cut a biatch when you use this stuff.  I’m also using their foundation, setting powder, and setting spray right now.  Beauty doesn’t have to come at a cost, my friends, and ALL of their products are cruelty free.

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick // A good, solid lipstick is really really hard to find, especially a good liquid lip.  I’ve been obsessed with the suede creams for a few months now, my favorite color is ‘Softspoken’.  It comes in a bunch of different shades to suit your needs.  This product is, as all NYX products are, cruelty free and affordable at around $7 a tube.

Amazonian Clay Healing Face Mask // This bad boy has TWELVE THOUSAND REVIEWS on Amazon, an average of 4.5 stars, and it’s only around $13 for basically a lifetime supply.  Need i say any more?  I finally decided to take the plunge when I read this was Lili Reinhart’s favorite mask (I’m a sucker for celebrity endorsements, ok??) and it’s incredible.  It makes you break out for a day or two after, because it’s literally sucking all the gross crap out of your pores from deep down, and detoxing your face.  You can use it on your armpits, bottoms of your feet, basically anywhere on your body that you feel needs to be detoxed. It’s magic, I swear. I mix it with apple cider vinegar, slap it on, and wash off after half an hour or so and BAM.  Detox heaven.

Arm and Hammer Essentials Fresh Deodorant // I’ve been in the market for a natural deodorant for a looonnngggg time you guys...I’ve tried all the expensive ones that you buy in the health food store and they all suck.  I still end up smelling like complete and utter trash by 12 o’clock noon every day, and I’m so sorry but that just doesn’t work for me.  A friend recommended that I try the Arm and Hammer version, and I’M SHOOK. It’s less than $2 at Walmart, and it actually does work.  I like the ‘Fresh’ scent.
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My H&M Fur Vest // NOT REAL FUR.  But damn, it looks good. I’ve been trying to step up my style game in recent months, and I had to have a fur vest. It was worth the $20, and God Bless my wife who snagged one for me just because she knew I wanted one.  

Cheeseburgers // My first and last love will always be cheeseburgers, and I really do not feel that a further explanation is necessary.

Harry Potter Audio-books // I get emotional just thinking about HP, and I’m not even afraid to admit it.  I’m 100% positive that I’ve used this as a favorite thing in the past, but I’m re-listening to the versions that Jim Dale narrates, and I’m in love all over again (for the two thousandth time, mind you) with the wizarding world of Harry Potter.  It’s worth the money, I promise.

Check out Alicia, Mariah, and Maredith's favorite things!

What are you favorite things for 2017?! 

We know we tend to say this about a lot of holidays and seasons, but it is safe to say Christmas is truly our favorite time of the year! We love the lights, the warm drinks, the food, and the holiday parties. Nothing brings us more comfort than snuggling up under a blanket with our fur babies and reading a good book while it softly snows outside. Did we paint you a pretty picture? Did it remind you of a Christmas card and/or the Hallmark Channel? We sure do hope so.

The gals of C+L also love the art of gift giving. We enjoy thoughtful and well wrapped gifts, and especially love the look on that special someone’s face when they open said thoughtful gift. We wanted to start a new holiday tradition to share with you! We want to share some of our favorite things for you to buy for others, or yourself (no judgment #treatyoself). Yes, this new tradition is very much inspired by Oprah’s favorite things and Sound of Music’s Favorite Things (Ariel gets this song stuck in her head every time we talk about this blog post lolz).

Each week leading up to Christmas one of us will share 15 items that we love, and that we hope you love too.

So here it goes, Alicia's first up!

Dr. Bronner Lip Balm // I bought this stuff on a whim and now am never looking back. #byebyeburtsbees.

Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation // Remember when Ariel talked about this stuff way back when? Well, she converted me. 
 
Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel // I love trying new face products (even though my routine is the simplest thing ever) and decided to try this. It smells amazing and makes my face feel squeaky clean! 

​Goertzen Adventure Equipment Purse // I got this babe for a graduation gift three (that’s terrifying) years ago. It’s been my everyday bag ever since. I used it when traveling abroad and managed not to get pickpocketed. It can hold so much, it’s heavy duty, basically it’s amazing. 

Long sweater from TJ Maxx // I’ve been living in this sweater. It is basically like wearing a fancy bathrobe and I love it. Shameless insert of our amazing holiday pictures (even more are at the end of this post!). After being in the wedding industry for ALMOST A YEAR and seeing so many amazing photographers capture in-love couples, I’m wanting to take more and more professional pictures with my husband. Even though we don’t have kids, we’ve always sent out Christmas cards. I'm obsessed with them and am so glad I got to show off this sweater in them! 

Swing dresses from Old Navy // Best basic dresses ever. Dress them up or down, wear them in the summer or throw on some tights in the winter. There’s a good chance this is what I’ll be wearing every wedding or event we’re at.

Cardigan from Target // Another staple in my wardrobe. I have a full time office position where we have a business casual dress code (that we push to the limits with denim shirts and black jeans). I just throw one of these on with a simple top and automatically feel more work appropriate. They are inexpensive and good quality. I have had two for probably three years (with no pilling *inert prays emoji here*).
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Sorel Snow Boots // When I first moved to Montana in 2010, these were one of the first things I bought for the winter. The damn things are still in too good of condition to justify a new pair. They are SEVEN years strong. If you are in the market for a new pair of snow boots, these are worth the investment. I have what I think is a very minimal shoe collection, I have three pairs of boots total. The sorel’s and then another pair that I have had for over 8 years. I’m a firm believer of quality over quantity when it comes to shoes.
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Costco blanket - really just any cozy blankets // I can’t seem to find the exact blanket I got at Costco, but I got a queen size plush blanket for only $10 a few weeks ago. I’m like a child and carry this guy around the house with me. I’ve washed it a few times and it is just as soft as when I got it!

​Le Creuset // If anyone knows my mother, they know she is obsessed with two things: glassybaby and Le Creuset. Well, she passed down those obsessions to me. I was lucky enough to have two Le Creuset's gifted to me - a dutch oven and a braiser. These babies don’t mess around, you need both hands to move any of them. There's something about cooking in a pretty pot that just makes me so much happier! Last year I was in the market for a bigger dutch over, so I got a Lodge. It’s just as beautiful, but unfortunately the quality does not compare. The paint is already chipping on the handles. Le Creuset lasts a lifetime and are worth the investment. Seeing a trend here? Quality. Quality. Quality.

KitchenAid // Forever in love with my KitchenAid mixer. It's also just like my Mamma's. I use mine at least once a week, but generally twice. #allthebread

Joy of Cooking Cookbook // This is really the only cookbook you’ll ever need. Unfortunately, it’s old school and doesn’t have any pictures but it has any cooking information you could ever need. We have a CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture - aka farm share, almost made my list of favorite things) in the summer. Basically from June to October we go to a local farm and pick up our weight in veggies. It is hard to keep up with it and food waste legit stresses me out. If we have anything leftover, so we store it for the winter. This cookbook tells you how to can/freeze/store any vegetable. Did you know that you can freeze raw tomatoes whole? Bet you didn't. This book is over a thousand pages, basically the food bible.

Things are great, but people and pups are better. The holidays are not the same without them. 

Andddd since I'm so obsessed here are some more pictures of my darling family. All taken by the mind blowing Nichole with Of the Wolves. 


Lookin for more?! Check out Ariel, Mariah, and Maredith's favorite things!