As a 2015 American Heart Association Go Red blogger, it has been my pleasure to share with you stories of hope (like those of Ruby and Erica, which you can find here and here) as well as offer ways (big and small) to get on the path to a better you.
Today's Go Red post is no different...it just also happens to be infused with a healthy dose of retail therapy (wink, wink.)
In honor of tomorrow (Friday) being National Wear Red Day, I've comprised a list of red things Scott, our kids, and me absolutely love and actually use every day.
And my bloggy friend, Holly Bertone of The Coconut Head's Survival Guide, has gotten in on the action, too: A cancer survivor herself, Holly is the daughter of a brave woman who is currently battling heart disease and is therefore a big supporter of the American Heart Association. You can find a link to Holly's list at the end of this post.
So, here are The Conover Family's (Red!) picks:
KENNEDY -- AKA "THING ONE"
Potty Time Elmo: My mother bought Scotty this little guy when he was at the tail-end of becoming potty trained, but now that Kennedy is 15 months and has the benefit of looking up to and imitating her big brother, she takes delight in shoving a sippy cup in Elmo's mouth and making him "go potty". Amazon; $19.97
SCOTTY -- AKA "THING TWO"
First, please note that my son does indeed take normal photos with his eyes open...just apparently not when I want him to. Now where we we? Oh, yes, the Keenway Fire Station Play Set. So one December afternoon, when Scotty was spending some time with Grandma at her house, she asks him, "What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?" His reply? "A fire truck!" She couldn't believe that the kid who has everything didn't already have a fire truck, so she went for the gusto and not only bought him a fire truck...but also the whole freaking station. Seriously, though, Scotty loves this thing, so it was money well spent. Amazon; $31.99
COURTNEY -- AKA "MAMA OF BOTH THINGS"
Pouf Daddy by Essie: I don't wear red polish on my fingernails, but I do love me a classic red pedicure, and when I go for one, this is my new favorite hue. It's a good, earthy red that's not too bright. My long-time favorite was E! Live from the Red Carpet, also by Essie, but it has since been discontinued. Of course it has, because I liked it. Essie.com; $8.50
Go Red for Women Red Zipper Tote: There's nothing better for a mama on the go than a canvas tote. Because they are always in demand: Whether you're spending the day at the beach or schlepping juice and crackers to your child's school for snack day, a good, sturdy bag is more valuable than gold. I'm grateful to have received a tote very similar to this one as a gift from the American Heart Association for being a Go Red blogger. It has already been put to good use. Shopheart.org; $14.95
SCOTT -- AKA "FATHER OF BOTH THINGS"*
Here is Scott's favorite saute pan -- a 12-inch Bialetti Aeternum Red 7194. During his tenure as a professional chef, Scott has seen it all as far as pans go. But this one is the Real McCoy. And at $39 bucks, it ain't cheap. But in this particular instance, the old adage You get what you pay for applies. Here's the low-down: It has a white nano-ceramic nonstick coating; heavy-gauge aluminum construction; hi-temp silicone exterior; and is free of PFOA, PTFE, and Cadmium. Here's what that all means in lay person's terms: This pan makes damn good eggs and perfect hash browns. Amazon; $39.99
And this list wouldn't be complete without a couple of honorable mentions, like this Go Red for Women Leather Tablet Sleeve (so functional!) or this Go Red Hearts Beach Towel (the perfect size!).
Click here for Holly's list!
For more fabulous red items, visit the American Heart Association's online Go Red boutique.*
*Extra special thank you to the American Heart Association
for providing Scott's neck tie and my t-shirt!
xo