TAG’s Favorite Things 2023
To celebrate the holidays, we’ve curated a list of our favorite things of the year, perfect for giving to all the alpha-gals and alpha-guys on your list!
Lineage Candle
I stumbled upon this amazing candle and soap company when doing some shopping in Roanoke, Virginia several months ago. Their products are vegan, clean, and made in Virginia. Candle scents frequently trigger reactions for me, so I was thrilled to find one that brings joy instead!
Barefoot Dreams
Cozy Chic Throw
Soft and easy to care for, this cozy blanket will keep you warm and snuggly through the whole season. Loved by Oprah and celebrities alike, this throw is both functional, luxurious, and comes in a ton of colors and designs.
Lodge Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven
You’ve probably seen my red dutch oven in many of our social videos because I use it all the time. It cooks everything evenly from chicken and fish to veggie stir fry to pasta sauce. It goes easily from stove to oven and cleans up like a dream. Lots of sizes and colors to choose from.
Love & Lemons Cookbook
“Simple Feel Good Food”
If you are looking to add more plant-based recipes to your menu, this is a great place to start. Love & Lemons has long been one of our favorite blogs for delicious plant-based meals, so we were ecstatic to find their newest cookbook. Additionally, these recipes are easily made alpha-gal safe!
Counter Couture Tea Towel
Tea towels make an affordable and useful gift any time of year. We particularly love these cotton flour sack towels from Counter Couture. At around $14, these towels are all natural, durable, and a lovely gift for the gal who spends any time in the kitchen.
Microplane Rasp Grater
A good friend gave me a microplaner at Christmas a few years ago, and I cannot imagine my kitchen-life without it! It is the best and most used tool in my kitchen. I use it for grating garlic, zesting citrus, and more. I even travel with it if I’m headed somewhere I know I will be cooking..
Blade and Bow Whiskey
One thing that didn’t change with our diagnosis is our love for bourbon and whiskey. This bourbon from Blade and Bow has a subtle aroma of fresh fruit and a taste that includes hints of dried apricot, ripe pear, and a sweet roasted grain. The finish has notes of charred oak and warm winter spices. It makes a lovely holiday gift when paired with a hand-printed tea towel.
Plan to Eat App
Menu-planners unite! This app makes meal planning a breeze. Link your favorite recipes, and the app creates your shopping list. Instead of the hours I used to spend planning meals, I can be done in 10 minutes.
Raw Sugar Sugar Scrub
There’s no reason to give up luxury when you give up mammal! The proof is in this body scrub from Raw Sugar. It’s clean and safe and leave your skin soft and smelling delicious!
The Ordinary
Prior to our diagnoses, we both fell in love with The Ordinary skincare company for the effective and affordable products. Thankfully, we didn’t have to give up this line of skincare because so many of the products are vegan!
Dashing Diva Glaze Gel Nail Art
Finally, a nail sticker that goes on easily and looks like a real manicure! And with so many fun colors and patterns, there’s always a set to match your outfit. Starter kits begin at just $14 and make a fun gift for gals of any age. Not to mention, the products are vegan and 10-free for a safe, healthy manicure. Be sure to treat yourself to the Magic Off Nail Remover to keep your nails strong.
Mr. Smith’s Hair Products
As a former hairstylist, my sister introduced me to these products last year. The entire product line is vegan and made with clean ingredients. I was blown away (no pun intended) by how smooth and voluminous my hair was after using the Foundation cream and Serum. The products are superior in every way!
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Liquid Lipstick
We recently discovered Anastasia Beverly Hills when searching for a few new makeup products at Ulta. Although not every product is vegan and cruelty free, most of them are, and the products are clearly labeled. The Liquid Lipstick in Serafine is the perfect shade of red for Candice. It’s bold, sophisticated, and gorgeous!
The Stanley Quick Flip Go Bottle
I didn’t know I needed this water bottle in my life until my kids gave it to me for Mother’s Day this year. It holds the perfect amount of water and fits in the cupholder of my car. The flip lid latches so securely, I can even drop it into my bag without worrying about spillage.
Sperry Duck Boots
I wear these boots in all seasons. My current favorite pair is insulated, and they kept my feet toasty even during our last trip to Iceland! Please Note: Some products incorporate animal products into the design. We both can tolerate them without an issue when wearing socks underneath.
Rothy’s Shoes
If we’re not in our Sperry boots, we’re in our Rothy’s. These will come up on every favorites list we make because they’re versatile, comfortable, adorable, and machine washable. Not to mention, Rothy’s prides themselves on practicing sustainability and making products with a purpose by using recycled, natural, and renewable materials.
Insect Shield
Permethrin-Treated Socks
“Live AWARE, not in fear!” The first step to heading back outdoors after a tick-borne diagnosis is to protect yourself. Treated with permethrin, these socks from Insect Shield offer built-in bug protection to repel mosquitos, ticks, and other insects. Use code TWOALPHAGALS to save 15% off your purchase!
Vuori Performance Jogger
These joggers may be the most comfortable piece of clothing I have ever worn. Seriously. They are super soft and worth every penny. If you’re looking for the perfect loungewear for your special someone this year, this is it!
Banana Republic Forever Cardigan
We love a good layer and a little outlet shopping, and the Forever Cardigan from Banana Republic Factory combines both. This aptly named cardigan is not only forever loved, but will become a fast favorite. It nicely dresses up a t-shirt or dresses down a silky cami, and it washes up well. All 8 colors feel neutral and necessary.
Ugg Aarti Plush Robe
I gifted this robe to a close friend several years ago. She loved it so much, she sent me one in a different color, claiming “it feels like a warm hug!” She’s not wrong! It’s soft and warm and makes a luxurious gift for someone you love (including yourself!).