Welcome to the 9th annual Connie's Favorites list! Every year, this event is my chance to reflect on the most exciting, impactful, and inspiring products and trends that have caught my attention. It's a celebration of wellness, creativity, and all the little things that make life better. Get ready for the ultimate lineup of Connie's Favorites for 2024—a mix of standout items that you’re sure to love as much as I do. Let’s dive in!
1. Healthy Mocktails
Mocktails have become a mainstream trend, featured widely across social media and enjoyed by celebrities and influencers alike. My personal favorites are those created with a purpose, such as combining magnesium and tart cherry juice to support sleep.
Not all mocktails are created equal. Many mocktails replace alcohol with sugary syrups, soda and other empty calories. Or they sneak in artificial sweeteners or colors.
Here’s a look at some of the best mocktail ingredients:
Sparkling mineral water
Unsweetened cranberry juice
Pomegranate juice
Lime or lemon juice
Grapefruit juice
Kombucha
Green tea
Iced tea
Peppermint tea
Coconut water
Coconut milk
Pieces of fresh fruit or veggies (berries, pineapple, oranges, jalapeno, etc.)
Fresh herbs (such as mint, rosemary, cilantro, basil)
Spices (like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, cayenne pepper)
Alcohol-free cocktail bitters
Natural sugar free sweeteners like liquid stevia or monk fruit drops
Try the Sleepy Girl Mocktail, which combines tart cherry juice and magnesium for a soothing pre-bedtime treat.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup pure tart cherry juice.
1 tablespoon of magnesium powder.
A bit of fizzy drink to cut it, like a prebiotic soda or sparkling water.
Both sweet and tart cherries are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. But tart cherries also naturally have high amounts of melatonin and tryptophan which is an amino acid that converts to serotonin and melatonin.
Adding magnesium can help as it is a natural muscle relaxer and can aid in sleep.
I like to use: TriMag Supreme™ Night is a unique blend of three highly absorbable forms of magnesium along with relaxation-supportive botanicals to help provide restful sleep. This product contains botanicals that may support a healthy response to stress and help support sleep quality and duration.
2. Dandelion Naturals
Handcrafted in rural Minnesota, Dandelion Naturals produces soap bars using the traditional cold process method. Each bar is infused with high-quality ingredients like olive oil, shea butter, and essential oils. These luxurious soaps retain natural glycerin, offering unmatched hydration and nourishment.
I truly love this company's soap and would highly reccomend you to stop out at the Shoppe to pick up some and try it yourself!
3. Swedish Bitters
Every year I love to have a herb on my top favorites list that stood out to me that year. This year, I couldn't pick just one herb, I had to pick a blend of herbs.
Swedish Bitters stand out for their incredible digestive benefits. Bitter herbs like gentian and wormwood help enhance saliva and gastric juice production, optimizing digestion and nutrient absorption. The use of bitter herbs for health benefits dates back to the beginning of time. The Swedish Bitters recipe was created by Parcelsus in 1541. Still after all that time, the recipe is used today – it has truly stood the test of time! With roots dating back to 1541, this timeless remedy also supports liver function and gentle detoxification.
4. Clay Face Masks
Self-care is essential, and clay face masks are an excellent way to rejuvenate your skin. Tailored options for various skin types include:
Matcha Mask: Targets mature or uneven skin tones.
(Kaolin Clay, French Clay, Matcha Powder, Rosehip Powder)
Charcoal Mask: Perfect for oily, acne-prone skin.
(Kaolin Clay, Bentonite Clay, Activated Charcoal)
Rose Clay Mask: Soothes sensitive skin.
(Kaolin Clay, Rose Clay, Colloidal Oatmeal, Chamomile Powder, Rosehip Seed Powder)
Turmeric Mask: Revives dull, dry skin.
(Kaolin Clay, Turmeric Powder, Rhassoul Clay, Chamomile Powder, Lemon Essential Oil)
White Mask: Ideal for overly sensitive skin.
(Kaolin Clay, Colloidal Oatmeal, Geranium Essential Oil)
What I love about this company is that the ingrdients are simple and clean! This would make a great stocking stuffer.
5. Yes, Whey!!! Protein Bars
Perfect for on-the-go nutrition, these protein bars provide 15 grams of high-quality protein and 2 grams of creatine per serving. They’re soy-free, non-GMO, and made without artificial sweeteners or hydrogenated oils. A great post-workout snack or mid-day pick-me-up! Shop online or in Shoppe.
6. PerioBiotic Silver
Dental health has been a major focus this year. Environmental toxins are both naturally occurring and human-made chemicals that can cause cancer and disrupt our endocrine system. Disruption of our endocrine system (which regulates our hormones) can lead to developmental problems, infertility, and can significantly impact the nervous and immune systems. There are hundreds of environmental toxins. We can't avoid them all, but we can limit our exposure in certain areas.
Watch out for the following in oral care products:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) as it is linked to altering the microbiome of the mouth. Avoid fluoride, parabens, triclosan (a pesticide and hormone disruptor), and titanium dioxide (possible carcinogen).
Two dental products I have been loving this year:
PerioBiotic Silver toothpaste combines fluoride-free ingredients like hydroxyapatite and probiotics to promote oral health and strengthen enamel. Pair it with PerioPull, an oil-pulling product enriched with CoQ10, for a complete dental care routine.
Periopull is uniquely designed to help support oral and periodontal health. It features medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut oil, geranylgeraniol (GG), bromelain, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to help support oral wellness. Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic practice and has been shown in recent research to help promote oral health. This formula is free of BPAs, parabens, synthetic colors, gluten, sulfates, and synthetic sweeteners.
7. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Packed with 36 grams of protein per serving, this shake is a delicious and nutrient-rich option for breakfast or dessert. Ingredients like collagen, cacao powder, and peanut butter support muscle maintenance, immune health, and vibrant skin.
1 tbsp peanut butter or other nut butter
1 medium banana, frozen
1 tsp cacao powder
1 cup ice
½ cup water
8. Tallow Deluxe Balm
This locally made balm from Smith Farm 1914 is a skin-loving powerhouse. Crafted with grass-fed beef tallow, jojoba oil, and rosehip oil, it’s perfect for healing dry skin, soothing minor wounds, and reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
9. Onions
A humble yet powerful staple, onions offer numerous health benefits, from boosting immunity to supporting heart health. Rich in organosulfur compounds, they’re a natural remedy for fighting bacteria, enhancing digestion, and promoting strong bones.
Another reason why onions made my top 10 is because I have seen some great results from onion syrup! This simple and effective home remedy is great for soothing coughs and colds. By combining onions with honey, you can create a natural syrup packed with the antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties of onions. Use it as a gentle and natural way to support respiratory health during the colder months.
10. Pranarom’s Kid-Safe Products
Pranarom’s line of essential oil-based products for children is a standout. From their Natural Defense Solution to Soothing Chest Rub, these items are crafted with certified organic ingredients to support respiratory health, digestion, and overall wellness in little ones.
Thank you for reading and celebrating this year’s favorites! Whether you’re exploring new wellness trends, treating yourself to self-care, or supporting your family’s health, these picks are sure to inspire.
We truly appreciate all your support this year. We truly feel blessed to have such a wonderful supportive community.
When you shop small, you will find unique gifts, attention to detail, support for the local economy, great customer service, and you help make our dreams come true! Continue to shop small this holiday season!
Past Favorites:
For educational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure.
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