Man, the last few weeks sure have been interesting, right? I won’t say good or bad, I’ll just say interesting. And if you’re like me, you’ve been learning and Googling things left and right, trying to figure out how to get through these crazy times.
I’ve learned new things about myself, my children, my husband, and my business. I’ve Googled endlessly, from how to make powdered sugar to what are normal oxygen levels. I’ve learned how to take vitals and found substitutes for so many recipes. I’ve found new ways to connect with my friends and family online, and felt so grateful to give and get support from my community. I hate to jinx it, but it feels like we’ve found a new “normal.”
So in case you haven’t found yours yet, or even if you have, I’m going to save you some Googling and share my FAVORITE products that have made the past few weeks better. AAAAAND the best part…GUYS, I reached out and got you some promo codes and deals*! I’m seriously so excited to share these with you. EEEEEEEEK, here we go!
*Note: you know I’m honest and don’t hold back when it comes to sharing. So I want to be upfront and let you know that I may receive compensation if you make a purchase through some of these links. I value you and our community so much that I would NEVER recommend anything that I haven’t personally used and stood behind. If you ever have any questions about something I’ve shared, you can reach out to me directly either in the comments or direct message me on social media.
FOR YOU

Verb Energy Bars
I don’t know about you, but these days I need all the energy I can get. Coffee gets me out of bed in the morning but Verb bars are my mid-afternoon pick-me-up treat. In all honesty, these bars are a part of my daily routine I look forward to—I ran out for a week and realized how much they help me!
So yes, these are energy bars, but they’re not gross like other ones, I promise. Verb bars are gluten-free and made with normal things that you can pronounce and likely find in your own kitchen. They’re only 90 calories and actually taste amazing. My favorite flavors so far are the Coconut Chai and Gingersnap. And I’m excited to try Vanilla Latte in my next order.
I’m sensitive to caffeine, but Verb bars are made with organic green tea and don’t make you feel jittery. If I get an extra shot in my americano, WATCH OUT: I can’t handle it. With these, it’s just good energy (I probably wouldn’t eat one after 4:00 pm, though).
Another reason to love Verb: their customer service. They text you! When you place your order, you get a text with tracking info. And when you’re ready to order more, just reply to that same text with the flavor you want! It’s SO easy—and you’re talking with a real person so you can ask questions. They’re even donating bars to help healthcare workers on the front lines.
So here’s the deal: for $0.95 you get a sample pack of 4 Verb Energy Bars with code KATIEDUNLAVY1 or by just clicking the link. The sample pack’s normally $6, but you can try 4 FREE bars for less than a dollar shipping. You’re welcome! Oh, oh, and for you healthcare workers, click the link but use code HCWORKERS2020 to save extra on bundles.
Senegence Color Correcting Tinted Moisturizer
Senegence’s Color Correcting Tinted Moisturizer (CCTM) is PERFECT for helping you feel a little more human without a lot of fuss. If I’m doing a full face of makeup for work or an event, I wear this tinted moisturizer with foundation and powder. But considering I only see my family and besties through a screen these days, I stick to CCTM alone for my daily Facebook Lives.
CCTM is perfect for all skin types, even if you’re acne-prone. It gives you sheer coverage, color correction, and sun protection in one easy step. It reduces redness, sun spots, and age spots without feeling heavy so you’re looking bare-faced and beautiful. If you know a Senegence rep, hit her up! If you don’t, message me. I have several friends I can connect you with—they’ll even throw in an added goodie just for you!
Olly Sleep Gummies
Let’s just say sleep and I have a tricky relationship. I love to sleep, but as a business owner AND a mom of two girls and a baby, I tend to need a lot more of it than I actually get. And right now, it’s been extra tough to stay on a regular schedule with everything being…not regular. I’ll have a hard time falling asleep and an even harder time waking up.
Thankfully, these Olly Sleep Gummies peacefully knock me out and don’t leave a groggy feeling the next morning. I take 2 about an hour before bedtime. They help me get a better night’s sleep and I wake up happier and more productive. Plus, Olly Sleep Gummies taste SO good, I look forward to taking them! If you struggle with sleep, they’re definitely worth a shot.
Skinny Tan Self-Tanner

Call me silly, but I just feel better with a little tan, especially as we move into the warmer months. You already know I LOVE Skinny Tan for a natural-looking, easy-to-apply tan. I went on and on about their Gradual Tanning line in this blog post.
So many of you already purchased it and reported back with GREAT reviews, which I love. (It makes me so happy to hear you’re enjoying these recommendations—message me!) For these self-tanners, skip Amazon and go straight to Skinny Tan’s website for the BEST deals and excellent customer service.
FOR THE HOME

Norwex
Given the current status of things, we’re all thinking about cleaning and sanitizing more than ever. Cleaning has always been important to me. It helps manage my anxiety and protects my family. But there’s one little problem: I HATE CLEANING. Or at least I did, before Norwex. I can talk Norwex all day because I LOVE IT! Not only do these products actually WORK, but they also aren’t full of harmful chemicals. Especially this one product that will SERIOUSLY change your life.
Meet the Envirocloth: it’s a cloth that cleans and sanitizes with ZERO added cleaning products. You just get it wet and go to town! Then you rinse it out, rub it together, and keep cleaning. It self-purifies. It doesn’t transfer germs. I’m telling you: the Envirocloth is LIFE CHANGING. Listen to this…..you can wipe up raw chicken mess with an Envirocloth and it won’t transfer germs. In theory, you could wipe up chicken yuck, rinse it, and move on to wiping down the next surface. Now, I don’t actually do that, but I love that I don’t have to worry about spreading germs.
And no need to fear messy situations, this cloth picks up EVERYTHING. Grease, butter, any and every disgusting mess you can think of. I literally have less anxiety because of this cloth and I’m not even telling you half of its superpowers. And yes, they make a mop with this same glorious material, which makes cleaning for a crawling baby way LESS stressful. I can sanitize my floors in minutes WITH ZERO CHEMICALS. I originally loved this line because my girls have asthma and I try to keep the chemicals to a minimum. But with the current situation, it means even more to me knowing I’m not dependent on the stores for disinfectant.

To get your own Norwex, use this link! As a bonus, my girl Jessica is letting you pick one of these FREE gifts! And you better believe I’ve got more recommendations so you can browse around. Aside from the Envirocloth, I also love the polishing Window Cloth. (No need for Windex anymore!) The Cleaning Paste will clean anything: it will get Sharpie off your wood floor and hair color out of your white grout. I use the detergent (laundry or dish?). I love the Fresh Produce Wash spray and Dishwashing Liquid soap. I love the Hair Wrap. Yes, Norwex is the real deal…told ya I could go on for days!
FOR THE KIDS

Art Kits
If the kids are occupied and happy, we’re ALL happy. They’ll play with these “super special” art kits for HOURS. We first bought Iley an art kit and quickly discovered Ada needed her own art kit too. They use them every day! It’s crazy because they have TONS of every art supply in these kits but for whatever reason, these kits are “special.” Whatever the reason, it’s TOTALLY worth the money for the peace these art kits bring to our home. Plus, I love seeing their creations (check out some of their art in this blog post)!
Splash Pad
When the weather’s nice and we’re out of school, we spend time outside. To keep the kids moving and occupied outdoors, I bought them a new sprinkler. It’s unfortunately no longer available on Amazon, ugh. But it’s a swirly one and they lost their minds over it! I was surprised since I was kind of expecting them to be underwhelmed. Typically they’d be full-blown swimming at their Nanny and Papa’s house. Since the sprinkler went over so well, I just ordered them this splash pad. Shhhhh, they don’t know yet! They are going to flip out—I can’t wait to see them splashing around. Best part: the baby gets to love it too.
Well, there you have it: my favorite, must-have, make-life-easier-and-better list of products. These things will help you out not only during this crazy time but ALL the time. Show me what you’re ordering and loving using hashtag #theperalpages and ask me anything down in the comments!
xo,
Katie
Katie, I not only enjoy the content of your posts, they are just so beautifully written, and the graphic and photos have such a peaceful vibe. I really look forward to them…I wait until afternoon chai time on the porch to read them. Thank you!
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Thank you Anne! That means so much ❤️. I love the pictures too,Mike is so good. And the picture of iley was taken last night as she was watching Little Mermaid and i loved it so much i had to get it on here last minute. She is currently wrapped up watching Cinderella drawing “Diabetes Girl” complete w rainbow hair and a dexcom ❤️.
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Just ordered my Verb! I am super excited to try it! Love this post and your blog is beautiful! ❤
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Thank you!!! My mom ordered them too 😜. I’m excited for you to try them.
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I just ordered the verb! I’m excited to try these! Do they have to be kept in the fridge? I’ve had some energy bars that have to be kept cold. I really enjoyed reading this post! It was a nice break from finals since my semester is ending.
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Thank you! Good luck on your finals!!! Yay!!! No, these don’t have to be in the fridge. I have them stashed everywhere.
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