In mid-October, I traveled back to the US for two weeks to celebrate my Grandma’s 80th Birthday and teach a few workshops on Instagram Strategy for small businesses. I managed to get everything I needed for two weeks, along with my computer, camera, and workshop material into my Osprey Porter Carry-on Backpack (read more about that bag and how I pack it, here), but opted to check a small bag on the way home so that I could bring back some of our winter gear, ski goggles, and boots. Thankfully, there was a little extra room in the bag, so I was able to squeeze in a few of my favorite things and I thought it might be fun to show you what products I thought were worthy of this coveted space….because you *know* they must be good.

1. Rothy’s new Sneakers! I have been in love with Rothy’s for several years, and was so excited when they launched the Sneaker! I think they have quickly become my favorite pair, and the thicker soles and additional support make them great for Europe’s cobblestone streets. I know I’ll be wearing them nonstop. I’ve done several posts about why I love Rothy’s (here and here) and I have a code for $20 off + Free Shipping if you want to try a pair out. FYI: I find them to be true to size, and recommend wearing them 2-3 hours at a time for a couple days before going all day in them, just so they form to your foot a bit. After that quick break-in period, they are ideal shoes for all-day wear, IMO. I got them in Steel Grey, but feel like I need them in Sand or Black ASAP.
2. Maple Holistics Winter Blend Shampoo & Conditioner! I’ve been using this stuff for a long time (here’s an old post to prove it) and absolutely love their Winter Blend, which is loaded with peppermint oil. Peppermint oil helps to stimulate your scalp/follicles and promote hair growth and scalp health. All of their products are pretty great and their ingredients are top notch. You can get it on Amazon.
3. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides– If you’ve been here for a hot minute then you know I consume collagen on a daily basis. It helps my hair grow long, does incredible things for my nails, and helps keep your skin looking glowy + plump. I have several recipes for how I consume it, such as agua fresca, a maple latte, or protein bowls. You can find it at Target or Whole Foods or shop their entire collection on their website. I brought back the unflavored peptides and also the Melon Mint Beauty Collagen.
4. Cute hat from Modish in Decorah, IA – I hadn’t even boarded the plane yet when Josh text me asking if I had meant to bring the stocking hat that was laying on my desk. Yep, I had! So, mission#1 after arriving in the US was to grab a hat. Was delighted to find this one, which supported a local, woman-owned business. They had a lot of cute stuff and if I’d had more room I would have bought a dozen sweaters to bring back, too. If you’re local to my hometown area I suggest popping into Modish for some cute buys, their new men’s store, Iver and Jack, is also great, and I got Josh a cute shirt from there.
5. Skinny Dipped Almonds – overall there aren’t many food items that I miss from the US, but man do I miss my Skinny Dipped Almonds! My friend Becca got me hooked on them last winter, and they are one of my favorite afternoon snacks. I brought back like 8 bags of them and I’ve already eaten most of them. Pro tip: their new Pumpkin Spice or Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter flavors are absolutely to. die. for. You can find these at Target or online.
6. Davines Shampoo & Conditioner in Love – I don’t mess around when it comes to hair care, and I try to use natural/sulphate-free/eco-friendly brands. Davines is another brand that I’ve used for a long time. Unfortunately, the conditioner arrived with a crack in it, so I had to transfer it to a tupperware container, lol, but it still works the same! I also love Davines Beautifying Oil and Melu Protectant Spray. All their products are great, TBH, and I’ve used them for years.
7. Madewell Denim – Clothing is expensive in Denmark, so we’ve done our best to not purchase much in the past 6 months. I was in major need of new jeans and I have become a huge fan of Madewell Denim. Their jeans usually fit me really well in the waist and hips, something that I usually struggle with. The two styles I brought back from the US were the 10″ High Rise Skinny in the Danny Wash, which are one of my favorite styles (this is my second pair), and the 9″ High Rise Skinny in Larkspur. My other favorite pair of Madewell Jeans are the 9″ High Rise Skinny in Black. All three pairs come in Petite, Regular, Tall and Taller (thank ya, jesus). Pro tip:  In my experience, you should go down one size in Madewell Jeans.
8. These Cut-Out Booties from Target – These shoes were all over Instagram in the weeks leading up to my trip home. Everyone swore they were so comfortable! I was skeptical but decided to order two pairs and have them shipped to my parents. I ended up having to size up for these to be comfortable. I wear a 6 in almost all shoes, but the 6 in these cut into my ankle weird. I returned them for a 6.5 and they are absolutely perfect. I honestly can walk in them all day, and I love that they have a small heel but I can still walk in them on cobblestone 🙂 They actually have like a cloth liner/insulation that makes them pretty warm despite the exposure, but I think they’d be cute with patterned socks or tights this winter, too. I got them in Black and Cognac.