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By Courtney Thompson, CNN Underscored
Updated 1:52 PM EST, Wed November 15, 2023
When you’re a working mom, finding the time to cook dinner and share a meal with your family can be a daunting task. No one knows this better than “Sweet Magnolias” star JoAnna Garcia Swisher. Married to former MLB playerNick Swisherand mom to two young daughters, the actress is perpetually juggling a never-ending to-do list. “Dinner time is my favorite time of day,” she tells CNN Underscored. “It’s a chance to take a deep breath and connect with Nick and my girls. And we always keep things simple. No complicated recipes or time-consuming prep. It’s really about the time we spend together.”
Recently, Garcia Swisher partnered withMcCormickandBig Brothers Big Sistersto share her tips and tricks for easy weeknight meals. “Taco night is without a doubt the most requested meal in our house,” she says. “It’s so simple to get on the table and everyone has their own way to customize their tacos; McCormick spices are a staple in our home.”
The actress also recently expanded herlifestyle blog, The Happy Place, to include a book club dubbedTHP Reads. “It’s been wonderful to focus on the things that spark happiness in our lives,” she says. “I am an avid reader, and I really prioritize carving out time to sneak away and bury myself in a book. I have loved seeing how [the book club] has taken off!”
For now, Garcia Swisher is focused on hunkering down for the holidays. “I’m looking forward to spending time with family,” she says. “The girls are both in the school play, and that is going to kick off the holiday break for us. We have a brand-new niece in our family, and I can’t wait to make her first Christmas special.”
Below, Garcia Swisher shares some of her favorite everyday essentials, including her go-to pair of sneakers and her favorite dryer brush.
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An essential wardrobe component for all moms is a closet full of cool sneakers, and Garcia Swisher has just the pick. “Lately, I have been rocking my Nike Waffle Debut sneakers,” she says, adding, “And I love Splits59 and Lululemon for leggings and sports bras!” Available in six contrasting colorways — Garcia Swisher loves the green-soled ones — this retro-looking sneaker has a plush foam midsole that will keep you comfortable, even when you’re on your feet all day.
Another mom life essential: A big ol’ tumbler for staying hydrated. “I spend a lot of time on the go, so having a water bottle that is durable and keeps my drinks cold is essential,” says Garcia Swisher. “Hydro Flask is my favorite!” This dishwasher-safe tumblercomes in 10 hues and has an ergonomic handle and a flexible straw that fits snugly in a splash-resistant lid. Oh, and it fits most car cup holders, too!
Small appliance, but make it fashion! Drew Barrymore set out to do just that with her Beautiful by Drew collection of appliances that will look pretty on your countertop. “My air fryer is my best friend,” says Garcia. “I love the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer!” Available in eight matte colorways, the air fryer has a 5-pound capacity and temperature ranges from 90-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
While Garcia Swisher enjoys trying out new seasonal palettes, she has a few tried and true makeup essentials that will never leave her arsenal. “My makeup routine is very simple usually, but some of the products that I will forever be loyal to are my Kosas concealer, YSL Lash Clash mascara in brown, Chanel Les Beiges Bronzer, IT cosmetics CC cream and Sara Happ Lip Slip,” she says.
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Want Garcia Swisher’s bouncy, just-left-the-salon locks? She’s dishing up her at-home blowout secret. “I am absolutely obsessed with my T3 Airebrush,” she says. “And I have all of their irons.” Featuring two dryer brush attachments — one round and one paddle — the Airebrush delivers ion-enriched air and precise heat (there are 15 heat and speed combinations!) to create shiny, frizz-free results.
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“I have rosacea and as I get older my skin has gotten more sensitive,” says Garcia Swisher. “Shani Darden is my trusted aesthetician, and her Retinol Reform is a must. I’m also so happy that Shani has started offering two products that are a part of her magical facials for at-home use. HerTriple Acid Peelis seriously a game changer. Your skin will glow. And she just launched hersignature moisturizing mask! It’s heaven in a jar and especially incredible for cooler months when we need to nourish our skin because of the weather.” Boasting more than 1,600 positive reviews, the Retinol Reform softens fine lines and wrinkles, evens out skin tone and smooths skin texture.
A flattering pair of jeans is the hero item for pretty much every woman on the planet, including Garcia Swisher. “I love denim and have a serious addiction to it,” she says. “I mostly wear Mother.” Her favorite pair from the brand? These high-rise, mid-wash flare jeans.
We love a multifunctional bag, and so does Garcia Swisher. “Some of my favorite bags lately are from Clare V.,” she says. “I love the interchangeable straps and how they always add the perfect pop to my outfits. They also transition from day to night seamlessly.” Case in point: This zip-top crescent bag that can be carried two ways, over the shoulder or across the body. While it comes with two straps, you can gussy up the bag with everything from a chunky resin Shortie Strap to a brass Crossbody Strap.
When it comes to her beloved taco night, Garcia turns to McCormick. “McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix is always an essential in my pantry,” says Garcia. “It's made with five simple ingredients and is a huge help with getting a fast and flavorful dinner on the table for my busy family. Because of its versatility, I love to use it with my family's breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes, and it makes great leftovers as well.”
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