My goodness, the first month of the year has already flown by. I know everyone says January feels ages long, and I get that (to an extent), but looking back and realizing that Christmas was over a month ago, as well as New Year’s, really makes me scratch my head and wonder where the time has gone. I haven’t done a “favourites” post in ages, and I don’t want to label it as such, so new year, new blog series, etc. I’d like to try and highlight things I’m grateful for at least once a month, and I’m going to call it “Things I Love.”
1. Clearer skin. A friend of mine shared a homemade toner recipe that cleared her skin up, and I decided to try it out. It couples a few essential oils with ACV and witch hazel. I’ve noticed such a huge difference in my skin! It keeps the hormonal acne I usually get around my period at a minimum, and not only that, but it lessens the intensity of said spots. When I do get a spot “out of the blue,” that is, one that’s not due to hormones (therefore, usually caused by eating crappy foods), I couple this toner with drugstore acne medicine, and the spot is gone within two days!!
2. The Nike Running App. I decided to download this shortly before the New Year, and I love it! There are so many fantastic guided runs to choose from, and the achievements bar motivates me as I look at how I’ve improved my mile time and more. As I mentioned in my 2019 Aspirations post, my goal is to be a full-fledged, long-distance runner once more, and this is an incredible tool to use as I get closer and closer to that goal.
3. Running outside. This is something I’ve not done consistently for a while. I love the treadmill because it allows me to push myself by setting the speed high, bringing up the incline, and sticking to that pace consistently. It is a lot harder to run outside in that regard, as it’s totally up to you to continue at that quicker speed and pace. I live in a gorgeous neighbourhood, so I always enjoy a run/jog here.
4. Night cream. I said 2019 would be the year I really upped my skincare game, and that has started well as I’ve made sure to have a set nighttime skincare routine. I bought the Formula 10.0.6. P.M. Perfector at the start of the month, and it’s amazing. It’s incredibly hydrating and smells lovely as well.
5. New makeup sponge. I am rubbish at consistently getting a new beauty sponge every couple months like you’re supposed to, so I forgot how bloomin’ nice it is to have a new one. A new one blends everything out so much better; why did I take ages to get a new one?! I always get the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge because it’s the bestttttt.
6. My class schedule. I show up to campus MWF for two classes: one at 9 a.m. & one at 11 a.m. Then I get to leave!! I have two other classes online, and I love this so so much. I plan on getting a job in the next couple of months, so the way my schedule is set up is perfect, which will allow me to get some good hours on Monday-Friday. I’ve been a good student and have laid everything out on Google Calendar: tasks, tests, essay due dates, and the like. I get all my weekly work done by Wednesday, leaving me Thursday and Friday to work on any essays that come up. I’m so proud of myself for being on top of that this semester :’)
7. Playing the piano more. I’m determined to become better at my favourite instrument this year, and I’ve been making time to play and practice daily. I’m especially loving playing Regina Spektor’s songs; she’s an incredible artist. Does anyone else have that one singer that none of your friends know about or listen to, an artist whose music you adore, and is kind of like your little secret?? Regina has been that for me for a long time. I’ve yet to meet someone who loves her as well. I will probably write an entire post about her one day because I could go on and on about some of my favourite songs, her style, and more.
8. Switchfoot’s Native Tongue. I adore this band so much; they’ve been a part of my childhood, and I grew to love them and be more endeared towards them as I grew up. Their new album dropped towards the end of the month, and I have been listening to it non-stop. Every. single. song. on this album SLAPS; I’m obsessed.
9. A fresh start. The New Year always provides us with a new approach to life. Maybe it’s not as dramatic for everyone, but this is how I like to view every new year. It’s a chance to reevaluate where you are in life, set some goals, mark down some dreams, and figure out where to start working to make these things come to pass. I’m not going to let that opportunity pass me by.
These have been the Things I Love this past month, what have yours been??