I have been in a major slump lately. I’d like to blame it on the weather, and that’s definitely part of it, but I have to take some responsibility myself for just being…unmotivated.   I’ve been spending way too much time on my couch zoning out to Netflix and not enough time doing anything of substance.  I still get in my runs, albeit begrudgingly, but in general, I’ve just been feeling kind of blah.  On top of that, I’ve had a major case of writer’s block and while I’ve started to write to you many (many) times, nothing comes together, and I end up losing my train of thought completely… which makes me think…do we get mail on Presidents’ Day?…Did I leave clothes in the dryer?  Oh!  Add mac and cheese to grocery list.  I’m sorry, what was I saying…..?

 

Oh. Right.  Stay focused.

 

When we CT Working Moms received our monthly newsletter from Sara and she suggested that we make a list of some of our favorite things, I thought that would be perfect opportunity for me to break out of my slump and share some stuff I’m totally digging at the moment.

 

So here it is.  A list of things I’m absolutely loving right now…

 

 

Self-tanner

Like I said before, the winter months really do a number on me, both physically and emotionally. When my pasty white skin isn’t exposed to the sun for months, let’s just say, it’s not looking its best.  Over the years I’ve experimented with a million different self-tanners from the inexpensive generic drug store brand to the super expensive department store brand, and never really found one I liked.  Until now.  This self-tanner is absolute perfection.  Its nozzle sprays a wide, light spray on your skin that absorbs immediately, doesn’t have an offensive smell, and most importantly, goes on evenly.  Oh!  And it’s totally affordable.

 

 

 

 

 

I also found this amazing air brush bronzer for my face. It gives you a subtle glow, without an artificial or the dreaded orange look.  I’m really loving this product.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OverDrive

This free app allows you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your library. You log on using your library card and borrow and download books to your phone.  I am completely obsessed with this right now.  I listen to books in the car, on the treadmill, getting ready for work, you name it.  My fellow book-loving friend who introduced it to me was utterly appalled I hadn’t heard of it before.  So, if you are also a book-lover, you’re welcome.  I think you’ll be equally as obsessed as I am.

 

 

 

Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner

I am almost always taking a shower in a hurry, and because I have long hair, it’s a pain in the butt to wash and condition my hair every time I shower.  I came across this product that replaces both shampoo and conditioner.  It saves me so much time and is really wonderful because it doesn’t weigh down my hair.  It is definitely a game changer for us busy moms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Tea

I recently cut alcohol out of my diet (a story in and of itself that I have to share with you soon). At night now, instead of having a glass of wine, I drink tea.  My favorite is an organic herbal tea with valerian root.  I swear, it releases tension and anxiety and I just feel more relaxed.  Not to mention it’s just nice to have a warm cup of tea in your hands on these cold nights!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argan oil

I am always looking for new skin care products (sadly, nowadays my search includes words like “wrinkles” and “anti-aging”). The one product that I always find myself going back to is argan oil.  I use it every night on my face and neck and it does a great job of hydrating my skin, especially now with the drying heat on all winter.  I also use it on the ends of my hair and my hands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee and Silliness

Being a single, full-time working mom doesn’t allow me too much free time to socialize and I just don’t keep in touch with my friends as much as I would like. Luckily, for the most part, my friends understand as they are in similar situations themselves.  But the other day, I texted my friend kind of last minute and we ended up both being free for coffee.  We spent a quick hour catching up, laughing, commiserating, and telling stories.  It was really refreshing.  And very much needed.  I also talk daily with some of my best friends via Facebook messenger about anything and everything.  We joke and laugh and complain and make fun of each other all day long and it gets me through my days and keeps me smiling.  Friends who you can talk to about anything and just “get you” are the best.

 

 

 

 

Pinterest

I’m redecorating my living room and I am obsessed with looking at design ideas on Pinterest. I browse and pin and fantasize about having a newly designed mid-century contemporary living room featuring feminine accents and modern art adorning the walls.  Lots of whites and greys and silvers, clean lines, open space and light (which is completely impractical and 10x my budget but it’s fun to dream…seriously, you guys should see my imaginary house, it’s fabulous).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Israeli Couscous

My go-to meal right now is some kind of roasted veggie (broccoli, kale, eggplant, whatever) over pearled couscous. Sometimes I’ll add grilled chicken or steak or shrimp, but more times than not, it’s just couscous and veggies.  It’s quick, healthy (minus the pound of cheese I put on top) and so yummy.  You should try it.  Seriously.  (tip: throw it all in a casserole dish, load some of your favorite cheese on that baby and broil it for a few minutes to melt and crisp the cheese.  Heaven.)

 

 

 

 

 

Love Notes from my 6 year old.

They make my heart burst. Enough said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal Monthly Goals

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to do something every month to improve myself in some way, whether it be physically, emotionally, intellectually, whatever. Something a little out of my comfort zone.  Last month I signed up for a half marathon this spring and started training.  This month I’m reading (or listening to!) books that are different than the usual fiction lit I read.  I’m reading biographies and about history and health and well-being.  It’s been really interesting and I think I’ll keep it up.

 

 

 

 

So there they are. Some of my favorite things.  What’s on your list? Anything I need to check out or try?

 

 

*The author was not compensated in any way to promote the products and services mentioned in this post.