Some of my favourite blog posts to read are monthly favourites. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a curious and nosy person, but I love knowing what everyone is enjoying. Whether it’s a specific skincare product or makeup item, or favourite book/tv show, I’m always looking to try new things that I can incorporate into my daily life. When I come across something I really love, I just feel the need to share! So here are some of my favourite things from this month!
1. TV Show – Bridgerton
If you haven’t seen this show by now, where have you been? This has to have been the most popular show on Netflix this new year… and there’s so many reasons why. Romance, drama, stunning costumes and set design, a diverse cast, amazing music… oh and did I say romance? The Duke himself is also a main reason why you should watch this show. It’s like Gossip Girl in the 1800’s with all the mystery and drama. I’ve never really been into historical tv shows, but I was really surprised at how easily I got sucked into this show. It’s easy to watch and very binge worthy.
2. Drink
I really don’t like beer, but I love Fruli. I discovered this fruity beer at my local grocery store (Sobeys) and I’ve been hooked. It’s made from all-natural strawberry juice and has a delicious flavour. It really doesn’t taste like beer at all! If you don’t like beer, I promise you will actually like this!
3. Skincare – Wildcraft
I’ve really been trying to incorporate more natural products into my daily skincare routine. I was so happy when I discovered the brand Wildcraft. They are a Toronto based company that creates natural skincare products at affordable costs. Their products are hand-made in small batches and designed with fresh and organic ingredients. I recently purchased the regenerate face serum and the restore face cream. I absolutely love both. I like to apply the serum in the morning and the cream at night. Both products are hydrating and have a lovely, subtle fresh scent.
If you’re interested in trying their products, make sure to use this 15% off coupon!
4. Local – Braai House Restaurant
I love supporting local businesses in my community when I can. Although I don’t eat out a ton, I always prefer to order takeout from a local restaurant. I recently ordered from Braai House, which is a South African inspired restaurant in Stratford, Ontario, and I was very impressed. I ordered a special that was offered (a $12 burger meal) and it was so good! Super tasty and so much food! I can’t wait to order from Braai House again.
5. Book – The Nightingale
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah has been on my reading list for a while. With all the great reviews, I couldn’t wait to read it! It is a larger book at 564 pages, so it took me a while to read it. It’s a historical fiction set in France during WWII and follows the journey of two sisters, each on their own paths to finding love, freedom, and survival. I don’t really read historical fiction, but this book has made me want to read more. I rate it a 4/5!
6. Clothing
If you’re looking for affordable workout leggings, these high-waisted elevated power soft 7/8-length leggings from Old Navy are the absolute best. I love them so much that I have them in four colours! They are also always on sale (usually you can snag them for around $30) so they are a great option if you don’t want to spend a ton of money but still get good quality leggings. They are squat proof (not sure about the super light colours, but the darker ones are), sweat wicking, and there is something about the fabric that makes these leggings so slimming. They also wash very well. These are by far my most worn work-out leggings. I highly recommend!
7. Amazon
I always love a good Amazon find. This is one of those items you didn’t know you needed in your life. If you’re looking for a simple yet functional alarm clock (that also doesn’t make any ticking noises) then this is the perfect one for you. I’ve been trying to stay away from using my cell phone as an alarm clock for all the reasons why it’s bad to keep your phone on your nightstand (distractions, bright screen light, etc.) This clock is the perfect replacement. It’s compact and stylish and the alarm sound it makes isn’t too loud or obnoxious. It’s simple and does the job. I highly recommened! Here’s the link to the clock if you’re interested.
8. Recipe
Since the start of the new year, my friend and I have made a commitment to do a virtual cooking night on Fridays where we find a recipe and cook it together virtually. We’ve tried all sorts of recipes, but my most favourite was chicken parmesan. I know there’s so many chicken parmesan recipes out there, but mine specifically was from Natalina’s Kitchen. Natalina is an Italian chief from Guelph, Ontario who offers online cooking classes. This recipe is from one of her online classes and it was so good! Not only do you get the recipe, but access to her videos as well when you sign-up for her online course. It’s not a live/real-time class, but it gives you access to her most popular recipes and videos so you can make the recipes whenever you want at any time. Here’s a link to her site if you are interested! This also makes great gift (I would know as I received this from the same friend that I do the Friday cooking nights with)!
9. Fitness
Working out has been a part of my routine for most of my 20’s. It’s something that is really important to me and I always strive to include some form of physical fitness in my day. It’s just as important for my mental health as it is my physical. Normally I would be at the gym regularly getting my workout in, but since everything has been in lock down this past year I’ve had to change up my fitness routine. I definitely prefer working out at the gym, but I have really started to enjoy working out at home too. There are SO many free resources online, specifically on YouTube. I strongly believe that you do not have to pay money to access workouts. There really is no excuse to not working out when there are so many great videos online. One of my favourites from this month is the two-week challenge from Chloe Ting. Her workouts have been super popular over the last year and I can totally see why. They are straightforward, easy to follow, challenging enough (but not too challenging) and the editing to the videos is really high quality. Her website gives you access to tons of different videos and challenges so there really is something for everyone!
Hope you enjoyed reading my January favourites! What did you enjoy this month?
xoxo,
Amy
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