One of the things I love most about blogging is being able to go back and look at past posts to see what I was up to at any given time. Like on February 10, 2013? I was talking to you about things that I love. And speaking of love, who can forget Valentine’s Day that year… I even shared what’s in my makeup bag (a lot of which is still the same).
Okay, okayβ¦ I’ll stop digging through the past now. The point is, it’s neat to have that record and see what’s changed and what’s stayed the sameβ¦ which is why I’m a huge fan of doing these currently posts on a monthly basis. So without further ado, let’s take a look at life as I currently know it… in February π
. – . – . – .
Current book: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge. I only picked this one up a few days ago so I can’t say too much about it just yet, but it’s based on the story of Beauty and the Beast (one of my all time favourites), so I’m hoping it’ll be a good one. The opening line is certainly interesting…
“I was raised to marry a monster.”
Current music: You know what’s sad? Finding yourself in a position where you’re skipping past basically every.single.song on your playlist. I haven’t really gotten any new music in months and I’m starting to feel it… Help a girl out!
Current guilty pleasure: Playing the occasional video game. Don’t judge meβ¦ too harshly π
Current nail colour: My nails are currently rocking their birthday suits, but I’m thinking this colour (Essie’s Leading Lady) for Valentine’s Day…
Current drink: Smoothies, smoothies, and more smoothies. Remember that untimely obsession I mentioned? Yupβ¦ still going strong. 1 a day is a given; 2 a day isn’t rare; and 3 a day may or may not have happened on more than one occasion. The epicness you see below? I’ll be sharing the recipe soon.
Current food: All things chocolate. From smoothies, to muffins, to bars, to truffles, to chocolate chips straight from the bag… I haven’t been able to get enough cocoa-y goodness in my life lately. I blame the fact that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and chocolate is bombarding me from all angles.
Current obsession: Dried fruit with almond butter. I’ve loved this combo for as long as I can remember, but I go through phases with it where I’ll be completely obsessed one moment and then completely forget about it the next. Right now I’m very much completely obsessed.
Current wish: I wish for infinite wishes
Current need: This is a little embarrassing to admit, but it’s the same as it was last month — more food photography props. The creative buy-ALL-the-things part of my brain is battling with the OCD clutter-is-the-devil part of my brain, and thus far the OCD part has been winning. I have a feeling its suffocating reign will be coming to an end soon though…
Current triumph: Guess what?!? I’m getting better at responding to e-mails in a timely fashion π Yes, there’s still room for improvement, but I’ve come a long way since last month. Now, instead of it taking me a week, I can usually manage in a few days. Goal? 24 hours…
Current bane of my existence: This freaking cold weather…
β¦ that has been hanging around for the past week or so. Normally I’d just grin and bear it the way us Canadians usually do, but I haven’t been able to go snowboarding in two.whole.weeks and that’s just unacceptable. Thankfully it looks like it’ll be warming up by the end of the week, so you’d better believe that I’ll be out on the slopes next weekend.
Current indulgence: Makeup. I haven’t really been buying all that many beauty products lately, but I more than made up for it with a recent trip to Sephora π― I have a feeling that these might find their way into this month’s favourites post if the reviews I’ve read are correct…
Benefit’s The POREfessional primer // Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light // Benefit’s Hoola Bronzing Powder
Current procrastination: Renewing my passport. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least another 6 months if you want to enter, and mine expires in May. This doesn’t apply to Canadians who want to travel to the States (which is where I usually go), so I’ve been putting it off. Time to get on thatβ¦ just in case a surprise trip to Italy pops up in my near future #wishfulthinking
Current blessing: My family. It’s just me and my mom and dad over on this side of the big blue ocean, but I feel super lucky to live a short 20-minute drive away from them so that I can go over and mooch food visit every weekend. Sunday night dinners are seriously one of my favourite things ever…
Current excitement: I want to tell you!… but not yet. I will say that it involves seeing J soon π
Current mood: Pleased and content.
Current link: Pinterest. Like my food obsessions, I go through phases with Pinterest. I’ve kind of been ignoring it for the past little while, but lately I’ve been spending more time organizing my boards, adding new ones, and actually pinning things.
Give me your current:
1) β¦ song.
2) β¦ guilty pleasure.
3) β¦ food.
4) β¦ bane of existence.
5) β¦ obsession.
More places to find me!
E-mail — [email protected]
Twitter — runwithspoons
Facebook — runningwithspoons
Pinterest — runwithspoons
Instagram — runwithspoons
Bloglovin — runningwithspoons
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
Ok, so I think I missed that makeup bag post…definitely need to check that out since you know, you’re like my go-to on girly makeup pretties! π So how was the book? I LOVE the story of Beauty and the Beast! Is it worth a trip to the library/bookstore? Oh and the food prop thing? Be careful…be very very careful! My addiction to plates and bowls and ALL THE PRETTY THINGS drowned out my OCD a lonnnnnnng time ago…and here I am running out of cabinet space and still not able to reign it in! Ha! And as far as the passport thing goes…well, at least you HAVE one! Ugh, one of these days I’ll stop procrastinating! I must admit to being a little jealous of how often you get to see your folks. Mine are just 20 minutes down the road as well, but I realized today it’s been over a WEEK since I’ve seen them! π Boo for non-coordinating work schedules!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
The book was just -okay-. The story line was interesting, but I had trouble connecting with any of the characters and the ending was just… off. One book I CAN recommend for your next trip to the store, though? Red Rising. So.freaking.GOOD. Especially if you’re a fan of The Hunger Games.
Molly@This Life Is Sparkling
Hey ya never know when you’ll need a passport. I found out 2 weeks ago I was going to London in less than a week. Now the trips over and I’m sad π But anyway, I had to get an expedited passport and ending up getting it the same day. Score!
Cassie
Song: Anything from Bombay Bicycle Club. Check them out, they’re really good!
Guilty pleasure: Reading blogs instead of sleeping π
Food: KABOCHA SQUASH & cottage cheese π
Bane of existence: This cold!!
Obsession: See kabocha squash π
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I’m right there with you on the smoothie train. Since mine are all fruit and spinach, I’m pretty sure it’s my body’s way to rehydrate in this very cold and very dry weather. I can’t wait to hear your news, especially since it involves seeing the man; my fingers are totally crossed for you.
My current song is….actually my phone is sans music right now, but I was singing “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands” earlier today. Don’t ask; I’ve got issues. π
My current or really last meal was dinner: two spicy sweet potato and chickpea sliders with a creamy pesto dip (both of which were in my freezer) and some roasted broccoli with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, S&P and Parmesan cheese. Delish!!
Current bane of my existence is I’ve been missing the gym. I normally go on my lunch hour at work and since I worked very little last week, I barely went and I’ve been too busy this week to make it there thus far. I plan to change that tomorrow. Cross your fingers for me.
With all this finger crossing, we’re bound to turn into pretzels…mmm chocolate covered pretzels. Sorry, see earlier note about my issues.
Mayra
Hi Amanda!!
I’m from Brazil and I love your blog so much, as soon as I get to work and I turn on the computer and internet, I read some blogs and yours is always the first one!
I’m not a blogger, yet, cause I really wanted to start one since I’m a foodie and fitness lover as well, but I don’t have enough time yet, unfortunately!
Anyway, I see your relation and friendship to the other bloggers and I think it’s so nice!
I wanna start commenting in your posts even though I’m not a blogger yet π
So here it goes:
1) β¦ song: Oh it’s a brazilian song called “Logo Eu” by Jorge & Mateus – it’s a really addictive and nice song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gmR2XfjztA
2) β¦ guilty pleasure: dipping frozen bananas into a Maranatha Almond Butter jar and then drizzling it with honey, because you know… frozen bananas. and almond butter. honey. you get it.
3) β¦ food: bananas and TEMAKIS… I just discovered my passion for japanese food (2 months ago I wouldn’t eat ANY fish… now I just want it everyday… mostly salmon…hmmm
4) β¦ bane of existence: the HEAT in my city, SΓ£o Paulo! It’s crazy, and they say it’s the hottest summer ever registered… I’m melting.
5) β¦ obsession: watching Modern Family! I just started the 1st season 2 weeks ago and I’m already in the 3rd, loving it!!
Lots of love!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Mayra! Commenting on blogs is actually a great way to get a little more involved in the community if you don’t have time to start your own just yet. And I can’t even tell you how jealous I am of your heat! I know it comes with its annoyances as well, but it sounds wonderful with all this snow we’ve been getting…
Mayra
Oh don’t be so jealous… It’s actually really serious, I can tell you, I’m used to the heat, I’m a brazilian, after all, but this thing that’s happening here… we need another name for it! hahahah
Oh, and since it’s snowy there I guess you could make some snow ice cream!! I MEAN IT, I actually heard of it for the first time yesterday, and that sounded amazing. Is it true it’s possible? Like… Making your own ice cream out of snow that’s falling in your backyard, is this real life?
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of snow ice cream, but snow doesn’t taste too great on its own π If it did, we would live in one delicious place.
Jenn@ Mark My Miles!
I am a closet video gamer as well…
I am loving dried bananas with peanut butter!!!
Laura
Essie’s Leading Lady over Essie’s Fishnet Stocking looks AWESOME! It’s my valentines day nail-wear.
1) Song: I’m with you on the music front. Nothing really new in these parts. I have, however, been listening to Lana Del Ray’s “Video Games” on blast in my car. Because she just gets me.
2) Guilty Pleasure: Laying in bed for HOURS watching Breaking Bad. I finished the whole first season in one day. ONE. DAY.
3) Food: I’ve been obsessed with peanut butter crackers recently. Like the unhealthy Ritz ones. SO GOOD!
4) Bane of Existence: Uhhhh I can’t think of anything else but the weather here either. Not as bad as you but the snow keeps coming gahhh! Spring where are you??
5) Obsession: The Sims. Like…the computer game that was huge when we were kids. Well they have it for FREE for tablets and I can’t stop playing. Currently my boyfriend’s gay lover is cheating on him with me. Only in Simland….
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
π Can you believe that I’ve never actually played The Sims? It sounds like a blast, but I’m not sure I could handle another video game addiction. Free for tablets, you say… hmm.
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate
Ugh I went through a phase were I was obsessed with dried figs and almond butter. So. Darn. Good. Also, I need Sunday night dinners that look like that in my life.
Irina
It’s just my mom, dad, sister, and I on this side of the ocean too so I totally share your feelings of blessing. I’ve come to appreciate them even more now that I live in New York, and the times I get to spend with them is sacred π Oh and I spy kasha on your dinner plate! Mmm talk about classic Eastern European food! I have some sitting in my cupboard right now.
Don’t even get me started on dried fruit + nut butter. It’s insanely addictive! My favorite would have to be pb + dates…it’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
AB + dates is a huge one for me as well. Have you tried a nut butter with dried figs? The seeds add just the perfect amount of crunch <3
Irina
YES! Amazing. My parents always have dried figs at home for some reason and they’re one of the first foods I reach for in the pantry when I come home. Prunes are delicious with nut butter as well, and oh my gosh so are apricots. I think the moral of the story here is dried fruit + nut butter = heaven π
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves
Ahh that dinner that you had with your mother looks so freakin’ delicious! And I’m really digging that nail colorβ classy yet sassy π
1) Current song: Shake My Hand by The Jakes β highly recommend this!!!
2) Current guilty pleasure: getting distracted by the Olympics
3) Current food: Dried figs with Greek yogurt!! I need to try them with peanut butter thoughβ¦:)
4) Current bane of existence: the snow banks taking up the whole dang street
5) Current obsession: β¦.dried figs with Greek yogurtβ¦
Natalie @ lovenataliemarie
I feel ya girl on the playlist! I need some new music, PRONTO. D:
That nail color looks faaaaaaabulous! π
That smoothie… that chocolate… that almond butter. OH MY.
You got me interesting in that book. π
Sunday family dinners are the best.
Jo @ Living Mint Green
I wanna know what your secret is. Does it an involve an island? Everytime I see that almond butter in Community Naturals, I think of you. I haven’t tried it yet, though – it’s so dang expensive!
I downloaded the Fault In Our Stars last night and so far I’m loving it! Apparently I wanted to be you yesterday because I made your pancakes AND downloaded that book. π
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen
Haha I do the same thing where I skip through all the songs on my playlist. Which is why I’ve actually given up on using my iPod for now, and I just use Songza on my iPhone. I love the variety of playlists I can listen to depending on my mood! Right now I’m loving “Hey Brother” by Avicii.
Hilary
Song: Nada, I am currently going through the same phase with music! I just can’t find anything I enjoy!
Guilty Pleasure: Boomchickapop Popcorn! It is so good!
Food: Oatmeal with loads of nutbutter and cacao nibs π
Bane Of Existence: Totally with you with the cold and to add in the snow and well how about just winter in general!
Obsession: Running! I went through a phase where I could not stand to run more than 2 miles but I finally have found my way back! All I have been wanting to do is run, FINALLY!
AimΓ©e @ The Healthy Petite
Your Sunday night dinner looks so delicious! Do you think you can convince your Mum to start a food blog (; Is the grain buckwheat?
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
π I don’t think she has the patience for itβ¦ Although my picture-taking-habit HAS been rubbing off on her π And yup! It’s kasha, which is basically toasted buckwheat.
Cori @ olivetorun
Girl you need to move… those temperatures are not fair to any human being. North Carolina is nice… just saying. π
Julianne
I’m obsessed with dried dates and peanut butter. Try it with almond butter! It’s basically AB&J sans bread π
Cassie
I currently have a bag of chocolate chips next to me that I was just munching on,
Lucie@FitSwissChick
Lone Gunman by Social Siberia. Trust me on this one. And of course Wonderland by Sunrise Avenue – LIVE in 2 days!! π
Bane of existence is my current stressful job – I’m so ready for my vacation and to get some time to take real care of my blog again π
Arman @ thebigmansworld
Can you update my music too? I don’t think I’ve listened to a full song in ages….oops. And my top 25 most played are from like 2005.
I think you need to organise the passport STAT. Not for Italy though. Although if the process is ANYTHING like here, it will take for-ev-er.
Haha, the chocolate craving. Is that the same bar as last night :p And 3 smoothies in a day? Okay, you’re clearly hiding somewhere down South.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Our passport process isn’t actually that bad. The worst is the picture-taking, and that’s mostly because they don’t let you smile, which of course only makes me want to burst out laughing.
And I’m currently hanging out with a pack of kangaroos — how did you know??
Kim
So glad you’ll be seeing the man soon! Though distance stinks, the hello’s always feel SO amazing! I go through phases with Pinterest too. Right now, I’m on a hiatus.
Caitlin
Yay!!!! So excited to hear that you get to see your man soon π such a good feeling!!!
Ok…song: Timber (embarrassing but true) and Burn (gets me pumped to run π )
Guilty pleasure: see song above or keeping up with the kardashians (pretty sure I’m officially hooked)
Food: chocolate and oats
Bane of existence: cold and ice
Obsession: modcloth and sephora…i need the funds to purchase what I want π
Ashlee@HisnHers
Omggggg and Ive been complaining about our 30 temps. I would die.
I love that nail color!
Hedda
Love these posts, Amanda ^_^
Song . . . I See Fire by Ed Sheeran. L.o.v.e. Makes me cry every time I listen to it, but it is beautiful. Just beautiful.
Guilty pleasure . . . Hm hm. Books. Woop. I just can’t go into a bookstore without taking a book or two with me home. They stick to me like glue. Can’t help it.
Food . . . Spring rolls drowned in almond butter or tahini. Hearty sandwiches. Pasta with lots of cheese. Your muffins. Nuts, nuts, nuts. Did I say pasta?
Bane of existence . . . Gratitude. Deep gratitude for being alive.
Obsession . . . Now, this is a tricky one. My dog. Yes, I am obsessed with my furball.
Much love your way xo
Kelsey @ Ramblings of Change
1) We’ve been rocking out to Talk Dirty for a few days now…the music gets Matt and I up and dancing!
2) Sleeping in…
3) Food rut right now – but I’m LOVING sweet potatoes more than usual…
4) THE COLD WEATHER. I think we will be breaking a record tonight if the temp is below 0. Sad right?! I need warmth soon!
5) Obsession?! My four days off this weekend for my birthday this weekend! I am planning so much relaxation and fun! Oh, and shopping for iPhone cases and CrossFit gear online.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Birthday?!?! EEE! You had best be celebrating Birthday Week already!!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
I love that nail polish – I have been wanting it for my toes for a while now! Current song – Talk Dirty by Jason Derulo…I hate complaining about the weather here when I am reminded just how much colder it is by you – I can’t even relate nor do I want to try.
Heather Murphy
I need to get better about emails! Sometimes I just get overwhelmed and refuse to check it, which leads to more anxiety- I know I’m crazy, it’s just email, but I’m not good at it..
Lisa
I’ve been smoothie obsessed all Winter! It’s kind of weird to me that I just can’t seem to stop, but they’re so good. And when you have a heater and a blanket there’s no excuse to not be eating them in the cold.
Gosh, I can never believe just how much colder it is in Alberta than over here. I just want a little snow, but sadly Victoria is objecting to the coldness. We did get all the way to -1 the other day which was a big deal;)
Yep, I can relate to those Sephora indulgences. And embarrassingly enough I own all those products you have shown ha. They all are pretty good stuff too!
Ashley @MilesonOats
I want your future Valentines day nails, that color is stunning. Since I am single this year maybe I’ll be my own valentine and purchase that polish for myself π My current favorite song is “Happy” by Pharrell. Guilty pleasure, The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Rich Kids of Beverly Hills. I digress x1000, but it’s so obnoxious I have to watch it. Food, 1 whole kabocha devoured in 2 days. Bane of existence, all the lovely symptoms of being a female that happens once a month, sigh π Obession, Ginger Chimes!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Aaaaand now I’m singing Happy π Definitely the perfect song to have stuck in my head today. Happy Monday, lovely lady!
Alex @ therunwithin
I actually heard about that series, but wasn’t sure if I would be into it. I will be interested to see what you think. I started a series that Kat talked about. a similar feel to the divergent series. Right now i dig it but just into the first book
Nicole @ FruitnFitness
I love reading what’s going on in your life π I like the idea of dried fruit with nut butter, I need to try that! Love that color nail polish for valentines day.
Lauren
Give me your current:
1) β¦ song -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU&sns=fb
2) β¦ guilty pleasure -> Bakery Cupcakes.
3) β¦ food -> I’ve been loving goat cheese as of late!
4) β¦ bane of existence -> The white sh*t all over the place > Daily crossword puzzles in the newspaper. And mint green. ALL the mint green!
Sarah
song: “Below My Feet” by Mumford and Sons – Love, Love, Love!
food: blood oranges
obsession: yoga
I made the oatmeal cookie dough smoothie three days in a row. Yummers! Picture a smiley face here. (I’m not technically savvy enough to know how to insert icons.)
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’m glad you’ve been liking it, Sarah! And all you have to do to insert an emoticon is type : ) without the space in between. : D will give you a bigger smiley π
Sarah
π Thanks!
carrie
i have to admit you canadians throw me off with your Celsius temperatures! which is so dumb because we americans are the ones who are obviously the odd balls out on that one. haha. but when i first red the temperatures i of course logged them in my head in F! and my mouth was dropping! haha. current favorite song. Ride by SoMo. dirty lyrics. great beat.
Ashley
I bet that dried fruit with peanut butter is amazing! I have to try that. Happy Monday!
Ashley, Married to the Game