Well, today’s the day!
All my bag’s are packed, I’m ready to go. The taxi’s waiting, he’s blowing his horn. Already I’m so lonesome I could die. And I cannot wait to be on my way 😀 I have a few hours to kill before I head off to the airport, and seeing as February is now officially over (HOORAY!!!!), I figured it would be a good time to share my February favorites with you guys…
In all honesty, February was a pretty hard month for me. The SADs hit big time, and finding the motivation to try new things and get excited about them was pretty darned difficult. It seemed like all I wanted to do was stick to my routine, hole up at home, and do my best to get through the cold, gray days. Not exactly the best way to beat the blues, but there were still a few things that made February a little more manageable, so let’s take a look at those, shall we?
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. Food Favorites .
This month was a good one in terms of baking. Maybe becoming a shut-in has it’s perks? No. No it doesn’t. But it does result in some pretty sweet creations coming out of the oven…
Chocolate chip oatmeal muffins
And to accompany those delicious baked goodies? A new favorite tea that I came across this month…
This Coffee Pu’erh from David’s Tea is seriously the best of both worlds. As an avid tea and coffee lover, sometimes it’s nice not to have to choose between the two. And for the times where I want something lighter and caffeine free? I’ve really been loving this Lemon Zinger tea from Celestial Seasonings.
The taste reminds me a lot of lemonade – refreshing, tangy, and subtly sweet. It makes for a great cup of tea to enjoy in the evening, especially with some honey. And speaking of honey, February saw me rekindle a love affair with one of my all time favorite food combinations…
Plain yogurt and honey – the perfect combination of tangy and sweet. It got to the point where I was just randomly dipping a spoon into the honey jar before dunking it into a container of yogurt. I really recommend trying it out for yourself. I also really recommend these other brilliant honey pairings…
Almond butter and honey – Coconut butter and honey
Banana oats topped with AB and honey – Popcorn topped with honey and sea salt
Yes. Honey was a star player in February, and not only on the foodie front…
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. Beauty Favorites .
… but on the beauty one as well!
We’ve already established that February is kind of a downer, and as if that wasn’t enough, it also has the uncanny ability to wreak havoc on the skin. Maybe this isn’t the case for people who live in more temperate climates, but up here in the harsh winter wasteland that is Alberta, dry and flaky skin isn’t an uncommon thing around this time of the year. Enter honey. A few times a week, I like to take about a teaspoon of honey and massage it onto my face after I’ve cleansed it. I then leave it on for anywhere from 15-45 minutes before washing it off with warm water and following it up with a moisturizer. Not only does it help soften the skin but it also brightens the complexion and aids in preventing and healing any breakouts that you might be dealing with. Good stuff. And the best part? You get to lick your fingers after applying it 😀
Another natural beauty product that I’ve been loving this month?
Argan oil. I’ve been applying a few drops of this to my face every night before I put on my moisturizer, focusing on the skin around my eyes and any dry spots that I might be dealing with, and it has worked wonders for me. The dryness is gone and a nice healthy glow remains. Win all around.
Surprisingly, I don’t have any new favorites from Lush this month. That’s not to say that I haven’t been loving the ones I already have, but I haven’t really come across anything new to share with you guys. Like I said, going out and shopping kind of felt like a chore this month so I didn’t do a lot of it. BUT! I did manage to pick up one beauty product that I absolutely fell in love with:
I’m not even exaggerating when I say that this mascara is probably the best one I’ve ever tried. I’m super snobby when it comes to mascara, and after dabbling in all manner of high-end and drugstore brands, I can say with utmost confidence that this mascara is one of the best I’ve ever come across. It goes on without clumping, yet still manages to give some awesome volume and length. Basically, it’s like a high-end mascara at a fraction of the cost. Completely smitten.
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. Book Favorites .
Last month I professed my love for The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, and this month I’m professing my love for the second book in the series: The Wise Man’s Fear.
Once again, this book completely sucked me in. It’s the continuation of Kvothe’s story and contains all of the things I loved about the first book. Rothfuss’ beautiful poetic use of language. Vivid imagery. A protagonist who’s incredibly powerful yet simultaneously fallible. A captivating story line. Wonderful character development. It’s a great read for those who enjoy epic fantasy. My only complaint is that now I’ll probably have to wait a few years until the final book comes out. Sad face. I suppose I could kill some time with another favorite that I rediscovered this month…
Word searches. I really love brain puzzles, but sometimes I’m just not in the mood for something that requires that little extra bit of thought, like sudoku or crosswords. Word searches are the perfect solution.
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But my absolute favorite part of February? The fact that it’s over… and the fact that I’m now off to Hawaii for a week and a half 😀
I honestly have no idea how blogging is going to work while I’m away. I’ll try and check in at least a few times while I’m gone, but I’m not sure what the internet situation will be like, or if I’ll even want to spend any time by the computer. No promises, but definite possibilities. I will be popping on to Twitter (@runwithspoons) and Instagram (@runwithspoons) though, so follow me on there for more regular updates.
Ta ta for now! 😀
How was your February? Anyone else experience the SADs?
Do you have any favorite natural/food beauty treatments?
Hmm how interesting is that?!! Perhaps that’s why my face has been drier than usual? I’m more of a dry skin gal, but I wasn’t sure if pregnancy or the weather has been playing the bigger part in drying my face up, but I constantly feel the need to moisturize it because all the oil just evaporates. So I’m taking in loads of coconut butter as an excuse, lol. 🙂 Amanda, I hope you have a blast and I hope you share your trip with us!
I am a wuss with putting stuff on my face..like honey would scare me. I would be afraid that I WOULD break out. But hey, don’t knock it till ya try it right!? HAVE A BLAST in Hawaii!! You’re not going alone are you!?
The baked goods always catch my eyes! You had me craving for cinnamon rolls! I used to drizzle honey on yogurt all the time… somehow I forgotten about that wonderful combo lately – gotta do that the next time!
February was busy, busy, busy. I just know March is going to be a busier month. #lifeasacollegestudent
Enjoy your trip!
your banana bread is making me crave some >< I think I'll have to settle for cookies with a banana on the side because thats the closest thing I have to banana bread in my house…
I REALLY want to make those cinnamon rolls!
Thank you for reminding me that I want to make your banana bread and cinnamon rolls next week! Every picture that you’ve posted of them has left me drooling…
For February being somewhat of a downer month (it was for me too), you certainly managed to fill it with lots of wonderful things! Greek yogurt and honey is one of my favorite combinations ever. I’ve been having that with a banana and slivered almonds for breakfast almost every morning.
You’re going to have such an amazing time in Hawaii! I can’t wait to hear all about it. <3
The winter months always get me down too. All I ever want to do is curl up with tea and hibernate in front of the tv. 😛 I’m glad spring is on its way though.
I love all those ideas for using honey! I had some local honey on a Belgian waffle with whipped cream at a Food and Wine show a few weeks ago and let me tell you it was the best way to eat honey ever! 😀
I like using olive oil + brown sugar as a body scrub – it works so well! Unfortunately it also uses up a lot of my expensive olive oil, so I don’t do it too often haha.
Have a great trip girl!
I love honey on/in pretty much anything, especially plain yogurt. My fiancee and my dad both experience SAD. We’ve actually started using a Happy Light (the company is called Verilux) which emits “natural” sunlight, and it really helps make it not so gloomy. They’re a bit pricy, but both my dad and my fiancee really, really like it!
So excited for you! Enjoy your trip!!! My February was alright, but it’s not one of my favorite months either. Living in Florida definitely helps me avoid the SADs, but I can’t say I got out 100% unscathed. I’m excited that March is here, so spring is coming, so warmer weather will be more likely to stick around!!
Girl, you KNOW I feel ya on the SADs…it seems to get me every year! I have my moments where I can pull myself up, but for the most part, the rain, the gloom, the cold? It just sucks the life out of me. Oh yeah, and it started snowing today! Forget the fact that just 4 days ago it was 60 degrees outside (and a relative high point on the Heather happiness scale)…ugh, I wish I could be a stowaway in your suitcase! Have a fruity drink out of a coconut for me would ya? 😉
I never knew about the moisturizing benefits of honey! I might have to try that “mask”…wonder if it would work on my poor chapped hands?
I’m so jealous of your trip to Hawaii!!! 🙂 I can’t wait to hear all about it! I would kill right now for some warm weather. This winter definitely has me in a funk too. I’m ready for some sunny days and warm weather to help me get out of this!
What an awesome way to bring in the month of March by heading to Hawaii!! Have so much fun in the sun, girl! 🙂
you really had a successful baking month! all your baking has me wanting to get some baking done today 🙂
I’m kinda bad when it comes to natural/food beauty products, but something I really want to try is coconut oil to moisturize the dry ends of my hair or just any rough patches of skin. One of my current favorites that is somewhat natural is the ‘simple – kind to eyes revitalizing eye roll’ that I use at night before bed and I’d say it’s helped considerably with my seemingly permanent dark eye circles. (http://www.simple.co.uk/products/Kind-To-Eyes-Revitalising-Eye-Roll-On-15ml-286.aspx)
Anyways, I hope you have an aaamazing time in Hawaii!! Enjoy the warm temps!! 🙂
Baked good overload. Have a great time and I can relate with SADS. I’m not a winter gal in the slightest so I cannot wait until the summer comes. Or at least spring…or at least warmer weather really.
I love greek yogurt and honey! I need to make that choc chip banana bread asap. Zucchini and banana are my two fav’s!
Have an amazing time! I’m really loving your blog Amanda 🙂 xx
All of your baking is really putting me in the mood to do some this weekend! And I also want to put honey on everything (why haven’t I been doing that?) and I need to try those tips for dry skin! I have awful dry skin in the winter too and am always on the lookout for tips and tricks!
I hope you have an absolutely fabulous trip to Hawaii, my dear! Seriously enjoy that sunshine for both of us.
Where did you pick up argan oil? My skin is ridiculously dry in the winter, so I’m curious to try it. But I have absolutely no idea where to look.
Adding to your list of things that are delicious with honey: hazelnut butter. Delicious.
Ahhh i used to have natural yoghurt + honey all the time; its been so long since I’ve had any!
My February was ok..I’m looking forward to this month as I’m going to L.A. so will be stocking up on lots of foodie goodies 🙂
I think I’m weird..in the UK I seem to get SAD when it’s sunny rather than cold and gloomy…I think its because even though its sunny its still freezing cold!! Haha.
Ah have the best trip in Hawaii, my friend! Hope you will pop up with some posts but I don’t blame you if you don’t ;)…enjoy every second and soak up the gorgeous and sunlight!
I LOVE that Mascara as well! I got the waterproof kind since sometimes I workout in the middle of the day and cant have makeup all over my face later, and I actually like it better than some of the non-waterproof kinds I have. Love it!
What a terrible post to read when hungry! Have so much fun on your trip!!! 🙂
I am totally going out after work and buying that mascara! I am also really snobby/picky about mascara and I cannot stand when it clumps.
You’re leaving on a jet plane!! But I’m assuming you know when you’ll be back again 😉 haha have a great time!
I’m impressed by your beauty secrets! I’m typically afraid to try out even the most natural sounding things like applying honey to my face because I just worry I’ll get some random reaction to it! But… I have recently been applying cocunut oil to my face as a moisturizer! Sounds funny because I know a lot of people cook with that stuff…. But yeah, Mom made me try it, so I did 😀
And yeah, February needs to just be over with! Warm weather is finally here for us and I need it to stay!!! 🙂
Have an absolute blast! Soak it up & enjoy vacation! And if you don’t check-in, rest assured everyone will be here when you return 🙂
I have to say that Feb was a tough month here too and I really feel like I need spring to come ASAP just to pick my mood up a little bit! There’s only so much of winter I can take until I just get fed up. Happy March!
Move to Miami, my friend! It’s [almost] always sunny here. 🙂
Have so much fun in Hawaii – can’t wait to read about it when you’re back!
Mmmmh all looks so good. These oatmeal muffins!
And I love the honey obsession. Honey is such a multitasker!
You know I had the same hard time in February and I can’t even handle it that spring is just around the corner. I wish you a fantastic time n Hawaii!!! xxx
Have fun! If the banana bread didn’t cure SAD, I’m sure this trip will.
By the way, can I come too??? 😉
I rarely ever eat honey on things, I usually go for the maple syrup. I need to try the greek yogurt + honey because I’m sure I’ll love it. Again, guilty of dipping spoon in almond butter and than yogurt so I’m sure this will be divine as well.
HAVE A GREAT TIME IN HAWAII! 🙂 Lucky duck!
Lemon zinger tea? That sounds fabulous since I am a huge fan of lemonade. I hope your trip to Hawaii is AMAZING! I’m sure white sand beaches with crystal water will clear up your winter blues.
Big time love (experiencing sads that is) but yay for it being easier now that it’s march and getting lighter out earlier in the morning and later at night! You are going to have an amazing trip!! I’ll be anxiously awaiting your return…good thing i have such good bread and books to keep me company 😉
I love that mascara! I use it quite often. All of Maybelline’s mascaras are work well for me! I love those apple cinnamon rolls and so glad you do as well. 🙂 PS: those chocolate chip oatmeal muffins look amazing!
TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!!!!!!! I’ll miss reading your posts every day but I know you’ll have so many exciting things to talk about when you come back! Oh, and I really just want to come live with you since you bake so many delicious sounding things. Have a blast xoxo
that is HANDS DOWN my go to mascara. people ask me if i’m wearing false eyelashes when i wear it. and all that honey has my mouth watering. i want to make a coconut butter and honey topped sweet potato for dinner tonight. that sounds really divine to me right now. yum. i’ll miss your blog while you’re in hawaii but i am excited for you and can’t wait to hear about your trip!
So many lovely favorite things. I’m obsessed with moroccan argan oil, it’s SO amazing! (except I use it in my hair)
I don’t know what my hair would look like without the stuff.
Kind of perfect timing you posted about that tea, since I just so happen to be going there this afternoon. And obviously you know I share your love for everything coffee and tea. Looks like this one will need to happen:)
Have the best time ever in Hawaii!! xo
gosh why haven’t I thought of honey on popcorn. Have a freaking blast lady, I am going to miss you but I can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
Luckily, our California weather has been amazing- I’m very thankful since I despise the cold and gray weather! I love honey too- In high school, I used to squirt it onto my finger and eat it like that! Hahaha, very classy.
SOOO many delicious baked goods! 🙂 I love your popcorn toppings, too! I would never think to use honey, but the sweet and salty combination sounds awfully tasty.
Have SOOO much fun in Hawaii!! And think of all of us jealous people here while you are gone ;).