I’ve decided to start a new series on the blog. My Monthly Favourites. And first up, my January Favourites. Each month I’m planning to post the things that I have loved that month. This will include food, beauty products, kitchen gadgets, clothing and workout gear. Because my life (and yours too) revolves around way more than just food.
Please let me know what you think about this new addition to the blog. I always love getting your feedback!
KITCHEN GADGETS
S’well Water Bottles: So I have to admit that I had admired these water bottles for quite some time because of their pretty designs and sleek look. But, the price tag always scared me away. But I finally saw one with a pattern that I just couldn’t resist (it’s this one) and decided to give this brand a try. And well, I am a total S’well convert. These bottles keep my drinks cold FOREVER. Seriously it’s incredible. I haven’t used mine for any warm beverages yet but I am told they keep warm drinks warm for an extremely long time as well. So yes, while these water bottles may be more expensive than what you are used to, but they are totally worth it in my opinion. They come in so many colors, designs and sizes. You can browse them here.
Food Huggers: Okay, whoever invented these little things is a genius! Seriously where have these been all my life. I drive Erik crazy with all the half cut vegetables and fruit that I leave on the cutting board or in the fridge, that just end up getting dried out or going bad in just a couple days. Well no more. These little guys keep your cut up vegetables and fruit fresh for days. Plus they look so cute! I got a few different sizes from my relatives for Christmas and have since stocked up on even more of them. These would make such a great gift for that foodie in your life. There are many different brands that make these clever items, but these are the ones that I have.
Dehydrator: This had been on my wish list for a long time. But I just never got around to buying one myself. Well, Erik got me the 9 tray Excalibur Dehydrator for Christmas and it’s awesome! We have been making dehydrated nuts, dried fruit and veggies and will be moving onto beef jerky soon. This will come in so handy for making safe snacks for travelling that won’t go bad in my carryon or suitcase. We decided on the Excalibur brand after doing a lot of research and talking to some of my fellow paleo food bloggers and almost all of them recommend this specific dehydrator. It may be a bit more expensive than some of the other brands out there but so far it has been totally worth the investment. You can shop for the one we have here.
CLOTHING
Sorel Boots: It has finally started to get a little warmer here in Calgary, but for much of December and January it was bloody freezing here. For weeks I wasn’t venturing out in anything but my down parka and Sorel Boots. I have a couple different pairs that I have stocked up on over the years and love them both. I have tried a few other winter boot brands and they just never work as well as my Sorels. They aren’t as warm, comfortable or waterproof. All of which are a requirement for a good winter boot if you ask me. I have linked a bunch of different Sorel options below. A couple of them I may just need to invest in myself…
Blanket Scarves: These are by far my favourite winter accessory. They help keep me so warm! My dog walks just wouldn’t be the same if I wasn’t bundled up in a blanket scarf under my down parka. You can wear blanket scarves in so many ways, and they come in so many prints, colors and patterns that you can find one to go with any outfit. I have linked many different options below.
WORKOUT GEAR
Nike Free Runners: These are my favourite runners to train in. They are light weight, come in pretty colors and have been great for all the boxing I have been doing lately. I managed to get a new pair during the boxing week sales after Christmas and have been wearing them non-stop since then. I have linked a bunch of different options below because I know everyone will have a style and color they like better than others.
Zella Leggings: I recently discovered a new workout clothing brand: Zella. Have you heard of them before? It was Juli from PaleoOMG that first introduced me to them. And their leggings are amazing. Soft, thick, fun patterns and they have high waisted options. Oh, and they aren’t slippery! I hate slippery workout leggings. Who wants their pants sliding down in the middle of their workout? Not this girl thats for sure. They sell this brand at Nordstroms and you can also order them online. And just so you know they tend to fit small. I take an xs in the high waisted options and an xxs in the low waist options (for reference I wear a lululemon 4).
SKINCARE and BEAUTY
Beautycounter’s Cleansing Balm: This stuff is everything. Seriously everything. This winter has been so cold and dry and this is the only thing that is keeping my skin hydrated. This cleansing balm can be used as a cleanser, a hydrating face mask/overnight moisturizer, and even a spot treatment. I use it every night as my overnight moisturizer. I put it on top of my Balancing Face Oil. I also use it as a cleanser to remove my makeup on the days that I do wear makeup. And I know it may seem like an expensive item. But this stuff lasts forever. It is actually much more affordable than other beauty balms I have tried, just based on its size alone.
Manuka Honey: Yes this belongs in the skincare and beauty section. Honey is so good for skin. It has antimicrobial and healing properties. And it is especially great for those with acne. I do a full face mask with this once per week and also use it as a spot treatment every few days. It is also great for those (like me) that have a tendency to skin pick. Nothing is a better deterrent from picking your face than having your hand come away with sticky honey on it. There are many brands of Manuka honey out there, but this is the kind that I personally use.
Beautycounter’s Charcoal Mask: Those of you that follow my social media pages have probably heard me rave about this product from time to time. It is honestly amazing for those with acne. This mask not only contains charcoal but other powerful ingredients like salicylic and lactic acids that not only help heal acne but also help shrink pores and soothe the skin. I use this as a full mask twice per week plus as a spot treatment every night. I wear this so much now that Erik jokes that he has forgotten what I look like without black stuff on my face. And yes, he uses this mask too. Because couples that mask together stay together right?
Primally Pure Body Butter: I first discovered Primally Pure a couple years ago. They have a few products that I use and love but right now their body butter is my favourite. It is so dry in Calgary during the winter and this stuff is saving my poor skin. I am currently using the Citrus Mint scent and it smells so good (and no I am not affiliated with this brand, I just love their products and love what they stand for).
FOOD
Paleo Lemon and Vanilla Cheesecake: I just posted this dessert last week in honour of my birthday and I have to admit I’ve been snacking on this cake almost daily since I made it. Honestly it’s one of my new favourite desserts. And it’s made with no refined sugars or artificial ingredients so it’a a dessert you can actually feel good about eating. Because even though you are heating a healthy, paleo diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on cake on your birthday. At least not on my watch.
Roasted Honey Dijon Pecans: This was my favourite snack that I posted last year. It was also one of your favourites. This was one of the most popular recipes of 2016 so if you haven’t tried it yet you are missing out. These Roasted Honey Dijon Pecans are super easy to make and have such a unique, crunchy flavour. So far I haven’t had anyone tell me they don’t like them (so please don’t be the first).
10 Minute Blueberry Pork Chops: I have been making a batch of these pork chops almost weekly. They are just so easy and they taste so good. I have been pretty busy lately between working, running my Beautycounter consulting business and taking care of this blog. Needless to say it hasn’t left me a lot of extra time to be making elaborate meals. So quick, yet tasty meals have been my go to lately. Plus who doesn’t love blueberries? They are one of my favourite fruits.
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