1. I LOVE my new running tights* that I picked up (on sale!) at Old Navy. A lot of my workout clothes come from places like Old Navy, because they’re affordable and hold up pretty well (in my experience so far). And IMHO, pretty workout clothes are huge motivation boosters. Am I right?

2. Someone on Twitter recently asked about affordable, all-rounder make-up options and I have been pretty happy with the Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless Foundation with SPF 28*. I originally bought it for travel (because it’s a compact foundation and not liquid – although they do have a liquid make-up option for this!) and I loved it. I’d say it’s medium coverage, but holds up well throughout the day.

3. If you’re looking for an app where you can search exercises by muscle group (with a short instructional video), the JeFit App* is a great resource. It’s been super-easy to use if you want to switch up your strength training routine with new exercises.

4. I don’t eat them very often, but we picked up some fresh (Poppyseed for me, cheese-jalapeño for Jon) bagels at the store twice this month (for lunch) and they were delicious. 

5. Are you picky about your pens? Do you have a favorite? I keep coming back to Pentel R.S.V.P. Fine* ball point pens. 

6. I’ve been on the hunt for a protein shake or powder that I can use as a quick refuel option after harder workouts. It’s been surprisingly hard to find something that tastes good AND has low sugar content AND has a pronounceable ingredient list without artificial ingredients. I’ve landed on Vega Protein Made Simple Powder* (Vega sells different kinds of protein powders, so you have to pay attention!) because this one has only 5 ingredients and no artificial sweeteners. Plus, it actually tastes like chocolate milk.

7. I can’t believe I am saying this, but I am warming up to Trader Joe’s (Crunchy No-Salt) Peanut Butter* (I like creamy, too). I didn’t grow up with Peanut Butter and for the longest time, didn’t really care for it (especially not as a spread on bread), but I think almond butter has helped me transition to liking peanut butter as well. Do you like peanut butter? Crunchy or creamy?

What was one of your favorite things this month?

* #notanad, This is not a sponsored post. I have not been compensated by the brand or anyone else for linking the websites.

1. My sister sent me a hand-sewn heating pad for Christmas (I love that she’s also crafty when she has the time!) and it’s been my best friend for the last few weeks. We like to keep our home on the cooler side, so I heat this up at night and take it with me when I go to bed and it’s wonderful. 

2. I was introduced to the deliciousness of Cotswold Double Gloucester Cheese* this month. TBH, there aren’t many cheese that I don’t like, but I also usually have my go-to cheeses and rarely branch out. I am glad that I was able to try this cheese (as I don’t know if I would have picked it up at the store by myself), because it’s DELICIOUS. Go buy some at Trader Joe’s.

3. I probably mentioned before that I love puzzles but rarely do any. Over the long MLK weekend, I got to do some puzzles with some friends and it was so much fun that it’s making my favorites list. I think I’d like to get some more puzzles. 

4. Do you like Kiwi? I always forget how much I like Kiwi*. I rarely buy it and I don’t really know why (maybe I don’t like to peel it? Maybe I just forget how good it is?), but I am trying to remember that I actually enjoy the taste very much.

5. I’ve been using The Ordinary “Buffet” Peptide Serum* on and off for a while and I really like it. It can be a little ‘sticky’ used by itself, but I use in at night before I put on moisturizer and it’s a nice combination to hydrate my skin while I sleep.

6. I was never a big fan of green tea*, but for some reason, I’ve recently taken a liking to it. Maybe it’s because I’ve set this goal to properly “hydrate” during the day and I can better reach my goal if I add more (decaf) tea to my hydrating options.

7. I’ve been a little bit obsessed with My Fitness Pal* this month. I’ve been “loosely” tracking my food and water intake for well over a year, more out of curiosity than anything else, but I’ve committed this month to really be diligent about tracking food and especially water (because I have a hydration goal, see above) and pay attention to the macros a bit. 

What was one of your favorite things this month?

#notanad, This is not a sponsored post. I have not been compensated by the brand or anyone else for linking the websites.

1. When I visited my family in May, my sister passed on this Naketano Long Hoodie to me. Naketano was a popular German clothing brand (which sadly has been discontinued) and I was trying to get my hands on one of their awesome, cozy sweaters. I bought one online (from leftover stock) and my sister had this one and decided to pass it on to me. I love it. It’s so comfortable and cozy. Plus, it reminds me of my sister every time I wear it.

2. As you might remember, the Revlon Hair Dryer and Volumizer* was on my Christmas wishlist and someone snagged it for me from my Amazon Wishlist. I can already attest to the positive reviews I’ve read from others. 

3. The Friends LEGO set* was a Christmas gift I didn’t know I wanted, but it’s giving me much joy this holiday season!

4. My friend Tanja gave me this 4Ocean bracelet* for Christmas, and not only is it pretty, it also supports a good cause. 4Oceans’ purpose is to end the ocean plastic crisis and every purchase supports the clean up of 1 pound of trash from the ocean and coastlines. They have bracelets representing different ocean inhabitants (this is the manatee bracelet).

5. It’s probably not a surprise that Trader Joe’s Organic Breakfast Blend Coffee* made my December favorites’ list, because I took a break from coffee for three weeks and couldn’t wait to get reunited. 

6. I don’t often bake cookies throughout the year (if not to say, never), but I love me some Vanillekipferl for Christmas.

7. Christmas Cards make me the happiest in December. But you already knew that.

What was one of your favorite things this month?

* #notanad, This is not a sponsored post. I have not been compensated by the brand or anyone else for linking the websites.