My Monthly Edit

PLANNING
Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, so I’ve started planning for ways to make it special, even though we can’t go out for a nice dinner this year.  It’s one of those holidays that I love to go all out for – I usually do a festive breakfast for the kids and then for dinner, I make a heart-shaped meatloaf with pink mashed potatoes and red velvet cake for dessert.  If you’re not sure how to celebrate this year, some other fun ideas would be a fancy brunch with quiche, mimosas & heart-shaped scones (or these homemade pop tarts) and then spend the evening playing games, watching your favorite rom-com and making a heart-shaped pizza.

BUYING
I’ve been on a workout kick lately, which has made me realize that I had quite a bit of old activewear that needed replacing. So I thought I’d share some recent purchases I’ve made that I’m loving! For sleeveless tops (I wear for indoor workouts like Pilates, weight training & yoga), I picked up this longline sports bra, this cropped top (amazing Lululemon alternative!) and this muscle tank.  For short sleeve tops (I wear for Zumba & on warmer days for running), I bought this keyhole-back tee & this fitted seamless top.  And for long-sleeved tops (I wear for running, hiking & walking the dog), I bought this top & this quilted jacket (another great option here).

LOVING
Have you heard about the Nordstrom Beauty Container Recycling Program?  They are the first & only major retailer to offer a beauty recycling program that accepts all brands of beauty packaging.  All you have to do is bring in your empty cosmetic, haircare or skincare packaging & drop them in the BEAUTYCYCLE boxes available in the beauty department at your local Nordstrom store (view the full list of acceptable products here).  They will then be taken to a TerraCycle center where they’ll be cleaned, separated & recycled into new products like park benches, picnic tables, etc.  I love that they are committed to making a difference & I think this is such a simple way that we can all increase our efforts in this area too!

TRYING
I’ve tried other collagen products in the past, but when a friend of mine shared her before/after photos after a month of using this magical elixir, I immediately placed an order.  I really like that this brand uses marine collagen from fish (rather than from cows or chickens) and that it also contains Vitamin C, zinc, aloe vera juice & biotin.  The fact that it tastes like grape juice is just the icing on the cake!  The recyclable glass bottles are one full serving – I’ve been taking it every day in the afternoon for the last week & I can’t wait to see my results at the end of the month (other users reported significant hair growth, more radiant skin & less joint pain).  Learn more about it here & sign up to order yours here.

USING
I talked at length in this post about how I’m on a mission to get my hair healthy again.  And, in addition to switching up my haircare products, I also swapped out the rubber bands I’ve been using.  Now that my hair is short, I find I’m putting it up in a ponytail less, but I still like to have it out of my face when I’m exercising.  After doing some research, I ordered these hair ties & I can’t say enough good things about them!  They keep my hair back without snagging or pulling and they don’t leave that annoying crease in your hair like other elastics do.  These come in different widths for long, fine or thick hair so you can get exactly what you need – be sure to clip the coupon for an extra 10% off!

CRAVING
I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of light neutral flats for a while, so when I came across these, I quickly added them to my wish list.  I’m starting to prefer mules over loafers in general & I think this color will be perfect for the spring and summer months (another great option here).  There are so many great deals to be found as retailers prepare to make room for new spring arrivals – some of my top picks under $50 include this chic sweater blazer, these neutral booties, this pleated skirt (only $13!), this bobble-sleeve cardigan, these cigarette jeans (bought & love!), this floral wrap dress, these suede booties & this wrap-front sweater.