Just a quick update (with more details to come) on some things I was loving in January! I’m giving you the tease in case you can’t wait for me to do the full review or update. I know I’ve been a bit absent lately so I figured a short post might get me back into the swing of things!
Exercise
Like many “new year, new me” resolutions we all make, I recommitted to my physical exercise routine. I had been focused on getting outdoors during the unseasonably nice weather in December. January turned colder and I focused more on my tried and true apps. Believe it or not, it’s been two and a half years since I started Alexia Clark’s workout program and I STILL love it. It’s easy to follow, varied, flexible for home or gym, and continues to improve over time. It’s less than a gym membership and it keeps weight work (important as we “grow wiser”) part of my regular routine. The price is still $29.99 (a bargain compared to other apps and programs) and with my referral code you can get another $5 off for the lifetime of your membership! It’s super easy to cancel anytime. Recently she added optional warm up and cool down so you have even more options to customize your routine. I like it when I travel because the phone app is concise and easy to follow.
I’m also a big fan of the 7 minute workout. I added this into my workout routine as a quick “get moving” routine. Ideally I like to do this in the morning to get my body moving, but if I don’t have time for a full workout, I use it as a break. There are a number available in the apple app store and I’ve tried a few. My favorite is one by Fast Builder Limited called 7 Minute Workout + Exercises. You can purchase an annual membership to access premium content, but I’m pretty much addicted to the free daily routine. I really enjoy the beginner level to get my body moving first thing in the morning, but the intermediate version provides some challenge and sweat for me.
Beauty
Moving onto beauty, always a keen interest of mine, I recently invested in a Nira laser. I will be publishing a review of the precision and pro versions of this soon but my initial instinct is that I really like it. It’s pricey but it’s certainly cheaper than in-office services and leverages professional level tools. The pro version is currently 10% off but I’m uncertain how long that will last. You can find sales on them so if you are interested, it’s worth keeping an eye on it. I’m trying to get a discount code to share with you.
I’ve been testing out Qure Skincare’s Microinfusion delivery. This is also another upcoming review but I wanted to mention it since there are some great valentine day’s sales going on right now. I did NOT do the masks they sell, only the microinfusion products.
I am still a regular and die hard fan of the Omnilux masks. I was sad that this past month my neck and chest one finally gave up. I had three good years of hard use so I feel I got my money’s worth. Enough that I already picked up a replacement. This is another product I wholeheartedly recommend and STILL use every other day! 2021 Review and 2021 Comparison.
Finally in the world of what I call beauty, I am IN LOVE with a new sleeping mask! In March 2022, I did a review of my then favorite eye mask from Manta. I am still a big fan of it, but I’ve pushed it aside over this one. They are different. If you like the cups in Manta, it’s a great mask. I don’t mind them. But I had to try out the new one from Dore and Rose. Their silk Deep Sleep Eye Mask is extra wide so it provides the best light coverage WITHOUT eye cups. I found it so comfortable for sleeping that I ordered one and shipped it to my sister on the west coast. I no longer wake up at 4 am when the artificial light starts to creep through my blinds. There is a valentine’s day sale on so if it sounds good to you, I recommend you jump on it. There will be an in depth review/update on sleeping masks this year with more details and opinions.
Fashion
I have to quick favorites to share here. As with others, I will be doing an in depth review of Cakes nipple covers. On first try, I recommend them. They are larger than other nipple covers and most importantly, they are secure but not sticky. Mind blowing, right?! The review on this is coming up, but I definitely recommend you check them out for yourself. I am planning on using them instead of the annoying sportsbra insert pads which I am tired of constantly unfolding and straightening out after laundry day. They have different sizes and…different colors to best match skin tone. While this is an “instagram made me buy” product, I have never been happier. You can use code CHRISTINE925 for 10% off your purchase!
I’m nostalgic about my sky-high platform heels. I used to never be caught without them. These days, my heel height is lower. This is both for comfort and practicality. As I embarked on my farm adventure, I decided I needed some good working shoes. My issue is chronically cold feet. I’ve tried heated socks, winter socks, multiple layers. Nothing worked. Until my beloved Sorel Whihtney II Short Lace Waterproof boots came onto the scene. I don’t know what magic they used but the boots are stylish (enough), comfortable, not bulky and WARM! So warm in fact that sometimes my feet actually sweat! It’s unheard of! I paid full price but…there are currently 25% off on the Sorel website so if you hurry, maybe you can catch this deal. Sorel is my new go-to shoe brand for comfort and style.
By the way, if you aren’t using Rakuten for online purchase, you may be spending more than you need! Rakuten can get you money back (with no increase in the product cost) simply by using their links. I’ve used then for years and with a browser plug in, saving is so easy! I’ve saved $6,000 over the past several years using it whenever I can!!
Food
It’s been years since I’ve had new cookware but my old non-stick skillet finally gave up the ghost. I’ve not been a fan of toxic non-stick coatings and vowed to avoid them this time. I landed on Hex Clad cookware. This probably counts as another “instgram made me buy it” product, but again I have no regrets. I am working on a discount code for you, but right now they are on sale if you need to replace any old cookware. I am thrilled with the quality of this product and their non-stick is non-toxic. It fits right in with my health focus goal for the year. I promise I will do a review on them specifically so I can deep dive into the product, but I LOVE cooking with these pans. I will eventually replace all of the rest of my pans for hex clad. Do yourself a favor and check them out!
Lastly, I have to share a new favorite bowl recipe I found from Gimme Some Oven. This Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Bowl recipe hits my favorite spice notes with chili powder, cumin and garlic. I toss in extra spinach and lay it over a bed of quinoa. I could eat this every day and plan on getting lost in her blog for more delicious recipes!
I’ve promised a lot of follow up and I WILL deliver! But I didn’t want to sleep on any of these for too long because they are too good to wait on.
What are some of YOUR January favorites? Do you have anything I need to check out?