Thursday, February 5, 2015

January Favorites!

Hey everyone! I'm here tonight with my first monthly favorites post! It's a few days late but the snow has had me completely off track so I figured a few days late is better than never :) Anyway, the stuff I'm going to show you in this post is some stuff that I really was into for the month of January. Just as a side note... I got the idea to do monthly favorites from Youtube. However, my monthly favorites are actually my monthly favorites, not products that I was sent by sponsors or affiliates to sneak into a post (which is common practice in monthly favorite videos on Youtube). I have no sponsors and I am not affiliated with any companies (and if I ever was I would definitely tell you!).

So here are the things that I have genuinely been super excited about this month :)


First up we have Zoya Nail Polish! I had never used Zoya before but I received all of these except for the red on the far right as a gift from my friend for the holidays. I've used most of those five already and the colors and GORGEOUS and it is really nice quality. It is vegan and free of the "Big 5" which are Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Toluene, Camphor and Dibutyl Phthalate. The color selection is also HUGE!

I was checking out the nail polish at Ulta shortly after I received the first five colors as a gift and one color stood out to me immediately. It was so gorgeous so I picked it up to check out the name of the polish and this is what I found...


What?!?! Clearly it was meant to be so I added it to my collection :)


How gorgeous is this color?! These polishes are a little pricey but I think the quality, color selection and the fact that it is big 5 free makes it worth the price.


My second favorite for the month is Freeman's Face Mask in Chocolate Strawberry. OMG you guys. This stuff smells like heaven. More importantly... it works! I have not had great luck using masks as most irritate my skin. I've been trying to have more pamper nights recently and a face mask was definitely missing from my routine. I had been looking for this particular one but hadn't had any luck finding it until last month. I've used it a few times and not only does it not irritate my skin, it makes my skin super soft and gets rid of the redness! It is amazing, smells delicious (it smells like chocolate pudding!) and is very affordable. I use it twice a week and I always look forward to it!


I feel like I was one of the last people to hear about the Serial podcast. All twelve episodes were out by the time I heard about it and decided to listen to it. I finally listened to the first episode at work and I ended up finishing all twelve within two days! It was so interesting and I just couldn't stop listening. If you haven't heard of it, Serial is a spinoff from This American Life (also an amazing podcast) about a true crime story from 1999 where a high school student disappeared and her body was found in a park. Her ex-boyfriend was convicted of murdering her and is serving a life sentence. The story came to the reporter from a friend of the convicted ex-boyfriend (and this friend happens to be an attorney) who says that he is innocent and the reporter spends the twelve episodes pouring through the evidence and picking the case and trial apart. It is so fascinating and it definitely had my full attention! I can't wait for the second season and I'm so curious about what the topic will be! 


I know I've mentioned this show previously but Prospectors came back with their new season and I've been so into it as always. It is about a group of Colorado Prospectors digging for crystals and gemstones. I think it is so cool and I would love to try it someday. I can't imagine how amazing it must feel to find a crystal and know that it has been there for millions of years and that I would be the first to see it. It must be so incredible! Anyway, I love this show and if you get the Weather Channel (I think some carriers actually got rid of it, wtf?!) you should definitely check this show out! It has been preempted the last few weeks for winter storm coverage (and I assume it will be again this weekend since there is another storm coming) so I'm a few episodes behind but I can't wait to see them!


My next favorite from January is a snack! I know we have all heard of Trader Joes' Inner Peas snack (OMG so addictive!). In January I noticed that they had a new flavor of this delicious snack and instead of green peas it is made from beans. I decided to give it a try and it is so good! Just as addictive as the Inner Peas. Definitely give this snack a try, it is so good.


My last favorite for the month of January is actually a website. It is called Uncommon Goods and it is a website where you can find some really cool, unique gifts and products. They have a lot of handmade products, a lot of products that you can customize (weddings, significant other, etc.) and other really beautiful, creative merchandise. Some of it is quite pricey but they do have some really nice, affordable things. I would definitely recommend checking this website out, you may be able to find a unique, creative gift for your valentine :)

So there you have it, my first monthly favorites post! I hope you liked it! Let me know if you would like me to do this monthly and let me know what some of your favorite things were from January!

Have a great Friday!





12 comments:

  1. They nail polish is beautiful! I've never tried Zoya, but the colors are brilliant - especially your namesake!

    I'm late to the party on podcasts in general - my brother listens to quite a few at work. I should start, as I think it would make me take longer walks with Remy!

    I've been loving the Lush facemask (the blueberry one)!

    I don't have cable, but I remember you talking about that show - I'll have to look up where they film it!

    This was such a great post, I now have a list of things to try and do!!

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    1. Thank you!! Their colors are absolutely gorgeous and I think my namesake may end up being my new signature color ;)

      I really love listening to podcasts. If you are into NPR type stuff check out This American Life and I've been LOVING Radiolab. It is so interesting!

      Hooray for face masks!

      They film on Mt. Antero, Mt. White and Lake George I believe. Those are the names that come up the most! It is such a good show.

      Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

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  2. You give yourself a professional looking manicure. Glad you're still having fun primping and preening.

    We have cable -- but dont get The Weather Channel.

    Very enjoyable post. Keep em coming!

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    1. Haha thanks, I'm glad you liked the post! I'm actually pretty bad at doing my nails but pretty good at cleaning them up after the fact ;)

      The Weather Channel is one of the only ones I watch. So good!

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  3. Haha, you and that nail polish were meant to be! I'll definitely have to check out Zoya. One of my mini resolutions this year is to wear nail polish more often. I always think it'll take too long or be a hassle, but I love it when I actually wear it. Uncommon Goods is awesome! I find unique gifts and trinkets there.

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    1. I know, it was totally fate! Zoya is a great brand, they have a shade named Sage too! I'm sure you can guess what color it is ;) I love wearing it too although I'm definitely guilty of letting it get really chipped.

      I love Uncommon Goods! I haven't purchased anything yet but I can't wait to!

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  4. Hi Sarah!!!!!!!!!! :) I've also been into monthly favorites videos on YouTube, I'm glad you're doing that too! That nail color is amazing, wish Ulta existed in Canada! I've been on the fence about listening to Serial - maybe I'll have to give it a try, I do love This American Life. Glad to see you're still doing the blog thang!

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    1. Hi Allysia!!! It's so good to hear from you, I hope you have been well!

      I love monthly fav videos from smaller Youtubers. I find it hard to actually trust recommendations in clearly sponsored videos. It's kind of why I wanted to start doing it here... so I could give honest opinions and real favorites!

      Why are you on the fence about Serial? It's so interesting, I'm glad that I decided to check it out. Although if you aren't into true crime you probably won't like it.

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  5. Chocolate Strawberry face mask! That sounds like it would smell AMAZING, I must track it down!

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    1. The face mask is incredible!! I think they have it at Target? You could also order it online!

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  6. What a great idea. I'll look forward to all of your monthly faves. I love Zoya. I'm actually wearing Vivi right now. Good stuff.

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    1. Thanks Blessed Mama! I am loving Zoya, the quality is so great and the colors are gorgeous!

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