Things I’m Loving Lately #11

I never got around to recapping our Christmas and now 4 days after the fact it seems too late, but I did enjoy a nice Christmas with Craig’s family. We feasted (I had way too many desserts!), opened gifts, listened to Christmas music, and my sister Snapchatted pictures of my family opening gifts in Minnesota, so I kind of felt like I was there. It was so fun seeing Cullen get excited to open gifts and play with all of his new toys.

Cullen riding his “rocking moose” (instead of a “rocking horse”) and playing with his light sabers.

Monday Craig was off of work, so we got to spend the day together as a family of three. That doesn’t happen too often since he works all week, and I work on the weekends. We worked out in the morning and then ran a few errands around town. That afternoon we went for a nice long walk between Jewel Lake and Sand Lake. We pulled Cullen in the sled, and Sadie had a blast running around.

Along with everyone and their mother, I finally got sick too. Luckily I just have a stuffy nose, so while it is annoying (and I don’t sleep well because I wake up with a dry mouth every couple of hours), I know it could be worse. So I’m resting on the couch and writing this blog post about some of my favorite things I’ve recently discovered.

New Balance Zante

I had been looking for a pair of casual athletic shoes, and when I saw these New Balance Zante shoes with a neutral color and a hint of rose gold on the side, I knew they were mine. Originally I wanted a pair of retro shoes, but I was having a hard time finding a pair I loved. They are very comfortable, but they don’t have a great arch, so I like to wear my FORM inserts with them.

Lululemon Top Knot Toque

Both of my Christmas gifts from Craig were from Lululemon. (He knows me too well!) Cullen actually helped pick out this Lululemon Top Knot Toque that is a hat/headband/neck gaiter all in one, and I know I’m going to get a lot of use out of it. I don’t always love wearing my hair down or in a low ponytail while running, so this is a nice alternative. Plus it can be folded into a ear warmer or worn around my neck as a neck warmer.

Beautycounter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer

Teri at A Foodie Stays Fit is my make-up guru and my go-to for my make-up/fashion questions. When Teri raved about Beautycounter’s tinted moisturizer, I was excited to try it myself. This was the first time I have tried a tinted moisturizer, and to be honest I wasn’t sure how much I liked it at first. I was used to more coverage from my foundation and powder. However, when I used it with my beloved Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, I liked it a lot more. Surprisingly I find myself applying this tinted moisturizer a lot. It seems to give my skin the perfect glow, and I love that it looks so natural.

Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-Enriched Renewal Cream

My skin has been so dry this winter. I usually have pretty oily skin, but this winter it has been so cold and dry that my cheeks are always flaky, so I was glad when this heavier moisturizer came in the sample Origins pack I ordered. I love that this Origins Renewal Cream is heavier and perfect for night-time wear, absorbs so well into my skin, and smells amazing.

Fresh Rose Face Mask

Along with the Origins night moisturizer above, this Fresh Rose Face Mask has also been giving my skin some additional hydration. I love how soft and toned my face feels after using it. I also love that I can use it every day.

Jane Carter Solution Curl Defining Cream

When I want a quick hair-do, I will use this Jane Carter Solution Curl Defining Cream in my hair and attempt to add some “curls” to it. I have pin-straight hair, but with the help of this cream,  it actually gets wavy, and I can then throw it up in a bun better.

Earth Balance Coconut and Peanut Spread

This Earth Balance Coconut Peanut Spread has become a staple in my pantry. I love the combination of peanut butter and coconut flavors. It is super creamy, and I especially love eating it with my oatmeal.

This are a splurge item. I had never heard of Tim Tams until our Australian friends introduced us to them this summer. They sent us some more for Christmas, and it so hard to only eat one. I especially love the double coated ones. Yum! I’ve seen them at Target here in town.

Tiesta Tea

When we started dating, Craig got me hooked on tea. At first I thought it tasted like dirty water (ha!), but now I love it. This Maui Mango loose leaf tea from Tiesta Tea literally has chunks of mango and oranges in, which at first was kind of weird, but it tastes so good! It is a great afternoon tea when the sweet tooth kicks in. The folks at Tiesta Tea were kind enough to send me this package to review, and I can honestly say I love it! For those of you who live in Anchorage, you can find this tea at Costco. I found it next to the coffee and the big roaster in the store.

Sugar Paper Planner

I still keep track of my life in paper form. I did go to an electronic grocery list, but I still love writing down my schedule and to-do lists on paper. I don’t buy any fancy planner. This one is from Target, and I usually pick the smallest size, which is sufficient for me.

Despite my cold, running has been quite well! I ran 11 miles last Saturday with no hip pain, and I’m hoping to hit 40 miles this week. I need to do a post about where I am at with my hip and surgery versus no surgery, so stay tuned!