MARCH/APRIL 2021 FAVOURITES

I feel like I may be the worst blogger when it come’s to sharing monthly, or even seasonal, favourite or essential lists. I go radio silent for long periods of time or even flat out skip seasonal lists. In recent months I feel like my creative juices are flowing and I have more ideas and ways of sharing my favourite things. Now, will I find the time for all these ideas? Who friggin knows and honestly no guarantees, but I also have a new outlook on the way I blog. I got into this cycle where I forgot that the blog was meant to be fun for ME and I was trying to hard to make it “perfect” or provide a big list of favourites . Like, if it wasn’t big enough people wouldn’t be interested. If it wasn’t something trendy it wouldn’t be relevant. Also, I’m sure some comparison to other blogs and bloggers played a role in that way of thinking. As you would have read in this fashion post I’m taking a more simpler approach to my blog posts and not putting so much unnecessary pressure on myself when sharing things I enjoy or love.

With that being said, this first list “back” is a bit larger as it’s sort of a combination of two months worth of favourite things. My approach to this list, and future lists, will be a variety of favourite things, from products I’ve been using, recipes I’ve been loving, a new TV series or movie I’ve watched, a book, podcast etc. Just looking to spread the love with you all and share new stuff people may not have come across themselves. Honestly these types of lists or YouTube videos from other influencers is how I find some of my favourite things!

The Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid 10% + HA & Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone

I’ve been using The Ordinary products for quite a few years now, and seem to continue adding each year. Honestly how can you not love these products? They are crazy affordable and produce the results they promise! These two products are now a permanent part of my nightly skin routine. I’ve noticed visible differences in both fine lines and the brightness of my skin. I also love how smooth the Vitamin C formula makes my skin.

Fair warning about the Vitamin C, it can have an intense tingling/burning feeling when first applied. I actually like the tingling feeling, but I did find it a bit much on my neck the first few times. I now apply a smaller amount, less than a dime size on the neck area. If you have any type of cut on your face, avoid putting the Vitamin C on it. Also, this will dye white pillow cases, sheets etc a bit orange, but it does wash out very easily.

My Cookbooks

While living with my parents during the renovation of our new house, I had no access to my cookbooks. I solely used Pinterest for any new dinner ideas to make for everyone. Now that I have access to my cookbooks again it’s like I’m discovering all new recipes. My go to’s right now are the Oh She Glows books, The Flexible Vegetarian and my newest cookbook Diala’s Kitchen. So far every recipe I’ve made from Diala’s book my toddler has gobbled up and loved! Just like how I prefer reading an actual paper paged book, there’s something so classic about having a cookbook sitting open on your counter while you cook.

Avocado Toast with a Crunch

This toast was inspired by a friend who posted a photo of her breaky one morning. Smashed avocado on toast with “Everything but the Bagel” spice and sliced cucumber. I don’t know why I never thought to add crunchy cucumber slices to my avocado toast but I won’t be stopping anytime soon. I don’t have “Everything but the Bagel” spice but I find Montreal Steak Spice is very similar. I add that, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and then thinly sliced cucumber and radish. The radish gives it a bit of spice and extra crunch! So satisfying.

Starbucks Cold Cups (709ml)

I don’t get why, but having a large ass cup with a straw like this has helped me in drinking the “recommended” amount of water I need daily. Actually even more, which has made huge impacts on my skin and energy levels. Honestly, you don’t have to buy the Starbucks cup, I’ve seen these types of large cold cups everywhere, Homesense, Loblaws/Superstore, Winners, Marshalls and Walmart.

The Serpent – Miniseries on Netflix

If you like true crime this show is for you. It’s based on the true story, and real life serial killer Charles Sobhraj who preyed on young traveling backpackers mostly in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s more the story of how he was brought down, and by who will honestly amaze you. It’s an incredibly intense and insane story and I literally had to pause one episode to Google the fate of one of the characters. It was stressing me out SO much! The mini-series is only 8 episodes and totally an easy binge watch in one rainy weekend.

Sleeping Eye Mask

If you follow me on Instagram you know from past stories that I’ve been having a lot of trouble sleeping, both falling and staying asleep. One theory I had was our curtains aren’t blocking out the light enough, plus electronic equipment in the room omitting light. I’ve had this sleeping mask forever and never used it. Now I use it nightly, and I can’t say it works every night but it definitely has made a noticeable difference in me staying asleep for longer periods of time during the night.

Aerie’s Ribbed Henley Long Sleeve

If you saw my Instagram stories you know I own this shirt in three different colours. Honestly, I’m debating more because the colour stock is fabulous. I like that it’s meant to be a casual shirt, but because it has the cute button neckline it comes across a little fancier than a regular jersey long sleeve. The material is very lightweight and a looser fit style. I get an XS and it’s not tight at all which I appreciate. Best part, it’s currently on sale right now!

What kind of essential or favourite lists do you like to read about? Variety of subjects like this, or lists with a theme?

Let me know if you try out any of the items on this list, or brave up and watch The Serpent!