While so far 2021 doesn’t look that much different than 2020 I’m feeling much more hopeful as we welcome the new year. After the holidays it felt so good to refresh and set new intentions for the coming months. 

We’re currently enjoying a more mild Duluth winter (knock on wood) but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t been hibernating any less. And by hibernating, I fully mean finding more good reads and embracing ALL the self care activities, which means I’ve got a fresh pick of favorite things! 

FAVORITE NEW SUBSCRIPTION: THE PELOTON APP

As we all know, Peloton is EVERYWHERE. What I didn’t know until recently: Peloton isn’t just for those who own the bike, they have a huge range of workout classes you can enjoy from home. After just a few weeks I’ve quickly found some of my favorite go-tos: ALL the yoga (but most often power yoga), Cardio HIIT & pilates.

Easily the best part of Peloton is how easy it is to fit these into your day because the classes range from 10 – 45 minutes. I love these workouts so much that I’ve found myself doing multiple short workouts a day just because I want to and it feels so good. My favorite combo currently is a cardio HIIT around lunch and yoga to end my day.

You currently can get your first month free and after that, the app is just $12.99 and it’s absolutely worth it knowing new content hits the app every single day. 

FAVORITE SUBSCRIPTION BOX: BOOK OF THE MONTH

I recently shared about the record setting year I had for reading last year and a big part of that was my favorite subscription box for books, Book of the Month. They aren’t a new face around here but still is my favorite thing to recommend to just about anyone that will let me. The gist: each month you get to pick from their five picks of the month, ranging from mystery, non-fiction, romance or thriller. And if you’re like me, you have a hard time picking just one and often you’re checking out with three. All of their books are selected by their experts that find the best early releases, new authors or fresh perspectives and let me tell you, they always deliver. Best part, sign up today at this link for your first box to be just $10! 

 

FAVORITE READ: THE BRILLIANT LIFE OF EUDORA HONEYSETT 

This was the first book I finished this year as I wrapped it up on New Year’s Day and I ADORED it! It’s a heartwarming tale of an unlikely trio (an 85 year old, a neighbor & the 10 year old girl next door) and how it recharges a new found appreciation for life. If you were a fan of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine this is for you! (And if you weren’t a fan… maybe still read it because this one was better.)

 

FAVORITE LOCAL FIND: LENORA’S OIL BLENDS

The product I didn’t know I needed. I’ve been a fan of Lenora’s products for a while, but I’ve recently fallen in love with this “Good Day Happy Oil Blend” after it was gifted to me for Christmas. Roll on your wrists and back of neck for stress relief and a natural afternoon pick-me-up. You can thank me later. 😘

 

FAVORITE FOR MY HAIR: PROSE

This is where I share about how Instagram ads got me and I’m not sad about it at all. I have been struggling with finding good hair care products for SO long and have finally found my go-to. Prose utilizes natural and sustainably sourced ingredients to ensure not only is your hair getting the treatment it needs, but they also provide a detailed breakdown on the ingredients so you know exactly what is going into each bottle. 

To get your products, you fill out a quick questionnaire and they create a custom formula for you based on your specific hair needs. You then get your personalized products (yes, with your name on it!) sent to your door. For me, I was really struggling with hard water and product build up in my hair and outside of (expensive) salon treatments, this is the only product I’ve found that helps my hair. I am so incredibly impressed with my experience so far and can’t recommend enough and the best part is this truly will be for anyone! 

 

FAVORITE NECESSITY: BEAUTY COUNTER’S NEW DEODORANT

If you’ve been on the hunt for a natural deodorant that actually works, I can’t recommend this enough! When Beauty Counter came out with a few mini versions of these deodorants back in November, I bought them immediately and have been using them ever since. After trying out all of the scents, “Fresh Coconut” is by far my favorite & as of this month, it’s now available in a standard size! The price point is a tad spendy, but you’re able to buy refills at a cheaper cost which I love! And I 100% trust the ingredients used which is even better. 🙌🏻

 

FAVORITE ACCESSORY: LEATHER GLOVES

I can’t go all winter without sharing a tip for surviving the cold and this one has been my latest winter wardrobe addition. There’s something about leather gloves that instantly make me feel just a bit fancy and extra and I’m here for it. I got these camel colored ones for Christmas and have had so much fun pairing them with every one of my coats. These do a pretty good job of keeping your fingers warm too while running errands.

 

FAVORITE RECIPE: THIS SOUP

Tis the season for soup, soup & more soup – I’m not complaining at all. 🙌🏻 This sausage, kale, white bean soup is a favorite we tried this month and quickly got put on the “to make again” list. Best part is you can make it in just 30 minutes and uses ingredients you’ll probably already have at home! Full recipe and ingredient list can be found over the Honey Street blog. 

 

FAVORITE NETFLIX SHOW: CABLE GIRLS

Besides Bridgerton (duh), this is the show I’ve been happily binge-watching and I’m highly suggesting you all do the same. It’s a Spanish period show set in 1920s Madrid that follows four powerful leads as they take on a society that only views women as housewives and they fight against stereotypes as they work to live independent, working lives. I’m only on season three but they have FULLY packed in the drama – I’m talking love triangles, crazy mother in laws, missing kids, corrupt companies and the list goes on. All five seasons are out on Netflix and can only imagine where they’ll take the show from there! And a tip: watch in Spanish with English subtitles, it’s so much more enjoyable!

 

And that’s a wrap on my unofficial self-care edition of my favorite things, hope you enjoyed!