It’s been a few months since I’ve shared a monthly favorites, but I finally have a few new items to share with y’all that I’ve loved during April. I’m still loving and using my same skin care and makeup routine, but here are a few new favorites I haven’t yet mentioned on the blog.
B E A U T Y F A V O R I T E S
I got a lot of comments over the weekend about my new makeup routine on IG stories and this was the only new product I added into my routine. It’s a self tanner that also has an anti-aging serum, something I’ve never seen combined before and I’m all on board for it! This is a natural/gradual self tanner for your face so don’t expect 0 to Real Housewives of New Jersey overnight. For my skin tone, I notice a difference a few hours after and I apply it 2-3x/week. If you’re darker than me you can apply it daily for a natural glow.
Mac Whirl + Sara Happ The Pink Slip
This has been my favorite lip combo lately. The pink slip was in my January favorites and along the way since then it got lost at the bottom of my purse. I rediscovered it again in April and I just love the subtle pink color! The color from this gloss lasts on my lips way longer than most I’ve used. I’ve heard so much about Mac Whirl but never picked it up because it honestly looked too dark and scary for me to try. Haha I’m a gloss or chapstick or natural kinda girl. It’s a lot more natural than I expected. I recommend it because I think it will work with almost every lip color in my collection.
After a friend told me this system worked I decided to give it a try. I’ve always had thinner hair and I had enough with my front fly aways sticking straight up. I noticed after one wash my hair felt thicker, and now I can tell I have less hair coming out in the shower. If you’re looking for a solution to thicken up your hair, I recommend giving this a try! I also want to mention that I typically hate hair products at my roots because my hair is very soft and fine texture, but I don’t even notice this in my hair once my hair has dried. I picked it up during a triple points event at Nordstrom, and that event is starting again tomorrow!
Not the most exciting favorite but if you’re looking for a non-toxic body wash this is what I’ve used! My friend recently switched after I was telling her about chemicals in products and she said she hasn’t had any eczema flair ups since! I have the unscented version because I wanted the freedom of using my own essential oils with it. I even made a DIY face wash out of it and I shared the recipe in my skin care routine.
Eyelure Tecture #117 Eyelashes
I’ve always used Ardell demi wispy lashes when I needed them, but recently I discovered Eyelure and I like them so much more because they’re more light-weight. If you’re like to wear these from time to time (or daily – you go girl!) then try these out if they you get uncomfortable wearing the wispies. I wear them for special occasions or when I’m filming to make my eyes pop.
F A S H I O N F A V O R I T E S
These leggings aren’t see thru and suck everything in! I love wearing them to Pure Barre class. I may also pick up the gray version, they’re both now 30% off!
White and Blue
I’ve been loving all the chambray and white tops and dresses I’ve seen in stores lately! Here have been some of my affordable favorites that I picked up for spring.
I bought these over the holiday season and they’re the most comfortable flat I own for work. They would also be great for on the go because they fold up into a travel bag. I never get any red spots on my feet or feel like I need to take them off and the heel is very stretchy. I honestly hate the Reva flat version because they hurt my feet, but these are good to go straight out of the box!
L I F E S T Y L E F A V O R I T E S
I’ve always loved getting a new planner, but once the excitement of a new office supply wears off I tend to leave it on my desk and before you know it I’m buying a new one for the year, anyone else? This time however, I’ve been loving using my Simplified Planner and I finally found a way to make it work day-to-day. I started using it more as a diary intake to track my food and fitness goals, along with the typical day-to-day events I need to keep up with. I’ve marked down my weight, how I’m feeling that day after eating, and even how many hours of sleep I’ve got. I love how clean simple this planner is. It’s just enough to mark everything down but not feel overwhelmed when I open it up.
This is a favorite because I hit my goal of 1000 subscribers during the last week of April! I actually thought it might be a stretch to make by the end of April, but I’m so excited it happened just in time! A big thank you to all the new subscribers to my channel. I have some exciting content coming up!
F O O D F A V O R I T E S
Energy Balls
Tim and I have been LOVING these energy balls. These are the only treats I’m allowing myself lately because I’m on a health kick to treat my body better/prep for an upcoming tropical vacay. These taste like a cookie and when I added it up they’re around 100 calories each. I thought the sugar content has to be out of the world based of the taste but nope.. only about 6 grams per ball! I estimated it using the nutrition calculator on my fitness pal.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup peanut butter, flaxseed
2/3 cup coconut flakes
1 cup oats
6 tbsp mini chocolate chips (I just eyeball this 😉
1/3 cup honey
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Tips: Mix the pb, honey, and vanilla together before adding in the rest of the ingredients. I find it’s easier to make them into balls when they’re room temp verse sitting them in the fridge first. Also, I occasionally rinse off my hands when they get too sticky and it’s easier to make the balls with cleaner hands. I use a 1 inch cookie scoop to size out portions. Store them in the fridge inside a ziplock bag.
Guacamole toast with chicken
My go-to meal of the month because it’s so easy to make for a quick-lunch or dinner during the week. Tim bakes a batch of chicken breast with salt and pepper. When it comes out of the oven we shred it up in our Kitchen Aid so it’s easy to add the chicken to salads and meals during the work week. I buy pre-made guacamole at Whole Foods and apply about 2 tbsp or less to whole wheat toast, then I top it off with heated up shredded chicken! It’s about 335 calories with a good carb/fat/protein ratio. I usually always have an energy ball (or two) after dinner.
Homemade acai smoothie bowls
Such a yummy treat that I crave after a run or hike. I purchased a pack of acai and frozen berries at whole foods. You can vary up your bowl and nutrients based on your toppings of choice. I typically make mine this way:
Run the packet of acai under warm water for about 1 minute. Throw in a blender with half a banana and 1/4 cup water and throw in some mixed berries (I use strawberries, raspberries and, blueberries). I wouldn’t skip the berries because acai can taste a little too earthy for my liking alone. Blend until smooth and add to a bowl. Top with slices of banana (the other half of it), granola, and coconut flakes. Just be careful to watch your sugar intake with the rest of your meals if you make these, fruit can add up quickly!
March Fails:
Juice Beauty Clarifying Cleanser
This product was a fail for me just because I couldn’t handle the smell. I wanted to try it because I’ve heard great things about Juice Beauty and they are a more natural product line. I would recommend smelling this before purchasing if you want to give it a try!
Stop by the blog tomorrow to see my May Wishlist and what’s on my agenda for May.
xo Amanda John
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