Oh heyyyyy, February!
A new month means a new Currently post, and since these can get kind of lengthy, we’re going to skip the fancy intros and dive straight in.
Current book: Nutrition textbooks, mostly. I still read every night before I go to sleep (right now it’s The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss), but I only manage to get through about 10 pages before I pass out.
Current music: Baby Don’t Lie by Gwen Stefani.
[youtube=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uo9oy-Eqo4&w=576&h=315″]
Current guilty pleasure: The occasional 20 minute afternoon nap… because waking up at 4:30 or 5 makes that afternoon slump hit pretty hard.
Current nail colour: Still going strong with changing up my nails regularly! This month it’s Princess Grace by China Glaze. I don’t own a tonne of China Glaze polishes, but I might have to look into getting some more because I like the formulation and they seem to sit on my nails pretty well.
Current drink: Hot Cinnamon Spice tea from Harney & Sons. This is probably my favourite drink ever, and I’m not even joking when I say that I’ve had it every.single.day since I first found it about 6 years ago — I even travel with it. It’s how I start my mornings, and lately I’ve been adding a second cup in the afternoon. Heaven.
Current food: Roasted potatoes. I probably have a big bowl of them with dinner at least 3 times a week and I have yet to actually get sick of them. There’s just something so comforting (and delicious) about sitting down with a heaping bowl of warm starchy veggies. Sometimes I’ll even toss in a sweet potato for good measure.
Current obsession: This probably isn’t going to come as a surprise to anyone, but… my Erin Condren Life Planner. I’ve mentioned this a few times already, but my planner has seriously become one of my newest creative outlets. I love sitting down on a Sunday night and decorating/planning for the week ahead, and the fact that it’s such a pleasure to use and I enjoy doing it so much has helped me keep at it and get a lot more organized. It’s good stuff.
Current wish: For an answer to this question? 😯
Current need: The artificial lighting system I ordered to get here so that my photography schedule no longer has to revolve around Mother Nature and her cranky, stanky wintery moods. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve wanted to shoot something at 6 AM and had to wait 4+ hours for it to get bright out… only to find out that it ended up being a doomy-and-gloomy day. You’ve had your fun, Nature, but soon… soon I’ll be the one laughing. *insert devil faced emoji here*
Current triumph: Getting my parents to add more smoothies and meatless meals to their diet. I wouldn’t say that Mom & Dad ever ate poorly, but they followed a pretty traditional Polish diet, which includes a lot of heavier and saltier foods. I tried not to give them too hard of a time about it since that tends to turn most people off, so I did my best to lead by example instead and it’s nice to see my efforts being rewarded…
Current bane of my existence: Dry.freaking.AIR. Either I need to start drinking an additional 2L of water a day or straight up bathing in coconut oil because I’m sick of my skin feeling dry and parched. Add windburn from going snowboarding so often, and my face never really gets a chance to recover. Grumble.
Current indulgence: So.much.chocolate. If I make it through my February recipe testing without getting sick of chocolate, then I’ll be amazed. And if you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy yourself, I suggest heading over to Savory Style and checking out my recipe for Double Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bites. They’re uhm… kind of epic.
Current procrastination: I’ve been meaning to go to Ikea for.ev.er but I keep putting it off because I seriously need to set aside like 3 hours when I go. Place is a black hole.
Current blessing: 10 points to whoever guessed that my answer would be “Life in general.” I often say that the reason I wake up so dratted early is because I just can’t wait to start my day, and while I mostly say it jokingly, there’s probably a grain of truth to it as well. Of course I have my crap days and “woe is me” 3 AM breakdowns, but that’s just part of this thing we call life.
Current excitement: Seeing my coaching clients see the results they were looking for. It’s a pretty awesome feeling to be able to help someone in their journey towards better health.
Current mood: Peachy keen, jelly bean!
Current link: Belinda Selene’s YouTube channel. I first came across her channel when I was looking for planner decorating ideas (told you I was obsessed), and ended up watching a tonne of her other videos. She’s fun and has a lot of great ideas.
Your turn! Give me your current:
1) … guilty pleasure.
2) … food.
3) … obsession.
4) … bane of existence.
5) … link.
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Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
Um, hello new to me delicious tea that needs to be in my life asap! I have a tea like that too but it’s a chamomile mix tea every night before bed. It has lemon, dandelion, ginger, berries…so so good!
Angela
I find that a humidifier really helps with the dryness
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen
Agh my skin is so dry this winter too! I’ve been carrying around hand cream in my pocket and applying it like a madwoman, but alas my hands still get dry.
My current guilty pleasure is watching Dawson’s Creek haha.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’ve actually just recently picked up the First Aid Beauty ultra repair cream from Sephora, and so far I’m really liking it! Seems to moisture better than anything else I’ve tried.
Jessica @ kiwiyogirunner
I love the feeling of waking up excited to start my day! That’s when you know you’re winning at life 🙂
1) … guilty pleasure. Breakfast in bed every morning 😮
2) … food. Cereal. It’s always cereal, this never changes.
3) … obsession. Yogaaaaaaa!
4) … bane of existence. My suitcase- I’ve been living out of it for six+ months and it’s a hot mess.
5) … link. http://thealmondeater.com/2015/02/baked-blood-orange-chicken
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I stopped harping on my older brother for his less than healthy meal choices years ago. The reward is he’s now sending me pics of veggies he’s cooked. It feels good knowing you’ve made a difference just be being a good example.
I actually really dig that nail color. I might even be persuaded to paint mine.
I have indoor lights and poster board with no real clue how to use either. Oops. Once you figure it all out, please feel free to enlighten me.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Do eeeeeet. And then we can have a jazz hands party 😀
bethany littleton
Beautiful nail colour! I currently have black multi colour glitter twinkle fingers. They pour a pot of glitter on yout nail then cover it in clear gel.
and roast potatoes….♡♡♡ one of the best foods ever.
glad your parents are introducing new healthier foods into their daily diets. I’ve tried to help my parents so many times as they eat really badly but no luck. But I’ve learnt to just shut up now as I’ve tried.
1. Guilty pleasure…the fact that I want to spend a day in my jim jams having a High School Musical marathon?
2. Food…Reeces peanut butter chocolate. Nothing shocking there.
3. Obsession…high heels! Again, nothing new haha.
4. Bane of existence…troubled sleep. Been sleeping on a broken bed since October, so uncomfortable keeping me awake, fix it yesterday and think “I’ll finally get a good sleep!” Only to be woken up at 4am by foxes fighting outside resulting in me then being wide awake.
5. Link…My blog http://www.bethstaystrong.wordpress.com
EVA
Ahem….I spent last night in my jammies….having a High School Musical marathon….cough cough
Kim
Nothing beats a good afternoon nap!!!
Angela @ HonestlyAngela
Harney & Sons tea is amazing! I love their hot cinnamon sunset flavor but I have never had hot cinnamon spice. I wonder what the difference is?
The current bane of my existence is everyone in my family getting sick so often this year. We can’t catch a break!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I actually ordered Spice once and got bags that were labelled Sunset, so I’m pretty sure they’re the same thing. And boo on the sickness — hope everyone feels better soon!
Rachel
Suggestion on the dry skin.. look up Fat Face Skincare on IG and check out their stuff. I have the face moisturizer and it’s literally the best, most effective thing I’ve found for my dry skin.
1) … guilty pleasure – Pinterest. Because I’m planning my wedding, and I’m sure everyone that follows me, hates me today because I literally stayed on it allllll day yesterday.
2) … food – Chocolate. Because PMS.
3) … obsession – Wedding dresses. See above.
4) … bane of existence – The New England Patriots. I hate them with every fiber of my being. The defense intercepted a pass in the very last 30 seconds of the superbowl, and won. Brady got the MVP. For what exactly, I’m not sure, because he played such a shitty game. Again, he’s not the reason they won. The NE DEFENSE is the reason they won. Anyway, I’ll stop. I’m clearly not over it.
5) … link – can I just say Pinterest? Again, see above 😉
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Thanks for the recommendation, Rachel! I’ll definitely check them out 🙂 And thanks for the rundown of the game, too… now I can -kind of- sound like I know what I’m talking about when someone asks me.
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth
I’m chowing down on a bowl of roasted veggies right now so I feel ya with that obsession. The cold/winter is also out to ruin my life. First, I only have like a 2 hour window to get any pics taken, and since I’m trying to improve my step-by-step/action shots these days that means I can’t actually start cooking until like midday when the sun decides to make an appearance. Also, my skin is falling apart and so are my nails thanks to the cold. Spring needs to hurry up lol
Laur
I think China Glaze polishes are one of my favorites. I’m not sure if Canada has Ulta, but they have a pretty good selection! I know you’re a Sephora nut, but I’m not sure if they carry it or not!
Current:
1) … guilty pleasure. Dark chocolate brownies with pb cups and peanuts. UGH.
2) … food. Dried, lightly sweetened, no sulfur papaya spears
3) … obsession. Lip gloss. Dry air. I feel your pain. -.-
4) … bane of existence. Chapped skin. And my knee, always. Haha.
5) … link. StumbleUpon has been addicting lately.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
No Ulta up here 🙁 And no China Glaze in Sephora either. I usually find mine at random beauty boutiques. And thank you for reminding me about the papaya spears. It’s been a while since I’ve had some, and I -love- them.
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
Oh heavens – those Double Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bites do sound EPIC indeed! And the my current obsession, current need, current wish and current bane of my existence is the lack of your current guilty pleasure!
Happy Monday, lady!
She Rocks Fitness
I love that occasional nap in the middle of the day. Sometimes I only need 15 minutes and I am ready to ROCK for my evening clients. Grateful that I am able to sneak those in once in a while. 🙂 How is it already February??? Have a beautiful day friend!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
You too, Katie! Hope you’re having a great Monday!
Emma @ em-poweredwellness
Cinnamon anything is my obsession, so that tea sounds wonderful! I got my parents hooked on green smoothies and almond milk too! Little but important changes 🙂
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
I have the opposite problem with lighting. I wake up too late and then have to rush to make everything before the sun gets too bright/direct. California probs. 😉
But I would LOVE to be able to shoot during the weeknights so you’ll have to let us know what you think about the artificial lighting!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I will do! Did you check out Pinch of Yum’s latest post about artificial lighting? Lindsay said it’s been a real lifesaver for her.
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
Hi Amanda! Fun one! I’m currently rocking bare nails, which I rarely do. I love the light color you have on there. And being that I just moved, I’m currently obsessing with decorating. So fun! 🙂 Happy Monday! Wish I could come recipe test your dessert creations.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’ll feed you cookies if you come decorate my place! I’ve been living here a little over 3 years now and I have YET to actually hang something on the walls 😆
Brittany
I wish I could master the nap…I don’t ever take them because I sleep too long and then wake up feeling worse. I get up earrrrllyyy too, so once in a while I’m sure I’d benefit from one!! Your nails are so lovely…you’d shreak if you saw mine. haha.
Katie@LifesNextBigStep
chocolate + raspberry = heaven!! currently, my favorite food is any food. hello bottomless postpartum pit.
Suzy
I’m super not girly but because I’m going to the Sam Smith concert in two days (YAHOOOO!!!) I bought nail polish and fake eyelashes! I don’t get out much so when it happens, WATCH OUT. I’m so excited.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’ve never seen him live but I hear he puts on an amazing show! Have the best time 😀
Cait @ Beyond Bananas
Dry air is a killer right now for my hands..and for my babies’ entire body! We’ve been using coconut oil and some extra moisturizing body was for us all!
EVA
You are literally my life this week. I love Gwen Stefani to death. I’ve thrown thrown cocoa powder on EVERYTHING for dessert lately. My skin is so chapped that I currently have three bandages on my hands due to cracked skin. Roasted potatoes three times a week (exact number, too), except I dip that pillowy flesh into hummus! And nutrition articles. So interesting.
My currently list:
1) … guilty pleasure: Too much Hannah Montana music. I never liked it when it came out, so why am I dancing to it so much now?!
2) … food: almond butter. I’ve always been a fiend, but I literally can’t keep my hand out of the jar. This is too expensive of a habit for a college student!
3) … obsession: The Packers. I’ve also been mad obsessed, but now that the Superbowl has rolled around, I feel an screaming need to shout in people’s faces who the REAL winners are.
4) … bane of existence: Working in food service. I LOVE my job, but if I have to go one more month without nail polish I am going to blow up!
5) … link:my freelance profile….heheheh. I’ll spare you the link.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Almond butter is a good food to be into — much better than peanut 😉 Have you ever tried making your own? All you need is a food processor and it ends up being a lot cheaper than buying it from the store. And you know I’d -love- to see your work!
EVA
Haha oh yes, almond over peanut any day! Actually I don’t have an allergy, but I seriously can’t digest it. I have thought about making my own you mindreader! Oh master, do tell: do you think a Nutribullet would work to grind them thangs? And now I’m all embarrassed to show my work- you’re going to have to get internet-savvy to find it MWAHAHA!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity
I love that nail polish color!! I’ve been wanting one like that!
I love your current blessing 🙂 it’s so great to wake up with a great attitude every day! I’m working to find a career path that will give me this too. I feel this way on the weekends at least haha
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves
I am SO with you on dry air being the bane of my existence! The skin around my finger nails looks…like it’s been attacked. All the lotion, all the time.
My current:
1) … guilty pleasure: The Bachelor. My friends started watching it for last week’s snow days, and although I know I’m losing brain cells when watching it, I can’t look away.
2) … food: pancakes!
3) … obsession: my Underarmour gloves with the phone-touch finger tips
4) … bane of existence: besides the dry air— the snow. Too much of it.
Letizia@thefitlabel
I feel you with the dry air. The air at my office is awfully dry!! I have acne-prone skin so I used to stay away from coconut oil, but I recently started using it and my skin seems to love it.
I’ve been really into naps lately too. They are awesome! Good thing I can come home during my lunch break.
1) guilty pleasure = weekly yoga class
2) food = salmon
3) obsession = backcountry skiing
4) bane of existence = cracked nail polish
5) link = http://askgeorgie.com/why-no-excuses-memes-need-to-die/
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’ve been using coconut oil under my eyes, but I might have to start using it on the rest of my face as well. And thanks for sharing that link, Letizia! It was a good read.
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday
Totally with you on the dry air! My hands especially are a nightmare :/ And we just got a foot of snow, so I don’t see that changing any time soon…
I’m very much enjoying roasted potatoes right now as well. They’re warm and comforting and so satisfying! Looking forward to seeing all your chocolate recipes 😉
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out
current/ALWAYS indulgence= chocolate 🙂
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food
Mmm that tea sounds great. I’ve been on a big tea kick lately, mostly chai tea and peppermint tea. Since I discovered one of the eateries outside my office will fill your mug up with hot water any time, my obsession has skyrocketed!
Irina
What artificial lighting system did you end up getting? I’ve been exploring options but have yet to invest in one! All suggestions welcome 🙂
Happy February!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I went with a Lowell EGO Digital Imaging Fluorescent Light — I heard it’s pretty good for food photography 🙂
Erin
I hear you on the dry air – I’m so sick of it! I feel like I drink water 24/7 and my skin is still parched. I recommend a good body scrub that has oil in it, and coconut oil hair treatments 🙂 Hopefully, the winter weather will soon pass!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
I’m with ya on the roasted potatoes! They are so good and easy to make!
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers
I’ve been into tea and naps lately too. Coffee just isn’t working for me right now, and avoiding it might by why I need so many dang naps.
1) guilty pleasure = sephora
2) food = cereal
3) obsession = E’s cuteness
4) bane of existence = daycare drop-offs
5) link = my muffins from last week 🙂
Alyssa @ Dietitian Talks
The dry air is out of control! I can’t touch a light switch without a little blue lightening bolt. Spring, where are you?
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Alberta, Canada!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
I got OPI passion again on my nails yesterday but this time it isn’t as pink. I hate when that happens. I love this color, I should really buy it and bring it with me so it’s always the right shade of pink. Sometimes the nail salons add something to the polish bottles to thin them out and make them last longer. I didn’t think my place did this but maybe they do.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
That would make sense. But my bottle is a little less pink than yours is too. It takes me about 3 coats to get it to the shade I want.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Seems like we eat some sort of roasted potatoes every day over here, they are good! I’ve also been leaning toward my dark chocolate again, must be valentines day coming on. So happy to hear you’re really enjoying coaching! Seeing others reach their goals is an amazing feeling.
Hilary
I don’t know how anyone gets tired of roasted potatoes! I could eat them all day long if I had a side of ketchup! Right now my guilty pleasure is the book Divergent! I just can’t stop haha I have to stop myself from reading it all day long so I can get something done 🙂
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
That’s an awesome series! If you like dystopian novels, I definitely recommend picking up Under The Never Sky by by Veronica Rossi — I really liked that series as well!
Jen @ Bagels to Broccoli
And by winter, I meant summer. Monday problems.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
😆 I’m having a pretty serious case of the Mondays myself, so I definitely feel ya!
Jen @ Bagels to Broccoli
That nail color is gorgeous! I’m wearing red right now but it’s at the nasty gross chipped stage, and I’m thinking I’m gonna go nude (nails wise 😉 this next time around. Probably just trying to channel my inner winter though :(.
Sarah @ KS Runner
I am in love with Stash Irish Breakfast tea. It’s rich and dark and lovely without being bitter. I start every morning with it. So good.
My favorite food. Chocolate. Which is why I am giving it up for the month of February (probably the worst month ever to decide to do it). Also, cookies and cream ice cream. I don’t eat ice cream that often, but I’m definitely in a binge phase with it and need to snap out of it!
Have a wonderful week!
Lizzy
This is a fun read, thanks for sharing! I feel you with the dry air. I’ve been adding jojoba oil to my moisturizer but it isn’t quite cutting it. I have very breakout-prone skin so I’m afraid of coconut oil, but I think it might be time to suck it up and break out the big guns, lol.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’ve used coconut oil on my face before, and I’m still trying to figure out if it causes me to break out or not. Sometimes I’ll use it with no problem, and sometimes I’ll notice more breakouts. Now I tend to just use it under my eyes and on any really dry patches I might have.
Ms.J
Amanda! Can I just declare I cannot keep track of your stream of delicious recipes popping up 😀 …I need to tire of your older ones first; umm a serious addiction to a certain cookie dough [balls, bars and bites]. And your oatmeal cookie dough smoothie! GAH, all the cookie dough!
Current guilty pleasure would be stolen away afternoons exploring the trails on my horse 🙂 .
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’m going to go ahead and say that’s -not- a horrible problem to have 😉 And an afternoon on horseback sounds amazing. I really miss riding!