And just like that, it’s the last day of April.
You would never be able to tell from looking outside, though. Between 50 mph gusting winds and snow (!!), it’s looking more like early November than May. Oh gosh… how nightmarish would that be? Having to go through winter all over again? Gah! I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t make it through. Not going to think about it. Instead, let’s move on to happier topics and talk monthly favorites. I’m not going to spend too much time on an intro since I have a lot of favorites to discuss, but here are some of the things I’ve been loving throughout April.
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. food .
I didn’t really luck out in the food department this month like I did in March. In fact, I don’t think I tried any new food products that wowed me at all. Wait, wait… that’s not true. I did fall in love with the Nacho Cheese Popchips tortilla chips…
… but I’ve only been able to find them once and never again. Typical. In any case, if you’re lucky enough to have a place that stocks them regularly, then I definitely recommend picking up a package (or ten, and sending a few to me). They remind me of Doritos, but without all the strange ingredients. I like my chips without a side of MSG, thanks.
OH! And I guess it’s worth mentioning that I’ve finally figured out a way to ensure that I get my cappuccinos the way I like them – ask for them dry.
That gets me the perfect espresso to milk to foam ratio, and I haven’t had to ask them to remake my drink since. Other than that, it’s been the same old, same old around these parts. Although I did fall in love with an old favorite this month…
Maisie Jane’s roasted almond butter and blueberry jam on Wonderbread whole wheat toast.
Almond butter and jelly sandwiches, you’re what dreams are made of. You make boring lunches so much more bearable. And while we’re on the topic of lunches, I guess I can throw my new lunchbox on the favorites list as well.
It’s just a plain old Thermos brand lunchbox that I picked up in Walmart for something like $15, but I do love it so. And that’s all I’ve got for food, guys. Like I said… it’s been a slow month on the foodie front.
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. beauty .
What I lacked in the new food department, though, I more than made up for with beauty products. First up, my newest love…
The Oral-B ProfessionalCare 4000 electric toothbrush. I put off getting an electric toothbrush for a really long time because of the steep price and the fact that I didn’t really think it would make much of a difference, but holy crap does it ever make a difference – I don’t think I could ever go back to using a manual toothbrush. Not only are the options super handy (it has a timer and a pressure sensor to tell you when you’re pressing too hard), but it leaves my teeth feeling so much cleaner and more polished than a regular toothbrush ever did. I heart this bugger big time.
Next up, we have the St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion for the face.
As with electric toothbrushes, I put off buying a self-tanner for a good long while because of all of the horror stories that I’ve seen and heard. Looking like an Oompa Loompa? No thank you. Luckily, after ~2 weeks of using this product, the only color on my face is a lovely olive one – no streaky, dirty, orange face syndrome to be found. In fact, the color payoff is rather subtle. And some added perks? No nasty self-tanner smell, no breakouts, and no parabens, sulphates, or phthalates. Win all around! The price tag is a little steep at $38 a tube, but it’s definitely worth it if you want a good quality sunless tan.
Another pricey-but-oh-so-worth-it product? The MoroccanOil Weightless Hydrating Hair Mask.
After running out of my Macadamia hair mask a little while ago and not being able to find it in any local stores, I decided that I may as well try out a new one. Good decision. I had gone a few weeks without using any kind of deep treatment in my hair, and I definitely noticed a huge difference after the very first use – my hair was way softer, smoother, and shinier. There are a few different masks depending on what type of hair you have, and I was really happy to see that this product didn’t leave my fine hair feeling weighed down or heavy. I’m smitten.
This next product is one that I’ve been using for years now, and I kind of can’t believe I didn’t mention it in any of my past monthly favorites posts.
The Philosophy Purity Made Simple facial cleanser is my all-time favorite go-to cleanser. Not only is it great at removing makeup and cleaning out pores, but it does so without leaving my face feeling overly irritated, tight, or dried out. I use it every night and love how fresh and clean my face feels afterwards. It’s also never caused me any problems with breakouts or redness.
Last but not least, let’s talk moisturizer…
“But Amanda,” you’re saying. “That’s a jar of coconut oil.” It is. It’s also my daily moisturizer. I’ve heard a lot of people rave about the beauty benefits of coconut oil, and while I’ve been using (and loving) it in my hair for a good long while now, I wasn’t too keen on the idea of slathering it onto my face. But, in the name of experimentation, I decided to give it a shot. Long story short, I love it. I take a small amount and rub it between my fingers before patting it on my face, and while it can feel a little oily at first, it doesn’t take too long for it to completely sink in and leave my skin feeling ridiculously soft and smooth – plus, it smells (and tastes) wonderful. And the best part of all? It hasn’t caused me to break out. If anything, my skin feels a lot less splotchy and more balanced.
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. fitness .
I feel like I haven’t talked fitness with you guys in so long. Erm. Maybe that’s because the last time I mentioned any fitness related favorites was way back in October. Eep. I’m actually planning on bringing up a few fitness related things later this week, but until then, I’ll say that I’ve really been loving starting my day off with some easy stretching.
I don’t follow any specific flow or routine, but I randomly stretch whatever feels tight while focusing on my breathing, and I have to say that it’s made a huge difference in my energy levels and overall mental clarity. Big fan.
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. book .
April’s book of the month is undoubtedly Dark Places by Gillian Flynn.
Between this and Gone Girl, I’m really starting to think that Flynn may be one messed up individual; but I have to admit that she definitely knows how to write a gripping novel. This book isn’t for the weak of heart. It’s dark. It’s twisted. It’s gory. But it sucks you in all the same. As with Flynn’s other books, I had a hard time putting Dark Places down because I just couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. But at the same time, there were a few instances where I had to put it down for a while because it was just becoming too disturbing and making me uncomfortable. Intense would be a good way to describe it.
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. movie .
I’m not much of a movie watcher. It usually takes me 2 or 3 different sits to get through an entire movie, so coming across one that I can get through in a single sitting is big news. Life of Pi is one of those movies…
Not only do I have no problem getting through this movie, but I’ve already watched it three times since I bought it – it’s just that good. The book is one of my all-time favorites, and I was happy to see that the movie followed it pretty closely. The story is beautiful. The visuals are breathtaking. The whole thing is just one big win. The only downside is that it makes me want a pet tiger…
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. random .
So I got hit with some home decor inspiration this past month. I love decorating, but I tend to get overwhelmed when I look at all of the different styles and options available out there. I’m super picky and particular, so what happens if I don’t like what I’ve committed to? It’ll either be a waste of money or I’ll have to live with something that I’m not happy with. That’s probably why, after almost 2 years of living in my condo, I have yet to hang anything on the walls or finish buying all my furniture. BUT! Small accent pieces I can do, and I’ve really been loving filling bowls/jars/vases with potpourri and placing them all over my home.
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. blog .
April was a busy one on Spoons…
- Between Easter, Momma Spoons’ birthday, and Papa Spoons’ birthday, most weekends were spent celebrating something, with one being spent in the mountains on another snowboarding trip.
- I don’t think I spent enough time in the kitchen, though, because I only came up with one recipe this month. Still, my carrot cake banana cupcakes with orange cream cheese frosting were pretty darn memorable.
- As were a few posts… My Fear of Eating More and Dealing with Unhealthy Food Cravings posts seemed to strike a chord with a lot of people, and my thoughts on Intuitive Eating brought about some really good discussion.
- And, of course, no one can forget the Boston Marathon disaster.
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Do you like home decorating?
Are you good at always taking off your makeup at night?
If you could have any animal as a pet, which one would you pick?
I never take off my makeup…which is why I look like a raccoon all the time. It was becoming my signature until I found an awesome heavy duty concealer at Walmart.
I love home decorating! I miss when HGTV used to be all about decorating and less about flipping or remodeling. I’m moving in 3 months and I can’t WAIT to start decorating!
So many good things in one post! Love it all. As you know, I use coconut oil in my hair and have heard that it is a great skin moisturizer as well. I’m just nervous about the breakout thing. My face is in a good place right now and I don’t want to jeopardize that!!
I love stretching, especially when I’m sore from a long work out. Love my yoga mat!
i cant believe how quickly this month went by. I have heard a lot of good things about coconut oil being a great moisturizer but since i have acne prone skin- i am too afraid to try anything new.
I’ve heard a few people with acne prone skin say it makes them break out, so if what you’re doing is already working for you, then I’d definitely stick to that.
1.) LOVE home decorating; and my mom is an interior decorator, so I’m around that topic all the time, haha.
2.) Yes – part of my daily routine.
3.) White Siberian tiger.
So many great favorites!! I’ve wondered about Flynn too, but I do love her books. I agree, the Life of Pi was greatness and that pb&j looks beyond delicious!
I love all of your favorites! I haven’t tried those kind of Popchips yet but I used to love Doritos (until I became a health nut) so I’m going to have to try those for sure. Glad to hear the St. Tropez worked out as well and I have to try that hair mask. You are making me want to go spend some money! 🙂
I love home decorating–if only I had a home to decorate! I’m currently living in a university residence building but will have to find a place to live when I go back home in the summer. I really want a cheap little apartment that I can decorate however I like. I have so many ideas that I want to materialize.
I am very good at taking my makeup off every night. I use Soap and Glory’s cleansing cloths, follow it up with rosewater toner, and then finish everything off with some night cream.
I really want a bengal cat. They’re safer than what I really want–a wild cat like yourself–but are still more feral than the average feline.
I’ve wanted both an electric toothbrush and to try using coconut oil for moisturizer for the longest time! The electric toothbrush I haven’t gotten because of the price (the woes of a poor college student), and the coconut oil I’m just so hesitant to try!
I love looking at pictures of beautiful homes. I feel like assembling an entire room (let alone an entire house!) would be so much effort…probably more than I’d be willing to put in. 🙂
You can always try asking for one as a birthday/Christmas gift! And the amount of effort that goes in to decor is definitely daunting, but I’m such a homebody that it’s kind of worth it.
I started using coconut oil as a moisturizer and it felt so strange at first but I have noticed a huge difference.
People have told me to use seasme oil as moiturizer because I have aweful skin (derm calls it folliculitis) whatever it is, sucks…but never heard of plain coconut oil…I did get a new lotion with all organic ingredients, and it does have coconut oil in it, also aloe which is GREAT. April did Fly by, I cant even believe it. One think I tried this month was Kevita, yum.
You are a home decorating genius in my opinion! Those look great! My mom would definitely love those because they fit into the decor of our house. I really want to buy the St. Tropez self-tanners because I’ve been reading about how great they are in magazines/blogs/online articles. I’m getting more and more excited to try it! Stretching is definitely a great way to wake up for the body and the mind. Aaaaand now I want to buy this book… Not like I have about a 10 book list already of things I want to read. Oops haha!
I have never read anything by this author, but I’ve heard from so many people how good Gone Girl is. I really enjoyed The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo books, they’re also really dark. After I finish The Great Gatsby I will start Gone Girl!
I have yet to read anything by Gillian Flynn, but I keep hearing very intriguing things about her work…probably needs to happen sometime this summer! I am not particularly good at decorating my house/apartment/home…I have pictures that I like to hang on walls and candles that I like to put out, but that’s about it as far as decorating goes. I’ll be very interested to see how settling into the new house goes…trying to make everything look how two people want should be veryyyy interesting, especially since Joe likes things simple and unadorned (he says classy, I say boring….I don’t like too much clutter or anything, but plain white walls bore me to tears). Fingers crossed for us!
Ack! Definitely say no to white walls! I think I’d go crazy if I had to live in a place with white walls 😯 😯
Isn’t dark places so freaking good? gosh I read through that book like it was chewy candy. yep, it happened. I still adore your lunch box. i am on the search for a perfect one for my new job now. yes a little early but boy do you need a good one I really wish I could try that new pop chips flavor. I just need to suck it up and buy a bag.
Aw, poor girl. Snow in April’s just not fair – didn’t the weather gods get that notice? I just looked up the weather around your part out of curiosity and yay: you’re supposed to get 20°C on Saturday. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
I wish I had your talent for home decoration or inherited my mums. Actually, I do like setting a few accents here and there but right now am lacking nice things. In Autumn, I like to pick up beautiful leaves and chestnuts and December obviously offers many ideas but right now? At least my orchid started blooming again, I guess :). It went from dying – and me persisting to still water it – to full beautiful bloom again.
Leaving my make-up on is something I just can’t do. Same goes for brushing my teeth – however tired I am it has to be done. How some people can forgeo it even just one evening is beyond me.
My facial skin is pretty dry in places so I guess I should get over my worries of it getting greasy and try the coconut oil.
Ahhhh, SO GLAD to know someone else who has read “Dark Places” & wonders the same thing about Flynn. How does she come up with this stuff?!? I can honestly say “Dark Places” was one of the most MESSED UP books I’ve ever read! Happy almost May!
I honestly have no idea. She writes well, but yeah… I have no idea where she comes up with this stuff. Between this one and Gone Girl, I think I’ll be avoiding her books for a while 😯
I love these monthly favorites collections! I always find so many new things to try. Now I’m really wanting a PB and jelly sandwich too 😉
I should try that self-tanner… I need to be tan, but I hate the streakiness, too! 😛
hmmmm even i might love stretching if i got to do it in that little paradise. your place always looks so lovely i’m jealous. and i think you’ve FINALLY sold me on the coconut oil as a moisturizer thing. i don’t use it much in cooking (don’t like it much actually, prefer olive oil, call me crazy) so i’ve got a half a jar in my pantry i’ve been trying to use up but i was worried it would make me break out (more than i already do -blah). now that it’s got your endorsement though…trying it soon!
Dark Places is one my new favorite books. You must read Sharp Objects and Gone Girl (if you haven’t already). After Dark Places, I was Gillian Flynn obsessed. I love the Philosophy line products, too! I have the perfume (Pure, I think it’s called? ) and love the simplicity.
Grilled PB & J’s are my current favorite sandwich. I need to try making them with AB :). And do not even get me started on Pop Chips. I have not tried the nacho cheese flavor yet, but clearly I need to! Have you seen ketchup Pop Chips in Canada? I read on their website that they are going to be coming out with them and I am SO jealous! The people I used to babysit for are from Canada and they would always bring back the Lay’s ketchup flavored chips and I LOVED them!
I haven’t seen them yet, but I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes open! I don’t think I’ve had ketchup chips since I was a little kid, but they were one of my favorites!
You’ll have to let me know if you find them! I am super intrigued :).
LOVE that coconut oil!
I’m not a good decorator!! we moved into our house almost two years ago and I have just a few things hung up on the wall! I have things to hang up but it makes it so permanent once you stick it up.. lol. One day…I actually think my style is changing..;)
Well, thats a few things more than I have hung up on my walls 😛 The permanence of it is definitely a little off-putting. Like.. what if I want to move it?! I’d hate to have to patch up the holes and paint 😯
Those pop chips sound amazing! And those sandwiches LOOK amazing, yum! I may need to find that hair stuff, my hair is pretty tragic looking these days. And I hear you on that author being a bit twisted – no kidding!
I couldn’t get through the book The Life of Pi…so I’m not going to watch the movie. I think I’m one of the few who actually didn’t like the novel..and I really tried!
I don’t wear make-up, so that doesn’t apply to me! But, if I could have any pet, I’d get a hedgehog. 😀
I appreciate home decorating, but I’m not very good at it. Wait, does Pinterest count as home decorating…? I have a separate board for it and everything! I’m terrible at taking my make up off at night…it’s bad. I don’t know what my issue is, maybe it’s because I don’t where a lot of make up to begin with and so it wears off by the end of the, but I’ve been really lucky with my skin thus far.
Your house looks so cozy and warm from your pictures. I try my best to remember to stretch after workout. Usually though I’m so tired and lazy I don’t do it haha. Got to get back on that though!
I have been a on a home decorating kick lately…bought some new pillows for the den at Crate and Barrel, which only leads me to buying more and more things to redecorate the rest of the house of course….I ALWAYS remove my make up at the end of the day. I cannot even recall the last time I left it on at night. As tired as I may be, I know better than to sleep in my make up.
I feel the same way you do about decorating! I love it, but I get overwhelmed, and it takes big inspiration for me to make a decision and follow through…probably why my walls are still empty after nearly two years in my house!
I’m also really intrigued by that book, I’ve been looking for a new good read, I think that might be my next choice 🙂
I usually stretch after workouts, but I could probably benefit from a morning stretch as well.
I’m good at taking my makeup off at night, but I had to switch off of using the coconut oil as my nighttime moisturizer – it was causing me to break out more often 🙁 I guess my skin just can’t handle oils! I want to try using it on my hair sometime soon though. Do you use it as a mask and wash it out, or just use a little bit in your hair and move on with your day?
Any animal as a pet? A baby polar bear, but as long as he stayed a baby 😉
Awwr that sucks about the breakouts 🙁 I’ve heard some people have problems with that, but hopefully it steers clear of me *knock on wood*. And for the mask, I just put it on the ends of my hair about 20 minutes before I plan to take a shower and then wash it out. It’s too greasy otherwise. There’s a leave-in argan oil by MoroccanOil that you can buy though, and I use that after my showers when my hair is still wet.
I still haven’t tried Popchips. One day… 🙂 I did see Life of Pi though. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it definitely pulls you in, doesn’t it?
I can’t believe April is nearly gone. Fastest month on record for me!
I have started to embrace yoga much more over the past few weeks and I’m loving it…I actually went to a class this afternoon! I’m going to be blogginHow do you always leave me craving AB & J sandwiches and yogurt bowls?? Oh I know..because you truly take FABULOUS photos :)! Looks like April was a great month for you and here’s to May being an even better one! I hate to say it but I am terrible at regularly washing my face at night..I know I know, I’m gross and it’s doing me no favors but old habits die hard- I think it’s going to be my May goal ;)!
g more about it soon but I’ve traded in my dumbbells for downward dogs and my body (and mind) feel so much better!
Gosh, is it already the end of April? This year is flying by! I’m not sure if thats a good or bad thing..
And snow in April/May? – Is that a common occurrence over there or has mother nature gone a bit cray cray? I hope it warms up for you soon!
I always love your monthly favorites posts – I’ll have to tell my sister about the st tropez self bronzing lotion. She really into the self tanners.
And, if I could have a pet animal I would definitely choose a baby Panda 🙂
It’s pretty common, unfortunately. Our weather is so unstable… Like right now it’s snowing and 21F… but tomorrow it’s supposed to be sunny and 53. It’s kind of maddening, really…
I’ve always been curious about using coconut oil as a moisturizer but I’ve always been scared it’s going to make me break out. I’m at that stage of life (29) where my dermatologist gives me acne products AND feels it necessary to talk up the latest developments in botox. So I need something super moisturizing to keep my skin looking youthful, but not soo moisturizing it clogs my pores. I might just have to give this a try.
I really need to make those carrot cake banana muffins this month!!
I actually got coconut oil for my hair (have yet to try it though just been too busy lol) but I have a question…. does it cause any breakouts on your face? I’d love to try that out too but it kinda scares me since it is oil and such lol how do you go about that?
Nope! It actually hasn’t caused me to break out, and I’ve been using it for a few weeks now. You don’t need that much, and as counter-intuitive as it may seem, it doesn’t leave your face feeling like a greaseball. I don’t have oily skin though, so I’m not sure how it would work for someone who does.
I also heard of coconut oil being a beauty product – I am not there yet. First, it is SO expensive here, and secondly I feel a little odd to put food on my hair and face 🙂 How exactly do you use it in your hair? (Serious question)
I loved Life of Pi too. I saw it in the cinema and it stretched out too long in the end for my part, but that was probably because I was hungry and stuck at the cinema.
I love decorating. And I force myself to buy only one new set per season and then alternate with the 78937897 other ones I already have at home….
Aww yeah 🙁 It’s probably not as popular over there in Europe. And for my hair, I just rub a small amount between my fingers and put it on my ends about 20 minutes before I take a shower. Then shampoo it all out, and I’m good to go. It helps with dry ends.
Let me just start off by saying that since food favorites are everywhere in the blog world, I LOVE seeing your beauty and random other suggestions for things because I have tried quite a few and always approve. I think every month I have gone out and bought something you mentioned in your beauty favorites and it’s always a winner. THat being said, I need something to deep condition my hair because I swim a lot and it’s getting super dried out so I am going to go get that mask. AND I think I need an electric toothbrush. Had the same hangups as you before but I am going to take the plunge. Thank you lady 🙂 Also, I read Gone Girl and the book Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn so if you want to read another by her I recommend Sharp Objects!
Confession: beauty favorites are probably the thing I love sharing the most… I just throw food in there for the heck of it. And YES! Definitely try out the hair mask… AND the toothbrush. Both made such a huge difference for me.
More snow for you?! Will it ever end ha. More reason for you to come visit me in Victoria 😉
As usual, I’m loving most of your favorites.
Stretching and me have become great friends the past few days. After that intense pilates course, I can’t stop stretching.
I adored Life Of Pi! It really was up to par with the book (well not completely) but still very good.
I have that macadamia hair mask too! It really is great!
I love home decorating but never get to crazy as my husband and I move every year so getting to crazy means more boxes to pack which is not fun! I always and I mean always take my makeup off at night I swear by grape seed oil and yes to.. Products especially the cucumber makeup removing cloths, those are so refreshing at night and make my skin smell so nice. I have heard rave reviews on the macademia mask I will have to look out for both of those for the days I run out of avocados to put in my hair, have you ever tried coconut oil in your hair? Such a great hair mask although I would only put it at the bottom ends or else you will be using dry shampoo for a few days. Hope May brings you lots of great food:-) 🙂 love + Shine Courtstar
I’ve been wanting to try the Yes to… products, but I haven’t been able to find them around here 🙁 I do use coconut on my hair, though, and have to agree that it makes such a great treatment for dry ends. I’ve gone the egg route too, but never tried avocado.
Waking up to some stretching is something I need to incorporate more into my life. It really gets your day started on track! I love discovering old favorite foods and making them a daily occurrence again in my life. My current one is bagels. Those things are just too good not to eat every morning.