And just like that, we’ve put another month in the bag. Unbelievable. Did January fly by for anyone else? I could’ve sworn I was just welcoming the New Year, but that was a whole 33 days ago… At this rate, it’ll be Spring before we know it; and then summer; and then Christmas 😀 But let’s not get ahead of ourselves… Before we start looking ahead, let’s take a look back at some of my favourite things from January.
I think it’s safe to say that my biggest food obsession from January was Annie’s bunny grahams…
The cocoa & vanilla ones are my favourite, but I really love the ginger snap as well. I may have mentioned that I have no self-control when it comes to these little things? Yuuuuuup. You don’t even want to know how many boxes I went through last month. So wonderfully munchable and not overly sweet. Perfection.
On a more savoury note, Dr.Kracker crispbreads…
I love how light and crispy they are, and how the seeds add an awesome taste and variation in texture. The nutritionals are pretty impressive too, with each crispbread containing around 5g of protein and 4g of fibre. They make for a perfect no-fuss snack, as well as a great addition to a snack plate meal… which just so happens to be another one of my January favourites…
It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of lunch, but snack plates make it so much more bearable. If I had to guess, I’d say I had a snack plate for lunch at least 75% of the days from January — I just love ’em that much… This is something I can definitely see continuing well into February.
One thing I hope doesn’t continue into this next month is the lack of recipes here on Spoons. Remember how I said that I wanted to post more recipes this year? That’s still the plan, but between all the travelling and snowboarding I did last month, I didn’t manage as many as I would have liked — just three. Those three, though? They were freaking epic…
Soft and Chewy Protein Granola Bars
Banana Oat Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Flourless Chocolate Chip Almond Butter Muffins
Between 5 batches of granola bars, countless batches of pancakes [for dinner], and two batches of muffins, I think it’s safe to say that all three of these recipes are very much tried-and-true winners.
Things were pretty quiet in the beauty department in January. I’ve been using a lot of the same products that I already talked about in past monthly favourites posts, but I do have a few new ones worth mentioning…
Tarte’s Pure Maracuja Oil. This stuff is liquid gold. I’ve been putting it on my face at night in place of my regular moisturizer, and I’m in love with the results. I was initially a little worried that it was cause me to break out, but I’ve yet to experience any negative effects and I’ve been using it daily for a little over a month. Instead, my skin has been softer, smoother, and overall healthier — any kind of breakouts heal up a lot faster, and hyper-pigmentation lightens up much quicker as well. Definitely an awesome product if you struggle with dry patches during the winter.
For winter hair care, I’ve been using this shampoo and conditioner from Sukin…
The Protein Shampoo is great for clarifying and strengthening, and the Moisture Restore Conditioner
And if you’re wondering what I spent most of January smelling like…
… Dot by Marc Jacobs has been my go-to scent. But because I’m horrible at describing scents, here’s what Sephora has to say about it:
The exuberant top captivates with a delectable blend of red berries, succulent dragonfruit, and sweet honeysuckle. The lush floral heart of the fragrance blooms with the addictive beautiful jasmine, mingled with energizing notes of coconut water and orange blossom. The scent rounds out with a feminine dry down of creamy vanilla, driftwood, and sensual musks.
If you haven’t read The Fault in Our Stars
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten. Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning-author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.
This was the first book I’ve read in a quite some time that completely sucked me in to the point where I was sacrificing sleep just so I could finish it faster — it was that good. The story is told from the point of view of Hazel, who I fell in love with from the very first page of the book. Her wit and humour make the topics of cancer and death that much more palatable, and I found her no-nonsense attitude towards her situation to be quite refreshing.
My only complaint is that the exchanges between Hazel and Augustus are a little far-fetched. The language and references they use are a little too advanced for a 16 and 17 year old, but their banter is enjoyable nonetheless. And while the book deals with some pretty grim subjects and ends a little tragically, I didn’t find it depressing, nor did I have to bust out the Kleenex. I definitely recommend it for everyone.
Aaaand because that review was a little longer than I intended, I’m going to breeze through the rest by saying that these jeggings from American Eagle are some of the best fitting pants I’ve ever worn…
… these Beats Studio headphones
… and I’d be lost without my Moleskine…
After a quiet holiday season, January proved to be a pretty great month for Spoons…
- Kicked off the New Year by starting the 365 Days of Good Memories challenge. Are you guys still keeping up with your memory jars? So far, so good for me.
- Celebrated my 29th Birthday! It was an amazing one with tonnes of love from family, friends, and blends. And the cake was definitely one for the books…
- Abnormally gorgeous weather meant I spent most of January snowboarding, with a weekend trip to the mountains tossed in for good measure.
- Thinking Out Loud continued to grow, and I couldn’t be more stoked. My favourite posts to write and read, hands down.
- Spoons hit over 1k followers on Bloglovin. Totally gushing.
- My snickerdoodle truffles took first place in Udi’s Fall Comfort Challenge. More gushing.
- I wrote a post for Disney, and eventually ended up going to Disneyland. Recap to come!
- Some good stuff in the kitchen last month!
Disclaimer: none of the products mentioned above are sponsored — they’re simply ones that I use regularly and love. This post does, however, contain some affiliate links.
Tell me 3 awesome things that happened in January. I know you can come up with 3 over 31 days!
Did you eat Teddy Grahams as a kid? That’s what the bunnies remind me of!
What shampoo/conditioner are you currently using to wash your hair? Always on the lookout for good ones…
I have been searching for a good book! I’ll have to check out The Fault in our Stars. You have a knack for describing things in ways that make me want them! Haha, I’ve tried describing scents before, whether for Bath n’ Body Works, etc, and it is really hard! And yes, I love my jeggings from American Eagle. Seriously the most comfortable pants I own. And even though I just finished lunch, your snack plates look amazing. I need more stomachs … ! 🙂
1. 3 awesome things in January include getting 100% on my Pre-Calc test, breaking my running record and running 6km and writing in my blog a lot more!
2. Yep! I still do on the occasion. My favourite were always the Chocolate chip.
3. Good old Tresseme. I like it however I wouldn’t say its the bets shampoo/conditioner ever. My favourite from the brand however is the Keratin Smooth ones; I really notice a difference with those ones!
I’m not a fan of lunch either! I prefer snack plates as well. I feel like I’m much more tired throughout the day when I eat a big lunch, so that’s probably why. I definitely ate Teddy Grahams as a kid- loved the cinnamon flavored ones. I typically use Redken products on my hair, but have used Pureology and Aveda as well. Three awesome things that happened in January- got the approval from my obgyn for my husband and I to begin fertility testing this month, booked my sister’s plane ticket to come stay with us for a week in March, and bought new living room furniture (SO overwhelming…I liked so many different styles and it’s times like that I wish my mom or aunt lived nearby to help, haha). I think I may participate in your Thinking Out Loud segment this week- I love it!
I hope that you do! I always love reading people’s random thoughts 😀 And don’t even get me started on buying new furniture — I’m horrible with actually committing to a certain style, which is probably why it takes me forever to pick anything out.
I love that Marc Jacobs perfume!! and also that book!
To be honest, when you ask me three things which happened in January… It’s hard for me to think of them! LOL Lets just go with Elmo, baking, and cooking more vegetarian schtuff!
I LOVED Teddy Grahams… Specifically the cinnamon and chocolate chip ones! And those bunnies are definitely the organic/”healthy” version of teddy grahams in my opinion!
I’m terrible at hair products. Every time I go into an isle I’m bombarded and get overwhelmed easy by all the fancy lingo. I wish there was something you could insert a strand of your hair and it matches to the best shampoo. Come on, technology!
If you liked A Fault in Our Stars, you should read Wonder. It’s such a cute story.
very ironic you posted about the faults in our stars, my mom talked to me yesterday for the first time in a while (darn busy schedules!) and she told me to read it. Like now.
Like… yesterday. You’ll love it.
Okay, now I really want to take a whiff of Dot – which actually shouldn’t surprise me given ‘my’ name … We don’t have any cosmetic stores around here so I hope I’ll remember when I’m back in the city. The flacon alone is way too cute already.
I agree on the dialogues between Hazel and Augustus seemed a little too grown-up and wise for teenagers at times.
Speaking of books: Did you already decide on your next? I have such a hard time picking one to follow those really great books.
I haven’t 🙁 I’ve been re-reading The Alchemist in the meantime, but a friend recommended Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, so I’m probably going to end up picking that one up the next time I’m in the bookstore.
Wow it looks like it was a good month for you. Over 1,000 bloglovin subscribers? How amazing is that!
Awesome month for sure!!! Over 1K fans on Bloglovin, that’s amazing… way to go!!! I loved The Fault in Our Stars too and your snack plates have given my lots of lunchtime inspirations. Keep up the fab posts!
I love bunny grahams! They remind me of the teddy grahams but hopefully a little be healthier.
All three contained chocolate. I think that makes them pretty darn epic!
Still need to make those granola bars. Damn moving getting in the way of my spoons!
Thank you for reminding us to slow down. I am already jumping ahead to August, probably because I am so darn excited to graduate from ASU and get the hell out of there. Have you tried Marc Jacobs Daisey? That used to be my jam! Then I ran out and have been to cheap to replace the bottle. Although that’s probably in my best interest considering I have a vanity filled with perfumer that I hardly touch. Please tell me I am not the only girl with a makeup collection and perfume collection that is enough for an army, yet I only go to my favorites?
Now I want to try Dr. Kracker crisps with jam. The crunch…the crackle…the nuttiness…oh my! Happy Monday Spoons 😉
😆 You’re definitely not the only one — I have a pretty impressive collection myself, and some of my things have been around for years because I’m always turning to (and replacing) my favourites. I keep saying I need to go back and use up some old stuff before buying new stuff, but so far it hasn’t happened…
YES! I swear I was just home for winter break… I don’t understand where the time goes. Like, was I asleep for all of January? (Judging by my currently exhausted sleep-deprived state, I think the answer to that would be no.) I saw bunny grahams the other day in Target and I thought of you! I was afraid to buy them though because I’d probably end up eating the entire box in one day…sigh. Maybe next time.
New follower here! Love your blog!
I buy Annie’s mac n cheese for my kiddos and occasionally some of her snacks. I like snack plates too! Helps when I really can’t decide what I want, so I get a little of everything. 🙂
Thanks for saying hi, Fawn! You’ve definitely got some lucky kiddos — Annie’s mac ‘n’ cheese is amazing stuff.
I’m totally loving your snack plates too. They are so beautiful every time! Ahh The Fault In Our Stars…did you see the trailer for the movie?! Perfection. And I live in AE jeggings!
I’m still going with my memory jar!! (and I actually bought a container to put them in…) be proud of me!!! 😀
And The Fault in Our Stars is amazing…I’m actually really excited to see how the movie turns out. Hopefully, it’ll do the book justice.
And now I think I might need a snack plate for lunch today…
Your granola bars were amazing!
I will be reading The Fault in Our Stars asap – it looks like such a good book!
Yay for putting oil on the face! I have had such success with doing that – it’s crazy how dry my face was and how well it responds to this remedy. Of course, I use coconut oil, not the kind you use! I have only had one breakout, due to a little mishap on my part with some things. But I need to find that shampoo. I have been searching for something that would be a little more natural and still keep my hair weightless.
I used coconut oil on my face for a little while, but it proved to be a little too heavy and I started breaking out after a little while. I still use it as a body moisturizer though.
I need to get myself some bunny grahams! I hate all things winter so I’m glad it’s flying by. 3 awesome things in January? I finally got a haircut (after almost a year…), Riley got offered a new job (which he’s accepting today), and my car finally got paid off.
I ran out of conditioner last week and didn’t want to go to two different stores (I was in Trader Joe’s for groceries) So I grabbed the conditioner that they carry and I LOVE IT!
Oh January, you were here and gone too fast! Love all of your January loves. I have been wanting to test out that Tarte oil but I am terrified it will make me break out. I’m leaning towards buying it now with you stellar review.
Amanda, please what kind of Moleskin is that?? I was using daily planner for years but wanted a change so I’ve got for myself weekly horizontal one this year aka week on 2pages and its so crapped up all together that I’m thinking about buying day to day to back me up with my weekly one 🙂 i’m missing that empty page for notes badly which I can see in your diary/planner 🙂 thank you!
The empty page for notes is definitely my favourite part of my Moleskine. I’m using this one — http://www.moleskine.com/en/collections/model/product/12-months-weekly-notebook-black-soft-cover-large
I wanted to try that Tarte oil but I wasn’t sure if it was in place or used in addition to regular moisturizer. I have heard great things about it including it working wonders on cuticles. But, since I returned the tarte eye cream, I don’t know that I will try the oil lol….Used to love teddy grahams- the mini chocolate chip bears were my fave. When I was pregnant, I recall having a box in the car for emergencies. Oh, and cheez-its, a box of those crackers were in the car as well when I was pregnant.
After using both, I can definitely say that the oil is 100x better than the eye cream. Josie Maran’s argan oil is another awesome one. And I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that I’ve done the emergency car stash thing… even though I’ve never been pregnant 😆
With a Disney trip and a birthday, it sounds like it was a pretty awesome month. 🙂
I neeeedd those pancakes! And I need to read that book too! Happy Monday!
HAHAHA Look at you already flying ahead to Christmas. You cracked me up on this Monday morning 🙂
I LOVE tarte cosmetics. I also started using the maracuja oil every night about two weeks ago and haven’t had a breakout since! My mom asked me if I got botox haha. Totally agree with the liquid gold analogy 🙂
Your snack plates look so good I might have to try something on those lines one of these days. You may not have trumped the quantity department with your recipes but you surpassed the quality side..the amount of times those pancakes featured as my lunch 🙂 !
Now that you put it all in one post I can see what a busy and exciting month you had Amanda!
Aahh you just had to torture me with another pic of that cake ;)..good thing I just polished off a bowl of cookies and ice-cream, so the drooling isn’t that messy lol
Pancakes for lunch!? I like the way you think 😀 I usually have mine for dinner, but I may have to try to switching up my snack plates and brinners to see how that goes. Cookies and ice cream? Ugh. You’re killing me here and it’s only 8:30 AM!
I can’t buy bunny grams because my boyfriend will eat the whole box in one sitting! Maybe I need to find a good hiding spot 😉
Yes – January is going by at a way too alarming rate! Which I don’t mind – but wish I could hit the slow-mo button when Spring, Summer and Fall are here!
My grocery store is so random in things they have in stock – and I am kinda glad I haven’t seen those Annie’s bunny grahams- I would be totally addicted and that food addiction list of mine is growing at an alarming rate for me!
And those chocolate chip, AB flourless muffins are on my list of muffins to feast on!
I gotta get my hands on the “Fault in our stars” as soon as I am done with John Maxwell’s “Make today count”; after finishing “Allegiant” I have been looking for another good fiction book to get lost in.
Hope you have a wonderful week, sweet lady!
I know you can relate when I include a birthday as a January favorite 😉 Others include getting closer to vacation and summer! So happy to be avoiding frostbite soon too haha!
January really did just fly by. I can’t believe we’re over 1/12 through 2014 already! Geeeeez. Time really needs to slow down.
Snack plates are simply the best. They make my life. I eat a snack plate for dinner at least a few times per week — they just make me so so so happy. I love mine with cheese, crackers, a veggie, a fruit, and a dip, like hummus. Snack plate formula perfection.
I’ve never eaten Annie’s bunny grahams but I’ve only heard good things. Congrats on all of your blog accomplishments! How exciting 🙂 I’m currently using Pantene but kind of on the lookout for something new–where do you get Sukin?
I got mine in my local health food store, but if you’re looking for something that you can find in the drugstore, Organix makes a really awesome coconut shampoo and conditioner that I keep going back to.
Okay, first of all I am a HUGE fan of the whole snack-plate thing. I often like a little bit of this, a little bit of that…and don’t want to commit to one big serving of one thing. They say variety is the spice of life…so I think we are just adding a bit more spice to our lives 😉
Your addiction to your little bunnies reminds me of my addiction (that I broke!) to animal crackers. I had this MAD obsession with animal crackers (dipped in anything, but mainly cookie butter and cool whip) and would seriously lose all control. I eventually went to rehab and broke the addiction, though. Kinda kidding, kinda not. 😛
Also, I don’t know WHERE on earth I’ve been but this is the first time I remember seeing those flourless chocolate chip almond butter muffins. (Either that or I was half asleep, since I usually catch up on blogs in the early am hours). They look soooooo good! 🙂
In January, I got a promotion at work, joined the NSCA to get my personal training certification, and I joined a local yoga studio! So excited!!
I totally love Teddy Grahams!! I am definitely going to try Annie’s bunnies though, how that I’m gluten free!
And I use Pureology Shampoo and Conditioner. 100% vegan and it makes my hair so soft and healthy! I wouldn’t change it!
That definitely sounds like an awesome January! Congratulations on your promotion, and yay for working towards getting a PT cert! 😀
So many great things to talk about from your post! I have never tried Annies foods, but they look great, and I am hearing great things about them! All your recipes look yummmy! But the pancakes are gonna be what i make first! Pancakes are my favorite food to consume after my 17+ milers, especially when I run them in under 2 hours….makes for a hungry belly! You added protein too, so that is just another reason to enjoy them!
Thanks for the great post 🙂 Good to have you back!
Those little bunnies are the greatest things ever! They’re so addicting – I could literally eat the entire box in one sitting!
Right now I’m using Dessert Essence shampoo/conditioner in coconut and I’m loving it. It makes my hair so soft and it smells divine!
It looks like you had quite a remarkable start to 2014, I’d say!
I did love Teddy Grahams when I was younger, so I’m sure I would absolutely love those bunnies.
Three things I loved in January: Having a bunch of girls’ nights with my best friends, getting into two of my top colleges, and snow days like today (completely unexpected!) 🙂
Have a great week, Amanda!
I used to only buy hair salon products – and sometimes I still do, but for shampoo & conditioner, I find the drugstore Organix brand to be amazing. When my hair was longer, I used the coconut conditioner, but now that it’s shorter, I’ve switched to their volumizing shampoo & conditioner (purple bottles). It’s amazing – especially because my hair is so fine.
OMG AMANDA. I had a dream last night that I was eating Teddy Grahams. Do those still exist?! I loved the chocolate ones.
😆 YES they still exist — I’m always tempted to pick up a baggie of them when I’m in the store. And I actually really like that Organix coconut shampoo — I’m thinking about switching back to it when I finish off these bottles.
um
so
would it AGE ME too much if I told you I was JGs resident adviser in college? 😉
NO — it would just make you that much more epic 😀