Hello, hello and welcome your friendly faces to another monthly favourites post!
I know it’s not technically the end of the month yet, but sometimes you’ve just gotta fit things in when they’re convenient, and today just so happens to be convenient. So without further ado (and because these posts end up kind of long even without my rambling intros), let’s take a look back at November.
Oh, and please forgive the slight hyperactivity in my words. I’m currently wired on coffee… and before you go scoffing at me, I’ll have you know that I only had one cup. It just hit me harder today for whatever reason. Onward!
November saw me going bananas for bananas.
Oh, wow… did I seriously just say that? Sorry guys — I may have mentioned the coffee? Anyways, I really have been loving on these gorgeous yellow fruits lately, and if you saw my post on the health benefits of bananas then you probably know why. If you haven’t read that post, then I suggest you hop on over and check it out because bananas are kind of worth having a love affair with. Go ahead… I’ll wait.
. . .
In terms of product products that aren’t given to us by nature, then I’ve seriously been crushing on these Power O’s from Love Grown Foods.
They’re light, crunchy, and just sweet enough while being free of GMOs, HFCS, and artificial colours or flavours. And can.you.believe that they’re made from beans? Because I never would have guessed. It would explain the fact that they’re gluten-free and pack an impressive 4g of protein and 3g of fiber per serving, though. As for which flavours I’d recommend, the chocolate and strawberry are my favourite.
And when it comes to foods that came out of the Spoons’ kitchen, blog recipes this month included:
Double Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Baked Snickerdoodle Donut Holes
Fruit, Seed, and Nut Granola Bars
Sweet Potato Pancake Muffins || Pumpkin Spice Latte Smoothie || for Savory Style.
Beauty wise, I don’t actually have anything new to share with you guys, but I did want to sing the praises of some old favourites that I’ve re-fallen in love with lately. In a big way. As in “you need these products because they’ll change your life” kind of way.
First up is Benefit’s The POREfressional skin primer.
You guys. This primer. My [makeup] life is changed. I didn’t realize how well this stuff worked until I stopped using it, went for a while without it, and then randomly started using it again (don’t ask — I don’t know). But you know how they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder? Abso.freaking.lutely the case with this primer.
Not only does it do what it says it’ll do and minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores, but it also:
- makes your skin feel like silk/velvet and makes makeup go on more smoothly,
- helps makeup last longer and prevents it from oxidizing/shifting around on your face,
- helps keep oil/shine under control, and
- clears up your skin.
Okay, that last one is based entirely on bad science (n=1), but I’m not exaggerating when I say that my skin improved a tonne since I started using this under my foundation on a daily basis. My pores feel like they have way less gunk in them and I haven’t been getting as many random breakouts (I just wrote breakfasts… derp, one track mind). So yeah. This stuff. Get it.
In conjuncture with that primer, I’ve been using Urban Decay’s All Nighter makeup setting spray.
I feel like I may have mentioned this once… or twice… but I seriously can’t stress enough how much I love it, especially when it comes to dealing with cases of extreme weather. In the heat, it keeps your makeup from melting off your face. In the cold, it helps keep your skin from feeling overly dry and flakey. And in all other circumstances? It’s just wonderfully refreshing and makes your makeup blend seamlessly. Another instance where I’m going to say: get it.
Oh, and if you’re wondering what foundation I’ve been using lately, it’s Revlon’s ColorStay.
I’ve experimented with different foundations over the past little while, but this is one that I keep coming back to time and time again (I first wrote about it back in June 2013). So yeah. Another oldie, but definitely a goodie.
Actually, I lied. I do have one new beauty favourite to share, and it comes in the form of this Herbacin hand cream.
This cream has seriously saved my hands from looking like they’re 80 years old in the ridiculously cold and dry weather we get up here. It was a favourite of mine waaaaaay back in the day (read: when I was in my late teens, early 20’s), and I recently went back to it after getting fed up with everything else. It’s made with glycerine, silicone, and camomile, and it makes your hands feel soft, smooth, and protected without making them feel at all greasy. Big fan. I keep a big tube at home, and a smaller one in my purse.
So remember how I said that I currently have my nose stuck in textbooks? It’s kind of taken away my desire to go out and read new books, so I’ve turned to old favourites, with SOMETHING SOMETHING being The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
… but because this post is already way too long and I’ve already done a review on it, you can go read that here if you’re interested.
With the exception of a few things, November was actually pretty quiet here in Spoons-ville.
- Without a doubt, the most memorable part of the month was my trip to Toronto to visit some blog friends.
- And other than that, it’s been mostly work, work, work, school, school, school. Hopefully I can get away from the books/computers a little more next month!
- I did manage some time in the kitchen, though! Spoonified recipes included:
Aaaaaand now it’s time to go full-steam ahead with all things CHRISTMAS! Woohoo! 😀
Disclaimer: this post was not sponsored by any of the products mentioned. As a LOVE Ambassador, I did receive the Power O’s from Love Grown Foods for free, but I was not asked to post a review nor was I compensated for my time. I genuinely love all these products, and that’s why I’m sharing them with you.
Tell me at least one awesome thing that happened in November!
Tell me your current favourite:
… a) food
… b) cereal
… c) makeup/beauty product
More places to find me!
E-mail — [email protected]
Twitter — runwithspoons
Facebook — runningwithspoons
Pinterest — runwithspoons
Instagram — runwithspoons
Bloglovin — runningwithspoons
So when I asked how things were in Spoonsville yesterday I hadn’t read this post where you specifically mention Spoonsville. Um, synchronicity much?
I still want those donut holes, and the oatmeal double chocolate chip cookies were off the chain.
#soulmates… obviously 😉
I loveee Power O’s. I haven’t tried strawberry but I love chocolate. Current fave food… um, I found this cocoa mascarpone from TJ’s… obsessed!
Who is that sexy mofo in the beanie there? 😉
Glad to have made your monthly favourites- you were a machine with recipes (which greeted me upon my return).
That cereal reminds me of the beetroot stains in my kitchen after making those silly red velvet pancakes.
The NARS eyeshadow primer and Maybelline 24 hour creaseless cream eyeshadow pots are two things I can’t go without!
I passed this cereal while at the store today, and ALMOST bought some. Will have to snag a box (chocolate of course) next time I’m at the store.
Those recipes. *heart eyes* I’ve got my mind set on that banana bread breakfast bake sometime this week. 🙂
One awesome thing that happened this month was just growing stronger in friendships with people at college!
My current favorite cereal is actually raisin bran…I’m like a grandmother. And my favorite beauty product is Maybelline’s Mega Plush mascara. I didn’t like it at first, but it’s grown on me (any my eyelashes, I guess). My mini lashes appreciate the extra volume and length!
Confession: Raisin Bran is actually a favourite for me as well. And my stomach doesn’t mind it either, if ya know what I mean 😉
Good to know about that Revlon foundation! I’ve been in need of some. Lately, my makeup fav is Revlon eye primer + brightener, Love it.
My favorite beauty product is mascara. I am a firm believer a girl needs a nice base with a GREAT mascara. If you do, then you’re good to go! Favorite cereal? Hmm… I still love Reeses Puffs, but I would have to go with Kashi Autumn Harvest! I tried choosing a favorite food, but I don’t believe I can ever choose!
Have a great Thursday!
1. so many smoothies and bananas!
2. I don’t typically eat cereal, but I did buy this awesome granola at Costco, that I of course add to my smoothie for extra crunch
3. No new beauty products this moth, but I did rock my bright RED Mac matte lipstick. Perfect for the holidays and when you want to spice it up!
I developed a [somewhat dangerous] habit of eating almond butter straight out of the jar lately. Can’t stop, won’t stop…
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Can you believe it’s been a month since we hung out? Seriously though. Lets plan somethin’! What are you doing for New Years?!
… a) food: sandwiches, pears, oatmeal (gasp)
… b) cereal: i just picked up a box of the strawberry love grown foods! CTC will always be my #1 love though.
… c) makeup/beauty product: shiseido foundation (it goes on SO smooth & blends well), batiste dry shampoo & almond oil for dry skin.
ta ta for now!
Seems like forever ago! Which just means it needs to be repeated soon. And I have no idea what NYE plans are yet — too early to make them 😛
I’m so intrigued by that primer! I think it’s going to quickly be added to my list of “needs”. 😉 I use that same Revlon ColorStay foundation. I discovered it about a year ago and it remains a favorite of mine to this day.
A) Lately, I’ve been non-stop snacking on a plain rice cake with loads of sunflower butter, some trailmix sprinkled on top, with banana coins, strawberry slices, blueberries and pomegranate seeds. Pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds for everything to get all gooegy and delicious and I can’t stop eaten them! 😀
B) Favorite cereal is any brand of puffed rice. All soooo good on top of a smoothie or jar of banana ice cream!
C) Favorite beauty product is definitely cleure’s lipstick. It’s gluten free, so safe for my celiac self, and makes me look like da’ bomb! 😉
I’ve been sick all week and haven’t had a drop of coffee since Monday cuz it irritates my sore throat. I’m jealous of the hyperactivity in your words.
Also, I’m trying to speed up the aging process of some bananas I bought on Monday, you’re right- it;s too cold. Cue tears.
Oh noes! Hope you feel better soon, Giselle! Sending healing vitamin C vibes 😉
That banana bread bake…gotta make it! I started a new job as a health and wellness consultant this month, so that was definitely my favorite part of November 😀
I have been thinking about those donut holes since you posted the recipe. I need to make them already! My skin has been breaking out more lately and I just realized I haven’t been using primer since I ran out. Maybe it helps my skin too!
I like to think of it as an extra little dose of protection… both against makeup and other environmental pollutants.
I’ve been in a food funk lately and nothing even sounds good. Food still tastes good, but when nothing sounds good its hard to come up with something to make. I’ve been craving salt alot lately and I’m not really sure why.
Favorite cereal – Cascadian Farms Oats and Honey granola. So. Good.
I’ve been trying several new beauty products lately so I’m undecided on which ones I like enough to recommend.
Have a great week!! 🙂
I go through periods where I crave salt a whole lot more than I do at other times, too. And in those cases, tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole is always a favourite 😀
The Power O’s are amazing! Chocolate is definitely my FAVE flavor!!
I’ve never heard of Power O’s those look so tasty!
I can’t believe November’s almost over! Seriously Christmas is so soon now! And I haven’t even started Christmas shopping…well partly thanks to my broken ankle and crutches situation (who knew it would be impossible to carry anything with crutches)
I have a ton of favorites this months, since I’ve basically been stuck at home playing with all my makeup;) haha. Lipsticks galore, pigments, eyeshadows, I have TOO many to name!
While I do wear makeup on a daily basis, most of it is on my eyes (eye liner, mascara, eye shadow). I couldn’t imagine putting on foundation every day because it just seems like such a weird concept to have gunk covering your pores all. day. long. I put it on for certain occasions, and I know it makes me look better, but man… and now there’s even primer that clogs your pores up even more so they don’t show with the foundation you put on TOP of that? Yikes. I know a lot of girls out there go all out with makeup, but I like just going with blush and eye makeup 🙂 I think it’s actually been beneficial in keeping my skin nice and blemish-free so I don’t have to cover up with more makeup.
I guess with that rant… assuming I would give the primer a try on the times I do feel like putting foundation on, what do you wash your makeup off with to really scrub it off??
I actually noticed that my pores have been a lot less clogged since I starred using the primer… even if I’m only using powder foundation and blush. I also read somewhere that it helps protect your skin against environmental pollutants… so I like to look at it as a little protective barrier between my skin and the elements.
And it’s super easy to take off, too — no extra steps or hard scrubbing required. I just use my normal makeup remover (Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple), and it comes right off. It’s super light and you barely even realize it’s there.
Wow those donut holes CAUGHT my eye!!! DANG! My current fav makeup is bare minerals!
I am in desperate need of a good hand cream. I use nuetrogena which is fine, but kind of thick & oily. My hands have gotten so old and wrinkled looking this past year.
I want to try the Urban Decay and that hand cream! Thanks so much for the suggestions.
Bananas for bananas—love it 😀 Favorite food….the granola on my blog? Is that so corny? YAY for all things Christmas this next month. I’m pumped.
If I say it’s not corny at all, will you ship me over a batch? Otherwise… super corny 😛
Currently love my new lip gloss! It was a present from a good friend but it is perfect!
Sounds like a great month. 🙂
Good gosh lady – I thought I would be safe reading a monthly fav post on an empty stomach – but your eats have me rumbling! Oat bowls have been a big deal for me again after a short break – specially for dessert! Unlike froyo, I don’t need a hot cup of coffee to chase it down with so I can stay warm!
And – I know this is totally nuts – but I don’t wear make up – but I do like some good hand cream!
I am on the hunt for a hand cream that lives up to my expectations; definitely going to hunt Herbacin down.
Current food will be mug cakes and smoothies <3 . Every day 🙂 .
Ahh I haven't had cereal in ages… apparently I forgot about it 😯 ! Who does that?!
I cannot live without at least 4 Maybelline Baby lips in my possession… the Pink Punch is my current favourite!
Heehe! It’s actually pretty scary how many lip balms I currently own. I find them -everywhere-, but there’s nothing that bothers me more than dry, chapped lips. And the Maybelline ones are tasty!
Completely agree with all your makeup choices, the Revlon Colorstay is hands down the best drugstore foundation and better than most higher end products too.
I am excited to try the Strawberry O’s (waiting for my shipment from LOVE – hope it comes today!)…I have been reading this month, still in the middle of the same book but at least I am reading again!
Exciting things that hppened in November? I got a job teaching spin in the new year!! You’ll have to come check it out;)
Ooo fun! You can pop my spin cherry — I’ve never taken a class before!
a) Food: TURBOT FISH! I’m obsessed!(Recipe: http://thefitty.com/2014/11/26/updates-in-a-flash-turbot-ginger-fish-wiaw-10/)
… b) cereal: I don’t eat cereal, but I do have a paleo version that I make sometimes.
… c) makeup/beauty product: Perhaps eyeliner!
Favorite Food: Talenti’s Caramel Cookie Crunch gelato– YUM!
Favorite cereal: I’ll cheat and say oatmeal
Favorite makeup product: My nighttime moisturizer– as the weather gets colder, it’s so nice to wear a heavy moisturizer at night so my skin doesn’t get too dry!
Sounds like you had the cup of coffee I’m in dire need of right now. About four more hours of work left and I’m so. dang.tired.
From all the amazingness you’ve been showing it seens like we could really benefit from getting Benefit over here.
Just like I personally would from Power O’s. Proper cereal in this cereal desert AND made from beans?! Sign me up.
Almond butter
Rice Chex
Cheap $1 Essence Kajal Eye Pencils
BOOYAH!
How much is the Urban Decay setting spray? As I mentioned above and cheap out when it comes to how much I’ll pay for my eye makeup (with the amount I pound on daily, I can’t afford NOT to be cheap!), I always end up looking like the Joker by the end of the day. Save me, setting spray!
And I can’t look at that breakfast bake anymore. TOO delicious.
The UD spray is actually more for for face makeup than it is for eyes. Do you use an eye primer? I find that’s the best way to prevent it from melting off. Urban Decay has a good one (primer potion), and so does Too Faced (Shadow Insurance) and Nars (Eyeshadow Base).
Ooooh yeah, good point. I use NYX eyeshadow primer for my eyebrows when I’m feelin’ like going blue browed instead of drawing on plain old brown, and it really does make everything POP. Thanks for the info!
Quick story: I used to be so obsessed with Sephora/makeup in general that I had to give it up for Lent a few years back, and ever since it’s been waaay under control.
I’ve tried all of the products you mentioned and DEFINITELY agree with the Revlon Colorstay – tried and true, baby. I liked the POREfessional but don’t wear foundation enough now to make it worth my $$!
Yum to all of it! So much great stuff! I really want that banana breakfast bread plus the mug cake. Looks too good for words!
girl… I always want your food! Can I be hired as your taste tester??
As long as you don’t mind being paid in granola and cookies 😉
Emma is sitting here by me while reading this and she said mommy buy some of those…pointing to the Power O’s! 🙂 They do look tasty!
Eager to literally get my hands on that Herbacin hand cream. My hands look like I’m 80, make that 90 too. I have Raynauds disease which isn’t the worst thing ever, just makes me have purple, wrinkled feet and hands. But if you have this, it’s not fun. Doctor told me to move to Miami, well, that works I guess!!
Have you tried dry brushing? I have circulation problems with my hands and feet, and regular dry brushing has helped SO much.