I wanted to share some things that I’ve been enjoying recently. It’s been a while since I’ve done any kind of favorites post, but I thought it would be a fun throwback. Here are my February Favorites:
Running
App + Tracking
I’ve been running again for 2 years now, and I’m really proud of my consistency and progress. Running outside is so much fun. I love exploring my neighborhood and getting out in the sun. It’s a great way for me to get exercise and feel productive. I am still using the Nike Run Club guided runs with Coach Bennett and I look forward to it every time.
Coach Bennett is so encouraging and chill. I always feel motivated and grateful with the guided runs; never pressured or stressed. I start the NRC runs on my phone with my Apple Music playlist, then I start an Apple Fitness running workout on my Apple Watch to make sure my run is recorded on both platforms. Then I’ll delete the NRC workout from my Apple Fitness on my phone afterwards to clean up the data.
Camera
For the last few months, I’ve been running with the DJI Osmo Nano for POV videos. I mostly use the camera to record anything sketchy on the run. It makes me feel safer having it — like when cars are running red lights, or when a dog attacked me, or if something seems odd. Obviously, the camera is no substitute for being aware of your surroundings, and being smart. I also use the camera to record whenever the scenery is especially beautiful or I just want to document a really good run. It’s small and discreet. I use the magnetic necklace to secure the camera to my chest while I run hands free.
Shoes + Sounds
My final two running favorites are my Shokz open-ear headphones and my Nike Vomero Plus shoes. The headphones are great because they are bone-conducting instead of in-ear which means I can have better awareness while I run. I can hear other runners or cars, whatever is going on around me. These headphones also have a long battery life and I never have to worry about them slipping out of my ears or moving around. I got the OpenRun Pro 2 Mini and I’ve been using them for almost 2 years.
My Nike Vomero Plus shoes have been so comfortable and supportive. I wear them on every run. I’ve had my current pair for 275 miles and they are still so good. The Vomero Plus is a max cushion shoe and for me, it’s perfect for long runs, recovery, or even speed. I think I will get another pair once the tread wears down or if the foam starts to lose responsiveness.
In the Kitchen
Tracking
I got my bloodwork done recently and my potassium levels were low. Could that be the reason I was having some muscle cramping when running? I knew I needed to get back to tracking my macros to make sure I was getting all the nutrients I need. I use the Cronometer app which is a food tracker that has special emphasis on macro targets. The app is free but there is a Gold option that is paid with premium features. Cronometer made it easy for me get back on track with my macros and I’ve made adjustments to my diet so I’m meeting my nutrient goals.
Protein
In addition to potassium, I also make sure I’m getting sufficient protein every day. I am vegan and I drink a protein shake in the mornings to help me prioritize my protein target. It seems like every time I find a protein I love, they change the formula and I’m forced to find something new. I’ve loved so many protein powders and then companies are always making them worse 🙁 But I’ve finally found a combo that is working for me. I’m mixing Solo Pea Protein with the Sun Warrior Active Protein. This combo gives me the protein I need and it tastes good. I just mix it with water in my BlenderBottle and it’s easily blended; no clumps.
Bottles
The BlenderBottle has been a game changer for my protein, and the Owala bottle has been amazing for my water. I have the 32oz free sip bottle. It’s perfect because it has a spout to sip from and a straw. Both are covered by a snap-close lid and it has a little hook to help with carrying. I’ve been using this bottle for years; it’s literally amazing. No notes.
Sauce
My next kitchen favorites are sauces — the Momofuku black truffle chili crunch and the spinach artichoke dip B*tchin Sauce. The chili crunch is a sort of chili flake crunchy blend in a chili/truffle oil. I add it to broccoli or pizza, but it would be good on so many things. It adds a nice flavor and extra crunch. The spinach artichoke dip is so good. I like to dip chickn tenders or use it as a dressing over asparagus. I’m not sure it it really tastes of spinach/artickoke, but it’s really nice. I’ve bought this sauce many times and every time I am surprised at how good it is.
Chill + Cozy + Everything Else
Planners
I have been loving my Hobonichi planners; I have the 5-year and the Weeks. I use both every day and I’m really happy with how it’s working for me. I am using the 5-year to document my health and fitness, etc. And the Weeks is for my day to day, goal tracking, upcoming events, etc. I have been using my favorite pens and highlighters (zebra, pentel, sakura, mildliner), and sourcing the cutest stickers to create spreads that make me happy and motivate me to use my planner.
Nail Polish + Reading
Another chill activity I have been enjoying is painting my nails. I go through phases where I go months without painting them, to then painting them every few days. Spring/summer months make me want to paint them more and enjoy the sparkly glitters in the warm sun. I have been trying out the glass bead style of magnetizing different magnet polishes, and my current favorite magnetic is Glowstick by ILNP. I built a little setup out of lego, a wind chime spinner, and a horseshoe magnet to make my attempts at “glass bead” a little easier.
My other favorite nail polish right now is Lush by Polished for Days. It has an ethereal vibe with a hot flash of iridescent shimmer. This was my first time trying this brand and I am really pleased with the color and the formula. I want to wear this polish all the time. While I’m painting my nails, I like to listen to audiobooks on my Libby app. It’s a free library app that lets you check out tons of books and audiobooks for free.
Rainbow Lights + Virtual Pets
When I’m at home in the evening, probably watching a show and knitting, I feel extra cozy when my rainbow lights turn on. I use these Govee lights on a timer, so that I know it’s time to wind down and enjoy the evening. I have two strands — one behind my desk and one behind the tv stand. They bring a nice vibe to the house and I don’t have to think about it because I’ve set the on/off timers up in the app.
Another wind down activity for me is playing with my Tamagotchi Paradise. This virtual pet is super cute and there’s surprisingly a lot to do to take care of your pet. Right now I have a Chodracotchi, and he’s super cute. I like to play the mini games and decorate the environment with little toys for him to interact with.
Skincare
I’ve really pared down my skincare routine these days. I double cleanse at night with Tatcha oil cleanser and the rice polish, I use the longevity serum and the dewy cream moisturizer. Then, before bed, I’ll apply tretinoin .025% gel. And in the mornings, I rinse my face, apply a vitamin C, and the new longevity moisturizer before applying my regular SPF. I have been loving this easy routine and I feel like my skin is reacting well.
Night Time
Finally as part of my chill and cozy favorites, I have to share my sleep essentials. First up, my Shark TurboBlade fan. I like to sleep with the fan on to keep the bedroom cool and have some circulation. I have the fan on year-round and I love how it’s so quiet. This fan is like having a thick cloudy blanket of cold air gently sinking down onto you. It’s so good. I usually have it on setting 1-2, but it goes up to 10 and it also has some rotation patterns. This fan is unique too because you can rotate the arms to be horizontal or vertical and they can also be adjusted manually to point in different directions. I love this fan.
I use these next few favorites every night and will travel with them too. It’s almost impossible for me to get a good sleep without them now. I use a silky scarf as a pillow cover and it helps protect my hair from losing moisture or getting tangly in the night. I also like it because it feels cold and doesn’t get too hot.
Next up are my earplugs and my eye mask. Basically I create a sensory deprivation chamber so I can have perfect sleep. My nodpod eye mask is weighted and feels nice on the eyes. It doesn’t hook around your head, and is easy to adjust to however you need. It can also pop in the washer and dryer for cleaning. I love it for blocking light and the comfort from its weight.
And finally, my loop earplugs have been the real mvp of my night because they are comfortable and block so much sound. I wear these every night but they come in especially handy during travel and sleeping in a new environment. Definitely can’t recommend them enough. I also have another pair that is more for daytime wear in case you just need to dull out some of the extra noise and focus more.
I hope you enjoyed reading about some of my recent favorites!
