This year Punxsutawney Phil, that adorable groundhog that we all watch so eagerly, did NOT see his shadow, which leads true believers to expect an early spring. Personally I’ll believe anything that helps me think that spring flowers and sunshine are around the corner.
Not that winter has been too bad this year, at least not in my neck of the woods, but there is still time and winter is my least favorite season so I’m happy to dream about spring.
But as we are observing Black History Month, Presidents’ Day Weekend, Valentine’s Day, and all the rest, I wanted to share a few of my favorite recent finds for February.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions are my own based on my personal experience with these products.
Favorite Things
Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum
Vitamin C serum is the latest thing in skin care and for the last couple of months I have been using the Dermalogica Biolumin-C serum and I love it! My aesthetician has recommended Dermalogica products to me for years and some of them have really made a difference in my skin and this is one of them.
This Vitamin C serum truly has brigthened my skin and smoothed wrinkles to give me more of a "glow", which is especially difficult in winter when my skin is incredibly dry and dull. When I clean my face I spray on a mist toner, rub a dropper of serum over my skin, and then apply my moisturizer.
Wool Dryer Balls
In an effort to live a more sustainable lifestyle, I have been trying out more environmentally friendly products. A recent find were these wool dryer balls, which replace chemically-coated dryer seats yet still keep clothes soft.
Made of New Zealand wool, they are felted by women and minorities in Nepal who are paid a strong living wage. I haven't put them through the paces for long but they are supposed to last for over a thousand loads, replacing dryer sheets and fabric softeners.
Hair Dryer Brush
When ads for the all-in-one blow dryer brushes started popping up in my social media feed I was intrigued yet skeptical. But I was willing to give it a try if it would mean a shorter dry time and straighter, smoother hair. Much to my surprise, these things actually work!!
My hair dries quickly, it stays straight and doesn't get as many flyaways or frizz. I've even started bringing it with me when I travel!
Mixed Media Sweater Dress
I know we all have a few Little Black Dresses in our closets but mine are usually cocktail dresses or more appropriate for a warm-weather resort than a cold-weather night out. I actually despise having to get dressed up in the winter and it is one of the reasons why I tend to hibernate in the winter months.
But I tried out this sweater dress from LOFT recently and found it surprisingly warm and comfortable. The top section is a light weight, full sleeve sweater and the bottom is loose and swings free, somewhat like shirt tails flowing from below the sweater. It is flattering yet roomy to hide any of that winter weight.
Free People Kyoto Leggings
I received these leggings as part of a StitchFix order and when my stylist wrote that I would be living in these leggings I was doubtful. But you know what? She was right.
They are comfy and cozy and have pockets!
Reading: Why We Can't Sleep: Women's New Midlife Crisis
I just started reading this book and I relate to it so much! Unique to Gen X women, author Ada Calhoun examines our generational trends and why our midlife has its own set of circumstances and challenges not faced by boomers. And yes, why these worries keep us up at night!
Listening to: Midlife Mixtape: The Podcast
I love discovering new podcasts and this one speaks to me with the tagline of "for the years between being hip and breaking one."
In each episode, writer Nancy Davis Kho of MidlifeMixtape.com interviews GenXers and icons of Generation X about how they are surviving and thriving during these midlife years.
Watching: Little Women
Yes I was one of those girls that loved to read, dreamed of being an author, and didn't feel especially girly. So of course Jo March was a heroine. I really enjoyed taking my teen to see this most recent take on Louisa May Alcott's novel. And it made my heart sing that she loved it so much she went back and saw it again with her friends!