February Favorites

February always flies by because, well, it's short. This year it was even more of a blur than usual because we've been abnormally busy trying to do some house renovations, plan our upcoming trip and adjust to a new schedule due to John's new job (!!!). It has certainly been a memorable month! When life is a bit of swirling chaos (good and bad), it's easy to forget to stop and appreciate the little things that make each day just a bit brighter, which is just one of the many reasons I love doing these favorites posts. Here are some of the small things that have made my crazy month more of a good kind of crazy.

Peter Thomas Roth Meet Your Mask Kit

Back at Christmas time, I went into an Ulta with the noblest of intentions -- to pick up stocking stuffers for my mom and sister. Everyone knows it's basically impossible to only get what you came for when it comes to makeup stores, so naturally I didn't leave without a little treat for myself that I cleverly disguised as a stocking stuffer for myself. I've been wanting to try out the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme mask ever since Anna raved about it, but the price has been holding me back. When I passed this mask set for only $25, I couldn't resist. So far I've only used up the Blue Marine Algae mask and just started into the Irish Moor Mud mask -- apparently I've been saving the Pumpkin mask for a special occasion. I've loved both of these masks so far! The amount of product you get in one tube is actually pretty impressive; enough for 4 or 5 uses depending on your face size and how thick you layer it. I am already considering picking up a full size of the Blue Marine Algae mask, so while I hope I like the rest of the masks just as much, I'm sure my wallet disagrees.

Resistance Bands

It's hard to say this is a favorite when it makes my butt so sore, but I guess that's a good thing? I picked these up this month as part of my revamped fitness routine and boy have they been doing their job. I use them on leg days for a little glute activation sequence before working out, and for several exercises throughout the month. They definitely help me focus on using my glutes when doing more complicated exercises like squats, or even when busting out some hip bridges. I'm glad to have these, even if my butt isn't.

Travel planning books

Part of the reason this month has been so hectic is because I've been spending quite a bit of time browsing travel planning books and hitting online city guides. Our trip is now only about a month away so it's finally starting to feel real. For Christmas this year we treated ourselves to the Wallpaper* city guides for London and Paris, and my mom bought us the 500 Secrets of London and Paris guides. (Great minds think alike, etc, etc.) The Wallpaper* guides have been really great for more offbeat, aesthetically-oriented suggestions, while the 500 Secrets guides have been better for finding a variety of different places throughout the cities for specific activities, like finding great coffee, vintage shopping or eating the best street food. I also broke out my 36 Hours book from The New York Times for the suggestions on the top must-see attractions. I've already got so many things jotted down that I'm sure we won't be able to fit them all in and leave time for some spontaneous exploring, but I just can't stop reading. I'll let you lot know what we actually end up getting up to!

My old man, checked H&M blazer

In my recent winter style haul post I showed you guys the blazer I happened upon on an H&M sale rack. I'm truly obsessed. I love everything about how unflattering and oversized it is, the shoulder pads, muddy colors and it's 80's vibe. Half of the people I see when wearing it have no idea why I'd choose such a thing, but I don't even care. It's frumpy, it's amazing, and for once this fashion statement is practical and warm!