Currently Loving: the January Edition

Confession: I’ve given up watching TV (I know it’s pretty shocking, even I find it surprising!) in favor of reading blogs! There’s something so calming about curling up on the sofa, with a cup of tea and my ipad in hands. It has become an essential part of my weekend routine, especially this time of the year when the weather outside is frightful!  I find the content that bloggers put out there inspiring, educational and a refreshing way of spending an evening in.

In my opinion, one of the best ways to get to know someone is by learning about what they like, and I thought it might be nice to start sharing some of my own favorites.

Currently Loving is a new series I’m starting on the blog where I chat about the things I’ve been loving throughout the current month. I will select 5 different things from a wide variety of products that I simply can’t get enough of.  So here goes January…

Pomegranates

One of the few fresh fruits even my picky 18 month old likes! Currently nearing the end of its season (found in most grocery stores from October thru January), it’s one of the oldest known fruits and a symbol of health (offers protection against heart disease and cancer). A glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants than red wine, green tea, blueberries and cranberries. In addition to antioxidants, pomegranates are a great source of B vitamins, vitamin C, E, K, potassium, copper, zinc and iron. The fruit also has amazing beauty benefits and can help hydrating the skin, protecting against the sun and the environment, and stimulating collagen production. It helps the complexion appear brighter, smoother and younger-looking. If you’re not familiar with the pomegranate, it is a red fruit with a tough outer layer and only the seeds and juice inside are edible. Typically, the redder the fruit, the sweeter the seeds and the heavier the fruit, the more seeds it has. When buying pomegranates, you want to pick the fruit that is firm, otherwise chances are it’s rotten on the inside. Deseeding a pomegranate may seem like a lot of work, but I actually find it relaxing. I try to incorporate the seeds into my every day meals and enjoy them in yogurt parfait, juices and smoothies, tossed on salads, sprinkled over hummus, or eat them plain as a snack.

Journaling

I’ve always been a troubled sleeper and have struggled to find ways to relax my mind before bedtime. I tend to replay the events of the day in my mind and thoughts seem to swiftly take over. A few months ago, I read an article (see here) about the benefits of practicing an attitude of gratitude, one of these benefits including better sleep and more happiness (who wouldn’t want that?). So I started keeping a gratitude journal that I write in every night before going to bed. Growing up, I used to love journaling and writing down the adventures and emotions experienced throughout the day. At some point, I can’t recall when or why, I stopped.  I assume mostly because as life happens and I got busy living it, it got a little overwhelming to find some spare time to document the experiences of the day and it became hard to keep up with the journaling.  My gratitude journal is only one sentence that starts with “I am grateful for…” and what follows is something good and positive that I’ve experienced that day. Most people would agree that not every single day is a good day, but there is something good in every day. Writing a sentence of gratitude helps me focus on the positive things that I experienced during the day and allows my mind to relax before going to sleep. Some days the list is short, but I always manage to find one thing that I am grateful for that happened during the day. I’ve been keeping this journal for five months now, and I am proud to say that I managed to stay consistent and not miss a day. I have noticed that I am more relaxed and content and will continue this practice.

Faux-Marble Phone Case

Nowadays I’ve been loving everything white marble inspired. It’s very on trend and I find that it looks so clean, elegant and luxurious. I love white marble as part of the décor of a home, the way in appears in photographs, and even as an accessory. So when my phone case broke a few weeks ago and I happened to stumble upon a faux white marble case on Amazon, I didn’t hesitate. I had to have the faux white marble case. I purchased it and hoped it would work with my phone and that I would love it. And I do. It’s slick, light and looks very luxe. It doesn’t protect the front of the phone, but it does cover the back. If you’re interested in this case, you can find it here.

Cashmere sweater

My Scottie cashmere sweater, a Rue La La purchase, has been my most worn this month and I like everything about it. I like that it’s grey (thus a neutral that goes with everything) and that it has a cute Scottish terrier on it (I have not met a dog that has not made my heart melt!). I’ve worn it with jeans and booties, with leggings and UGGS, as well as paired with a wool skirt and thigh high flat boots. I like the soft, light-weight of the cashmere and love the way it feels on the skin. Cashmere, in my opinion, truly is an investment worth the money and something that stands the test of time. You can find my recommendations, tips and tricks on how to buy cashmere here.

Beanies

Perfect for cold weather, perfect for a bad hair day, I really can’t think of a reason NOT to wear one this season. I have a ton of hats and beanies that I have accumulated over the years, but the one I’ve been wearing the most is a warm and chunkie beanie from H&M (similar here). It’s a dark grey color and has a dainty flower embellishment. I like the way it fits me, I like that the color goes with everything and that I can toss it in my bag and it won’t lose its shape.

What are some of the things that you’ve been loving this month?

Thank you for reading and have a wonderful week!