Happy New Year!!! We made it to the first day of 2021! I feel like there needs to be balloons and streamers for that simple fact.

My 2021 is off to a great start! We did a virtual workout in our private member’s group this morning and then Badger and I went for a 3.5 mile walk. It was absolutely gorgeous out this morning! My plan for the day/weekend is some organizing, decision making/goal setting, reading, and watching season 2 of Dream Home Makeover on Netflix. I hope you have some joy-filled plans for the weekend.

And now, here’s what I’ve been into lately…

December Favorites

What I’ve Been Reading & Listening To

I am proud to say that I read/listened to 52+ books in 2020!!! I made a BIG push in December to hit 52 so I have lots of books for you! I don’t know the exact number because I didn’t start tracking what I was reading on Goodreads until March. If you are on Goodreads, I’d love to connect with you.

Here’s what I read in December:

“Greenlights,” by Matthew McConaughey

“Burnout:  The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski

“One Day in December” by Josie Silver 

“Badass Habits” by Jen Sincero

Here’s what I listened to:

“When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi

“Stillness Is the Key” by Ryan Holiday

“Open Book” by Jessica Simpson 

“The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer

“Deep Work” by Cal Newport

What I’ve Been Wearing

All things warm to keep up with daily walks and continuing to get outside as the temperatures drop. Being active in the winter simply comes down to the proper clothes and footwear.

I picked up some new Sorel boots on sale over Black Friday and I LOVE them!!! They are a dream to walk in and feel like you are wearing sneakers. I got the Kinetic Sport Bootie. Justin and I both wear Bombas Merino Wool socks to keep our feet warm.  CLICK HERE to get 25% OFF. I only wear Bombas socks and LOVE them!

Another must-have is lined pants or leggings, I would freeze without them!  Unfortunately, the ones from Athleta that I have are out of stock.  You can CLICK HERE for some similar ones.  I also found these fleece tights from LL Bean.

On top, I simply layer depending on the temperature and then have a scarf and my Love Your Melon hat to keep me warm. I do have a Smartwool top that I wear if it’s really cold as my base layer. It’s similar to this one.

What I’ve Been Eating

In December, I enjoy some holiday treats and lots of yummy food.  That’s what it’s all about, right? I am back on my massaged kale salad kick and will post the recipe on the blog soon! I made this Shredded Brussel Sprouts & Kale Salad with Apples, Gorgonzola, and Pecans for Christmas and it was AMAZING! It’s probably my new favorite salad.

What I’ve Been Drinking

Over Black Friday I picked up a whole bunch of Pique Tea on sale and I have been enjoying 1-3 cups daily. I’m a BIG tea drinker in the winter and tea has so many wonderful health benefits. There isn’t a variety that I don’t like so I really don’t think you can go wrong. If I had to pick a favorite, it’s probably the Mint Green.

I’ve also been loving Laird Hot Chocolate w/Functional Mushrooms mixed with some hot water and Nutpod Peppermint Mocha creamer. It’s absolutely delicious!

I’ve Been Combating Dry Skin

Primally Pure has the absolute BEST lip balm! Since starting to use it several years ago, no more dry cracked lips. You can CLICK HERE to shop and use code: THECLUB10 for 10% off.

I have also been LOVING my humidifier from doTerra that I can use essential oils in. If you aren’t using a humidifier at night, you are missing out big time! It makes a huge difference in my skin as well as nasal passages.

I also switch up my moisturizer this time of year to Beautycounter’s Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion as it is more hydrating for the winter months. I used to experience awful dry skin in the winter and when I would wear any foundation or make-up it would just be flaky. I hated it! Ever since I started using Beautycounter, no more dry skin!  Remember that harsh chemicals found in products can dry out your skin. With Beautycounter, you don’t have to worry about that.

And I can’t forget my absolute FAVORITE Beautycounter product,  Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm. In the winter, I put a thin layer on 1-2 nights per week for a hydrating overnight mask. I also love to apply it and then soak in a detox bath and let my skin soak up all the hydration. CLICK HERE to shop, it’s the 1 product I can’t live without.

If you have questions about Beautycounter or would like samples, you can email me at janell (at) thetransformationlife (dot) fitness.

 

Cheers to the New Year!

Janell