Coming to the end of this fly by February, was it just me but January felt like a whole year in one. Whereas, February you blinked and what's that? Hello March. Unfortunately, I am not here to drown you in my twister of countless conspiracies in regards to time and it's illusions... maybe another joyous occasion for that ay?
Though, I thought it would be expedient to share my February favourites. I must mention that majority of these products have been favourites extending a little before February. Shall we say all-time favourites are included too.
Kicking it off with the most treasured part, style and fashion. Continually running into the 'What's new on the catwalk?' as fashion week has been the new buzz recently.
FASHION
LOUNGEWEAR- JOGGERS & SWEATSHIRT
With winter quite literally blowing me into all types of directions, I have been leaning towards comfort and warmth. A week does not go by where I am not snuggling into a pair of sweatpants or a cosy oversized sweatshirt that is drowning me. Keeping the outfit towards a more 'acceptable to be seen out in' look, incorporating a long oversized faux fur or tailored coat assists a sophisticated edge.
CHECKS
An all time fashion statement print that you can never get rid of- checks! I'm not talking money cheques. This winter especially I have been inclining more towards this print. Adding a little more adventure into my closet, introducing pastel coloured check prints can be quite fun and daring.
HEAVY DUTY BOOTS
Always on my wish list was a pair of Dr Martens, though I always deterred from purchasing due to the thought of looking like big foot. When plucking the courage and trying on a similar pair from Topshop I instantly fell in love. Yes it may feel like I'm dragging to pairs of bricks with me when walking and give it 30 mins I can no longer feel my feet... but look how prettttyyyyyy. I love pairing them with skirts and dresses it give this element of hard ass girly girl, so move over Hannah Montana you're not the only one with the 'best of both worlds'!
BEIGE BROWNS
I am a sucker for bright colours and I have mentioned previously how wearing colour can really uplift my mood. However, I have really been falling for the trap of beige overdose and its beauty. Though I have found a balance of mixing beiges with elements or hints of brightness, so as not to be so monotone when in need of that uplifting.
NIKE P-6000
Yes okay, it may look like you're wearing your dads trainers but isn't that the look everyone is going for these days? Not to mention how damn pleasant are they to walk in?
SHOULDER BAGS
Bringing the 90's bag with this one, neatly tucked under the arm making a subtle statement. Swapping between different colours to bring a slight pop of colour to a look or nicely adding that mature chic feature. J'adore, oui oui.
SKINCARE
ELIZABETH ARDEN
8-HOUR CREAM
An absolute God sent this product is. Struggling with the inconvenience of chapped and scaly lips that no matter what I put on it, it either shrivelled into a prune or hydration lasted for only a few minutes. Boy or boy slapping this heavenly product on my parched and shrivelled lips really bought the life back into them. Hydration and plump is what I amass now, I will never go back.
SUPERSTAR SERUM
Applying this on before moisturiser and before sleeping really keeps the skin supple, hydrated and soft. Rolling it in with the Jade roller lets the skin absorbs it that much more. The thought of waking up to some dreadful surprises isn't as daunting anymore... phew!
VITAMIN-C CAPSULES
This again essentially works similar to the superstar serum however I use this in the mornings.
JADE ROLLER
Glad I chanced this little handy tool as it's incorporated into a lot of my skincare regime as of recently.
HAIR CONDIITONER- SHEA MOISTURE (STRENGHTEN & RESTORE LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER).
Usually I don't touch upon hair care products only because there is no way for me to show results. However, this product I must speak highly of, with a hair like a lion mane and uncontrollably curly I do find difficulty in.. well controlling it. Using this for the last 2 months and I have seen a significant difference to the texture of my hair. It's so much smoother, silkier, hydrated and overall healthier. Covering your hair can put a great deal of stress on it leaving it quite dry, a department I struggle with.
After washing my hair I let it air dry for a short period of time so it's left damp. I then go in with this, gently massaging it into all areas of hair and scalp.
MAKE UP
MORPHE BRUSHES
Me and make up have this warped love and hate relationship, all really depending on my likeability towards it on the day. OR we can just go with the fact I am reasonably lazy most days. eh. The days that I love it however, I. LOVE. it. Moving onto the spending splurge I once upon a did, not so long ago, yep that's right I went MORPHE crazy and bought a load of brushes. BUT in my defence I undeniably needed some new brushes because the same set of 3-4 brushes I had been using for the last 3 years were well and truly on their way out.
M173- LOVE LOVE for blending out that concealer
M427- Has me all blushed out.
ESTEE LAUDER BRONZE GODDESS- 01 HEAT WAVE
You remember that popular phrase 'highlighter looking like a glazed donut' I truly understand that definition after using this Goddess of a highlighter. The name says it all.
NARS ILLUMINATOR - TINTED BOOSTER (MEDIUM SIMOS)
Mix this in with your concealer or foundation and it really contributes to you shining like a GOTDAMN trophy.
ACCESSORIES
BUCKET HATS
Not everyone's cup of tea, particularly if your sticking it over a hijab.
LAYERED NECKLACES
This will always be a favourite of mine, I almost feel empty or naked without jewellery or as if the outfit isn't complete. Though I have been really admiring pendant necklaces specifically layered with chains, adding a masculine and feminine juxtaposition. Throw in some hoop earrings and it's complete.
BOOKS/PODCAST
Sticking to the goal of one book a month, I am currently reading 'Noughts and Crosses' by Malorie Blackman. Not throwing in any spoilers (I have a tendency to do so, keeping this mouth well and firmly closed) but this book so far has been undisputedly amazing, really gripping you into this whole alternate universe.
JAY SHETTY PODCAST
MUSIC
TADOW- MASEGO, FKJ, LADY LADY
CROWDED ROOM- SELENA GOMEZ FEAT 6LACK
GET ME- JUSTIN BIEBER, KEHLANI
MIDNGHT IN LISBON- RICHIE CAMPBELL
INTERIOR
I haven't specifically gone out for interior this month or in the last couple of months. Although, I have been eyeing up the brand MADE.COM. They have some beautiful pieces and I am most certain one of those velvet armchairs are going to be placed nicely somewhere in mine and hubby's new place (soon come!).
FOOD
GARLIC CREAM SAUCE WITH PASTA - VEGAN
INGREDIENTS
- 8 oz Gluten-Free Spaghetti Noodles of Choice
- 5–7 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk*
- 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- 1 ½ tbsp Brown Rice Flour*
- 3/4 tsp Salt
- Black Pepper, to taste
- Pinch of Red Chili Flakes (Optional)
- Juice of 1/2 a Lemon
- Fresh Basil, to top (Optional)
- 1. First, begin to prepare your Spaghetti in a separate pot, according to package instructions. Once they have finished cooking you can drain them, but do not rinse them.
- 2.In the meantime, work on the Garlic Cream Sauce. Add the minced garlic to a large pan with a slight rim and sauté in Water or Oil for 5 minutes over Medium heat, until translucent.
- 3.Carefully pour the Non-Dairy milk into the pan and add in the Nutritional Yeast, Flour, Salt, Pepper, and a pinch of Red Chili Flakes if you are using them. Quickly mix the mixture together until everything is well incorporated.
- 4.Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to Medium and Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Make sure to frequently stir the sauce so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan!
- 5. Once the Sauce has thickened, stir in the Lemon Juice. Then, add the cooked Noodles to the pan and use tongs to gently mix everything together until well-coated.
- 6. Top with Fresh Basil or serve as desired.
