Loving Lately - New Year Edition

Appointed Year Task Planner

It’s been a long time since I’ve been this in love with a new planner! I’m a pen-and-paper gal, and every year I get really geeky-excited about finding my new planner to help me stay organized. I came across this one on the NYMag Best Of Planners 2021 list, and as soon as I saw the linen covers, chic colorways, and simple, intuitive design I was IN! The weekly overview is especially my favorite. I got it in the color Fern, a happy diversion from my normal pink or cream. (AND the price tag didn’t hurt either - if you’re also into planners you know they can be upwards of $70-$100, so I didn’t mind $38!)

Indie Lee CoQ10 Toner

When it comes to skincare, I’m normally not into toners, BUT I’ve been using this toner for about a year after a recommendation from Tracy at Trellis Beauty (my fave local clean beauty shop) and have already gone back for more! I spritz it on morning and evening, after washing and before applying my favorite face oil. It has noticeably helped keep my skin dewy, bouncy, and bright, something I’ve really needed, especially postpartum! Just one step closer to a 100% clean beauty routine!

The Passion Translation Bible

My old Bible is 11 years old and beautifully falling apart - I’ll never get rid of it!) But I’ve known that I wanted to have The Passion Translation for quite some time. Y’all know I love words, and I’ve fallen in love with the poetic, easy-to-understand cadence of TPT and the refreshing diversion from what I grew up memorizing. It includes Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and The New Testament.

Sharpie Fine Point Pens

I actually purchased these for John (he’s been studying for an exam for work) but ended up adopting some for myself! I’m usually snobbish about my Pilot G-2 05s, but this little fine felt-tip sharpie makes me so happy! It feels a little more formal and official when I’m ready to take care of business, like making lists or writing out goals in my Powersheets.

Christine Caine on YouTube

Especially this recent one, 2021 Is Your Year! Y’all, this word is SO good, it kinda kicked me in the pants in the best way. If you want a refreshing reminder about your worth, your calling, and cutting out the crud that’s weighing you down, LISTEN TO THIS! I just had it on during naptime while I was cleaning the kitchen. It was also super encouraging for my social-media-free year, so I’m gonna give it another listen as needed.

GIANT Salads!

I lo-o-ove a GIANT salad, and it’s just the change my body wants after the rich, dense food-fest of the holidays! Here’s my recent salad build: a bed of mixed greens, a fruit (either Cosmic Crisp apple thanks to Kate or a berry of some kind), 2-3 other veggie options like broccoli, carrot, or avocado, some kind of cheese (I’m really into parm these days), and a nut, like walnuts, almonds, or cashews. I top with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, and a light dressing, like this apple thyme vinaigrette or homemade honey mustard vinaigrette.

I get all my ingredients from Aldi and love knowing I save some major moolah for such a healthy meal! And FYI, Aldi totally offers curbside pickup and delivery now, one of the benefits of 2020 IMO!

Care/of Vitamin Subscription

I did the thing. The thing you’ve probably seen on influencer Instagrams and ads. I know I need supplements in my life, especially after having a baby, but I often forget or get stuck on choosing which brands are best (and not too crazy expensive.) Well, I took the little quiz for the Care/of customized vitamin packs and felt so excited to have them curate my daily supplements for me! It has really helped me stay consistent. Plus, it’s nice to know that it’s all really high-quality. I take a prenatal vitamin (since I’m still breastfeeding), Omega-3, collagen powder (I put it in my coffee), probiotics, and Vitamin D! I have a code for 50% off your first delivery, so go take the quiz now to see what they suggest for you!

Yoga with Adriene 30-day Journey

Every January my favorite YouTube yoga instructor, Adriene, leads a free 30-day “journey” of yoga and I love it SO much. Her style is so approachable and I feel like it’s just the challenge I need to get my body moving in a loving, celebratory, calming way after the holidays. This year’s theme is BREATH and it has already been so good for me! It’s been especially powerful to remind myself that I DO have time to take for myself in the day, even if it’s after Griffin’s bedtime or before she wakes up in the morning. It’s not too late to sign up here (you’ll get the BEST encouragement emails from her), or just subscribe to her YouTube channel and join in whenever!

Adding to my 2021 Pinterest Board

I love a good inspiration visual! Sometimes it’s hard for me to just know and vocalize my hopes or dreams for a coming season. But when I let myself just pin away on Pinterest, taking any image that creates a spark of hope or satisfaction, I start to find trends of the kind of life I’m wanting to build for myself and my family. And I don’t stop at January - I keep this board growing all year long. Do you do an inspiration board for your year?

What are you loving lately that’s getting you happy and excited for the new year?

With love and good feelings for 2021,

Sam

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