Things I’m Loving This Month: April Edition
We’re officially 3 weeks into quarantine and I think it’s safe to say most of us are spending more time on fewer things.
Shocking to myself, my spirits have been surprisingly high, compared to what I may expect them to be. I’ve always loved spending time at home just as much as I love going out, so other than spending time at home 24/7, I can’t say I hate it.
What I do hate, however, is not knowing how much longer this is going to last. The unknown is the scariest part, and it can be difficult to remain optimistic when there’s no clear end in sight.
If you want my unsolicited advice on the matter, it’s all about taking it one day at a time. While this can be difficult for someone like me who tends to have everything planned out weeks, months, years in advance — it’s just the phase we’re in right now. It’s out of our control to plan ahead right now, so the best we can do it take it day by day.
With that all being said, I want to start sharing more of my “top picks” of the month, including everything from podcasts to makeup to recipes. Basically a random mix of what I’m currently crushing on. Here are the things I’m loving in April:
TV Series
Are you ready for it… Tiger King. OK, I’m not much of a tv series whore but when a killer series hits Netflix, I’m all for it and this one was no disappointment. It’s a ridiculous can’t-take-your-eyes-off-the-screen combination of bizarre-o personalities, southern U.S.A, drugs, murder, and country music and I loved every bit of it.
Next, Desperate Housewives. I grew up watching this show with my mom and sister on Sunday evenings and tbh it probably has a lot to do with my growing up so fast as a kid. Watching it 10+ years later, and it’s just one of those shows that’s as good as ever. As much as times have changed, this mix of mystery, drama and comedy in a suburban setting is basically my dreamland and it’s just as addicting now. If you’re looking for a show with 8 seasons that you won’t get tired of, DH is what you’re looking for. Stream it on Amazon Prime.
Podcasts
When life is normal, I love listening to podcasts while getting ready in the morning for work. Now that I roll out of bed and onto my laptop, it leaves a bit less time for listening. However I’ve been loving putting in my headphones and tuning in on a walk.
What’s on queue? What Day Is It? Podcast. Vancouver girls Bailey and Jacci talk a lot but I genuinely feel like it’s a girls night with my bestie when I listen. They interview amazing women and discuss everything from serious topics to stupid drunk stories and I love every second of it. It’s easy listening, and super relatable. I would refer to it as locker room talk for ladies, only a lot less dirty/inappropriate and a lot more hilarious and informative.
Books
My goal for 2020 is to read 12 books, and so far, I’m on track! I recently read a book recommended by Human Kind Book Club titled Where The Crawdads Sing and it was one of the best I’ve read in years. I don’t even really want to try and describe it as I know I won’t do it justice, but if you’re looking for a can’t-put-down murder plot story of love, loss, growing up, prejudice and so many things in between, with a setting that just connects you to that peaceful place you go in nature where everything else seems to just fade away, this is it.
Skin Products
Since I’ve been wearing makeup a full total of one time per week (strictly for when I take blog photos), I’ve been taking it a little bit easier on the skincare. One thing I’ve incorporated back into my routine on the reg is SPF! With the walks I’ve been going on daily and the sun shining, I’ve been using COOLA Refreshing SPF 18 Water Mist. It’s lightweight and easy to apply for when I just want to spritz it on and run out the door. Definitely something I’ll be incorporating into my summer daily makeup routine for when we (finally) get back to normal life.
Activewear
Leggings have become a second skin for me because jeans have all but disappeared from my wardrobe as of lately. I’ve been throwing on a pair of my MPG tights in the morning, out for an afternoon walk, then straight into a workout and they get all the jobs done. They’re stretchy but retain their shape, so I don’t have to wash them everyday unless necessary. With sweat resistance and moisture wicking, I can wear them for a light workout and not feel the instant need to change before doing anything else. Plus they’re smooth as butter and let’s be real, what other items are we really wearing as much as we’re wearing activewear right now am I right? P.S. you can use CASSIDY25 for 25% off!
Workouts
I’ve been trying my best to workout at least every other day because let’s be honest. I have no excuses. One thing I’ve implemented thanks to the Instagram Challenge, is 10 push-ups a day! I’ve always hated push-ups with a passion, and settled for knee push ups but that is changing thanks to quarantine!! I’ve made committed myself to doing this daily with the hope that I’ll have more upper body strength and that I won’t hate them as much!
Other than that, I’ve been following along with The Fitual’s live daily workouts! I love the mix of cardio, resistance training and sculpting for a full body workout that leaves me sweating and sore, but feeling amazing! I also love the consistency as there are daily workouts that I know I can always access on Instagram Live, any time of day.
Breakfast
I’ve been loving my morning routine of waking up at 8, showering, setting down at my desk, pouring a cup of coffee with oat milk and a glass of water, working til my morning team meeting, then making a smoothie. I’ve been keeping it simple with half a banana, blueberries, spinach and almond milk and it’s been such a good start to the day!
Platforms
I’ve been using Canva, basically Adobe Photoshop for dummies for years now, and more than ever lately for my day job. It’s a design tool that makes it so easy to create on-brand designs for social, web or print! They offer templates and allow you to create your own templates, which I find super quick and easy when modifying existing graphics or keeping things on brand. If you’re looking to brand, rebrand, or just take up a new hobby — Canva is a much quicker solution than learning Photoshop or InDesign!
Those are the things I’m loving in April! Stay tuned next month to find out what I’m currently crushing on.
