A Few of My Favourite Things ~ No. 5

The last time I sat down to share my current favourites, it was a cold, gray October day, and I was dreaming of spring.  Well, as I sit to write this morning, it is still cold and gray (five months later), we are gearing up for a winter storm in Southern Ontario, and I continue to dream of spring.

During the winter months, I cannot help but feel less like myself.  You know that zest for life that accompanies the spring and summer months?  Well, each year, that feeling gives way to another almost oppressed feeling during winter, and in a way, we are oppressed under the layers and the low-hanging clouds.

While I make a point of enjoying my favourite things throughout the year, it is especially important for me during the winter months, as my favourites help me to feel a little more like…well, me!

As I have mentioned in previous posts, our favourites are often determined by what pleases our senses – specifically sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.  In previous instalments of this series (No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4) I have highlighted my favourites that at that time, boosted my mood and added to my sense of well-being.

In the fifth instalment of this series, I offer you a glimpse into a few of my current favourites, one to satiate each of the senses:

SIGHT
The Magnolia Journal: Issue 2 (Simplicity) – Magnolia Market

Those who know me well, will attest to my love for magazines.  Picking up a crisp, unread issue from my local bookstore or newsstand at the end of a busy week is one of my favourite rituals.  While I regularly enjoy old favourites like Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living and Town and Country, I recently stumbled upon a new favourite that I am devouring – The Magnolia Journal.  

This publication is a quarterly lifestyle magazine that “promises fresh inspiration for your life and home in each new season.”

Creator, Joanna Gaines (from HGTV’s Fixer Upper and Magnolia Market fame), created the magazine in an effort to:

“…connect with readers from all walks of life, to share content so valuable and so meaningful that you hold on to each issues and return to them again and again.”

The stunning cover, as well as the theme of the current issue – Simplicity – sold me immediately.  With articles like “Joanna’s Capsule Wardrobe”, “A Case for Spring Cleaning”, and “Pretty Spring Salads”, it was as if this issue was made for me!

HEARING
SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II – Bose 

For me, music is absolutely essential to living well, and has been a part of my everyday for as long as I can remember.  In fact, somedays I listen to music so much that I feel my life has an accompanying soundtrack.

Today, we are so fortunate to have devices that allow us to bring our entire music collection with us wherever we go; however, these same devices do not always produce the best sound, which can significantly impact the quality of our tunes.

That’s why I was enthralled when my husband recently came home with the SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker II.  The full, natural sound that emanates from this compact speaker is incredible – you would think you were listening to your favourite song on a large, multi-speaker system.

Fitting in the palm of your hand, this “little speaker that could” connects wirelessly to your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth device, so you can enjoy your music, videos or games anytime, anywhere.  You can even take phone calls aloud!

The sleek design (ours is in the colour pearl – shocking!) features a slim docking station and a rechargeable battery that plays up to 10 hours of music.

This little wonder has been following me throughout my home, and I cannot wait to take it with us to the park, to the beach, or wherever else the warmer weather takes us.

TASTE
Mint Majesty Tea – Teavana

If you follow me on social media, then you will know how much I am obsessed with enjoy tea.  Partaking in a cup or two is a daily ritual that I always look forward to.

As of late, I have been choosing Teavana’s Mint Majesty tea quite often, and while many herbal teas can have a harsh and grassy aftertaste, this is not so with Mint Majesty.  The peppermint and spearmint is balanced by sweet citrus notes of lemon verbena (also a favourite of mine), making the tea smooth and refreshing from first to last sip.

To steep:

1. Heat fresh (preferably filtered) water to 205 F (96 C)
2. Pour eight fl oz (237 ml) water over sachet in cup
3. Steep for five minutes.  Stay close to this time for optimal flavour

SMELL
Multi-Active Toner – Dermologica

This past weekend, I had a much-needed spa date with my girlfriend, Kelly.  We met at one of our favourite places, Scape Spa (if you live in Southern Ontario, you must visit), and I indulged in their luxurious Scape Facial.  

Twice during the treatment, my facialist spritzed my skin with the most divine facial mist – the scent was light, fresh and intoxicating.  When I finally came out of my facial-induced coma, I told my facialist that I simply had to know the name of that beautiful mist.  Assuming it was a secret house-blend, I was overjoyed to learn that it was actually a toner by Dermologica.

Known as the Multi-Active Toner, this product was love at first sniff!  This light facial toner hydrates, refreshes and conditions the skin to prepare it for proper moisture absorption.  Made with moisture-binding humectants and infused with lavender, balm mint and arnica, this luxurious mist is formulated without artificial fragrances and colours.

Used before your chosen moisturizer, or throughout the day to refresh tired skin (and makeup), this toner is shaping up to join my holy grail ranks.

TOUCH 
Floral-Lace Trimmed Satin Robe – Ralph Lauren

As a lover of luxurious sleep and loungewear by Ralph Lauren, I am always on the hunt for pieces to add to my collection.  A few weeks ago, as I was perusing their spring collection, I came across this gorgeous Floral-Lace Trimmed Satin Robe that just needed to be mine!

This feminine blue and white floral-print robe, boasts three-quarter-length sleeves, a wrap silhouette and lace detailing, creating a look that is sensual yet sophisticated.  Worn over a chemise or pyjamas, this robe is the perfect addition to my collection, and I look forward to donning it daily during the warmer months.

Whether it’s a magazine, a speaker or a satin robe, I encourage you to make time for your favourite things. Wishing you a lovely week and if you need me, I’ll be on the sofa sipping some Mint Majesty.

 

Image Source