January Faves
Hello Friends and Enemies,
We survived January. Barely. It was a 74-day-long Monday, and if you’re reading this, congratulations- you’ve successfully crawled your way through the cold, dark abyss of the post-holiday slump. To celebrate, let’s talk about the things that actually made this month bearable.
From skincare to snacks to the only TV show worth screaming at, here are the random but essential items that got me through the first month of the year.
1. Nighty Night Extra Tea
Traditional Medicinals really understood the assignment when they made this sleepytime potion. It’s packed with valerian root (aka nature’s Ambien) and actually works-like, put-your-phone-down-and-lose-consciousness levels of effective. If counting sheep has been failing you, this tea might be your new best friend.
2. Brust Coffee Protein Drinks
Sometimes, you need your coffee to do more. These magical little drinks give you 20g of protein while still delivering your daily dose of caffeine. They’re smooth, not weirdly chalky, and save you from making the impossible choice between a latte and a protein shake. Efficiency at its most caffeinated.
3. The Traitors US
Peak TV chaos. If you’re not watching The Traitors, what are you even doing? It’s a bunch of reality TV people (think Bravo, Survivor, Big Brother, Bachelor etc.) backstabbing each other in a Scottish castle, and it’s unhinged. Alan Cumming is there in absurd outfits. The drama is 10/10. The betrayals? Messy and glorious. You’ll scream at your TV at least three times per episode.
4. Embryolisse Lait Crème Sensitive
Big thank you to Megan Brown, the makeup queen, for putting me onto this! You know when you need your skin to not look like a parched wasteland under foundation? This is the answer. The sensitive version of the cult-favorite Embryolisse moisturizer is just as good at making your makeup look flawless, but without the fragrance and extra nonsense. If your face is feeling personally attacked by winter, slap this on before your base. I will keep it in my rotation 365, it is that good.
5. Eucalyptus Shower Steamers
Add a little luxury to a daily task. I like to pop one in the shower and pretend I’m at a fancy retreat. The eucalyptus transports you (only mentally) to a high end spa and makes your bathroom smell like it too. A great way to start or wind down the day that requires very minimal effort.
6. Amika Soul Food Hair Mask
Winter is not kind to hair. Between the dry air and the excessive heat styling (because air-drying is a summer sport), my strands were on the verge of staging a protest. Enter: Amika’s Soul Food mask. It’s rich, smells incredible, and makes your hair feel like it’s never known a single struggle.
7. Wannabe Ginger Ale
I practice what I preach, this has been a staple this month that requires minimal prep beacause of the shelf life of the prepared concentrate. A healthier, spicier, and fancier version of the OG Canada Dry that makes you feel like someone who drinks “botanical sodas” instead. It’s also perfect for when you want a drink that feels like a cocktail but isn’t, because maybe it’s Wednesday and you’re trying to be a responsible adult. Check it out here
Final Thoughts
January was long, cold, and slightly unhinged, but these gems made it slightly less miserable. If you, too, are crawling your way to February with a caffeine addiction, a desperate need for hydration, and a questionable reality TV obsession- just know, you are not alone.
See you next month, assuming we all survive.
Samm